A derailed train has caused toxic chemicals to pose a threat to a small town in Ohio. Poor Ohio. Editor’s note: mentions of violence.

Happening in the World: According to Ukrainian officials, Russia has recently sent more civilian targeted shelling attacks that resulted in a large fire in one of the local hospitals and several nearby apartment buildings in the Northeastern Kharkiv area. In addition to this attack, there have been approximately a dozen towns in the same geographical location that have been hit by similar shelling attacks. One of these hits on a nearby power plant has left about 60,000 households without water. (ABC)

Happening in the US: This past Friday, five train cars derailed in the small town of East Palestine, Ohio. Though only home to 5,000 people, East Palestinian officials have ordered an evacuation of anyone within a one-mile radius of the site. This train was carrying hazardous materials and it has been reported to be leaking vinyl chloride into the area. Officials now are saying that these rain cars are now at risk of exploding. (BBC)

Happening in NYC: Mayor Eric Adams recently announced that New York City will no longer mandate that all of its employees be vaccinated against COVID-19. Mayor Adams’ new rule will also affect those who intend to visit public schools as they will not have to show proof of vaccination in order to volunteer. As with most changes in regulations, this announcement has garnered both approval and disapproval from many different individuals. Mayor Adams reminded the public that although vaccinations will no longer be required in order to be employed by the city, it is still highly encouraged. This change in regulation will begin on Friday. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: In an event hosted by Columbia Law School’s Law, Rights, and Religion Project, Sabrina E. Dent and Obery Hendricks will be speaking over Zoom this afternoon about an event called “Black Writers on Race and the Rise of White Christian Nationalism”. They will explore white Christian nationalism and how it affects black people who share the same faith. This event is co-sponsored by the Black Law Students Association, the Secularism Society, and the Institute for Religion, Culture, and Public Life. If you are interested in attending, visit this page to reserve your spot!

Not the Ohio Train via Bwarchives