Good morning, El Paso.

German aerospace engineer Michaela Benthaus — who uses a wheelchair after a biking accident — will be the first wheelchair user in space on Blue Origin’s NS-37 mission.

The suborbital flight launches at 8:30 a.m. CT from a west Texas facility near the border on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet will perform at The Plaza Theatre on Dec.

23 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 24 at noon, led by Ukrainian choreographer Viktor Davydiuk who fuses ballet with circus tricks and features towering animal puppets (including a new dog character).

El Paso WinterFest was ranked first in Newsweek and second by USA Today for best Christmas market.

Organizers plan to reach the top spot next year as they celebrate the city's festive holiday spirit.

A HomeToGo report named El Paso a Rising Star Destination for 2026 after travel searches jumped 191% and visitors flocked for the city’s desert views and modern Western style at affordable rates.

This designation highlights what makes the city a unique vacation choice.

El Flaco and Julio Preciado will perform at Plaza Theatre on Feb.

14, 2026 as part of their tour — the set will feature their greatest hits from Banda El Recodo and Banda Los Recoditos.

Diane and Daryl Troyer donated $113,200 to the El Paso Community College Foundation, marking the largest private gift the foundation has received.

The funds will support student programs at EPCC — details on specific initiatives have yet to be announced.

El Paso County invites residents to shape the future of Ascarate Park by taking an online survey open from Dec.

12 through Dec. 22; the feedback will guide updates like a new park entrance, restored lakeshore + improved trails in the park.

TxDOT has initiated multiple road closures and detour routes for construction along I-10, US-54, and other key corridors in El Paso.

Work, including concrete placements and maintenance, starts early December with some projects extending into next spring (weather-dependent changes apply).

Some El Paso residents say emergency 911 response delays put lives at risk.

One woman reported her call was placed on hold during a family crisis, and another man said police arrived hours later after a crash (officials have been reached for comment).

El Paso County transit riders will ride free on all ETA Paseo, Access, and Andale buses starting Dec.

22 until Sept. 30 under the new Pilot Zero-Fare Program approved by the County Commissioners Court. Officials say the $145,087 pilot will boost regional mobility, cut congestion, and improve air quality.

Local hemp retailers face new federal rules as Congress’s November spending bill includes a provision banning hemp products with more than 0.4 mg of THC— a measure that follows a similar vetoed effort in Texas and may affect available products in the Borderland.

El Paso Electric’s proposed rate increase, which could add over $22 a month to bills, faces resistance after judges recommended lowering the profit margin to 9.4% while keeping rooftop solar rates unchanged + the final decision rests with the Public Utility Commission following a contested hearing requested by city leaders.

After helping his team win Monday, Dec.

15 at AT&T Stadium, Aaron Jones thanked local supporters in his postgame interview—praising the community that first believed in him. The UTEP alum tossed up 915 as a tribute to his hometown.

UP AND RUNNING Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk

8:30-9:30 a.m. — Up & Running, El Paso, TX — Registration fees apply — Lace up for a festive 5K run/walk filled with holiday cheer.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

3-7:30 p.m. — The Plaza Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a delightful holiday classic with the magical performance of The Nutcracker.

Candlelight: Tribute to Juan Gabriel

6:30 p.m. — El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical tribute to Juan Gabriel in a stunning candlelit setting.