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Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Ximena Cordero

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter

Ximena Cordero is a sophomore at the University of Texas at El Paso studying multimedia journalism with a minor in creative writing. She is a staff reporter at The Prospector. After graduation she hopes to work as a broadcast journalist in Formula One or pursue investigative journalism.

All content by Ximena Cordero
Floral artist Natalie Beagle opened the “No Me Olvides” exhibition Nov. 15 and 16. The display transformed a gallery into a whimsical indoor garden.

No Me Olvides presents The Indoor Garden, bringing a vibrant floral escape to the borderland

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter November 20, 2024
“No Me Olvides” ran by floral artist Natalie Beagle, brought a vibrant floral life to El Paso through The Indoor Garden. The two-day event offered visitors the chance to reconnect with nature.
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Artist Catherine Soderberg Esper with her avocado biomaterial. What was once just food waste is now artistry at its finest.

Catherine Söderberg Esper gives avocado waste a new purpose by creating sustainable building materials

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter November 14, 2024
Artist and architect Catherine Söderberg Esper created biomaterial using avocado waste. By using avocado pits, shells and skins Söderberg Esper recycles the materials to create eco-friendly construction blocks and bricks.
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Guard Delma Zita avoids rival player from Morehead State University on Nov. 10.

UTEP women’s basketball soars above the Morehead State Eagles in second home game

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter November 14, 2024
UTEP women’s basketball comes out victorious against the Morehead State Eagles 68-41 in its second home game, starting the Miners’ winning streak. The night also honored El Pasoan and UTEP alumni Kayla Thornton with a retirement of her jersey.
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The "Musica Sin Fronteras: Twentieth Century to Now" exhibit at the El Paso Museum of History opened April 27.

El Paso Museum of History celebrates the rich history of Borderland music with “Musica Sin Fronteras” exhibit

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter November 13, 2024
The "Musica Sin Fronteras: Twentieth Century to Now" exhibit at the El Paso Museum of History features items from musicians including Juan Gabriel, Khalid and Abraham Chavez, showcasing the Borderland’s rich history and impact on the music industry.
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The name Paydirt Pete came around in 1974, after a contest to name the University Mascot.

Once a Pete, always a Pete: Former Paydirt Pete shares his journey

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter November 9, 2024
In honor of Pete’s 50th Birthday on Nov. 7, former Paydirt Pete from 2018 to 2023, Emmanuel Bernal shares his experiences, challenges, and lessons he learned while being behind UTEP’s iconic mascot.
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Team Pete continues to honor this legacy by sharing the spirit of UTEP.

Discover the team that brings UTEP’s beloved mascot to life and ignites school spirit

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter November 8, 2024
Paydirt Pete has become the beloved symbol of UTEP, but it takes a team to bring him to life. Team Pete, led by Caesar Cubillos is the group of committed students who works to make sure Pete continues to bring spirit and memories to the UTEP community.
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Walking down the runway, model wears custom made denim outfit for the Death by Denim fashion experience.

Death and Rebirth: Junk Approved hosts ‘Death by Denim’ fashion show

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter November 7, 2024
"Death by Denim" fashion experience, hosted by designer Janace Griffin of Junk Approved, explored how the struggles of life can turn into something new and beautiful like how denim can be upcycled to create new pieces of clothing.
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The winners of the 2024 costume contest; Chainsaw Man, The White Rabbit, and Krusty the Clown.

UTEP’s costume contest brings Halloween spirit to campus in a showcase of creativity

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter November 6, 2024
Students and faculty gathered for UTEP’s Halloween costume contest to witness the contestants express their creativity, passion and humor. From whimsical characters to pop culture icons, the contest was stacked with fun and fierce competition.
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Texas’s 16th congressional district: Incumbent Veronica Escobar and challenger Irene Armendariz-Jackson face off

Texas’s 16th congressional district: Incumbent Veronica Escobar and challenger Irene Armendariz-Jackson face off

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter November 3, 2024
Incumbent Veronica Escobar and challenger Irene Armendariz-Jackson face off for a third time in the run for Texas’s 16th congressional district. The two candidates offer different perspectives on issues affecting students including student loans, reproductive rights, the economy, and immigration.
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Breast cancer awareness month educates the public about the importance of early detection, regular check-ups, and support for those affected by the disease.

