Damien Willis

Las Cruces

Lead Reporter, Columnist and Coach at Las Cruces Sun-News

Founder/Editor of @OrganMtnNews. Celebrated Introvert. Award-winning Journalist / Gov't PR Guy / Podcaster. Formerly @CrucesSunNews & @Hot103Radio. DM's open.

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Articles

Why I-10 near Lordsburg keeps killing drivers - Las Cruces Bulletin

4 days ago | lascrucesbulletin.com | Damien Willis

On Feb. 27, Joseph Malley was driving to work when an intense dust storm engulfed Interstate 10 near the Arizona state line. In moments, visibility dropped to nearly zero, triggering an 11-vehicle pileup. Malley, just 45, lost his life in the chaos, leaving behind his wife Janie and three school-aged children. Family members described Malley, a Rodeo, N.M. resident, on a GoFundMe page set up for his funeral as a compassionate, hard-working man who made others feel safe and valued.
Vasquez addresses Las Cruces mass shooting, calls for action and accountability

2 months ago | organmountainnews.com | Damien Willis

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain NewsLAS CRUCES - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez on Sunday called for unity, accountability and immediate action in the wake of Friday night’s mass shooting at Young Park — a tragedy he described as both personal and community-wide. “This is my community, this is my city, it’s my county,” Vasquez said during a press conference at Plaza de Las Cruces.
Las Cruces shooting now largest mass shooting in recent New Mexico history by total victims

2 months ago | organmountainnews.com | Damien Willis

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain NewsLAS CRUCES - The mass shooting that left three people dead and 15 others injured at a weekend car show in Las Cruces is now being recognized as the largest mass shooting in recent New Mexico history by total number of victims, according to data from past high-profile incidents. Gunfire erupted at Young Park on the evening of March 21 during an unsanctioned car club gathering.
UPDATE: 3 dead, 15 injured in mass shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces

2 months ago | organmountainnews.com | Damien Willis

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain NewsLAS CRUCES - A mass shooting Friday night at Young Park left three people dead and 15 others injured, Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story said during a press conference Saturday morning.
Vasquez criticizes Trump policies impacting southern New Mexico

2 months ago | organmountainnews.com | Damien Willis

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain NewsLAS CRUCES - U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez said Friday that recent executive orders and policy proposals from former President Donald Trump’s administration could have sweeping consequences for New Mexico — particularly in the state’s southern counties.
USDA ends $1B in local food programs for schools, food banks

2 months ago | organmountainnews.com | Damien Willis

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain NewsWASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has canceled two federal programs that provided more than $1 billion for schools and food banks to buy food from local farmers and ranchers — a move that could directly impact New Mexico families, food banks and producers, including in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County.
More details emerge: Gene Hackman and wife, Betsy Arakawa, found dead in their New Mexico home

Mar 7, 2025 | organmountainnews.com | Damien Willis

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain NewsSANTA FE — Gene Hackman, the actor known for his roles in The French Connection, The Conversation, Hoosiers and Unforgiven, was found dead along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26, 2025. Hackman, 95, died of heart disease exacerbated by advanced Alzheimer's disease, while Arakawa, 65, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare respiratory illness transmitted by rodents, authorities said at a joint news conference March 7.
Federal agents board school bus carrying LCHS swim team

Feb 23, 2025 | hot103.fm | Martin Fernandez Jr |Damien Willis

Courtesy of Organ Mountain NewsUnions call for answers after Border Patrol agents reportedly asked students for documentationDamien Willis, Organ Mountain NewsUPDATE: This article was updated at 4:17 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, to include a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. LAS CRUCES – New Mexico teachers unions are raising concerns over reports that federal agents boarded a school bus carrying student-athletes and asked for proof of citizenship.
Animas High teen accused of taking gun to campus

Feb 3, 2025 | organmountainnews.com | Damien Willis

Damien Willis, Southern New Mexico Journalism CollaborativeLAS CRUCES - A 16-year-old male student was arrested Monday, Jan. 27, at Animas High School for allegedly carrying a gun on campus. The incident reportedly happened during the second period, according to sources familiar with the situation. That’s when school administrators reportedly removed the student from the classroom — separating him from his belongings — and found the handgun.
NMSU honors Gutierrez-Olona with Roberts Memorial Staff Award

Dec 5, 2024 | organmountainnews.com | Damien Willis

Taeya M. Padilla, New Mexico State UniversityLAS CRUCES - Frances Gutierrez-Olona, Doña Ana Community College Dental Hygiene Program clinical lab manager and dental assistant, has been named this year’s Stephen W. and Robert E. Roberts Memorial Staff Award recipient. Gutierrez-Olona will receive the annual cash award for her dedication and outstanding service to NMSU as a non-exempt employee. She will be honored at a ceremony from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov.