Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How did your child’s district score amid El Paso’s budget crunch?
Also, don't miss Family Day Fiesta on the El Paso Patch calendar
Hi El Paso! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How did your child's district score amid El Paso's budget crunch?
- Serious crash closes key Upper Valley intersection; what we know so far.
- Why El Paso County wants a pause on new data centers now.
Also on today's calendar: Family Day Fiesta and 1 more event.
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hotter, with a high of 99 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Wednesday: Toasty conditions, temps: high: 103, low: 77.
- Thursday: Toasty conditions, with a high of 102 and low of 78 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. El Paso schools see gains in state accountability score despite financial challenges (elpasomatters.org) — Several major El Paso-area school districts improved their state accountability scores this year, even as they grapple with serious budget shortfalls and staff cuts. EPISD, Socorro, Clint and Canutillo all held or raised scores, while Ysleta dipped slightly but now has all high schools rated A. District leaders warn ongoing financial strain and upcoming tax and bond votes could affect future classroom success. 
2. 3 people injured after crash in El Paso's upper valley (cbs4local.com) — Three people were hurt in a crash Monday evening at Medano and Doniphan drives in El Paso's Upper Valley, with two victims suffering serious injuries. The El Paso Fire Department says all three were taken to local hospitals, and the intersection remains closed until further notice. Drivers in the area should expect delays and seek alternate routes while authorities investigate.
3. El Paso County asks Abbott to address 'rapid growth' of data centers in Texas (ktsm.com) — El Paso County commissioners are pressing Gov. Greg Abbott to ensure new state safeguards on rapidly expanding data centers also cover this region, which sits outside ERCOT's main grid. Their letter and resolution ask for a pause on new local data centers, stronger state oversight, and a special legislative session to protect water, infrastructure, and taxpayers. Officials say local governments lack leverage without statewide rules.
4. El Paso County approves lower property tax rate, average homeowner could still pay more (kfoxtv.com) — El Paso County commissioners have adopted a slightly lower property tax rate for 2026, but rising home values mean many El Paso homeowners will still see higher county tax bills. Officials chose the no‑new‑revenue rate, trading about $40 million in potential revenue for smaller tax increases, and say the new rate will show up on October bills once the 2027 budget is finalized.
5. Man caught on camera naked at Bel Air Middle School (ktsm.com) — El Paso police and Crime Stoppers are asking for tips after a man was recorded on surveillance video entering Bel Air Middle School in the Lower Valley late at night and walking around the campus naked. The suspect, described as a thin Hispanic man with long hair, beard and glasses, was seen on two consecutive nights, and anonymous tips could earn a cash reward.
📸 Around El Paso
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in El Paso
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- National Junior Ranger Day
Chamizal National Park 800 South San Marcial Street, El Paso, TX 79905
10:00 am - Family Day Fiesta →
Mesilla Plaza, Calle Principal, Las Cruces
10:00 am - Full Moon Nature Therapy Walk
Franklin Mountains State Park FranklinMountainsStatePark Map&Directions
8:00 pm - Annual Foodways Garden Harvest and Salsa Demo →
Fort Selden Historic Site, 1280 Fort Selden Rd, Radium Springs
10:00 am
Saturday August 22
Thursday August 27
Saturday August 29
📣 El Paso Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Back-To-School Dance
Vista Del Sol El El Paso, TX 79936 - MHS Family Literacy Night
Helen Ball El El Paso, TX 79936
5:00 pm - MHS Feeder Literacy Night
Montwood Middle 12000 Montwood Dr, El Paso, TX 79936, USA
5:00 pm - Montwood Feeder Literacy Night
Elfida Chavez El El Paso, TX 79936
5:00 pm - Boys Soccer vs. Sybert
Montwood Middle 11710 Pebble Hills Blvd, El Paso, TX 79936, USA
8:00 am - Softball vs. Sybert
Montwood Middle 11530 Edgemere Blvd, El Paso, TX 79936, USA
8:00 am - Baseball vs. Sybert
Montwood Middle 11530 Edgemere Blvd, El Paso, TX 79936, USA
8:00 am - Girls Soccer vs. Sybert
Montwood Middle 11530 Edgemere Blvd, El Paso, TX 79936, USA
8:00 am
Thursday August 20
Saturday August 22
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Question: does anyone know who to contact to clear out the bushes along Peyton and Beccles?
It's extremely dangerous making a left turn from Beccles onto Peyton since those bushes block the view nearly completely. (Nextdoor Horizon Hills Estates) - ⚡ High Ridge Area Power Outage Update
I'm aware of the power outage currently affecting the High Ridge area, including my own home. El Paso Electric has informed me that a crew is en… (Nextdoor Desierto Plaza)
- Kimco Facility Services, LLC posted a job opening for Warehouse Janitorial Associate in El Paso. Apply here.
- TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for Costco Forklift Operator in El Paso. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near El Paso here.
Ok El Paso! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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