Damien Willis
@damienwillis.bsky.social
Founder/Editor of Organ Mountain News. Celebrated Introvert. Award-winning Journalist / Gov't PR Guy / Podcaster. Formerly Las Cruces Sun-News & Hot 103. DM's open.
Reposted by Damien Willis
In a national AI showdown, AG Raúl Torrez and 30+ state attorneys general are warning Congress a ban on state AI laws would jeopardize consumer protections and public safety.
Torrez joins coalition opposing federal block on state AI laws
Attorney General Raúl Torrez joined a bipartisan coalition of more than 30 attorneys general opposing a proposed federal moratorium that could bar states from enforcing their own artificial intelligen...
www.organmountainnews.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:01 AM
In a national AI showdown, AG Raúl Torrez and 30+ state attorneys general are warning Congress a ban on state AI laws would jeopardize consumer protections and public safety.
Reposted by Damien Willis
In his bid for governor, Sam Bregman is pushing for legislative reform including two-term limits for state legislators, salary changes and greater capital-outlay transparency.
Sam Bregman’s NM gubernatorial campaign calls for term limits for state legislators
New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Sam Bregman announced plans to limit legislative terms, increase session length, pay lawmakers and open the capital-outlay process to public review.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:59 PM
In his bid for governor, Sam Bregman is pushing for legislative reform including two-term limits for state legislators, salary changes and greater capital-outlay transparency.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Police arrested four teenagers following a 2 a.m. Saturday burglary at Strykers Shooting World, where suspects crashed stolen vehicles through a gate and roll-up door and fled with multiple firearms.
Four teens arrested in gun store burglary
Las Cruces police arrested four teenagers in connection with a weekend burglary at a local gun store that resulted in several firearms being stolen.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Police arrested four teenagers following a 2 a.m. Saturday burglary at Strykers Shooting World, where suspects crashed stolen vehicles through a gate and roll-up door and fled with multiple firearms.
Reposted by Damien Willis
“Flights are expensive and delays are frustrating,” says Rep. Gabe Vasquez, as he urges the DOT to restore airline consumer protections ahead of the holiday travel surge.
Vasquez urges DOT to restore airline compensation rules as holiday travel surge begins
Rep. Gabe Vasquez calls on the U.S. Department of Transportation to restore airline compensation rules for delays and cancellations ahead of peak holiday travel.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:33 PM
“Flights are expensive and delays are frustrating,” says Rep. Gabe Vasquez, as he urges the DOT to restore airline consumer protections ahead of the holiday travel surge.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Sen. Martin Heinrich addressed federal workforce cuts on public lands and rising health care costs during recent roundtable conversations in New Mexico.
The ripple effects reach workers, families and rural communities statewide.
The ripple effects reach workers, families and rural communities statewide.
Heinrich links Trump cuts to public lands workforce and rising health costs at roundtables
Senator Martin Heinrich holds two roundtables highlighting how Trump-era public lands workforce cuts and the refusal to extend ACA premium tax credits are driving job losses and higher health care cos...
www.organmountainnews.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Sen. Martin Heinrich addressed federal workforce cuts on public lands and rising health care costs during recent roundtable conversations in New Mexico.
The ripple effects reach workers, families and rural communities statewide.
The ripple effects reach workers, families and rural communities statewide.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Casa de Peregrinos expands its annual Hope for the Holidays effort with 6,500 Thanksgiving meal boxes for families across Las Cruces and Doña Ana County. The distribution happens Monday at the Pan Am Center.
Casa de Peregrinos, Nusenda to distribute 6,500 Thanksgiving meals in Las Cruces on Monday
Casa de Peregrinos and Nusenda Credit Union will distribute 6,500 Thanksgiving meal boxes Nov. 24 in Las Cruces as part of the annual Hope for the Holidays turkey giveaway.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Casa de Peregrinos expands its annual Hope for the Holidays effort with 6,500 Thanksgiving meal boxes for families across Las Cruces and Doña Ana County. The distribution happens Monday at the Pan Am Center.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Rising costs and child care strain are squeezing Latino families across southern New Mexico, according to a new report that centers lived experience in Doña Ana County.
Community leaders say rising costs, child care access and immigration fear are reshaping daily life for Latino families across southern New Mexico.
Community leaders say rising costs, child care access and immigration fear are reshaping daily life for Latino families across southern New Mexico.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Rising costs and child care strain are squeezing Latino families across southern New Mexico, according to a new report that centers lived experience in Doña Ana County.
Reposted by Damien Willis
The Sheriff’s Office is renewing its call for information in a June homicide east of Las Cruces. Deputies found Joseph Omar Ruiz dead near Dripping Springs Road and investigators are asking anyone with knowledge to come forward.
