Morgan Watkins
@morganwatkins.lpm.org
Investigative reporter covering health and the environment for @lpm.org & the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting (KyCIR). Formerly w/ Courier Journal, Gainesville Sun.
Think an issue needs coverage? Email me: [email protected]
Think an issue needs coverage? Email me: [email protected]
Reposted by Morgan Watkins
Ricky Santiago, the new executive director of Americana Community Center, talks with LPM about the financial challenges Americana has weathered, his hopes for future sustainability and the resurgence he believes the organization is making. www.lpm.org/2025-11-24/a...
Americana seeks financial strength as it serves Louisville's immigrant community
Americana Community Center’s new leader has plans to guide the more than 30-year-old nonprofit into a more stable future.
www.lpm.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Ricky Santiago, the new executive director of Americana Community Center, talks with LPM about the financial challenges Americana has weathered, his hopes for future sustainability and the resurgence he believes the organization is making. www.lpm.org/2025-11-24/a...
Good piece from @doperle.bsky.social on the pros and cons of Kentucky's new software that lets police request - and judges deny or approve - warrants virtually instead of on paper/in person. The shift was made after problems with the search warrant that led to Breonna Taylor's death came to light.
Kentucky takes eSearch Warrant program online statewide after yearslong rollout
Kentucky's Administrative Office of the Courts and Kentucky State Police announced last week that a program aimed at modernizing the way search warrants get requested and evaluated is now live in all ...
www.lpm.org
November 24, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Good piece from @doperle.bsky.social on the pros and cons of Kentucky's new software that lets police request - and judges deny or approve - warrants virtually instead of on paper/in person. The shift was made after problems with the search warrant that led to Breonna Taylor's death came to light.
Reposted by Morgan Watkins
A Republican state representative plans to file legislation that would require all Kentucky police agencies to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Proposed bill would force Kentucky police departments to work with ICE task force program
A Republican state representative plans to file legislation that would require all Kentucky police agencies to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in a program that gives local officers some power to enforce federal immigration law.
www.lpm.org
November 21, 2025 at 8:30 PM
A Republican state representative plans to file legislation that would require all Kentucky police agencies to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Louisville's accepting apps to open a temporary cold weather shelter this winter. It made the process simpler, with less red tape, at Metro Council's request after the city shut down a shelter at The StrEatery Food Hall last year. Details on the requirements here:
Louisville now accepting applications for cold weather shelter operators
Louisville officials are simplifying the permitting process for people interested in operating a temporary shelter during extreme weather.
www.lpm.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Louisville's accepting apps to open a temporary cold weather shelter this winter. It made the process simpler, with less red tape, at Metro Council's request after the city shut down a shelter at The StrEatery Food Hall last year. Details on the requirements here:
Folks in Southern Indiana can still get help with their heating/electric bills even though the federal shutdown caused delays in other communities.
Energy assistance program active in Southern Indiana despite shutdown delays
The federal government shutdown delayed movement for a program that helps people pay utility bills. In Southern Indiana, people can still get assistance due to a surplus from last season.
www.lpm.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Folks in Southern Indiana can still get help with their heating/electric bills even though the federal shutdown caused delays in other communities.
Here's 5 key findings from @storiesbyjess.bsky.social's reporting on how Louisville leaders failed to properly investigate allegations of child sexual abuse by two ex-JCPS football coaches.
Hear the full story in the excellent 3rd season of KyCIR's podcast Dig: www.lpm.org/podcast/dig
Hear the full story in the excellent 3rd season of KyCIR's podcast Dig: www.lpm.org/podcast/dig
5 takeaways from KyCIR’s latest season of Dig
This season of Dig examines the systemic failings that allowed 20 years of child sex abuse to go unchecked.
www.lpm.org
November 19, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Here's 5 key findings from @storiesbyjess.bsky.social's reporting on how Louisville leaders failed to properly investigate allegations of child sexual abuse by two ex-JCPS football coaches.
