Justin Hicks
@justinhicks.lpm.org
Data Reporter with Kentucky Public Radio,Louisville Public Media,KyCIR,NPR.
Reposted by Justin Hicks
The 2026 Ramadan Map from LPM News is here. It lists free community iftars and other events happening during the holiest month in Islam.
www.lpm.org/news/2026-02...
www.lpm.org/news/2026-02...
Ramadan Map 2026: Free events for people observing the holy month in Louisville
The 2026 Ramadan Map from LPM News is here. It lists free community iftars and other events happening during the holiest month in Islam.
www.lpm.org
February 19, 2026 at 10:00 PM
The 2026 Ramadan Map from LPM News is here. It lists free community iftars and other events happening during the holiest month in Islam.
www.lpm.org/news/2026-02...
www.lpm.org/news/2026-02...
The bill would require Kentucky to use this citizenship verification tool...
www.propublica.org/article/save...
www.propublica.org/article/save...
February 19, 2026 at 9:36 PM
The bill would require Kentucky to use this citizenship verification tool...
www.propublica.org/article/save...
www.propublica.org/article/save...
Reposted by Justin Hicks
An elections omnibus bill in Kentucky that would allow nonpartisan judicial candidates to talk about their party affiliation & add a new federal citizenship verification process being pushed by the Trump administration - and a whole lot more - advanced in the House. From @sylviaruthg.lpm.org #kyga26
Local Kentucky elections officials concerned over GOP bill pushing extensive changes
An elections omnibus that would allow nonpartisan judicial candidates to talk about their party affiliation, add new federal citizenship verification processes and a whole lot more has passed a commit...
www.lpm.org
February 19, 2026 at 8:41 PM
An elections omnibus bill in Kentucky that would allow nonpartisan judicial candidates to talk about their party affiliation & add a new federal citizenship verification process being pushed by the Trump administration - and a whole lot more - advanced in the House. From @sylviaruthg.lpm.org #kyga26
Reposted by Justin Hicks
The Kentucky Senate just passed this bill on straight party lines, all Republicans voting for it. #kyga26
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 19, 2026 at 7:37 PM
The Kentucky Senate just passed this bill on straight party lines, all Republicans voting for it. #kyga26
Reposted by Justin Hicks
Thank you, @anitawadhwani.bsky.social and @tennesseelookout.com for alerting TN.
This shows how important local reporting is when even the Mayor nor state lawmakers are aware what the feds are planning on their turf.
Support local independent journalism!
This shows how important local reporting is when even the Mayor nor state lawmakers are aware what the feds are planning on their turf.
Support local independent journalism!
Breaking:Immigration and Customs Enforcement has bought a Wilson County facility to house detained immigrants. Few details have been made available and neither Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto nor state lawmakers were aware of the purchase. Props to @anitawadhwani.bsky.social for getting the story.
ICE to open second Tennessee immigrant detention center in Lebanon • Tennessee Lookout
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has purchased a facility in Lebanon to house detained immigrants, an agency spokesperson said Friday.
tennesseelookout.com
February 13, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Thank you, @anitawadhwani.bsky.social and @tennesseelookout.com for alerting TN.
This shows how important local reporting is when even the Mayor nor state lawmakers are aware what the feds are planning on their turf.
Support local independent journalism!
This shows how important local reporting is when even the Mayor nor state lawmakers are aware what the feds are planning on their turf.
Support local independent journalism!
Reposted by Justin Hicks
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:
Reposted by Justin Hicks
Educator sexual misconduct happens in so many schools. I bet if you're reading this, you have your own story, or know someone who does.
This group of Kentucky women are over it, and they're putting everything on the line for change.
Photos by @justinhicks.lpm.org
www.lpm.org/investigate/...
This group of Kentucky women are over it, and they're putting everything on the line for change.
Photos by @justinhicks.lpm.org
www.lpm.org/investigate/...
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 3:07 PM
Educator sexual misconduct happens in so many schools. I bet if you're reading this, you have your own story, or know someone who does.
This group of Kentucky women are over it, and they're putting everything on the line for change.
Photos by @justinhicks.lpm.org
www.lpm.org/investigate/...
This group of Kentucky women are over it, and they're putting everything on the line for change.
