Mine Safety Inspections Plummet: West Virginia Miners Face Increased Risks

West Virginia miners face increased risks as mine safety inspections plummet. A CNN investigation reveals a shocking 75% decrease in mine safety inspections this year, compared to the same period last year. This alarming trend has left miners in West Virginia deeply concerned about their safety and well-being. "It's going to be disastrous for miners," says David Bounds, a former miner suffering from black lung disease, in a poignant interview. The cuts, the investigation finds, are directly linked to executive orders signed by President Trump to boost the coal industry. This raises serious questions about the trade-offs between economic growth and worker safety. The emotional accounts of miners struggling with the consequences of these cuts highlight the human cost of such policies. The CNN report serves as a critical reminder of the importance of robust mine safety regulations and oversight.