Local News
Two Killed in Private Helicopter Crash Near Uvalde/Kinney County Line
Uvalde, TX – Two people lost their lives after a private helicopter crashed near the Uvalde/Kinney County line on Thursday afternoon, authorities confirmed.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Robinson R44 – a four-seat helicopter – went down at approximately 1:20 p.m.
First responders, including sheriff’s deputies from Kinney and Uvalde counties, Department of Public Safety personnel, fire, and EMS crews, arrived at the crash site around 2:45 p.m.
The helicopter crashed on private property along Highway 90, approximately 12 miles west of Uvalde, Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe reported.
Authorities confirmed that the pilot, a resident of Uvalde, and the passenger, who was from Florida, were the only individuals on board.
Their identities have not yet been publicly released.
The aircraft was owned by Holt Helicopters, a company based about 20 minutes west of the crash site.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
A preliminary report could be available as soon as Friday.
The owners of Harris Ranch Uvalde, where the helicopter reportedly crashed, have confirmed that no individuals affiliated with Hometown Heroes Outdoors – a nonprofit that provides hunting excursions for first responders and veterans – were on board at the time of the accident.
More details will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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.