Good morning, El Paso.

Mexican cattle exports resumed on Aug.

24 through the Douglas port after a 15-month suspension due to screwworm, and officials plan to increase shipments to up to 1,400 head per day as health inspections continue.

Concordia Cemetery in El Paso is a historic burial ground — including John Wesley Hardin, Buffalo Soldiers and local legends — that offers a window into the community's past.

Sunday night, the Miss El Paso USA pageant crowned Lauren Elizabeth Hernandez and Miss El Paso Teen USA crowned Victoria Benitez at Bowie High School's Fine Arts building.

Both winners will represent the city in community service and charity events.

Local restaurant owners in El Paso face rising costs for food, labor, utilities, insurance and payment processing as the Texas Restaurant Association’s Q2 2026 report notes rising insurance premiums — staffing challenges linked to immigration enforcement compound pressure.

Interviews with owners indicate potential relief during the upcoming legislative session.

El Paso Community College board of trustees will vote this week on an 8% bump to the no new revenue tax rate while also considering the FY 2026-27 operating budget and a public hearing notice — the meeting is slated for Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at 9050 Viscount.

EPISD has set a policy where any non-campus-based salaried employee (including the superintendent) is expected to serve as a substitute in classrooms, saving costs and offering staff a closer view of daily teaching.

The new rule requires a minimum of four days per semester during the 2026-27 school year.

UTEP welcomed 27,000 new and returning students as 14 days of campus events kicked off its fall semester — the Miner Welcome series began Aug.

20 with Monday’s Texas Western Gold Rush featuring a live concert, giveaways, and fireworks, while Minerpalooza is scheduled for Sept. 11 at Centennial Plaza.

Marathon Petroleum’s refinery (in South-Central) released over 15 tons of pollutants between Aug.

4 and 7, causing residents to report strong odors and evacuations. Commissioner David Stout said officials plan to challenge the renewal of its air permit.

El Paso Water treats, filters and tests water every day to make sure homes and local businesses get safe tap water during National Water Quality Month.

The utility collects 45,000 samples + performs 375,000 tests each year to meet or exceed state and federal standards.

Project Jupiter’s air permit hearing stalled when its hearing officer recused himself on Saturday after an emergency motion filed Aug.

19 by environmental groups — the state supreme court temporarily stayed the permit and water drilling in Santa Teresa; NMED will appoint a new officer when the stay lifts.

El Paso County commissioners declared Aug.

24 'Ricardo Pepi Day' to honor local soccer star Ricardo Pepi after his selection to the US men's World Cup team — fellow local Alex Zendejas also was named to the roster. The resolution celebrated their achievements and marked a proud moment for the community.

Las Palmas Medical Center urges patients to discuss pelvic floor dysfunction with their doctors this month to address symptoms and avoid later surgery.

Health official Valeria Hanna says both men & women can benefit from outpatient therapy in El Paso.

High school football starts on Thursday, Aug.

27 and Friday, Aug. 28 with key matchups including Montwood vs Hanks and Chapin vs Franklin. Student-athletes will need to take precautions in hot, humid weather as the new season begins in El Paso.