El Paso Local Pulse

Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Friday, July 11, 2025.

We start off with an update from our weather team, as a heat advisory remains in effect across the Borderland today. Temperatures could soar between 103 and 108 degrees, so let's make sure we stay hydrated, check on our neighbors, and look out for pets and young children. If you have outdoor plans, try to keep them for early morning or evening when it's cooler.

In breaking local news, the El Paso County Commissioners this week approved a legal services amendment but postponed discussion on a major refinery permit. The move, reported yesterday, comes as the county remains tied up in legal battles over state policies that impact us directly. Just yesterday, a federal appeals court kept Texas’s controversial S.B. 4 immigration law blocked for now. El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez reaffirmed the county's commitment to opposing measures she says would divert law enforcement from key local priorities.

Turning to City Hall, El Paso City Council just approved a $2.8 million technology modernization project with Dell and Spectrum Technologies. That means upgrades in the city’s digital infrastructure are coming, promising faster services and improved security in local government systems.

In our courts, new records released this week show that defense attorneys representing the convicted Walmart mass shooter have been paid a combined $1.3 million in taxpayer funds across both federal and state cases. El Paso County reports over $6 million spent in total on the defense and prosecution since 2019.

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar is speaking out after being denied entry to the ICE facility on Montana Avenue, despite having filed the required notice. She says oversight is essential, especially after recent federal audits and reports of human rights violations at the center.

In the job and real estate market, there are new openings at several eastside logistics firms, and home prices remain steady but high, averaging just under $260,000 for a single-family home this month. That’s still outpacing last year, but inventory is slowly growing.

Community events are heating up, too. The 45th season of Viva El Paso returns tonight at McKelligon Canyon Theatre. Across town, Movies at the Park features Sonic the Hedgehog 3 at Veterans Park on Salem Drive. The El Fresco Music Series brings both Latin and country rhythms to the evening skyline, and Summer Splash Bash offers games and swimming for families at Galatzan Park. Sports lovers can catch the El Paso Chihuahuas facing Las Vegas at Southwest University Park this weekend. Our El Paso Locomotive FC heads to Sacramento tomorrow after a tough 2-1 loss to San Antonio last week. Still, the Locos are chasing the conference leader and have clear playoff hopes.

On a lighter note, kudos to Jefferson High’s robotics team, who took home top honors at the statewide summer STEM challenge, making us very proud.

For our crime and safety update, thi

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Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Thursday, July 10th, 2025.

As we wake up today, our thoughts are with those impacted by the devastating flash floods just north of us in Ruidoso. El Pasoans like Rebecca Romero and her Big Brothers Big Sisters team barely escaped as the Rio Ruidoso river flooded their hotel. Their gratitude and resilience remind us to appreciate our own safety while we support our neighbors still recovering.

Speaking of weather, expect a warm day with highs pushing the upper 90s. Storms are not likely for us, but if you have plans to travel up towards New Mexico, keep an eye on conditions and avoid flood-prone areas. Major lane closures on Montana and Alameda from Paisano to Yarbrough continue for ongoing roadwork through July 12, so allow extra time for Eastside commutes.

In breaking news, El Paso police are investigating a crash that shut down the turnaround from Gateway South to Gateway North last night near Kenworthy and US-54. A white SUV caught fire under the overpass, drawing bystanders who helped the occupants escape. No injuries have been confirmed yet, and police are still piecing together the events.

On the city hall front, property taxes are top of mind. Officials propose holding the current tax rate, but since the average home value here is jumping from two hundred nine thousand to two hundred twenty-three thousand dollars, most homeowners could pay about one hundred dollars more per year. Council members face tough choices, as eighty percent of our city budget goes to law enforcement. If you have opinions about taxes or services, city leaders urge you to attend upcoming public hearings before the budget vote in August.

There is also a big cultural note: the city approved a temporary closure of several blocks along Mesa between San Antonio and Overland for the One Size Fits All Vintage Summer Smash Block Party. That happens Saturday, July nineteenth from noon to midnight. Expect music, vintage vendors, and food trucks turning downtown into a festival zone.

