• Updated

A Los Angeles jury has ordered California socialite Rebecca Grossman to pay $21 million in punitive damages to the parents of two young brothers who died when her car struck them in a hit-and-run collision in 2020. Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Erickson must also pay $1.17 million in punitive damages. That is in addition to the $176 million in damages for wrongful death and emotional distress that a jury awarded last week to the parents of 11-year-old Mark Iskander and 8-year-old Jacob Iskander. Jurors found Grossman and Erickson negligent in the boys' deaths. Attorneys for the parents said Grossman and Erickson had been drinking and were driving recklessly when Grossman’s car struck the boys. Defense attorneys denied those claims.

The U.S. military’s Central Command says it “completed” its latest round of airstrikes targeting Iran. The command said its forces targeted “Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems and air defense sites across Iran.” It did not elaborate on the damage done by the strikes. “The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression,” Central Command said. “U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal and ready.” Iran has threatened to retaliate, and missile sirens sounded early Thursday morning in Bahrain, which hosts U.S. troops.

AP
  • Updated

Bill Gates says he made an error in judgment by ever meeting with Jeffrey Epstein as the Microsoft co-founder faces questions behind closed doors from lawmakers about his relationship with the disgraced financier. In an opening statement provided Wednesday to The Associated Press, Gates said he should never have met with Epstein, but that he never had any indication that Epstein was engaged in criminal activity. The tech billionaire became the latest powerful figure linked to Epstein to testify before the House Oversight Committee. As Gates arrived at the Capitol, he noted that he was there voluntarily.