Hezbollah is dragging Lebanon into the war on Iran, but the militia is a shadow of the force it once was Lebanon now stands on the edge of full involvement in the intensifying US and Israeli conflict with Iran, a situation the government has sought to prevent. Israel’s recent expansion into southern Lebanese territory, marked by increased violence such as air strikes, has intensified pressure on the country. This escalation follows Hezbollah’s decision to retaliate for the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On Monday, the Lebanese militia launched its first cross-border strike since late 2024, targeting an Israeli military base near Haifa with missiles and a drone swarm. The attack aimed to showcase Hezbollah’s enduring ability to act as a proxy for Tehran, despite its diminished strength. Subsequent drone assaults were framed by the group as a response to Israeli aggression that had damaged dozens of Lebanese cities and towns, focusing on radar sites and control rooms in northern Israel. “We will not allow the country to be dragged into new adventures, and we will take all necessary measures to stop those responsible and protect the Lebanese people,” said Nawaf Salam, Lebanon’s prime minister, in a Monday post on X. Hezbollah, once a formidable force with a vast arsenal and a key role in deterring direct Israeli action against Iran, now struggles to maintain its former influence. Years of relentless Israeli assaults have led to the deaths of its top leaders, the loss of southern strongholds, and the depletion of its missile stockpiles. Internal political pressure has also mounted, with the government formally banning Hezbollah’s military operations in an effort to avoid further Israeli retaliation. Israel, meanwhile, has mobilized tens of thousands of reservists near the Lebanese border, raising questions about a potential large-scale invasion. The IDF maintains that its presence is limited to the immediate border area, focused on defensive operations to shield Israeli civilians and secure strategic locations. “This is not a maneuver or a large-scale operation – it is a tactical measure to ensure security and prevent infiltration attempts,” stated Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani during a Tuesday press briefing. The militia’s current state of weakness has left Iran more exposed. With its key Lebanese proxy struggling, a major deterrent against Israeli attacks has been reduced. Israel now targets Hezbollah not because of its strength, but due to its vulnerable position, signaling a shift in the balance of power in the region.
Georgia father Colin Gray found guilty in son’s alleged deadly school shooting
Georgia father Colin Gray found guilty in son’s alleged deadly school shooting On Tuesday, a Georgia jury made a significant decision by convicting Colin Gray, 55, in the aftermath of a school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder. The father was held criminally liable for his son Colt Gray’s actions, which involved using an AR-15-style rifle from their home to fatally shoot two students and two teachers on September 4, 2024. This verdict marks a unique case where a parent faces legal consequences for their child’s violent act. Case Precedent and Parental Accountability Colin Gray’s conviction includes charges of second-degree murder and cruelty to children. Prosecutors argued that he failed to address his son’s behavioral indicators and allowed access to a high-capacity weapon. The trial echoed the 2021 Oxford High School shooting in Detroit, where James and Jennifer Crumbley were convicted of involuntary manslaughter for their son Ethan’s actions. Colt’s mother previously referenced this case when advocating for restricted gun access for her son, according to Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith. “Smith emphasized that the conviction could serve as a catalyst for change. He noted that the mother had studied the Michigan case and requested her husband to remove the firearms. This step might have prevented the tragedy, and now we hope to push the needle further,” Smith stated. The jury deliberated for under two hours before returning a guilty verdict on all 27 counts. Colin Gray displayed little emotion as the verdicts were announced, later being handcuffed and escorted from the courtroom. Judge Nicholas Primm postponed sentencing to notify parties and allow for further proceedings. The maximum sentence for Gray could reach 243 years in prison. Defense attorneys left the courthouse without commenting on the case, while Colt Gray, who was 14 at the time, remains in custody with no trial date scheduled. Jurors were shown images of Colt’s bedroom, which featured a photo of Nikolas Cruz, the Florida shooter who killed 14 students and three staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. The four victims in Georgia were Mason Schermerhorn, 14; Christian Angulo, 14; Richard Aspinwall, 39; and Cristina Irimie, 53. Colin Gray testified on his own behalf, describing his son’s experiences of bullying and occasional outbursts of anger. However, he insisted that he never viewed Colt as a threat to others. “I never imagined he would consider harming anyone at school,” the father explained to jurors. Senior Breaking News Reporter Dan Gallo is an NBC News field producer based in Atlanta. Aaron Gilchrist serves as a national correspondent for NBC News.