On the real estate front, home prices continue a slow but steady climb, and in the job market, El Paso’s close relationship with Ciudad Juárez is translating into new opportunities, especially with growth in the computer and medical manufacturing sectors. Local analysts say it’s a good time to look for openings in those fields.

In schools, El Paso ISD celebrates recent recognition of several middle school robotics teams headed to state competitions this month. Their coaches say the students’ hard work and curiosity are shining examples of our city’s future.

Crime reports show an uptick in DWIs and related arrests this week. El Paso police and state troopers are increasing patrols, especially after dark, so let’s all make safe decisions and help keep our roads free of impaired driving.

To end on a high note, our feel-good story comes from Eastwood Heights, where neighbors have teamed up to build a small community garden on Camrose Drive. They’re

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Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

We begin today with breaking news from Central El Paso, where thick black smoke was seen rising from the Marathon El Paso Refinery late last night. The El Paso Fire Department confirms the smoke is from the refinery, and while the sight was dramatic, officials say the three active smokestacks are operating as part of standard procedure and no emergency response has been launched at this point. We’ll keep you posted if the situation changes.

Let’s shift to City Hall, where major legal news arrived yesterday. A federal court of appeals has ruled that Texas Senate Bill 4, a controversial measure that would have allowed local law enforcement to arrest people suspected of crossing the border illegally, is unconstitutional. El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez says this decision spares our county from the heavy costs and challenges of enforcing federal immigration law at the local level. Immigrant advocacy organizations in El Paso see this as an important moment for our diverse community and for local control of law enforcement resources.

Turning to our schools, many listeners may be worried about news of federal funding delays. El Paso’s five biggest school districts—including El Paso, Socorro, Ysleta, Clint, and Canutillo—were counting on over 19 million dollars in grants that have now been put on hold for review by the Trump administration. These grants fund programs from migrant and English language education to after-school enrichment, and the uncertainty has districts scrambling to develop contingency plans. In Canutillo, 30 education jobs are directly supported by these grants, and while programs are funded through August, the long-term outlook remains unsettled. Superintendents are calling this a political tactic that puts our most vulnerable students at risk.

Now, for those of us planning our day, expect a hot one. The high will hit 102 degrees with plenty of sun and just a slight breeze. Stay hydrated, check on neighbors, and remember the city is giving out free sandbags at sites around town to help us prepare for flood season, just in case those unpredictable Borderland storms roll in later this week.

Traffic is a major story again this morning as road construction continues across the city. If you’re heading west on I-10 near Transmountain or Redd Road, expect night lane closures for paving and barrier placement, with detours in effect. Loop 375 will also have shoulder and ramp closures between Fonseca, Customs, and Paisano. Give yourself extra time, especially in the evenings and overnight hours.

In public safety, there are several incidents to report. Four police officers were injured after a crash on I-10 west near downtown Monday afternoon, but all are expected to recover. A detective was assaulted during service of a writ in east El Paso, where a 63-year-old woman now faces charges. In far east El Paso, a DEA agent was involved in a shooting during a narc

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Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Tuesday, July 8th, 2025.

We start with breaking news from I-10 downtown, where a serious crash yesterday afternoon left four police officers injured and caused major traffic delays for commuters heading westbound. Fortunately, all officers are reported to be recovering, but the scene caused gridlock stretching from Cotton Street to Schuster Avenue. Sunland Park saw another tragic incident last week, and police have now made an arrest in connection with a deadly pedestrian crash. El Paso firefighters are also being praised for their quick response, joining rescue efforts to save lives during recent flooding across Central Texas.

Turning to City Hall, today’s council meeting at 9 in the morning at 300 North Campbell kicks off a series of eleven public sessions where we can weigh in on next year’s city budget. City leaders are emphasizing priorities like public safety and community health, and they’re aiming to avoid raising property taxes for a third straight year. The full budget process will wrap up with the final adoption on August 19th, but as of today, it’s our chance to give feedback that shapes city services and funding for months to come.

