LCPS 6-12 academy plan draws pushback from MVLA families
LCPS is developing a new 6-12 academy for fall 2027, but MVLA families and board members are raising concerns about staffing, school culture, transparency and a fast approval timeline.
Damien Willis
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. Previously, he was a lead reporter for the Las Cruces Sun-News. From 2014 to 2017 he served as the newspaper's education reporter. He also worked for the District Attorney's office and LCPS.
Las Cruces explains water-reporting violations amid growing transparency concerns
Las Cruces Utilities says a drinking-water reporting violation stemmed from paperwork errors, as critics continue challenging the city’s handling of lead and galvanized pipes.
Sunland Park approves 1,202-acre Santa Teresa rezoning over planning commission objections
Sunland Park approved rezoning for a 1,202-acre Santa Teresa development despite planning commission objections over density, traffic, infrastructure and public engagement.
La Nueva Casita gets beer-and-wine approval under new ownership
Las Cruces approved a beer-and-wine license for La Nueva Casita Cafe, where new owner Israel Chávez says the goal is to preserve the longtime Mesquite Street restaurant.
LCPS budgets $65,500 for software that flags student safety threats
LCPS is budgeting $65,500 for Linewize Monitor, software used across all K-12 schools to flag potential threats, bullying and other student safety concerns.
Hatch man accused of robbery, ramming victim’s car over $50 debt
A Hatch man is accused of robbing and assaulting a man over a $50 debt before intentionally ramming the victim’s Camaro and fleeing, court records show.
Las Cruces councilors push for stronger oversight of Flock surveillance cameras
Las Cruces councilors are calling for stronger oversight of Flock surveillance cameras, including city-level rules, audits and a public data transparency portal.
LCPS replaced 11,000 devices this summer. Now it’s figuring out what the old tech is worth
LCPS replaced about 11,000 devices over the summer, generating roughly 200 pages of property dispositions as the district determines what its old technology is worth.
Santa Fe Brewing clears city hurdle for Las Cruces taproom near NMSU
Santa Fe Brewing won Las Cruces approval for a taproom near NMSU that will include Fusion Taco, patio service and up to a dozen new jobs.
