Yes. On Feb 3, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the town of East Palestine, Ohio. The derailment of about 50 cars carrying dangerous chemicals turned into a massive fire. Shortly after, the approximately 5,000 residents of the eastern town near the Pennsylvania border were ordered to evacuate. Officials carried a "controlled release" of the chemicals in order to avoid a bigger explosion with disaster-movie levels of billowing smoke. On Feb 8, residents were given the 'ok' to come back, with authorities saying the air and water levels were no longer a threat.
How dangerous are we talking?
Bad. Some of the cars were said to be filled with vinyl chloride — which, upon burning, would send harmful gasses (hydrogen chloride and phosgene) into the air. Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas that's flammable that's mostly used for commercial purposes (think: plastics for pipes, wires). The CDC says that long-term exposure to the gas (ie through contaminated water and air) can cause an increased risk of liver, brain, and lung cancers, lymphoma, and leukemia.
Anything else?
Yes. Yesterday, after concerns from residents, the EPA released more details on what other chemicals were aboard. The EPA said it found thylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, and isobutylene. Ethylhexyl acrylate is another carcinogen and can cause burning and irritation on the skin. Breathing it in can also cause coughing and shortness of breath. Isobutylene could also cause dizziness and drowsiness.
What about the residents?
Many are distraught. Some don't want to return because they don't think it's safe. Others who have returned reported feeling sick. And people have also seen the wildlife taking a hit. The NTSB and EPA are investigating. The Norfolk Southern Railway did set up a center for families who need help. The Red Cross set up emergency shelters. And Norfolk Southern donated $25,000 toward recovery efforts. But residents are fighting back with at least four lawsuits so far. Meanwhile, a specialist is sounding the alarm, saying East Palestine was "basically nuked" with chemicals just to keep the railroad open.
theSkimm
Derailments happen more often than you'd think. This isn't the first time a Norfolk Southern train has derailed in Ohio. And now, residents are calling for help in what seems like their own personal chemical disaster movie.
Michigan State University. Last night, at least three people were killed and five others were injured after gunman opened fire on the East Lansing campus. Another shooting was also reported by the college's fitness center. Authorities ordered students to take shelter. Police say the 43-year-old gunman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after an hourslong manhunt. The motive is still unknown. All of MSU's classes and activities have been canceled for 48 hours. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) said she was briefed on the shooting and is asking the community to "wrap our arms around the Spartan community." This story is developing.
What's still popping up in our newsfeeds…
The Chinese spy balloon fiasco. Yesterday, China's Foreign Ministry played an UNO reverse card — saying America's also been sending balloons into China. After accusations of having a spy balloon program extending across 40 countries, China is accusing the US of sending at least 10 balloons into Chinese airspace since last year. The White House is denying the accusations. And has since formed an interagency team to look into "unidentified aerial objects." This all comes after the US shot down four objects in over a week, which Pentagon officials reportedly say is unprecedented in peacetime.
Cowboys & Nay-liens: Another thing the WH is shutting down? Aliens. Press Sec Karine Jean-Pierre said yesterday that there's "no indication" extraterrestrial activity is behind the flying objects the US has shot down recently. Look, it was worth asking.
Where people are taking to the streets…
Israel. Yesterday, tens of thousands protested outside Israel's parliament building. Demonstrators are speaking out against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to overhaul the country's judicial system. And the news came as a committee voted to send the first part of Netanyahu's plan to parliament. The right-wing gov is trying to put more power in parliament's hands since it says the current judiciary has too much power. That's after Israeli prosecutors indicted Netanyahu on corruption charges. But with his judicial overhaul, opponents think Netanyahu might have enough people on his side to keep him out of trouble. Plus, if the plan goes into effect, opponents fear it'll destroy their system of checks and balances. And that they'll see a shift in democracy similar to what's happening in Hungary and Poland.
What's waving red flags…
Teen mental health. Yesterday, the CDC released a report that said about 30% of high school girls in 2021 said they seriously considered suicide — a 60% jump from a decade ago. Nearly three in five teenage girls reported feeling "persistently sad or hopeless." And almost 70% of LGBTQIA+ students felt the same. The stats were even worse for students of color. Experts blamed social media and COVID-19 for teens' negative mental states. Now, health officials say investing in school programs could help.
While some are waiting for the word on inflation...
Others are waiting for Amy Poehler and Tina Fey's comedy tour.
Correction: Yesterday's Daily Skimm stated that the Kansas City Chiefs' victory Sunday night was the team's second Super Bowl win in three years. It was their second win in four years. We have updated the story here.
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Skimm Picks
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Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Keeping it in the family…Shivani M (CA). She opened, Vismaya, a family-run retail store with 100% organic bandanas, scarves, and other wearables. Plus, she partners with local artists to incorporate their creations into products.
(Some) Birthdays…Andrea Ravagnani (OH), Becca Miller (PA), Carly Matz (MI), Emilie Dorn (NY), Emily Council (MN), Gary Gingerich (FL), Khrystyan Masters (KS), Konnie Darrow (TX), Maegan Dockery (AL), Mary Higbe (TX), Meaghan Timko (GA), Paige Wheeler (MO), Patti Cheney (MD), Peter Lesnik (CA), Rosina Comunale (MO), Vanessa Vander Brink (CT)
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Skimm'd by: Macy Alcido, Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
Photos by Dustin Franz / AFP via Getty Images, Brand Partners
