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What southern New Mexicans say they need from local news
A new Organ Mountain News assessment finds southern New Mexicans want clearer civic reporting, broader community coverage and stronger follow-through.
www.organmountainnews.com
You’re helping guide news coverage in southern New Mexico.
Hundreds of residents told Organ Mountain News what information they need, which communities are overlooked and how local journalism should improve.
Read the findings and OMN’s commitments:
Hundreds of residents told Organ Mountain News what information they need, which communities are overlooked and how local journalism should improve.
Read the findings and OMN’s commitments:
A Las Cruces woman has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison after prosecutors said she fled deputies at up to 110 mph before officers recovered fentanyl pills and a stolen handgun.
Las Cruces woman sentenced to 8 years for armed fentanyl trafficking
A Las Cruces woman was sentenced to eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to trafficking fentanyl while armed with a stolen handgun.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 26, 2026 at 2:57 PM
A Las Cruces woman has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison after prosecutors said she fled deputies at up to 110 mph before officers recovered fentanyl pills and a stolen handgun.
Anton Sigurdsson came to Las Cruces for the film incentive.
He came back because he liked working here.
The Icelandic director has now filmed two productions in southern New Mexico.
He came back because he liked working here.
The Icelandic director has now filmed two productions in southern New Mexico.
Icelandic director returns to Las Cruces for second film production
Icelandic director Anton Sigurdsson returned to Las Cruces to film “Pandemonium,” his second southern New Mexico production in the past year.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Anton Sigurdsson came to Las Cruces for the film incentive.
He came back because he liked working here.
The Icelandic director has now filmed two productions in southern New Mexico.
He came back because he liked working here.
The Icelandic director has now filmed two productions in southern New Mexico.
OPINION: Rep. Rebecca Dow argues New Mexico needs to move faster on watershed restoration — before the next heavy rain becomes another destructive flood.
Op-Ed: When the rain comes, will our land be ready?
Rep. Rebecca Dow argues New Mexico should accelerate watershed restoration and wildfire mitigation to help the land retain more rainfall and reduce flood damage.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 22, 2026 at 3:58 PM
OPINION: Rep. Rebecca Dow argues New Mexico needs to move faster on watershed restoration — before the next heavy rain becomes another destructive flood.
New Mexico’s expanded ballistics network has generated leads in more than 500 criminal incidents statewide.
It also helped investigators connect a firearm to two Roswell homicides.
It also helped investigators connect a firearm to two Roswell homicides.
New Mexico ballistics network generates leads in more than 500 criminal incidents
New Mexico’s expanded NIBIN ballistics network has generated leads in more than 527 criminal incidents, including two Roswell homicide investigations, according to state officials.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 19, 2026 at 9:09 PM
New Mexico’s expanded ballistics network has generated leads in more than 500 criminal incidents statewide.
It also helped investigators connect a firearm to two Roswell homicides.
It also helped investigators connect a firearm to two Roswell homicides.
DACC’s nursing program is the first in New Mexico to receive an international endorsement for its simulation training.
Students use mannequins and other equipment to practice clinical procedures and patient-care scenarios.
Students use mannequins and other equipment to practice clinical procedures and patient-care scenarios.
DACC nursing program becomes first in New Mexico to earn international simulation endorsement
Doña Ana Community College’s nursing program has become the first in New Mexico to receive a Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement from an international nursing simulation association.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 18, 2026 at 10:21 PM
DACC’s nursing program is the first in New Mexico to receive an international endorsement for its simulation training.
Students use mannequins and other equipment to practice clinical procedures and patient-care scenarios.
Students use mannequins and other equipment to practice clinical procedures and patient-care scenarios.
Sen. Martin Heinrich wants answers after reporting cited in his letter said the Interior Department spent more than $150 million on paid administrative leave in 2025.
He’s asking for a detailed accounting by Oct. 1.
He’s asking for a detailed accounting by Oct. 1.
Heinrich seeks details on Interior Department administrative leave spending
Sen. Martin Heinrich is asking the Interior Department to detail its spending on paid administrative leave and use of the federal deferred resignation program.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 18, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Sen. Martin Heinrich wants answers after reporting cited in his letter said the Interior Department spent more than $150 million on paid administrative leave in 2025.
He’s asking for a detailed accounting by Oct. 1.
