Damien Willis
As seen in:
Organ Mountain News,
USA Today,
Yahoo News,
U.S. News and World Report,
SFGate,
The Toronto Star,
The Star (Malaysia),
Washington Times,
Austin American-Statesman,
Houston Chronicle,
KHOU-TV (Houston, TX)
and
Covers:
Business, education, entertainment, digital trends, charity, philanthropy in pop culture, counterculture, culture, pop culture, social networking, music, general assignment
Doesn't Cover:
penicillin, cat videos, kale & quinoa
Founder/Editor of @OrganMtnNews. Celebrated Introvert. Award-winning Journalist / Gov't PR Guy / Podcaster. Formerly @CrucesSunNews & @Hot103Radio. DM's open.
Articles by Damien Willis
Steinborn calls for review of New Mexico investments tied to Russia, Elon Musk
Las Cruces senator seeks disclosure of state holdings and divestment from Musk-controlled companies over concerns about Ukraine's access to Starlink Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - State Sen. Jeff Steinborn wants New Mexico to take a closer look at where it invests billions of dollars in public money, including whether any of that money supports Russia or companies controlled by billionaire Elon Musk. In a letter dated Thursday, Oct.
Mesilla considers ditch maintenance rules, animal-control fees
Town officials say unclear maintenance responsibilities and animal shelter expenses are prompting work on potential ordinance changes Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News MESILLA - The Town of Mesilla is examining possible changes to its community ditch maintenance and animal-control ordinances after officials identified questions about property owners' responsibilities and expenses associated with taking animals to shelters.
James Jones powers NM State past Sam Houston 30-24 for first road win
Running back rushes for 178 yards and converts a crucial fourth down as Aggies improve to 2-1 in Conference USA play Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News 178 Rushing yards for James Jones on 27 carries — the most by an Aggie running back since 2019. 11 Rushing yards allowed to Sam Houston, NM State's best defensive performance against the run since 2008. 22 of 23 Games in which the Aggie defense has forced at least one turnover. 3-0 NM State's record this season when rushing for at least 200 yards.
Anthony mother accused of choking 6-year-old daughter faces first-degree felony
Court records say the child struggled to breathe, suffered visible injuries and was offered a toy to keep quiet about the alleged assault The following article contains descriptions of alleged physical child abuse and violence against a young child, which may be distressing for some readers. To Report Abuse or Neglect in New Mexico: Contact the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) Statewide Central Intake at 855-333-7233 or dial #SAFE from a cell phone.
Vasquez presses social media CEOs again over illegal gun sales, youth violence
New Mexico congressman says Meta, Telegram and Snapchat have failed to stop weapons trafficking and cartel recruitment despite earlier warnings Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is renewing pressure on three major social media companies to crack down on illegal gun trafficking, cartel recruitment and youth violence, arguing that their existing policies have failed to prevent criminal activity affecting communities across New Mexico. In an Oct.
New Mexico sues Epstein associates, seeks to block $75 million in estate payments
Attorney General Raúl Torrez alleges Jeffrey Epstein's longtime attorney and accountant helped finance and conceal sexual abuse at Zorro Ranch and elsewhere The following article contains accounts of sexual assault, child sexual abuse and sex trafficking, which may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, confidential support is available 24/7 through the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or rainn.org.
Vasquez, lawmakers question proposed 64% cut to Forest Service trail funding
Thirteen members of Congress are demanding answers about staffing shortages, trail maintenance backlogs and wildfire preparedness, giving the Forest Service until Oct. 30 to respond. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez is among 13 members of Congress pressing the U.S. Forest Service for answers about trail maintenance, staffing shortages and wildfire preparedness as the White House proposes cutting federal trail funding by nearly two-thirds.
Former Las Cruces teacher pleads guilty to child solicitation charges
Wyatt Cornelius faces sentencing Nov. 5 after pleading guilty to two felonies; charges involving a second victim were dismissed under a plea agreement Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - A former Camino Real Middle School teacher and coach pleaded guilty Monday to two felony charges involving inappropriate electronic communication with a 14-year-old student, resolving criminal proceedings that included a second case involving another minor.
