Budget expert reveals when government shutdown could start ‘spiraling out of control’
With the government shutdown now in day four and no compromise in sight, a federal budget expert says two dates could send things “spiraling out of control”: the first day essential federal workers go without pay and the first day service members miss a paycheck.
The next federal worker pay date is Oct. 10 and the next pay date for the military is Oct. 15, according to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and U.S. General Services Administration.
Richard Stern, director of the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget at the Heritage Foundation, explained that while both sides are blaming the other for the shutdown, neither wants to be responsible for essential government workers or the troops to miss out on pay, making those dates central to ending the shutdown.
Stern explained that while Democratic leaders are attempting to blame the GOP for the shutdown, it was their decision to reject a compromise temporary spending bill that shut down the government.
SPEAKER JOHNSON FLIPS SCRIPT ON DEM LEADERS WITH STAUNCH WARNING AGAINST GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Democrats have insisted that any agreement to keep the government funded must extend tax credits for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) beyond the end of this year, a provision Republicans rejected.
Some Democrats have even admitted it was their decision to close the government. In a viral video, Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., said, “We got to make sure Americans have the healthcare that they need, and if that means we’ve got to shut the government down, so be it.”
Former Politico reporter Rachel Bade also went on the record recently, saying, “The pressure is just going to skyrocket on Democrats.”
“I mean, it’s not just some people who live paycheck-to-paycheck. Most people cannot go without getting a subsequent paycheck. Like, that’s just the reality of things — troops not getting paid,” said Bade. “So, I think over the next, you know, week or so, if it lasts that long, we’re just going to have this … gut-wrenching reminder of what shutdowns mean.”
Stern likened the Democrats’ actions to deciding to “stomp [their] feet and make a dramatic situation out of it.”
REPUBLICANS ERUPT OVER SHUTDOWN CHAOS, ACCUSE DEMS OF HOLDING GOVERNMENT ‘HOSTAGE’
“Republicans passed a clean seven-week funding bill. They offered them the ability to fund the government for seven weeks and continue negotiations,” he said. “It was superfluous. It really was gratuitous of them to say, no, we demand the shutdown.”
“Democrats are asking for a restoration of so-called foreign aid. But a lot of that is money for transgender surgeries and abortions overseas,” Stern continued. “They want more money to go to NPR and PBS, that spread left-wing propaganda. They want other grant money that goes to left-wing causes. But the big ticket item is they want one and a half trillion dollars of extension of a welfare program that largely hands money to very well-off Americans, and included in that, they want to remove anti-fraud provisions that were passed in the one big, beautiful bill. Not only would that increase fraud, but it will actually effectively expand these welfare benefits to legal aliens. So, it’s hard to understand where they’re coming from, but that’s what they’re asking.”
“So, at the end of the day, I think they’re going to get the blame that I think they deserve.”
President Donald Trump and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought have indicated the administration could use mandatory pots of money provided in the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act to ensure that service members, Border Patrol agents and other Homeland Security personnel paychecks are not interrupted, which could serve as a lifeline for Democrats, Stern noted.
GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN AFTER CONGRESS DEADLOCKS ON SPENDING DEAL
Even if this is the case, the White House noted shortly before the shutdown began that the government closure would jeopardize military pay, critical care for veterans, firefighter pay, disaster relief funding and many other programs important to Americans.
Either way, Stern said that the longer the shutdown continues, the greater the danger that funding can fail, and essential services start buckling under the pressure.
One example of essential federal workers who could be impacted by an extended government shutdown is air traffic controllers and other FAA personnel, who do not receive paychecks during government shutdowns despite being required to work to keep the nation’s flight schedules safe and on time. Though they are eventually paid when the government reopens, extended periods of time without a paycheck lead to stress on both the workers and the overall flight system.
SOCIAL SECURITY, AIRPORTS, FOOD STAMPS: HOW ARE YOU AFFECTED DURING A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?