Understanding risk factors and early detection can help in the fight against breast cancer

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter November 1, 2024
Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of early detection and lifestyle choices. Dr. Jennifer Molokwu shares that awareness and understanding risk factors are key to improving outcomes in the fight against breast cancer.
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Crossing the Line: Finding America in the Borderlands by Sarah Towle explores the complex realities of life along the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting personal stories of migration, resilience, and identity in the region.

Hope Border Institute’s election and migration event illuminates deadly immigration policies and community resistance

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter October 28, 2024
“Elections and Migration: Challenges, Opportunities, and Hopes,” an event hosted by the Hope Border Institute along with the UTEP Department of Chicano Studies, allowed students and community members to engage in discussions with guest speakers about deadly immigration policies and the community's resistance to them.
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Ruth Jerubet is a member of the track and field team and is the captain of the cross country team.

UTEP’s Ruth Jerubet named C-USA Athlete of the Week for two consecutive weeks

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter October 24, 2024

Conference USA (C-USA) named UTEP senior Ruth Jerubet the Women’s Athlete of the Week for two consecutive weeks for cross country, first on Sept. 17 and again on Oct. 1. Jerubet shared that while the honor was unexpected, it’s one of her proudest...

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Raised in El Paso, with parents from Ciudad Juárez, Franco faced challenges in his academic career. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

Hispanic Heritage Month: Roberto José Andrade Franco shares the importance of Hispanic voices in sports journalism

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter October 23, 2024
Roberto José Andrade Franco is a writer with ESPN. He shares the value that Hispanic and Latino voices bring to journalism and sports media by providing diverse perspectives. Franco also shared words of advice to aspiring journalist.
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Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

Liam Payne, singer, songwriter and former One Direction Member found dead at 31 in Buenos Aires

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter October 22, 2024
On Oct. 16, Liam Payne was found dead at 31 at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina after falling out of his hotel balcony. Payne had a successful career both as a soloist and as a member of boy band One Direction.
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Brave Books host their “Banned Book Sale” where they displayed an exhibit of these books, marked off in yellow ban tape.

Brave Books hosts sale on banned books highlighting the ongoing fight against censorship in Texas and across the Nation

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter October 18, 2024
As of Aug. 31, the American Library Assocation reported 414 attempts to censor library materials. In protest, Brave Books hosted a banned book sale in an effort to allow access to censored works and encourage readers to stay informed.
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KLAQ Haunted Houses of Terror showcases their new Halloween attractions in East El Paso.

El Pasoans can find thrills, chills, and festive fun at Halloween Events throughout October.

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter October 10, 2024
As the fall season begins and Halloween approaches, El Pasoans can celebrate the spooky season with pumpkin patches, fall festivals, haunted houses, and trick-or-treating events, costume contents and much more throughout October.
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The Oculto Film Festival featured fantasy and horror films created by borderland filmmakers on Oct. 4.

Oculto Film Festival showcases borderland horror with thrilling creations from local filmmakers

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter October 9, 2024
The sixth annual Oculto Film Festival was a bi-national event, taking place in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. The event gave horror enthusiasts a chance to watch films created by filmmakers from the borderland and around the world.
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Experts were available at Flora Fest to help teach customers how to properly take care of their new plants.

Florafest offered El Paso a chance to learn about native plants and support UTEP’s Centennial Museum and Gardens

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter October 7, 2024
Florafest, an event hosted by UTEP’s Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, took place Sept. 28. Customers could purchase native plants with the help of local gardening experts which helped support the museum and gardens.
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UTEP’s acceptance rate reflects the dedication to inclusivity and access to education for all

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter September 27, 2024
With a 99.9% acceptance rate, UTEP has a commitment to inclusivity and education access. While this raises sustainability questions, officials emphasize the university's dedication to student success as future growth is expected.
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UTEP's Center for Community Engagement held National Voter Registration Day at Leech Grove Sept. 17.