El Paso’s job market remains stable, with new employers opening up shop near Bassett Place and job postings holding steady. Real estate agents are reporting moderate summer activity, with homes in the Lower Valley and Westside neighborhoods averaging just over three weeks on the market. The ongoing focus from county leaders is on closing tax gaps and investing in long-term projects.

Our weather today will be another hot one, with the high expected around 98 degrees and lots of sunshine. The heat advisory is in effect, so if you’re heading outdoors, remember to stay hydrated, especially for kids and seniors. Storms are not in the forecast, so look for just a light breeze this evening and a warm, dry night ahead.

On the community scene, the iconic Star on the Mountain will shine tonight in honor of Joaquin “Bean” Silva’s 15th birthday, as well as tributes to Linda Zavala and Amanda Grisel Nevarez. For our veterans, the county’s Veterans Advisory Board holds a public meeting this morning, offering support and resources for those who have served.

Music and cultural events continue this week with live performances scheduled downtown and at San Jacinto Plaza, as well as the ongoing summer arts festival at the El Paso Museum of Art. Local school districts are dealing with a major funding setback after millions in federal grants were paused this month, putting enrichment programs for students—including summer camps and tutoring—at risk. School leaders across El Paso, Ysleta, and Socorro are urging parents to stay tuned for updates on how programs may be affected.

On the brighter side, UTEP’s student rocket team just brought home top honors from an international engineering contest, a proud moment for our city and a testament to the talent coming out of our local

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Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Saturday, July 5th, 2025.

We hope everyone had a safe and joyful Independence Day. As we head into the weekend, city operations are bouncing back to their regular schedules after yesterday's holiday closures. Most city offices, libraries, museums, and recreation centers were closed for the Fourth, but garbage collection and animal services ran as usual, and our local spray parks stayed open for families to cool off. The Greater El Paso Landfill and collection stations are closed today in observance of the holiday weekend, so plan ahead if you need to drop off anything bulky.

Turning to our top story from City Hall, we saw unanimous action last week from the city council. Leaders rejected a ninety-three million dollar rate hike request by El Paso Electric, saving residents an average of twenty-two dollars a month. The decision underscores the city’s stance on protecting working families from sudden cost increases, but negotiations with the utility are ongoing. If no deal is reached in the coming weeks, the state utility commission could get involved, so we’ll keep watching for updates as summer demand stretches our power grid.

Weatherwise, it’s shaping up to be a classic El Paso summer day. We’re starting out with clear skies, and temperatures will climb to the upper eighties by late afternoon. If you’ve got outdoor plans, especially near the Franklin Mountains, be prepared for gusty afternoon winds that could stir up some dust. Otherwise, it’s a great day for the pool or a trip to the El Paso Zoo, which is open until five.

On the events front, the El Paso Tejano Music Festival is the big highlight today at Ascarate Park from two to eleven thirty. Local artists and headliner Ruben Ramos are taking the stage, and expect plenty of food trucks and dancing. If you’re more in the mood for a concert, Cool Canyon Nights continues this Thursday with a throwback rock show at McKelligon Canyon. Admission is free and perfect for families.

Home sales across El Paso remain strong, with average prices up about five percent compared to last summer. The legacy of downtown developer Stuart Meyers, who recently passed away, has been a topic of reflection, as his work has shaped the look of San Jacinto Plaza and several skyline landmarks.

For job seekers, new retail openings along Zaragoza and Mesa are adding about a hundred new positions this month, a promising sign for those reentering the workforce or seeking summer employment.

In sports, the El Paso Locomotive are gearing up for a Copa Tejas showdown against San Antonio, with kickoff at Southwest University Park tonight. Local schools are quiet for the summer, but Franklin High’s robotics team just placed third in the statewide competition, a great achievement for our students.

