Episodes

  • El Paso 2025: New Sheriff, Minimum Wage Hike, Housing Challenges, and Community Resilience

    El Paso 2025: New Sheriff, Minimum Wage Hike, Housing Challenges, and Community Resilience
    Jan 5 2025
    Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Sunday, January 5, 2025.

    We're starting off the new year with some exciting news. Newly-elected El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte was sworn in at midnight, replacing Richard Wiles. This marks a new chapter in law enforcement for our city[1].

    In other news, the City of El Paso has announced a minimum wage increase for city employees. Starting February 23, the minimum wage will rise from $13.61 to $15.75 an hour, a significant boost for many workers[3].

    Let's take a look at the job market. El Paso's economy remains strong, with major employers like Fort Bliss, the University of Texas at El Paso, and Tenet Healthcare contributing to a stable job market. The unemployment rate is around 4.5%, slightly below the national average. While there haven't been any major hiring announcements recently, the city's diverse economy continues to attract new residents and support demand for housing[2].

    Speaking of housing, the El Paso housing market is expected to remain competitive in 2025. Home prices are projected to rise 3-4% annually, with continued inventory shortages and strong rental demand. The average rent for an apartment is currently around $1,050 per month, with projected increases of 3% to 4% annually. High-demand areas like West El Paso and Northeast El Paso are expected to see higher rents and quick sales[2].

    In city hall news, the recent decision to increase the minimum wage for city employees is a significant development that will impact many workers. Additionally, the city has been working to address the housing shortage, but more needs to be done to stimulate affordable and mid-range construction[2][3].

    Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning in El Paso, but we're expecting a sunny day with temperatures in the mid-60s. Perfect weather for getting out and enjoying some of the city's events.

    Speaking of events, the recent New Year's Eve ball drop in downtown El Paso was a huge success, and we're looking forward to more community events in the coming days. The Pebble Hills High School band recently made history by performing in the Tournament of Roses Parade in California, a fantastic achievement for our local students[5].

    In local business news, the Gateway Hotel in El Paso is being rebranded as a La Quinta Inn, and we've seen some new business openings in the past few weeks. However, we've also had some closures, like the popular eatery G2[5].

    On the crime front, there have been some significant incidents in the past 24 hours. The El Paso Police Department is investigating a pedestrian crash on I-10 downtown, and there have been reports of expanding homeless camps across the city. We urge everyone to exercise caution and follow public safety alerts[5].

    Finally, let's end on a positive note. The El Paso community came together to support the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, and we're grateful for the generosity of our residents[1].

    This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • "El Paso's New Sheriff, Minimum Wage Hike, and Community Highlights - El Paso Local Pulse"

    "El Paso's New Sheriff, Minimum Wage Hike, and Community Highlights - El Paso Local Pulse"
    Jan 5 2025
    Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for January 5, 2025.

    We're starting the new year with some significant developments in our city. Newly-elected El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte was sworn in at midnight, replacing Richard Wiles. This change in leadership is expected to bring new perspectives to law enforcement in our community.

    In other news, the City of El Paso has announced a minimum wage increase for some of its employees. The city council approved a raise from $13.61 to $15.75 an hour, which will take effect on February 23. This decision is a result of strong leadership and collaboration, aiming to improve the living standards of city employees.

    Looking at the job market, the current unemployment rate in El Paso stands at around 5.4%, according to the latest data from the United States Federal Reserve. While this is not a recent update, it gives us a snapshot of the overall employment situation in our city.

    Moving on to real estate, there haven't been any major announcements in the past few days. However, it's worth noting that the city is always working on new development projects and construction updates. We'll keep an eye on these and bring you updates as they become available.

    From city hall, the recent decision to increase the minimum wage for city employees is a significant development that will impact daily life for many residents. This change is part of the city's efforts to support its workforce and improve living standards.

    Weather-wise, today is expected to be sunny with temperatures reaching the mid-60s. This is perfect weather for outdoor activities, so make sure to take advantage of it. Looking ahead, the forecast suggests a mild week with no significant changes in temperature.

    In business news, the Gateway Hotel in El Paso is set to be rebranded as La Quinta Inn. This change comes amid controversies related to gang activity in the area. On a more positive note, local filmmaker Jacqueline Baylon's documentary has been shortlisted for an Oscar nomination, showcasing the talent in our community.

    Upcoming community events include various activities at the El Paso Museum of Art. The museum is always bustling with action, and it's a great place to explore and learn about local art and culture.

    In local school achievements, the Pebble Hills High School band recently made history by performing at the Tournament of Roses Parade in California. This is a significant accomplishment for our local students, and we're proud to see them excel.

    On a feel-good note, the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank has been working hard to support our community. Their efforts are crucial in helping those in need, and we appreciate their dedication.