He’s asking for a detailed accounting by Oct. 1.
OPINION: What happens when someone wants to serve in the New Mexico Legislature but can’t afford to work without a salary?
Logan Howard argues Amendment 4 could remove that barrier for young people and working families.
Logan Howard argues Amendment 4 could remove that barrier for young people and working families.
Opinion: Young people deserve to lead. We should make it possible
Logan Howard argues that paying New Mexico legislators would make public service more accessible to young people, working families and others who cannot afford to serve without a salary.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 18, 2026 at 4:55 PM
OPINION: What happens when someone wants to serve in the New Mexico Legislature but can’t afford to work without a salary?
Logan Howard argues Amendment 4 could remove that barrier for young people and working families.
Logan Howard argues Amendment 4 could remove that barrier for young people and working families.
A teenager missing for more than a year was found hiding in a closet during a police search of a Las Cruces home. Two women now face felony charges.
Two Las Cruces women charged after police find missing teen hiding in closet
Las Cruces police charged two women after finding a teenage runaway who had been missing for more than a year hiding in a closet.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 17, 2026 at 3:48 PM
A teenager missing for more than a year was found hiding in a closet during a police search of a Las Cruces home. Two women now face felony charges.
A distinctive hand tattoo helped investigators identify the masked man who robbed a Pioneer Bank branch on University Avenue. He has now been sentenced in federal court.
Las Cruces man gets more than three years for Pioneer Bank robbery
Jacob Ezekiel Martinez, 32, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for robbing a Las Cruces Pioneer Bank branch of $3,513 in August 2025.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 17, 2026 at 3:17 PM
A distinctive hand tattoo helped investigators identify the masked man who robbed a Pioneer Bank branch on University Avenue. He has now been sentenced in federal court.
More than two-thirds of New Mexico schools reviewed under the state’s new accreditation system were approved with conditions.
PED says the findings will shape targeted support and site visits this fall.
PED says the findings will shape targeted support and site visits this fall.
Most New Mexico schools receive conditional approval in first accreditation review
New Mexico’s first school accreditation review found 578 of 830 schools approved with conditions, while 67 received federal supervisory designations.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 15, 2026 at 1:39 PM
More than two-thirds of New Mexico schools reviewed under the state’s new accreditation system were approved with conditions.
PED says the findings will shape targeted support and site visits this fall.
PED says the findings will shape targeted support and site visits this fall.
Las Cruces has approved $1.35 million for Paseos Verdes, an 80-unit affordable housing project expected to begin construction this fall.
The project also clears the way for redevelopment of San Pedro Place.
The project also clears the way for redevelopment of San Pedro Place.
Las Cruces backs 80-unit housing project that will clear way for San Pedro Place redevelopment
Las Cruces approved a $1.35 million loan for the 80-unit Paseos Verdes development, a project that will help clear the way for redevelopment of San Pedro Place.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 14, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Las Cruces has approved $1.35 million for Paseos Verdes, an 80-unit affordable housing project expected to begin construction this fall.
The project also clears the way for redevelopment of San Pedro Place.
The project also clears the way for redevelopment of San Pedro Place.
NM State erased a 16-point deficit and tied Hawaii in the third quarter.
Then Hawaii scored the final 10 points and handed the Aggies a 29-19 loss in Honolulu.
Then Hawaii scored the final 10 points and handed the Aggies a 29-19 loss in Honolulu.
NM State falls 29-19 at Hawaii after second-half rally
NM State rallied from an early 16-point deficit to tie Hawaii in the third quarter but fell 29-19 Saturday night in Honolulu.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 13, 2026 at 12:32 PM
NM State erased a 16-point deficit and tied Hawaii in the third quarter.
Then Hawaii scored the final 10 points and handed the Aggies a 29-19 loss in Honolulu.
Then Hawaii scored the final 10 points and handed the Aggies a 29-19 loss in Honolulu.
Doña Ana County says some land-use reviews are slipping past a state-mandated 30-day deadline.
Commissioners unanimously approved another planner after officials warned delays can allow certain documents to be recorded without county review.
Commissioners unanimously approved another planner after officials warned delays can allow certain documents to be recorded without county review.
Doña Ana County adds planner as development reviews push past state deadline
Doña Ana County commissioners approved a new planning position after officials said application volume has risen about 20% since 2021 and some reviews are exceeding a state deadline.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 12, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Doña Ana County says some land-use reviews are slipping past a state-mandated 30-day deadline.
