An Associated Press analysis found that only 2.4% of U.S. properties have federal flood insurance, while 8.4% face severe or extreme flood risk; policy counts have fallen by about 500,000 in five years as prices rise. In eastern Kentucky, many residents hit by the 2022 floods lacked coverage and faced costly, prolonged repairs, while federal aid covered only part of rebuilding costs. Efforts to make the program more affordable and improve flood-risk maps have stalled.
An Associated Press analysis found federal flood insurance covers 2.4% of U.S. properties, while 8.4% face severe or extreme flood risk; the number of policies has fallen by about 500,000 in five years as prices rise. In eastern Kentucky, some ZIP codes have coverage for no more than 5% of properties despite extensive risk. Many people hit by the 2022 floods lacked insurance and struggled to rebuild, relying on limited FEMA aid and charitable help. Proposals to make coverage more
The Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Andy Barr Tuesday at its lodge in Winchester, as the state mourned Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips, who died in the line of duty. Barr said Phillips’ death underscored the need to support police in Congress and criticized policies he said make policing harder. Democrat Charles Booker offered condolences to Phillips’ family and fellow Kentuckians.
Police leaders in Lexington and Richmond say traffic stops carry risks, reflecting on Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips, 28, who was shot and killed during a stop. Kentucky State Police said Phillips was the first trooper killed in the line of duty since 2015. Officers said most stops are low risk, but drivers’ reactions and what may be inside a vehicle are unpredictable. Richmond Police Chief Rodney Richardson urged drivers to follow instructions, while Lexington police asked motorists to slow down
Police leaders in Lexington and Richmond say traffic stops are never routine after Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips, 28, was shot and killed during a stop about 38 miles north of the Kentucky-Tennessee border. They said most stops are considered low risk, but officers cannot predict drivers’ reactions and rely on repeated training to reduce danger. Richmond Police Chief Rodney Richardson urged drivers to follow officers’ instructions, while Lexington Lt. Chris Van Brackel asked motorists to
Funeral services for Kentucky State Trooper Hayen Phillips will be held Sunday at noon CDT at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, with burial to follow at Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. Phillips was killed during a traffic stop on I-65; 51-year-old Emonnie Branch was arrested about four hours later. Gov. Andy Beshear ordered flags at state buildings lowered to half-staff on Oct. 4. The Kentucky State Police Foundation is accepting donations for Phillips’ family.
About 150 people gathered Monday at the Russell Springs Fire Department for a vigil honoring Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips, who died in the line of duty. Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas and fire department Lt. Tim Foley recalled Phillips’ childhood ties to the station and his goal of becoming a state trooper. They said his commitment to public service and impact on the community would be remembered.
Funeral services for Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden W. Phillips, 28, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Warren County on Sept. 28, will be held at noon CDT Sunday at E.A. Diddle Arena at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. He will be buried at Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. Gov. Andy Beshear ordered flags at state buildings lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Sunday. Phillips is survived by his wife and three children.
Kentucky State Police are sharing information about funeral services and a procession for Trooper Hayden Phillips, who was killed during a traffic stop on I-65 Monday. Authorities arrested Emonnie Branch, 51, of Portland, Tennessee, about four hours later. KSP also plans to provide information on ways the public can support Phillips’ family; the Kentucky State Police Foundation is accepting donations.
Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips was fatally shot during a traffic stop Monday on I-65 in Warren County, drawing comparisons with the 2023 killing of Scott County Deputy Caleb Conley on I-75. State Rep. Tony Hampton, who was Scott County sheriff when Conley was killed, said the cases share similarities and
Kentucky State Trooper Hayden Phillips, killed Monday, grew up in Russell County, where friends say his interest in law enforcement and public service began. He volunteered with local fire departments, worked as an EMT and was sworn in as a Russell Springs police officer in November 2021 before pursuing his goal of becoming a state trooper. Former colleagues remembered him as dependable and committed to helping others.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour stopped at Forcht Bank in Lexington’s Hamburg area for a roundtable with Central Kentucky business leaders. Participants discussed challenges to operating businesses, including affordability, and potential free-market solutions. The tour is scheduled to visit 20 states; after Lexington, the bus headed to Louisville, with stops planned in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.
Organizers in Versailles, Frankfort and Estill County say they are keeping fall festivals affordable as Kentucky families face inflation and rising living costs. A Gilmore Girls-themed festival in Versailles drew about 6,000 people Friday; one local business owner said the weekend’s sales helped her avoid closing. Frankfort’s Witches Night Out and Thriller Parade will be free, while Estill County’s River to Grow Music Festival offers a $50 weekend pass for 20 acts.