El Paso Daily Local Headlines: Measles update, pricey gas, election hiccups, and UTEP campus plans
El Paso, TX – March 6, 2026 – Measles cases tick up, gas prices stay elevated, election-day check-in issues draw attention, and UTEP previews a new campus park.
Top local headlines
El Paso’s Department of Public Health reported two additional measles cases on Thursday, bringing the city’s total to six. Officials said contact tracing is underway and urged residents to review vaccination records and get the MMR vaccine if they do not have proof of coverage.
Drivers are also feeling a squeeze at the pump. AAA data cited in local reporting shows El Paso with the highest average gas prices in Texas this week, after a sharp jump over the past seven days. Consumer advocates highlighted basics that can help stretch a tank, including steady highway speeds and properly inflated tires.
From Tuesday’s primary election: check-in tablets at some voting centers had technical problems, which led to slower lines and manual processing in places. A district court order later extended voting hours countywide to 8 p.m., with guidance on who could vote normally versus provisionally.
Campus & community
UTEP unveiled a long-range plan to transform the campus arroyo into a new central green space. Concepts for ‘Arroyo Park’ include a shaded pavilion, a bridge linking Texas Western Hall to the Union, desert landscaping, and an owl sculpture tied to El Paso artist Tom Lea. The university said the southern phase is targeted for completion in 2028, with full buildout planned by 2031.
For sports fans, UTEP softball opens Conference USA play at home this weekend with a three-game set against Sam Houston (March 6–8) at Helen of Troy Field. Alumni Weekend activities include the retirement ceremony for Chelsea Troupe’s No. 00 jersey on Saturday morning, and Sunday’s series finale shifts to an earlier start as daylight saving time begins.
Sources
- https://kvia.com/news/top-stories/2026/03/05/2-more-measles-cases-reported/
- https://kvia.com/news/top-stories/2026/03/05/gas-prices-in-el-paso-highest-in-the-state-amid-conflict-with-iran/
- https://kvia.com/news/2026/03/03/el-paso-county-elections-department-announces-hour-extension-for-voters/
- https://www.utep.edu/newsfeed/2026/march/utep-unveils-plans-for-to-transform-arroyo-into-natural-park.html
- https://utepminers.com/news/2026/3/5/utep-softball-opens-cusa-play-with-alumni-weekend-series-vs-sam-houston.aspx
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