While the partial federal government shutdown reached its 24rd day this Tuesday, January 15, companies such as AT&T are reaching out to their customers impacted by the shutdown to assist paying bills.

No late fees and flexible payments

According to an AT&T advisory, for their customers affected by the shutdown, they are eligible for flexible payment options and most importantly waived late fees.

Here is their statement:

“For our customers affected by the shutdown, you are eligible for flexible payment options to keep your service running. Just because the government shutdown, doesn’t mean that your phone, TV, and internet should stop working too.

We’re here to help ease the burden of trying to pay bills on time during the shutdown. As long as the shutdown is in effect, our customer service team will waive late fees, provide extensions, and coordinate with you on revised payment schedules.

Consumers who pay their bill on att.com can get started here and DIRECTV customers can go here for instructions on how to take advantage of these flexible payment options. Business and FirstNet customers should direct inquiries to their AT&T billing contact which can be located on the account statement.”

Stepping up

JSU Litt - Fort Payne, Alabamale River Canyon Center — JSU Little River Canyon Center

Along with corporations such as AT&T, non-profits and volunteers are stepping up to make sure Alabama special places such as National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges.

For example, Jacksonville State University continues to run the Little River Canyon National Preserve Canyon Center and is organizing volunteers to pick up trash around the national park unit.

This past weekend, volunteers with the Wheeler National Wildlife Association held the annual Festival of Cranes at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.