In Austin, chances are high that you know someone named Michael. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Michael tops the list as the most prevalent first name in the United States, with approximately one in every 100 individuals bearing the name.
The Bureau recently unveiled a compilation of the 1,000 most popular first names in the nation, derived from data gathered during the 2020 Census.
In the gripping second season of The Pitt, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, played by Noah Wyle, finds himself teetering on the brink of despair. In the latest episode of this popular HBO Max series, Robby confides in his friend Duke, portrayed by Jeff Kober, revealing his uncertainty about wanting to continue living. The dedicated doctor feels he only finds meaning within the emergency department, yet he questions whether he wishes to exist at all. This candid admission raises the possibility that his current sabbatical might mark the end of his journey.
Set approximately nine months after the tumultuous events of the first season, The Pitt Season 2 explores Robby’s ongoing struggle with past trauma. Despite Whitaker, played by Gerran Howell, having helped him back on his feet in pediatrics last season, Robby remains unreachable. Characters such as Dana (Katherine LaNasa), McKay (Fiona Dourif), Jefferson (Christopher Thornton), and Duke have all made efforts to connect with him, but the question lingers: will Robby choose to confront his demons and seek help, or will he continue down a path toward self-destruction?
As the season races toward its conclusion, viewers are left wondering how The Pitt Season 2 will resolve this intense storyline. Here’s what you need to know about tuning into the season finale, Episode 15, titled “9 PM,” on HBO Max.
The eagerly anticipated episode will air on Thursday, April 2. Not only does it promise to be a pivotal moment for Robby’s character, but it also serves as the dramatic conclusion to the second season.
Tonight’s episode doubles as The Pitt Season 2 finale.
The Pitt Season 2 Episode 15 “9 PM” will be streaming tonight, Thursday, April 16, at 9 PM ET (or 6 PM PT) on HBO MAX.
Most new episodes of HBO MAX originals hit the streaming service at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT.
There are fifteen episodes in The Pitt Season 2, which means that tonight is the last new episode of The Pitt until Season 3 comes out in 2027. Here’s your guide to when every episode of The Pitt Season 2 came out:
Have no fear, The Pitt is coming back next year! HBO Max has already renewed The Pitt for a third season.
The Pitt Season 3 should come out in January 2027.
Yup! You can watch The Pitt Season 2 trailer by scrolling to the top of this page.
HBO Max’s The Pitt features a massive ensemble cast of actors, some of whom you might already know from projects like The Librarians, Big Love, The L Word, Animal Kingdom, Catch-22, American Vandal, Shrinking, or Star Trek: Picard. Here’s your guide to who’s who on HBO Max’s The Pitt:
In a tragic turn of events, former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax was involved in a fatal domestic incident at his Annandale residence, resulting in the loss of both his and his wife’s lives. Authorities are treating the case as a murder-suicide.
The distressing discovery unfolded when Fairfax’s son made an urgent call to 911 shortly after midnight. He initially believed his mother, Cerina Fairfax, had suffered stab wounds. However, upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officers found evidence of gunfire, with bullet casings scattered near Cerina’s body. As they continued their investigation, they located Justin Fairfax upstairs, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Fairfax County Police Department took charge of the investigation, working through the night to piece together the sequence of events. Capt. Chris Cosgriff provided a briefing, confirming that officers responded to a report of two deceased adults in the home just after midnight.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the male individual fatally shot the female before turning the gun on himself,” Cosgriff stated, describing the situation as a domestic-related incident. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the full circumstances leading to this heart-wrenching incident.
“Preliminarily, it appears that the adult male shot the adult female before shooting himself in a domestic-related incident,” Cosgriff said in a briefing.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strongly criticized a pair of NYPD detectives after a video surfaced showing them using excessive force on a man inside a Brooklyn liquor store during an arrest on Tuesday afternoon.
The detectives, who are part of the Brooklyn North narcotics unit, mistakenly thought the individual had just conducted a drug transaction as he fit a given description, according to information from the NYPD reported by the Daily Mail. Their profiles can be found on the NYPD’s official website.
Officials stated that the man was wearing clothing similar to that of a suspected dealer. However, he was not charged with any drug-related offenses, as it was later confirmed he had no involvement in the alleged drug sale.
The video, uploaded by Instagram user Sinistratm, shows the detectives assaulting the suspect by punching him in the face and torso, shoving him into a display of wine bottles, and further dragging, kicking, and stomping him while he lay on the floor.
