The South and Southern Plains are bracing for a severe thunderstorm outbreak today that could possibly bring baseball-size hail and tornadoes packing winds of at least 111 mph. Officials in the region have issued strong safety warnings for the severe threat area, which encompasses 45 million people from Texas to Alabama.
Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
(You can get “CNN’s 5 Things” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.)
Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, will get the opportunity today to address the operator of a train that derailed while carrying toxic chemicals in their community nearly one month ago. The EPA has ordered Norfolk Southern to meet with residents to answer questions about long-term health effects following the wreck. Last month, Norfolk Southern – which was also ordered to fully clean up the site – backed out of a town hall with local officials, citing threats against its employees. In addition to mounting frustrations among residents, workers’ unions are saying some crews involved in the cleanup have also reported symptoms. However, the EPA and local government officials have repeatedly said their tests show the air quality in the area is safe and the chemicals should dissipate.
Eli Lilly, one of the biggest players in the US insulin market, announced a series of price cuts on Wednesday that would cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. “Insulin costs less than $10 to make, but Americans are sometimes forced to pay over $300 for it. It’s flat wrong,” President Joe Biden said in a statement on Wednesday, calling the announcement “a big deal.” Although insulin is relatively inexpensive to make, the cost has been a problem for many Americans for years. At least 16.5% of people in the US who use insulin report rationing it due to the cost. At…
Read the full article here