El Paso Matters
@elpasomatters.bsky.social
We provide in-depth and investigative reporting about the El Paso Borderland. | Sign up for our free weekly newsletter: http://elpasomatters.org/subscribe/
El Paso County is making progress on its HB 718 vehicle registration backlog – but tax filing season is approaching, the busiest car-sales time of the year. Officials worry the surge could erase recent gains. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/07/e...
elpasomatters.org
December 7, 2025 at 2:05 PM
El Paso County is making progress on its HB 718 vehicle registration backlog – but tax filing season is approaching, the busiest car-sales time of the year. Officials worry the surge could erase recent gains. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/07/e...
The Supreme Court will allow Texas to use its new GOP-favored congressional map for the 2026 midterms, pausing a ruling that found evidence of racial gerrymandering. Democrats call the decision a setback for voting rights; Republicans hail it as a major win. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/05/t...
Supreme Court lets Texas keep new congressional map while legal battle continues
The U.S. Supreme Court clears Texas to use its GOP-favored congressional map for 2026, pausing a ruling that found evidence of racial gerrymandering.
elpasomatters.org
December 5, 2025 at 6:41 PM
The Supreme Court will allow Texas to use its new GOP-favored congressional map for the 2026 midterms, pausing a ruling that found evidence of racial gerrymandering. Democrats call the decision a setback for voting rights; Republicans hail it as a major win. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/05/t...
This week in El Paso:
• Paso del Norte Trail gets $31 million boost
• Rep. Escobar seeks answers on toxic emissions
• EPCC Valle Verde Campus upgrades
• YISD seeks input on 2025-26 calendar
Read more in our weekly roundup. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/05/e...
• Paso del Norte Trail gets $31 million boost
• Rep. Escobar seeks answers on toxic emissions
• EPCC Valle Verde Campus upgrades
• YISD seeks input on 2025-26 calendar
Read more in our weekly roundup. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/05/e...
elpasomatters.org
December 5, 2025 at 2:05 PM
This week in El Paso:
• Paso del Norte Trail gets $31 million boost
• Rep. Escobar seeks answers on toxic emissions
• EPCC Valle Verde Campus upgrades
• YISD seeks input on 2025-26 calendar
Read more in our weekly roundup. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/05/e...
• Paso del Norte Trail gets $31 million boost
• Rep. Escobar seeks answers on toxic emissions
• EPCC Valle Verde Campus upgrades
• YISD seeks input on 2025-26 calendar
Read more in our weekly roundup. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/05/e...
Water and sewer bills in Sunland Park and Santa Teresa will jump 40% starting in 2026 after the Sunland Park council approved a major rate hike for CRRUA. The utility says years of mismanagement, poor oversight and failing infrastructure left it nearly out of cash. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/04/c...
CRRUA water, sewer rates to increase 40% in Sunland Park, Santa Teresa
Water and sewer bills for residents in Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, New Mexico, will increase by 40% starting in 2026.
elpasomatters.org
December 4, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Water and sewer bills in Sunland Park and Santa Teresa will jump 40% starting in 2026 after the Sunland Park council approved a major rate hike for CRRUA. The utility says years of mismanagement, poor oversight and failing infrastructure left it nearly out of cash. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/04/c...
Lawsuits challenging immigration detention have recently flooded federal courts in Texas, which has the country’s highest number of migrant detainees. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/04/t...
Federal lawsuits challenging immigration detention flood Texas
The wave of legal challenges is in response to the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement and its new policy expanding mandatory detention for undocumented immigrants.
elpasomatters.org
December 4, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Lawsuits challenging immigration detention have recently flooded federal courts in Texas, which has the country’s highest number of migrant detainees. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/04/t...
UTEP history professor Yolanda Chávez Leyva has been tapped to help shape Texas’ first major overhaul of its K-8 social studies curriculum in over a decade. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/04/t...
elpasomatters.org
December 4, 2025 at 2:05 PM
UTEP history professor Yolanda Chávez Leyva has been tapped to help shape Texas’ first major overhaul of its K-8 social studies curriculum in over a decade. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/04/t...
