Trapeze Artist Falls to Her Death at German Circus as Horrified Families Watch

October 2, 2025

A night of family entertainment turned into tragedy in Germany when a 27-year-old trapeze artist fell to her death during a circus performance in front of nearly 100 stunned spectators.

The victim, identified as Marina B. of Spain, plunged 16 feet to the floor Saturday night while performing a solo act at the Paul Busch Circus in Bautzen. Authorities said she died instantly, leaving families and children in the audience traumatized.

The Mallorca native was an experienced performer with more than a decade of professional work. She had recently signed on for the Paul Busch Circus’s tour, making her shocking death even more devastating to colleagues and fans.

Ralf Huppertz, head of Germany’s circus association, suggested Marina may have suffered a sudden health issue. “It’s unusual for a well-trained artist like Marina to not survive a fall from that height. Perhaps she got dizzy on the trapeze,” he told Bild.

While Marina was not wearing a safety rope, officials emphasized she was not required to. “She decides for herself whether to use safety rope,” police spokesman Stefan Heiduck told reporters.

The accident is under investigation, and the circus has since canceled its upcoming shows.

NJ Teen Girls Killed After Stalker Ignored by System: ‘She Made Complaints and Nothing Was Done’

October 2, 2025

The horrific case of two New Jersey teen girls killed in a quiet suburb has once again exposed the failures of a justice system that too often ignores red flags until it’s too late.

On Monday evening, 17-year-olds Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas were struck and killed in Cranford, New Jersey, by a 17-year-old boy who had allegedly been stalking one of them. Authorities say he deliberately rammed them with a black Jeep, later charging him with two counts of first-degree murder.

Loved ones say the violence didn’t come out of nowhere. The accused had allegedly stalked one of the girls for months, prompting her to file a restraining order. But as friend Tammy Carbajal told CBS 2, “She made complaints and nothing was done.”

Neighbors echoed that warning, saying the teen parked outside the girl’s house for three months, undeterred. “He was never stopped,” one resident told Fox 5. The system failed to act — and now two families are shattered.

This case reflects a larger crisis: laws that protect stalkers and predators while failing vulnerable young women who cry for help.

A shaken local resident who discovered the aftermath described the shock she and the community faced: “Just horrible. Nothing in the world is more horrible than what I saw yesterday. I have kids, you know, and so no family should have to go through this.”

State Department Slams More Sanctions on Iran

October 2, 2025

marco rubio — (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

The State Department issued new sanctions on Iran this week following the United Nations imposing its own.

“These sanctions actions demonstrate Iran’s continuing attempts to procure components and technologies in support of its proliferation activities that threaten U.S. and regional security,” a statement from the State Department’s spokesperson’s office read, explaining that the “United States, as directed in the President’s National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 from February 4, is committed to denying Iran all paths to a nuclear weapon and we will not hesitate to hold accountable non-Iranian entities that contribute to or otherwise support Tehran’s proliferation programs in violation of UN restrictions.” 

Those being sanctioned include Reza Mozaffarinia, the current Director of SPND; Ali Fuladvand, the Head of the Research Directorate at SPND;Mohammad Reza Ghadir Zare Zaghalchi, an SPND-affiliated official; Ali Kalvand, the CEO and Director of SPND cover company DamavandTec; Ali Bakouei, an SPND affiliate; and Andisheh Damavand International Technologies, the only company listed in the latest sanctions.

“The United States is implementing snapback sanctions against the Iranian regime. New sanctions and export controls will target 44 actors tied to Iran’s nuclear, missile, and military programs,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X. “As [President Trump] has made clear, we will deny Iran all paths to a nuclear weapon.”

The development follows the European Union reimposing sanctions on Iran in response to “Iran’s nuclear proliferation activities,” the European Council announced. The United Nations also reinstated an arms embargo on Iran after a resolution calling for a six-month extension of sanctions relief failed in a 4-9 vote. Those voting in favor of the resolution included Russia, China, Algeria, and Pakistan. Opposing nations were the United States, United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Greece, Panama, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia, while Guyana and South Korea abstained from the vote.

Mamdani Vows to Boost Funding for Deportation Defense

October 2, 2025

Leading New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani vowed to increase funding for deportation defense by more than $100 million dollars.

Under his plan titled “Trump-Proofing NYC,” a Mamdani administration would “increase funding for immigration legal services to provide representation for people and communities targeted by mass deportation.” Mamdani intends to invest $165 million for migrant defense services, including $25 million for the Rapid Response Legal Collaborative program, $30 million for the New York Immigrant Family Unit Program (NYIFUP), and $40 million for the Immigrant Opportunity Initiative.

“The Mamdani administration will take seriously the threat Trump poses and will think expansively about ways to protect undocumented New Yorkers from deportation or other federal attacks,” the proposal says.

Mamdani affirmed the plan during an appearance on MSNBC’s “The Weekend: Primetime,” explaining that a “cornerstone of our campaign is to increase funding for those very legal defense services by more than $100 million so that we can ensure we’re taking every step we can to keep New Yorkers safe, to keep New Yorkers together, and to show the world that they are welcome in this city.”

Other policies included in the proposal aim to raise the minimum wage to $30, strengthen the city’s abortion access, and “tax the wealthiest 1 percent of earners an additional 2 percent.”

According to a Siena Research/NY Times survey, Mamdani leads former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo 48 to 44 in a hypothetical two-man race. The poll also showed Mamdani crushing current Mayor Eric Adams 55 to 35 in a head-to-head contest.

U.S. Businesses in Record Agreements with Foreign Buyers

October 2, 2025

bessent lutnick — (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) announced that American contractors have a record number of agreements with foreign government buyers.

Record achievements include nearly 100 contracts worth $170 billion and surpass the $12 billion in contracts signed during the same period in 2021. “American companies won deals during the first nine months of Trump Administration at more than 14 times the value of contracts signed over the same period in 2021 under the Biden Administration,” the Commerce Department explained.

The contracts support 589,000 American jobs and secure $144 billion worth of made-in-USA exports.

Contracts secured by the Trump administration include $153 billion in the aerospace and defense sector, an estimated $5 billion for energy security, more than $800 million for the information technology sector, and more than $600 million for the safety and security equipment sector.

“The record-breaking U.S. business wins under President Trump’s leadership reflects an unwavering commitment to rebuilding U.S. industry for the American worker,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. “With record business deals abroad, America is strong again, and together with the American worker, President Trump is transforming the U.S. economy, rebalancing our global trade, and restoring America’s place in the world.”

Under Secretary of Commerce William Kimmitt said in a statement that during the first nine months of the Trump administration, ITA advocacy “has worked tirelessly to win contracts to support hundreds of thousands of American jobs.”

“We will continue to be an unrelenting advocate around the world in support of American workers.”

Johnson: Schumer Is Blocking Real Talks to End Shutdown

October 2, 2025

House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of refusing to engage in genuine negotiations that would keep the government open, calling it a “selfish political calculation.” Johnson told Fox News he and President Trump confronted Schumer about his unwillingness to compromise during an hour-long phone call.

Johnson noted that Democrats had supported similar funding measures 13 times under President Biden, but now are rejecting a clean continuing resolution unless it includes expanded Obamacare subsidies. He argued the GOP proposal is “simple” and “clean,” with no partisan add-ons, so Democrats have no basis to refuse it—unless their motives are political.

The speaker warned that Schumer and Democrats are willing to inflict pain on Americans through a prolonged shutdown in service to their base. Johnson said Republicans have offered nothing but a clean funding measure, and the ball is now in Democrats’ court.

The standoff highlights the deep partisan divide in Washington, with Republicans insisting on fiscal restraint and Democrats demanding expanded entitlements. Both sides appear entrenched, but Johnson maintains that it is Schumer’s obstruction preventing serious talks. With the shutdown’s economic and political consequences mounting, pressure is likely to intensify on Democrats to explain why they are rejecting a measure they once supported repeatedly.

Judge Denies Diddy’s “Last-Ditch” Appeals Days Ahead of Sentencing

October 2, 2025

A federal judge has rejected Sean “Diddy” Combs’ bids for a new trial and a full acquittal just days before he is due to be sentenced for transporting individuals to engage in prostitution. Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that the prosecution met its burden, citing “overwhelming evidence” against Combs.

Combs’ defense had raised claims of jury prejudice and “spillover” effects from the more serious charges on which he was acquitted. The judge dismissed those arguments, pointing out that the jury’s split verdict undercuts the notion of broad prejudice infecting all counts.

The rapper was convicted in July on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution, though he was cleared of racketeering and sex trafficking charges. His sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2025.

Combs’ legal team requested a reduced sentence—14 months or less—citing time already served and personal hardship while incarcerated. Meanwhile, prosecutors argue for a substantial term, noting what they describe as the severity and duration of his offenses.

Jane Fonda Accuses Democratic Leaders of Failing to Stand Up Against Trump

October 2, 2025

Actress and activist Jane Fonda, relaunching the Committee for the First Amendment, criticized top Democratic leaders as “not good enough” in their opposition to President Trump. She made the remarks during an appearance on CNN’s Inside Politics with Dana Bash, saying she has lost faith in the party’s current leadership.

Fonda said no previous president had acted like Trump, accusing him of trying to seize power, control the Federal Reserve, and silence dissent. She argued Democratic leaders haven’t mounted a strong enough defense of democracy or free speech.

She says her revived committee will rally “creatives” and storytellers to push back, promoting activism, public pressure, and culture-driven resistance. She also announced a PAC and efforts to support new candidates, suggesting the party needs new leadership to match the moment.

Fonda’s remarks reflect growing frustration among some progressives who believe party leaders are too cautious in confronting Trump’s agenda. While many in Hollywood continue to rally around Democrats, her comments highlight the fractures on the Left over strategy, priorities, and generational leadership within the party.

Trump Plans ‘Irreversible’ Cuts as Shutdown Offers Chance to Reshape Government

October 2, 2025

president trump — (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump signaled he intends to use the shutdown as an opportunity to slash programs, lay off federal workers, and “cut things they like”—moves he claims would be “irreversible.”

Trump stated that while he doesn’t want the government to shut down, the pause gives him latitude to execute long-desired reductions. He warned the administration would cut “vast numbers of people,” eliminate programs, and dismantle policies preferred by his political opponents.

The White House is reportedly preparing for mass layoffs across agencies. OMB Director Russell Vought has warned that reductions in force (RIFs) could begin within days if the shutdown continues.

Trump’s approach reflects a broader conservative agenda to shrink government, targeting areas like environmental programs, social spending, and regulatory agencies. The shutdown is being framed not just as a funding lapse—but as a window for structural change.

Trump Deploys National Guard to Oregon

October 2, 2025

drag queens — Portland, Oregon (Justin Shen/Unsplash)

President Donald Trump has ordered 200 Oregon National Guard troops into federal service to secure immigration facilities and restore order in Portland. The troops are activated under Title 10 authority, giving them direct federal command. President Trump described the deployment as necessary to stop “chaos, death, and destruction” that he said has plagued the city.

The Oregon Military Department confirmed the order and said Guard members are undergoing training at sites in Salem and Woodburn before moving toward Portland. Officials estimate the two-month mission will cost $3.8 million, fully funded by the federal government. While the president said troops are already “in place,” local officials noted that most units have not yet taken to the streets, with some still preparing for active duty.

Governor Tina Kotek and other Democratic leaders in the state immediately denounced the move. The state of Oregon filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the deployment, calling it unconstitutional and an attack on state sovereignty. Critics argue that the city is not experiencing the level of unrest described by the administration, pointing to dated footage used to justify the move.

The Trump administration insists the deployment is lawful and necessary to protect federal facilities, especially Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sites, from escalating threats. Officials say local law enforcement has been unable or unwilling to secure those buildings. Portland has been a flashpoint for clashes between activists and police in recent years, with federal agents previously deployed during earlier unrest.

The standoff sets up a major constitutional battle over state versus federal authority. Supporters of the deployment argue that the president has both the duty and the power to safeguard federal property when states fail to act. Opponents see it as federal overreach into local policing. With lawsuits now pending, the courts will determine whether the Guard’s presence in Portland moves forward.