Breaking News
A Texas oil magnate was ordered to pay $1.1 billion after beating his 2-year-old stepson, leaving him wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life.

A Texas oil magnate was ordered to pay $1.1 billion after beating his 2-year-old stepson, leaving him wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life.

A Texas oil heir has been ordered to pay a historic $1.1 billion settlement to the young boy he brutally beat, leaving him with serious injuries that require 24-hour care.Charles Brooks Jr., 34, must pay $291 million in compensatory damages and $810 million in punitive damages following a civil jury verdict in favor of Madison Ball, his ex-wife and their son Stephen Sampson. The child is seven years old. He was awarded $800 million, while his parents will receive $5 million. This verdict is the biggest verdict in a case of attack on a child in American history.Brooks is the great-grandson of Humble Oil founding investor Percy Turner and is already serving a 40-year prison sentence for the attack that left his stepson bedridden and dependent on a tracheostomy tube, a wheelchair and a breathing machine. The boy cannot walk and will need full-time care for the rest of his life.The attack took place on April 22, 2021, when the child’s mother was at work. Brooks had to care for a two-year-old child and called his wife and claimed the child was “non-responsive” after falling off the kitchen table while visiting Brooks’ grandmother in Dallas.Mother Ball demanded to see her son on a video call and noticed her child was “barely breathing,” while Brooks ignored her pleas to call 911. Brooks did not take the severity of the injuries seriously and insisted that the child “sleep” and was placed in an ice bath. He also threatened Ball, saying he would “snap her neck” and “f–king kill her” if she contacted emergency services.Ball ignored the threats and called 911. First responders found the child severely beaten, unresponsive, and with adult bite marks on his legs. According to court records, he suffered traumatic brain injury, chronic respiratory failure, seizure disorder, urethral trauma and traumatic hemorrhages of both retinas. The court petition states: “(The child’s) life will never be the same, and he will never be able to grow into the strong, healthy, happy boy he is because of Brooks’s horrible, violent, terrifying behavior.”Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing Ball and her son, said, “We claim to value children in our society. This Texas jury has come forward and shown that. Don’t mess with Texas’ children. I hope that through this verdict this precious child will get all the care he needs and hopefully his life will be as good as it can be made under the circumstances.”Brooks has a history of criminal convictions, including burglary, aggravated robbery, gun charges and drug possession. After the attack, he attempted to escape by cutting off his ankle monitor and was later found in a bar in South Texas. He is currently being held in the San Saba County Jail and is eligible for parole in 2042 with an estimated release date of January 30, 2062.The verdict is one of the largest civil awards ever issued in a child abuse case in the United States.

Source link

Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dhar falls while welcoming Egypt’s Foreign Minister at Middle East peace talks, video goes viral

Pakistan's Deputy PM Ishaq Dhar falls while welcoming Egypt's Foreign Minister at Middle East peace talks, video goes viral
Pak’s deputy PM falls (screenshot of video posted on X)

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar falls on the red carpet while welcoming Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdellatty in Islamabad ahead of Middle East de-escalation talks on Sunday.The incident took place at the Ministry of External Affairs when Dar proceeded to welcome the visiting dignitary. In a clip circulated on social media, Dhar moves towards the Egyptian leader but his foot slips and he falls. He is immediately assisted by the security personnel.Pakistan is hosting two-day talks with Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia focused on de-escalating the Iran war, with initial discussions focusing on proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore global shipping flows. The waterway, a key route for oil and LNG, has seen disruption after Iran blocked traffic in response to the US and Israeli attacks. Notably, neither the United States nor Israel are part of the discussion.The countries involved have sent ideas to Washington, including mechanisms to ensure safe sea passage and even a possible union to manage oil flows through the strait.