Voter Registration Day: Empowering communities and ensuring every voice is heard in the 2024 Election

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter September 23, 2024
Sep. 17 marked National Voter Registration Day. With the deadline to register on Oct. 7 and elections on Nov. 5, UTEP students and the El Paso community must be aware of deadlines and resources available.
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Santos Limon looks to unseat Texas’ 23rd Rep. Tony Gonzales ahead of historic 2024 general election

Santos Limon looks to unseat Texas’ 23rd Rep. Tony Gonzales ahead of historic 2024 general election

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter September 20, 2024
Santos Limon and Tony Gonzales are set to face off in the general election for Texas’s 23rd district. As the election approaches, Limon presented his visions and plans to the voters if elected. Santos Limon claimed victory in the Democratic primary election, and incumbent Tony Gonzales emerged as the winner in the Republican primary runoff.
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Blue and violet ribbons symbolize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: CAPS encourages students to seek resources and support

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter September 17, 2024
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. As college students, school life along with personal lives can be hard to manage and become overwhelming, but there are always resources to help manage a mental health crisis.
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Karen Carrillo is a drum major for the UTEP Marching Miners and part of the UTEP flute choir, wind symphony, and symphony orchestra.

Scotty Walden and the Marching Miners help ignite the Miner spirit on campus as football season starts

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter September 17, 2024
As a new football season starts, students share their excitement and hope for the upcoming season and for football Head Coach Scotty Walden who is bringing the energy to the Miner spirit.
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The wall of art at the Union Art Gallery Exhibit showing art that represents Chicano(a)s for Hispanic Heritage month.

El Paso celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with food, music, and arts in events throughout the city

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter September 16, 2024
Hispanic Heritage Month is commemorated takers place Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. In honor of this month, several organizations around El Paso will be holding events to honor and share Hispanic and Latino cultures.
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A look inside the newest Rubin Center exhibit Mud + Corn + Stone + Blue at UTEP

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter September 4, 2024
The new exhibit at the Rubin Center, Mud + Corn + Stone + Blue tells the entangled stories of the U.S agricultural crisis and political conflict in Central America.
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Centennial Museum Hosts Centennial Chill Out for students to de-stress, socialize and explore.

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter September 3, 2024
The Centennial Museum welcomed returning Miners back this fall semester with “The Centennial Chill Out.” The event allowed students to relax and socialize while participating in activities and exploring the museum’s exhibits.
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Voting for El Paso mayor candidates will be Nov. 5.

Renard Johnson, Cassandra Hernandez amongst those seeking El Paso mayor’s office following Oscar Leeser’s final term

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter August 30, 2024
It is time for El Paso residents to meet the mayoral candidates. Candidates Renard Johnson, Steven Winters, Elizabeth Cordova, and Cassandra Hernandez discuss their policies and hopes for the city if elected Mayor.
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Merriweather is a part of the UTEP Commercial Music Ensemble, Concert Chorale, and Chamber Singers.

Introducing UTEP’s 2024 Top Ten Seniors

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter May 13, 2024

One thing some parents and families can be proud of at UTEP’s commencement is being the people in the crowd cheering for their graduates that are acknowledged as one of the Top Ten Seniors. The UTEP Alumni Association annually honors exceptional students...

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Rio Bosque Wetlands faces an uncertain future amid TXDOT expansion proposal.

A threat looms on the horizon for the Rio Bosque Wetlands

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter May 8, 2024

The Rio Bosque Wetlands is a 372-acre park managed by UTEP’s Center for Enviornmental Resource Management (CERM).   According to CERM, the goal of the park is to restore the wetlands, riverside forests and wildlife that once surrounded the Rio...

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Morales returned to college after 12 years of being a hair stylist, even starting her own business along the way. Photos courtesy of christygcreative.

Finding your passions regardless of age

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter May 7, 2024

Not all college students take the traditional route of starting college after high school, some start but then decide that their aspirations lie in a different place, and for others life and its challenges get in the way.  UTEP student Mariah Morales...

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First-generation UTEP student James Rosberg has been navigating UTEP's resources through SSSP as he prepares to graduate this fall.

Student Support Services helps students on campus

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter May 1, 2024

Being a first-generation student can be a stressful and confusing experience for many. UTEP consists of 50% first-generation students, according to the university’s academic catalog, who are looking for a program that can help guide them through college...

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Has art hit the pause button?

Has art hit the pause button?

