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
Pinned
I know, I know, media is DYING right? But LOCAL media is still out here doing the work, showing up, donning masks to breathe in fewer petroleum fumes and delivering the information our communities need. Allow me to demonstrate.
As of the Kentucky program's statewide launch, 6,681 search warrant applications had been filed since its pilot launch in 2022. Just 73 – slightly more than 1% of the applications – were denied. The rest have already been executed or are granted and awaiting execution. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Kentucky takes eSearch Warrant program online statewide after yearslong rollout
Kentucky's Administrative Office of the Courts and Kentucky State Police announced last week that a program aimed at modernizing the way search warrants get requested and evaluated is now live in all ...
www.lpm.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:40 AM
As of the Kentucky program's statewide launch, 6,681 search warrant applications had been filed since its pilot launch in 2022. Just 73 – slightly more than 1% of the applications – were denied. The rest have already been executed or are granted and awaiting execution. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
A newly released preliminary investigation has found cracks in hardware meant to hold the left engine to the UPS cargo plane that crashed, killing and injuring dozens of people in Louisville.
Early UPS crash report indicates failure of left-engine hardware during takeoff in Louisville
A newly released preliminary investigation has found cracks in hardware meant to hold the left engine to the UPS cargo plane that crashed, killing and injuring dozens of people in Louisville.
www.lpm.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM
A newly released preliminary investigation has found cracks in hardware meant to hold the left engine to the UPS cargo plane that crashed, killing and injuring dozens of people in Louisville.
Reposted by Ryan Van Velzer
I also enjoyed the mention of the Bob Murray black lung piece by @davemistich.bsky.social.
November 19, 2025 at 6:14 PM
I also enjoyed the mention of the Bob Murray black lung piece by @davemistich.bsky.social.
Reposted by Ryan Van Velzer
John Oliver and Co did a great explanation of what public media does, and who exactly the funding recission actually hurts (Hint: it's not liberal elites.) Also very proud to see my old friend and former WBEZ reporter Lauren Chooljian featured for her amazing work.
youtu.be/yknMJOgy2pA?...
youtu.be/yknMJOgy2pA?...
Public Media: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
YouTube video by LastWeekTonight
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 5:59 PM
John Oliver and Co did a great explanation of what public media does, and who exactly the funding recission actually hurts (Hint: it's not liberal elites.) Also very proud to see my old friend and former WBEZ reporter Lauren Chooljian featured for her amazing work.
youtu.be/yknMJOgy2pA?...
youtu.be/yknMJOgy2pA?...
Reposted by Ryan Van Velzer
Here's 5 key findings from @storiesbyjess.bsky.social's reporting on how Louisville leaders failed to properly investigate allegations of child sexual abuse by two ex-JCPS football coaches.
Hear the full story in the excellent 3rd season of KyCIR's podcast Dig: www.lpm.org/podcast/dig
Hear the full story in the excellent 3rd season of KyCIR's podcast Dig: www.lpm.org/podcast/dig
5 takeaways from KyCIR’s latest season of Dig
This season of Dig examines the systemic failings that allowed 20 years of child sex abuse to go unchecked.
www.lpm.org
November 19, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Here's 5 key findings from @storiesbyjess.bsky.social's reporting on how Louisville leaders failed to properly investigate allegations of child sexual abuse by two ex-JCPS football coaches.
Hear the full story in the excellent 3rd season of KyCIR's podcast Dig: www.lpm.org/podcast/dig
Hear the full story in the excellent 3rd season of KyCIR's podcast Dig: www.lpm.org/podcast/dig
With a lawsuit brewing, UPS Airlines President Bill Moore joined Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg Tuesday to offer support for impacted families and businesses. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
UPS Airlines president makes appearance in Louisville post devastating crash, amid lawsuit
With a lawsuit brewing, UPS Airlines President Bill Moore joined Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg Tuesday to offer support for impacted families and businesses.
www.lpm.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:16 PM
With a lawsuit brewing, UPS Airlines President Bill Moore joined Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg Tuesday to offer support for impacted families and businesses. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Reposted by Ryan Van Velzer
John Oliver had masterful segment on public media and how pulling federal money hurt rural consumers legislators said they were defending, while making it more likely those stations need NPR and PBS. And he's doing a cool auction to raise money. WATCH: https://loom.ly/t7FRhXc
November 18, 2025 at 2:12 PM
John Oliver had masterful segment on public media and how pulling federal money hurt rural consumers legislators said they were defending, while making it more likely those stations need NPR and PBS. And he's doing a cool auction to raise money. WATCH: https://loom.ly/t7FRhXc
After Kentucky school district officials spoke out against a constitutional amendment to allow public dollars to go toward private schools using an official account, GOP lawmakers are calling for criminal penalties.
