Kiki, a paralyzed sheep, learned to drive a motorized wheelchair within an hour, showcasing resilience and inspiring many with her determination to live life to the fullest despite her disabilities.
The recent shooting of a San Diego Police Department sergeant has brought back painful memories for the family of a fallen officer who was shot and paralyzed in the line of duty two decades ago. The niece of the late officer expressed her devastation and empathy for the injured sergeant and his family, knowing firsthand the life-changing impact such incidents have. The shooting left her uncle paralyzed from the neck down, and he passed away in 2020 from complications related to the original gunshot injury.
Hisham Awartani, a Palestinian American student studying at Brown University, has been left paralyzed from the chest down after being shot in Burlington, Vermont. Awartani, along with two other Palestinian students, was attacked without provocation while walking near his grandmother's home. The families of the victims are urging law enforcement to investigate the incident as a hate crime. The suspect, Jason Eaton, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of second-degree attempted murder. The motive for the shooting remains unknown as the investigation continues.
Hisham Awartani, one of the three Palestinian college students shot in Vermont, is paralyzed from the chest down after a bullet lodged in his spine. His family has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to cover his rehabilitation costs. The two other victims were shot in the upper torso and lower extremities and have been hospitalized. The suspect, Jason J. Eaton, has been charged with attempted murder and investigators are looking into whether the attack was motivated by hate. The families of the victims are calling for a full investigation and justice, believing their sons were targeted for being Palestinian.
The House remains paralyzed with no end in sight for the speakership battle after Jim Jordan's exit, which CNN reports as a "hugely significant" moment for the House GOP. Jordan's failed third attempt to win the speakership has sparked discussions about hurt feelings and risky new plans, while Chesebro is seen as a greater threat to Trump than Powell. Meanwhile, anonymous texts pushing for Jordan were sent to a GOP lawmaker's wife, and Biden emphasizes the importance of funding Israel and Ukraine to Americans. The situation has prompted questions about whether Democrats should step in to save the House.
Gregory Gross, a Northern California man, has been awarded a $20 million settlement after being left paralyzed during a traffic stop where police officers used "pain compliance" techniques. Gross, an Army veteran, sued the police department after the incident, which resulted in a broken neck and the need for round-the-clock nursing care. The settlement is one of the largest police misconduct settlements in California's history. As part of the agreement, Yuba City will implement random audits of officers' bodycam footage and review use of force incidents. Gross plans to donate $20,000 to the California Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation.
Gregory Gross, an Army veteran, has reached a $20 million settlement after being left paralyzed from a run-in with police in Yuba City. Gross was accused of driving drunk and causing a slow-speed collision in April 2020.
Former WWE and NFL star Darren Drozdov, known as "Droz," has passed away at the age of 54. Drozdov was left quadriplegic after a tragic wrestling accident in 1999. Despite his paralysis, he maintained a positive mindset and lived life to the fullest. Drozdov had a brief football career before joining the wrestling world, where he gained fame for his ability to vomit on command. Colleagues and fans have paid tribute to his talent and personality, with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson expressing his condolences. Drozdov's family praised his resilience and champion mindset, while the WWE extended their condolences to his loved ones.
The New Haven Board of Police Commissioners voted to terminate two police officers, Oscar Diaz and Betsy Segui, for their alleged conduct during the arrest of Richard "Randy" Cox, a Black man who was left paralyzed while in police custody. This decision comes after four other officers involved in the incident were also terminated. The officers were charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons. Cox had filed a $100 million federal lawsuit against the city, which was settled for $45 million.
New Haven, Connecticut, has agreed to a $45 million settlement with Randy Cox, who was left paralyzed from the chest down while being transported handcuffed and without a seat belt in the back of a police van following his arrest last year. The settlement came two days after the city fired two police officers who authorities said treated Cox recklessly and without compassion. Cox had been arrested on charges of threatening a woman with a gun, which were later dismissed. Five officers, including those who were fired, face criminal charges in the case. All have pleaded not guilty.
New Haven, Connecticut, has agreed to a $45 million settlement with Randy Cox, who was left paralyzed from the chest down while being transported handcuffed and without a seat belt in the back of a police van following his arrest last year. The settlement came two days after the city fired two police officers who authorities said treated Cox recklessly and without compassion. Five officers, including those who were fired, face criminal charges in the case. All have pleaded not guilty.
Khalil Watson, a shooting victim who was paralyzed from the neck down seven years ago, received an associate's degree in pre-social work from Reynolds Community College in Richmond, Virginia. With the help of a robotic exoskeleton, he was able to walk across the stage to collect his diploma, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. Watson plans to continue his education to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in social work, using his own experiences to connect with and understand others who have similar situations. Despite his circumstances, Watson remains determined and self-driven, offering words of wisdom to others: "Anything is possible. Keep going."
Jon Routh, who ran over a Springfield police officer in 2020, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The officer was left paralyzed after the incident. Routh was facing a class A felony charge of first-degree assault, but all parties agreed to the insanity plea, which will have Routh committed to the custody of the Department of Mental Health. Surveillance video showed Routh circling the parking lot outside of police headquarters before accelerating and driving toward the officer, striking him with the vehicle. Routh had sent messages prior to the incident indicating his intention to harm police officers.