Former ICE director Tom Homan is set to speak at UTEP, sparking opposition from students, human rights groups and elected officials. Protests are planned on campus this week. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/03/u...
Students, advocates and leaders push back against Tom Homan’s upcoming UTEP visit
Students, immigration advocates and elected leaders are protesting former ICE director Tom Homan’s planned UTEP talk, criticizing his immigration record and urging support for affected families and…
elpasomatters.org
December 3, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Former ICE director Tom Homan is set to speak at UTEP, sparking opposition from students, human rights groups and elected officials. Protests are planned on campus this week. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/03/u...
Catch this week’s top events across El Paso.
👟 El Paso Matters 9.15K
🎅 Santa at library branches
💡 Ascarate’s Lights on the Lake
🌄 Resler Canyon 20th anniversary trail events
🎶 EPSO’s Christmas Fantasia
⛸️ WinterFest rink, concerts, movies
Plan your week: elpasomatters.org/2025/12/03/e...
👟 El Paso Matters 9.15K
🎅 Santa at library branches
💡 Ascarate’s Lights on the Lake
🌄 Resler Canyon 20th anniversary trail events
🎶 EPSO’s Christmas Fantasia
⛸️ WinterFest rink, concerts, movies
Plan your week: elpasomatters.org/2025/12/03/e...
elpasomatters.org
December 3, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Catch this week’s top events across El Paso.
👟 El Paso Matters 9.15K
🎅 Santa at library branches
💡 Ascarate’s Lights on the Lake
🌄 Resler Canyon 20th anniversary trail events
🎶 EPSO’s Christmas Fantasia
⛸️ WinterFest rink, concerts, movies
Plan your week: elpasomatters.org/2025/12/03/e...
👟 El Paso Matters 9.15K
🎅 Santa at library branches
💡 Ascarate’s Lights on the Lake
🌄 Resler Canyon 20th anniversary trail events
🎶 EPSO’s Christmas Fantasia
⛸️ WinterFest rink, concerts, movies
Plan your week: elpasomatters.org/2025/12/03/e...
BREAKING: Josue Borrego, who has served as a top school administrator in Houston, has been named the sole superintendent finalist of the Canutillo Independent School District. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/02/j...
Houston ISD administrator Josue Borrego named Canutillo ISD superintendent finalist
The Canutillo ISD board voted unanimously Tuesday to name Josue Borrego as the sole finalist for superintendent to replace retiring leader Pedro Galaviz. The board by law has to wait 21 days before…
elpasomatters.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:48 AM
BREAKING: Josue Borrego, who has served as a top school administrator in Houston, has been named the sole superintendent finalist of the Canutillo Independent School District. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/02/j...
Podcast: We discuss Meta’s El Paso data center, tax breaks for the facility and the path ahead for El Paso’s economy. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/02/p...
Podcast: We discuss Northeast El Paso data center, tax breaks for Meta, city’s economic future
“If a data center wants our power, our land, our water, they should also invest in our people,”says Andy Vargas, a veteran of the technology and finance industries.
elpasomatters.org
December 2, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Podcast: We discuss Meta’s El Paso data center, tax breaks for the facility and the path ahead for El Paso’s economy. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/02/p...
El Paso Water’s CEO said the utility has estimated how much Meta’s incoming data center will consume on average. The data center’s usage is expected to fluctuate throughout the year, but the city’s water utility has said it can meet the facility’s demand. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/02/e...
elpasomatters.org
December 2, 2025 at 2:05 PM
El Paso Water’s CEO said the utility has estimated how much Meta’s incoming data center will consume on average. The data center’s usage is expected to fluctuate throughout the year, but the city’s water utility has said it can meet the facility’s demand. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/02/e...
Travis Johnson — El Paso attorney, former county judge and influential voice in Texas Democratic politics — has died at 89. He also served more than 30 years on the Southwest Airlines board. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/01/t...