    In today's crime report, the El Paso Police Department is investigating a pedestrian crash on I-10 downtown that occurred on Saturday evening. Additionally, there have been human smuggling arrests made in El Paso linked to a woman's death. These incidents remind us of the importance of public safety and the need for vigilance in our community.

    This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • El Paso Local Pulse: Wage Hike, Housing Market, and Community Achievements

    El Paso Local Pulse: Wage Hike, Housing Market, and Community Achievements
    Jan 4 2025
    Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for January 4, 2025.

    We're starting off the new year with some significant updates from around our city. First, let's talk about the recent pedestrian crash on I-10 downtown that occurred on Saturday evening. The El Paso Police Department is still investigating the incident, and we'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

    In other news, the El Paso Fire Department responded to a house fire in the Lower Valley, displacing one family. This serves as a reminder to always be cautious and prepared for emergencies.

    Moving on to the job market, we have some positive news. The city council recently approved a minimum wage increase for city employees, raising it from $13.61 to $15.75 an hour. This change is set to take effect on February 23 and is a significant step forward for our city's workforce.

    As for the current unemployment rate, it stands at 4.5% as of October 2024, according to the United States Federal Reserve. This rate is slightly below the national average, reflecting a stable job market in El Paso.

    Now, let's take a look at the real estate pulse. Home prices are expected to rise 3-4% annually through 2025, with continued inventory shortages and strong rental demand. The average rent for an apartment in El Paso is currently around $1,050 per month, with projected increases of 3% to 4% annually. This means that by 2025, average rents could reach $1,085 to $1,100 per month.

    In terms of new developments, we're seeing a focus on higher-end properties, including luxury apartments and single-family homes in neighborhoods like West El Paso and the Upper Valley. However, there's a need for more affordable and mid-range housing to address the broader housing shortage.

    From city hall, we have updates on decisions that affect our daily lives. The recent minimum wage increase is a notable example of the city's commitment to its workforce.

    Weather-wise, today is expected to be sunny with a high of 75 degrees. This is perfect weather for outdoor activities, so make sure to take advantage of it.

    In business news, the Gateway Hotel in El Paso is set to be rebranded as La Quinta Inn. This change comes amid gang-related controversies surrounding the hotel.

    For upcoming community events, we have the WinterFest Ball Drop and various other activities planned for the next few days. Be sure to check out local listings for more information.

    In local school achievements, the Pebble Hills High School band recently made history by performing in the Tournament of Roses Parade in California. Congratulations to them on this incredible achievement.

    On a feel-good note, El Paso filmmaker Jacqueline Baylon's documentary has been shortlisted for an Oscar nomination. This is a fantastic recognition of our city's talent and creativity.

    Finally, in our crime report, we have news of human smuggling arrests linked to a woman's death in El Paso. The El Paso Police Department is urging caution around homeless camps expanding across the city.

    This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • Crime, Homelessness, and Community Resilience: El Paso Local Pulse for January 4, 2025

    Crime, Homelessness, and Community Resilience: El Paso Local Pulse for January 4, 2025
    Jan 4 2025
    Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for January 4, 2025.

    We're starting off the week with some breaking news from the past few days. El Paso police are investigating a pedestrian crash that occurred on I-10 downtown on Saturday evening. Meanwhile, the El Paso Fire Department responded to a house fire in the Lower Valley, displacing one family. Authorities are also urging caution around homeless camps that are expanding across the city[1][4].

    Moving on to the job market, we don't have any major hiring announcements or new job postings from top local employers to report today. However, it's worth noting that the current unemployment rate in El Paso, as of January 2022, was 5.40%, according to the United States Federal Reserve. While this data is a bit outdated, it gives us a baseline to understand the local job market dynamics[2].

    In real estate news, there haven't been any notable commercial or residential property sales or new development projects announced recently. However, we're keeping an eye on the local housing market, which has seen fluctuations in recent years.

    From city hall, we have a couple of updates. The El Paso City Council has a meeting scheduled for January 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM. Additionally, the New Mexico DOJ has voided the Las Cruces city manager selection due to transparency violations, which might have implications for our neighboring city[3][4].

    Weather-wise, today is expected to be sunny with a high of 75 degrees. However, we're advising everyone to stay cautious, especially around homeless camps, due to the cold nights. Looking ahead, we're expecting a mild week with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s[1][4].

    In business news, the Gateway Hotel in El Paso is set to be rebranded as La Quinta Inn amid gang-related controversies. On a more positive note, the Pebble Hills HS band is making history by participating in the Tournament of Roses Parade in California[1][4].

    Upcoming community events include the ongoing holiday festivities around the city. If you're looking for something to do, consider visiting Ascarate's pool, which hosted a cold splash event to ring in the new year[1][4].

