Good morning, El Paso.

Délice Bakehouse owner Kimberly Schmidt is leading a community donation drive to aid families in Ciudad Juárez and Puerto de Palos & asking local residents to drop off gently used items at her bakery on Trawood Dr or call 915-260-8320 to help transport donations across the border.

KVIA anchor Paul Cicala surprised kids at Pebble Hills Elementary on El Paso’s east side—bringing holiday cheer with gifts and a holiday book reading today.

The Ysleta Independent School District lost 1,400 students this academic year and is cutting expenses after enrollment declined faster than expected amid lower birth rates — risking long-term funding impacts.

The district expects to operate on a deficit for two more years with board savings updates planned in February.

EPISD is working to issue required student IDs after malfunctioning machines delayed production at several campuses, leaving parents concerned about safety.

The district says student security remains intact through multiple measures & protocols while it seeks to resolve the issue soon.

Fort Bliss Garrison Commander Col. Michael V.

Soyka will visit ABC-7 studio to discuss his role leading the installation + his plans to strengthen ties with the local community and support soldiers and their families.

TxDOT announced that the Loop 375 South widening project is now complete with new lanes and added bridge structures — final touches remain as the agency urged drivers to prepare for holiday travel by checking vehicle maintenance and planning routes.

The city council voted Tuesday to rename Fortaleza Park in far east El Paso as Trotter Memorial Park to honor Sebastian Rowan Trotter (7) and Charlotte Emery Trotter (4), who died in the July floods in Ruidoso.

This renaming marks a lasting tribute in the community.

El Paso Public Health Department reports the first Mpox case of 2025 today as a man (in his 50s) recovers at home and officials begin contact tracing to offer vaccines to close contacts.

Franklin Self-Storage will build a new self-storage facility with 882 units at (10700 Railroad Drive) near residential areas and ATI El Paso.

The $1 million project is planned on vacant land toward Chaparral with Javier Roque of Roque Architecture overseeing the development.

El Paso Children's Hospital asks readers to vote for the top high school female athlete based on her wrestling & basketball performances during the week of Dec.

8-13. Nominees include standout competitors from several local high schools who earned titles at recent tournaments.

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino – now owned by Strategic Gaming Management led by Jon Grant Lincoln – will begin its 66th quarter horse and thoroughbred racing season Jan.2, featuring races on Fridays through Mondays.

The barn opens today, Dec.17, with horse training starting Dec.22.

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.