Toxic Leak Prompts Safety Concerns in Ohio
Ask Students: Who is interviewed in this story, and what is his position in the government? What sort of chemicals leaked into the environment of East Palestine, Ohio?
Summary
In eastern Ohio, residents have been on edge for over a week following an explosive train derailment and a toxic chemical leak. Evacuation orders have been lifted and the all-clear has been given in East Palestine, a small community of about 5,000 on the Pennsylvania border, but that’s done little to calm anxieties. Geoff Bennett discussed the toxic crash with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Who is interviewed in this story, and what is his position in the government?
- Where and when did a train derailment recently lead to a chemical leak?
- What sort of chemicals leaked into the environment of East Palestine, Ohio?
- How have authorities responded to the accident?
- Why do some suggest the accident reveals greater problems with train safety in the U.S.?
Focus Questions
Who do you think should take responsibility for the accident and the short and long-term damages caused to residents?
Media Literacy: What perspective does the governor of Ohio offer that others couldn’t? Who else would you want to hear from to understand how the accident is affecting the area around East Palestine, Ohio?
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Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of NewsHour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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