WASHINGTON, D.C. — People all across America, and especially in Eastern Kentucky, have been watching their everyday costs rise. From gas to food to utility bills, everything seems to be getting more expensive.

And starting next week, you can add the cost to mail a package to that list.

The U.S. Postal Service will implement a temporary 8 percent price increase on retail and commercial services such as Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select. 

The higher rates are due to rising transportation costs, but they are not permanent. The new rates will go into effect on Sunday and remain in effect until January 17. The Postal Service will make a decision at that time on whether additional measures are needed.

The cost of other services, including First Class stamps, will not be affected.

The Postal Service is not alone in its response to rising transportation costs. Commercial shippers have also been implementing fuel surcharges, and the Postal Service says its increase is a fraction of what others are charging.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last year, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell inserted language in the agriculture appropriations bill that would implement a near-total ban on all intoxicating hemp products.

Now, his cross-state colleague is seeking to put that decision in the hands of the states.

U.S. Sen. Dr. Rand Paul has introduced the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act, which would allow states and tribal governments to opt out of the ban by enforcing their own standards. The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

“Half the states have already set up their own smart rules, THC limits, age restrictions, and safety standards that let hemp farmers grow, manufacturers innovate, and consumers stay safe,” said Dr. Paul. “Washington shouldn’t wipe out those efforts or destroy jobs and access to products that help our veterans, our elderly, and families across the country. This bill gives states the freedom to regulate hemp responsibly while keeping dangerous synthetics off the market and ensuring products can move freely between states.”

The bill seeks to protect a $28 billion industry that was borne out of an accident. When the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp, it did so by legalizing hemp products that contained 0.3 percent or less of delta-9 THC. THC is the active drug that produces a high from marijuana. However, the bill did not regulate the amount of other types of THC, such as delta-8. That omission legalized the sale of intoxicating hemp products, such as vapes, gummies, drinks and candies.

Under the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act, states would be able to opt out of the ban, while leaving in place safeguards such as minimum age requirements and a ban on synthetic cannabinoids.

The bill has been endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Kentucky, U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Hemp Beverage Alliance, Hemp Industry and Farmers of America, and Cornbread Hemp.

“From our perspective, a balance matters,” VFW Kentucky Commander Nicole Horseman said. “A full ban risks cutting off access and slowing down research at a time when we should be learning more about what actually helps veterans, not less. The Veterans of Foreign Wars has been clear at the national level that we support continued research and access to alternative treatments, and we see your legislation as being consistent with that goal.”

Without intervention, the ban on intoxicating hemp products will go into effect Nov. 12.

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6-year-old David Brown is in the top 10 of national competition.

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Paintsville Tourism’s Kay Hall shares what it was like to be Childers’ music teacher.

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Senator Paul is proposing a new plan that will be more affordable for the working class.

The post Senator Rand Paul proposes new healthcare plan appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

A federal Judge in Rhode Island ordered Friday that the Trump administration cannot block SNAP benefits.

The money would need to come from the government’s contingency funds, the judge said.

Rhode Island U.S. District Judge John McConnell issued a temporary restraining order following nonprofits, unions, and cities complaining that the move was unlawful.

The suspending of SNAP benefits would cutoff food aid to millions of Americans.

“There is no doubt and it is beyond argument that irreparable harm will come to some people about the availability of funding for food for the family,” McConnell said by virtual video Friday.

The government contingency fund amounts to $5.25 billion, Reuters reported Friday.

The post Federal judge blocks Trump administration from cutting SNAP benefits appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

U.S. Senator Rand Paul explains for the Six Penny Plan will affect Kentuckians.

The post Senator Rand Paul Introduces Six Penny Plan appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

The Food and and Drug Administration has issued a press release recommending that 7-OH, an ingrediant in the herbal supplement kratom, be scheduled.

The post FDA Recommends Scheduling 7-OH appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

The Appalachian Regional Commission may have their budget greatly reduced by the Trump Administration.

The post ARC Receives Budget Cuts appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

With the passing of the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” local food pantries and community kitchens could be impacted in a big way.

The post How the Big, Beautiful Bill Could Impact Local Pantries and Community Meals appeared first on Mountain Top Media.