Photos by @justinhicks.lpm.org
www.lpm.org/investigate/...
Reposted by Justin Hicks
Asked if he is pulling immigration agents out of Minnesota, as his border czar indicated this morning, President Donald Trump said: "No, no. Not at all."
Live: Trump now says ‘nothing will change’ on immigration enforcement in Minnesota
Border czar Tom Homan said a “withdrawal of law enforcement resources” is in the works. Trump indicated otherwise Thursday night.
www.startribune.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:56 AM
Asked if he is pulling immigration agents out of Minnesota, as his border czar indicated this morning, President Donald Trump said: "No, no. Not at all."
Reposted by Justin Hicks
My latest: A company wanting to build a huge data center in rural Kentucky has faced road blocks from city/county government, so now it is suing the county. The end user of the proposed data center remains anonymous. #kyga26
A company that wants to develop a massive data center in Franklin, Kentucky has filed a lawsuit against Simpson County over a recently passed ordinance requiring it to obtain a conditional use permit.
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 3:00 PM
My latest: A company wanting to build a huge data center in rural Kentucky has faced road blocks from city/county government, so now it is suing the county. The end user of the proposed data center remains anonymous. #kyga26
Reposted by Justin Hicks
The Kentucky House GOP filed their 2-year budget bill today, but it looks like a departure from years past, as it's pretty bare bones with few line items. Petrie says it will be a long process where agencies make their case for funding in coming weeks in budget subcommittees. Stay tuned. #kyga26
The 2026 legislative session of the Kentucky General Assembly #kyga26 gavels in at noon. Lawmakers' big task is to craft a two-year state budget, in a more challenging fiscal environment than recent budget years. Here's a preview of what they're facing:
Kentucky lawmakers will craft two-year state budget in 2026 session, amid new challenges
After years of federal stimulus and surpluses, the Kentucky General Assembly will have to pass a state budget in a tighter fiscal environment in the 2026 session.
www.lpm.org
January 27, 2026 at 11:16 PM
The Kentucky House GOP filed their 2-year budget bill today, but it looks like a departure from years past, as it's pretty bare bones with few line items. Petrie says it will be a long process where agencies make their case for funding in coming weeks in budget subcommittees. Stay tuned. #kyga26
Reposted by Justin Hicks
A DHS notice to Congress says two federal officers, a Border Patrol officer and a CBP officer, fired shots in the shooting that killed Alex Pretti.
2 federal officers fired shots during encounter that killed Alex Pretti, DHS says
Two federal officers fired shots during encounter that killed Alex Pretti, DHS says in notice to Congress obtained by AP.
www.mprnews.org
January 28, 2026 at 12:12 AM
A DHS notice to Congress says two federal officers, a Border Patrol officer and a CBP officer, fired shots in the shooting that killed Alex Pretti.
Reposted by Justin Hicks
GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has called on the Trump administration’s top three immigration enforcement officials to testify before Congress.
Rand Paul calls for immigration officials to testify before Congress
GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has called on the country’s top three immigration enforcement officials to testify before Congress.
www.lpm.org
January 26, 2026 at 10:39 PM
GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has called on the Trump administration’s top three immigration enforcement officials to testify before Congress.
Reposted by Justin Hicks
After snow and sleet in Louisville and Southern Indiana, frigid temperatures remain. Here are tips to stay warm and safe. www.lpm.org/news/2026-01...
Safety, warmth tips for the cold and snow in Louisville and Southern Indiana
After snow and sleet in Louisville and Southern Indiana, frigid temperatures remain. Here are tips to stay warm and safe.
www.lpm.org
January 26, 2026 at 2:30 PM
After snow and sleet in Louisville and Southern Indiana, frigid temperatures remain. Here are tips to stay warm and safe. www.lpm.org/news/2026-01...
Without a lot of major problems due to the snowstorm in Louisville, people were able to enjoy the snow rather than dread it.
(Well everyone except dramatic children who didn’t want to finish their shoveling chores.)
(Well everyone except dramatic children who didn’t want to finish their shoveling chores.)
January 26, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Without a lot of major problems due to the snowstorm in Louisville, people were able to enjoy the snow rather than dread it.
