Howard Berkes

Black lung rates in Appalachia are high as the 1970s, with thousands of miners sick

Howard Berkes, Justin Hicks

Rates are now the highest they've been in nearly 50 years among veteran coal miners. Mining experts blame toxic silica dust, now more common in mines.
Remembering Allan McDonald: He Refused To Approve Challenger Launch, Exposed Cover-Up

Howard Berkes

Allan McDonald, who directed the booster rocket project at NASA contractor Morton Thiokol, urged delaying the launch of the space shuttle before it exploded in 1986. He has died at age 83.
Why I'm A Vaccine Volunteer: Doing What Needs To Be Done

Howard Berkes

The power of family history can lead a person to do a lot of things. For Howard Berkes, the family tradition of facing crises head-on led him to sign up for experimental testing of a COVID-19 vaccine.
'It Seemed Apocalyptic' 40 Years Ago When Mount St. Helens Erupted

Howard Berkes

Howard Berkes covered the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens for NPR and has returned to the volcano for multiple stories over the years. He recalls the massive blast and its aftermath.