coronavirus
Kentucky’s Reopening Brings Health Fears, Hope For Economy
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The decision to start a phased reopening took place amid a confluence of economic worry, social distancing exhaustion and political pressure.
Louisville Landlord Sued Over Late Fees, Eviction Threat
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The tenant told KyCIR she was unable to pay her rent due to the pandemic.
Louisville COVID Response Costs Top $8 Million
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The spending data offers a glimpse into local officials’ response to the pandemic: personnel costs are ballooning, and city leaders are tapping an array of companies for supplies.
Government
In Public Housing, Few Masks and ‘Petri Dish’ Common Areas
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The COVID-19 pandemic lays bare the quandary of life in public housing: staying home means dealing with a crowded, antiquated high rise, plagued with maintenance issues and infestations.
coronavirus
Louisville Officials Won’t Release Spending Records Amid Pandemic
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City officials said fulfilling the request for about three weeks of spending records would create an “unreasonable burden” on the government agency.
coronavirus
Among Mayor’s State Of Emergency Powers: Amending Union Contracts
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Mayor Greg Fischer’s executive order declaring a state of emergency granted him significant powers — including amending or selectively enforcing public sector union contracts.
Government
The Rent Is Due. What If You Can’t Pay?
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It’s the first new month since the coronavirus swept into Kentucky, and for thousands of families, that means the rent is due. Many, though, may struggle to pay that bill this month. The spreading COVID-19 pandemic has led to the shuttering of scores of business, sparking layoffs and furloughs. Renters make up about 33 percent of Kentucky’s 1.7 million households, according to data from the Metropolitan Housing Coalition. The rate is slightly higher in Jefferson County, where renters account for about 38 percent of households.
Unemployment Insurance: How It Works And How To Apply
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Note: This story has been updated to reflect changes since it was originally published on March 18. The coronavirus pandemic has left many in Kentucky jobless, and many more will lose their jobs in the coming weeks. Researchers at the Federal Reserve’s St. Louis district estimate the unemployment rate could hit 32 percent due to the coronavirus. But access to unemployment insurance has been greatly expanded for those who have lost their jobs to help ease the burden.
Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order on March 25, expanding unemployment eligibility to workers not typically covered by the program, including the self-employed, independent contractors, freelance workers, substitute teachers and childcare workers employed by religious groups and nonprofits.
Government
State To Halt Wage Garnishment, Driver’s License Revocations, Other Financial Levies
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The governor announced the measure in response to financial uncertainty, as the coronavirus spreads through Kentucky.
Business
Insult To Injury: State Adds 32% When It Collects UK Medical Debt
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Kristin Hurst walked into the Kentucky lottery office in Lexington in May of last year expecting to claim a $1,000 prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket. Instead, the lottery employee told Hurst there was a red flag on her account. From the parking lot, she made a nervous call to her fiancé. It was his ticket she was trying to cash in, but something was wrong. She had to go to the main Kentucky lottery office to find out what.