Aggies seek offensive rebound against Sam Houston in Wednesday CUSA matchup
NM State returns from a bye week after scoring just three points against FIU, facing a Bearkats defense ranked fourth nationally against the pass. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News 1. Establish the running game James Jones averages 99.8 rushing yards per game. A productive ground attack could ease the pressure against Sam Houston's fourth-ranked passing defense. 2. Pressure the quarterback NM State has 15 sacks this season, while Sam Houston has surrendered 17.
Heinrich, Cassidy propose reading specialists for every public school
The bipartisan LIFT Act would provide competitive federal grants to expand literacy support, drawing an endorsement from Las Cruces educator and New Mexico Teacher of the Year Nancy L. Orta. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News WASHINGTON - A bipartisan proposal from U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana would help public schools hire full-time reading specialists, with support from a Las Cruces educator recognized as New Mexico's 2026 Teacher of the Year.
More than 9,000 ballots cast in Doña Ana County as early voting expands
New Mexico voters have cast nearly 97,500 ballots statewide, according to figures released Monday. Tuesday is the deadline to request an absentee ballot. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News 9,080 Ballots already cast in Doña Ana County through early in-person and absentee voting. 97,494 Ballots cast statewide as of the Oct. 19 report. 7,956 Early in-person ballots cast in Doña Ana County — nearly 88% of its total. Oct. 20 Deadline to request a mail-in absentee ballot for the Nov. 3 general election.
LCPS weighs policy barring grade penalties for late work, absences
The proposed change would explicitly separate academic achievement from attendance, discipline and work habits, building on grading rules already in place. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces Public Schools is considering a policy change that would explicitly prohibit teachers from lowering students' academic grades because of late assignments, absences or disciplinary issues, reinforcing a grading philosophy the district has followed for several years.
Las Cruces considers $455,000 purchase of former Shook Tire property with no specific use planned
City officials call the vacant downtown property a potential redevelopment catalyst, but the proposed acquisition comes without an identified project or commitment to future use.
LCPS may act on lease default, sublease request at Alma d'Arte property
Tuesday's school board agenda identifies a default involving the Court Avenue property but provides no details about the violation, proposed subtenant or financial terms. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - The Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education could take action Tuesday on a lease default and proposed sublease involving the district-owned property at 402 W. Court Ave., home to Alma d'Arte Charter High School. The Oct.
Las Cruces weighs vacant-property registry with annual fees up to $8,000
Council will vote Monday on a citywide program covering properties vacant for at least two years, with escalating fees, a public registry and new enforcement authority. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - Property owners in Las Cruces could face annual registration fees as high as $8,000 for buildings and land left vacant for extended periods under a proposed ordinance the City Council will consider Monday.
Big promises, unanswered questions and a changing Renaissance Faire
Good Sunday morning from Organ Mountain News. It's Damien here. It's been a busy week across Southern New Mexico, and there's plenty worth your attention this morning. We've been digging into the promises and unanswered questions surrounding Project Jupiter, following county commissioners as they scrutinize their own government's audit response and tracking developments that affect families across our communities. Some of these stories involve billions of dollars.
NMSU’s rewritten youth-program rules require background checks, advance registration
The policy, approved in April and highlighted to Regents at a recent meeting, also adds training requirements and restrictions for some overnight programs involving minors Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - New Mexico State University has rewritten its rules for programs involving minors, imposing advance-registration, background-check and training requirements that university officials highlighted to the Board of Regents at a recent meeting.
Hatch Valley school board approves food pantry lease with Casa de Peregrinos, pending state approval
The nonprofit would provide community services instead of paying rent at a district-owned building in Hatch, while assuming responsibility for utilities. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News HATCH - The Hatch Valley Board of Education has approved a proposed lease allowing Casa de Peregrinos to use a district-owned building for community food assistance, with services provided in place of rent and the nonprofit assuming responsibility for utility costs. The board voted 4-0 Wednesday, Oct.