Hear the full story in the excellent 3rd season of KyCIR's podcast Dig: www.lpm.org/podcast/dig
Hear the full story in the excellent 3rd season of KyCIR's podcast Dig: www.lpm.org/podcast/dig
The @lpm.org newsroom is still covering the fallout from the UPS plane crash in Louisville. Two new stories out today from @sylviaruthg.lpm.org -- www.lpm.org/news/2025-11... -- and @g-nizzle.bsky.social👇
Louisville Orchestra to play free tribute concert honoring UPS plane crash victims
A free tribute concert for the victims, first responders and UPS community will be held at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.
www.lpm.org
November 18, 2025 at 10:11 PM
The @lpm.org newsroom is still covering the fallout from the UPS plane crash in Louisville. Two new stories out today from @sylviaruthg.lpm.org -- www.lpm.org/news/2025-11... -- and @g-nizzle.bsky.social👇
NPR aired a story of mine nationally today on Morning Edition about an ambitious plan to restore and protect the waters of the Ohio River Basin, *if* Congress is willing to fund it.
You can hear it here:
You can hear it here:
Congress holds the key to turning the tide on Ohio River Basin pollution
The vast Ohio River Basin is poised for a multi-year ecological restoration after years of industrial pollution, but only if Congress decides to fund it.
www.npr.org
November 17, 2025 at 10:12 PM
NPR aired a story of mine nationally today on Morning Edition about an ambitious plan to restore and protect the waters of the Ohio River Basin, *if* Congress is willing to fund it.
You can hear it here:
You can hear it here:
Our Southern Indiana reporter @lpm.org has 2 stories today on a complicated tax change in Indiana, & how it will hit the budgets of local governments.
Learn about the changes here:
www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
And see how each city and county is crunching its budget here: www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Learn about the changes here:
www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
And see how each city and county is crunching its budget here: www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
How a new tax law loomed over Southern Indiana's 2026 budgets
Southern Indiana officials looked to a recent tax overhaul measure as they crafted 2026 budgets.
www.lpm.org
November 17, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Our Southern Indiana reporter @lpm.org has 2 stories today on a complicated tax change in Indiana, & how it will hit the budgets of local governments.
Learn about the changes here:
www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
And see how each city and county is crunching its budget here: www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Learn about the changes here:
www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
And see how each city and county is crunching its budget here: www.lpm.org/news/2025-11...
Last week, my colleagues & I at KyCIR laid out our data analysis showing an LMPD officer used an ICE term - ERO, an acronym for the unit managing deportations - in 100+ searches of Louisville's license plate reader database. In response to our findings, LMPD has opened an internal investigation.
LMPD officer used ICE keyword for license plate search. Now he’s under investigation
Louisville Metro Police is investigating an officer’s use of its license plate reader database after KyCIR revealed he listed an ICE-related keyword on over 100 searches.
www.lpm.org
November 14, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Last week, my colleagues & I at KyCIR laid out our data analysis showing an LMPD officer used an ICE term - ERO, an acronym for the unit managing deportations - in 100+ searches of Louisville's license plate reader database. In response to our findings, LMPD has opened an internal investigation.
Reposted by Morgan Watkins
Today Season 3 of Dig, "The Girls" dropped in your podcast apps -- a 4-part series about child sex abuse allegations against 2 Louisville educators.
It's a hard story about pain & broken systems. But it's also a story about the strength of girls and women, and the power of friendship.
kydig.org
It's a hard story about pain & broken systems. But it's also a story about the strength of girls and women, and the power of friendship.
kydig.org
Dig
Each season on "Dig," from the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting, we expose the systems that allow injustice to fester, and shine a light on the people fighting for solutions. Season Three: ...
www.lpm.org
November 11, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Today Season 3 of Dig, "The Girls" dropped in your podcast apps -- a 4-part series about child sex abuse allegations against 2 Louisville educators.
It's a hard story about pain & broken systems. But it's also a story about the strength of girls and women, and the power of friendship.
kydig.org
It's a hard story about pain & broken systems. But it's also a story about the strength of girls and women, and the power of friendship.
kydig.org
Season 3 of Dig, KyCIR's award-winning podcast, is out today. @storiesbyjess.bsky.social investigated how Louisville leaders mishandled child sex abuse allegations against 2 coaches. Hear from the women who say they're fighting for the girls they were then... and for the girls who come after them.
Dig, Season Three: The Girls
A podcast revealing KyCIR's 19-month investigation into allegations of child sex abuse by former high school football coaches, Ronnie and Donnie Stoner.
www.lpm.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Season 3 of Dig, KyCIR's award-winning podcast, is out today. @storiesbyjess.bsky.social investigated how Louisville leaders mishandled child sex abuse allegations against 2 coaches. Hear from the women who say they're fighting for the girls they were then... and for the girls who come after them.
A colleague of mine got up early today to get the latest updates on yesterday's UPS crash. Good PSAs for folks in Louisville here:
UPS plane crash continues to impact Louisville Wednesday
Resources for residents and victims of Tuesday’s UPS plane crash.
www.lpm.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:15 PM
A colleague of mine got up early today to get the latest updates on yesterday's UPS crash. Good PSAs for folks in Louisville here:
Our newsroom is reporting on the UPS plane crash in Louisville. Will keep posting updates with the latest @lpm.org.
Louisville asked to shelter in place following UPS plane crash
Details about casualties are not yet available after the Federal Aviation Administration said a UPS plane crashed in Louisville on Tuesday.
www.lpm.org
November 5, 2025 at 12:35 AM
Our newsroom is reporting on the UPS plane crash in Louisville. Will keep posting updates with the latest @lpm.org.
Law enforcement are running immigration-related searches on data collected by Louisville Metro Police Department's license plate reader cameras. The practice could violate a local law.
NEW story from me and my colleagues @lpm.org & the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting:
NEW story from me and my colleagues @lpm.org & the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting:
Louisville police share data with national immigration dragnet
Louisville Metro Police collect data through license plate readers and share it with thousands of law enforcement agencies.
www.lpm.org
November 3, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Law enforcement are running immigration-related searches on data collected by Louisville Metro Police Department's license plate reader cameras. The practice could violate a local law.
NEW story from me and my colleagues @lpm.org & the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting:
NEW story from me and my colleagues @lpm.org & the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting:
Reposted by Morgan Watkins
FYI we have a court update but I'm not really sure what this will mean for folks in the short term. Judge is requesting a plan/timeline on Monday and we have no sense at what point benefits will actually go out to states to distribute from those emergency funds
www.lpm.org/news/2025-10...
www.lpm.org/news/2025-10...
October 31, 2025 at 8:00 PM
FYI we have a court update but I'm not really sure what this will mean for folks in the short term. Judge is requesting a plan/timeline on Monday and we have no sense at what point benefits will actually go out to states to distribute from those emergency funds
www.lpm.org/news/2025-10...
www.lpm.org/news/2025-10...
LPM's @justinhicks.lpm.org wrote a computer program to see how much Kentuckians will have to pay extra in premiums if they get their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace (Kynect in KY). Prices going up b/c GOP-run U.S. gov. hasn't extended ACA tax credits.
Many Kentuckians to pay hundreds or even thousands more for health insurance next year
Kentucky Public Radio analyzed quotes from the state’s health insurance marketplace and found premium increases ranging from 60% to 600% compared to 2025.
www.lpm.org
October 31, 2025 at 6:35 PM
LPM's @justinhicks.lpm.org wrote a computer program to see how much Kentuckians will have to pay extra in premiums if they get their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace (Kynect in KY). Prices going up b/c GOP-run U.S. gov. hasn't extended ACA tax credits.
Reposted by Morgan Watkins
Missed pay and loss of benefits from the federal government shutdown could further strain Southern Indiana families’ food options. www.lpm.org/news/2025-10...
Nonprofits worry about food insecurity in Southern Indiana as government shutdown continues
Missed pay and loss of benefits from the federal government shutdown could further strain Southern Indiana families’ food options.
www.lpm.org
October 28, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Missed pay and loss of benefits from the federal government shutdown could further strain Southern Indiana families’ food options. www.lpm.org/news/2025-10...
Louisville GOP politician tossed off epithets like “coddled americunts,” “party whores” and “damn sloots” in an old post he wrote about “millennial females” that he now says was mainly dating advice.
Yeah, you’ll wanna read Sylvia’s article.
Yeah, you’ll wanna read Sylvia’s article.
Latest from me: The Jefferson County Republican party has selected a candidate for a special election in Louisville’s South End that railed against the women of his generation through online posts, using vulgar epithets. www.lpm.org/news/2025-10...
