Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Friday, October tenth. We start today with breaking news from downtown, where the public comment period for the I-10 widening project is in its final days. That project will modernize and expand I-10 from Executive Center all the way to Copia, promising smoother traffic and better access, but also raising concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. Our El Paso County Commissioners say the feedback period will stay open through Tuesday, so if you live or work near downtown, you still have a chance to help shape what’s coming to our busiest corridor. TxDOT is encouraging everyone to speak up now before the final plan is set.

At City Hall, a new directive from Governor Abbott has everyone talking. The colorful rainbow crosswalks on Missouri and Stanton and other painted intersections may vanish soon. Abbott’s order says all street markings that carry a social or political message must be removed to keep intersections distraction-free and compliant with the latest federal safety standards. Local leaders are scrambling to see whether any creative crosswalks around the city will be kept or repainted. We’ll stay on top of what changes are coming along our most familiar streets.

Turning to public safety, a former Customs and Border Protection officer, Manuel Perez Jr., has pleaded guilty in federal court to bribery, drug trafficking, and smuggling people across the border at the Paso Del Norte Bridge. Perez admitted to helping over 250 migrants cross illegally and moving large amounts of cocaine east into Louisiana and North Carolina. Federal prosecutors say sentencing could come later this year. CBP reminds us that most officers serve with honor, but they’re committed to prosecuting anyone who breaks that trust.

The weather today looks clear and breezy, with highs reaching into the mid-80s and gentle winds out of the west. That’s good news for Friday events. We expect mild conditions to continue through the weekend, though there could be a slight cool-down by Sunday. If you’re planning outdoor activities or heading out on Scenic Drive, it should be picture-perfect.

On the job front, our unemployment rate in El Paso stays steady at just over five percent. There’s talk of new businesses opening along North Mesa, especially around Kern Place. Meanwhile, homeowners in the Paseo del Este development received unexpected HOA bills, some over two thousand dollars, despite believing they weren’t part of any association. The developer is now waiving fees and reducing assessments through March next year while amenities get finished, hoping to ease homeowner frustration.

For those into politics, a major federal court hearing on Texas’ congressional redistricting is still underway right here in El Paso. The outcome could affect whose voices are heard in next year’s elections. One El Pasoan is attending daily, wanting to witness how these changes could impact everyday life for all of us.

Community events are big this weekend. We have Friday Night Lights at Bowie High, local soccer matches at the Chamizal fields, and the monthly farmers market on Rim Road Saturday morning. Bowie High’s girls soccer team picked up a win yesterday, and the Del Valle football squad is gearing up for a tough home game tonight.

To end on a positive note, over at the Border Patrol sector, fewer migrant deaths were recorded this year compared to last. It’s a glimmer of hope amidst many challenges and a reminder that behind the news are real lives and ongoing efforts to make the border safer.

This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai

Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI