Ryland Barton
Managing Editor for Collaboratives, Kentucky Public RadioRyland Barton is the Managing Editor for Collaboratives for Kentucky Public Radio, a group of public radio stations including WKMS, WFPL in Louisville, WEKU in Richmond and WKYU in Bowling Green. A native of Lexington, Ryland most recently served as the Capitol Reporter for Kentucky Public Radio. He has covered politics and state government for NPR member stations KWBU in Waco and KUT in Austin.
Always looking to put a face to big issues, Ryland's reporting has taken him to drought-weary towns in West Texas and relocated communities in rural China. He's covered breaking news like the 2014 shooting at Fort Hood Army Base and the aftermath of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas.
Ryland has a bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago and a master's degree in journalism from the University of Texas.
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Kentuckians with certain serious medical conditions will be able to qualify for medical cannabis starting in 2025.
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It’s easy to override a governor’s veto in Kentucky – it only takes a majority vote in each legislative chamber. And Republican lawmakers once again flexed their control of the statehouse, where they hold 80% of seats in both the House and the Senate, overriding vetoes with little trouble as Democrats voiced opposition.
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Kentucky law is supposed to insulate the state’s education commissioner and board from politics. But the position has become a political battleground in recent years as governors and lawmakers fight over control.
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Last week lawmakers finished the business-end of this year’s session—28 out of the 30 constitutionally required working days have passed—and now Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear is considering vetoing or signing bills. Here’s a look at where we are at this point during the legislative session.
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The measure makes it easier for parents to request certain books, events and instructional materials be banned from schools. Opponents say it seeks to erase LGTBQ identities from classrooms.
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Police officers could face jail time if they enforce federal firearms bans, under a measure that cleared both chambers Wednesday.
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A bill requiring kids who are charged with certain offenses to be imprisoned for up to two days is nearing final passage in the Kentucky Legislature. Judges and advocates worry the policy would hurt kids, but supporters say it would keep communities safe.
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A bill banning college “gun free zones” in Kentucky passed out of a legislative committee. It was a last-minute addition to an unrelated piece of legislation.
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Republican candidate for governor Ryan Quarles says he wants the Kentucky Legislature to pass a medical cannabis bill.
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Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has signed a Republican-sponsored bill that would cut the state’s income tax by another half a percentage point in 2024.