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter April 24, 2024

 Through several eras of art history such as the romantic era (18th-20th centuries), modern era (1900s-1970s), and the contemporary era (1970s-present).  Art has reflected artists’ personal lives, while also highlighting the ever-changing world.  Although,...

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El Paso saw an 8% increase in crime rates according to the FBI Quarterly Uniform Crime Report, which has caused conversation amongst the city. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

El Paso SWAT Standoff adds to concern over higher crime rates

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter April 23, 2024

Between 2022 to 2023, El Paso saw an 8% increase in crime rates, ranking it below five other cities: Washington D.C., Memphis, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Baltimore on the FBI Quarterly Uniform Crime Report for the cities of more than 500,000 people with...

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This April marks the 23rd year that the month will be recognized as the Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Photo courtesy of PICRYL.

I believe you: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter April 17, 2024

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is recognized in April and is a month dedicated to national and community outreach for the education and prevention of sexual abuse, harassment and assault.   The National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s...

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UTEP has had reports of pedestrian incidents in the last six months.

The crosswalk commandments

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter April 16, 2024

UTEP deems itself as a pedestrian-friendly campus due to renovations to make the campus more environmentally sustainable and ADA accessible according to UTEP’s center for environmental resource management. From heading to class, grabbing lunch, to going...

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Border Patrol agents gather as they head towards a group of immigrants.

Ongoing border crisis heightened after migrant breach

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter April 4, 2024

Hundreds of migrants breached the razor wire barrier alongside the Texas-Mexico border in El Paso March 21 in hopes of surrendering themselves to U.S Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents to get processed.   According to the El Paso Times, some...

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Olivia Rodrigo released a deluxe version of her album “GUTS” on Mar. 22, it added five more songs to the albums originally released 12 songs. Photo courtesy of GoodFon.

Get ready to be “Obsessed” with the emotional and playful “GUTS (spilled)”

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter April 3, 2024

After the highly anticipated and successful release of six-time Grammy nominated, sophomore album, “GUTS” Olivia Rodrigo expanded her catalog with a surprise deluxe version of the album that included five new songs making “GUTS (spilled)” on her...

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What it means to be a woman

What it means to be a woman

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter March 25, 2024

What does it mean to be a woman? There are many perspectives to what being a woman means, and as we celebrate women’s contributions and achievements during Women’s History Month, we get to see the different sides of being a woman. Female UTEP students...

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Principal Cynthia Ontiveros started the academy to allow young women’s voices and ideas to be heard.

All-girls schools are forming the leaders of tomorrow

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter March 22, 2024

Missed opportunities sparked the idea for Cynthia Ontiveros, Ph.D. to pitch a young women’s academy that was based on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD).  During high...

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The past two weekends marked the official start of the Formula 1 season with the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Lights out and away goes the F1 season

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter March 22, 2024

The past two weekends marked the official start of the Formula 1 season with the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. Fans of the sport have already begun making their predictions as the season continues and comparing the current season...

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The mayoral runoff election is scheduled for Dec. 14.

Is it time to say goodbye to daylight savings once and for all?

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter March 19, 2024

Daylight savings comes along every year with a list of pros and cons sparking a long-standing debate. Should people keep advancing their clocks on the second Sunday of March and are there any actual benefits to it in modern day?  The origin of daylight...

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Blue towers around campus mark the emergency call boxes which is a direct line to the campus police, if needed.

Should college students fear for their safety on campus?

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter March 18, 2024

The murder of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University sparked a political and national debate over immigration but also posed the question on whether college campuses are safe?  According to the New York Times, Riley went...

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There are multiple buildings on campus that people consider haunted.

The unexplainable tales of UTEP spirits

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter March 13, 2024

Founded in 1913, UTEP started as the State School of Mines and Metallurgy at El Paso with the first campus located in modern day Fort Bliss. However, the campus ended on a grim note, as a year after the school’s opening, it was destroyed in a fire....

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Jesse, Kimberly, Daniela, Emiliano, Sebastian, and Mariano are an example of a friend group who found each other by being themselves.

The Prospector’s ultimate guide to making friends on campus

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter March 11, 2024

The workload and rigor to the increase in student bodies are all bits of anxiety incoming students can feel trying to fit in on a new campus. Who will join them on their journeys through their college years is also a curiosity to satisfy.    According...

