Story perspectives

East Palestine Groomer Rises Amid Norfolk Southern's Rail Crisis

1/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Norfolk Southern's freight trains continue to operate near Kari Brieck's pet grooming business in East Palestine, Ohio.
Brieck established her business with an $18,000 personal injury payment from Norfolk Southern after the February 2023 derailment and controversial chemical burn.
East Palestine, a town of about 4,700, has faced economic challenges from factory closures and the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the rail disaster, while Brieck faces health issues but remains determined.

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Story summary

Norfolk Southern's freight trains continue to operate near Kari Brieck's pet grooming business in East Palestine, Ohio.
Brieck established her business with an $18,000 personal injury payment from Norfolk Southern after the February 2023 derailment and controversial chemical burn.
East Palestine, a town of about 4,700, has faced economic challenges from factory closures and the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the rail disaster, while Brieck faces health issues but remains determined.