Source link

Palm Sunday: Pope Leo says God rejects prayers of those waging war

Palm Sunday: Pope Leo says God rejects prayers of those waging war

On Palm Sunday, Pope Leo XIV made a strong call for peace during Mass at the Vatican, telling worshipers that God does not hear the prayers of those who wage war.Thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square for the service marking the beginning of Holy Week leading up to Easter. Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, when the people welcomed him with palm branches.In his sermon the Pope said that violence cannot be justified on the basis of faith. He described Jesus as the “King of Peace” and said that leaders who shed blood cannot expect their prayers to be heard. “God rejects the prayers of those whose hands are full of blood,” he said, adding that true faith must be reflected in actions, especially when those actions affect innocent people.The Pope also expressed concern for communities suffering due to war and conflict, particularly in the Middle East. He said that many people are not able to celebrate the Holy Week normally due to violence in their areas.The Pope reiterated his call for dialogue and a peaceful solution. He said prayer alone is not enough if it is combined with acts that cause harm. He has previously called for a ceasefire and urged world leaders to prioritize humanitarian needs over conflict.Palm Sunday Mass marks the beginning of the most important week in the Christian calendar. This is followed by Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus, and Holy Saturday, which is followed by Easter Sunday, which celebrates his resurrection.This year, the Pope’s message focused on the responsibility of the faithful to choose peace and reject violence. He reminded worshipers that faith and war cannot co-exist and encouraged them to support those affected by the conflict.His comments come amid ongoing global tensions and wars, reinforcing the church’s long-standing message that religion should promote peace rather than justify violence.

Source link

Middle East crisis: Mediators gather in Pakistan for talks to end month-long Iran war

Middle East crisis: Mediators gather in Pakistan for talks to end month-long Iran war

Top diplomats from major regional powers gathered in Pakistan over the weekend to discuss ways to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, while fighting continued with US-Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Tehran.Pakistan said the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt were participating in the talks in Islamabad. However, neither the United States nor Israel are part of the discussion.Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdellatty and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived on Saturday, while Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived on Sunday at the invitation of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Watch

‘Flee at any cost’: Israelis flee for their lives as Iran’s missiles rain down report

The two-day quadrilateral meeting is part of Pakistan’s effort to pursue a diplomatic solution to the crisis.According to the Pakistani Foreign Office (FO), the participants will hold “in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region” and are also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.Apart from this, Dar also held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts, Dawn reported.In talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the two sides discussed “advancing regional and international developments” and underlined the importance of dialogue and cooperation.“They underlined the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and collective efforts to promote peace, security and stability in the region,” the FO said. He said the two countries agreed to continue working together to strengthen cooperation and contribute to regional peace.Dar also met Hakan Fidan of Turkey, in which he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expand relations “in all areas of mutual interest” and highlighted the “historic and brotherly relations” between the two countries.In a separate meeting with Egypt’s Badr Abdellatty, both sides reiterated their “commitment to deepen cooperation in a number of areas”.The quadrilateral meeting was initially planned to be held in Turkey, but it was later shifted to Islamabad as Ishaq Dar was unable to travel, as Pakistan was working hard to establish itself as a diplomatic player in efforts to facilitate talks between the United States and Iran, reported Dawn.

Strait of Hormuz and shipping relief

In a major development, Dar also announced that Iran has agreed to allow 20 more Pakistan-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route through which about 20% of the world’s oil flows.He said, “I am happy to share a good news that the Government of Iran has agreed to allow 20 more ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under Pakistani flag; two ships per day will transit the strait.”“This is a welcome and constructive step by Iran and deserves appreciation. It is a harbinger of peace and will help bring stability to the region,” he said.

limited progress, constant stress

Despite diplomatic pressure, there were some signs of success. The United States has sent additional troops to the region, while Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf dismissed the talks as a sham and warned that Tehran was prepared to respond strongly to any ground invasion.Hostilities continued on the ground. Israel reported fresh attacks from Iran, while explosions were heard across Tehran.Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen entered the conflict, firing missiles at what they described as “sensitive Israeli military sites”.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington “can achieve all of our objectives without ground troops,” even as domestic opposition to a broader war is growing.

