Sylvia Goodman
@sylviaruthg.lpm.org
Ky Capitol reporter @kentuckypublicradio.org ~ prev @chronicle.com @wbez.org @chicagotribune.com ~ she/her
send tips to sgoodman@lpm.org
send tips to sgoodman@lpm.org
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, is renewing his efforts to provide better mental health care to youths in state custody.
KY senator again pushes to improve mental health care for youths in state custody
Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, is renewing his efforts to provide better mental health care to youths in state custody.
bit.ly
February 12, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, is renewing his efforts to provide better mental health care to youths in state custody.
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
Ford’s EV battery plant in Glendale was supposed to be the biggest economic development project Kentucky has ever seen. Now that the plant has shuttered, some former workers feel spurned, but community leaders remain cautiously optimistic. www.wkyufm.org/news/2026-02...
A Kentucky town bet big on Ford's EV strategy. Then the battery plant closed
Ford’s EV battery plant in Glendale was supposed to be the biggest economic development project Kentucky has ever seen. Now that the plant has shuttered, some former workers feel spurned, but communit...
www.wkyufm.org
February 11, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Ford’s EV battery plant in Glendale was supposed to be the biggest economic development project Kentucky has ever seen. Now that the plant has shuttered, some former workers feel spurned, but community leaders remain cautiously optimistic. www.wkyufm.org/news/2026-02...
Just got out of a committee meeting on the extremely complicated House Bill 485, which is making some big updates to the state's involuntary commitment laws
We had a lot of mental health professionals testifying, many saying that overall this is an improvement but the biggest need is more money
We had a lot of mental health professionals testifying, many saying that overall this is an improvement but the biggest need is more money
February 12, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Just got out of a committee meeting on the extremely complicated House Bill 485, which is making some big updates to the state's involuntary commitment laws
We had a lot of mental health professionals testifying, many saying that overall this is an improvement but the biggest need is more money
We had a lot of mental health professionals testifying, many saying that overall this is an improvement but the biggest need is more money
A bill that would create a 25-foot buffer zone around police and first responders. Bill sponsor tells me that if officers feel they are being harassed, the person has to move back after a warning or face criminal charges. Latest from me @kentuckypublicradio.org #kyga26
Harassing an officer in Kentucky? Back up 25 feet under new GOP legislation
A bill that would make it a crime to interfere with or harass first responders, creating a 25-foot buffer zone, passed a Senate committee Thursday.
www.lpm.org
February 12, 2026 at 6:25 PM
A bill that would create a 25-foot buffer zone around police and first responders. Bill sponsor tells me that if officers feel they are being harassed, the person has to move back after a warning or face criminal charges. Latest from me @kentuckypublicradio.org #kyga26
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
"I could be (recording police) 10 feet away, 15 feet away, 20 feet away. I'm not impeding them … If they're approaching me, I'm not moving. I'm just filming a situation, and we see it every day on the news right now” - Democratic Sen. Gary Clemons of Louisville #kyga26
A bill that would make it a crime to interfere with or harass first responders and police officers, creating a 25-foot buffer zone, passed a Kentucky Senate committee Thursday over objections from two Democrats. From @sylviaruthg.lpm.org #kyga26
Harassing an officer in Kentucky? Back up 25 feet under new GOP legislation
A bill that would make it a crime to interfere with or harass first responders, creating a 25-foot buffer zone, passed a Senate committee Thursday.
www.lpm.org
February 12, 2026 at 5:07 PM
"I could be (recording police) 10 feet away, 15 feet away, 20 feet away. I'm not impeding them … If they're approaching me, I'm not moving. I'm just filming a situation, and we see it every day on the news right now” - Democratic Sen. Gary Clemons of Louisville #kyga26
Everything you need to know on what the legislature may do around data centers this year from @joesonka.lpm.org (the bill Joe's referring to was passed over this morning, but worry not we'll probably see it again before too long)
My latest on a long-awaited data center bill in the Kentucky legislature, which gets its first committee hearing this morning. #kyga26 👇
A GOP bill seeks to make new data centers cover their own costs for utility infrastructure in Kentucky, preventing existing electricity customers from subsidizing them. The bill comes as utility companies and local communities deal with an influx of prospective data center projects. #kyga26
February 12, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Everything you need to know on what the legislature may do around data centers this year from @joesonka.lpm.org (the bill Joe's referring to was passed over this morning, but worry not we'll probably see it again before too long)
You probably see these license plate readers all over the place if you live in a city — even in grocery store parking lots.
Ky has no restrictions right now on what they can do with that data. And we all know data is VERY valuable.
Ky has no restrictions right now on what they can do with that data. And we all know data is VERY valuable.
A Kentucky House committee passed a bill Wednesday that would put restrictions on how law enforcement agencies use and keep data they collect from controversial license plate readers.
