Residents near the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment, chemical leak, and subsequent chemical burn are struggling to return to their normal lives as the clean up continues. Emily Wright, of nearby Columbiana and development director at River Valley Organizing, wrote a guest opinion column on Dispatch.com asking Governor Mike DeWine to request federal help from the Biden Administration to assist the area. After the column was released Thursday, DeWine Tweeted he had spoke with the White House early that morning and requested assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Emergency Response Team, and Centers for Disease Control for direct support.

Several videos have emerged reflective of heightened health and environmental concerns. The videos show shimmering chemical contamination on Leslie Run Creek and other nearby creeks. An expert from the University of Akron believes the material is likely vinyl chloride, a heavier-than-water chemical.

Around 3