El Paso Matters
@elpasomatters.bsky.social
We provide in-depth and investigative reporting about the El Paso Borderland. | Sign up for our free weekly newsletter: http://elpasomatters.org/subscribe/
BREAKING: “Each of us can make a difference, in our neighborhoods, in our communities.” – El Paso trailblazer Alicia R. Chacón, who died Tuesday at 87. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/a...
‘Each of us can make a difference’: El Paso trailblazer Alicia Chacón dies at 87
Alicia R. Chacón broke many barriers during her life of service, which included serving on the YISD school board, City Council and as county judge, as well as leading United Way of El Paso.
elpasomatters.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:02 PM
BREAKING: “Each of us can make a difference, in our neighborhoods, in our communities.” – El Paso trailblazer Alicia R. Chacón, who died Tuesday at 87. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/a...
Podcast: El Paso honored WWE legend Eddie Guerrero with a packed City Hall proclamation celebrating his legacy. We reflect on how Guerrero continues to inspire El Paso’s vibrant lucha libre scene. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/e...
Podcast: El Paso icon Eddie Guerrero’s legacy and city’s lucha libre culture
The WWE’s superstar’s legacy lives on as the city’s lucha libre scene persists with today’s local wrestling stars such as Cinta de Oro.
elpasomatters.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Podcast: El Paso honored WWE legend Eddie Guerrero with a packed City Hall proclamation celebrating his legacy. We reflect on how Guerrero continues to inspire El Paso’s vibrant lucha libre scene. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/e...
Fact check: Does state law prohibit Texas public school teachers from asking students to read out loud? Here’s our latest fact brief, which we produce in partnership with Gigafact to correct misinformation and amplify factual information. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/g...
Does state law prohibit Texas public school teachers from asking students to read out loud?
In a viral TikTok, a former Texas teacher claimed they were “written up” for asking students to read out loud.
elpasomatters.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Fact check: Does state law prohibit Texas public school teachers from asking students to read out loud? Here’s our latest fact brief, which we produce in partnership with Gigafact to correct misinformation and amplify factual information. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/g...
New Foster School of Medicine Dean Eric Rohren is settling into El Paso — from discovering Loop 375 isn't a toll road to outlining plans for research, AI training and the future Fox Cancer Center. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/f...
elpasomatters.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:05 PM
New Foster School of Medicine Dean Eric Rohren is settling into El Paso — from discovering Loop 375 isn't a toll road to outlining plans for research, AI training and the future Fox Cancer Center. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/25/f...
The El Paso city government is considering changes to its animal ordinance that would classify dogs that attack other pets as “aggressive” or “vicious.” The move aims to close gaps in state law. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/24/e...
elpasomatters.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM
The El Paso city government is considering changes to its animal ordinance that would classify dogs that attack other pets as “aggressive” or “vicious.” The move aims to close gaps in state law. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/24/e...
El Paso’s water, electric and gas utilities are seeking rate increases that could push monthly bills up by about $45 combined next year. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/23/e...
elpasomatters.org
November 23, 2025 at 2:05 PM
El Paso’s water, electric and gas utilities are seeking rate increases that could push monthly bills up by about $45 combined next year. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/23/e...
El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano has resigned after months on paid administrative leave. His departure ends a six-year tenure at one of the city’s most popular attractions. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/21/e...
El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano resigns after months on administrative leave
The zoo director had been on paid administrative leave since mid-September, following his involvement in multiple controversies including two lawsuits, and loss of zoo accreditation.
elpasomatters.org
November 21, 2025 at 7:40 PM
El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano has resigned after months on paid administrative leave. His departure ends a six-year tenure at one of the city’s most popular attractions. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/21/e...
When families can’t access food because of red tape, something’s broken. Sen. César J. Blanco says Texas must fix its SNAP system to fight hunger. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/21/o...
elpasomatters.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:35 PM
When families can’t access food because of red tape, something’s broken. Sen. César J. Blanco says Texas must fix its SNAP system to fight hunger. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/21/o...
