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Search on Metrolink Train Ends, Death Toll Now 25
As the search for victims ended this afternoon, one of the hospitalized victims died, making him the 25th loss due to yesterday's crash between a Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific freight train. Paul Long, an English teacher at Oaks Christian School, was taken off life support at County-USC Medical Center this afternoon. He was traveling home with his wife and son, who were injured with non life-threatening injuries, after a trip to South Carolina for a funeral for Long's mother. A partial or full list of the deaths is expected to be released later today, but fire officials anticipate more deaths as so many people were taken to the hospitals in critical condition.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
