Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How El Paso’s first West Nile death changes mosquito season precautions

Make time for Family Day Fiesta on the El Paso Patch calendar

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Saturday August 22nd Patch AM
Saturday August 22nd Patch AM (Patch graphic)

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 El Paso's first West Nile death changes mosquito season precautions
  • Why El Paso doctors fear more whooping cough without higher vaccine rates
  • Why EPISD's top bosses will be subbing in your child's classroom

Also on today's calendar: Family Day Fiesta and 4 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the longest word in the dictionary? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Record-tying heat, with a high of 103 and low of 78 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Hot, temps: high: 102, low: 76.
  • Monday: Record-breaking heat, with a high of 104 and low of 79 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. El Paso confirms first death from West Nile virus (ktsm.com) — El Paso health officials have confirmed the city's first death from neuroinvasive West Nile virus this year, and six local cases so far. Residents are urged to prevent mosquito bites, watch for flu-like symptoms, and report standing water by calling 915-212-6000 or 311. With recent rains, the city stresses extra vigilance to reduce mosquito breeding around homes and neighborhoods.
   

2. El Paso health officials urge vaccines as whooping cough cases rise in the city (kfoxtv.com) — Whooping cough cases are climbing in El Paso, jumping from zero in 2023 to 19 in 2025, and health officials are urging residents to stay up to date on Tdap vaccinations. Local Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza warns infants face the greatest risk of hospitalization and death. He's asking families to talk with their doctors and push back against vaccine misinformation circulating online.
   

3. EPISD confirms central office staff, including superintendent, must sub eight days this year (cbs4local.com) — El Paso ISD is requiring all salaried central office administrators, including the superintendent, to work as substitute teachers for eight days this school year to save money and reconnect with campuses. The move follows a financial exigency declaration and deep budget cuts aimed at closing a $47 million deficit. District leaders say the plan could eliminate millions in substitute costs while putting decision-makers back in classrooms.
   

4. Hallmark Could Never Make Up These El Paso Love Stories (krod.com) — El Pasoans have been dreaming up their own Hallmark-style love stories, complete with Chico's Tacos dates, Star on the Mountain moments, and family businesses that need saving. A local radio host asked listeners what a cheesy Hallmark romance set in El Paso would require, and residents responded with detailed, heartfelt plotlines rooted in familiar neighborhoods, sunsets, and traditions. The result is a surprisingly sweet portrait of how locals see their city's romantic side.
   

5. Star on the Mountain to light up for new Visit El Paso executive director (kvia.com) — El Paso's iconic Star on the Mountain is lighting up to honor Veronica Castro, the newly appointed executive director of Visit El Paso. With more than two decades of tourism experience, she'll lead efforts to grow the city's visitor economy and promote El Paso as a destination for travel, meetings, sports, and group events.
   

📸 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!

📣 El Paso Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Saturday August 22
  • Softball 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
  • Boys Soccer vs. Sybert
    Montwood Middle 11710 Pebble Hills 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
    • Tuesday August 25
  • All Star Eagles
    Vista Del Sol El El Paso, TX 79936
    8:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Finding my lost dog.
    Our loving and special girl wondered off when someone left the backyard door open and we desperately want her back. She goes by S a m m i e, and is… (Nextdoor Hacienda Heights)
  • Hello ‼️⚠️
    We have over 100 vacancies for night shift position at East Lake $16.00 an hour !!!!! Come and apply and get hired on the spot ! 10705 Gateway… (Nextdoor Lee - Turner)
  • ManpowerGroup posted a job opening for US - Material Handler - Level 1 - Lifting 30lbs+, machine operation in El Paso. Apply here.
  • TradeJobsWorkForce posted a job opening for Custodian 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: Smiles, because it has a mile between "s". (Thank you Sharon M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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