This week in El Paso:
• $100 million amphitheater breaks ground in Northeast
• Whooping cough cases on rise
• TTHEP gets $162 million for new buildings
• Warmest November on record
• UTEP dorm project moves forward
Read more in our weekly roundup.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/21/e...
• $100 million amphitheater breaks ground in Northeast
• Whooping cough cases on rise
• TTHEP gets $162 million for new buildings
• Warmest November on record
• UTEP dorm project moves forward
Read more in our weekly roundup.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/21/e...
elpasomatters.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:05 PM
This week in El Paso:
• $100 million amphitheater breaks ground in Northeast
• Whooping cough cases on rise
• TTHEP gets $162 million for new buildings
• Warmest November on record
• UTEP dorm project moves forward
Read more in our weekly roundup.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/21/e...
• $100 million amphitheater breaks ground in Northeast
• Whooping cough cases on rise
• TTHEP gets $162 million for new buildings
• Warmest November on record
• UTEP dorm project moves forward
Read more in our weekly roundup.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/21/e...
“It took a recent personal and threatening encounter with ICE recently for me to realize that this is an agency that is bathing in the arrogance of power and is soon to be out of control,” writes Carlos Sanchez. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/20/o...
Opinion: My airport run-in with ICE revealed a dangerous arrogance taking hold in America
During a routine flight connection, retired journalist Carlos Sanchez experienced firsthand the arrogance and abuse of power by ICE agents, reinforcing fears that the agency is becoming dangerously…
elpasomatters.org
November 20, 2025 at 7:50 PM
“It took a recent personal and threatening encounter with ICE recently for me to realize that this is an agency that is bathing in the arrogance of power and is soon to be out of control,” writes Carlos Sanchez. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/20/o...
Stretch your Thanksgiving budget without sacrificing flavor. 🍠🥧
EPCC chefs Steve and Dani Lowry share practical, low-cost meal tips — from smart shopping to DIY sides — to help El Paso families celebrate affordably. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/20/e...
EPCC chefs Steve and Dani Lowry share practical, low-cost meal tips — from smart shopping to DIY sides — to help El Paso families celebrate affordably. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/20/e...
elpasomatters.org
November 20, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Stretch your Thanksgiving budget without sacrificing flavor. 🍠🥧
EPCC chefs Steve and Dani Lowry share practical, low-cost meal tips — from smart shopping to DIY sides — to help El Paso families celebrate affordably. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/20/e...
EPCC chefs Steve and Dani Lowry share practical, low-cost meal tips — from smart shopping to DIY sides — to help El Paso families celebrate affordably. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/20/e...
El Paso health care advocates expressed relief when the Texas AG’s Office dropped its lawsuit against one of the region’s few pediatric endocrinologists. But the ripple effects of SB 14, which restricts trans health care to minors, remain. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/20/t...
elpasomatters.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:05 PM
El Paso health care advocates expressed relief when the Texas AG’s Office dropped its lawsuit against one of the region’s few pediatric endocrinologists. But the ripple effects of SB 14, which restricts trans health care to minors, remain. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/20/t...
A full slate of holiday-season events is rolling out across El Paso:
• Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade
• YMCA Turkey Trot
• WinterFest lights, rink + films
• Santa photo sessions citywide
• Fred Loya Lights
• Feztival of Trees
• Lights on the Lake
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/20/e...
• Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade
• YMCA Turkey Trot
• WinterFest lights, rink + films
• Santa photo sessions citywide
• Fred Loya Lights
• Feztival of Trees
• Lights on the Lake
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/20/e...
elpasomatters.org
November 20, 2025 at 2:05 PM
A full slate of holiday-season events is rolling out across El Paso:
• Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade
• YMCA Turkey Trot
• WinterFest lights, rink + films
• Santa photo sessions citywide
• Fred Loya Lights
• Feztival of Trees
• Lights on the Lake
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/20/e...
• Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade
• YMCA Turkey Trot
• WinterFest lights, rink + films
• Santa photo sessions citywide
• Fred Loya Lights
• Feztival of Trees
• Lights on the Lake
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/20/e...
Dozens of El Paso families got one-on-one help completing the 2026-27 FAFSA, including advice for mixed-status households. Early FAFSA changes mean faster IDs, earlier aid offers and potentially record completion rates. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/19/f...
El Paso families turn to FAFSA info sessions for help with 2026-27 financial aid
Local colleges helped dozens of families complete the 2026-27 FAFSA and learn about grants, scholarships and aid options, including guidance for mixed-status households navigating new federal…
elpasomatters.org
November 19, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Dozens of El Paso families got one-on-one help completing the 2026-27 FAFSA, including advice for mixed-status households. Early FAFSA changes mean faster IDs, earlier aid offers and potentially record completion rates. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/19/f...
Catch this week’s top events across El Paso.
🎄 WinterFest, Lights Parade and outdoor market
🎨 Citlali Delgado exhibit opens at MACC
🎤 Magoffin Home Brown Bag Lecture
✨ Third Thursdays Downtown
Plan your week with our events roundup.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/19/e...
🎄 WinterFest, Lights Parade and outdoor market
🎨 Citlali Delgado exhibit opens at MACC
🎤 Magoffin Home Brown Bag Lecture
✨ Third Thursdays Downtown
Plan your week with our events roundup.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/19/e...
elpasomatters.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Catch this week’s top events across El Paso.
🎄 WinterFest, Lights Parade and outdoor market
🎨 Citlali Delgado exhibit opens at MACC
🎤 Magoffin Home Brown Bag Lecture
✨ Third Thursdays Downtown
Plan your week with our events roundup.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/19/e...
🎄 WinterFest, Lights Parade and outdoor market
🎨 Citlali Delgado exhibit opens at MACC
🎤 Magoffin Home Brown Bag Lecture
✨ Third Thursdays Downtown
Plan your week with our events roundup.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/19/e...
Texas cannot use its new congressional map for the 2026 election and will need to stick with the 2021 map, a three-judge panel ruled Tuesday. The case will likely be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/18/f...
Federal court blocks Texas from using new congressional gerrymander in 2026 midterms
The decision is a major blow for Republicans, in Texas and nationally, who pushed through this unusual mid-decade redistricting at the behest of President Donald Trump.
elpasomatters.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Texas cannot use its new congressional map for the 2026 election and will need to stick with the 2021 map, a three-judge panel ruled Tuesday. The case will likely be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/18/f...
El Paso City Council halted a proposed transportation user fee before it even reached discussion, for now scrapping a plan that officials said could fund badly needed street repairs. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/18/e...
El Paso Council rejects proposed transportation fee intended to boost street repair funding
The move halts plans to create a dedicated street maintenance fund amid long-standing street repair budget shortfalls.
elpasomatters.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:59 PM
El Paso City Council halted a proposed transportation user fee before it even reached discussion, for now scrapping a plan that officials said could fund badly needed street repairs. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/18/e...
Brian Lusk, a top Dallas ISD official, has been named the sole finalist to lead El Paso ISD. The board’s unanimous pick will become official after a 21-day waiting period. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/18/b...
November 18, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Brian Lusk, a top Dallas ISD official, has been named the sole finalist to lead El Paso ISD. The board’s unanimous pick will become official after a 21-day waiting period. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/18/b...
Podcast: Texas Gas Service is seeking a rate hike that would raise monthly gas bills in El Paso by $10 to $15 and merge service areas statewide. The Railroad Commission will rule in January as the city pushes back on the utility’s profits, consolidation. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/17/p...
