Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 13th of May.
Good morning, El Paso.
The El Paso Zoo has created sensory-friendly areas with quiet zones, headphone zones, and free sensory bags to help families with children on the autism spectrum.
The zoo will host Sensory Sundays every first Sunday of the month and has trained staff to support neurodiverse visitors—ensuring a more inclusive experience.
A pedestrian was injured and taken to the hospital after a crash in Northeast El Paso at the intersection of Gateway South and Stan Roberts on Monday at 3:57 a.m.—all lanes remain closed.
On Friday, CBP officers at the Marcelino Serna Port of Entry in Tornillo seized 28.5 pounds of cocaine from a 25-year-old American woman crossing from Mexico at about 1:30 p.m.—the drugs were found in 14 foil-wrapped bundles hidden in her vehicle—and she was turned over to Texas DPS to face charges.
Horizon police arrested 26-year-old Justin Charles Ocon after a woman told officers he kidnapped her and beat her with a gun at his home near Corby Place — he was later found near Eastlake Blvd and is held at El Paso County Downtown Jail with a bond of $180,000.
Palestinian immigrants in El Paso have built lasting communities since arriving for studies and work decades ago while keeping traditions and family stories from displacement alive.
Families like the Masouds celebrate their heritage during gatherings and by running local businesses—ensuring their culture endures amid ongoing challenges back home.
El Paso Community College will hold three graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 16 at the Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus with sessions set for 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. About 2,356 students including dual-credit and P-TECH learners will walk the stage as keynote speaker Ray Martinez III addresses the crowd.
El Paso ISD confirmed that 95% of students from six closing elementary schools have stayed with the district, while 100% of affected teachers have been reassigned—ensuring continued support and access through expanded bus routes.
The Texas DPS will join law enforcement from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma in a one-day enhanced operation on May 14 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to target drivers who fail to obey Move Over, Slow Down laws — the effort aims to protect first responders and reduce roadside crashes.
El Paso County will host its third annual gun buyback event on Saturday at Socorro ISD Student Activities Complex at 1300 Joe Battle Blvd, where residents can exchange unwanted firearms for prepaid gift cards no questions asked.
The event offers $50 for non-functioning firearms, $100 for rifles or shotguns, $150 for handguns and $200 for assault rifles—ammunition will not be compensated and ghost guns will not be accepted.
The City Council approved moving the planned public safety complex funded by the 2019 Public Safety Bond from Northeast El Paso to a site near the airport to cut costs by $22 million—this relocation will allow more space for expansion and future regional partnerships.
The new complex will house the Joint Police and Fire Training Academy, department headquarters and the Vehicle Maintenance and Logistics Center, with a guaranteed maximum price due by winter and groundbreaking anticipated in 2026.
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.
Candlelight Concert: From Bach to The Beatles
6:30-7:30 p.m. — St. Rogers Depot — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical evening of classical and Beatles music illuminated by candlelight.
Greg Morton Live Show
7:30-9:00 p.m. — El Paso Comic Strip — $TBA — Experience the hilarious antics of America's Got Talent favorite Greg Morton!
Traditional Asian Cooking Class
10-11:30 a.m. — The Phoenix Apartments — Contact for cost — Master the art of making Pad Thai and more in this hands-on cooking session.
Downtown Treasures Tour
9-11 a.m. — Popular Treasure — Free admission — Discover the artistic legacy of downtown El Paso on this engaging guided walk.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders On Tour - El Paso
6-7:30 p.m. — Abraham Chavez Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying performance of the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders live in El Paso.
Badass Human Race
7 AM – 6 PM — 401 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX — Entry fee varies — Conquer a unique 3-mile obstacle course race through downtown streets and push your limits.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, El Paso.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.