Regional & State

Factors making Kentucky a high-risk state for lung cancer include tobacco use, high rates of radon and the prevalence of vaping.

Chief Justice Debra Lambert said the judicial branch faces “serious challenges” when attracting and retaining qualified employees. 

In October, 645,461 used SNAP benefits to buy groceries in Kentucky. Those people are turning to food banks, which were already stretched thin in meeting the needs of a state with high rates of food insecurity and are now seeing even more visitors.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump walked back his administration’s plan to partially restore November food benefits during the ongoing government shutdown, saying on social media that payments through the SNAP would resume only when Democrats agree to reopen the 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.

Collins served as governor from 1983 to 1987, when Kentucky governors were limited to one term.  She was only the third woman in U.S. history to be elected governor of a state in her own right.

There was no immediate word from USDA on how it will implement the judicial orders, while the administration sought guidance from the courts.

The new regulation bans people from using aircraft or unmanned aircraft systems “to fish, hunt or take wildlife or to drive or herd any wildlife for the purpose of fishing, hunting or taking” or “to harass any wildlife.”