Iran’s conditions and threats

The top diplomats met in Islamabad just days after the United States offered a 15-point “action list” as a framework for a possible peace deal with Iran.However, Tehran has rejected the proposal and is reportedly working on its own plan, which includes demands such as stopping attacks on Iranian officials, guarantees against future attacks, compensation and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.Tension increased further after Israeli attacks on Iranian universities. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that unless security assurances were provided, Israeli and American university campuses in the region could become “legitimate targets”.The Guard said in an official statement, “If the US government wants its universities in the region to be spared, it should condemn the bombing of (Iranian) universities by 12 o’clock on Monday, March 30.”

increasing numbers in conflict

More than 3,000 people have been killed across the region in the war that began with US-Israeli attacks on Iran.More than 1,900 people have been reported dead in Iran, while at least 19 people have died in Israel. More than 1,100 people have been killed in Israeli action against Hezbollah in Lebanon. 80 security personnel have been killed in Iraq, while 20 have died in the Gulf countries and four in the occupied West Bank.Despite diplomatic efforts, distance remains wide between the US and Iran, with both sides continuing military actions even as negotiations struggle to gain momentum.

Source link

‘The Monkey Whisperer’: Florida man arrested for illegal exotic animal trade, fined $60,000.

'The Monkey Whisperer': Florida man arrested for illegal exotic animal trade, fined $60,000.

A Florida man who called himself “The Monkey Whisperer” has been sent to prison after continuing to smuggle exotic animals while on probation for the same crime, US prosecutors say.Jimmy Wayne Hammonds, 62, of Parrish, was sentenced to nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. He pleaded guilty on October 23, 2025, to conspiring to violate the Lacey Act, a federal law banning illegal wildlife trade.Hammonds ran a business called The Monkey Whisperer, LLC and specialized in selling primates and other exotic animals. Authorities said he continued to operate the business despite already being on federal probation for similar crimes.According to court documents, Hammonds contacted an undercover agent through his business’s social media account. “At Hammonds’ request, the conversation moved to an encrypted texting app to discuss a potential wildlife sale. The Hammonds agreed to sell two common marmosets to the undercover agent for $7,400.” He also arranged to make the deal in Georgia in an effort to avoid law enforcement investigation.Prosecutors said the case led to the surrender of 67 animals owned by the Hammonds. These included several primate species as well as muntjac deer, lemurs, kangaroos, wallabies and otters.In addition to the prison sentence, a federal judge ordered Hammonds to pay a $60,000 fine to benefit the Lacey Act Reward Fund, which supports whistleblowers who report wildlife trafficking. They are also banned from “keeping, breeding, selling, transporting or displaying any wildlife”.Hammonds also faces a violation of probation hearing on April 2, 2026.

Source link

Darkness in Al-Baha: Saudi city celebrates ‘Green Hour’ to cut carbon emissions world News

Darkness in Al-Baha: Saudi city celebrates 'Green Hour' to cut carbon emissions
Al-Baha turned off non-essential lights in 28 buildings for an hour to promote energy conservation/Image: SPA

Al-Baha switched off non-essential lights for an hour as part of a local campaign to spread awareness about energy use and environmental protection.In Saudi Arabia, Al-Baha Municipality turned off lights in parts of the city on Friday, launching the “Al-Baha Green Hour” initiative, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The move is linked to wider Saudi green initiatives and focuses on reducing carbon emissions and encouraging people to use energy more responsibly.

Watch

‘Direct hit’: Iran destroys major ‘US-linked economic facility’ in Gulf to avenge Israel attack

According to the Saudi Press Agency report, non-essential lights were turned off in 28 buildings and several neighborhoods for an hour, while essential lights for security remained on.The idea behind this initiative is to raise awareness about energy conservation and environment protection. By involving neighborhoods and public buildings, officials aim to encourage people to participate in sustainability efforts and adopt more responsible energy use.The campaign also supports broader environmental goals by improving quality of life and promoting green urban landscapes, officials said. This reflects the municipality’s commitment to contribute to the sustainable future of the state.The initiative comes in time for Saudi Green Initiative Day, celebrated on March 27 every year, which encourages activities such as planting trees in parks, gardens and public spaces to strengthen environmental awareness.

Source link

$3 billion toll: US counts losses in aircraft, drones, defense systems

$3 billion toll: US counts losses in aircraft, drones, defense systems

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the war in Iran has caused significant damage to US military assets, with losses and repairs within the first three weeks estimated at between $1.4 billion and $2.9 billion.The bulk of the damage has been attributed to Iranian ballistic missiles and drone attacks targeting US and allied infrastructure in the Middle East. The Pentagon is expected to account for these losses in a proposed $200 billion supplemental spending request sent to the White House.

