In the early 1970's, a young filmmaker named Barbara Kopple heard a story on NPR about leadership elections for the United Mine Workers of America, which was among the strongest labor unions in the United States. Nearly 50 years later, Kopple discusses how the film is still relevant. 

On the 21st: After months of waiting on a life-or-death decision, retired coal miners wondering whether Congress will continue their health insurance have finally received an answer. We also learn about a new art exhibit featuring works by Chicago police officers, discuss citizenship and immigration, and explore the history and purpose of presidential libraries.

Thousands of former coal workers and dependents who worked for now-bankrupt coal companies could lose their health insurance at the end of the year if Congress does not pass legislation to fund it. Retirees in southern Illinois say losing their health insurance would amount to a broken promise from the coal companies that would have devastating effects to their well-being.

On the 21st: We met two of the members of a Central Illinois band that has just recently reunited. We also learned about what the upcoming election could mean for the state of the coal industry in Illinois, and met the man who dressed up as Spider-Man to brighten the day of children in a Chicago hospital.