Good morning, El Paso.

El Paso Zoo keepers beat the summer heat by making special icy treats (blood-sicles for meat-eaters and tea pops for plant-eaters) and the zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for visitors to enjoy a cool experience with animals from around the world.

Teachers Lourdes and Edar Falcon have run their TNT fireworks stand for 23 years, turning it into a family tradition that benefits youth organizations in El Paso.

Their stand on Montana Avenue emphasizes safety ahead of the Fourth plus state rules now extend sales until July 5.

A 15-year-old local student—Marco Sanchez—organized the El Paso Youth Alliance to rally residents against a proposed Meta data center in the northeast.

Nearly 200 community members signed up to speak out at public meetings, calling for more local input on civic decisions.

El Paso families can celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at various local events (parades, fireworks, live music) starting Friday, July 3 and continuing Saturday, July 4 at sites including Outlet Shoppes, Abundant Church and San Jacinto Plaza.

El Paso Community College lost $8 million in state funding due to a change in performance funding formulas, forcing leaders to consider lowering employee raises and raising property taxes after a meeting on June 25 at the Administrative Services Center.

El Paso County officials said Pellicano Drive and Loop 375 will reopen by Sept.

30, with a second phase to add lighting, landscaping, medians and other improvements designed by the end of the year (the project faced a two-year delay after the initial contractor went bankrupt).

UMC El Paso cautions residents to use fireworks responsibly during the holiday weekend as local vendors see high demand despite the ban.

Burn Center Director Dr. Philip Fidler warns that young kids may break small fireworks and combine them to create a larger explosion — urging extra caution among travelers planning trips on Saturday.

Dr. Brittany Shoemake, an El Paso native and board-certified internal medicine and wound specialist, provides advanced wound care and compassionate treatment at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso.

She also teaches at the Foster School of Medicine using her bilingual skills to connect with local patients and improve care outcomes.

El Paso native Laneah Bryan will represent the U.S. Women's National Flag Football team at the 2026 IFAF Championship in Düsseldorf, Germany this August.

Bryan (a former Franklin High basketball standout) helped team USA win the 2024 world championship.

The US Men’s National Team will face Belgium Monday, July 6 at Seattle Stadium at 6 p.m. MT after Folarin Balogun’s red card led to local standout Ricardo Pepi likely starting.

Mexico will face England Sunday, July 5 in Mexico City.

El Paso's top girls flag football teams shone at the inaugural state championship on June 13-14, boosting efforts to make the sport an official UIL event.

The UIL Legislative Council will study the sport further and decide on sanctioning in October while local coaches plan a youth camp this month.

4th of July Festival and Firework Show

5-9 p.m. — Rio Grande Valley Ranch RV Resort — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with food, games, and a spectacular firework display.

School Of Rock - The Musical

2-5 p.m. — University of Texas at El Paso — Cost info not provided — Experience the lively energy of rock music and talented youth performers in this exciting musical.

El Paso Junior Golf Tournament

All day — El Paso Country Club — Entry fees vary — Watch young golfers showcase their talent in a competitive junior tournament.

Jimmy McMurrin Stand-Up Comedy Show

8-11 p.m. — El Paso Comic Strip — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy a night of laughter with rising star Jimmy McMurrin and special guests.

El Paso Swim & Cruise Fashion Show

7-10 p.m. — The Fountains at Farah — Check online for ticket info — Dive into summer style with a vibrant fashion show featuring local and global designers.

EL PASO w/ HAUNT ME

7-11 p.m. — Lowbrow Palace — Tickets available — Experience the ethereal sounds of the indie/dreampop band Cathedral Bells live.

Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings

6:30-7:30 p.m. — St. Rogers Depot — Limited-time deals on tickets — Experience the magic of 90s hip-hop reimagined through string instruments under candlelight.

Plaza Classic Film Festival: Scream

10:30 p.m. — The Plaza Theatre — Tickets from $33 — Experience the thrill of a classic horror film at the Plaza Classic Film Festival.

Ring Wars 23

7-11 p.m. — El Paso County Coliseum — $50+ — Experience an action-packed night of professional boxing featuring local talent.

Jiluka - World Tour 2026

6:30 – 10:30 p.m. — Lowbrow Palace — Tickets start at $60 — Experience the unforgettable sounds of Jiluka live in El Paso.