Racing a cop, ditching the mask, heading to the zoo: News from around our 50 states From USA TODAY Network and wire reports
Alabama
Montgomery: The city will offer 100 $50 Walmart gift cards each at four neighborhood COVID-19 vaccine clinics in an attempt to combat declining numbers in the state. The clinics will not require an appointment, insurance or identification. “Our goal has always been to protect the lives and livelihoods of everyone in Montgomery,” Mayor Steven Reed said in a statement. “The COVID-19 vaccines are our best chance to do so.” The city is also organizing free rides to and from the clinics for those without transportation. People can call 211 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays to schedule private transportation. Montgomery has also partnered with Uber on the initiative, and residents can use promo code 10MVMONTGOMERY to schedule a ride through the app. COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Alabama continues to decline rapidly, with the state
Portland failed to create a fair and transparent grant selection process, interpreted eligibility criteria generously and didn’t protect against misuse of funds in a rush to get relief money to small businesses in need during the heart of the coronavirus pandemic last year, according to a city audit.
Little Tokyo Community Council Reaches $100,000 in Donations to Small Business Relief Fund
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U&U Graphics, a neighborhood business since 1994, receives a $2,000 grant as part of the Small Business Relief Fund. (Photo courtesy of Little Tokyo Community Council)
The Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) has awarded a total of $100,000 in grant funding to 50 small businesses in Little Tokyo that have faced significant revenue losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the first round of distributions in November 2020, $2,000 grants were given to 25 of the community’s small businesses, a majority of them being legacy small businesses that have been open for more than 20 years, and the second round will help support 25 more treasured businesses that contribute to the cultural identity of the neighborhood.
The Small Business Relief Fund distributed grants and microloans ranging from $1,000 to $20,000.
To be eligible for the Small Business Relief Fund, businesses must be located within San Diego, have a valid San Diego business tax certificate, fewer than 100 employees, been operational for at least six months and must prove economic hardship due to the coronavirus outbreak.
An NBC 7 Investigates analysis showed that nearly $17 million was given out to local businesses through the program, but compared to other areas in San Diego, businesses in District 4 which includes Encanto, Skyline and Lincoln Park received much less money, only $309,000. That’s compared to District 3, which includes downtown, Hillcrest and South Park, where businesses received nearly $5 million, and District 2, which includes Clairemont, Pacific Beach, and Point Loma, and received a little more than $3 million.
An Appeal to Reason: The Case for City Funded Small Business Relief el-observador.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from el-observador.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.