    In local school achievements, the Pebble Hills HS band's participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade is certainly a highlight. In sports, we don't have any recent results to report, but we're looking forward to upcoming games.

    For a feel-good community story, let's talk about El Paso filmmaker Jacqueline Baylon, whose documentary has been shortlisted for an Oscar nomination. This is a great achievement for our local arts scene[1].

    In today's crime report, we have a few incidents to mention. Human smuggling arrests were made in El Paso, linked to a woman's death. Additionally, there was a stabbing incident in Northeast El Paso that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Angel Ramirez[1][4][5].

    This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • El Paso Pulse: Shooting, Job Market, City Hall Updates, and Community Events

    El Paso Pulse: Shooting, Job Market, City Hall Updates, and Community Events
    Jan 3 2025
    Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for January 3, 2025.

    We're starting off the year with some breaking news. Early on New Year's Day, a shooting at Shorty's Sports Bar & Grill near the El Paso Community College Viscount campus left two people seriously injured. The El Paso Fire Department rushed them to the hospital around 12:45 a.m. This incident is still under investigation, and we'll keep you updated as more information becomes available[1].

    Moving on to our job market snapshot, the latest data from the United States Federal Reserve shows that the unemployment rate in El Paso, TX (MSA) was 5.40% in January 2022. While we don't have the most current figures, historically, the unemployment rate in El Paso has fluctuated, reaching a record high of 14.30% in April 2020 and a record low of 3.30% in April 2019[2].

    In city hall news, 2024 is expected to bring significant changes, including elections that will alter the makeup of the City Council in January and again in 2025. Key decisions from 2023, such as the hiring of a new police chief and the ongoing migrant crisis, will continue to impact the community. The city will also need to address Senate Bill 4, which makes it a state crime to cross illegally into Texas from Mexico, and its implications for local law enforcement[3].

    On the real estate front, we don't have any major updates today, but we'll keep an eye on any notable commercial or residential property sales and new development projects.

    Weather-wise, it's looking like a pleasant day ahead with temperatures expected to reach the mid-60s. Perfect weather for outdoor activities and events.

    In new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report today, but we'll keep you informed about any significant changes in the local business scene.

    Looking ahead to community events, the recent Sun Bowl game brought excitement to the city, with teams welcomed by mariachi and dancers before the New Year's Eve game[4].

    In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we'll highlight any notable achievements or sports results in future broadcasts.

    On a positive note, the El Paso Border Patrol recently captured a fugitive wanted for a hit-and-run in Dallas, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to keep our community safe[5].

    In today's crime report, aside from the New Year's Day shooting, we also want to remind everyone about the importance of public safety. The El Paso Police Department is always working to ensure our safety, and we appreciate their dedication.

    This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • Exciting New Cancer Center, Unemployment Rate Update, and Community Events in El Paso

    Exciting New Cancer Center, Unemployment Rate Update, and Community Events in El Paso
    Jan 3 2025
    Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for January 3, 2025.

    We're starting off the year with some exciting news for our community. A new cancer center, the Steve and Nancy Fox Cancer Center, is set to break ground in 2025 on the Texas Tech Health El Paso campus located at 5001 El Paso Drive. This center promises to bring world-class cancer care to our borderland, thanks to a historic $25 million gift from the Fox family and a transformative $5 million grant from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation[1].

    Moving on to our job market snapshot, we don't have any major hiring announcements or new job postings to share today. However, it's worth noting that the unemployment rate in El Paso, as of the last update in October 2024, was not available for January 2025, but we'll keep an eye on this and bring you updates as they come in[2].

    In real estate news, we don't have any notable commercial or residential property sales to report today. However, we do have some construction updates. The new cancer center we mentioned earlier is a significant development project that will enhance healthcare services in our city.

    From city hall, the City Council has a busy schedule ahead with several meetings planned for January. The first regular meeting is set for January 7, 2025, followed by a work session on January 21, 2025[3].

    Weather-wise, it's looking like a pleasant day ahead with temperatures expected to be in the mid-60s. This should make for perfect conditions for outdoor activities and events.

    In new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report today. However, we do have some community events coming up. The Franklin Mountains held their first hike of 2025, and there are several other events planned for the next few days, including community conversations and sports events[5].

    In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we'll be keeping an eye on our local schools and bringing you news as it happens.

    For our feel-good community story, let's take a moment to appreciate the efforts of the El Paso DEA, which has been working hard to keep overdose rates down and promote medication safety in our community[5].

    In today's crime report, we don't have any significant incidents or arrests to report from the past 24 hours. However, we do want to remind everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

    This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • El Paso Roundup: New Year, New Opportunities and Challenges

    El Paso Roundup: New Year, New Opportunities and Challenges
    Jan 1 2025
    Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for January 1, 2025.

