Latest News

What: The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) Visual Arts Building will be closed until Wednesday, January 22 due to a water leak in the building. The leak occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 16 and was quickly contained.

No artwork in the building was affected, and the closure will not impact programs and events taking place in other buildings at the Center. More information will be published when available on the Center’s social media channels and nhccnm.org.

Where: NHCC Visual Arts Building, located at 1701 4th Street SW.

When: The Center will provide an update about an anticipated reopening on Tuesday, January 21.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) will not offer services (except for online registration for current students at Self Service Banner) on Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

This holiday coincides with the beginning of the spring 2025 semester. The first day of classes is Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

EPCC wishes good luck to all students for the upcoming semester.

More Information: https://www.epcc.edu/

Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Allstate and Arity for Unlawfully Collecting, Using, and Selling Over 45 Million Americans’ Driving Data to Insurance Companies

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Allstate and its subsidiary, Arity (“Allstate”), for unlawfully collecting, using, and selling data about the location and movement of Texans’ cell phones through secretly embedded software in mobile apps, such as Life360. Allstate and other insurers then used the covertly obtained data to justify raising Texans’ insurance rates.

Allstate, through its subsidiary data analytics company Arity, would pay app developers to incorporate its software to track consumers’ driving data. Allstate collected trillions of miles worth of location data from over 45 million consumers nationwide and used the data to create the “world’s largest driving behavior database.” When a consumer requested a quote or renewed their coverage, Allstate and other insurers would use that consumer’s data to justify increasing their car insurance premium.

These actions violated the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (“TDPSA”), which created heightened protections for Texans’ sensitive data, including but not limited to precise geolocation information. The law requires clear notice and informed consent regarding how a company will use Texans’ sensitive data. Allstate never provided notice or obtained Texans’ consent to collect or sell their sensitive data. This is the first enforcement action ever filed by a State Attorney General to enforce a comprehensive data privacy law.

“Our investigation revealed that Allstate and Arity paid mobile apps millions of dollars to install Allstate’s tracking software,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The personal data of millions of Americans was sold to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent in violation of the law. Texans deserve better and we will hold all these companies accountable.”

This lawsuit follows Attorney General Paxton’s lawsuit against General Motors and his ongoing investigations into several car manufacturers for secretly collecting and selling drivers’ highly detailed driving data.

To read the filing, click here.

Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest Presents Cookies & Cocktails Event in Las Cruces, New Mexico
An Unforgettable Evening of Creative Drinks, Fun, and Fundraising

Las Cruces, NM—January 7, 2025—Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest is excited to announce the highly anticipated Cookies & Cocktails event, set to take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM MST at Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001. This unique event will bring together community members for an unforgettable evening filled with delicious drinks, tasty appetizers, dancing, and a silent auction—all benefiting Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest.

The event will feature talented bartenders and mixologists who will create signature cocktails inspired by the beloved Girl Scout cookies. Whether you prefer alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages, there will be something to satisfy everyone’s taste. Guests will have the opportunity to sip and vote for their favorite drink of the night. In addition to the drinks, a selection of appetizers will be available throughout the evening.

The night will also include a silent auction offering incredible items, with proceeds going directly to supporting Girl Scout programs and activities across Southern New Mexico and West Texas. Guests can dance the night away to the lively sounds of the West Texas Band, making this event a perfect blend of fun, flavor, and philanthropy. Guests can pre-purchase tickets until Thursday, January 16, 2025, or at the door for $45.00.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM MST
Location: Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Tickets: $40.00 per individual, $300.00 per table of eight (8), $45.00 at the door

Supporting the Girl Scouts
All proceeds from the event will support Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. By attending, guests will directly contribute to programs that foster leadership, community involvement, and personal growth for girls in our region.

About Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest:
Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest is dedicated to empowering girls to lead with courage, confidence, and character. Through a wide array of programs and activities, the organization nurtures the skills and passion of girls, helping them to become leaders who make a positive impact on the world.

Las Cruces, NM – Farm and ranch work is long, difficult and dangerous, especially when the person doing it is challenged with a disability. New Mexico AgrAbility, the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum (NMFRHM) new exhibit, sheds light on how people with disabilities in rural areas gain access to technology, specialists such as occupational therapists, and other programs to maintain their livelihood and agricultural production while improving the quality of their lives.

AgrAbility is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program to assist farmers, food growers, and farm families who are touched by a disability, chronic health problem, or just getting older, which affects their ability to take part in an agricultural lifestyle. Imagine having a leg prosthesis and trying to drive a farm tractor, or a bad back and trying to ride a horse to round up cattle. People have overcome those challenges with help from the AgrAbility program.

The AgrAbility exhibit debuts to the public on Jan. 23. Visitors can engage with stories about farmers and ranchers who have overcome physical and mental challenges in their pursuit of their agricultural careers. The exhibit features a tractor simulator, which is an actual cab of a tractor designed for individuals with physical barriers, fiberglass cows, and a hoop house to immerse the visitors in what AgrAbility is all about.

