Here’s a look at some local news brought to you by Silver City Radio.

At the time of compiling this report, the New Mexico Department of Health, announced a total of 27,790 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases with 15,518 tested as recovered. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County has risen to 110 total cases with 43 recovered; Luna County increased to 409 total cases and remaining at 150 recovered; Hidalgo County remains at 99 total cases with 67 recovered; and Catron County remains at 9 total cases with and increase of 4 recovered.

The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department has announced several amendments to childcare assistance regulations. The amendments include:

  • Teleworking will now be placed under the definition of “work” and online courses as “educational classwork” eligible for childcare assistance. In addition, graduate and post-graduate students will be eligible for childcare assistance.
  • Eligibility for childcare assistance will not be negatively impacted by a family member’s disability or incapacity to work or go to school.
  • ECECD will allow up to 3 months of childcare assistance for parents or guardians seeking employment. In addition, parents receiving emergency federal stimulus payments or unemployment payments will not lose their eligibility to receive childcare assistance.

These amendments were added to make it easier for families to qualify for childcare assistance during the effects of the COVID-19 shutdown and will take place immediately.

Southwest New Mexico ACT is announcing that the Grant County Co-Starters program is now accepting applications for a second round of programming for entrepreneurs. According to organizers, the nine-week cohort-based program equips entrepreneurs of all kinds with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action. The second session will begin on October 1st in Grant County. Visit swnmACT.org to learn more and apply for the upcoming the session.

This has been a look at some local news. Thank you for listening to Silver City Radio.