The impact shattered wine bottles, resulting in a deep gash on the man’s leg, which started bleeding heavily. The video reveals a growing pool of blood on the floor.
‘The violence used by NYPD officers in this video is extremely disturbing and unacceptable,’ Mayor Mamdani wrote on X.
‘Officers should never treat a person this way. The NYPD is conducting a full investigation into this incident.’
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch echoed the mayor’s statement and said the video was ‘deeply disturbing.’ She added that the detectives have been stripped of their badges and guns while the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau investigates.
Two NYPD detectives were caught on video brutalizing a man during an arrest in a liquor store in Brooklyn on Tuesday. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the video ‘disturbing’
The detectives were caught on camera repeatedly punching the suspect in the head and torso. They incorrectly believed he had sold drugs because he matched a description
The detectives could also be seen pushing the suspect into a shelf of wine bottles which shattered and slashed his leg
In the video, a crowd can be seen forming after the officers get the suspect to the ground, and witnesses can be heard chastising the detectives and calling them ‘pigs.’
The detectives threatened to arrest multiple witnesses while ordering the man to put his arms behind his back and shouting at him to ‘stop resisting.’ The suspect spent about seven minutes on the ground as the leg wound continued to bleed.
One of the detectives, who has a long history of disciplinary action and allegations of excessive use of force and abuse of authority, could be seen stomping the suspect again after he was placed in cuffs and was lying face down on the ground.
A friend of the arrestee told the New York Daily News that he needed multiple stitches for the deep gash in his leg caused by the broken bottles. She also said that his nose was broken during the arrest.
‘The detectives that did this, they’re known out here,’ the friend told the outlet. ‘It’s just this is the first time that someone was smart enough to film from start to finish.’
The person recording the video asked for the names and badge numbers of both the arresting officers.
One replied, ‘1032… Detective Algerio.’ The other shouted back, ‘My name is shut up! I’m trying to make a call right now because this guy is bleeding out!’
But the person recording zoomed in on the second detective’s badge number, clearly showing that it was 5056.
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How should police accountability be enforced when officers with repeated complaints use extreme force?
The detectives could be seen pulling the suspect by the legs before continuing to stomp and kick him
The man suffered a deep cut that caused him to bleed profusely. He lay on the floor for about seven minutes while leaking blood
One of the detectives, who has a long history of allegations of abuse of authority and excessive force, can be seen stomping the suspect after he was already cuffed on the ground
The distressed arrestee is pictured while both detectives lean on his back and cuff him
According to the NYPD’s officer profile search website, Detective Algerio’s full name is Michael P Algerio, and he has been with the department since July 2012. He was promoted to detective in February 2022.
According to 50-a.org, an independent website that compiles Civilian Complaint Review Board complaints, police misconduct records and lawsuits, Algerio has had seven complaints and 12 allegations against him, one of which was substantiated.
Many of those allegations were for abuse of authority and overuse of physical force.
Only one allegation of abuse of authority was substantiated, while the rest of the allegations and complaints were either withdrawn, unsubstantiated or Algerio was exonerated.
Algerio was also involved in two lawsuits alleging unjustified use of force that were settled for a total of $38,090, according to the website. One of the plaintiffs said that they were unable to walk for nine months because of the injuries Algerio caused.
The only NYPD detective with the badge number 5056 is Volkan Maden, who has been with the department since 2014 and was promoted to detective in 2024.
His profile on 50-a.org lists a total of 12 complaints and 51 allegations, 12 of which were substantiated. The substantiated allegations include seven cases of abuse of authority.
The detective has been internally disciplined by the NYPD six times since 2022, according to the website.
One of the arresting officers was Detective Michael P Algerio, who has had seven complaints and 12 allegations against him for excessive force and abuse of authority
The other arresting officer was Detective Volkan Maden, who has had 12 complaints and 51 allegations against him and has been internally disciplined by the NYPD six times
He has also been involved in three lawsuits against the city that were settled for a total of $14,000. One of the plaintiffs said that Maden threw him to the ground and repeatedly punched and kicked him.
Another plaintiff said the detective kicked him in the stomach multiple times and ‘continued to batter him’ after he had been tased and was already on the ground.
The emotional trial involving a former FedEx driver who confessed to abducting and killing 7-year-old Athena Strand saw a poignant moment on Wednesday as her mother took the stand. This marked the second week of proceedings against Tanner Horner, who has admitted to these grave charges.
Just before the trial commenced in Texas, Tanner Horner, aged 34, entered a guilty plea for capital murder. The crucial decision now rests with the jury, who must determine whether Horner will face the death penalty or spend his life behind bars without parole.
During Wednesday’s session, jurors listened intently to the testimony of Athena’s mother, Maitlyn Gandy. She recounted her last moments with her daughter, as covered by FOX 4.
A prosecutor asked Gandy if she recalled the final words she shared with Athena, according to the report. The heartbreaking question underscored the trial’s intense emotional weight.
The case centers around Tanner Horner, a former FedEx driver who has acknowledged his role in the tragic death of Athena Strand. (Varghese and Summersett Law Group)
“I told her that I loved her and that I would see her on Friday,” Gandy replied. “We had a quick drop-off because her daddy was going to take them to the Christmas lights.”
Wearing pink, Athena’s favorite color, Gandy recalled how she immediately drove back to Texas from her home in Oklahoma upon learning about her daughter’s disappearance.
“It felt like I was dying,” Gandy said, according to FOX 4. “I couldn’t breathe, but I knew I had to keep going. I almost tapped on the brakes because I thought I was having a heart attack. But I just told myself that if I kept going, it would be OK, and I would find her.”
She then went on to describe how she delivered the news of Athena’s death to her 3-year-old sister.
Tanner Horner listens during the first day of his capital murder trial at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 7, 2026. He pleaded guilty to kidnapping and killing 7-year-old Athena Strand in 2022. (Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News)
“I didn’t know how to tell her, and I didn’t think I was strong enough to tell her. So I lied to her for a long time. I would tell her that she was just staying with her daddy for a little bit longer. And when she asked to FaceTime or to call her, I would tell her that she was at school or she was sleeping,” Gandy said. “Until about a year ago, she didn’t know the whole truth.”
Upon being asked if she had watched the video of Horner strangling Athena to death, Gandy said she was only able to watch a few minutes of it and apologized to the jurors who were required to see the footage.
A newly released photo shows 7-year-old Athena Strand shortly before prosecutors say she was abducted and killed by a FedEx driver delivering her Christmas present. (POOL via KDFW-TV)
“Not anyone in this room besides Tanner Horner asked for what’s on that video, and Athena definitely did not,” Gandy said.
Defense attorney Steven Goble did not cross examine Gandy, instead offering his condolences as the grieving mother took the stand.
“I am very sorry for your loss,” Goble said, FOX 4 reported.
Horner admitted to abducting Athena while delivering a package containing a Barbie doll to her father’s home in Paradise in 2022. Her body was found on Dec. 2, two days after she was reported missing.
Maitlyn Gandy gives a statement about the death of her daughter, Athena Strand, 7, at the Wise County Courthouse in Decatur, Texas, on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. (Amanda McCoy/Star-Telegram)
Horner initially told investigators that he strangled the young girl after accidentally striking her with his delivery vehicle, adding that she wasn’t seriously injured when he panicked and placed her in his van.
On Monday, medical examiner Dr. Jessica Dwyer testified that Athena’s cause of death was blunt force injuries, smothering and strangulation, adding the young girl likely suffered before she died.
Following the murder, Horner wrote a letter to Athena’s heartbroken family, writing: “To Athena’s family. I wanted to start by saying how sorry I am about Athena. The entire time I’ve known my legal counsel, they continued to tell me how. I don’t need to apologize, didn’t apologize, and the trial? And frankly, I can’t hold it in any longer. I can’t tell you how many countless nights I’ve stayed awake, unable to sleep. I pray for you. For all of you. So many were affected by my breakdown. Not just your family, but my own as well. You’ll never get to see your baby girl grow up. And I’m sorry.”
Before leaving the stand, Gandy addressed questions from the prosecution regarding why she has been in the courtroom for every day of Horner’s trial.
“There were handprint bruises around my daughter’s neck, and because she no longer has a voice,” Gandy said. “And I want people to know that she’s not just some story, she’s not just some number.”
“She’s not just some picture you see in a headline,” Gandy added. “She was loved. She is loved. And she is missed. And she was real. And she had a life, and she wanted to live. And no one can take that from her. Not a single person can take that from her. And I will be her face, and it will be her voice. And I will make sure that every person in this world knows that she was. And we want her in our lives.”
Inset: Cameion Brown (Gary Police Dept.). Background: The Indiana street where Brown allegedly killed a 71-year-old man (Google Maps).
A teenager from Indiana faces serious charges after allegedly beating a 71-year-old man to death in his own home. Following his arrest, the 19-year-old reportedly told police, “I’m done like fried chicken.”
The suspect, Cameion Brown, has been charged with murder and auto theft in connection with the death of Darryl Miller, as per court documents.
The Gary Police Department responded to a welfare check request on Miller’s residence, located on Rhode Island Street, after friends became concerned due to his absence over several days, according to a news release. Friends had entered the home, discovering Miller’s body wrapped in blankets before notifying the authorities, as reported by local CW affiliate WGN reported.
Later that same day, Brown was apprehended in Porter County after a brief chase. Authorities have stated that the investigation is still active.
Upon entering the home, an officer found Miller’s body on the bedroom floor, wrapped in blankets with duct tape binding his feet, as mentioned in court documents. The bedroom showed signs of a struggle, with a mattress overturned and the room in disarray.
Miller’s vehicle, a Honda Accord, was missing from the home, and a witness told police the victim often allowed people without housing to stay with him, according to WGN. That witness identified Brown as someone who had been staying at the residence and said he saw him there shortly before the body was discovered.
Officers later located the stolen vehicle on Interstate 80/94 in Porter County, where Brown was driving, according to the Chicago Tribune. Brown fled from a traffic stop before police used a PIT maneuver to bring the vehicle to a halt and take him into custody.
During questioning, Brown told investigators he ran because he was driving a stolen car and admitted he had been staying with Miller, whom he referred to as “Pops,” according to court documents cited by the Tribune and WGN.
Brown claimed the violence began after Miller “started to touch him inappropriately,” leading to a physical fight in which he knocked the older man to the ground and punched and kicked him, according to the affidavit. When Miller spoke to him during the assault, Brown allegedly responded, “Really.”
Investigators said Miller suffered extensive injuries, including blunt force trauma to the head and torso, along with defensive wounds such as a broken jaw, fractured ribs, a punctured lung, and dislocated fingers. The Lake County Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide.
Brown told police Miller was “still breathing” when he wrapped him in blankets and bound him, though he later changed his account and said Miller was already dead, according to court records.
“I am done like fried chicken,” Brown said during the interview when asked why he fled from officers, according to the affidavit.
Witnesses told police they last saw Miller with Brown days earlier, including at church, and grew suspicious after receiving messages from Brown claiming Miller was “sick” and “quiet for a while,” the Tribune reported. Another witness reported seeing someone matching Brown’s description leaving the home around the time investigators believe the killing occurred.
Court records show Brown has multiple pending criminal cases, including charges related to battery against a public safety official, theft, and resisting law enforcement.
He remains in custody following his arrest, and his initial hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
The notorious “brisket bandit” has left a Southern River butcher outraged and prompted a police inquiry.
Surveillance footage reveals the suspect casually snacking on a box of Shapes before executing his meat-stealing scheme.
“You can see the guy just strolling around, checking things out while munching on his crackers,” John Bain, owner of Rump Shakers Southern River, told 9News.
The surveillance then captures him leaping over the counter and absconding with two briskets, which Bain estimates to weigh around 15 kilograms.
“It’s frustrating because it seems like he didn’t even worry about getting caught,” Bain expressed.
Bain posted about the theft on social media and was inundated with loyal customers trying to help.
“Smile you piece of shit your (sic) on camera,” he wrote this morning.
“Anyone know this low life?
“It’s going to be on every chat page I know and the police will have the footage this morning.
“Hey at least be a smart criminal and not stop in clear view of the camera’s (sic).”
Online sleuths have since been able to identify a potential suspect.
CCTV has been handed over to the police, who are investigating.
But in the meantime it’s a costly loss the small business has to absorb.
“The uncontrollable costs are just going through the roof at the moment – not just me, not just butchers, small business in general, and families as well, we’re all feeling it,” Bain said.
Charges are yet to be laid over the theft but Bain says he’ll be beefing up security.
“Mate, go out and earn a dollar. Don’t steal from us,” he said.
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If you’re over 50 and experiencing sharp eye pain, redness, or a constant sensation that something is poking your eye, you might be dealing with an ingrown eyelash. These tiny, rebellious hairs can make the simple act of blinking a painful ordeal. According to Dr. Anat Galor, an ophthalmologist and professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, this issue tends to become more common as we age. She explains, “As we grow older, the skin of the eyelids becomes thinner, making it easier for lashes to change direction.” A recent report from the American Academy of Ophthalmology indicates that complaints of eye irritation increase by 25% after the age of 50, often due to misdirected lashes. Additionally, the growing popularity of lash serums, which are used to enhance lash growth, adds a modern twist to this age-old problem. This article delves into the causes, types, and solutions to help you find quick relief.
An ingrown eyelash occurs when a lash curls backward and grows into the eyelid or toward the eye’s surface, rather than outward. This trapped hair can lead to inflammation, pain, and sometimes infections. Dr. Galor likens it to having a splinter under the skin, but in the delicate area of the eye.
Consider the case of Sarah, a 55-year-old teacher from Florida, who dismissed her itchy eyelid for weeks. Eventually, it developed into a bump resembling a stye. According to a 2023 study in the journal Ophthalmology, similar cases affect up to 10% of adults over 50. The discomfort arises from the lash rubbing against the cornea, which can cause scratches or ulcers if left untreated.
Not all ingrown lashes behave in the same manner. Dr. Galor highlights the main types:
Inward turning of the eyelid (entropion): This condition occurs when the entire lid margin rolls inward, causing multiple lashes to irritate the eye. The National Eye Institute reports that this issue affects 2-3% of individuals over 60, often due to weakened muscles.
A few ‘wayward’ lashes (trichiasis): Just one or two hairs misgrow, common after lash serum use. These serums, packed with prostaglandins like bimatoprost, can alter follicle direction. A 2024 review in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology linked them to 15% of trichiasis reports in women over 50.
That “wayward” lash? It explains why your favorite growth serum might backfire.
Age brings more than wrinkles; it raises autoimmune risks that scar eyelids and trap lashes. Dr. Galor highlights two key players:
Cicatricial disease: Scarring pulls the lid inward. Conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome cause this in 1 in 1,000 cases post-50.
Mucous membrane pemphigoid: An immune attack on eyelid linings leads to shrinkage and lash misdirection. It strikes 1-2 per 100,000 seniors, per NIH data, often mimicking dry eye at first.
Take Mike, 62, whose pemphigoid diagnosis followed months of dismissed “styes.” Early blood tests caught it, preventing vision loss. These refer back to entropion-like effects mentioned earlier.
Treatment matches the cause, starting simple. Dr. Galor recommends:
Home care: Warm compresses (10 minutes, 4x daily) and gentle epilation with sterilized tweezers for lone lashes. Avoid if infection signs appear.
Medical options: Antibiotic ointments for infection; Botox injections relax entropion temporarily (lasts 3-6 months).
Surgical fixes: Lid realignment for chronic cases, with 90% success rates per AAO stats. Lash serum users? Switch products and monitor.
Always see an eye doctor; self-pulling risks corneal damage.
Ingrown eyelash pain after 50 often ties to aging lids, rogue serums, or sneaky autoimmune issues like those Dr. Galor describes. Act early—most cases resolve without surgery. Skip unproven growth hacks and prioritize eyelid hygiene. Consult a specialist for persistent pain to safeguard your vision.
During a recent visit to Melbourne, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, spoke candidly about her experiences with online harassment, revealing she has faced relentless trolling on social media. Addressing a group of students on Thursday, April 16, 2026, Meghan shared that she endured daily bullying and attacks over the past decade, highlighting the lack of action from social media platforms against such abuse.
At 44, the Duchess reflected on this persistent issue, claiming, “For now, 10 years, every day for 10 years, I have been bullied and attacked. And I was the most trolled person in the entire world.” Her comments were part of the third day of her and Prince Harry’s visit to Australia, where they are engaging with communities and discussing various social issues.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has been targeted by social media trolls
Meghan, formerly known as Meghan Markle from her acting days on the TV series “Suits,” emphasized the need for change in how online platforms handle trolling. She expressed concern that these platforms seem “not incentivised” to tackle the cruelty that thrives online, shedding light on a pressing issue that affects countless individuals globally.
Despite the challenges, Meghan conveyed resilience, stating, “Now, I’m still here,” underscoring her determination to continue advocating for positive change in the digital space. Her remarks resonate with many who have experienced similar online hostility and are a call to action for more robust measures against cyberbullying.
The former Suits actress – who was known as Meghan Markle before marrying Harry in 2018 – added: “Now, I’m still here.