Luján, senators demand broadcasters repay taxpayers for Trump ads
Five Democratic senators want television networks to disclose their dealings with the White House as a federal judge orders a halt to government-funded ads promoting the president. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen.
Doña Ana County commissioners delay special audit measures, demand greater transparency
Commissioners postponed action on three corrective measures after questioning why audit-related documents were placed on the consent agenda and how they would be reviewed. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - Doña Ana County commissioners postponed action Tuesday on three measures intended to address findings from a special audit, after raising concerns about transparency, late-arriving documents and confusion over the role of the county's newly contracted inspector general. The Oct.
Hatch Valley schools weigh armed security as police staffing shortages complicate officer coverage
District officials say the Village of Hatch has struggled to retain officers, prompting discussion of school-employed security personnel and potential cooperation with the Sheriff's Office Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News HATCH - Hatch Valley Public Schools officials are considering alternatives for providing armed security on campus as staffing shortages at the Village of Hatch Police Department continue to complicate efforts to secure a school resource officer.
New Mexico election officials warn against voter intimidation, federal interference
A joint advisory from the secretary of state and attorney general outlines restrictions on law enforcement, unauthorized poll watchers and firearms at voting locations ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
Doña Ana County approves $129,600 to reinvent Renaissance Faire after Arts Council closure
Cruces Creatives plans to launch a reimagined festival called Mozaico in November 2027, drawing on assets and institutional knowledge inherited from the Doña Ana Arts Council. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - A Las Cruces cultural tradition that spanned more than half a century is getting a new organizer, a new identity and a $129,600 investment from Doña Ana County after the closure of the nonprofit that created it. County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday, Oct.
Oracle's renewable energy plan raises questions over Project Jupiter emissions, local benefits
County commissioners questioned plans to develop 2 gigawatts of carbon-free electricity that could be generated elsewhere in New Mexico without directly powering the Santa Teresa data center.
Appeals court overturns Doña Ana County child sex abuse convictions over excluded defense witness
The New Mexico Court of Appeals ruled that a district judge improperly barred a defense witness from testifying, reversing two convictions while allowing prosecutors to retry the case. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Court of Appeals has overturned two child sexual abuse convictions against a Doña Ana County man, ruling that a district judge improperly prevented a defense witness from testifying during a 2024 trial. In a memorandum opinion filed Tuesday, Oct.
More than 3,500 votes cast in Doña Ana County as New Mexico early voting continues
New Mexico voters have cast nearly 30,000 ballots statewide, with expanded early voting beginning Saturday and the absentee ballot request deadline approaching. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News 29,786 Votes cast statewide 3,532 Votes cast in Doña Ana County 81,153 Absentee ballots requested statewide 8,506 Absentee ballots requested in Doña Ana County Source: New Mexico Secretary of State, Oct. 13, 2026. Absentee requests are not votes cast.
New Mexico AG finds hunting outfitter set-aside unconstitutional, calls for reform
Attorney General Raúl Torrez says the state's hunting license system improperly benefits private outfitters. Las Cruces Rep. Nathan Small and hunting advocates are pushing for legislative changes.
Young Park sentencing, Flock cameras, flood tax relief and more
Good Sunday morning from Organ Mountain News. It's Damien here. You may have noticed this newsletter has been quiet for the past couple of weeks. I’ve been dealing with some very serious family matters that suddenly became the top priority. That is one of the realities of running a one-man independent newsroom. There is no backup shift, no second editor and no one else to hand the keys to when life intervenes. And sometimes, it does. Family comes first.
WNMU housing nears capacity as enrollment grows, staff pay gaps persist
Regents heard campus housing is 98% full while about 48% of non-represented staff remain below their salary-grade minimums Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News SILVER CITY - Western New Mexico University is confronting pressure on two fronts as enrollment grows: campus housing is nearly full and almost half of the university’s non-represented staff are being paid below the minimum for their salary grades.
