Good morning, El Paso. Happy Monday! We have the news you need and things for you to do.

In today’s Border City Buzz:

• Secret Tunnels To Be Covered

• Guided Painting Lesson

• Miners Win, Again

Let’s get to it.

Around Town

El Paso Introduces Reading Challenge

The El Paso Public Libraries have launched “Reading in the 915,” a year-round challenge encouraging readers of all ages to explore the joy of reading and engage with library programs.

Participants can register online here, track their progress, and earn rewards, including monthly-themed stickers. Those who collect all 12 stickers are eligible for a special prize.

For more details, visit the El Paso Public Libraries website and help make El Paso a city of readers.

Secret Tunnels To Be Covered

Mexican authorities will seal a 300-meter clandestine tunnel connecting Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, discovered on January 10 by U.S. and Mexican security agencies.

The tunnel, hidden in a storm sewer system, features lighting, ventilation, and reinforced walls, allowing the passage of people or contraband. Officials estimate it took one to two years to construct.

The Mexican Attorney General’s Office is investigating its builders and potential complicity from authorities.

Pond Project In The Northeast

El Paso Water will host a public open house for the Will Ruth Pond Project on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Northeast Regional Command Center, 9600 Dyer.

Attendees can view exhibits and speak with the stormwater project team about the $15.5 million initiative.

Designed to reduce flash flooding in Northeast El Paso, the 93-million-gallon pond will collect stormwater from Dyer Street and nearby areas, protecting neighborhoods downstream.

The project aims to remove hundreds of homes from the floodplain, potentially reducing flood insurance costs and increasing property values. Construction will begin after property acquisitions are complete.

Things To Do

Guided Painting Lesson

Hope & Anchor Bar is hosting a guided painting class for ages 21+ on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 4012 N Mesa, El Paso, TX.

All materials and instructions are included with your ticket, which you can purchase here, and drinks are available for purchase from the bar as well as food from Sabertooth Food Co.

Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in. No outside food or drinks allowed. Contact Ashton at [email protected] or 915-455-1615 for more information.

This is perfect for all experience levels, so don’t feel like you have to be any good in order to join.

Get Your Zumba On

LiveActive EP invites you to a free group fitness class on January 20 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Gary Del Palacio Recreation Center (3001 Parkwood St, El Paso, TX, 79925).

Part of a city-wide movement promoting better health, this event encourages physical activity, improved nutrition, and mental wellness. Don’t miss this chance to stay active and healthy!

Weather

Monday

⬆️ 50 ⬇️ 21 | ☀️ | 1% chance of rain

Tuesday

⬆️ 38 ⬇️ 19 | ☀️ | 0% chance of rain

Wednesday

⬆️ 50 ⬇️ 26 | 🌤️ | 1% chance of rain

Sports

Miners Complete Road Sweep 🏀

The UTEP men’s basketball team bounced back with an 81-73 win over Florida International on Saturday, Jan. 18, completing a road sweep of Liberty and FIU.

Otis Frazier III led the Miners (14-4, 4-1 CUSA) with a season-high 22 points, while Ahamad Bynum added 18 off the bench.

UTEP shot 53.8% from the field and 78.9% at the free-throw line to secure their best start in 14 years.

This marks their first 4-1 start in CUSA play in a decade and four straight road conference wins. The Miners return home Jan. 23 to face Jax State at the Don Haskins Center.

If you want to attend the game, visit www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets or call (915) 747-UTEP.

Thank YOU!

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