74 people are now confirmed dead at the Tunlan coal mine in Shanxi province, China, and 114 miners are still hospitalized. 

The explosion occurred after an apparent failure of the ventilation system.

Read the Associated Press story on Google News.

In the ongoing saga of coal ash impoundments a new bill would impose federal standards on coal ash storage.  The bill, introduced by Nick J. Rahall, intends to guarantee the integrity of the impoundments.

Read the story at the Tennessean.com.

On February 2nd PBS Newshour aired an update on the massive coal ash spill that took place in Kingston, TN.  Footage of the aftermath gives some sense of the incredible damage and the tragic effects on the residents of the area.

A foreman for Aracoma Coal Company's Alma #1 mine was indicted Thursday, January 29th, on charges resulting from a fatal fire that occurred in January 2006.  David R. Runyon of Justice is accused of neglecting to conduct mine safety and evacuation drills and falsifying safety reports.  Runyon could receive up to 17 years in prison and a $950,000 maximum fine if convicted.

Read the full story in The Charleston Gazette.

At least that is what Rachel Maddow claimed on her MSNBC show two weeks ago.