Local News
Chicago firefighter killed in battling fire on Chicago’s West Side
CHICAGO, IL – A Chicago firefighter has tragically succumbed to injuries sustained while battling a fire early Wednesday morning in the city’s Austin neighborhood.
The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. at a property located at 5505 West Crystal Street.
According to the Chicago Fire Department, a mayday was issued after the firefighter went down during operations inside a burning structure.
The fire involved a detached garage situated behind a multifamily apartment building.
Preliminary reports suggest that part of the garage suffered a structural collapse, striking the firefighter during the response.
He was immediately transported to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries.
CFD identified the firefighter as Captain David Meyer, 54, who served on Engine 96 and Truck 29.
Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said Captain Meyer served 28 years on the job.
Commissioner Nance-holt said he leaves behind a wife, parents, three daughters and a son.
At this time, no other injuries have been reported.
The identity of the fallen firefighter has not yet been released pending family notification.
The cause of the fire and the specific circumstances surrounding the structural collapse remain under active investigation.
The Chicago Fire Department and city officials are expected to release further information as it becomes available.
This tragic loss underscores the dangers first responders face daily in service to their communities.
The thoughts and condolences of the City of Chicago are with the firefighter’s family, loved ones, and fellow members of the fire department during this deeply difficult time.
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.