Turning to public safety, the sheriff’s office stepped up patrols at Red Sands to keep the holiday crowds safe. One notable arrest was reported on East Yandell, where a man faces charg

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Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Friday, July 4, 2025. As we wake up to Independence Day, we want to wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday. All City of El Paso administrative offices are closed today for the Fourth, so expect lighter foot traffic at City Hall and related locations. Essential services like residential trash pickup and the Greater El Paso Landfill are still running, but remember that the landfill will be closed tomorrow for the rest of the holiday weekend. Animal Services locations have limited hours, the El Paso Zoo and botanical gardens are open all day, and our city spray parks will run from ten this morning to eight tonight—perfect to beat the heat with family and friends.

Speaking of weather, we’re looking at a sunny and hot day ahead, with highs pushing into the upper nineties. Make sure to stay hydrated and seek out the shade if you’re heading to any of the outdoor celebrations. Tonight’s events include a family-friendly extravaganza at Ascarate Park, starting at four. Expect food trucks, pool access, and a fireworks finale lighting up the sky around ten. Earlier in the day, the West El Paso Rotary Club Independence Day Parade kicks off at nine on Thunderbird Drive, winding its way down Shadow Mountain and onto Mesa, wrapping up near Coronado High.

On the public safety front, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is increasing patrols in Red Sands to keep things safe as people flock out for off-roading and fireworks. Deputies are urging folks to celebrate responsibly—especially when it comes to ATVs and alcohol. If you’re caught driving under the influence on those vehicles, you will be arrested. Local residents and businesses are backing the move, and we all want everyone to come home safe tonight.

Let’s check in with City Hall developments. The City Council recently denied El Paso Electric’s ninety-three million dollar rate hike proposal, which would have meant another twenty-two dollars a month for most of us. Both sides are heading into settlement talks, and if an agreement isn’t reached by August, the Texas Public Utility Commission will step in. City officials say this decision is about protecting residents from rising costs that aren’t clearly justified, with energy prices remaining a big concern as we head into the heart of summer. On the positive side, job postings in energy and construction are trending up, and the real estate market continues to see steady sales, especially in East El Paso.

For culture lovers, look forward to the One Size Fits All Vintage Summer Smash Block Party, coming up on Mesa Street July nineteenth. The city is closing down portions of Mesa for the festivities—expect live music, food, and plenty of vintage finds.

In local schools, congratulations to the Coronado High debate team, who just returned from nationals with top-ten honors—another proud moment for El Paso students. And a quick feel-good note: a group of downtown business owners has launched a volunteer effort to cl

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Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Thursday, July 3rd, 2025.

As we wake up today, our city is gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the summer. The big headlines are all about how we’ll be celebrating the Fourth of July, with events lined up across El Paso. If you’re making plans for Independence Day, expect an array of family-friendly festivities. The annual Rotary Independence Day Parade steps off tomorrow morning at Western Hills Methodist Church on Thunderbird Drive, winds down Shadow Mountain, and finishes up on Cloudview. Over at Ascarate Park, the county is hosting its traditional Fourth of July Celebration tomorrow from 4 to 10 p.m. Pack a blanket and some lawn chairs—there’ll be music, swimming, plenty of food trucks, and a fireworks show to wrap up the evening. Admission is free, but parking fills up quickly, so plan ahead.

El Paso’s vibrant music scene is also in full swing this week. Tonight, we have Cool Canyon Nights at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, featuring Prime Rocks and their lineup of ‘80s and ‘90s hits. Gates open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7, and as always, it’s free to attend. Then on Saturday, the Tejano Music Festival returns to Ascarate Park from 2 to 11:30 p.m., headlined by Ruben El Gato Negro Ramos—a daylong tribute to Tejano music with a special Selena tribute and a Tex-Mex food village. And for art lovers, Crossland Gallery on Paisano is launching the Cactus & Spurs exhibition, a celebration of Southwestern country and western art, running through August 1.

Soccer fans won’t want to miss FC Juarez hosting Santos Laguna at Southwest University Park this Saturday night. It’s a rare international friendly and marks the Bravos’ final tune-up before the Liga MX Apertura season.

