Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of August.
Good morning, El Paso.
District Attorney Larry W.
Fields will host a Community Outreach event tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. at A.L. Turner Community Building—everyone can join, enjoy a free meal, and have a chance to win one of three prizes.
Heavy rainfall on Tuesday night caused flooding in West El Paso and left cars stranded on Mesa Street—fire crews and local residents helped clear debris and rescue vehicles and belongings.
A Socorro man named Armando Bejarano admitted to manufacturing drugs and stealing from neighbors over several years—he pleaded guilty to 24 felony offenses and was sentenced to 15 years in state prison.
El Paso and nearby areas will host a range of fall festivals—featuring events from the Family Day Fiesta in Mesilla on Aug.
23 to the Hatch Chile Festival on Aug. 30-31 and Chalk the Block on Oct. 11-12 that draw thousands of attendees. Additional events include the St. Anthony’s Seminary bazaar over Labor Day weekend, the Horizon City Wine Festival on Sept. 13, the El Paso Film Festival with a special Kevin Smith event on Sept. 25, and WinterFest kicking off on Nov. 22.
Texas A&M extension agent Orlando Flores explained that El Paso’s 17,000 acres of pecan orchards play a key role in the local economy as water shortages lead to more reliance on groundwater and push farmers to try water-saving crops — El Paso Water is expanding its desalination and sewage conversion projects to boost scarce water supplies.
Loretto Academy welcomed students this week after starting school on Aug.
11, and Athletics Director Oscar Nieto said a new weight room will be unveiled in December if they raise the needed funds. The academy is hosting its 24th annual Golf Tournament to raise money for the project — the event is open to the public.
Texas Tech Health El Paso announced its first Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences—approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board—that will begin in 2026 with five or six students and grow to 30 to 35 students.
The program will train researchers to solve local health challenges while linking medical, nursing, and dental schools and is backed by a $10 million donation from the Francis family.
Texas still bans recreational marijuana while allowing medical cannabis use under a law set to take effect on September 1—and lawmakers continue to debate rules for THC, THCA, and CBD products while local enforcement handles low-level possession through citation programs.
Many El Paso residents travel to New Mexico where legal cannabis sales generate significant revenue.
On August 7, 2025, El Paso International Airport underwent upgrades that installed creative light fixtures which change color and added new chairs, lounge areas and metal panel ceilings—improvements that also extended to a runway upgrade and solar panel installation on the parking structure—modernizing travel for local passengers.
The National Science Foundation ended the UTEP-led Paso del Norte Defense and Aerospace Innovation Engine grant on Tuesday and withdrew the $15 million initial award, which had not been spent.
UTEP said the proposal included incorrect statements and did not return comments (the decision impacts several local partners in the region).
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.
Joey Medina Live Comedy Show
7:30-9:00 p.m. — El Paso Comic Strip — Tickets available — Experience a night of laughter with comedian Joey Medina, the heavy-hitter in the comedy arena.
Time Management and Problem Solving
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Gallardo and Wilson Conference Room — Snacks provided — Learn practical techniques to manage your time effectively and tackle challenges with confidence.
Happily Mom Workshop
9:30-11:30 a.m. — Meninas Kids Spa — $60 USD — A nurturing experience for moms to reconnect, share, and enhance their emotional well-being.
Mark Curry Live Comedy Show
7-8:30 p.m. — El Paso Comic Strip — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of laughter with the talented Mark Curry, known for his iconic sitcom roles.
2025 NPC Texas Johnnie O Jackson Classic
2 AM – 4 PM — El Paso Convention Center — Entry fees vary — Witness the excitement as competitors vie for a spot in the NPC National Qualifier.
Career Exploration and Goal Setting
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Gallardo and Wilson Conference Room — Snacks provided — Gain clarity on career interests and set achievable professional goals through interactive discussions.
Paella Night
6:30 p.m. — Anson 11 — $59 plus tax and gratuity — Savor authentic paella and tapas while enjoying sangria on the patio.
Comedy Night with Mario Salazar
8:00-9:30 p.m. — El Paso Comic Strip — Age 17+ — Enjoy a night of laughter with seasoned comedian Mario Salazar as he shares humorous stories from life on the Texas/Mexican border.
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