From Tortugas to the newsroom: Elijah Rey Reyes joins the Bulletin

There is just something special about reporting in the same place that raised you. 

My name is Elijah Rey Reyes. I’m 24 years old, born and raised in Tortugas, in the city of three crosses, Las Cruces. Now, I am a newly hired writer here at the Las Cruces Bulletin. I grew up surrounded by everything this beautiful city has to offer from the culture, energy, and heart. Now, I get to cover it from the inside. 

I earned my bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in social media management in May of 2025. From there, I went straight to graduate school where I am currently pursuing my master’s in communications through Arizona State University's Hugh Downs School of Communications. All while beginning my first official reporting job.  

Before landing this job opportunity, I was working two jobs, one as a cook and another at Walmart. All while keeping my hopes and dreams alive. I always knew that journalism was what I wanted to do after college. Especially reporting. Just being able to do the storytelling, build connections, and engage with the community on stories I take on already feels like the dream. I am extremely grateful to be able to do that.  

Here at the Bulletin, I work extensively with general manager and executive editor Kurt Johnson to find and create stories that matter to the people of Las Cruces. I also love to shoot and edit my own photos, something I take pride in. I fully emphasize owning your full visual narrative. 

My goals here at the Bulletin are quite simple. To grow. I want to improve my writing, sharpen my interviewing, and build that much needed confidence one needs as a reporter with every assignment. I want to grow not only as a reporter, but as a young man who is barely getting his feet wet within this field.  
In my past, I’ve interned as an anchor for News22 at KRWG, helped produce visual pieces and stories for the newscast, and co-authored the documentary photojournalism book, “Small Villages of New Mexico,” with bothformer classmates and instructor, Bruce Berman.  

When I am not working extensively, I’m probably with my girlfriend, my close friends, family, or bumping EDM. If there is a Dallas Cowboys or Lakers game on, then you best believe I am locked in.  

“It’s a big world. The bigger you dream, the bigger you’re living it.”