Turning to City Hall, we’re still feeling the impact of last week’s major council decision: the City Council unanimously rejected El Paso Electric’s $93 million rate hike proposal. That’s about $22 a month that residents won’t be paying—at least for now. The council said the increase was excessive given rising household costs. Negotiations between the city and the utility are ongoing, with the state’s Public Utility Commission stepping in if a deal isn’t made by August. Ultimately, residents may still see some increase early next year, but for now, advocacy from city leaders is helping keep electricity bills in check.

On the economic front, El Paso is navigating a tricky job market. Local layoffs and concerns about an economic downturn have made headlines, particularly after staffing cuts at local federal contractors and the bankruptcy of Barracuda Public Relations. Eyes are on whether 2025 will outperform 2020 in terms of local employment stability.

Weather-wise, today brings clear skies and plenty of heat, with highs near 101. Hydration is a must if you’re heading outdoors or to any of the evening events. The forecast for tomorrow’s festivities looks similar—hot, dry, and perfect for fireworks.

In local sports and sch

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Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

We start today with breaking news from City Hall. The El Paso City Council has unanimously rejected a proposed ninety-three million dollar rate hike from El Paso Electric. This move shields us from an increase that would have upped our monthly bills by about twenty-two dollars. City leaders say they are committed to protecting families from unjustified financial burdens, though talks with the utility will continue, and if no deal is reached by August, the Texas Public Utility Commission may step in. With summer energy demand at record levels and growth spreading through East and West El Paso, the conversation around utility infrastructure is far from over.

Turning to the weather, we are waking up to clear skies and a warm forecast, with highs nearing eighty-seven degrees this afternoon. Expect a gentle breeze and plenty of sun, perfect for outdoor plans, though keep an eye out for late afternoon winds that could kick up some dust, especially near the Franklin Mountains.

On the real estate front, El Paso is feeling the effects of that growth city officials mentioned. Home sales remain brisk, and average values citywide are up about five percent over last summer. Local real estate developer Stuart Meyers, a figure who helped shape downtown’s skyline, has sadly passed away. His legacy is visible in several projects near San Jacinto Plaza and throughout the city.

Switching gears to jobs, the City Council has just formalized a partnership with Workforce Solutions Borderplex and our public libraries and parks. Over the next five years, this will bring more job training, paid internships, and workforce programs to library and park sites, aiming to strengthen opportunities especially for our youth and those looking to upskill.

Looking ahead, El Paso is buzzing with community events. Mark your calendars for the One Size Fits All Vintage Summer Smash Block Party on Saturday, July nineteenth, closing portions of Mesa Street between San Antonio and Overland for a day of music, food, and family-friendly fun. Biggs Park just hosted nearly twenty thousand people for an early Fourth of July celebration, the largest turnout in years. And our own RSL El Paso U13 Girls Soccer just brought home a national championship win at the DPL Finals, showing that local talent shines on the big stage.

In public safety news, police have made arrests in a notable east El Paso case, welding together evidence to bring a twenty-year-old suspect into custody connected to a recent investigation. Elsewhere, authorities report a deadly motorcycle crash on the East Side, with speed and failure to yield as major factors. In neighboring Juarez, a grim discovery of hundreds of uncremated bodies at a crematorium has raised concerns across the border, though El Paso officials stress that public health here is not threatened.

Before we go, a feel-good note: the newest class of El Paso Police Academy recruits just grad

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Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Saturday, June 28th, 2025.

We start with breaking news from the Lower Valley, where a shooting last night left one person dead and police have four suspects in custody. Authorities are still piecing together the details, and they urge anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers. In other public safety news, the city released its list of most wanted fugitives for the week, so if you see anything suspicious, let’s make sure to report it and help keep El Paso safe.

Moving to city hall, the council recently approved major funding to pay down city debts, aiming to strengthen our local finances. There’s also a new partnership with Texas A&M Transportation Institute that will bring research and studies to help improve our traffic and roads, so we can hopefully look forward to smoother commutes in the near future.