“With diminishing numbers of individuals pursuing or continuing careers in agriculture, these programs provide an important resource for people’s involvement in food production,” Nathan Japel, NMFRHM curator, said. “We are happy to share the resilience and tenacity of these individuals in their pursuits of food, fiber, and fuel production. We hope our visitors will be able to spread the word about the resources and possibilities available to everyone.”

The New Mexico AgrAbility Project is a partnership of New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension, New Mexico Technology Assistance Program, Mandy’s Farm, and the University of New Mexico Occupational Therapy Graduate Program.

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New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The 47-acre interactive museum brings to life the 4,000-year history of growing food and fiber in this region. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, it features livestock, indoor and outdoor exhibits, barns, greenhouse, gift shop, and demonstrations.

https://nmfarmandranchmuseum.org

As a gift from the NM Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), six state museums will offer free admission on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (the National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum in Albuquerque; NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces; and Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Museum of International Folk Art, NM History Museum, and NM Museum of Art in Santa Fe). Divisions normally closed on Tuesdays will remain closed (NM Museum of Natural History & Science in Albuquerque, NM Museum of Space History in Alamogordo, and all NM Historic Sites). Admissions staff will issue refunds for tickets already purchased online for Tuesday, December 24.

DCA offices and facilities will close at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, so staff may enjoy time with their loved ones.

All state museums and historic sites will close for the state holidays on Dec. 25, 2024, and January 1, 2025, reopening the following day for the enjoyment of all.

https://newmexicoculture.org

Enjoy out of this world fun during Holiday on the Hill at New Mexico Museum of Space History

What: This space-themed family fun and community support event invites families to a festive, educational gathering. Visitors can enjoy free admission by donating two canned food items (per person) to support local community food banks. Children can explore space-themed activities on the museum’s 2nd floor.

When: Dec. 14, 2024, 10:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.

Where: NM Museum of Space History, 3198 State Rd. 2001, Alamogordo.

Why: Learn about New Mexico’s role in manned space exploration while supporting local food banks in our communities.

Visit our website at www.nmspacemuseum.org for more.

El Paso, Texas, November 22, 2024 – The Greater El Paso Football Showcase (GEPFS), presented by Charlie Clark Nissan Infinity, BSN Sports, Walmart, EPCC, Tint World, and Casas de Leon, will host the All-Star Draft Night Saturday, November 23, 2024, 5:00pm at the El Paso Community College Administrative Services Center Auditorium. Media is invited to attend.

All-Star players will be selected to the Red Storm, coached by Mike Pry (Coronado High School) or Blue Thunder, coached by Rudy Contreras (Del Valle High School). The draft will also feature Cheerleaders and Trainers drafted to their respective teams.

Merchandise and tickets will be on sale at the draft. DJ will be on hand, plus Prep 1 and El Paso Sports Network’s Media Row. The 32nd GEPFS All-Star Football Game will take place Saturday, December 21, 2024, 1:00pm at SAC II.

What: GEPFS All-Star Draft Night
Where: El Paso Community College Administrative Services Center Auditorium, Building A, 9050 Viscount, El Paso, TX 79925.
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024, 5:00pm-7pm
Who: Local high school football Seniors previously selected to the 32nd All-Star Game. Free and open to the public.

Information: GEPFS Co-Director Beau Bagley (310) 941-5529
Information: https://gepfs.org/

Photos courtesy: Prep1.

2023 Greater El Paso Football Draft Selection with Sponsors

2023 Greater El Paso Football Draft

AUSTIN – When you head out to the Black Friday sales with your credit card, remember to tap to pay or use a trusted payment app on a mobile phone when possible, instead of inserting your card into the payment pad or swiping the card to pay.

The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) have additional advice for avoiding credit card skimmers at the gas pump and at other payment devices, and they’ve gathered it into a PSA on the TDLR YouTube channel:

Most skimmers have been placed deep inside the gas pump cabinet and it won’t be obvious that something’s wrong, but there are still some things consumers can check for before using a credit card at a gas station:

• Look at the gas pump and cabinet – do they look damaged, or look like they’ve been tampered with?

At gas stations and other stores:

• Wiggle the card slot – is it loose?
• Look at the keypad – is it loose or does it look like something has been placed on top of it?
• Additional ways consumers can protect themselves:

Always use a credit card, not a debit card, if you’re not going to pay cash – this protects the PIN and prevents access to a bank account
Set card usage or transaction alerts for bank and credit card accounts. Most major banks offer apps that allow real-time monitoring of accounts.

Regularly monitor credit card and bank statements for fraudulent charges or suspicious transactions
The FCIC, which coordinates law enforcement investigations into organized financial fraud, was the first statewide unit of its kind in the United States and operates as a partnership between TDLR and the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. TDLR regulates motor fuel metering and quality and collects consumer complaints and merchant reports related to credit card skimmers. The Smith County DA aggressively investigates and prosecutes criminals engaging in organized financial crimes such as fraud related to gasoline pump skimmers.