Kentucky GOP bill would limit license plate reader data sharing, storage
A Kentucky House committee passed a bill Wednesday that would put restrictions on how law enforcement agencies use and keep data they collect from controversial license plate readers.
www.lpm.org
February 11, 2026 at 8:04 PM
You probably see these license plate readers all over the place if you live in a city — even in grocery store parking lots.
Ky has no restrictions right now on what they can do with that data. And we all know data is VERY valuable.
Ky has no restrictions right now on what they can do with that data. And we all know data is VERY valuable.
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
Spokesperson for Sen. Mitch McConnell tells me in a statement he “was discharged from the hospital yesterday and is grateful for the outstanding care he received. He is feeling better and will be working from home this week on the advice of his doctors.”
February 11, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Spokesperson for Sen. Mitch McConnell tells me in a statement he “was discharged from the hospital yesterday and is grateful for the outstanding care he received. He is feeling better and will be working from home this week on the advice of his doctors.”
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
KY state Rep. Steve Doan, ally of Congressman Thomas Massie, filed a resolution today “urging AG Pam Bondi to investigate & prosecute individuals implicated in criminal activities related to” Jeffrey Epstein & express “appreciation for” Massie's leadership in making Epstein files public. #kyga26
February 9, 2026 at 10:24 PM
KY state Rep. Steve Doan, ally of Congressman Thomas Massie, filed a resolution today “urging AG Pam Bondi to investigate & prosecute individuals implicated in criminal activities related to” Jeffrey Epstein & express “appreciation for” Massie's leadership in making Epstein files public. #kyga26
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
On the Senate floor Friday, several Kentucky lawmakers held an impromptu discussion of the federal immigration crackdown, with one GOP senator saying we need to “tone it down.” From @sylviaruthg.lpm.org #kyga26
‘We’ve lost our way’ Kentucky Republican senators debate immigration
On the Senate floor Friday, several Kentucky lawmakers held an impromptu discussion of the federal immigration crackdown, with one GOP senator saying we need to “tone it down.”
www.lpm.org
February 9, 2026 at 1:57 PM
On the Senate floor Friday, several Kentucky lawmakers held an impromptu discussion of the federal immigration crackdown, with one GOP senator saying we need to “tone it down.” From @sylviaruthg.lpm.org #kyga26
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
We also got a big update in the "Rose 2.0" case. Students want the courts to once again proclaim Kentucky public schools unconstitutionally inadequate and force major educational reform:
Kentucky student lawsuit over ‘inadequate’ education can move forward, judge rules
A Franklin County judge ruled Thursday he won’t dismiss a lawsuit brought by a group of Kentucky students alleging the state has failed to provide an adequate and equitable education.
www.lpm.org
February 5, 2026 at 10:22 PM
We also got a big update in the "Rose 2.0" case. Students want the courts to once again proclaim Kentucky public schools unconstitutionally inadequate and force major educational reform:
Education reform has been a huge topic this session, especially in the Senate. Read about two bills now moving that target administrators ⬇️⬇️
(and on the topic of providing a constitutionally required educational system...)
(and on the topic of providing a constitutionally required educational system...)
A Kentucky Senate committee passed two priority bills that limiting administrator pay increases and requiring a new principal training program, as the legislature hones in on public school accountability. From @sylviaruthg.lpm.org #kyga26
Kentucky public school leaders could get more training, limited raises under GOP bills
A Kentucky Senate committee has passed bills that would limit administrator pay increases to those given to teachers and require more training, as the legislature hones in on public school accountabil...
www.lpm.org
February 5, 2026 at 10:22 PM
Education reform has been a huge topic this session, especially in the Senate. Read about two bills now moving that target administrators ⬇️⬇️
(and on the topic of providing a constitutionally required educational system...)
(and on the topic of providing a constitutionally required educational system...)
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
Kentucky gave Ford a $250 million upfront loan to build an EV battery plant, which is now shuttered. Lawmakers now want answers about how or if the state can recoup those taxpayer dollars, as the Beshear administration negotiates terms with Ford ahead of scheduled repayments next year.
Kentucky lawmakers seek answers on $250M loan after Ford EV battery plant closure
Kentucky gave Ford a $250 million upfront loan to build an EV battery plant that is now shuttered. The company is negotiating with the state ahead of scheduled repayments.
www.lpm.org
February 4, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Kentucky gave Ford a $250 million upfront loan to build an EV battery plant, which is now shuttered. Lawmakers now want answers about how or if the state can recoup those taxpayer dollars, as the Beshear administration negotiates terms with Ford ahead of scheduled repayments next year.
