Ryan Van Velzer

Ryan Van Velzer

@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Managing editor of collaboratives at Louisville Public Media: Kentucky Public Radio and the Appalachia+Mid-South Newsroom: 7 NPR stations across Ky., W. Va. and Tenn. Based out of Louisville, Ky. Young Author's Greenhouse Board. Mass shooting survivor

4.9K followers795 following1K posts

Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Republican Ralph Alvarado squared off against Democrat Zach Dembo on the debate stage Thursday night as Kentucky’s 6th Congressional district becomes a heated battleground. www.lpm.org/news/2026-10...

lpm.orgDembo, Alvarado debate AI, tax cuts and healthcare in Kentucky race for US HouseRepublican Ralph Alvarado squared off against Democrat Zach Dembo on the debate stage Thursday night as Kentucky’s 6th Congressional district becomes a heated battleground.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

A new Kentucky state law gives candidates more time to file their campaign finance reports, making it more difficult for Kentuckians to know who is spending to get their chosen candidates elected in the final days of their campaigns. www.lpm.org/news/2026-10...

lpm.orgWho’s spending big in the final days of the Kentucky elections? We may have to wait to find outA new Kentucky state law gives candidates more time to file their campaign finance reports, making it more difficult for Kentuckians to know who is spending to get their chosen candidates elected in t...
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Voting rights and electronic privacy groups are suing the Department of Homeland Security for compiling sensitive data on Kentucky voters. State election officials have refused to share that information. www.lpm.org/news/2026-10...

lpm.orgLawsuit alleges feds gathered sensitive data on Kentucky votersVoting rights and electronic privacy groups are suing the Department of Homeland Security for compiling sensitive data on Kentucky voters. State election officials have refused to share that informati...
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Ahead of next year's legislative session, Kentucky hemp industry leaders asked lawmakers to change how they’re regulated — that’s if federal law doesn’t ban intoxicating products first. www.lpm.org/news/2026-10...

lpm.orgHemp regulations under discussion before Kentucky lawmakers as ban approachesAhead of next year's legislative session, Kentucky hemp industry leaders asked lawmakers to change how they’re regulated — that’s if federal law doesn’t ban intoxicating products first.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Democrats’ power has waned for decades in the Kentucky General Assembly, but national headwinds seem to favor them this election cycle. Here’s how national dynamics are changing state legislative races. www.lpm.org/news/2026-10...

lpm.orgHere’s how Kentucky’s suburban democrats are faring ahead of midtermsDemocrats’ power has waned for decades in the Kentucky General Assembly, but national headwinds seem to favor them this election cycle. Here’s how national dynamics are changing state legislative race...
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Ahead of her confirmation as ambassador to Greece, former northern Kentucky lawyer Eric Deters says Kimberly Guilfoyle asked him to wire $100,000 to her American Express account. www.lpm.org/news/2026-10...

lpm.orgFormer Kentucky lawyer, GOP donor says Kimberly Guilfoyle solicited funds for accessAhead of her confirmation as ambassador to Greece, former northern Kentucky lawyer Eric Deters says Kimberly Guilfoyle asked him to wire $100,000 to her American Express account.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

USA Today’s parent company filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in New York federal court Thursday for allegedly using reporting from its 19 publications, including Louisville’s Courier Journal, without permission. www.lpm.org/news/2026-10...

lpm.orgUSA Today network, including Courier Journal, sue OpenAIUSA Today’s parent company filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in New York federal court Thursday for allegedly using reporting from its 19 publications, including Louisville’s Courier Journal, without per...
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Former GOP state Sen. Ralph Alvarado is facing off against former federal prosecutor Democrat Zach Dembo for the Lexington-area Congressional district. What you need to know. www.lpm.org/news/2026-10...

lpm.orgElection 2026: Ralph Alvarado, Zach Dembo face off in Kentucky's 6th districtFormer GOP state Sen. Ralph Alvarado is facing off against former federal prosecutor Democrat Zach Dembo for the Lexington-area Congressional district. What you need to know.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Concerns about partisan political influence in Kentucky’s judicial elections are growing, as Gov. Andy Beshear and GOP lawmakers are taking sides in a Court of Appeals race. www.lpm.org/news/2026-10...

