Monday Afternoon Update: Questions Swirl About Ohio Train Explosion, M&M’s Maker Fined By

This article is a companion piece to today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. To listen to the podcast version, click here.

Man Driving U-Haul Truck Allegedly Mows Down People On NYC Sidewalk

A man driving a U-Haul truck allegedly struck and badly injured several people in Brooklyn Monday before leading police on a several-mile pursuit. According to fire department officials, at least eight people were hurt at two locations, including two people who are in critical condition. Officials say they do not have a motive for the attack at this time, but say it was not an accident. NYPD’s bomb squad was called to the scene to check the truck for possible explosives.

Americans Told To Leave Russia

The U.S. State Department warned all American citizens to leave Russia without delay on Monday, issuing the highest level of warning possible. It’s not the first time the State Department has warned citizens to leave Russia since it began its invasion, but citizens were told “do not” travel to the eastern European country, citing “the potential for harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention.”

Turkey Issues Arrest Warrants For Building Contractors

On Monday, the government of Turkey issued at least 100 arrest warrants for building contractors. The contractors, they allege, are to blame for faulty building design and safety mechanisms, which allowed last week’s devastating earthquakes to kill at least 33,000 individuals.

Is East Palestine, Ohio, Safe?

While residents in East Palestine, Ohio, have been told it’s safe to return home after an evacuation order, many are worried about continued threats to their health. A Norfolk Southern train carrying harmful industrial chemicals derailed on February 3, and the company informed the EPA that dangerous chemicals were on board — prompting authorities to order an evacuation of the area. Five days later, residents were told they could return home, but many are hesitant amid new reports of how dangerous the emitted chemicals could be.

Cali Judge Stops L.A. Plan That Would Have Cut Down 13,000 Trees
A state judge in California has halted a plan by the city of Los Angeles to cut down more than 13,000 trees as part of the city’s effort to expand its sidewalks. The judge in the ruling called the proposal “fundamentally flawed.”

NJ School District Superintendent Resigns After Tragic 14-Year-Old Suicide

The superintendent at Central Regional School District in Ocean County, New Jersey, has resigned following the tragic suicide of a 14-year-old girl in the school district. The teen took her life just days after a viral TikTok video showed four other teenagers brutally attacking her. Parents and other community members say the video epitomized the violent, dangerous atmosphere in schools. The family of the deceased girl has accused the school district of failing to take prompt action.

Mars Wrigley Fined By OSHA After Employees Fall Into Chocolate Vat

Mars Wrigley has been fined $14,500 by OSHA after two workers fell into a vat of chocolate last June. The federal agency alleged that the candy company did not provide its workers with adequate training. Both employees were rescued by local firefighters who drilled a hole in the bottom of the tank and pulled them out.

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