Kentucky bill could turn advocates into felons for using public resources on ballot questions
After Kentucky school district officials spoke out against a constitutional amendment to allow public dollars to go toward private schools using an official account, GOP lawmakers are calling for crim...
www.lpm.org
November 18, 2025 at 1:35 PM
After Kentucky school district officials spoke out against a constitutional amendment to allow public dollars to go toward private schools using an official account, GOP lawmakers are calling for criminal penalties.
John Oliver gave a shoutout to the previous incarnation of our NPR collaborative last night! And hey, WVPB’s still a part of our current collaborative, along with stations across Kentucky and Tennessee: www.lpm.org/tags/appalac...
November 18, 2025 at 1:35 AM
John Oliver gave a shoutout to the previous incarnation of our NPR collaborative last night! And hey, WVPB’s still a part of our current collaborative, along with stations across Kentucky and Tennessee: www.lpm.org/tags/appalac...
Reposted by Ryan Van Velzer
News:
To settle NPR's lawsuit, CPB revives $36 million deal it killed after Trump’s pressure
My story for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/11/17/n...
To settle NPR's lawsuit, CPB revives $36 million deal it killed after Trump’s pressure
My story for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/11/17/n...
CPB agrees to revive a $36 million deal with NPR killed after Trump's pressure
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting agreed Monday to fulfill a $35.9 million, multi-year contract with NPR that it had yanked after pressure from the Trump White House.
www.npr.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:15 AM
News:
To settle NPR's lawsuit, CPB revives $36 million deal it killed after Trump’s pressure
My story for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/11/17/n...
To settle NPR's lawsuit, CPB revives $36 million deal it killed after Trump’s pressure
My story for NPR:
www.npr.org/2025/11/17/n...
In an interview with Kentucky Public Radio at his barn in Churchill Downs, Romans said the U.S. immigration system is “broken” and said he would fight to give working immigrants “legal status,” but not a path to citizenship.
LISTEN: Horse trainer Dale Romans talks immigration, party politics in bid for US Senate
Horse trainer and Democrat Dale Romans has announced his candidacy for Mitch McConnell’s Senate seat. He’s facing a crowded race ahead of the May primary.
www.lpm.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:17 PM
In an interview with Kentucky Public Radio at his barn in Churchill Downs, Romans said the U.S. immigration system is “broken” and said he would fight to give working immigrants “legal status,” but not a path to citizenship.
The Louisville Metro Police Department is investigating an officer’s use of its license plate reader database after KyCIR revealed he listed an ICE-related keyword on over 100 searches.
LMPD officer used ICE keyword for license plate search. Now he’s under investigation
Louisville Metro Police is investigating an officer’s use of its license plate reader database after KyCIR revealed he listed an ICE-related keyword on over 100 searches.
www.lpm.org
November 14, 2025 at 2:31 PM
The Louisville Metro Police Department is investigating an officer’s use of its license plate reader database after KyCIR revealed he listed an ICE-related keyword on over 100 searches.
Kentucky GOP Congressman Thomas Massie has secured the petition signatures needed to force a vote on releasing all Department of Justice files on Jeffrey Epstein. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Thomas Massie-led petition on Epstein files gets final signature, queuing up floor vote
Kentucky GOP Congressman Thomas Massie has secured the petition signatures needed to force a vote on releasing all Department of Justice files on Jeffrey Epstein.
www.lpm.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Kentucky GOP Congressman Thomas Massie has secured the petition signatures needed to force a vote on releasing all Department of Justice files on Jeffrey Epstein. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Reposted by Ryan Van Velzer
For years, residents have called on the #TennesseeValleyAuthority to meet future demand w/ clean, affordable energy. But the public utility is moving forward w/ a massive methane gas buildout that will harm local communities & the environment, & worsen the climate crisis.
