Good morning, El Paso.

The City Council voted Tuesday to enforce stricter dog rules by extending the definitions of aggressive and vicious dogs — requiring owners to confine their pets and complete owner courses.

Meanwhile, four local restaurants including Taconeta and Accá were named James Beard Award semifinalists this week and await final honors.

Two stray dogs were rescued in Resler (a busy neighborhood) after local responders found one injured near the interstate; the male dog had surgery that saved his leg while his female companion never left his side.

They are now cared for by the Animal Rescue League of El Paso and await adoption.

H-E-B confirmed (via email on Jan.

21) that it will not open a store in El Paso despite its recent expansion in Dallas and San Antonio. The Texas grocery chain continues to grow with new locations across the state.

Hal Marcus, a 74-year-old artist diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer, is channeling his prognosis into creative inspiration in El Paso — his art exhibition from Feb.

27–28 at Hal Marcus Gallery and Sunset Parlor will feature local works and preview plans to turn his home into a museum.

Executive Chef Danny Calleros of Ardovino’s Desert Crossing was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest, joining top chefs from across Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Oklahoma.

El Paso’s Accá and Taconeta have also earned semifinalist honors; finalists will be announced later this year.

Il Divo By Candlelight will showcase unforgettable music by combining renowned group Il Divo with string trio Simple Three on March 17 at 7:30 p.m. at The Plaza Theatre.

Lamar Elementary School in central El Paso was placed on lockdown as a precaution after an incident nearby — students and staff remained safe while classes continued.

Canutillo ISD schools will open cafeterias early on Monday and Tuesday at 6 a.m. to offer warm, supervised spaces with breakfast amid freezing temperatures.

The district will monitor weather conditions & update families if schedule changes are needed.

The National Weather Service warns that heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are affecting counties east of El Paso, Dallas, and Austin from Friday through Monday, causing dangerous travel.

Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster for 134 counties to ensure necessary resources.

Thorn Bridge officially reopens at 8:30 a.m. today while the new Mesa-Thorn exit is now in service.

Drivers must stop at a signal on North and South Desert Boulevards, and TxDOT expects I-10 West improvements to finish by March.

El Paso County reminds residents to visit warming centers ahead of the temperature drop; centers in Horizon City, Fabens and Canutillo are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday + free rides are offered by the Transportation Authority.

Del Sol Medical Center's Dr. Irene Gonzales — emergency medicine physician — explained the differences between a cold and the flu as temperatures drop and respiratory illnesses increase in the community.

Her advice helps residents decide when to seek care.

AAA reminds drivers to check tire pressure and tread depth (using the penny test) in rainy conditions to lower hydroplaning risk on local roads.

The organization advises keeping headlights on, avoiding cruise control, and easing on brakes to help maintain control.

Depeche Mode Tribute Night

8-11:30 p.m. — Club 101 — $ — Kick off Valentine’s weekend with a memorable Depeche Mode tribute show.

Cupid's Chase 5K El Paso

9-11 a.m. — McKelligon Canyon — Free entry — Run for a cause and receive a free book while supporting disability advocacy.