Local News
Multiple homes burning on El Hito in Pacific Palisades
PACIFIC PALISADES, — A fast-moving fire has devastated multiple homes on El Hito Drive in Pacific Palisades, prompting urgent firefighting efforts and heightened concerns about its spread into nearby areas, including Meskill Canyon.
Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) confirmed that several homes on El Hito Drive have been engulfed in flames, with crews working tirelessly to contain the blaze. At one residence located at 1226 El Hito Drive, firefighters rescued an individual who was trapped inside. The condition of the rescued person has not been disclosed.
Firefighters have expressed concern about the fire potentially advancing into Meskill Canyon, a development that could significantly exacerbate the situation. Additional firefighting resources have been requested to combat the growing threat.
As first responders work to manage the blaze, traffic disruptions have compounded the challenges. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reports indicate that approximately 100 abandoned vehicles are blocking all lanes on Sunset Boulevard, further hindering emergency operations. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area entirely to facilitate access for first responders.
Due to President Joe Biden’s ceremonial signing event at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Air Force One is currently stationed at the airport, restricting airspace in the region. This has prevented news helicopters from providing aerial coverage of the fire. Calls have been made for a pooled helicopter feed to improve situational awareness for both responders and the public.
Evacuations are ongoing in the affected neighborhoods as firefighters work to protect lives and property. Residents are urged to heed all evacuation orders immediately and prioritize their safety. An evacuation center has not yet been announced but is expected to be established shortly as conditions develop.
The situation remains fluid as firefighting efforts continue. Los Angeles County Fire Department and LAPD are expected to provide further updates as the fire’s behavior and containment efforts evolve.
Residents in the area are encouraged to monitor official channels and have their emergency evacuation plans ready. For updates on traffic and road closures, follow the LAPD and LACoFD on social media or tune into local news.
Local News
Suspended Dearborn Ford worker Thomas Sabula received more than $320K after Trump flips him off
DEARBORN, Mich. — A suspended Ford Motor Company employee has become the focus of national attention after a confrontation with former President Donald Trump during a visit to a Dearborn assembly plant, prompting an outpouring of public support that has raised more than $324,000 for his family through an online fundraiser.
The worker, Thomas “TJ” Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 member, was placed on suspension pending an internal investigation following an exchange that occurred while Trump was touring the facility.
According to video later obtained and published by TMZ, an off-camera voice can be heard shouting “pedophile protector” at the former president, an apparent reference to the administration’s handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
In the footage, Trump appears to mouth an expletive and make a hand gesture before walking away.
The Washington Post subsequently identified Sabula as the individual who made the remark.
In an interview with the newspaper, Sabula confirmed that he was suspended after the incident and said he believes the action amounts to political retaliation.
“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” Sabula told The Post. “But I am concerned about my job. I believe I’ve been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing him in front of his friends.”
Sabula, who describes himself as politically independent, said he has never voted for Trump, though he has supported Republican candidates in the past.
In the days following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Sabula and his family during his suspension.
The campaign states that Sabula is “a father of two young children, a husband, and a proud UAW Local 600 line worker,” and that the funds will be used to help cover household and living expenses “during this time of uncertainty.” Donations quickly surged past $100,000, with notable contributions reportedly made by the rock band Dropkick Murphys.
Supporters have characterized Sabula’s actions as a form of protest and free expression, while others have questioned whether his conduct violated workplace policies.
Ford Motor Company and union representatives have not publicly released details regarding the status of the internal investigation or whether disciplinary action beyond the suspension is being considered.
Following his visit to the Dearborn plant, Trump went on to deliver remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, where he had last spoken in October 2024.
The incident continues to draw attention amid broader political debate, as questions remain about workplace discipline, free speech, and the role of political expression in employment settings.