ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The state of New Mexico is strongly objecting to a recommendation by federal nuclear regulators that a license be granted to build a multibillion-dollar storage facility for spent nuclear fuel from commercial power plants around the U.S. State officials in a letter submitted Tuesday to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said the site is geologically unsuitable and regulators have failed to consider environmental justice concerns. A group of state lawmakers also has raised concerns. New Jersey-based Holtec International wants to build what it has described as a state-of-the-art complex that could one day hold as many as 10,000 canisters of spent nuclear fuel.

 Retailers are preparing for a rapidly changing holiday shopping season.  The nation's largest retailer, Walmart, with four stores in Las Cruces, is among the firms making plans.  Here's a statement from Walmart: The holidays have arrived at Walmart and the retailer has adapted to meet the evolving needs of its customers who plan to shop differently this holiday season. After closely watching changing customer shopping behaviors and speaking with customers over the past six months, today the retailer is announcing how it plans to address three key shopping trends expected for this unique holiday season: an increase in online shopping, evolving wish lists, and the need for a fast, easy – and safe – shopping experience.

New Mexico voters will be asked on Nov. 3 to approve several general obligation bond questions, including two that will provide critical funding for the New Mexico State University system. There is no tax increase associated with approval of these bonds.

If approved by voters, GO Bond C will provide $30.46 million for construction, renovation and modernization projects across the NMSU system, including $18 million for biomedical and agricultural facilities at its Las Cruces campus. GO Bond B will provide $3 million statewide for university library resources, of which the NMSU system will receive a portion.

  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico has depleted its unemployment benefits trust fund and begun to use federal loans to keep up with claims. Workforce Solutions Secretary Bill McCamley told a panel of state legislators on Tuesday that unemployment trust reserves were exhausted on Sept. 8 and that the state has spent about $35 million in borrowed federal funds on claims. The federal loans if left unpaid can eventually trigger tax increases. New Mexico’s unemployment rate of 11.4% in August exceeds neighboring states as health officials take gradual steps toward reopening the economy and schools. About 123,000 people statewide are receiving unemployment benefits.

  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — In its latest attempt to bolster access to child care, New Mexico is allowing subsidies for parents who work or study remotely. Families at or below 200% of the poverty line can apply for assistance. The Early Childhood Education and Care Department said Tuesday that the changes allowing remote workers and students to use the subsidies are permanent. Parents have been struggling to balance work and child care with most schools closed because of the pandemic. Child care providers also have struggled to stay afloat with higher costs to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and lower profits because fewer children are allowed in their buildings at once.

  SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is pleased to announce that the state’s eight museums and seven of its historic sites will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2020. These facilities, which closed on March 16, 2020, may resume operation at 25% of normal capacity under the state’s current Public Health Order.

“We are excited to be reopening the doors to our museums and historic sites, and have been thoughtfully preparing to ensure the health and safety of our employees and visitors,” said DCA Cabinet Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego. “During closure, we have remained dedicated to preserving and celebrating the cultural integrity and diversity of New Mexico virtually, but we know New Mexicans are eager to experience our state’s rich heritage in person.”

  SANTA FE – New Mexico state health officials on Tuesday announced 110 additional COVID-19 cases and 3 deaths.

As of today, there are 69 individuals hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19. This number may include individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 out of state but are currently hospitalized in New Mexico. This number does not include New Mexicans who tested positive for COVID-19 and may have been transferred to a hospital out of state.

Per the state Department of Health, the most recent cases are: