Appeal delays Ohio derailment

Settlement checks for victims of Norfolk Southern's 2023 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, could be delayed by up to two years due to an appeal against a federal judge's approval of a $600 million settlement. Residents are outraged as they had been depending on these payments to recover from the toxic train crash, with some planning to relocate. Rev. Joseph Sheely, whose name is on the appeal, has faced backlash from the community despite stating he no longer wishes to be involved. The plaintiffs' attorneys had hoped to commence payments by year's end, but the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals must first address concerns about the settlement's fairness and adequacy. The appeal process could take at least six to twelve months, and potentially longer if escalated further. The settlement is intended to provide up to $70,000 per household for property damage and $25,000 per person for injuries to residents near the derailment.