DASO renews call for information in June homicide case
The Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the June 5 death of Joseph Omar Ruiz as a homicide and is asking anyone with information to contact Central Dispatch or Crime Stoppers.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:48 PM
The Sheriff’s Office is renewing its call for information in a June homicide east of Las Cruces. Deputies found Joseph Omar Ruiz dead near Dripping Springs Road and investigators are asking anyone with knowledge to come forward.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A Las Cruces teen was charged federally after DASO responded to a call involving a firearm. Prosecutors say receiving a gun while under indictment can bring up to five years in prison.
Las Cruces teen charged with receiving firearm while under indictment
Federal prosecutors say a 19-year-old Las Cruces man illegally received a handgun while under indictment after investigators found Instagram photos and messages tying him to a weapon recovered during ...
www.organmountainnews.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:19 PM
A Las Cruces teen was charged federally after DASO responded to a call involving a firearm. Prosecutors say receiving a gun while under indictment can bring up to five years in prison.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A new federal report shows immigration and border-related prosecutions increased in New Mexico during the shutdown.
Federal shutdown period saw spike in immigration and border-related prosecutions in New Mexico
Federal prosecutors in New Mexico filed hundreds of immigration and border-related charges during the government shutdown, according to new data from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:41 PM
A new federal report shows immigration and border-related prosecutions increased in New Mexico during the shutdown.
Reposted by Damien Willis
LCPD arrested a 16-year-old boy in the Bugatti Drive shooting that killed a 21-year-old man and wounded three others. Police say witness videos were key to identifying him.
Las Cruces police arrest 16-year-old in deadly Bugatti Drive shooting
Police arrested a 16-year-old Las Cruces boy in the Nov. 15 Bugatti Drive shooting that killed a 21-year-old man and wounded three others. Detectives say public videos were key to the case.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:09 AM
LCPD arrested a 16-year-old boy in the Bugatti Drive shooting that killed a 21-year-old man and wounded three others. Police say witness videos were key to identifying him.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Las Cruces firefighters responded just after 11:30 p.m. Friday to a blaze at a home on Enchanted Drive. Two residents were transported to a local hospital. The investigation is ongoing.
Fire damages Las Cruces home, two residents hospitalized as precaution
Las Cruces firefighters extinguished a late-night house fire on Enchanted Drive that sent two residents to the hospital for precautionary treatment. The cause is under investigation.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Las Cruces firefighters responded just after 11:30 p.m. Friday to a blaze at a home on Enchanted Drive. Two residents were transported to a local hospital. The investigation is ongoing.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Las Cruces police are investigating a deadly house-party shooting at 2400 block of Bugatti Dr. One man died, three are injured. Residents who filmed the scene are asked to come forward.
One man killed, three injured in late-night shooting at Las Cruces house party
Las Cruces police are investigating a shooting that left one man dead and three people injured during a house party late Saturday on Bugatti Drive. Detectives are seeking cellphone video from attendee...
www.organmountainnews.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Las Cruces police are investigating a deadly house-party shooting at 2400 block of Bugatti Dr. One man died, three are injured. Residents who filmed the scene are asked to come forward.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Attention juniors and seniors in Las Cruces: time to shine. The Branigan Cultural Center is accepting submissions for the 2026 All-City High School Art Show. All media accepted. Deadline Jan 23. Don’t let AI-generated entries sneak in.
Branigan Cultural Center invites Las Cruces teens to enter 2026 All-City High School Art Show
Las Cruces high school juniors and seniors can apply now for the 2026 All-City High School Art Show at Branigan Cultural Center, featuring cash awards, a new format and a free framing workshop.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Attention juniors and seniors in Las Cruces: time to shine. The Branigan Cultural Center is accepting submissions for the 2026 All-City High School Art Show. All media accepted. Deadline Jan 23. Don’t let AI-generated entries sneak in.
Reposted by Damien Willis
NMSU is asking students, faculty, staff and community partners to join town-hall forums Nov. 19 and Dec. 9 as it develops its next strategic plan. Webcast available.
NMSU seeks input on strategic planning through town hall sessions
NMSU is holding a series of town-hall meetings to gather input on its next strategic plan. The university encourages all stakeholders to attend, offer feedback and help shape its future direction.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:21 PM
NMSU is asking students, faculty, staff and community partners to join town-hall forums Nov. 19 and Dec. 9 as it develops its next strategic plan. Webcast available.
Reposted by Damien Willis
The Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center will pause all pool operations Nov. 16–23 for routine inspections and maintenance. The Natatorium will offer extended hours during the closure.
Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center sets weeklong pool closure for inspections
The Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center will close its pools November 16 to 23, 2025, for annual maintenance and inspections, with extended hours at the Las Cruces Natatorium and adjusted fitness cente...
www.organmountainnews.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:15 PM
The Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center will pause all pool operations Nov. 16–23 for routine inspections and maintenance. The Natatorium will offer extended hours during the closure.
Reposted by Damien Willis
The New Mexico Department of Justice warns that unapproved and potentially unsafe weight-loss drugs are being sold outside licensed pharmacies. Officials outlined the risks in a consumer alert this week.
New Mexico Department of Justice warns consumers about unapproved weight-loss drugs
The New Mexico Department of Justice is warning residents about fraudulent or unsafe weight-loss drugs being sold online and through med spas, urging consumers to use only state-licensed pharmacies.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:17 PM
The New Mexico Department of Justice warns that unapproved and potentially unsafe weight-loss drugs are being sold outside licensed pharmacies. Officials outlined the risks in a consumer alert this week.
Reposted by Damien Willis
New Mexico lawmakers approved — and the acting governor signed — $162.5 million to cover SNAP benefits if federal aid stalls, protecting food assistance for 460,000 people.
New Mexico Legislature passes, acting governor signs $162.5M to cover SNAP payments if needed
The Legislature passed, and the acting governor signed, a $162.5 million plan to keep SNAP benefits flowing in case of a federal lapse, safeguarding food aid for hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:21 PM
New Mexico lawmakers approved — and the acting governor signed — $162.5 million to cover SNAP benefits if federal aid stalls, protecting food assistance for 460,000 people.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A major nod goes to the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico for its disaster relief efforts — 2025 Special Recognition Award, more than $2.5 million directed to impacted individuals and nonprofits, coordination across 12 counties.
Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico recognized for disaster relief leadership
The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico received a 2025 Special Recognition Award for leading collaborative disaster relief through its Greatest Needs Impact Fund.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:24 PM
A major nod goes to the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico for its disaster relief efforts — 2025 Special Recognition Award, more than $2.5 million directed to impacted individuals and nonprofits, coordination across 12 counties.
Reposted by Damien Willis
President Trump has nominated former NM Rep. Steve Pearce to run the Bureau of Land Management — a significant appointment for public-land policy in the Southwest.
Trump nominates former NM GOP Congressman Steve Pearce to lead federal public lands agency
President Donald Trump has nominated former New Mexico Rep. Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management, triggering criticism from conservation groups and energy industry support alike.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:18 PM
President Trump has nominated former NM Rep. Steve Pearce to run the Bureau of Land Management — a significant appointment for public-land policy in the Southwest.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has called the New Mexico Legislature back for a special session Monday — the goal: protect food-assistance programs for 460,000 New Mexicans, even after federal aid was restored.
NM special session moves ahead despite USDA release of full SNAP benefits
New Mexico officials say they will convene a special legislative session Monday despite the United States Department of Agriculture releasing full November food-aid payments to roughly 460,000 residen...
www.organmountainnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has called the New Mexico Legislature back for a special session Monday — the goal: protect food-assistance programs for 460,000 New Mexicans, even after federal aid was restored.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A 28-year-old man was killed and a 37-year-old suspect wounded in a double shooting outside Whiskey Dicks in Las Cruces, police say. The search continues for a third person who left the scene.
One man dead, another injured in double shooting outside Whiskey Dicks
Police say a 28-year-old man was killed and a 37-year-old suspect wounded after a confrontation turned deadly outside Whiskey Dicks in Las Cruces early Saturday.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:16 PM
A 28-year-old man was killed and a 37-year-old suspect wounded in a double shooting outside Whiskey Dicks in Las Cruces, police say. The search continues for a third person who left the scene.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Most Doña Ana County races are decided, but one Las Cruces City Council seat remains uncalled as ranked-choice tabulation continues.
Doña Ana County voters approve bonds, settle most local races as Las Cruces District 6 remains undecided
Doña Ana County voters backed major bond questions and decided most city and school board races, while one Las Cruces City Council contest remains uncalled pending ranked-choice tabulation.
www.organmountainnews.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Most Doña Ana County races are decided, but one Las Cruces City Council seat remains uncalled as ranked-choice tabulation continues.
Reposted by Damien Willis
A jury has found former Las Cruces police officer Felipe Hernandez guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the 2023 shooting death of Teresa “Terry” Leyva Gomez.
Former Las Cruces police officer found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in 2023 shooting
A Doña Ana County jury convicted former LCPD officer Felipe Hernandez of voluntary manslaughter in the 2023 shooting of Teresa “Terry” Leyva Gomez. The case tested police accountability and use-of-for...
www.organmountainnews.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:37 PM
A jury has found former Las Cruces police officer Felipe Hernandez guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the 2023 shooting death of Teresa “Terry” Leyva Gomez.
Reposted by Damien Willis
Doña Ana County leads southern New Mexico in early absentee turnout so far — a substantial share of the state’s total ballots returned.
Doña Ana County leads southern New Mexico in early absentee turnout
Doña Ana County voters have returned more than 12,000 absentee ballots, accounting for 9% of New Mexico’s total as of Oct. 31, according to state data.
www.organmountainnews.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Doña Ana County leads southern New Mexico in early absentee turnout so far — a substantial share of the state’s total ballots returned.