Commissioners unanimously approved another planner after officials warned delays can allow certain documents to be recorded without county review.
Commissioners unanimously approved another planner after officials warned delays can allow certain documents to be recorded without county review.
Looking for a night out?
“Acid Western” premieres tonight at the Rio Grande Theatre with live music, trick roping, bullwhip artistry, cowboy comedy and immersive video art.
Doors open at 7 p.m.
“Acid Western” premieres tonight at the Rio Grande Theatre with live music, trick roping, bullwhip artistry, cowboy comedy and immersive video art.
Doors open at 7 p.m.
‘Acid Western’ world premiere brings trick roping, live music and immersive art to Las Cruces
The world premiere of “Acid Western” comes to the Rio Grande Theatre Sept. 12 with trick roping, live music, immersive video art and interactive storytelling.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 12, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Looking for a night out?
“Acid Western” premieres tonight at the Rio Grande Theatre with live music, trick roping, bullwhip artistry, cowboy comedy and immersive video art.
Doors open at 7 p.m.
“Acid Western” premieres tonight at the Rio Grande Theatre with live music, trick roping, bullwhip artistry, cowboy comedy and immersive video art.
Doors open at 7 p.m.
Gabe Vasquez and Greg Cunningham are set to debate Oct. 16 in the NM-02 race.
Vasquez is also seeking a Spanish-language Univision debate and says Cunningham has not responded to the challenge.
Vasquez is also seeking a Spanish-language Univision debate and says Cunningham has not responded to the challenge.
Vasquez, Cunningham set Oct. 16 debate as Vasquez seeks Spanish-language matchup
Gabe Vasquez and Greg Cunningham are set to debate Oct. 16 on KRQE in the NM-02 race. Vasquez also says Cunningham has not responded to a Spanish-language Univision debate challenge.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 12, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Gabe Vasquez and Greg Cunningham are set to debate Oct. 16 in the NM-02 race.
Vasquez is also seeking a Spanish-language Univision debate and says Cunningham has not responded to the challenge.
Vasquez is also seeking a Spanish-language Univision debate and says Cunningham has not responded to the challenge.
Gustavo Dominguez has been sentenced to 90 years in prison for his role in the Young Park mass shooting.
Because he was 17 at the time, he will be eligible for parole after 25 years.
Because he was 17 at the time, he will be eligible for parole after 25 years.
Young Park shooting defendant sentenced to 90 years, eligible for parole in 25
Gustavo Dominguez was sentenced to 90 years for his role in the 2025 Young Park mass shooting but will be eligible for parole after 25 years under New Mexico’s juvenile code.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 12, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Gustavo Dominguez has been sentenced to 90 years in prison for his role in the Young Park mass shooting.
Because he was 17 at the time, he will be eligible for parole after 25 years.
Because he was 17 at the time, he will be eligible for parole after 25 years.
Gothic horror, vampires, queer romance — and a free reading at NMSU tonight.
Writer Jessica Alexander takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. for the Nelson-Boswell Reading Series in Milton Hall.
Writer Jessica Alexander takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. for the Nelson-Boswell Reading Series in Milton Hall.
NMSU to host public reading by award-winning writer Sept. 11
Award-winning writer Jessica Alexander will give a free public reading at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 in NMSU’s CMI Theater, followed by a discussion.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 11, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Gothic horror, vampires, queer romance — and a free reading at NMSU tonight.
Writer Jessica Alexander takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. for the Nelson-Boswell Reading Series in Milton Hall.
Writer Jessica Alexander takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. for the Nelson-Boswell Reading Series in Milton Hall.
Doña Ana County has approved $15.8 million in Colonias funding for two Chaparral wastewater projects expected to expand sewer service to more than 1,100 residents.
Doña Ana County approves $15.8 million in Colonias funding for Chaparral sewer expansion
Doña Ana County commissioners approved $15.83 million in Colonias Infrastructure Fund financing for two Chaparral wastewater projects expected to expand sewer service to more than 1,100 residents.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 9, 2026 at 9:14 PM
Doña Ana County has approved $15.8 million in Colonias funding for two Chaparral wastewater projects expected to expand sewer service to more than 1,100 residents.
