Lessons from Battle of Blair Mountain

WV’s Battle of Blair Mountain happened 100 years ago, but what’s its significance for working people today? That’s the topic explored by historians, authors, artists, and activists who make the case that understanding what the miners and their families were fighting for will help us all understand the challenges that working people are facing today. […]

Black Lung Benefits Endangered

This month Making Connections News features an August 13th webinar, Black Lung: People, Power and Policy. At this virtual event, Gary Hairston, President of the National Black Lung Association, describes the way in which the disease is diminishing his life, while Debbie Wills, who helps miners at one of West Virginia’s Black Lung Clinics, details […]

Reclaim, Renew, Repurpose

Appalachian advocates see brighter future with energy policy, RECLAIM Act, AML Reauthorization, efforts to rebuild coalfields communities.

AML Reauthorization, RECLAIM Act Introduced

This show features Rep. Matt Cartwright and Rep. Glenn Thompson, both from Pennsylvania coal mining districts, introducing the RECLAIM Act and legislation to reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Lands Fund at a March 10 Press Conference. Sponsors describe these bills as bipartisan, and state they could create 13,000 jobs immediately, while helping to ensure coal country […]