What mattered this week — and what comes next
Good Sunday morning from Organ Mountain News. If the week got away from you, this is your chance to catch up on the stories that could shape what happens next — from public safety and education to housing, politics and the decisions local institutions are making now. We’ve pulled together the developments worth your time, with the context you need to understand why they matter. Let’s get into it.
New Mexico ballistics network generates leads in more than 500 criminal incidents
Statewide NIBIN system, including a machine at the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, has processed more than 2,000 ballistic acquisitions and helped investigators connect a firearm to two Roswell homicides Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - A statewide ballistics network that includes a machine at the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office has now processed more than 2,000 ballistic acquisitions and generated leads in more than 527 criminal incidents across New Mexico.
Two Las Cruces women charged after police find missing teen hiding in closet
Police say the boy had been missing for more than a year and was living at the women’s home Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - Two Las Cruces women face felony charges after police said they found a teenage runaway hiding in a closet at their home, more than a year after he was reported missing. Crystal J. Buster, 49, and Kim Renee Stevenson, 68, were arrested Sept. 11. Buster faces two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and two counts of child abuse.
Las Cruces backs 80-unit housing project that will clear way for San Pedro Place redevelopment
A $1.35 million city loan will help finance Paseos Verdes, where construction is expected to begin this fall and residents of 36 aging public housing units could eventually relocate Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - An 80-unit affordable housing development approved for city financing Tuesday, Aug. 8, is expected to become the new home for residents of an aging Las Cruces public housing complex, clearing the way for redevelopment of the San Pedro Place property.
One word changed the week
Good Sunday morning from Organ Mountain News. Some weeks are defined by a meeting, a vote or a breaking-news scramble. This one somehow got distilled into a single word. It was sharp, unexpected and, judging by the traffic, exactly the kind of moment readers wanted to understand for themselves. That probably says something about the week. Maybe about the moment we’re in, too. Either way, there was plenty else worth paying attention to — and a few stories that raised more questions than they answered.
Doña Ana County adds planner as development reviews push past state deadline
County officials say planning applications have increased about 20% since 2021, leaving a four-person division struggling to complete some reviews within 30 days Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - Doña Ana County commissioners approved a new planner position Tuesday after county officials said rising development activity has pushed some land-use reviews beyond a state-mandated 30-day deadline.
Doña Ana County approves $15.8 million in Colonias funding for Chaparral sewer expansion
Commissioners approved financing for two wastewater projects that combine state grants, low-cost loans and a county match Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - Doña Ana County commissioners approved nearly $15.83 million in Colonias Infrastructure Fund financing Tuesday for two wastewater projects that will extend centralized sewer service in Chaparral.
Oracle says Project Jupiter could turn to grid power if air permit falls through
Company representatives told Doña Ana County commissioners the project remains committed to its off-grid plan but acknowledged an alternative power source may be necessary if permitting changes Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - Oracle representatives told Doña Ana County commissioners Tuesday that Project Jupiter remains on track to generate its own power but acknowledged the company may need to pursue a grid-based alternative if its planned on-site power system cannot secure an...
Las Cruces cashiering office to close for training Sept. 10
Utility customers can use online, phone, drop-box and Walmart payment options during the temporary closure Organ Mountain News report LAS CRUCES - The city of Las Cruces’ Cashiering Program will be closed to the public from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, while staff attend a training session. Staff will not be available to assist customers during the closure, but utility customers can continue making payments through several alternatives.
Post siderail
on Cut through the noise Sign up for our free email newsletter to receive the latest headlines from Organ Mountain News
Las Cruces weighs 6 a.m. summer construction starts after complaints about early work
A proposed ordinance would expand the permitted summer workday from 11 to 14 hours while creating new enforcement standards. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - Construction crews could legally begin work at 6 a.m. and continue until 8 p.m. during summer under an ordinance the Las Cruces City Council will consider Tuesday.