Oracle told Doña Ana County commissioners Project Jupiter could seek grid power if its planned on-site system cannot secure an air permit.
The company says the current off-grid plan has not changed.
The company says the current off-grid plan has not changed.
Oracle says Project Jupiter could turn to grid power if air permit falls through
Oracle told Doña Ana County commissioners Project Jupiter could seek power from a grid provider if its planned on-site system cannot secure an air permit, potentially requiring further county review.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 9, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Oracle told Doña Ana County commissioners Project Jupiter could seek grid power if its planned on-site system cannot secure an air permit.
The company says the current off-grid plan has not changed.
The company says the current off-grid plan has not changed.
Las Cruces’ cashiering office will close from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow for staff training.
Several alternative utility payment options will remain available.
Several alternative utility payment options will remain available.
Las Cruces cashiering office to close for training Sept. 10
Las Cruces’ Cashiering Program will close from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 10 for staff training, with several alternative utility payment options available.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 9, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Las Cruces’ cashiering office will close from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow for staff training.
Several alternative utility payment options will remain available.
Several alternative utility payment options will remain available.
A Doña Ana County resident is asking commissioners to explain what they knew — and what they didn’t — when they voted for Project Jupiter.
Michelle Uribe’s letter to the editor:
Michelle Uribe’s letter to the editor:
Project Jupiter vote leaves unanswered questions for Doña Ana County
Doña Ana County resident Michelle Uribe questions whether commissioners had enough information about Project Jupiter’s water, electricity, permitting and environmental impacts before voting.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 9, 2026 at 12:18 AM
A Doña Ana County resident is asking commissioners to explain what they knew — and what they didn’t — when they voted for Project Jupiter.
Michelle Uribe’s letter to the editor:
Michelle Uribe’s letter to the editor:
Fall pet clinics are coming to Holman, Salem and Radium Springs.
Doña Ana County Animal Control will offer vaccinations plus appointment-only spay and neuter services from September through November.
Doña Ana County Animal Control will offer vaccinations plus appointment-only spay and neuter services from September through November.
Doña Ana County schedules fall spay, neuter and vaccine clinics
Doña Ana County Animal Control will offer vaccination and appointment-only spay and neuter clinics in Holman, Salem and Radium Springs this fall.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 8, 2026 at 10:26 PM
Fall pet clinics are coming to Holman, Salem and Radium Springs.
Doña Ana County Animal Control will offer vaccinations plus appointment-only spay and neuter services from September through November.
Doña Ana County Animal Control will offer vaccinations plus appointment-only spay and neuter services from September through November.
Have a great photo of the Organ Mountains?
Organ Mountain News is looking for reader photos we may be able to use in upcoming promotional posts. Send us your favorite shot and include your name and where it was taken.
Organ Mountain News is looking for reader photos we may be able to use in upcoming promotional posts. Send us your favorite shot and include your name and where it was taken.
September 8, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Have a great photo of the Organ Mountains?
Organ Mountain News is looking for reader photos we may be able to use in upcoming promotional posts. Send us your favorite shot and include your name and where it was taken.
Organ Mountain News is looking for reader photos we may be able to use in upcoming promotional posts. Send us your favorite shot and include your name and where it was taken.
New Mexico lawmakers want a broader federal review of DEA fentanyl practices, including allegations that agents allowed shipments to continue into the state rather than seizing them.
New Mexico delegation urges DOJ watchdog to broaden DEA fentanyl review
New Mexico’s congressional delegation is asking the Justice Department inspector general to expand its review of federal fentanyl investigations, citing whistleblower allegations involving DEA operati...
www.organmountainnews.com
September 8, 2026 at 4:58 PM
New Mexico lawmakers want a broader federal review of DEA fentanyl practices, including allegations that agents allowed shipments to continue into the state rather than seizing them.
Complaints about work before 7 a.m. prompted a city rewrite.
The proposal: Summer construction from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Council votes today.
The proposal: Summer construction from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Council votes today.
Las Cruces weighs 6 a.m. summer construction starts after complaints about early work
Las Cruces City Council will consider allowing construction to begin at 6 a.m. and continue until 8 p.m. during summer months.
www.organmountainnews.com
September 8, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Complaints about work before 7 a.m. prompted a city rewrite.
The proposal: Summer construction from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Council votes today.
The proposal: Summer construction from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Council votes today.