KENTUCKY — A Labor Day tradition continues, the end of the road approaches for extra unemployment benefits and several cities will host events to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 911 terror attacks. Those are some of the things happening this week in Kentucky. 

What You Need To Know

  • There will be no paddling at the Mayor’s Hike, Bike and Paddle event in Louisville

  • Federal unemployment benefits expire this week in Kentucky

  • Saturday marks 20 years since the 9/11 terror attack

  • Northern Kentucky and Western Kentucky will both host 5Ks Saturday to honor the men and women who died in the 9/11 terror attacks

Hike, Bike, Paddle

Monday marks Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer’s annual Hike, Bike and Paddle event, but this year, there will be no paddling.

Organizers canceled the paddling portion due to anticipated dangerous conditions on the Ohio River as a result of Ida.

The hiking and biking portions will still take place with modifications.

“All portions of this event have been reworked to make sure participants will be socially distanced,” said Fischer.

There is a new location this year. Participants start at the community boat house on River Road.

Unemployment benefits

Kentucky’s federal unemployment benefits expire Monday. That means people will no longer receive an additional $300 along with regular unemployment benefits.

This was a hotly debated topic. Even as surrounding states did away with the federal unemployment benefits, Gov. Andy Beshear defended keeping the $300 bonus. Beshear argued it provided a needed boat to the state economy.

Critics like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell argued it hurt the economy by creating incentives for people to take the benefits over finding a job, driving a workforce shortage.

9/11 5Ks 

Saturday marks 20 years since the 911 terror attacks. People can pay respects by participating in 5K events in Kentucky this weekend.

There will be an event in Northern Kentucky and Western Kentucky, both benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

That organization states its mission is to honor late New York City firefighter Stephen Siller who died saving others on Sept. 11, 2001.

You can find more information on how to participate in the Western Kentucky 5K here and the Northern Kentucky 5K here.