In 2019, on the 35th day of a government shutdown, ten air traffic controllers called in sick in Virginia and Florida, triggering ground stops at LaGuardia Airport in New York and cascading delays at Newark, Philadelphia and Atlanta.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“This gets to the question of when do things start spiraling out of control?” said Stern, adding, “Some of these program expirations, as the shutdown drags on, might put more of a fire under Congress on both sides to reach a deal, whatever it means.”
SEE IT: Authorities uncover clue in Charlie Kirk assassination suspect’s trail
PROVO, Utah — Newly released surveillance video obtained by Fox News Digital shows Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin at a Utah gas station one day after the conservative influencer was gunned down while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.
Local authorities were initially called to a Maverik gas station in Cedar City, roughly 215 miles from where Kirk was shot, after Utah state officials alerted police that alleged shooter Tyler Robinson, 22, may have dumped evidence in a nearby trash can.
Officers subsequently responded to the tip, where they uncovered surveillance video of Robinson but confirmed that he did not throw anything in the gas station’s trash during his stop.
TIMELINE OF CHARLIE KIRK’S ALLEGED ASSASSIN FROM CAMPUS SHOOTING TO SHERIFF’S OFFICE SURRENDER
The video shows Robinson’s Dodge Challenger arriving at a Maverik gas station at around 7:15 a.m. on Sept. 11, in Cedar City, less than 24 hours into authorities’ manhunt for the alleged assassin.
Robinson can be seen exiting his vehicle and paying for gas using a credit card before standing next to the car as he pumped fuel.
WATCH: Video captures Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer stopping at Utah gas station after assassination
“Once the tank was full, he removed the nozzle, closed the gas cap, got back into his vehicle and left the gas station,” the Cedar City Police Department said in an incident report. “At no time did Tyler approach or use any trash cans to dispose of items.”
CHARLIE KIRK’S ACCUSED ASSASSIN ENCOUNTERED BY POLICE DURING RETURN TO CRIME SCENE: LAW ENFORCEMENT SOURCES
The video is one of the first glimpses into Robinson’s alleged getaway route from Orem to St. George as authorities raced to track down Kirk’s accused killer.
Robinson was arrested later that day in St. George after he allegedly confessed or “implied” guilt to his parents, romantic partner and friends, according to court documents.
NEW VIDEO APPEARS TO SHOW ALLEGED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN NEAR CAMPUS HOURS BEFORE SHOOTING
Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated homicide, which carries the potential death penalty; felony discharge of a firearm; obstruction; and witness tampering. He has not yet entered a plea.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
On Monday, Robinson’s attorney asked a judge for more time to review evidence before deciding if his legal team will request a preliminary hearing. Prosecutors have previously said they plan to seek the death penalty in Robinson’s case.
‘Absolutely shameful’: Illinois officials allegedly bar Noem from using public restroom
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem said Friday she and her staff were denied entry to a government building in a Chicago suburb, where they attempted to stop for a “bathroom break” as federal agents clashed with protesters outside a nearby immigration facility.
In a post on X, Noem said her team was denied access to the Village of Broadview Municipal Building, located about 12 miles west of downtown Chicago, and blasted Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration for its treatment of federal agents.
“My team and I were just blocked from accessing the Village of Broadview Municipal Building in Illinois,” Noem said. “We were stopping for a quick bathroom break. This is a public building. The Village of Broadview receives at least $1 million in federal funding every year. This is how JB Pritzker and his cronies treat our law enforcement. Absolutely shameful.”
ICE CHIEF FIRES BACK AT CHICAGO-AREA MAYOR, CITES ‘VIOLENT RIOTERS’ AFTER WEEKS OF BROADVIEW UNREST
A video of the encounter shows Noem approaching the building with her staff as one person asks through the door, “Can we use your restroom?”
Someone inside can be heard responding, “No you cannot!” before Noem calmly replies, “OK, all right, thank you,” and walks away.
CHICAGO-AREA MAYOR INSISTS ‘WE DON’T NEED’ GUARD TROOPS DESPITE REPEATED ANTI-ICE CLASHES
Village officials said Noem showed up unannounced Friday morning seeking a meeting with Mayor Katrina Thompson, who was out of the building at the time.
“Since DHS Secretary Kristi Noem appeared this morning, unannounced, at Broadview’s Village Hall asking for a meeting while Mayor Katrina Thompson was out of the building, the mayor returned her visit,” Village of Broadview spokesperson David Ormsby said in a statement.
“Mayor Thompson went to the ICE center, accompanied by the Broadview Police Chief Thomas, and officers, to ask for the illegal fence to be dismantled. The mayor was told by agents at the gate the secretary was unavailable to meet.”
However, DHS officials insisted the stop was not about a meeting at all.
“She didn’t ask for a meeting. She asked to use the restroom. This is insane,” DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News.
TRUMP OFFICIALS SLAM BLUE STATE GOVERNOR FOR IGNORING CHAOTIC ANTI-ICE ‘RIOTERS’ DISRUPTING OPERATION
The bathroom dispute came as tensions flared outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility in Broadview, where more than a dozen people were arrested by federal agents during demonstrations. Fox News observed agents firing pepper balls, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds blocking federal operations.
Earlier Friday, Gov. Pritzker accused Noem of overseeing federal enforcement tactics that he said had violated rights and traumatized families in Illinois. He also said she should “no longer be able to step foot inside the State of Illinois without any form of public accountability.”
“Last time when the secretary was here, she snuck in during the early morning to film social media videos and fled before sunrise,” Pritzker’s office said. “It’s been nearly 45 days since Secretary Noem has held an official press conference, so it’s time she faces the public and takes questions from the press to be held accountable for the Trump administration’s gross misconduct.
“Illinois is not a photo opportunity or war zone, it’s a sovereign state where our people deserve rights, respect and answers.”
McLaughlin snapped back on behalf of DHS, accusing Pritzker of failing to protect Illinois residents from violent offenders.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Grow up and start protecting the people of your own state,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “Federal law enforcement has to be here because JB Pritzker refuses to do his job and has allowed violent illegal alien criminals to terrorize Illinois communities for years.”
The Village of Broadview did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
WNBA chief fires back at ‘inaccurate’ claims as players revolt over Caitlin Clark
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed a conversation revealed by player Napheesa Collier, who alleged Engelbert said “[Caitlin Clark] should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.”
Engelbert said at a press conference Friday she did not make those comments.
“Obviously, I did not make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league. She’s been a great representative of the game. She’s brought in tens of millions of new fans to the game,” Engelbert said.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Collier also alleged that Engelbert said, “Players should be on their knees, thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.”
Engelbert addressed those alleged comments as well, claiming there have been a lot of “inaccuracies” reported in the media, but she did not explicitly deny making those comments as she did with the alleged Clark comments.
“There’s a lot of innacuracy out there through social media and all this reporting,” Engelbert said. “A lot of reporting, a lot of innacuracy about what I say, what I didn’t say.”
LYNX’S NAPHEESA COLLIER RAILS AGAINST WNBA LEADERSHIP, CALLS FOR OFFICIATING CHANGES
Engelbert later said, “I’m disheartened. I’m a human too. I have a family. I have two kids who are devastated by these comments. So, all I say is that it’s obviously been a tough week, and I just think there’s a lot of innacuracy out there.”
Still, Engelbert acknowledged that if players don’t feel “appreciated” then she has to do better.
“I was disheartened to hear that some players feel the league and that I personally do not care about them or listen to them,” Engelbert said before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals Friday night.
“If the players in the ‘W’ don’t feel appreciated and value from the league, we have to do better, and I have to do better.”
The WNBA and its players’ union, the WNBPA, are in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The players’ association and the WNBA agreed to an eight-year agreement in 2020, but last year the WNBPA voted to opt out of the agreement early.
The current agreement is due to expire Oct. 31.
Diddy learns his punishment in federal court as judge lays down sentence
Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to four years in prison on federal prostitution charges.
In addition to the 50-month sentence, Diddy will have five years of supervised release and pay a $500,000 fine.
Judge Arun Subramanian noted Diddy’s difficult upbringing and acknowledged his family devotion before considering “all of your history and with respect to freak offs and hotel nights” as he handed down the sentence.
“Court rejects that these were just intimate consensual experiences or a sex, drugs and rock-and-roll story,” Subramanian said. “You abused power and control over women you had relationships with.”
Subramanian added, “Why did it happen so long? Because you had power and resources. You were no John. You were more than that. Even if your currency was your own desire. On deterrence, requires a significant sentence.”
DIDDY PLANNING UNCONVENTIONAL MOVE IN COURT AHEAD OF SENTENCING FOR PROSTITUTION CHARGES
When the judge imposed his sentence, Diddy had no reaction. He sat silently, looking forward, listening the entire time. His hands were folded in his lap. When the judge mentioned Cassie and Jane, Diddy looked down. At the end of sentencing, he quickly glanced between his attorneys, Shapiro and Steel.
Diddy’s family and supporters also did not react to the sentence. No one had visible facial expressions and the courtroom was completely silent.
Cassie Ventura’s lawyers, Douglas Wigdor and Meredith Firetog of Wigdor LLP, said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital, “This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023.
DIDDY CRAFTS IMAGE OF MODEL PRISONER AMID FEARS OF RETALIATION FROM VICTIMS
“Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice.”
They added, “We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors.”
The 55-year-old rapper had almost no reaction throughout his sentencing hearing until his kids spoke. He was very emotional as they addressed the court and cried while an 11-minute clip, featuring home videos of his family, played.
After a brief break, Diddy addressed the court for the first time to apologize, and also thank the judge for giving him “a chance to speak” for himself.
“One of the hardest things has been to be quiet, not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions,” Diddy said. “I want to apologize again to Cassie Ventura for any harm I caused emotionally or physically. I don’t take that lightly.”
Diddy also apologized to Jane, who testified under a pseudonym during the trial. The rapper said, “I didn’t mean to hurt you. Sorry that I brought you into my mess.” Diddy also apologized to all victims of domestic violence.
The producer admitted his “actions were sick,” as he referenced substance abuse issues. “I was out of control. I needed help, but I didn’t get the help,” he said. “I can make no excuse because I knew better. My mama taught me better. My faith taught me better.”
“One of the hardest things has been to be quiet, not being able to express how sorry I am for my actions.”
He continued, “Because of my decisions I lost my freedom. I lost the opportunity to effectively raise my children and be there for my mother. I lost all my businesses I lost my career. I totally lost my reputation. I lost my self respect.
“I’ve been humbled and broken to my core. I hate myself right now. Stripped down to nothing. I really am truly sorry for it all no matter what they say. I want to apologize to my seven children.”
Quincy Brown, Diddy’s adopted son, told the court that his father was a “changed man” after the trial. “My father has learned a major lesson,” Brown said. “We’ve seen him evolve, something we haven’t seen in 15 years. He would never do anything to jeopardize his freedom.”
Justin Combs asked the judge to give his father a “second chance at life.”
“This is one of the hardest times of my life. My father is my superhero,” Justin told the judge. “God makes no mistakes. Going through his tough time. He’s drug free, he’s clear. He’s changed for the better.”
DIDDY’S LAST-DITCH LEGAL MOVES SHUT DOWN BY JUDGE DAYS BEFORE SENTENCING
Diddy’s daughters – D’Lila, Chance and Jessie – also gave statements to the court. The three focused on their two-year-old baby sister. D’Lila, while becoming emotional, emphasized they don’t want their sister to grow up fatherless like they had to grow up motherless.
“We are tired of being strong. We have already lost so much,” D’Lila told the judge. “Please your honor please, give our family the chance to heal together.”
WATCH: FORMER ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY DISCUSSES DIDDY SENTENCING
Diddy appeared in court Friday, months after his July 2 conviction on federal prostitution charges. The now gray-haired rapper walked into court wearing a white shirt with a cream sweater over it. Diddy hugged all of his lawyers before giving a lengthy handshake to his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo. The rapper then gestured to his family and put on his glasses.
DIDDY’S EX CASSIE FEARS ‘SWIFT RETRIBUTION’ IF RAPPER WALKS FREE AS PROSECUTORS PUSH FOR 11-YEAR SENTENCE
While speaking about the sentencing guidelines, which came out to be between five and seven years, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik emphasized other factors that should be considered. She claimed that throughout these proceedings, it had been made clear that Diddy does not consider the gravity of his crimes. “His respect for the law is just lip service,” she told the judge.
According to the prosecution, Diddy has already booked speaking engagements in Miami for next week.
Rob Shuter from the “Naughty But Nice” podcast told Fox News Digital that Diddy didn’t show remorse for his actions. “He is not sorry for what he did. He is sorry that the world finally saw it,” Shuter said. “And that’s the truth.”
The hearing began with the prosecution noting Diddy’s victim, “Mia,” had chosen not to give a victim impact statement despite being granted permission, partly due to a defense letter submitted to court. Judge Arun Subramanian noted the tone of the defense’s letter was inappropriate and should not be done again.
“His respect for the law is just lip service.”
The federal judge rejected Diddy’s bid to exclude acquitted conduct from consideration at sentencing – a decision that opens the door to Cassie Ventura’s allegations being factored into his sentence.
DIDDY ON ‘CONSTANT SUICIDE WATCH,’ LAWYERS ALLEGE INHUMANE CONDITIONS WHILE HE AWAITS SENTENCING
When Judge Subramanian asked about “pimping” allegations, criminal defense attorney Jason Driscoll told the court he rejected the government’s attempt to pin the title on Diddy. “He is not,” Driscoll said.
Instead, Nicole Westmoreland emotionally highlighted positive ways Diddy impacted the community and inspired others to pursue their dreams. Diddy’s defense attorney began crying as she spoke about the ways Diddy personally changed her life. “Mr Combs is not larger than life, he’s just a human being, he’s just a man, and he’s made some mistakes,” she told the court.
Defense attorney Xavier Donaldson said he wants the record to be clear that Diddy was not a pimp. “Their sole intent, pimps, is to make money,” Donaldson emphasized in court. “Pimps are in the business of subjugating women,” he explained.
Diddy’s lawyer, Brian Steel, told the judge his client doesn’t want to be looked at like a celebrity, doesn’t want to be special or above anyone else. Diddy “wants to be a dad, a son, and a person who is crying out for help,” Steel told the judge.
Agnifilo argued that Diddy should not face further punishment because this all played out on a public stage. He noted this has been a devastating, destructive case for the rapper. Agnifilo claimed Diddy was treated in a “very stern” way.
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
He asked Judge Subramanian to get to the root of the issue and suggested mental health treatment, a domestic violence program and a drug program. Agnifilo said he believes drugs are at the heart of this case.
Slavik gave a response on behalf of the prosecution, claiming that Diddy is a “master puppeteer of his image.” She pointed out that in the 11-minute video, Diddy claimed to be a changed man but had been doing drugs the entire time. Slavik told the court you can’t trust what Combs says, closing her remarks before sentencing.
The rapper could spend a maximum of 20 years behind bars, 10 years for each count he was convicted of. The prosecution recommended 135 months (just over 11 years) for his sentencing.
Diddy’s family arrived in court ahead of the sentencing. The rapper’s mom, Janice Combs, arrived first around 9:00am ET. His kids, Quincy, the twins Jesse and D’Lila, Christian and Justin, all arrived around 9:45am.
Dozens of people waited outside the courthouse waiting to hear the sentencing, Fox News Digital confirmed. One person was witnessed being detained by police.
Ahead of court Friday, Diddy’s legal team released a video that was played in court after his children spoke. The over 11-minute video featured clips of the rapper with his kids when they were young, as well as current videos where his children tell their dad they love him.
They praised their “inspiring” father for his unwavering support. The video also attempted to emphasize Diddy’s charitable contributions, which were mentioned by his defense during the hearing, throughout his life before his arrest in 2024.
WATCH: DIDDY AND FAMILY MAKE COURTROOM PLEA FOR FREEDOM AHEAD OF SENTENCING
A jury convicted Diddy on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution on July 2. The “I’ll Be Missing You” rapper was acquitted of his most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
The prosecution claimed Diddy deserves a “substantial” prison sentence because the rapper is “unrepentant” in the sentencing recommendation filed Tuesday.
“Incredibly, while the defendant conceded his acts of violence and abuse throughout trial, he now argues that his victims should shoulder the blame,” the filing read.
In the disgraced music mogul’s demand for prison release, Diddy’s lawyers claimed he has faced “inhumane” living conditions at MDC Brooklyn. His legal team proposed a 14-month sentence ahead of his Oct. 3 hearing for federal charges of transportation to engage in prostitution. The “I Need A Girl” rapper has already spent 13 months behind bars.
Diddy’s legal team claimed the musician had been “sufficiently punished” for his crimes.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
Diddy has been behind bars since his arrest on Sept. 16, 2024. He has requested bail and been denied multiple times.
According to his lawyers, Diddy has been subjected to “constant suicide watch” while behind bars. Other instances of the alleged “inhumane” conditions the rapper has been subjected to include limited access to clean water, food with maggots in it, no physical therapy, lack of physical exercise and no functioning washing machine or dryer.
Days before Diddy was set to appear in court for his sentencing, Judge Subramanian rejected the rapper’s last-ditch request for a new trial and demand for a full acquittal. The federal judge said the prosecution provided “overwhelming evidence” of Diddy’s guilt on the charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Father of slain 6-year-old son vows revenge as convicted attacker freed on parole
A 42-year-old man convicted in the killing of a 6-year-old boy in Kentucky after he broke into the child’s home in 2015 has been released on parole.
Ronald Exantus, 42, was sentenced to 20 years after being found guilty of second-degree assault in the boy’s death but was released from custody on Wednesday, according to online records.
Exantus broke into the Versailles, Kentucky, home of Logan Tipton, 6, in December 2015 and stabbed him to death. He also attacked Tipton’s father and sisters.
“I’ve had my talks with God ’cause I’m not afraid to tell you what I told the court,” his father, Dean Tipton, told WLKY-TV. “If I ever cross paths with him, I will kill the man. I will kill him where he stands.”
PROSECUTORS SEEK 97 YEARS FOR TEEN WHO SHOT DEAD SISTER-IN-LAW, 2 YOUNG NEPHEWS
Exantus is now listed as going on mandatory reentry supervision that is scheduled to last until June 26 next year.
Exantus was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity, according to WLKY-TV.
MINNESOTA AX MURDERER WHO KILLED OWN FAMILY IN 1988 GETS EARLY RELEASE UNDER LAW SUPPORTED BY GOV TIM WALZ
He began serving his prison sentence in 2018 but was released early for good behavior.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“I laid in bed. I gave up. I gave up on life,” Dean Tipton told the station. “I gave up on my family. I gave up on everybody. I just wanted to die.”
Rising climbing star plunges to death from Yosemite’s El Capitan mid-livestream
Tragedy struck Yosemite National Park Wednesday when popular Alaskan climber Balin Miller, 23, fell to his death from the iconic El Capitan — an accident reportedly captured during a livestream.
“It is with a heavy heart I have to tell you my incredible son Balin Miller died during a climbing accident today,” Miller’s mother, Jeanine Girard-Moorman, said in a Facebook post. “My heart is (s)hattered in a million pieces.”
Girard-Moorman told Fox News Digital on Friday that the young alpinist gained international attention from just doing what he loved, but “would be disappointed to be thought of as an influencer.”
“He was talented beyond his years in the climbing world. He was an amazing athlete, smart, bold. He had a very unique and well loved sense of humor,” Girard-Moorman said. “He loved to climb and people followed him on Instagram. It was never about the money for him. He just had a passion to climb. Live free.”
COLORADO MAN DIES AFTER CAR DRIVES OVER RIM OF GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Miller’s older brother Dylan told The Associated Press that the climber was lead rope soloing — a way to climb alone while still protected by a rope — on a 2,400-foot route named Sea of Dreams. He apparently completed the climb but fell while hauling his gear and likely rappelled off the end of his rope, the AP reported.
US JOURNALIST MISSING IN NORWAY AFTER BACKPACKING TRIP, FAMILY SAYS
Tributes have poured in for Miller from shocked viewers who said they also witnessed the tragic fall during a TikTok stream.
“He made it to the summit but he had to retrieve his bags as they got stuck on a rock as he was hoisting them up. As he was trying to retrieve the bags he fell to his death all caught on the livestream,” Michelle Derrick posted on Facebook.
CRIES FOR HELP LEAD RESCUERS TO INJURED HIKER AFTER TERRIFYING 25-FOOT PLUNGE AT POPULAR WATERFALL
The tragedy unfolded on the first day of the federal government shutdown, which left national parks “generally” open with limited operations, according to the National Park Service. The park service said in a statement to the AP that “park rangers and emergency personnel responded immediately.” The official cause of the fall is still under investigation.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
El Capitan, one of Yosemite’s most striking features, rises roughly 3,000 feet and is considered one of the most challenging walls in the world.
Miller had recently completed a solo ascent of Mount McKinley’s Slovak Direct in Alaska, a technically difficult route that took him 56 hours to complete, he posted on his Instagram in June.
Armed attacker who targeted Justice Kavanaugh receives light prison sentence
A federal judge sentenced Nicholas Roske, who now goes by Sophie, to eight years in prison on Friday for attempting to murder Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the weeks leading up to the Supreme Court’s landmark Dobbs decision.
The sentence is far lower than what the Department of Justice had sought. Prosecutors said Roske should face at least 30 years, while Roske’s defense team had asked for eight.
Judge Deborah Boardman said during the sentencing hearing that while Roske’s actions were “reprehensible,” the judge also considered a string of mitigating factors, including that Roske “spontaneously confessed to and cooperated with police.”
FEDERAL JUDGE TO SENTENCE JUSTICE KAVANAUGH’S ATTEMPTED ASSASSIN
“I believe Ms. Roske understands that what she did was terribly wrong. I find her remorse sincere,” Boardman said.
DOJ prosecutor Coreen Mao said the sentence “must send the very strong, very clear message that the ends never justify violent means.”
Kavanaugh also received a death threat in April from someone who invoked Roske’s name and referenced shooting the justice in the head, Mao said, stressing a need to deter such behavior. That revelation comes as judges say they have faced a rise in threats from people across the political spectrum in recent years.
During the hearing, Boardman referred to Roske as a transgender woman, and Roske’s attorneys told the court recently that while their client’s legal name is Nicholas, Roske goes by the name Sophie and uses female pronouns.
Boardman, a Biden appointee, said she factored into the sentence her concern about Trump’s executive order requiring transgender inmates to be detained in prisons that correspond to their sex at birth.
Roske pleaded guilty in April to one charge of attempting to murder a Supreme Court justice, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
On June 8, 2022, Roske flew from California to Virginia and took a taxi to Kavanaugh’s address, armed with a pistol, knife, lock picking set, duct tape, hammer, crowbar and tactical gear.
INDIANA WOMAN FACES FEDERAL CHARGES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA THREATS TO DISEMBOWEL TRUMP
In the weeks leading up to the incident, the defendant searched extensively online for information about several justices, mass shooters, ways to harm people and graphic images of people with knife wounds. One search read, “Does twisting or dragging a knife cause more damage.”
Roske’s internet history also signaled a desire to affect the outcome of the then-looming Dobbs decision, in which the Supreme Court was expected to overturn the federal right to abortion.
The assassination attempt came at a time when activists were protesting in front of conservative justices’ homes, leading the DOJ to deploy U.S. marshals to their houses to provide around-the-clock security.
Roske acknowledged noticing marshals at Kavanaugh’s house, which prosecutors said prompted Roske to change course and walk down the street before self-reporting to 911.
Roske’s “goal explicitly was both to alter the outcome of a pending Supreme Court case, a consequential case,” and “to change the composition of the court for decades to come,” Mao argued to the judge.
FEDERAL JUDGE RELEASES WOMAN ACCUSED OF THREATENING TO KILL TRUMP
Roske’s attorneys played part of the 911 call for the courtroom, in which Roske tells a dispatcher about having “suicidal and homicidal thoughts.” The lawyers emphasized that Roske has long been severely depressed and has been seeking treatment.
Appearing in a yellow jumpsuit in the courtroom, Roske apologized for terrorizing Kavanaugh and his family and for “contributing to the fear judges experience as a result of doing their jobs.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“I have been portrayed as a monster, and this tragic mistake I made will follow me for the rest of my life,” Roske said.
The judge also sentenced Roske to a lifetime of supervised release. The DOJ is able to appeal the sentence because it is well under the sentencing guidelines.
Hamas agrees to release Israeli hostages as part of Trump-backed Gaza proposal
Hamas on Friday announced it agreed to release all Israeli hostages, dead or alive, as part of President Donald Trump‘s Gaza peace proposal.
Leaders also indicated they were prepared to enter mediated negotiations to finalize the deal, according to a Hamas statement shared by Trump on Truth Social.
“Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
Trump later released a video from the White House Oval Office, saying he is still awaiting final word, but believes he is “very close” to achieving a peace deal.
“I want to thank the countries that helped me put this together—Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and so many others. So many people fought so hard,” Trump said. “This is a big day. We’ll see how it all turns out. We have to get the final word down in concrete. Very importantly, I look forward to having the hostages come home to their parents … I just want to let you know that this is a very special day, maybe unprecedented. … Everybody was unified in wanting this war to end and seeing peace in the Middle East, and we’re very close to achieving that. Thank you all and everybody will be treated fairly.”
TRUMP WARNS HAMAS WILL BE ‘HUNTED DOWN, AND KILLED’ UNLESS ISRAELI HOSTAGES RELEASED BY SUNDAY
The announcement came hours after Trump issued a public warning to the terrorist group, noting its leaders would be “hunted down, and killed” if the remaining Israeli hostages were not released by Sunday night.
Hamas said in the statement it held in-depth consultations within its leadership institutions, extensive consultations with Palestinian forces and factions, and consultations with mediators and friends to reach a “responsible position” regarding Trump’s plan.
Leaders said they appreciated the president’s efforts to end the war and agreed to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents.
“Following Hamas’s response, Israel is preparing for the immediate implementation of the first stage of President Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all the hostages,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an announcement. “We will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team in order to bring the war to an end in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel, which are consistent with President Trump’s vision.”
TREY YINGST: HAMAS MUST ACCEPT TRUMP PEACE PLAN TO END WAR ONCE AND FOR ALL
The broader issues in Trump’s Gaza proposal, including the future of Gaza and Palestinian rights, will be addressed within a unified Palestinian national framework, with Hamas participating responsibly in the process, according to the statement.
Trump last week unveiled a 20-point peace plan calling for an end to Israel’s military operations, the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip under a Palestinian governing body overseen by an international coalition led by the U.S.
Though Hamas agreed to return all 46 hostages, its statement did not address the disarmament.
Israel has not yet publicly commented on the announcement.
Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an X post the country welcomes Hamas’ announcement and supports an immediate ceasefire to “facilitate the safe and swift release of hostages and to achieve rapid results that stop the bloodshed of our Palestinian brothers in the Gaza Strip.”
Qatar announced it has started coordinating with its mediation partners in Egypt, in collaboration with the U.S., to advance discussions on a plan aimed at bringing an end to the war.
French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in on social media, thanking Trump for his commitment to peace.
“The release of all hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza are within reach! Hamas’ commitment must be followed up without delay,” Macron wrote in an X post. “We now have the opportunity to make decisive progress towards peace. France will play its full part in line with its efforts at the United Nations, alongside the United States, Israelis and Palestinians, and all of its international partners.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel—firing rockets, breaching border defenses and storming communities more than a dozen miles from Gaza.
Militants killed about 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians, and abducted roughly 250 others.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is affiliated with Hamas, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since the initial attack.
The White House did not immediately provide additional comment to Fox News Digital.