Local News
Kansas Biology Teacher Lindsey Fields Identified as Victim in D.C. Mid-Air Collision
Washington, D.C. – Lindsey Fields, a Kansas-based educator and advocate for science education, has been identified as one of the victims of Wednesday’s catastrophic mid-air collision involving American Airlines Flight 5432 over Washington, D.C.
Fields, a dedicated educator and leader in biology education, was serving as president-elect of the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) at the time of her passing.
She was traveling to Washington, D.C. to represent the NABT community and advocate for excellence in life science education, the organization confirmed in a statement.
“This is a tremendous loss. Please keep Lindsey, the other victims, and their families in your hearts. We also ask that you respect the privacy of her loved ones at this time,” the NABT statement read.
Fields was the Biology Department Chair at Butler Community College in Kansas, where she taught biology, anatomy, and physiology.
According to her faculty biography, she was deeply passionate about science education and student engagement.
Outside of the classroom, she loved cooking, reading, hiking, fishing, and spending time with her family and Great Danes.
Sherry LaFave Annee, a past NABT president who worked closely with Fields, described her as a fierce advocate for life science education with an unwavering dedication to her students and colleagues.
“Lindsey was on her way to Washington, D.C., to advocate for excellence in life science education. She died caring for the science education of her students and all of those in the United States. I and many others in our NABT community are grief-stricken,” Annee said.
In a heartfelt tribute, Annee urged others to honor Fields’ legacy by supporting quality science education and leadership.
“Thank you, Lindsey, for your impactful work. Your legacy is boundless, and you will continue to inspire so many of us.”
The tragic loss of Fields has left a profound impact on the education community, and she will be remembered for her dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of science education.
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.