Podcast: Texas Gas Service seeks El Paso rate hike as electric, water bills set to increase
The proposal to consolidate service areas would lower rates in some regions, while increasing El Paso gas bills. Here’s how the proposal compares to planned El Paso Electric and El Paso Water rate…
elpasomatters.org
November 17, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Podcast: Texas Gas Service is seeking a rate hike that would raise monthly gas bills in El Paso by $10 to $15 and merge service areas statewide. The Railroad Commission will rule in January as the city pushes back on the utility’s profits, consolidation. elpasomatters.org/2025/11/17/p...
While you’re planning Thanksgiving sides, potential candidates are planning their election campaigns – with a filing deadline for the March primaries around the corner. Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 midterm races now taking shape.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/17/p...
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/17/p...
November 17, 2025 at 2:40 PM
While you’re planning Thanksgiving sides, potential candidates are planning their election campaigns – with a filing deadline for the March primaries around the corner. Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 midterm races now taking shape.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/17/p...
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/17/p...
El Paso will celebrate the lasting legacy of WWE Hall of Famer Eddie Guerrero on Nov. 18 — a tribute to the hometown icon whose charisma, corazón and Chicano pride still shape wrestling culture.
elpasomatters.org
November 16, 2025 at 2:35 PM
El Paso will celebrate the lasting legacy of WWE Hall of Famer Eddie Guerrero on Nov. 18 — a tribute to the hometown icon whose charisma, corazón and Chicano pride still shape wrestling culture.
El Paso students are shaping the 2026 elections — literally! Stickers designed by winners from Eastwood High and Coach Wally Hartley PK-8 will be handed out to voters.
Here are the ‘I Voted’ stickers El Pasoans will get at the polls in 2026 election
The El Paso County Elections Department selected student artwork for its “I Voted” and “Future Voter” stickers, continuing a local tradition that celebrates young artists and civic pride.
elpasomatters.org
November 14, 2025 at 8:55 PM
El Paso students are shaping the 2026 elections — literally! Stickers designed by winners from Eastwood High and Coach Wally Hartley PK-8 will be handed out to voters.
Texans, including 67,000 El Paso households, to start receiving full SNAP benefits Friday. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday ordered states to “take immediate steps to ensure households receive their full November allotments promptly.”
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/14/w...
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/14/w...
Texans to start receiving full SNAP benefits Friday - El Paso Matters
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday ordered states to send full SNAP benefits “promptly.” More than 67,000 El Paso households receive the food stamp benefits.The U.S. Department of…
elpasomatters.org
November 14, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Texans, including 67,000 El Paso households, to start receiving full SNAP benefits Friday. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday ordered states to “take immediate steps to ensure households receive their full November allotments promptly.”
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/14/w...
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/14/w...
This week in El Paso:
• City weighs street fee up to $11 a month for repairs.
• Musician’s GoFundMe reaches goal for surgery.
• Free flu shots offered citywide.
Read more in our weekly roundup.
• City weighs street fee up to $11 a month for repairs.
• Musician’s GoFundMe reaches goal for surgery.
• Free flu shots offered citywide.
Read more in our weekly roundup.
elpasomatters.org
November 14, 2025 at 2:45 PM
This week in El Paso:
• City weighs street fee up to $11 a month for repairs.
• Musician’s GoFundMe reaches goal for surgery.
• Free flu shots offered citywide.
Read more in our weekly roundup.
• City weighs street fee up to $11 a month for repairs.
• Musician’s GoFundMe reaches goal for surgery.
• Free flu shots offered citywide.
Read more in our weekly roundup.
Two major school districts are closing in on their next leaders. EPISD and Canutillo ISD start superintendent interviews next week — finalists could be named by early December.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/13/e...
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/13/e...
El Paso, Canutillo ISDs could soon name superintendent finalists - El Paso Matters
The EPISD and Canutillo ISD boards will interview candidates next week, with finalists expected to be named in early December and final hiring in early January.Both districts are expected to name…
elpasomatters.org
November 14, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Two major school districts are closing in on their next leaders. EPISD and Canutillo ISD start superintendent interviews next week — finalists could be named by early December.
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/13/e...
elpasomatters.org/2025/11/13/e...