Heinrich, Cassidy propose reading specialists for every public school
Sens. Martin Heinrich and Bill Cassidy propose federal grants for school reading specialists, with support from Las Cruces educator Nancy L. Orta.
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.
More than 9,000 ballots cast in Doña Ana County as early voting expands
Doña Ana County voters have cast 9,080 ballots in the 2026 general election. State figures show 97,494 votes statewide as an absentee deadline approaches.
LCPS weighs policy barring grade penalties for late work, absences
Las Cruces Public Schools will consider a grading policy that prohibits penalties for late work and absences. The public can comment before adoption.
Las Cruces considers $455,000 purchase of former Shook Tire property with no specific use planned
Las Cruces City Council will vote Monday on purchasing the former Shook Tire site at 717 N. Main St. for $455,000, with redevelopment plans still undecided.
LCPS may act on lease default, sublease request at Alma d'Arte property
Las Cruces Public Schools may take action Tuesday on a lease default and sublease request involving the Court Avenue property occupied by Alma d'Arte Charter High School.
Las Cruces weighs vacant-property registry with annual fees up to $8,000
Las Cruces City Council will consider annual fees of up to $8,000 for long-vacant properties under a proposed registration and monitoring program.
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
NMSU’s rewritten youth-program rules require background checks, advance registration
NMSU’s rewritten rules for programs involving minors require advance registration, background checks and training while restricting some overnight youth programs.
Hatch Valley school board approves food pantry lease with Casa de Peregrinos, pending state approval
Hatch Valley school board members approved a proposed food pantry lease with Casa de Peregrinos, but the arrangement still requires state authorization.