‘Israeli hospitals overflow…’: Arab fighters launched a major attack; Soldiers are bleeding, evacuation continues

loss of fighter planes

The greatest losses involved advanced fighter aircraft. On 1 March, three F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft were accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti F/A-18s, although all six crew members ejected safely. Each jet is estimated to cost approximately $100 million.On March 19, an F-35A Lightning II also made an emergency landing, after Iran claimed it had targeted the aircraft. Each F-35A costs about $82.5 million.

Loss of tankers and personnel

The conflict has also affected air refueling operations. A KC-135 Stratotanker crashes in Iraq after colliding mid-air with another tanker, killing six crew members.In addition, five KC-135 aircraft were damaged during an Iranian missile attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Since the aircraft is no longer manufactured, replacements are likely to be KC-46 Pegasus, each costing about $165 million.

drone fleet hit

Unmanned aerial systems have repeatedly suffered losses. More than a dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones have been lost since the conflict began.This includes at least eight downed by Iranian missiles, three destroyed on the ground and one downed by a Persian Gulf country. Each MQ-9 costs at least $16 million, while the new MQ-9B variant costs about $30 million.

Missile defense and radar damage

Key surveillance and missile defense systems have also been targeted. An AN/TPY-2 radar in Jordan, part of a THAAD battery, was attacked, with an estimated cost of over $300 million.In Qatar, damage was reported to the AN/FPS-132 radar at Al-Udeid Air Base, a high-value system capable of tracking multiple threats simultaneously and costing approximately $1 billion.Additional attacks have reportedly affected radar, communications and air-defense systems in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

navy shock

In addition to war-related damage, operational incidents have also increased the total cost. On March 12, a fire broke out aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, affecting several parts of the ship, including living quarters. The carrier is currently undergoing repairs in Greece.

incremental cost

The initial financial loss reflects the scale of material losses in the conflict, even without a full-scale ground war. With high-value platforms, surveillance systems and drones affected, total costs are expected to increase further as operations continue.

Source link

Former minister Deepak Khadka arrested after Nepal’s former PM Oli in Gen Z protest

Former minister Deepak Khadka arrested after Nepal's former PM Oli in Gen Z protest
Deepak Khadka (file photo/Facebook)

Nepal’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) on Sunday arrested former energy minister Deepak Khadka in a case related to last September’s Gen Z protests, an agency official said.“Khadka was arrested in a case related to money laundering,” CIB spokesman Shiv Kumar Shrestha told AFP.Shrestha said, the Money Laundering Investigation Department will monitor the investigation against the Nepali Congress leader.Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Sudan Gurung wrote on Facebook that Khadka “has been detained today in connection with the investigation into the money recovered from his residence during the September 9 protests.”The development came a day after the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli And then Home Affairs Minister Ramesh Lekhak was arrested for his alleged role in the deadly crackdown on Gen Z protesters.Also read: Hours after oath, Nepal government arrests former PM Oli over deaths in Gen Z protestsThe youth-led rebellion began over a brief ban on social media, but soon expanded to reflect long-standing frustration over corruption and economic hardship.At least 76 people were killed in the crackdown on September 8 and 9, according to a commission investigating the violence.Also read: As Nepal’s new Prime Minister Balendra Shah takes charge, panel is seeking prosecution of Oli over deadly Gen Z protestsProtesters set fire to the Parliament building and government offices, ultimately ousting Oli’s administration.Khadka’s residence was set on fire, and videos circulated widely showing protesters throwing cash found inside his house into the air.An interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki took charge and ruled Nepal until general elections held earlier this month, which the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) won with a landslide victory.RSP leader, rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah formally assumed the post of Prime Minister on Friday. The name of 35-year-old Shah, a former mayor of Kathmandu, was also among the names considered to head the caretaker administration before Karki’s appointment. He also defeated the four-time former prime minister in Jhapa-5 constituency, represented by Oli. The Shah-led government has unveiled an ambitious 100-point governance reform agenda, including plans to form an investigation committee to probe the assets of politicians and senior state officials.

voting

What role do you think social media played in the Gen Z protests?

The agenda was announced on the same day Oli and the author were detained. The inquiry commission had earlier recommended prosecution of Oli and other officials for “neglect” over their failure to stop security forces from opening fire on protesters.He has denied ordering to open fire on the protesters.

Source link

Oman government acquires SalamAir, airlines will operate separately. world News

The Government of Oman has acquired the separately operated airline SalamAir.

With a focus on strengthening connectivity, improving efficiency and supporting long-term economic growth, Oman has taken a major step in reshaping its aviation sector by acquiring SalamAir.The Government of the Sultanate of Oman has confirmed the completion of the acquisition of SalamAir, making it clear that both Oman Air and SalamAir will continue to operate as fully independent brands. Each airline will retain its own operational identity, fleet and services, ensuring continuity of their operations and serving passengers.The move is aimed at improving coordination between the two carriers without merging them. Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology Engr. Bin Hamoud Al Mawali said the strategy focuses on reducing overlap in destination networks, creating better route planning and allowing more efficient use of aircraft at both airlines.He explained that optimizing fleet utilization and expanding air connectivity within Oman and across the wider region is at the heart of the plan. By aligning the networks more effectively, the government hopes to strengthen the aviation system while maintaining the distinct roles of the two carriers.Al Mawali said this approach will enhance operational efficiency and provide passengers with greater diversity as well as wider choice across the two economy classes served by Oman Air and SalamAir.Speaking to Oman News Agency, he said the strategic change is expected to improve the financial condition of both airlines. He said evolving cost structure and enhancing revenue quality will play an important role, while ground services companies are also expected to benefit.The acquisition reflects a strategic effort to streamline Oman’s aviation sector, focusing on efficiency, connectivity and financial stability while preserving the independence of both airlines.

Watch

India affected by massive flight cancellations due to disruption of West Asia airspace due to Iran war

Source link

Saudi Arabia restores 1 million hectares of land, plants more than 159 million trees as part of green initiative world News

Saudi Arabia restores 1 million hectares of land, plants more than 159 million trees under green initiative
Saudi Arabia restores 1 million hectares of land, plants more than 159 million trees under green initiative/Representative Image

Saudi Arabia has achieved a major environmental feat by converting barren land into green cover on a large scale. This progress reflects a long-term national effort to restore ecosystems, expand vegetation, and combat desertification.Saudi Arabia has restored one million hectares of degraded land and planted more than 159 million trees, a significant milestone under the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) launched in 2021 by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees, which is equivalent to rehabilitating 40 million hectares across the state.Abdulrahman Alfadli, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, said the achievement reflects the leadership’s commitment to environmental sustainability under Saudi Vision 2030. He said restoration efforts started with just 18,000 hectares, then expanded to 250,000 hectares by 2024, before reaching the one million hectare mark in early 2026.Highlighting the initiative’s role in conserving biodiversity and native flora, he said progress has been driven by coordination between government entities, the private sector and the community. He also pointed to the importance of royal reserves and modern water harvesting techniques in sustaining these efforts. “This success is a symbol of a unified national effort,” Alfadale said. He said this work is strengthening wildlife conservation and ecosystem resilience.Current progress sets the stage for the next target of 25 lakh hectares by 2030, supported by projects such as dam water utilization and rain harvesting, which is expected to support long-term expansion of green cover.Deputy Minister Eng. Mansour Almushtaiti described the milestone as a “qualitative leap” towards the state’s ambitious goals. He said this is in line with SGI’s goal of planting 10 billion trees and rehabilitating 40 million hectares, while also highlighting special programs such as the National Cloud Seeding Programme, which has boosted rainfall and contributed to a 50 percent reduction in dust storms in 2025 compared to the previous year.This achievement has also received international recognition. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts, saying it reflected a unified approach and clear political will. “This achievement proves that land restoration is possible even in the most challenging environments,” he said.He also said the Kingdom’s efforts contribute to strengthening international cooperation on land restoration through the Middle East Green Initiative and its hosting of UNCCD’s COP16.

Source link