in the news

Thank you, Journalists!

Thank you to the journalists who continue to cover chemically impacted communities and bring these stories into the public eye. Your willingness to listen, investigate, and report with integrity ensures that the experiences of affected residents are not ignored or erased. By asking difficult questions and amplifying the voices of those living with the consequences of chemical exposure, journalists help turn silence into awareness and awareness into action.

In communities impacted by chemical contamination, information can mean the difference between harm and safety. Investigative reporting exposes risks that might otherwise remain hidden and ensures that residents, regulators, and policymakers understand the potential dangers. In chemically affected communities, awareness is everything. When credible reporting brings attention to environmental hazards and health concerns, it can prompt testing, medical monitoring, and protective action that ultimately saves lives.

The impact of journalism is even recognized within the legal record. In the motion granting intervention related to the East Palestine derailment, the court referenced reporting that raised concerns about possible cancer clusters, long-term health effects, and the use of faulty equipment. This acknowledgement reflects an important truth: responsible journalism can influence public understanding and accountability.

Today, however, much of what is labeled as “news” risks drifting toward entertainment rather than public service. Journalism was never meant to be entertainment—it exists to inform the public and shine light on issues that affect people’s health, safety, and future. For chemically impacted communities, that mission is essential.