(Well everyone except dramatic children who didn’t want to finish their shoveling chores.)
(Well everyone except dramatic children who didn’t want to finish their shoveling chores.)
Reposted by Justin Hicks
“Losing more innocent lives or whatever”
Good question Congressman
Let's see. Would we rather live with our hard-working immigrant neighbors or masked thugs who are murdering our friends? Hard choice.
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
Let's see. Would we rather live with our hard-working immigrant neighbors or masked thugs who are murdering our friends? Hard choice.
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
January 25, 2026 at 5:40 PM
“Losing more innocent lives or whatever”
Reposted by Justin Hicks
The Kentucky General Assembly will not meet on Monday due to the winter storm affecting the whole state. #kyga26
Due to inclement weather, the Kentucky General Assembly will not convene on Monday, Jan. 26. The legislature is scheduled to reconvene Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 4 p.m. The Capitol Annex will be closed Monday, but most LRC employees will be teleworking and available by email. #kyga26
January 25, 2026 at 5:38 PM
The Kentucky General Assembly will not meet on Monday due to the winter storm affecting the whole state. #kyga26
Reposted by Justin Hicks
I wasn’t sure if Congressman Thomas Massie was going to be ideologically consistent on Alex Pretti, but… appears so.
January 25, 2026 at 1:59 PM
I wasn’t sure if Congressman Thomas Massie was going to be ideologically consistent on Alex Pretti, but… appears so.
Reposted by Justin Hicks
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, Gun Owners of America, and Second Amendment Foundation have all called for an investigation of the Pretti shooting. The NRA took a different tack, though.
Several Gun-Rights Groups Call for Investigation into ICE Killing of CCW Permittee
January 25, 2026 at 5:44 AM
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, Gun Owners of America, and Second Amendment Foundation have all called for an investigation of the Pretti shooting. The NRA took a different tack, though.
Reposted by Justin Hicks
Just talked w/ Frankfort Mayor Wilkerson - confirmed no major issues overnight, no major power outages. Biggest hazard is slick roads. Crews were out yesterday to put down a base layer of salt under the snow and were out again at 5 this morning to clear roads, but there's basically no traction.
January 25, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Just talked w/ Frankfort Mayor Wilkerson - confirmed no major issues overnight, no major power outages. Biggest hazard is slick roads. Crews were out yesterday to put down a base layer of salt under the snow and were out again at 5 this morning to clear roads, but there's basically no traction.
Reposted by Justin Hicks
The program provides enhanced safety and assistance during winter weather emergencies.
Story by Karyn Czar.
Story by Karyn Czar.
Fayette County Sheriff's Department activates Winter Care Program
The program provides enhanced safety and assistance during winter weather emergencies.
www.wuky.org
January 25, 2026 at 5:06 PM
The program provides enhanced safety and assistance during winter weather emergencies.
Story by Karyn Czar.
Story by Karyn Czar.
Reposted by Justin Hicks
You have to read this. Firsthand affidavit from one of the women who was there and recording the video. She talks about how Alex Pretti was directing traffic when she arrived. She watched him be killed in front of her. She's afraid to go home, worried she'll be arrested.
January 25, 2026 at 1:15 AM
You have to read this. Firsthand affidavit from one of the women who was there and recording the video. She talks about how Alex Pretti was directing traffic when she arrived. She watched him be killed in front of her. She's afraid to go home, worried she'll be arrested.
Reposted by Justin Hicks
Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti.
"Please get the truth out about our son."
"Please get the truth out about our son."
January 25, 2026 at 12:43 AM
Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti.
"Please get the truth out about our son."
"Please get the truth out about our son."
Reposted by Justin Hicks
Good news, Kentucky — the President has approved an emergency disaster declaration for this weekend’s winter storm. This means federal aid is immediately available. This will help us protect lives, and I am grateful for this crucial support.
January 24, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Good news, Kentucky — the President has approved an emergency disaster declaration for this weekend’s winter storm. This means federal aid is immediately available. This will help us protect lives, and I am grateful for this crucial support.
Reposted by Justin Hicks
The President has weighed in on ICE officers killing that man:
January 24, 2026 at 7:23 PM
The President has weighed in on ICE officers killing that man: