[Michael81Dus]

According to the media, the Columbia has lost a part of a tank at the start on Jan 16. Officials said yesterday, that this hadn´t caused any harm to the Columbia - now they say it probably has damaged the left wing of the Shuttle.

[bonesmccoy]

Slightly incorrect reporting
Debris on liftoff hit the leading edge of the wing but the effect of the problem is different than what we saw this AM. Max heating on the wing structure occurs higher in altitude. So, it doesn't make sense that the vehicle was compromised by the impact.