Mine Workers (UMWA) President Cecil Roberts and nine other union members were arrested in front of Peabody Energy’s corporate headquarters in St. Louis yesterday, as more than 750 members and retirees sang Amazing Grace and held signs calling for fairness. Several of those arrested had oxygen tanks, and many in the crowd were brought to tears as the arrested protesters were peacefully loaded into the sheriff’s van while Which Side Are You On played on the loudspeakers. The protesters arrived at Peabody after marching from federal bankruptcy court, where Patriot Coal’s lawyers were inside. Those arrested were released later in the day, according to the St. Louis City Division of Corrections. 

Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin could have selected a better title for his campaign travels with Phyllis Schlafly and other prominent extreme conservatives than a “Common Sense” bus tour. A more appropriate title, according to Missouri activists, would be Akin’s Nonsense Tour. After all, what politician, other than Mitt Romney, has made so many statements recently that defy common sense? 

Bob Soutier, president of the Greater St. Louis Labor Council, spoke today before hundreds gathered outside of Peabody Opera House as the Peabody Energy Corp. held its shareholders' meeting. Union activists and other members of the 99% Spring want the giant coal company to pay its fair share of taxes—because right now, Peabody's tax breaks take funds from those who need it most, such as St. Louis schools and social services.

While 99% Spring protesters are shining some sunlight on anti-worker governors in the Midwest, it may feel more like a downpour to extreme politicians like Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels. Here's a look at recent events.

While the 90-plus degree April weather feels like summer, in Missouri congregations, neighborhoods and union halls, activists around the state have November on their minds. Every day, volunteers are collecting signatures to put initiatives on the ballot that would raise the minimum wage and put a cap on out-of-control payday loan interest rates. Because all signatures must be collected by mid-May, more folks are getting involved every day.