This article discusses the Railway Safety Act of 2023, a bill introduced by a bipartisan group of senators in response to a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The bill includes provisions to increase safety procedures, such as requiring rail carriers to give advance notice of hazardous materials, increasing rail car inspections, and requiring crews of at least two people. If passed, the bill would become the first major rail safety legislation in more than a decade.
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At least 36 people were killed and dozens injured in a tragic train collision in central Greece on Wednesday. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the site of the crash and vowed to find out what caused the tragedy, while Transportation Minister Kostas Karamanlis resigned in respect for the victims. The government has declared a three-day period of national mourning and set up a fund to support the families of those affected.
In the past several months, approximately 30 schools across Iran have experienced poisonings of young girls, likely in an effort to prevent them from attending school. This follows the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in morality police custody in September, sparking a wave of protests throughout the country. 700 girls have been affected by toxic gas since November, with many hospitalized, but none have died. Investigations are ongoing as officials have yet to identify the source of the poisonings.
U.S. officials have reported that China is considering sending lethal military aid to Russia, which could be a crucial boost for the Kremlin's hopes of battlefield success in the coming months. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has stated that the suspension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) is due to the U.S.'s "hostile course towards Russia". Analysts suggest that the ammunition and artillery from China could be a crucial factor in the conflict, though it remains to be seen if it will be enough to give the Kremlin the desired outcome.
Nissan is recalling over 800,000 small SUVs in the US and Canada due to an issue with the jackknife-style keys, which can cause the vehicle to turn off if touched or bumped. If driven with the key partially folded, the engine can lose power and the airbags may not inflate in a crash. Nissan is notifying owners and dealers will replace the keys free of charge.
Eli Lilly has announced a 70% price cut for its most commonly used forms of insulin, with a list price of $25 a vial as of May 1, and out-of-pocket costs capped at $35 a month for those with commercial insurance. The move comes in response to criticism of insulin prices, which have led to rationing and other health risks for those with diabetes. Eli Lilly is also expanding its Insulin Value Program to help make insulin more accessible and affordable.
Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress party has been declared president-elect of Nigeria following a weekend election. Tinubu won 8.79 million votes, ahead of main opposition challenger Atiku Abubakar’s 6.98 million votes. The election was marred by reports of violence and irregularities, and Tinubu will be sworn in as Nigeria's new president on May 29 after the INEC concludes its investigations.
Attorney General Merrick Garland is set to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday to discuss the Justice Department's accomplishments over the past year, including combating violent crime and hate crimes, working with Ukraine against Russia, and protecting reproductive freedom. He will also be asked to explain the department's stance on a variety of issues, including civil rights, immigration, and gun control. The hearing is expected to last several hours and will be streamed live on the Senate Judiciary Committee's website.