Appalachia’s black lung rates highest in nearly 50 years as miners’ protections stall August 5, 2026 FacebookXPinterestWhatsApp Rates are now as bad as the 1970s, with thousands of miners sick and dying. Mining experts blame toxic silica dust, now more common in mines. (Image credit: Roger May for NPR) RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR instagram First-time OKCPS pipeline teachers prepare classroom ahead of first day of school Local Traffic alert: I-40 & Western travel impacted by police presence Local Affordable summer activities to beat the heat Latest article First-time OKCPS pipeline teachers prepare classroom ahead of first day of school OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma City Public School teachers are preparing their classrooms for the first day of school next week. This will be... Traffic alert: I-40 & Western travel impacted by police presence Traffic on I-40 & Western is currently backed up due to a heavy police presence in the area. Affordable summer activities to beat the heat OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Finding affordable ways to keep the family entertained while staying out of the heat can be a challenge. News...