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El Paso Gun Buyback, Housing Debate, Weather, Jobs, and Community News - Your Local Pulse for August 15, 2025
Published 8 months, 1 week ago
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Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Friday, August 15, 2025. We start today with breaking news that has the city talking. El Paso’s final gun buyback event is taking place tomorrow at the County Tax Office in Ascarate on Delta Drive, just before a new Texas law takes effect next month that bans buybacks across the state. The event itself sparked a heated controversy this week after Congressman Tony Gonzales used a derogatory term on social media to describe the county’s initiative. Local Congresswoman Veronica Escobar sharply criticized the comment, calling it offensive and out of touch with our community. Emotions are high, but the event will go on as planned, offering gift cards in exchange for unwanted firearms.
In other city matters, our leaders are wrestling with big decisions on housing and parking rules aimed at easing El Paso’s ongoing affordable housing crunch. The City Council is expected to vote on Tuesday on a proposal to allow more backyard units and reduce parking requirements downtown, which could bring up to ten thousand new homes over time. There’s strong support from some business owners who hope increased downtown living will mean more customers. But there’s pushback too. Some residents worry these changes will crowd neighborhoods and stretch emergency services even thinner. Last night’s public meeting at City Hall saw passionate debate, but many are calling for more time before a final vote.
Turning to weather, we’re in for another classic El Paso summer day, starting out in the mid 80s with thick clouds over the city. We’re topping out near 98 this afternoon. If you’re heading outdoors to an event or practice, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade. Tomorrow brings a bit of relief with highs dropping to the low 90s and more morning clouds.
On the jobs front, El Paso’s unemployment rate nudged up slightly last month, according to El Paso Matters, but the NEWForce program just launched for job seekers looking to train for tech and skilled trades in growing local industries. That’s a bright spot for anyone looking to upskill.
Real estate watchers, take note – city and county property tax bills will include increases this year due to the new rates set by hospital district and county leaders. UTEP, meanwhile, is trimming its budget after federal funding changes, but it’s not cutting any programs that serve students directly.
In sports, the UTEP women’s soccer team opened their season at home last night, but fell 1 to nothing to Abilene Christian. Better news from local schools as El Paso ISD is welcoming students to their new campuses this week after district-wide consolidation. We wish all students and teachers a smooth start.
Our crime report includes a theft arrest in Horizon, where an alleged Chuco Tango gang member is accused of stealing tires from the Walmart there. Police made a quick arrest and recovered the property. And in Northwest El Paso, bystanders helped a shooting victim before first responders arrived, exemplifying the community spirit in tough times.
Checking the cultural calendar, the El Paso Airport is once again displaying a local photography exhibit, and we’ve got a special book club event this Thursday at the Mexican American Cultural Center. Local author David Romo will share stories and sign books, with live music adding to the celebration.
We wrap with a feel-good note. K9 Officer Alis is retiring from Canutillo ISD after seven years keeping our schools safe. Thank you, Officer Alis, for your service and loyalty.
Thanks for tuning in to El Paso Local Pulse. Don’t forget to subscribe and share. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
For more http://www.quietplease.ai
Get the best deals https://amzn.
In other city matters, our leaders are wrestling with big decisions on housing and parking rules aimed at easing El Paso’s ongoing affordable housing crunch. The City Council is expected to vote on Tuesday on a proposal to allow more backyard units and reduce parking requirements downtown, which could bring up to ten thousand new homes over time. There’s strong support from some business owners who hope increased downtown living will mean more customers. But there’s pushback too. Some residents worry these changes will crowd neighborhoods and stretch emergency services even thinner. Last night’s public meeting at City Hall saw passionate debate, but many are calling for more time before a final vote.
Turning to weather, we’re in for another classic El Paso summer day, starting out in the mid 80s with thick clouds over the city. We’re topping out near 98 this afternoon. If you’re heading outdoors to an event or practice, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade. Tomorrow brings a bit of relief with highs dropping to the low 90s and more morning clouds.
On the jobs front, El Paso’s unemployment rate nudged up slightly last month, according to El Paso Matters, but the NEWForce program just launched for job seekers looking to train for tech and skilled trades in growing local industries. That’s a bright spot for anyone looking to upskill.
Real estate watchers, take note – city and county property tax bills will include increases this year due to the new rates set by hospital district and county leaders. UTEP, meanwhile, is trimming its budget after federal funding changes, but it’s not cutting any programs that serve students directly.
In sports, the UTEP women’s soccer team opened their season at home last night, but fell 1 to nothing to Abilene Christian. Better news from local schools as El Paso ISD is welcoming students to their new campuses this week after district-wide consolidation. We wish all students and teachers a smooth start.
Our crime report includes a theft arrest in Horizon, where an alleged Chuco Tango gang member is accused of stealing tires from the Walmart there. Police made a quick arrest and recovered the property. And in Northwest El Paso, bystanders helped a shooting victim before first responders arrived, exemplifying the community spirit in tough times.
Checking the cultural calendar, the El Paso Airport is once again displaying a local photography exhibit, and we’ve got a special book club event this Thursday at the Mexican American Cultural Center. Local author David Romo will share stories and sign books, with live music adding to the celebration.
We wrap with a feel-good note. K9 Officer Alis is retiring from Canutillo ISD after seven years keeping our schools safe. Thank you, Officer Alis, for your service and loyalty.
Thanks for tuning in to El Paso Local Pulse. Don’t forget to subscribe and share. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
For more http://www.quietplease.ai
Get the best deals https://amzn.