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Terrance Lamont Kinard Jr., was shot and killed Jan. 26, 2019, near a house party on Mount Whitney Dr, in Northeast El Paso.

Remembering Terrance Lamont Kinard Jr.

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter March 1, 2024

Terrance Lamont Kinard Jr., also known as TK to his family and friends, was 20-years-old when he was fatally shot near a house party Jan. 26, 2019, in Northeast El Paso leaving behind his family, friends and two children. The family of TK says he was...

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Border Patrol and Customs' only way to identify a Tren De Aragua member is by their tattoos. However, they hide them or wait to get them once they cross over.

Venezuelan Gang, Tren De Aragua a threat to borderland cities

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter February 27, 2024

The Tren de Aragua or “Aragua Train” emerged in the Tocorón prison in Aragua, Venezuela around 2012 and is led by Héctor Rustherford Guerrero Flores or better known as “Niño Guerrero.” The gang expanded to several Latin American countries including...

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Tis the season of love with our favorite loves

Tis the season of love with our favorite loves

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter February 16, 2024

The season of love is here, which means it is time to obsess over everything romantic. Whether you celebrate this holiday with a significant other or friends, we all need something to get us in the spirit of love and friendship.   With countless...

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It was announced on Feb. 1, that Lewis Hamilton will be leaving the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Team and switching to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season.

Everyone is a Ferrari fan, including Lewis Hamilton

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter February 14, 2024

Formula 1 fans were shocked on Feb. 1 when it was announced that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton would leave the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team and switch to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season.   Hamilton joined the Mercedes team in 2013...

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Mental Health Matters: Advice from fellow UTEP students

Mental Health Matters: Advice from fellow UTEP students

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter February 8, 2024

Being a university student is no easy task with endless amounts of assignments, essays, readings, Blackboard discussions, quizzes and exams. It is a cycle that can be hard to grasp onto whether students are freshman experiencing university life for the...

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Gypsy Rose was released from Chillicothe Correctional Center in Chillicothe, Missouri, on Dec. 28 and has since grown a large social media platform.

Idolized and scandalized: Gypsy Rose Blanchard

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter February 2, 2024

After eight years in prison, Gypsy Rose Blanchard was released Dec. 28, 2023, with many awaiting to see what her life would be post-release. However, her life had already been under the spotlight years before her release.  The story of Gypsy is one...

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The 2024 version of Mean Girls is a remake of the 2004 film and an adaptation of the Broadway musical.

“Mean Girls,” so fetch or not so fetch?

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter February 1, 2024

There is a new “Mean Girls” movie and yes, it is a musical. The movie has received many mixed reviews spanning from the fashion to the awkward product placement to some not even knowing that it was a musical in the first place, which caused a bit...

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The 81st Golden Globes Awards were held on Jan. 7 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

A not so golden moment at the 2024 Golden Globes

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter January 25, 2024

The 81st Golden Globes took place to recognize the achievements of film and television made in 2023, but the focus of this year's award show was not on the nominees, winners or fashion.  It was instead the host and his jokes made during the ceremony.   Jo...

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Don’t be ‘A–’ be ‘A+’

Don’t be ‘A–’ be ‘A+’

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter January 22, 2024

The American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage earlier this month. According to the Red Cross, blood donors have decreased by 40% throughout the past 20 years, with this past year reaching an all-time low.   The Red Cross shared some...

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Many young girls prefer to use mature skincare products instead of age-appropriate brands, and some have access to high-end products from Drunk Elephant.

Sephora, a little girl’s new best friend

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter January 19, 2024

A few years ago, stores like Claire's and Justice used to be filled to the brim with young girls running around, begging their parents for children's make-up to play in. Recently, young girls scrapped the idea of playing pretend and began purchasing real...

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Shakeen Hall-Smith sprints 200m.

Olympians in Sun City

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter January 16, 2024

El Paso is no stranger to great athletics, from professional teams like the Chihuahuas, the Locomotives, to UTEP sports teams. Added to that list are fourteen athletes currently training in the Sun City through the Hanany Olympic Project.   The Hanany...

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