GOP candidate for Kentucky Senate defends, then deletes ‘rant’ against millennial ‘skanks’
The Jefferson County Republican Party has selected a candidate for a special election in Louisville’s South End that railed against the women of his generation through online posts, using vulgar epith...
www.lpm.org
October 24, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Louisville GOP politician tossed off epithets like “coddled americunts,” “party whores” and “damn sloots” in an old post he wrote about “millennial females” that he now says was mainly dating advice.
Yeah, you’ll wanna read Sylvia’s article.
Yeah, you’ll wanna read Sylvia’s article.
Reposted by Morgan Watkins
Latest from me: The Jefferson County Republican party has selected a candidate for a special election in Louisville’s South End that railed against the women of his generation through online posts, using vulgar epithets. www.lpm.org/news/2025-10...
GOP candidate for Kentucky Senate defends, then deletes ‘rant’ against millennial ‘skanks’
The Jefferson County Republican Party has selected a candidate for a special election in Louisville’s South End that railed against the women of his generation through online posts, using vulgar epith...
www.lpm.org
October 24, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Latest from me: The Jefferson County Republican party has selected a candidate for a special election in Louisville’s South End that railed against the women of his generation through online posts, using vulgar epithets. www.lpm.org/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Morgan Watkins
In Louisville, people filled the streets for this year’s second mass protest against Trump. lpm.org/news/2025-10...
‘No Kings’ draws hundreds to downtown Louisville for peaceful demonstration
In Louisville, people filled the streets for this year’s second mass protest against Trump.
lpm.org
October 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM
In Louisville, people filled the streets for this year’s second mass protest against Trump. lpm.org/news/2025-10...
Sarah does great reporting on health policy and issues for Kentuckians. Supporting her work spreads quality local journalism!
Tomorrow marks three years (!) I've worked at @kentuckylantern.com.
I get the chance every day to do meaningful work in a supportive company. I'm so thrilled to be here and excited for the future.
If you value my/our work, I hope you'll consider supporting us.
kentuckylantern.com/donate/
I get the chance every day to do meaningful work in a supportive company. I'm so thrilled to be here and excited for the future.
If you value my/our work, I hope you'll consider supporting us.
kentuckylantern.com/donate/
Donate • Kentucky Lantern
kentuckylantern.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Sarah does great reporting on health policy and issues for Kentuckians. Supporting her work spreads quality local journalism!
Our Arts, Culture, Etc. newsletter is resurrected for Halloween! Hear our Arts & Culture reporter @g-nizzle.bsky.social talk about what's happening in Louisville and join the newsletter so future roundups appear like a specter in your inbox👻
Arts, Culture, Et Cetera: Getting into spooky season around Louisville
Here’s a look at what’s going on in arts and culture around Louisville this October.
www.lpm.org
October 17, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Our Arts, Culture, Etc. newsletter is resurrected for Halloween! Hear our Arts & Culture reporter @g-nizzle.bsky.social talk about what's happening in Louisville and join the newsletter so future roundups appear like a specter in your inbox👻
Really nice interview here for @lpm.org's classical music station about the piece "Considering Matthew Shepard," which artists performed in a Louisville production last weekend:
"Considering Matthew Shepard" comes to Louisville
A fusion-oratorio retells the horrific hate crime, but finds moments of hope along the way
www.lpm.org
October 14, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Really nice interview here for @lpm.org's classical music station about the piece "Considering Matthew Shepard," which artists performed in a Louisville production last weekend:
Public meeting alert, Louisville: People get 2 chances this month to discuss the city's notorious "stink" with staff at MSD, the utility that runs our sewer system. Learn what they're doing to mitigate the sewers' contribution to the stench. Info here:
Let’s talk about stink: Utility hosts forum on Louisville’s odor problem
The notorious Louisville “stink” remains an issue, especially in the West End. People can talk to utility staff about it at community meetings this month.
www.lpm.org
October 13, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Public meeting alert, Louisville: People get 2 chances this month to discuss the city's notorious "stink" with staff at MSD, the utility that runs our sewer system. Learn what they're doing to mitigate the sewers' contribution to the stench. Info here: