Damien D. Willis
Lead Reporter / Content Coach
Las Cruces, NM, United States
I'm a reporter for the Las Cruces Sun-News, part of the USA Today Network of newspapers. I primarily write about business, but I'm always up for telling a great story.
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Recent articles by Damien:
The Reporter's Notebook Podcast, Ep. 59: Oil, Gas and Energy in the Roundhouse
This week, we're joined by reporter Adrian Hedden to discuss legislation that could impact the state's oil and gas industry — and other energy stuff. → Read More
The Reporter's Notebook Podcast, Ep. 58: Senator Soules and the Smell of Roasting Chile
We talk to New Mexico Senator Bill Soules about the legislative session and his push to make the smell of roasting green chile the official state aroma. → Read More
The Reporter's Notebook Podcast, Ep. 57: Higher Alcohol Taxes?
This week, we're talking to reporter Ted Alcorn about a proposal in the New Mexico Legislature that would raise alcohol taxes across the state. → Read More
The Reporter's Notebook Podcast, Ep. 55: Carissa McGee and Juvenile Justice
This week, we’re talking to Carissa McGee, a former star basketball player at Mayfield. At 16, she stabbed her mom and sister. Now, she's fighting for juvenile justice. → Read More
The Reporter's Notebook Podcast, Ep. 54: House Minority Floor Leader Ryan Lane
This week, we’re joined by New Mexico House Minority Floor Leader Ryan Lane, an attorney who represents San Juan County. → Read More
The Reporter's Notebook Podcast, Ep. 53: Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth
This week, we’re talking to New Mexico Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth. We’ll be talking about this year’s 60-day session of the Legislature. → Read More
The Reporter's Notebook Podcast, Ep. 51: Migratory Birds are Dying
This week, we’re talking to NMSU professors Martha Desmond and Tim Wright about the recent deaths of migratory birds — and what can be done about it. → Read More
New Mexico’s Legislature will soon dole out a huge budget. Here’s what NMSU wants.
With about $9.4 billion on the line, here's a look at some of the things New Mexico State University will be asking legislators for. → Read More
Hidden gems, hometown heroes and local landmarks in Las Cruces: Looking back at 2022
Here, we look back at a year of hidden gems, hometown heroes and local landmarks. Here are the stories about Las Cruces you may have missed. → Read More
Las Cruces police officer returns to work 21 months after being shot. Here's Adrian De La Garza's story.
On the morning of Feb. 4, 2021, Ofc. Adrian De La Garza's career was nearly cut short by a bullet fired during a traffic stop on I-10 in Las Cruces. → Read More
Listen: Lauren Villagran talks about Venezuelan migrant traveling to New York City
This week, we’re talking to El Paso Times reporter Lauren Villagran, who covers immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border. → Read More
Flight planned to take Australian-American astronaut into space scuttled, for now
"NASA has directed UP Aerospace to scrub the planned launch that includes Celestis’ Aurora Flight," according to Celestis spokesperson Pazia Schonfeld. → Read More
UNM campus shooting raises questions about state's gun laws, possible charges
Saturday morning's shooting on the UNM campus has many wondering about gun laws on New Mexico's college campuses and what charges could be filed. → Read More
The Reporter's Notebook Podcast, Ep. 43: Crime Stats
More crimes were reported in Las Cruces in the first six months of 2022 than the same period in 2021. Justin Garcia explains why it's complicated. → Read More
The Reporter's Notebook Podcast, Ep. 42: Algernon D'Ammassa
This week, we talk to Algernon D'Ammassa. Earlier this month, Algernon returned to the Deming Headlight as the newspaper’s editor-in-chief. → Read More
Absentee ballots are now being issued for New Mexico voters
Polls opened Tuesday for early voting in New Mexico, and those wishing to vote by absentee ballot can now also request applications today. → Read More
The Reporter's Notebook Podcast, Ep. 37: New Mexico Poet Laureates
Lauren Camp was recently named to replace New Mexico's inaugural poet laureate, Levi Romero. This week, we talk to Levi and Lauren about her new role. → Read More
The Reporter's Notebook Podcast, Ep. 36: Yacone Family Tragedy
This week, we're talking to reporter Algernon D'Ammassa about the Yacone family tragedy, as well as the tough newsroom decisions about our coverage. → Read More
The first NM gubernatorial debate is tonight. But how do I watch in Las Cruces?
Here's how you can watch Friday night's New Mexico gubernatorial debate if you live in Doña Ana County. → Read More
The Reporter's Notebook, Ep. 35: Michael McDevitt
This week, we're joined by reporter Michael McDevitt, who has covered Las Cruces and Doña Ana County government for the past three years. → Read More