Justin Hicks
Data ReporterJustin Hicks is a data reporter serving the Kentucky Public Radio network as well as LPM's daily newsroom and Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting.
He's especially passionate about using data to uncover issues that disproportionally affect rural and Appalachian communities.
Email Justin at jhicks@lpm.org.
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Louisville Public Media wants to make it even easier for you to find background information about your state lawmakers with digital tools you’ll find embedded in future stories. -
A Biden administration rule lowered the amount of toxic dust workers in mines and quarries can be exposed to, but a lawsuit and new Congress could upend it. -
For much of central Appalachia, 2024 was a year marked by drought conditions followed by intense, catastrophic rain. For many places it was also the hottest year on record. Scientists say extremes like these are likely symptoms of a changing climate. -
Kentucky is the only state with a citizen science program to track the spread of invasive insects. The insect researcher who started it says it’s a great way to get people interested in science — and helps him stretch a tight budget a lot further. -
U.S. industry is a major source of the greenhouse gas pollution causing climate change. Some operations emit way more than others, and new reports show where they are. -
A giant salamander typically found in central Appalachia called the hellbender is on the way to being endangered. The bizarre-looking creature can only live in very clean water, which is getting harder to find. -
ReImagine Appalachia analyzed data showing the region already has an outsized role in some manufacturing sectors. Armed with that knowledge, they say communities could attract similar green manufacturing companies and add good paying jobs. -
In the final days of the Biden administration, labor officials are taking aim at self-insured coal companies who aren’t prepared to support workers who contract the deadly and incurable black lung disease. -
Keven Dawson Jr.’s family described him as a loving father and veteran who went to work at Givaudan Sense Colour just before his 50th birthday — but never returned. -
Proponents of Amendment 2 were counting on traditionally-blue urban areas in Kentucky to vote in favor of the “school choice” initiative. But even in the three most populous counties, it failed overwhelmingly.