Today’s weather is starting off mild but we should see highs nearing the upper 90s by afternoon. That brings the usual summer challenge—stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities for the morning or evening, and keep an eye on those heat advisories. No rain expected, so it’s a dry one for all your Saturday plans.

On the real estate front, a historic piece of El Paso, the Albert B. Fall mansion, is up for sale. Local preservationists are voicing concern, hoping the new owners will honor its storied past. The job market is seeing steady activity, with over 500 new positions posted this week in sectors like healthcare, distribution, and hospitality, giving job seekers a few more options as we head into July.

In local culture, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate El Paso’s vibrant spirit this weekend. Fort Bliss hosts the Pop Goes the Fort festival at Biggs Park, featuring live performances from Sugar Ray and the 1st Armored Division Band, plus food trucks and fireworks—a family-friendly way to kick off summer. Downtown, Pages & Pints at Old Sheepdog Brewery celebrates our city’s punk music roots and literary scene, with live music, author signings, and local vendors. Thriller fans can join the El Paso Thriller Mission at 125 West Mills Avenue, an interactive event guaranteed to shake up your Saturday.

For a feel-good story, the El Paso Chihuahuas baseball team teams up today with Harvest Pack and the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank. They’re rallying volunteers at Southwest University Park to package 20,000 meals for families in need—a powerful reminder of how our community comes together when it counts.

Quick sports update: local youth teams wrapped up the district baseball finals this week, with Coronado and Franklin High putting in strong performances. Meanwhile, just sixteen percent of El Paso ISD seniors earned career certifications this year, prompting the district to invest in new programs for better preparation.

From music and food to civic action and community spirit, El Paso is buzzing with connection and progress this weekend.

This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We’ll see you t

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Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Friday, June 27, 2025. We start today with city hall news that impacts all of us. The El Paso City Council has voted unanimously to reject a proposed ninety three million dollar rate hike from El Paso Electric. If it had passed, our typical monthly bill could have jumped by about twenty two dollars. Council members argued the hike was not fully justified, and now, city attorneys and the utility will try to negotiate. If they do not reach a deal by August, the state’s Public Utility Commission will step in, so we will keep watching what this means for our summer bills and wallets.

On the roads today, expect continued lane closures across El Paso as city crews work on major projects. I 10 West at Sunland Park remains partially closed, and there are rolling closures along North and South Desert, as well as on Dyer from Angora to Mesquite Flor. Remember to plan extra time through these busy stretches and consider alternate routes to avoid delays. These projects are scheduled to wrap up by the end of the month, weather permitting.

Speaking of weather, we are looking at clear skies this morning with a high near ninety degrees, climbing to the mid nineties by Saturday. It is a great day for outdoor activities, but be sure to stay hydrated as the afternoon heat sets in.

Looking ahead to the weekend, our downtown comes alive with the El Paso Chihuahuas taking on the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Southwest University Park. There is also the Pages and Pints Book and Brew Festival happening Saturday at Old Sheepdog Brewery, featuring local writers, music, and plenty of food and drinks inspired by the spirit of Chuco Punk. And do not forget, next week’s big Fourth of July celebration will be at Cleveland Square Park with music, food trucks, and of course, fireworks.

In business news, the city is celebrating the opening of the Lizbeth Avila Skate Park in Northeast El Paso, honoring the late El Pasoan skater and giving local youth a new space to gather and skate.

On the education front, the Ysleta School District has finalized its budget for the coming year. Despite a significant twenty two million dollar deficit, the district is granting employees pay raises and avoiding layoffs by tapping into its reserves, showing a commitment to supporting staff during challenging times.

Turning to public safety, a shooting in the Lower Valley yesterday left one person dead and four suspects now in custody. Police are still investigating, and they are asking for any witnesses to come forward. The department recently graduated a new class of officers, reducing the academy’s training time while promising to keep high standards.

On a brighter note, our community spirit shines through as volunteers turn out to support flood recovery efforts in Northeast El Paso after this week’s heavy rains. Neighbors are helping neighbors clean up and rebuild, showing once again what makes El Paso strong.

This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We

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