FEMA: Webpage Launched to Respond to Rumors and Confirm Facts Related to Hurricane Helene Response and Recovery
After a disaster, rumors and misunderstandings can spread rapidly through traditional and social media and via word of mouth by friends, neighbors and colleagues. False or misleading information can harm survivors by causing confusion and preventing people from getting the help they need. FEMA has always used a rumor response page during disasters to get…
SBA: $9 Million in Grants Awarded to 49 Organizations Across America to Help Underserved Communities Access Development Funding and Innovative Research
Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, announced that the SBA has issued 49 grants up to $200,000 each to organizations supporting startups through specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. “FAST…
Agencies Announce Dollar Thresholds for Applicability of Truth in Lending and Consumer Leasing Rules for Consumer Credit and Lease Transactions
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Reserve Board today announced the dollar thresholds used to determine whether certain consumer credit and lease transactions in 2025 are subject to certain protections under Regulation Z (Truth in Lending) and Regulation M (Consumer Leasing). By law, the agencies are required to adjust the thresholds annually based…
Agencies Announce Dollar Thresholds for Smaller Loan Exemption from Appraisal Requirements for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency today announced that the 2025 threshold for higher-priced mortgage loans that are subject to special appraisal requirements will increase from $32,400 to $33,500. The threshold amount will be effective January 1, 2025, and is based on the…
Census Bureau: Household Pulse Survey Phase 4.2 Monthly Data Released
The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data from Phase 4.2 of the experimental Household Pulse Survey (HPS). The HPS is an effort by the Census Bureau and other federal statistical agencies to measure how emergent issues are impacting U.S. households from a social and economic perspective. Phase 4.2 includes new, reinstated and updated questions. Some previously asked…
SBA: 14 New Awards Announced for Regional Innovation Cluster Network to Drive Nationwide Small Business Growth, Job Creation and Innovation
Awardees Will Serve as Hubs for Local Economies in BioTech, Cybersecurity, Smart Manufacturing, and Agriculture Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, announced the expansion of the SBA’s Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC) network with 14 new awards. These awards aim…
HUD: Aid Offered to Georgia Disaster Victims
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for the State of Georgia and ordered federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene beginning on September 24, 2024, and continuing. President Biden issued a major disaster declaration in the State…
HUD: $5 Million Awarded to HBCUs to Conduct Housing and Community Development Research
Winston-Salem State University and Tennessee State University will launch research centers to study housing and community development challenges and opportunities in underserved areas Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $5 million to Winston-Salem State University and Tennessee State University to establish Research Centers of Excellence. HUD’s Research Centers of Excellence…
FEMA: President Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Tennessee
FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Tennessee to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Helene from Sept. 26, 2024 and continuing. The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties. Assistance can include…