About TDLR

TDLR provides regulatory oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Currently, the agency regulates 38 business and occupational licensing programs with almost 1,000,000 licensees across the state.

Visit TDLR’s website for more information and resources. You can search the TDLR licensee database, and also find past violations in which a final order was issued against companies or individuals. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202. TDLR representatives are fluent in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

El Paso, Texas, November 18, 2024 – Adversity might be what has motivated El Paso Community College (EPCC) student Daniel Dominguez to overcome the many challenges he has faced. Maybe it was being diagnosed with a learning disability when he was young, maybe it was the bullying, obesity, or maybe it was the death of his older brother.

Whatever it was, 19-year-old Daniel Dominguez used it as motivation to earn the Top Crown at the Mister Teen Universe International Pageant in the Teen Category, last week, in Panama.

At a young age, Daniel was placed in special education after being diagnosed with a delayed speech impairment and a delayed learning incapacity. Daniel grew to a 229-pound Defensive Lineman for the Americas High School football team, but tired of the bullying throughout his school years, he asked to be taken off the special education designation. “I struggled throughout school but with the help of wonderful teachers, therapists, and other staff, I was able to graduate like a normal student,” Daniel said.

But life was not without more challenges. Before his senior year, his older brother, Juan Carlos Dominguez Jr, died due to alcohol abuse and obesity. “I saw the heartache my parents went through and decided to make the best decision in my life,” Daniel added. “Within 3 months, I went down to 167 pounds. No one could believe the transformation I made.”

The sudden weight loss also meant less playing time on the football team, but with that new physique came new opportunities. Daniel was invited to participate in a modeling competition and won El Paso’s Top Model by Lijuro Productions. From there, his modeling passion grew, and in November 2023 won the award for the Audi of El Paso Male Top Model.

When he turned 18, his father told him “I am going to give you a birthday gift that could be a gift every day,” Daniel said. “I was expecting something nice, and he gives me this 600-page book on how to become a Personal Trainer, and I became the youngest International Sports Sciences Association Personal Trainer with Specialization in Nutrition, Body Building and Strength and Conditioning.”

“My father taught me that life will put obstacles before you, but you put the limits and don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot accomplish something productive in your life.”

“Being proud of you son is one of the greatest feelings I can have as a father,” Juan Carlos Dominguez Sr., Daniel’s Father, said. “Overcoming many obstacles to be the best of you.”

As a Nursing student at EPCC, Daniel has attended Fashion Week in Los Angeles, and works as a personal trainer. He just competed and won the Mister Teen Universe International Pageant in Panama, and plans more international pageants February 5-8, 2025, in Paraguay, and following that, he will travel to compete in Puerto Rico. Daniel enjoys charity work and hopes to assist the elderly and fight obesity when he graduates from EPCC.

“As I prepare to showcase my talent, dedication, and hard work on the esteemed stage of the competition, I don’t forget where I was and where I am. I had to face tragedy to realize that I needed to change my lifestyle and care for my health. Now everything is possible, and I have always believed in the power of determination and perseverance.”

Photos, courtesy: Dominguez Family

Daniel Winning at Mr Teen Universe in Panama

Daniel with the Teen Universe Crown

Daniel Dominguez Posing During a Competition

Updated work requirements will impact certain SNAP customers in 2025
Able-bodied adults without dependents ages 18-54 in designated areas will need to meet federal work guidelines

SANTA FE — Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, a new work requirement will take effect for some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers throughout New Mexico. Those directly impacted will receive a mailed notice from the Health Care Authority (HCA) starting November 12.

“We understand that this change may be significant for some of our SNAP customers and we are committed to supporting each individual through this process,” said Niki Kozlowski, director of Income Support Division. “We are working with our federal partners to ensure that all eligible New Mexicans have access to the food benefits they need.”

These work requirements are a federal requirement which apply to people who are between the ages of 18-54, are physically able to work, do not have any dependents (such as children or other individuals they care for), live in one of the designated areas (see below), and do not qualify for any other exception. There are certain exceptions which exempt an individual from having to comply with Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) work requirements, visit the FAQ page for more information.

The ABAWD work requirement changes will apply to SNAP customers who currently reside in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Eddy and Los Alamos counties. Additionally, this change will apply to those living in the following pueblos: San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Santa Clara and Laguna.

Current SNAP customers who fall under these criteria must meet specific work requirements to receive food benefits for more than three months. To continue receiving benefits, they must:

• Work a total of 80 hours per month. Work can be for pay, in trade for something other than money, or as a volunteer
• Participate and comply with a work program for a total of 80 hours per month. A work program could be the state’s SNAP Employment and Training which provides several services, including job search training, work experience, work activity/work-based learning, pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, internships, and on the job training
• Any other educational or training activities
• Any combination of work and work program hours for a total of 80 hours per month

ABAWD SNAP customers should confirm that they are exempt from ABAWD work requirements by contacting the Health Care Authority by:

• Reporting the exception online at YES.NM.GOV.
• Calling the HCA Consolidated Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465,?7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Visiting an HCA Income Support Division Office.