I won't lie, I personally want to try some lab-grown meat
Latest from me: Republicans seek to ban lab-grown meat before it hits Kentucky shelves
(@joesonka.lpm.org was also there)
Latest from me: Republicans seek to ban lab-grown meat before it hits Kentucky shelves
(@joesonka.lpm.org was also there)
Republicans seek to ban lab-grown meat before it hits Kentucky shelves
Emphasizing the unknowns of “cultured” meat grown in labs, a state House committee pushed through a bill that would ban its manufacture and sale in Kentucky.
www.lpm.org
February 4, 2026 at 6:44 PM
I won't lie, I personally want to try some lab-grown meat
Latest from me: Republicans seek to ban lab-grown meat before it hits Kentucky shelves
(@joesonka.lpm.org was also there)
Latest from me: Republicans seek to ban lab-grown meat before it hits Kentucky shelves
(@joesonka.lpm.org was also there)
I love this too — the legislative process is oh so confusing if you don’t stare at it all day like us (and even then it’s pretty confusing)
Big fan of this bill-progress checkbox my pals @kentuckylantern.com have been attaching to their stories on moving legislation.
February 3, 2026 at 11:49 PM
I love this too — the legislative process is oh so confusing if you don’t stare at it all day like us (and even then it’s pretty confusing)
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
Kentucky's only Dem member of Congress, @repmcgarvey.bsky.social, spoke against the DHS funding bill on the House floor this morning & referred to ICE's "campaign or terror." "Are we going to give ICE 2 more weeks to invade cities in exchange for a pinky promise that we’ll talk about reforms?"
February 3, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Kentucky's only Dem member of Congress, @repmcgarvey.bsky.social, spoke against the DHS funding bill on the House floor this morning & referred to ICE's "campaign or terror." "Are we going to give ICE 2 more weeks to invade cities in exchange for a pinky promise that we’ll talk about reforms?"
Latest from @storiesbyjess.bsky.social. Heartbreaking details of alleged sexual abuse in a Ky school district. It’s hard to read but once you do, you’ll see the structural flaws that allowed these men to get away with it for so long
Her teacher became her husband. Now, she wants a reckoning in this Kentucky school district.
A group of Shelby County Public Schools graduates are pushing for new protections for students.
www.lpm.org
February 3, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Latest from @storiesbyjess.bsky.social. Heartbreaking details of alleged sexual abuse in a Ky school district. It’s hard to read but once you do, you’ll see the structural flaws that allowed these men to get away with it for so long
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
My latest 👇
The GOP budget bill has finally arrived in the Kentucky House. Me and @sylviaruthg.lpm.org have an early breakdown of the bill and budget process going forward. #kyga26
The GOP budget bill has finally arrived in the Kentucky House. Me and @sylviaruthg.lpm.org have an early breakdown of the bill and budget process going forward. #kyga26
Kentucky House Republicans released a two-year state budget bill Tuesday, which is expected to evolve over the session. The current version would spend dramatically less than what Gov. Andy Beshear proposed for education and Medicaid. From the KPR Capitol team: #kyga26
Kentucky House GOP releases ‘bare bones’ budget bill, with questions ahead on Medicaid, education
Kentucky House Republicans released a two-year state budget bill Tuesday, which is expected to evolve over the session. The current version would spend dramatically less than what Gov. Andy Beshear pr...
www.lpm.org
January 28, 2026 at 7:18 PM
My latest 👇
The GOP budget bill has finally arrived in the Kentucky House. Me and @sylviaruthg.lpm.org have an early breakdown of the bill and budget process going forward. #kyga26
The GOP budget bill has finally arrived in the Kentucky House. Me and @sylviaruthg.lpm.org have an early breakdown of the bill and budget process going forward. #kyga26
A company that wants to develop a massive data center in Kentucky has sued Simpson County over a recently passed ordinance requiring it to obtain a conditional use permit.
Latest in an ongoing saga from @joesonka.lpm.org
Latest in an ongoing saga from @joesonka.lpm.org
Data center developer sues Simpson County government over land use ordinance
A company that wants to develop a massive data center in Kentucky has sued Simpson County over a recently passed ordinance requiring it to obtain a conditional use permit.
www.lpm.org
January 28, 2026 at 3:02 PM
A company that wants to develop a massive data center in Kentucky has sued Simpson County over a recently passed ordinance requiring it to obtain a conditional use permit.
Latest in an ongoing saga from @joesonka.lpm.org
Latest in an ongoing saga from @joesonka.lpm.org
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
A month after KY Supreme Court reversed course & struck down GOP bill aimed@ JCPS, yesterday:
1. A new House impeachment panel had 1st meeting to consider impeachment petition for Justice Pamela Goodwine, the swing vote.
2. GOP filed top priority bill that's same as the struck down bill. #kyga26
1. A new House impeachment panel had 1st meeting to consider impeachment petition for Justice Pamela Goodwine, the swing vote.
