Donora’s Dark Air, Labor’s Bright Colors

On this week’s Labor Heritage Power Hour: A visit to the Donora Smog Museum, where a six-day inversion in 1948 trapped toxic fumes over a mill town and changed how the U.S. thinks about work, health, and accountability. Then educator and Mine Wars Museum co-founder Wilma Steele unpacks how a simple red bandana—rooted in centuries-old paisley—became a living symbol of union solidarity.  
PLUS: Dropkick Murphy's frontman Ken Casey’s Favorite Labor Song, and a double helping of Labor History in 2:00, with the “Jerry Rescue” of 1851 and the 1919 Elaine Massacre.

Broadcast on October 2, 2025 on WPFW 89.3FM in Washington, DC and other stations across the country.
Hosted by Chris Garlock and Elise Bryant; produced by Chris Garlock; engineered by Mike Nasella & Kahlia Chapman.
The Labor Heritage Power Hour is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network.

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