lpm.orgKentucky Court of Appeals race becoming another partisan judicial battlegroundConcerns about partisan political influence in Kentucky’s judicial elections are growing, as Gov. Andy Beshear and GOP lawmakers are taking sides in a Court of Appeals race.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Retired miners, their families and policy groups are lobbying Congress to uphold worker protections and pass legislation that updates black lung disability programs. www.lpm.org/news/2026-10...

lpm.orgAppalachian coal miners ask lawmakers in DC for better disability benefits and worker protectionsRetired miners, their families and policy groups are lobbying Congress to uphold worker protections and pass legislation that updates black lung disability programs.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Sabato’s Crystal Ball, an election predictor out of the University of Virginia, moved Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District from a “likely Republican” win to “leans Republican.” www.lpm.org/news/2026-09...

lpm.orgPolitical forecaster moves open Kentucky House seat rating toward DemocratsSabato’s Crystal Ball, an election predictor out of the University of Virginia, moved Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District from a “likely Republican” win to “leans Republican.”
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

After community members denounce a lack of transparency from public officials in a Carroll County data center project, some people are pursuing ethics complaints against those who approved it. www.lpm.org/news/2026-09...

lpm.orgFrustration over Kentucky data center has found another target — ethics complaintsAfter community members denounce a lack of transparency from public officials in a Carroll County data center project, some people are pursuing ethics complaints against those who approved it.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Newspapers are shutting down and shedding reporters across the country, especially in Central Appalachia. Andrew Henderson sat down with a Lexington Herald-Leader reporter who was recently laid off alongside a dozen colleagues. www.lpm.org/news/2026-09...

lpm.orgKentucky newspaper layoffs have a reporter asking: Can local journalism be saved?Newspapers are shutting down and shedding reporters across the country, especially in Central Appalachia. Andrew Henderson sat down with a Lexington Herald-Leader reporter who was recently laid off al...
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

As Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear continues testing the waters for a potential presidential run in 2028, his new book “Go and Do Likewise” hit shelves Tuesday. Here are our five takeaways from the book. www.lpm.org/news/2026-09...

lpm.orgKentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s new book is out. Here are 5 things we learned.As Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear continues testing the waters for a potential presidential run in 2028, his new book “Go and Do Likewise” hit shelves Tuesday. Here are our five takeaways from the book.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

The letter from a top Department of Justice official said Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams was “under investigation” for not complying with demands on voter data. www.lpm.org/news/2026-09...

lpm.orgDOJ escalates threats on Kentucky voter data in letter to Sec. AdamsThe letter from a top Department of Justice official said Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams was “under investigation” for not complying with demands on voter data.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Food donations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture declined significantly in the last fiscal year. Paired with less food assistance, Kentucky food pantries are struggling to keep up with demand. www.lpm.org/news/2026-09...

lpm.orgFacing declining federal support, Kentucky food banks once again turn to communityFood donations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture declined significantly in the last fiscal year. Paired with less food assistance, Kentucky food pantries are struggling to keep up with demand.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Had a few people ask me about competition in the news business these days. The way I see it, a healthy local news ecosystem benefits everyone, making for more informed and engaged communities. Our competition are those in the business of making us feel more isolated and helpless.

Ryan Van Velzer@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Several of my friends and many more of my colleagues were laid off today by McClatchy. I really despise what many corporate media companies are doing to local journalism. www.lpm.org/news/2026-09...

lpm.orgMcClatchy guts Lexington Herald-Leader newsroom, among nationwide layoffsMcClatchy laid off 12 journalists at the Lexington Herald-Leader and eliminated a majority of its positions, as a part of its deep, nationwide layoffs.

Ryan Van Velzer reposted

Piper Hansen
@piperjhansen.bsky.social

i was one of the H-L journalists laid off today. working in my home state for a paper i respected for years was an honor and a privilege. i got to work with some of the industry's best who were also let go and this community is worse off for it

Joe Sonka 😐@joesonka.lpm.org

New from me: McClatchy laid off 12 journalists at the Lexington Herald-Leader and a majority of its positions, as a part of its deep, nationwide layoffs.

lpm.orgMcClatchy guts Lexington Herald-Leader newsroom, among nationwide layoffsMcClatchy laid off 12 journalists at the Lexington Herald-Leader, a majority of its positions, as a part of its deep, nationwide layoffs.

Ryan Van Velzer reposted

Caitlin McGlade
@caitmcglade.bsky.social

I, the only data reporter at the Charlotte Observer, am among the McClatchy layoffs in the bloodbath today. The HR person asked me not to talk about it! AMA. Anyway, here’s a link to one of my most important stories this year. www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...

charlotteobserver.comA Black teen found hanged near Charlotte church was a suicide, police say. Questions remainIn May, 16-year-old Juliana Nzita was found dead in a Charlotte churchyard. CMPD called it a suicide. Her family isn’t so sure.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, said Democrats will see a resurgence as Trump pushes to make midterms a referendum on his presidency. www.lpm.org/news/2026-09...

lpm.orgDemocratic governors, led by Beshear, go on offense in Louisville ahead of midtermsKentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, said Democrats will see a resurgence as Trump pushes to make midterms a referendum on his presidency.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

A Flock Safety executive faced skeptical Kentucky lawmakers in a committee hearing, where members of both parties advocated more regulatory “guardrails” for camera use. www.lpm.org/news/2026-09...

lpm.orgAmid backlash, Kentucky lawmakers signal support for more Flock camera regulationsA Flock Safety executive faced skeptical Kentucky lawmakers in a committee hearing, where members of both parties advocated more regulatory “guardrails” for camera use.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Wendell Berry made famous his community of Port Royal, Kentucky, through his writings about agrarian philosophy. The Appalachia Mid-South Newsroom caught up with his hometown newspaper to reflect on Berry's life and legacy in Henry County. www.lpm.org/news/2026-09...

lpm.orgHow Wendell Berry's local newspaper approached the coverage of his death, legacyWendell Berry made famous his community of Port Royal, Kentucky, through his writings about agrarian philosophy. The Appalachia Mid-South Newsroom caught up with his hometown newspaper to reflect on B...
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

“The sheriff showed up and was asking some people if they'd seen his picture, and a young man was like, ‘I think that gentleman's inside,’" Mohr said. “And then there he was, and he was sitting there speaking to the lead male actor, and yeah, he was arrested.”

Ryan Van Velzer@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

update: Local news reports show that cable television company Great American Family is filming its latest movie in downtown Paris this week, called “The Greatest Christmas Gift of All.” (yes this is real)

Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

update: Local news reports show that cable television company Great American Family is filming its latest movie in downtown Paris this week, called “The Greatest Christmas Gift of All.” (yes this is real)

Ryan Van Velzer@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin arrested by Bourbon County Sheriff's Office www.lpm.org/news/2026-09...

lpm.orgFormer Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin arrested by Bourbon County Sheriff's OfficeThe Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office arrested former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin Thursday at a film set in Paris, Kentucky.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

An attorney in the state elections office filed to run as a write-in judicial candidate, before the same office withdrew a sitting Jefferson District judge from that race against her wishes. www.lpm.org/news/2026-09...

lpm.orgKentucky elections official could win judgeship with one write-in vote. The current judge objects.An attorney in the state elections office filed to run as a write-in judicial candidate, before the same office withdrew a sitting Jefferson District judge from that race against her wishes.
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

A Kentucky GOP lawmaker pushed back against Trump’s social media post, which said communities resisting data centers “want to end up being backwards and poor.” www.lpm.org/news/2026-08...

lpm.orgTrump says data center critics want to be ‘backwards and poor,’ drawing bipartisan rebuke in KentuckyA Kentucky GOP lawmaker pushed back against Trump’s social media post, which said communities resisting data centers “want to end up being backwards and poor.”
Ryan Van Velzer
@ryanvanvelzer.bsky.social

Once again, Joe and Kelly Craft partnered with Central Bank to beat out the competition with a $10 million donation to win the Kentucky Farm Bureau championship ham auction. www.lpm.org/news/2026-08...

lpm.orgMidterms on the menu as championship ham goes for millions at Kentucky Farm Bureau auctionOnce again, Joe and Kelly Craft partnered with Central Bank to beat out the competition with a $10 million donation to win the Kentucky Farm Bureau championship ham auction.