2. GOP filed top priority bill that's same as the struck down bill. #kyga26
Kentucky Republicans take another crack at JCPS bill, following Supreme Court setback
A month after the Kentucky Supreme Court struck down a 2022 law that limited the power of Jefferson County’s elected school board, Senate Republicans are trying again with a new bill.
www.lpm.org
January 22, 2026 at 2:06 PM
A month after KY Supreme Court reversed course & struck down GOP bill aimed@ JCPS, yesterday:
1. A new House impeachment panel had 1st meeting to consider impeachment petition for Justice Pamela Goodwine, the swing vote.
2. GOP filed top priority bill that's same as the struck down bill. #kyga26
1. A new House impeachment panel had 1st meeting to consider impeachment petition for Justice Pamela Goodwine, the swing vote.
2. GOP filed top priority bill that's same as the struck down bill. #kyga26
The Columbia Heights Public School district says federal agents have detained four of its students in four separate incidents over the last two weeks.”
Including a 5yo ICE reportedly detained and used as bait to lure family members from the house. The family had an active asylum case
Including a 5yo ICE reportedly detained and used as bait to lure family members from the house. The family had an active asylum case
ICE detains 5-year old Minnesota boy; school leader says agents used him as ‘bait’
The Columbia Heights school district says federal agents have detained four children in their district. School officials say agents used 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos as “bait” to try and draw family m...
www.mprnews.org
January 22, 2026 at 9:08 AM
The Columbia Heights Public School district says federal agents have detained four of its students in four separate incidents over the last two weeks.”
Including a 5yo ICE reportedly detained and used as bait to lure family members from the house. The family had an active asylum case
Including a 5yo ICE reportedly detained and used as bait to lure family members from the house. The family had an active asylum case
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
I have done what is very painful for me and started making vertical video (with @joesonka.lpm.org as my videographer)
Follow WFPLnews and/or porchlightnews for more!
Follow WFPLnews and/or porchlightnews for more!
Louisville and Southern Indiana news on Instagram: "Capitol Reporter Sylvia Goodman explains Kentucky Senate Bill 1, which would limit the power of the Jefferson County Board of Education.
Read more...
16 likes, 1 comments - wfplnews on January 21, 2026: "Capitol Reporter Sylvia Goodman explains Kentucky Senate Bill 1, which would limit the power of the Jefferson County Board of Education.
Read mo...
www.instagram.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:57 AM
I have done what is very painful for me and started making vertical video (with @joesonka.lpm.org as my videographer)
Follow WFPLnews and/or porchlightnews for more!
Follow WFPLnews and/or porchlightnews for more!
I was looking at the bill that was proposed today and the sections struck down by the Supreme Court and… they’re identical! With some justification for it thrown on the front #kyga26
⬇️⬇️ read below!
⬇️⬇️ read below!
A month after the Kentucky Supreme Court struck down a 2022 law that limited the power of Jefferson County’s elected school board, Senate Republicans are trying again with a new bill. #kyga26
Kentucky Republicans take another crack at JCPS bill, following Supreme Court setback
A month after the Kentucky Supreme Court struck down a 2022 law that limited the power of Jefferson County’s elected school board, Senate Republicans are trying again with a new bill.
www.lpm.org
January 21, 2026 at 10:30 PM
I was looking at the bill that was proposed today and the sections struck down by the Supreme Court and… they’re identical! With some justification for it thrown on the front #kyga26
⬇️⬇️ read below!
⬇️⬇️ read below!
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
Newest from me and @sylviaruthg.lpm.org, as Kentucky Republicans are taking a second crack at a bill targeting the Jefferson County school board. #kyga26
A month after the Kentucky Supreme Court struck down a 2022 law that limited the power of Jefferson County’s elected school board, Senate Republicans are trying again with a new bill. #kyga26
Kentucky Republicans take another crack at JCPS bill, following Supreme Court setback
A month after the Kentucky Supreme Court struck down a 2022 law that limited the power of Jefferson County’s elected school board, Senate Republicans are trying again with a new bill.
www.lpm.org
January 21, 2026 at 10:28 PM
Newest from me and @sylviaruthg.lpm.org, as Kentucky Republicans are taking a second crack at a bill targeting the Jefferson County school board. #kyga26
Reposted by Sylvia Goodman
GOP House Speaker David Osborne was asked yesterday about Baker's bill to ban citizen immigrants from holding office in Kentucky: "I think the bill has some problems with it. We haven't talked about it as a caucus, but I don't believe that we'll move it." #kyga26
Here's the story from me and @joesonka.lpm.org: A naturalized citizen was inspired to run for the Kentucky House a day after GOP bills were filed to ban immigrants from public office, saying it’s “not the time to sit on the sidelines.”
January 15, 2026 at 3:54 PM
GOP House Speaker David Osborne was asked yesterday about Baker's bill to ban citizen immigrants from holding office in Kentucky: "I think the bill has some problems with it. We haven't talked about it as a caucus, but I don't believe that we'll move it." #kyga26