Doña Ana County weighs $15.8 million in financing for Chaparral sewer expansion
Two projects would extend centralized wastewater service to areas benefiting more than 1,100 residents, allowing septic systems to be decommissioned. Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Doña Ana County commissioners will consider accepting nearly $15.83 million in state financing Tuesday for two wastewater collection projects in Chaparral.
Las Cruces weighs $2.8 million land buy as Royal Crossing housing plan shifts
Documents now describe a 90-unit senior development, replacing last year’s 108-unit multigenerational proposal Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - The Las Cruces City Council will consider a nearly $2.83 million land purchase Tuesday for a proposed affordable housing development that has changed in size and scope since council first committed funding last year.
Doña Ana County seeks Project Jupiter committee changes without disclosing amendment
Commissioners also are scheduled to appoint committee members Tuesday, but their names are absent from the public packet Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - Doña Ana County commissioners are scheduled Tuesday to amend the rules governing a new Project Jupiter monitoring committee and appoint its members — but the public packet does not say what would change or whom commissioners intend to appoint.
New Mexico attorney general delivers one-word verdict on Trump’s ‘New America’: ‘Pendejo’
Raúl Torrez offered no elaboration after responding to the president’s proposed rebranding of New Mexico Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News SANTA FE - New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez needed one word Monday to answer President Donald Trump’s suggestion that New Mexico be renamed “New America.” “Pendejo.” Torrez posted the Spanish-language insult on X above a screenshot of Trump’s proposal. His post offered no further explanation.
Las Alturas water project reaches council with $50,000 funding discrepancy
Council will consider adding $2.14 million for water tank and booster station improvements Tuesday Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - The Las Cruces City Council will consider adding more than $2.13 million to the city’s capital budget Tuesday for improvements to the Las Alturas Del Sol water storage tank and booster station. But the proposed budget amendment lists $50,000 less in grant funding than the financing agreement council approved less than three months ago.
Amendment 4 campaign kicks off Las Cruces canvass as new poll shows 39% support
Vote for Change says more than 45 volunteers knocked over 500 doors as the campaign begins statewide outreach ahead of the Nov. 3 election Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News LAS CRUCES - A campaign supporting Constitutional Amendment 4 kicked off a statewide voter outreach effort in Las Cruces over the weekend as a new poll showed the ballot measure with more support than opposition but a large share of voters still undecided.
The pressure points shaping southern New Mexico
Good morning! Damien here. Happy Sunday from Organ Mountain News. Some weeks arrive with a giant flashing headline. Others are quieter — until you start looking closely and realize a lot is moving underneath the surface. This felt like one of those weeks. There were court filings, water warnings, policy fights and a few decisions that may not look enormous on their own but could matter quite a bit depending on what happens next.
Sunland Park looks to revive city committees that existed largely on paper
Councilors said several committees had been created years ago but saw little or no council participation, prompting a review of five areas including public safety, housing and parks Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News SUNLAND PARK - Sunland Park officials are preparing to revive a collection of city committees that councilors acknowledged have existed for years but, in some cases, saw little meaningful participation from the City Council.
Sunland Park awards $1.34 million Anapra road project extending into Texas
Nine Degrees Construction will handle roadway, drainage, utility and concrete improvements along Calle Carrosel and Calle Obregon, including work across the state line Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News SUNLAND PARK - Sunland Park has awarded a nearly $1.34 million contract for the next phase of roadway, drainage and utility improvements in Anapra, including work that extends across the New Mexico-Texas line.
Attorney general backs Project Jupiter court challenges, alleges state agencies bypassed required process
Raúl Torrez says an air-permit schedule changed days after Project Jupiter representatives met with the Governor’s Office and asks justices to halt construction-related groundwater pumping pending a hearing Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News SANTA FE - New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez is backing two emergency Supreme Court challenges to Project Jupiter permitting decisions, arguing state officials bypassed legally required procedures involving both groundwater and air pollution — and,...
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Damien
Contact Damien, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack