Good morning, El Paso.

Vanessa Ruiz, a retired drill sergeant and former Army combat medic diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2022 and now in hospice, was honored by her family who organized a drive-by parade—held on Monday, May 5 at 5 p.m. at 11024 Thatcher Pond Lane—to help brighten her day as local fans of motorcycles and classic cars took part.

Estrella del Paso received a $25,000 grant from the Border Refugee Assistance Fund—created by Bishop Mark J.

Seitz and the Hope Border Institute—to continue offering free legal help and Know Your Rights workshops after federal funding cuts hurt migrant legal services.

El Paso police arrested 35-year-old Esteban Acosta—an alleged Cruces Boyz gang member wanted for evading police—after a high-speed chase in Canutillo on April 23, and he now faces charges for evading arrest and violating parole at the El Paso County Jail Annex.

Venu Holding Corporation is showing off new designs for a 12,500-seat amphitheater in northeast El Paso on a 20-acre site that used to host Cohen Stadium — the project is part of a public-private partnership with the city and will feature weather control like heating and cooling.

The company will close on the property this week — begin 14 months of construction with an expected opening late next year while already selling Luxe FireSuites starting at $298,500.

A 72-year-old beauty queen from El Paso competed in the Miss Texas USA pageant held in Houston this past weekend and inspired judges with her performance—she aims to motivate women of all ages to stay active and healthy.

Although she did not win the crown, she plans to support future contestants by sharing her journey.

The Socorro ISD board approved cutting 43 positions to address a $38 million budget deficit — a move that reduced planned layoffs from 300 by 230 voluntary resignations and will affect 13 schools by increasing class sizes from 24 to 26.

Some staff accepted a $2,500 incentive to resign while the district will notify those laid off of future openings.

Teacher Appreciation Week runs from May 5th to May 9th as dance teacher Irma Acosta—who began teaching in 1974 at Burges High School and came back to Jefferson High School after a short retirement—shows how teachers help students in El Paso.

Her former students now teach dance in local schools and continue her legacy.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law that lets families use about $10,000 per child of public funds for accredited private schools and school-related costs—this voucher program will launch in late 2026 with a cap of $1 billion for the first two-year budget cycle.

The program will use state-managed education savings accounts, and rules must be set by the comptroller by May 15.

Nine former foster youth completed the Texas Works Paths to Success training program on May 5th in El Paso, making them the first in the state to receive Health and Human Services job training for state employment.

The graduates will soon start jobs assisting locals in accessing benefits like SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid to boost economic self-reliance.

The General Services Administration released its final Record of Decision for modernizing the Bridge of the Americas on May 2 (which ends commercial cargo operations at the free port) and the project is expected to take several years.

The $600 million upgrade is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (following extensive community input) and will allow commercial traffic to continue for now.

General Business Networking: Elevating Your Potential

6-8 p.m. — The Hoppy Monk — Limited tickets — Expand your network and connect with industry professionals in acting, production, and more.

Pima Medical Institute Open House

9 AM — Pima Medical Institute — Free entry — Explore career paths in medical, dental, and veterinary fields with hands-on experiences and faculty support.

NAHL South Division Finals

7-11 p.m. — El Paso County Coliseum — Cost varies — Witness thrilling hockey action in the South Division Finals live from El Paso.

May Critique Group Meeting for Fiction Writers

1-3 p.m. — Village Inn — Free to attend — Join fellow writers for constructive feedback in a supportive environment to enhance your craft.

El Paso Career Fair

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn El Paso / University — Free entry — Connect with top employers across diverse industries at this career fair.

2025 BBB El Paso Torch & Spark Awards

5-7 p.m. — St. Rogers Depot — Celebrate local businesses — Honoring Champions of Trust in our community's ethical leadership.

Candlelight Tribute to Luis Miguel

6:30-8:30 p.m. — St. Rogers Depot — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting melodies of Luis Miguel performed by the Four Bridges String Quartet under the glow of candlelight.

HaAsh Concert

1 a.m. — El Paso County Coliseum — Ticket prices starting at $47 — Catch HaAsh live for a night filled with their catchy tunes and harmonies.

Hornedo Middle School 5K Race & Fun Run

8 AM – 12 PM — Hornedo Middle School — Registration Fee Required — Celebrate health and community at the inaugural race for a good cause.

Taittinger Champagne Dinner

Evening event — Thyme Restaurant — $31 to $50 — Celebrate the artistry of Taittinger Champagne with a curated wine and dining experience.