Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
We start with breaking news from yesterday's press conference where local officials and law enforcement agencies unveiled a new initiative to tackle repeat DWI offenders in El Paso. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, along with the El Paso Police Department, the Sheriff's Office, Fort Bliss, and other local leaders, emphasized the severity of the issue, particularly during the holiday season. The initiative aims to reduce drunk driving by increasing prosecution efforts and promoting education and prevention. Since 2022, the El Paso Police Department has made over 4,700 DWI arrests, with almost 800 of those being repeat offenders, resulting in over 1,400 alcohol-related accidents and 66 deaths.
Moving on to our job market snapshot, there have been no major hiring announcements or notable business expansions in the past few days. However, the El Paso Independent School District is considering closing eight elementary schools, which could potentially impact local employment. The current unemployment rate remains steady, but we'll keep an eye on any updates.
In real estate news, the El Paso City Council has approved a $2.4 million tax rebate to support the renovation of downtown's historic Popular Building. This development project is expected to boost local business activity and enhance the downtown area. Weekly median home prices and inventory levels remain stable, but we'll continue to monitor any significant changes.
From city hall, the El Paso City Council has officially declared November 20 as Transgender Day of Remembrance, a move supported by transgender advocacy groups to honor the community. Additionally, the council has been discussing the potential closure of elementary schools, which has sparked concerns among residents.
Weather-wise, today is expected to be sunny with a high of 68 degrees, making it a great day for outdoor activities. However, we urge everyone to be cautious on the roads, especially during the holiday season, and to utilize resources like ride shares to prevent drunk driving.
In new business activity, Circle K is celebrating National Fuel Day, and we've seen a few new business openings in the past week, including a new restaurant in the Upper Valley area. Unfortunately, there have been some business closures as well, but we'll keep an eye on any new developments.
Upcoming community events include the 2024 WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational held in December, which promises to be an exciting event for sports fans. Additionally, the El Paso Independent School District is hosting a meeting to discuss the potential closure of elementary schools, and we encourage residents to attend and voice their concerns.
In local school achievements, the Chapin boys' basketball team rolled past Eastlake 67-35, and Keitha Adams collected her 300th win at UTEP. Congratulations to our local athletes on their achievements.
On a feel-good note, the Pay It Forward team has been active in the community, donating to the Opportunity Center and the Reynolds Home to help provide shelter to women and children in El Paso. It's heartwarming to see our community come together to support those in need.
Finally, in today's crime report, the El Paso Police Department is searching for a suspect in a string of convenience store burglaries on the east and far east side of the city. We urge residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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