Good morning, El Paso.

El Paso County Parks & Recreation will host 'Plunge into the New Year' at Ascarate Aquatic Center on Dec.

20 from 1 to 3 p.m., where families can dive for prizes and the first 20 registrants receive a free stuffed polar bear. Attendees should bring warm clothes after the plunge.

Deaf children will get to sign with Santa at a free holiday party at Peter Piper Pizza, 5230 E.

Paisano Drive from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, organized by El Paso SLI to boost inclusive celebrations & community connection.

TxDOT awarded $31 million for new trail segments in El Paso as the Paso del Norte Health Foundation secured funds to expand the countywide trail system for physical activity; the project will boost local outdoor options soon.

El Paso is set to host a free, family-friendly New Year's Eve Star Drop celebration at San Jacinto Plaza on Dec.

31 from 8 p.m. to midnight — powered by El Paso Electric with live music, DJs, and a countdown to 2026.

Mexican stand-up comedian Carlos Ballarta will perform his new tour, Naco Ladino, at the Magoffin Auditorium on Thursday, April 2, at UTEP campus in early 2026.

Tickets (starting at $50) went on sale Monday.

WalletHub's study placed El Paso seventh for least-sustainable credit card debt for 2026.

The report shows a median credit balance of $3,000 (median income $44,742) and a 93-month payoff time amid national trends, with overall debt still below record highs.

Texas law requires drivers to carry minimum auto insurance coverage of $30,000 per person for injury, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage according to CheapInsurance.com.

The report explains that consumers financing or leasing vehicles — or those with valuable assets — might consider higher limits for better financial protection.

El Paso County is hosting a community meeting today at 6 p.m. at the Ascarate Park Pavilion to gather public input on planned park renovations under the 2024 Capital Improvement Bond.

Exigo Architecture is leading the project design & community outreach efforts.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a plan to establish Turning Point USA clubs in all public high schools — schools that do not comply could face reporting to the Texas Education Agency.

El Paso parents expressed mixed opinions as the plan unfolds.

FBI El Paso warns online shoppers to be careful when clicking social media ads during the holiday season after receiving around 300 complaints for losses up to nearly $300,000 (including deals from Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist), advising buyers to check reviews and use credit cards for protection.

Residents on the El Paso side of the border have endured months-long noise from an aging vacuum station, and Sunland Park City Council approved $400,000 to replace it with a new lift station; CRRUA said bids will be requested in January — work is planned to start in March.

The Women’s Intercultural Center calls on USCIS to update its website so Spanish speakers can access the official civics test guide for 2025.

Mary Carter (the center’s executive director) said the change is needed for students applying for citizenship.

Evaga Desert Kitchen at 240 W.

Castellano Drive now offers Sushi Wednesdays (5 to 11 p.m.) with $8 sushi rolls, $5 appetizers, Japanese sakis, and cocktails, while unveiling holiday decor and seasonal menus; kids can join brunch with Santa on Dec. 14 and 20.

Christmas With C.S. Lewis

7:30-11:30 p.m. — El Paso Live — Cost Info TBD — Experience an emotional journey through C.S. Lewis's transformative Christmas celebrations influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien.

A Christmas Carol on the Border

7-9 p.m. — Woman's Club of El Paso — Enjoy a bilingual retelling of Dickens’ classic with local performers from elementary to high school.

Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — Oak & Antler American Tavern — Ticketed event — Embrace the holiday spirit in your ugliest sweater while enjoying games, contests, and festive cheer in El Paso.

Labor Market Information Workshop

9-11 a.m. — Workforce Solutions Borderplex - North Loop Center — Snacks Provided — Discover employment trends and skills employers seek in today’s job market.

UP AND RUNNING Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk

8:30-9:30 a.m. — Up & Running, El Paso, TX — Registration fees apply — Lace up for a festive 5K run/walk filled with holiday cheer.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

3-7:30 p.m. — The Plaza Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a delightful holiday classic with the magical performance of The Nutcracker.

Candlelight: Tribute to Juan Gabriel

6:30 p.m. — El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical tribute to Juan Gabriel in a stunning candlelit setting.