Ray Ring

Senior Editor

Here’s an update on the latest best stories on the Crandall Canyon Mine cave-ins, which have apparently killed six miners, two rescuers and a federal mine-safety official. These journalists are doing notable public service:

The mining method pushed by the current owner was more dangerous than previous methods, according to the Salt Lake Tribune, here and here.

Many pressures — economic and political — contributed to the cave-ins, says the Washington Post.

The boss of the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, appointed by Bush, is under fire.

The mine, run by various owners since 2004, broke a lot of safety regs, says the Deseret Morning News.

Mines scout all the way to Mexican villages to recruit workers, including some caught in the cave-ins, says the LA Times.

Utah’s coal-mining families are loyal to the industry but some have questions now.

The rescuers risked their lives in a very difficult place.

The mine owner is already talking about reopening the mine, says The New York Times.

And for my previous list of best stories digging into the disaster, go here.