AP National News

EXPLAINER: How does moratorium affect high-vacancy Alabama?

By KIM CHANDLER - Associated Press

A federal freeze on evictions is slated to end July 31. That has raised concerns that thousands of Alabama residents will be unable to afford their monthly rent and face eviction. The state has set aside more than $263 million to help with outstanding rents, utility payments and other expenses. But extensive federal rules have slowed the flow of money to those in need. Alabama has long had one of the country’s more open rental housing markets. Vacancy rates were about 16% before the pandemic, far above the 7% national average. But numbers suggest rents are increasing. 

The Latest: LA County has 5th straight day of 1,000 cases

By The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County is reporting the fifth straight day of more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases. Health officials warned Tuesday that the more contagious delta variant of the virus continues to spread rapidly among unvaccinated people in the state. Los Angeles County is home to a quarter of California’s 40 million people. County officials reported new cases…