Government

The emergency funds, distributed through Feeding Kentucky’s network, are meant to provide short-term relief as demand surges statewide — though advocates note the aid can’t match the scale of federal support, which typically covers nine meals for every one provided by food pantries.

Following court orders to resume payments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will use $4.65 billion in contingency funds to cover roughly half of November’s SNAP benefits — but the money could take weeks or months to reach recipients.

Even as Kentuckians brace for delayed or reduced SNAP payments amid the ongoing federal shutdown, new federal rules are taking effect that expand who must meet work and reporting requirements to keep their benefits. Starting Nov. 1, most adults ages 18 to 64 — including veterans, the homeless, and former foster youth — must now document at least 80 hours of work or job training each month.

The order ensures that funding for the SNAP program continues to be available despite the shutdown.

East Construction Co. brought the building down in less than two hours Thursday morning.

Food banks are already feeling the pressure.

After a structural engineer said the building was in imminent danger of collapsing, the council approved an emergency declaration that includes a $58,564 demolition contract.

‘You pray that you don’t get sick,’ says one grandmother.

After a second inspection declared the Blue Streak building unsafe, Hopkinsville City Council will meet Tuesday to decide whether to order its demolition. The report has sparked public outcry and renewed debate over how to balance safety and preservation downtown.

Nearly 40% of the 42 million SNAP recipients nationwide are children 17 and younger, according to the USDA. About 20% are seniors.