Good morning, El Paso.

The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens welcomed back Mr. Potato Head, a 600-pound and 75-year-old Galápagos tortoise, to his new climate-controlled habitat on July 31.

Zoo members previewed the exhibit—set to open tomorrow with his birthday celebration, replacing an old barn that was unstable.

El Paso's East Side will see Gen Korean BBQ House open on Aug.

2 with table grills and an all-you-can-eat menu starting at 3 p.m. at 1319 George Dieter Drive. Early guests will get free meals and discounts while the event offers giveaways such as a PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Dyson Vacuum, AirPods, and collectible Labubu dolls—details set to spark interest—and promises a fresh dining option.

JCPenney sold 119 stores, including the one at El Mercado Plaza in El Paso, to a Boston-based private equity firm for $947 million in an all-cash deal announced on July 25 with closing set for Sept.

8. The El Paso store remains open—funds from the sale will go to creditors—while the retailer restructures after its bankruptcy.

Alberto Gonzalez, 36, remains jailed at El Paso County Jail Annex after allegedly causing a fiery DWI crash on Interstate 10 near Redd Road on Aug.

30 that killed 93-year-old Jesus Villezcas Carrazco and injured three others—his bond reduction request was denied on July 23.

Texas House Bill 6—signed by Governor Greg Abbott in June—lets El Paso school districts use alternatives to DAEP when students are caught with vaping devices.

Ysleta Independent School District said its First Offender Program will offer counseling and in-school suspension while county officials plan to work with districts to ensure accountability and rehabilitation.

Ysleta Independent School District ranked 7th among Texas districts for top teachers and earned an A+ for its teaching quality in a Niche study — making it the only major El Paso district to rank in the top ten for teachers.

Ysleta and Anthony ISD superintendents discussed plans for the upcoming school year in El Paso and explained that new state laws require a cell phone ban and bring extra funds to rural schools.

The district leaders stressed that these changes will help teachers and families stay connected while adapting to the new academic year — they are committed to clear and open communication.

El Paso City Council met at City Hall on July 31 to amend the city budget — officials including City Rep. Chris Canales and Mayor Renard Johnson discussed changes — as they refined funding priorities for the coming year.

Today, El Paso city officials held a special session and proposed lowering the property tax rate for FY 2026 by $0.759649 per $100 of valuation—though rising home values mean the average tax bill will increase by about $83 yearly.

The budget also supports public safety and infrastructure improvements, and public hearings will be held on August 12 and 18 with a city council vote on August 19.

Las Vegas Lights FC at El Paso Locomotive FC Match

11 AM – 2 PM — Southwest University Park — Ticket prices vary — Witness a thrilling soccer match as El Paso Locomotive hosts Las Vegas Lights in this USL Championship showdown.

Summer Annual Days in Memory of the Bridal Marmelo and Sweet 16 Expo

11 AM – 4 PM — El Paso Convention Center — Tickets on sale 30 days before — Celebrate milestones and enjoy a vibrant expo featuring local culture.

Dr. Cesar Lozano in El Paso Texas - Happy Imperfects 2

7-11 p.m. — Starlight Event Center — No Refunds — Enjoy an inspiring seminar with Dr. Cesar Lozano that celebrates embracing imperfections.

Danny Go!

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Abraham Chavez Theatre — Cost Info Not Provided — A lively educational children's show that encourages movement and learning through music and fun.

Chris Travis Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — 11:11 EP TX — $41.45 — Chris Travis entertains with all his hits during the Turnt Not Burnt Tour.

Alfred Robles Stand-Up Comedy

7:30-10:30 p.m. — El Paso Comic Strip — Cost TBA — Catch the viral star Alfred Robles as he delivers laughs on his Mexican American Dream Tour.

Workplace Etiquette & Professional Communication

3-5 p.m. — Center for Civic Empowerment Conference Room — Snacks Provided — Enhance your workplace confidence with essential skills in communication and professionalism.

Joey Medina Live Comedy Show

7:30-9 p.m. — El Paso Comic Strip — Check event page for tickets — Experience the comedic talent of Bronx-born Joey Medina as he delivers laughs with his unique Puerto Rican perspective.

Jesus Sepulveda Live in El Paso

8:00 – 9:30 PM — 11:11 EP TX — Ticket info not available — Catch the rising star of Latino comedy as he brings laughs from his HBO special and various stages across the U.S.

Punialavaa - Live in El Paso

5-11:30 p.m. — Grace Gardens Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic sound of Samoa with live music, cultural celebrations, and local vendors.