Good morning, El Paso.

More than 120 stray pets arrived at El Paso Animal Services during the Fourth of July weekend— the shelter urged locals to reclaim or foster lost animals as it already housed nearly 13,000 pets.

El Paso native Cristina Rodda, a Del Valle alum, returned to Channel 9-KTSM to anchor weekend and noon newscasts after more than a decade away from local news.

She began her journalism career at Channel 4-KDBC and made her debut on June 25 alongside chief meteorologist Robert Bettes—bringing extensive experience from across the Southwest back home.

A family in El Paso grieves after their daughter, Graciela Citlali-Tonazin Sahs, was struck by a pickup truck in Sunland Park on July 3 while buying fireworks—her parents are angry that driver Vicente Vasquez Jr., 61, fled the scene and was arrested on July 5.

El Paso school districts face uncertainty after millions in federal funds were paused—officials say the grants were halted amid concerns of misuse and will force districts to review budgets and plan contingencies.

The funding freeze affects more than $19 million in expected grants, and officials are waiting for further guidance from the Texas Education Agency.

UTEP engineering students from the Sun City Summit Rocket Team won seventh place overall and second place in their category at the International Rocket Engineering Competition held in Midland in June.

Their rocket, Sandstorm, reached 29,541 feet & set a record as the best flight in the team’s four-year history as they plan to take on new challenges in the future.

El Paso Fire Department rescued two people stranded in a tree after floodwaters swept away their vehicle and evacuated 30 to 40 individuals and pets from an RV park—six Water Rescue Team members worked with local agencies in Burnet County and will remain until July 15 to support search operations.

El Paso will welcome its first dedicated pickleball venue, SERVE—located at 1633 Cimarron Emporium in west El Paso—as it opens on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. A celebration will continue until 10 p.m. with food and drink specials, games, giveaways, and live music.

Candlelight - A Tribute to Coldplay

7:30-9 p.m. — St. Rogers Depot — Ticket prices vary — Experience Coldplay's hits like never before in a unique candlelit ambiance.

The Spongebob Musical at UTEP Dinner Theatre

6:30-8 p.m. — UTEP Dinner Theatre — VIP tickets available — Experience the undersea adventure with SpongeBob and friends in a musical delight.

Willie Barcena Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — El Paso Comic Strip — For ages 17+ — Experience the humor of a seasoned comic sharing stories from his life and career.

Chamber Summer Camp 2025

9 a.m. — Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall — Open to all youth musicians — Enjoy a collaborative chamber music experience with EPSYO and UTEP Department of Music.

Saul Trujillo Stand-Up Comedy Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — El Paso Comic Strip — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughs with Saul Trujillo, a rising star in stand-up comedy known for his relatable humor.

The Spongebob Musical at UTEP Dinner Theatre

6:30-8:00 p.m. — UTEP Dinner Theatre — VIP ticket options available — Experience the underwater fun of SpongeBob SquarePants with premium seating and packages.

Plaza Classic Film Fest - Dumbo

12-1:30 p.m. — The Plaza Theatre — Check website for price — Enjoy a family-friendly screening of the classic film Dumbo at the historic Plaza Theatre.

Chili Cookoff

12-4 p.m. — Havana Bar & Grill — Free admission — Taste a variety of chili recipes while enjoying live music and local vendors.

Plaza Classic Film Festival: Happy Feet

1-5 p.m. — Philanthropy Theatre — Check website for price — Enjoy a delightful screening of the animated film 'Happy Feet' at the Plaza Classic Film Festival.

The Spongebob Musical at UTEP Dinner Theatre

6:30-8 p.m. — UTEP Dinner Theatre — VIP tickets available — Enjoy a whimsical evening with your favorite sponge in this fun musical adaptation.