    We're starting the new year with a mix of news and updates from around our city. Let's dive right in. Over the weekend, El Paso police investigated a pedestrian crash on I-10 downtown, and El Paso Fire responded to a house fire in the Lower Valley, displacing one family. Authorities are also urging caution around homeless camps expanding across the city[1][4].

    In job market news, we're looking forward to the El Paso Career Fair on January 20, 2025. This event will connect job seekers with local companies offering positions in sales, customer service, engineering, healthcare, education, and more. It's a great opportunity for those looking to start the new year with a new career path[2].

    Moving on to real estate, there have been no recent major announcements, but we're keeping an eye on new development projects and construction updates. For those interested in buying or selling a home, weekly median home prices and inventory levels remain steady, though specific numbers are not currently available.

    From City Hall, we have updates on decisions affecting daily life. The city council recently discussed the debt management policy, ensuring that the city remains in compliance with state laws and protects its financial health. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about the status of the Sunset Amphitheater project, which has seen delays and is expected to break ground soon[3].

    Weather-wise, today is expected to be sunny with temperatures in the mid-70s. It's a great day to get out and enjoy the city's parks and outdoor spaces. Looking ahead, we're expecting a mild week with plenty of sunshine.

    In business news, the Gateway Hotel in El Paso is being rebranded as La Quinta Inn amid gang-related controversies. Meanwhile, Pebble Hills High School's band made history by participating in the Tournament of Roses Parade in California[1][4].

    Upcoming community events include the aftermath of the Sun Bowl game, which welcomed teams with mariachi and dancers before the New Year's Eve game. For those looking for something to do this week, there are plenty of local events and activities to explore.

    In local school achievements, Pebble Hills High School's band deserves another mention for their historic performance. Additionally, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center El Paso is dealing with a data breach that impacted 1.4 million people, a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity[1][4].

    For a feel-good community story, El Pasoans rang in the new year with a cold splash at Ascarate's pool, a fun and refreshing way to start 2025.

    In today's crime report, we have the ongoing investigation into the pedestrian crash on I-10 and the recent human smuggling arrests linked to a woman's death. The El Paso Police Department and El Paso County Sheriff's Office have also released their 'Most Wanted' lists for December 29 and 28, respectively[1][4].

    This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • El Paso Pulse: Pedestrian Crash, House Fire, Job Fair, and Property Tax Relief

    El Paso Pulse: Pedestrian Crash, House Fire, Job Fair, and Property Tax Relief
    Jan 1 2025
    Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for January 1, 2025. We're starting the new year with a look at what's happening in our city.

    First, let's talk about some breaking news from the last few days. El Paso police are investigating a pedestrian crash on I-10 downtown that occurred on Saturday evening. Additionally, El Paso Fire responded to a house fire in the Lower Valley, displacing one family. We urge everyone to be cautious around homeless camps expanding across the city.

    In job market news, we're looking forward to the El Paso Career Fair happening on January 20, 2025. Job seekers will have the opportunity to connect with recruitment teams and HR managers from local companies in various fields such as sales, customer service, engineering, healthcare, education, and more.

    Moving on to real estate, we don't have any major updates on notable commercial or residential property sales, but we do want to remind everyone that the Texas Education Agency is now required to post the maximum compressed rate for each school district, which affects property taxes. This change is part of Senate Bill 2, aimed at providing property tax relief through the public school finance system.

    From city hall, we have some updates on decisions that affect daily life. The City Council recently approved a Chapter 380 Economic Development Program Agreement for an infill development project located at 7833 Mount Latona Dr. This agreement includes economic incentives such as a Real Property Tax Rebate, a Construction Materials Sales Tax Rebate, and a Building Construction Fee Rebate.

    Weather-wise, it's going to be a sunny day today with temperatures reaching up to 70 degrees. However, we do want to remind everyone to stay warm, especially in the mornings and evenings.

    In new business activity, the Gateway Hotel in El Paso is being rebranded as La Quinta Inn amid some controversies. We also want to mention that the Pebble Hills High School band is making history by participating in the Tournament of Roses Parade in California.

    Upcoming community events include the Sun Bowl teams being welcomed with mariachi and dancers before the New Year's Eve game. If you're looking for something fun to do, Ascarate's pool is hosting a cold splash event to ring in the new year.

    In local school achievements, we're proud to see our students making waves. However, we don't have any specific updates today.

    In a feel-good community story, a local pet store is offering free calming treats to help pets relax during holiday parties.

    Finally, in today's crime report, we want to remind everyone to be vigilant. El Paso police are urging caution around homeless camps, and there have been human smuggling arrests linked to a woman's death. The El Paso Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office have also released their 'Most Wanted' lists for December.

    This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins