Federal COVID-19 Rent and Utilities Assistance Set For Birmingham Residents
The City of Birmingham has received nearly $6.3 million in federal funding to assist residents who are unable to pay rent and utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding comes as part of a $25 billion program from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which began allocating money to states, territories, local governments and Indian tribes last month.
Funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance program was approved by the City Council during Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting. It was initially announced last month by Mayor Randall Woodfin, who said his administration had made the funding a “priority.”
“No one should be at a risk of losing their home or services due to economic hardships from COVID-19,” Woodfin said in a press release.
When the program becomes available, Birmingham renters will be able to apply as long as they meet the following criteria:
- They qualify for unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19;
- They demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability and;
- They have a household income at or below 80% of the area median.
Applications to receive funding aren’t yet being accepted; an information line for the program can be reached at 205-250-7537, and the program has a page on the city’s website.
Alabama GOP dismisses challenge to Tuberville candidacy
The Alabama Republican Party Candidate Committee dismissed the challenge filed by Ken McFeeters accusing Tuberville of not meeting the seven-year residency requirement to run for governor.
5 papers from the Super Bowl of Economics
Planet Money went to the annual meeting of the American Economics Association, and we saw some fascinating papers presented there.
I thought I’d heard my dad’s voice for the last time. A movie helped me find it again
A period drama, a Supreme Court case and voice our film critic hadn't heard in decades.
19 Winter Olympic storylines we’re watching (they’re not just about sports)
The Winter Olympics promise plenty of high adrenaline, fierce competition, historic firsts and emotional moments over 2 1/2 weeks. Here are some of the names and narratives to keep an eye on.
Privatizing Fannie Mae is risky. Would it be a win for taxpayers or Trump’s donors?
The idea has alarmed critics, who warn it could rattle financial markets and drive up mortgage rates, while potentially generating large profits for key Trump supporters.
Can’t wait for Olympic curling? Trying its Southern cousin: skillet curling
It might seem inelegant to yeet an iron skillet across an ice rink. But this spinoff sport has its own techniques and lingo: You can throw a turtle at the bacon, for instance.
