Justin Hicks

1 week ago | lpm.org | Justin Hicks

As the Ohio River recedes, Louisville Metro government officials say city flood cleanup will start on Saturday. To help local crews, officials hired a disaster debris company known for high-powered lobbyists and political donations. AshBritt is a familiar name in Kentucky. Company employees donated to political committees that fueled the reelection of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. And state officials contracted the company for flood cleanup in remote parts of eastern Kentucky in 2022.

2 weeks ago | lpm.org | Curtis Tate |Justin Hicks

April 5 marked the 15th anniversary of the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster in West Virginia, which killed 29 coal miners when coal dust and methane ignited. In the years that followed, multiple investigations concluded that the mine’s operators routinely skirted safety rules. It was enabled by a federal mine safety agency that was understaffed, inexperienced and failed to issue violations.

2 weeks ago | wbur.org | Justin Hicks

Trump wants to increase mining. But DOGE is cutting mine safety staffersApril 08, 2025Justin Hicks, Appalachia Mid-South NewsroomAs the Trump administration wants to increase mining in the U.S., the agency charged with mine safety is seeing staffing cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency. Justin Hicks of the Appalachia Mid-South Newsroom reports. This segment airs on April 8, 2025. Audio will be available after the broadcast.

2 weeks ago | lpm.org | Justin Hicks

HICKS: Stanley, you grew up in West Virginia in a coal mining family and started coal mining when you were 19, back in the late 70s. What do you think drew you to that job? STEWART: You know, it sounds silly to me now, but I was fascinated by going into a coal mine. It was just, just another world… and I knew that it ain't everybody can do this. So, you know, it made me feel a little bit special, although there's nothing really special about being a coal miner.

2 weeks ago | lpm.org | Justin Hicks

In a carpeted, air-conditioned room at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville, giant robot arms hiss as they plasma cut steel plates and whirr away, rotating heavy beams. This is the American Institute of Steel Construction’s annual conference. It’s billed as the premiere industry event for people who make massive bridges and buildings out of steel. Surrounded by the technology and sales leads, Guillermo González’s mind was miles away.