Travis Johnson, former El Paso County judge and Southwest Airlines board member, dies at 89
Travis Johnson, a prominent El Paso attorney and influential Democratic political figure who served as county judge and spent decades on the Southwest Airlines board, died at age 89.
elpasomatters.org
December 1, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Travis Johnson — El Paso attorney, former county judge and influential voice in Texas Democratic politics — has died at 89. He also served more than 30 years on the Southwest Airlines board. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/01/t...
A group of UTEP students are preparing a peaceful protest of border czar Tom Homan’s visit to campus because his record on mass deportations threatens immigrant and cross-border communities, Naomi Rees writes. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/01/o...
Opinion: UTEP’s invitation to border czar Tom Homan sends a troubling message to border students
UTEP students plan a peaceful protest as border czar Tom Homan visits campus, citing fears that his aggressive deportation policies endanger immigrant and cross-border communities.
elpasomatters.org
December 1, 2025 at 7:14 PM
A group of UTEP students are preparing a peaceful protest of border czar Tom Homan’s visit to campus because his record on mass deportations threatens immigrant and cross-border communities, Naomi Rees writes. elpasomatters.org/2025/12/01/o...
Texas distributed $5.2 million to El Paso city, county and University Medical Center to reduce the risk of opioid addiction and overdose deaths. Why have they spent so little of that on direct harm reduction? elpasomatters.org/2025/12/01/e...
elpasomatters.org
December 1, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Texas distributed $5.2 million to El Paso city, county and University Medical Center to reduce the risk of opioid addiction and overdose deaths. Why have they spent so little of that on direct harm reduction? elpasomatters.org/2025/12/01/e...
Texas Parks and Wildlife counted the first lambs born to the Franklin Mountain’s desert bighorn sheep. Here’s how the herd has thrived since moving to El Paso one year ago: elpasomatters.org/2025/11/30/d...
elpasomatters.org
November 30, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Texas Parks and Wildlife counted the first lambs born to the Franklin Mountain’s desert bighorn sheep. Here’s how the herd has thrived since moving to El Paso one year ago: elpasomatters.org/2025/11/30/d...
This week in El Paso:
• El Paso-Juárez 10K rescheduled for Jan. 17
• County unveils Ascarate Park renovation concepts
• GECU CEO appointed to state economic board
• City wins $13 million for new shared-use path
Read more in our weekly roundup. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/28/n...
• El Paso-Juárez 10K rescheduled for Jan. 17
• County unveils Ascarate Park renovation concepts
• GECU CEO appointed to state economic board
• City wins $13 million for new shared-use path
Read more in our weekly roundup. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/28/n...
elpasomatters.org
November 28, 2025 at 2:05 PM
This week in El Paso:
• El Paso-Juárez 10K rescheduled for Jan. 17
• County unveils Ascarate Park renovation concepts
• GECU CEO appointed to state economic board
• City wins $13 million for new shared-use path
Read more in our weekly roundup. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/28/n...
• El Paso-Juárez 10K rescheduled for Jan. 17
• County unveils Ascarate Park renovation concepts
• GECU CEO appointed to state economic board
• City wins $13 million for new shared-use path
Read more in our weekly roundup. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/28/n...
Catch this week’s top events across El Paso.
🎉 Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade
🏃 YMCA Turkey Trot
🌾 Native American Heritage Month celebration
⛸️ WinterFest events continue
Plan your week with our events roundup.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/26/e...
🎉 Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade
🏃 YMCA Turkey Trot
🌾 Native American Heritage Month celebration
⛸️ WinterFest events continue
Plan your week with our events roundup.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/26/e...
elpasomatters.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Catch this week’s top events across El Paso.
🎉 Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade
🏃 YMCA Turkey Trot
🌾 Native American Heritage Month celebration
⛸️ WinterFest events continue
Plan your week with our events roundup.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/26/e...
🎉 Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade
🏃 YMCA Turkey Trot
🌾 Native American Heritage Month celebration
⛸️ WinterFest events continue
Plan your week with our events roundup.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/26/e...
BREAKING: “Each of us can make a difference, in our neighborhoods, in our communities.” – El Paso trailblazer Alicia R. Chacón, who died Tuesday at 87. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/a...
‘Each of us can make a difference’: El Paso trailblazer Alicia Chacón dies at 87
Alicia R. Chacón broke many barriers during her life of service, which included serving on the YISD school board, City Council and as county judge, as well as leading United Way of El Paso.
elpasomatters.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:02 PM
BREAKING: “Each of us can make a difference, in our neighborhoods, in our communities.” – El Paso trailblazer Alicia R. Chacón, who died Tuesday at 87. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/a...
Podcast: El Paso honored WWE legend Eddie Guerrero with a packed City Hall proclamation celebrating his legacy. We reflect on how Guerrero continues to inspire El Paso’s vibrant lucha libre scene. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/e...
Podcast: El Paso icon Eddie Guerrero’s legacy and city’s lucha libre culture
The WWE’s superstar’s legacy lives on as the city’s lucha libre scene persists with today’s local wrestling stars such as Cinta de Oro.
elpasomatters.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Podcast: El Paso honored WWE legend Eddie Guerrero with a packed City Hall proclamation celebrating his legacy. We reflect on how Guerrero continues to inspire El Paso’s vibrant lucha libre scene. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/e...
Fact check: Does state law prohibit Texas public school teachers from asking students to read out loud? Here’s our latest fact brief, which we produce in partnership with Gigafact to correct misinformation and amplify factual information. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/g...
Does state law prohibit Texas public school teachers from asking students to read out loud?
In a viral TikTok, a former Texas teacher claimed they were “written up” for asking students to read out loud.
elpasomatters.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Fact check: Does state law prohibit Texas public school teachers from asking students to read out loud? Here’s our latest fact brief, which we produce in partnership with Gigafact to correct misinformation and amplify factual information. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/g...
New Foster School of Medicine Dean Eric Rohren is settling into El Paso — from discovering Loop 375 isn't a toll road to outlining plans for research, AI training and the future Fox Cancer Center. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/f...
elpasomatters.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:05 PM
New Foster School of Medicine Dean Eric Rohren is settling into El Paso — from discovering Loop 375 isn't a toll road to outlining plans for research, AI training and the future Fox Cancer Center. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/f...
The El Paso city government is considering changes to its animal ordinance that would classify dogs that attack other pets as “aggressive” or “vicious.” The move aims to close gaps in state law. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/24/e...
elpasomatters.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The El Paso city government is considering changes to its animal ordinance that would classify dogs that attack other pets as “aggressive” or “vicious.” The move aims to close gaps in state law. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/24/e...
El Paso’s water, electric and gas utilities are seeking rate increases that could push monthly bills up by about $45 combined next year. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/23/e...
elpasomatters.org
November 23, 2025 at 2:05 PM
El Paso’s water, electric and gas utilities are seeking rate increases that could push monthly bills up by about $45 combined next year. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/23/e...
El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano has resigned after months on paid administrative leave. His departure ends a six-year tenure at one of the city’s most popular attractions. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/21/e...
El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano resigns after months on administrative leave
The zoo director had been on paid administrative leave since mid-September, following his involvement in multiple controversies including two lawsuits, and loss of zoo accreditation.
elpasomatters.org
November 21, 2025 at 7:40 PM
El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano has resigned after months on paid administrative leave. His departure ends a six-year tenure at one of the city’s most popular attractions. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/21/e...
When families can’t access food because of red tape, something’s broken. Sen. César J. Blanco says Texas must fix its SNAP system to fight hunger. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/21/o...
elpasomatters.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:35 PM
When families can’t access food because of red tape, something’s broken. Sen. César J. Blanco says Texas must fix its SNAP system to fight hunger. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/21/o...