THIS WEEK’S LABOR HERITAGE POWER HOUR: Donora’s Dark Air, Labor’s Bright Colors
Chris Garlock | Published on 10/5/2025
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.
NOTE: You can now catch the Power Hour on WPFW’s brand-new app! Just search for and download “WPFW Radio” on the App Store!