“And when I think of all of you and what you’re experiencing, I think so much of that is having to realise that you know that industry, that billion-dollar industry, that is completely anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks – that’s not going to change.
“So you have to be stronger than that.”
The couple, who stood down as working royals in 2020, have long warned of the dangers posed by social media and Harry lauded Australia for taking the “epic” step of banning children under the age of 16 from using the platforms.
The Duke of Sussex said: “Your government was the first country in the world to bring about a ban. We can sit here and debate the pros and cons of the ban, I’m not here to judge that. All I will say from a responsibility and leadership standpoint – epic.
“Because so many countries have now followed suit, but it should have never got to that. And now the ban is in place, what follows?”
Harry, 41, acknowledged that there was “a lot there that’s good” on social media but expressed concerns about the “rabbit holes” that users can fall down.
He said: “The problem is that once that gateway is open, you’re also exposed to all of the bad as well. And it makes it really, really hard. It shouldn’t be that way.
“You want to dip in, to find something, to connect with something, and before you know it, 45 minutes later, you’ve been doom scrolling, or you’ve been taken down a rabbit hole.
“Whether it’s eating disorders, bullying, whatever it is… and you’re just like, how is this happening? They’re supposed to be there to help you.”
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Residents of a coastal community in California are being driven from their homes by an overwhelming stench reminiscent of rotten eggs, as a severe sewage crisis unfolds.
Those residing in the South Bay and Imperial Beach areas, closely situated to the Tijuana River, have been enduring the offensive smell of hydrogen sulfide, which has pervaded their neighborhoods.
According to a report by ABC 10, the levels of this hazardous gas have soared to alarming heights, now measuring 4,500 parts per billion—an astonishing 150 times above the state’s safety threshold.
California’s regulatory limit for hydrogen sulfide is set at 30 parts per billion, and such extremes have not been recorded since September 2024.
The escalation of these levels poses significant health risks, potentially causing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and irritation to the nose and throat among local residents.
Sonia Mayorga and her husband had to leave their Imperial Beach home after the smell became too much.
Within days of leaving, their symptoms disappeared, but when they went back home, it would return.
‘I literally want to cry. I want to go back and I can’t,’ Mayorga told ABC 10. ‘We have a beautiful home, with my family over there, we can’t go back because it’s so toxic. Our bodies can’t handle it, so we have to be out.’
The Tijuana River is putting unsafe amounts of toxic gases into the air in South Bay and Imperial Beach, causing residents to become ill and have to leave their home
The ongoing sewage problem is causing hydrogen sulfide levels to reach 4,500 parts per billions – well above the 30 parts per billion that is the state safety level
Sonia Mayorga and her husband can’t go back to their Imperial Beach home due to the levels making them ill
UC San Diego Professor Dr Kimberly Prather said the levels are as high as what would be found in wastewater treatment plants.
‘These levels are levels that workers in wastewater treatment plants put on all their PPE and walk around, right? The community doesn’t have that,’ she said.
Prather is urging Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency.
‘The science is unambiguous. The link to health damage on people and the environment is proven,’ she wrote on Facebook.
‘You have the power and the authority. Please use it – before you leave office.’
San Diego County Supervisor, Paloma Aguirre, agreed, saying this is a ‘milestone nobody wants.’
‘We’re entering a new era of crisis,’ Aguirre wrote on Facebook.
‘Governor Gavin Newsom: This is an SOS from South San Diego. We are breathing in toxic gases, and we can’t wait any longer. Please declare a State of Emergency for the Tijuana River crisis.’
San Diego County Supervisor, Paloma Aguirre, and gubernatorial candidate, Tom Steyer, visited the area earlier this month. Aguirre is calling on the state to do something
Prather and Aguirre have asked Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in the area
‘Our children are waking up with headaches, our seniors are struggling to breathe, and our families are prisoners in their own homes. Our air is toxic. Our beaches are hazardous to our health. Our families feel trapped indoors.’
Newsom’s Office told the Daily Mail that the Tijuana River situation is a federal issue and not under state control.
‘We understand the frustration of this community – because we are frustrated too – and we urge the federal government to take action quickly to help address the impacts of their failed infrastructure and get this community the help it needs, now,’ a spokesperson said.
At the beginning of the month, gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer visited the area with Aguirre.
The two were spotted wearing masks to help filter out the toxins.
Steyer, as well as other candidates, have sworn to act if they are elected into office.
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