Good morning, El Paso.

Meta opened applications on Monday for its $1B community funding initiative, which targets projects in education, community enhancement, economic vitality, and sustainability; local officials are working to secure long-term benefits— including up to 300 jobs— as applicants have until Oct. 19 to apply.

Three new eateries opened this September.

La Reina de Michoacan started its new Socorro location at 9917 North Loop Drive on Sunday, Sept. 13 — offering over 20 paleta flavors, Pokeworks began at 14011 Pebble Hills Blvd, and 7 Brew drive-thru opened at 12220 Eastlake Blvd on Monday, Sept. 14.

El Paso Independent School District started a program that requires administrators to substitute classes for eight days a year (saving up to $255,000) and keeps them connected to classrooms.

The initiative began on the Friday before Labor Day weekend at Silva Magnet High School and supports cost-cutting.

13-year-old Vivian Lopez from Don Haskins PK-8 performed at Carnegie Hall this summer after being chosen for the Harmony Concert Performance Series.

She is the only El Paso student to take part and she hopes to keep singing & acting—a milestone that fuels her passion for the arts.

UTEP set a new enrollment record this fall by enrolling 27,368 students—up from 26,297—and welcomed its largest freshman class of 4,695.

The university credits support programs like the Paydirt Promise for its growth in El Paso.

The VA has awarded over $65 million in grants to 33 Texas groups to support Veterans housing programs in fiscal year 2027.

This funding follows the placement of nearly 52,000 Veterans in stable housing in fiscal 2025 and aims to prevent future homelessness.

El Paso singer Julian Kalel leverages his American Idol platform to promote men’s mental health as he heads to Nashville to record his upcoming single, 'I Feel Alone,' releasing later this month (a nod to the strength found in vulnerability).

His message encourages connection for those feeling isolated.

Football plays from September 7–13 brought local excitement as Coronado's Christian Frias returned a punt for a touchdown, Eastlake's Julian Williams recovered a snap for a score, and UTEP's EJ Colson hit Kam Thomas with an 83-yard pass against Texas Southern; viewers can submit videos for next week's countdown.

UTEP recorded 51 points in a commanding win over Texas Southern + setting the stage for tougher games ahead.

El Paso Chihuahuas begin their final season homestand today at Southwest University Park with a six-game series that opens with a 1,500 jersey giveaway of specialty *915* jerseys, with season ticket holders getting early entry before the 5:35 p.m. start and extra promotions planned throughout the week.