https://loom.ly/W2WZqc4
https://loom.ly/W2WZqc4
‘A real injustice’ — Communities call on TVA to cancel Kingston gas project
Residents and environmental groups rallied against Enbridge’s construction of a 122-mile methane gas pipeline that will cut through Tennessee.
wpln.org
November 13, 2025 at 12:49 PM
For years, residents have called on the #TennesseeValleyAuthority to meet future demand w/ clean, affordable energy. But the public utility is moving forward w/ a massive methane gas buildout that will harm local communities & the environment, & worsen the climate crisis.
https://loom.ly/W2WZqc4
https://loom.ly/W2WZqc4
On Wednesday, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Jefferson County Coroner said they have formally confirmed the identities of all the victims who were recovered from the plane crash site. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Louisville leaders identify 14 victims in UPS plane crash
On Wednesday, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Jefferson County Coroner said they have formally confirmed the identities of all the victims who were recovered from the plane crash site.
www.lpm.org
November 12, 2025 at 8:40 PM
On Wednesday, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Jefferson County Coroner said they have formally confirmed the identities of all the victims who were recovered from the plane crash site. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Kentucky GOP lawmakers appeared to disagree Monday on whether the state should further cut the income tax next year after failing to meet the budget trigger. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
To cut or not to cut Kentucky’s income tax next year, that is the question
Kentucky GOP lawmakers appeared to disagree Monday on whether the state should further cut the income tax next year after failing to meet the budget trigger.
www.lpm.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Kentucky GOP lawmakers appeared to disagree Monday on whether the state should further cut the income tax next year after failing to meet the budget trigger. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
President Donald Trump’s administration has promised financial relief for soybean farmers when the federal government reopens. The hardwood lumber industry, which has been struggling with impacts from Trump’s first term, wants to be included. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
November 12, 2025 at 4:21 PM
President Donald Trump’s administration has promised financial relief for soybean farmers when the federal government reopens. The hardwood lumber industry, which has been struggling with impacts from Trump’s first term, wants to be included. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Kentucky GOP Sens. Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell are clashing over a provision that opponents say will destroy the growing hemp industry in America. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
McConnell, Paul clash over Senate provision that critics say will destroy US hemp industry
Kentucky GOP Sens. Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell are clashing over a provision that opponents say will destroy the growing hemp industry in America.
www.lpm.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Kentucky GOP Sens. Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell are clashing over a provision that opponents say will destroy the growing hemp industry in America. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide
The Supreme Court has rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
www.lpm.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
A Louisville resident and the owner of two businesses near the fatal plane crash are seeking a class action lawsuit against UPS, GE and Boeing. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Louisville resident, business owner sue UPS, GE and Boeing after deadly plane crash
A Louisville resident and the owner of two businesses near the fatal plane crash are seeking a class action lawsuit against UPS, GE and Boeing.
www.lpm.org
November 10, 2025 at 1:56 PM
A Louisville resident and the owner of two businesses near the fatal plane crash are seeking a class action lawsuit against UPS, GE and Boeing. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Really good AP story on how the Trump administration is affecting coal miners. apnews.com/article/blac...
Deep in Trump country, coal miners with black lung say government is suffocating the 'working man'
Lisa Emery, a respiratory therapist, is deeply concerned about West Virginia coal miners suffering from black lung disease.
apnews.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Really good AP story on how the Trump administration is affecting coal miners. apnews.com/article/blac...
The names of the flight crew from the UPS crash in Louisville have been released: www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
UPS identifies crew members aboard cargo plane that crashed in Louisville
As the investigation forges ahead, search and rescue teams continue to search through the rubble of the UPS plane crash with nine people still unaccounted for.
www.lpm.org
November 6, 2025 at 9:42 PM
The names of the flight crew from the UPS crash in Louisville have been released: www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Reposted by Ryan Van Velzer
As the investigation forges ahead, search and rescue teams continue to search through the rubble of the UPS plane crash in Louisville with nine people still unaccounted for. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Search underway amid rubble of UPS plane crash that killed 12 in Louisville
As the investigation forges ahead, search and rescue teams continue to search through the rubble of the UPS plane crash with nine people still unaccounted for.
www.lpm.org
November 6, 2025 at 4:44 PM
As the investigation forges ahead, search and rescue teams continue to search through the rubble of the UPS plane crash in Louisville with nine people still unaccounted for. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...