Good morning, El Paso.

Former councilman Joe Molinar was arrested Tuesday for allegedly hitting an unattended vehicle outside Quik Wok Chinese Cuisine and leaving the scene without exchanging insurance information—he was later released on bond.

Xavier Hernandez's death after a police confrontation on Sunday raised concerns over why the Crisis Intervention Team was not dispatched while the El Paso County Sheriff's Office detailed its CIT operations—10 officers and eight clinicians available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with 120 hours of training each.

El Paso’s Museums and Cultural Affairs Department is launching Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District starting tomorrow, July 17.

The program will extend hours and offer special activities at venues like the Market Under the Stars, El Paso Museum of Art, and Public Library—supported by the El Paso Community Foundation.

TxDOT launched a statewide speed awareness campaign using TV ads, billboards, and radio spots to warn drivers—following nearly 160,000 crashes that caused 1,467 deaths statewide.

In El Paso, 3,732 speeding crashes resulted in 24 deaths and 69 injuries, and officers will enforce speed limits from July 18 to August 3—public comments on a new 10-year transportation plan are accepted until July 28.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar from El Paso and Rep. María Elvira Salazar from Florida reintroduced the Dignity Act yesterday in Washington, DC to offer legal status for undocumented immigrants and Dreamers through visa, asylum and border reforms, along with ICE accountability measures. The scaled-back bill, following a failed 2023 effort, could assist up to 10 million immigrants and has 18 bipartisan co-sponsors.

El Paso County is seeking a construction manager to lead both the design phase and construction of its new medical examiner's office — a project funded by a $26.7M voter-approved bond — with proposals due by September 11 via the county's bidding website.

UTEP confirmed that the Battle of I-10 rivalry game with New Mexico State will not take place in 2026 as its non-conference schedule is full due to the Mountain West move—UTEP said a return in 2027 depends on mutual interest from both schools.

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.

Plaza Classic Film Festival: The Producers Screening

11:30 a.m. — Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center — Check website for price — Enjoy a classic film screening of The Producers at the Plaza Classic Film Festival.

Parks After Sunset: Puss In Boots

5:30-10 p.m. — Gallegos Park — Free entry — Enjoy a family favorite movie under the stars with fun activities before the screening.

El Paso Sunrise Series - Running Event

6:45-10:45 a.m. — Up & Running — Registration required — Experience the thrill of the inaugural El Paso Sunrise Series with a vibrant running community.

Plaza Classic Film Fest - The Empire Strikes Back

1-5 p.m. — Plaza Theatre — Ticket purchases support a great cause — Celebrate the iconic sequel in a classic film festival setting.