By Leann Ray | Editor-in-chief
“I spent nearly three decades underground mining coal to keep this country’s lights on, only to be diagnosed with black lung before I turned 50. It stole my ability to work and provide for my family. Over time, the monthly disability benefit has paid for less and less of my expenses.” — Gary Hairston, a Raleigh County resident who serves as president of the National Black Lung Association
X-rays of a patient with black lung disease. (National Archives at College Park photo)
By Caity Coyne
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a bill this week that, if made law, would increase black lung disability payments for coal miners and their families and tie the stipends to inflation rates moving forward.
NATIONAL
A fast food restaurant advertises jobs on the first day of summer. The Economic Policy Institute found a handful of states that eased labor laws for teenagers during this year’s legislative sessions. (Photo by Robbie Sequeira/Stateline)
By Robbie Sequeira
For some teenagers across the country, the summer is the first opportunity to gain work experience for their nascent resume.
In a handful of states, however, teens who find jobs will find fewer protections under child labor laws. Four states — Indiana, Nebraska, Washington and West Virginia — enacted laws this year that weaken child labor protections, according to the Economic Policy Institute, a nonprofit think tank. In all, 13 states had bills seeking to weaken those protections; some are still under consideration.
By Amelia Twyman
WASHINGTON — Members of a U.S. House Education and Workforce subcommittee found rare common ground scrutinizing private equity’s stake in youth sports at a Tuesday hearing.
By Sam Gauntt
WASHINGTON — As outdoor celebrations and events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary and the World Cup reach their peak, local officials across the country are urging caution amid a heat wave blanketing many East Coast and Midwestern states.
COMMENTARY
Even when news is shared firsthand, it’s good to check with a second source. (Photo by Leann Ray/West Virginia Watch)
By Kathleen M. Jacobs
Writing is much more than putting pen to paper; so is publishing. And the first doesn’t guarantee the second. But one can hope.
ICYMI
Thanks for reading First Watch. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.