How and why I launched Organ Mountain News
After leaving the Las Cruces Sun-News, Damien Willis launched Organ Mountain News to restore essential coverage in southern New Mexico — without a paywall, and without strings attached.
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.
What New Mexicans should know about Real ID before the May 7 deadline
New federal ID rules take effect May 7. Here’s what New Mexico residents need to know about getting a Real ID and what to bring to the airport.
Vasquez wants to lock in rural broadband access — permanently
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez introduced a bill to permanently fund rural broadband, aiming to connect underserved areas with faster internet and better infrastructure.
What we’re hearing: Behind the scenes, we’re rethinking how stories travel
We’re rethinking how stories travel — from Bluesky outperforming X to our Sunday ICYMI push. Plus, a preview of our in-depth report on deadly dust storms on I-10.
Our impact, your stories
Organ Mountain News highlights its recent reporting impact — including Ben Archer Health Center’s policy reversal, rescinded special education stipends, and Amanda López Askin’s campaign launch.
Teachers blindsided as state pulls funding for $5,000 special education retention stipends
Some Las Cruces educators expected $5,000 retention stipends this year — but state officials say there was never a funding guarantee.
Amanda López Askin launches campaign for New Mexico Secretary of State
Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin has launched her campaign for New Mexico Secretary of State, pledging to defend voting access, fight misinformation and expand civic engagement.
What we’re hearing this week: special ed stipends, NMSU visa revocations, Young Park and I-10 dust crashes
We’re tracking fallout from canceled teacher stipends, investigating student visa revocations at NMSU and continuing our reporting on the Young Park shooting and I-10 dust storms — with your help.
Governor vetoes Slot Canyon Riverlands State Park bill
A plan to preserve 783 acres along the Rio Grande was vetoed by the governor, disappointing Southern New Mexico lawmakers and conservation groups.