Tehran IVF clinic devastated by US-Israeli attack as hospitals and homes hit
Tehran IVF clinic devastated by US-Israeli attack as hospitals and homes hit A couple’s hopes for parenthood shattered in bombing campaign Mohsen and Firouzeh have endured years of infertility struggles before opting for in vitro fertilization at Tehran’s Ghandi hospital. Their journey, marked by persistent efforts, finally sparked optimism after a decade of setbacks. “The hospital staff worked tirelessly to support us,” Mohsen shares. “After 10 years of trying, we finally had a glimmer of hope.” However, the devastation began on Sunday, the second day of a relentless US-Israeli bombing campaign targeting Iran. A strike on the hospital reportedly caused severe damage to its fertility department, upending the couple’s plans. Mohammad Hassan Bani Asad, director of Gandhi hospital, informed local outlets that one employee suffered critical injuries, including cerebral bleeding, requiring emergency surgery. “Now, after the attack on the IVF section, we feel as though we’ve lost our sanity,” Firouzeh laments. “We don’t know what happened. We don’t know if our samples are gone. We don’t know if all our years of effort are wasted.” Residents of Tehran, including Mohsen and Firouzeh, use only their first names for safety. The U.S. and Israel justify their strikes as targeting Iran’s leadership, military, and nuclear facilities. Several high-ranking officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have been killed so far. Yet on the ground, the toll extends beyond political figures. Strikes have obliterated homes, crippled medical facilities, and even claimed lives in a primary school, where around 150 girls aged seven to twelve were killed. Golestan Palace, a UNESCO-listed heritage site, also sustained damage. The Red Crescent Society reported at least 787 fatalities, with attacks impacting over 150 cities nationwide. Impact on everyday lives and medical infrastructure Negin, from Tehran’s Shariati neighborhood, witnessed an air strike demolish the Army hospital near her home. “I saw horrors I couldn’t imagine without seeing them myself,” she tells Middle East Eye. “I fled the area in terror, but I believe dozens perished in the blast,” Negin says. “The Joint Staff headquarters and Revolutionary Court are just two streets away. They hit that zone, yet many residential buildings on the same street were reduced to rubble.” Mohammad Raiszadeh, head of Iran’s Medical Council, noted that the U.S. and Israel have struck at least ten medical centers. He drew comparisons to Israel’s actions in Gaza, where hospitals were systematically targeted. “They showed during Gaza’s crisis that they can’t halt attacks on medical facilities,” Raiszadeh says. “We expect little support from the World Health Organization or other global groups.” The Israeli military later released a statement, claiming the Gandhi hospital suffered only “minor and collateral damage.” They cited military infrastructure near the site as the primary target. Staff at the hospital, however, recount a different reality. Salmaz, a nurse, described the chaos when the explosion struck. “We were doing our routine when a massive blast shook everything,” she recalls. “The force hurled me into the corner of my office. The building was engulfed in flames. Everyone screamed and scrambled for safety.” “In those terrible moments, we were just trying to save the babies,” Salmaz says. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life—only in movies.” She remains in disbelief, adding, “That awful sound won’t leave my ears.” Residential and commercial buildings, too, have been hit. Mohammadali, a 32-year-old worker at an advertising firm on Motahari Street, says his office was destroyed in an air strike. A young colleague was severely injured, now in critical condition. “Israel claims it only targets military sites,” Mohammadali says. “Our company produces content for small businesses. What does that have to do with the government or Revolutionary Guard? They obliterated our office, and one of our coworkers is fighting for her life.” As the campaign continues, the human toll grows. From fertility clinics to schools, the strikes leave a trail of destruction, reshaping lives and landscapes alike.
Ex-England and Liverpool footballer Andy Carroll faces trial next year ‘after breaching non-molestation order by repeatedly calling TOWIE star ex-wife Billi Mucklow’
Andy Carroll’s trial set for January 2025 after alleged breach of non-molestation order Ex-England international and former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is set to stand trial in January 2025, accused of violating a court injunction that prohibits contact with his ex-wife, TOWIE star Billi Mucklow. Legal proceedings delayed due to Carroll’s absence The 36-year-old, now playing for National League South side Dagenham and Redbridge, faces charges of ‘repeatedly calling’ Ms Mucklow ‘without reasonable excuse’ on March 11, 2025. His initial appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court was postponed after he and his legal team failed to attend. “I’m going to fix trial for two days on January 18 next year,” said Judge Chris Morgan, who adjourned the case following Carroll’s non-attendance. Ms Mucklow, who starred on The Only Way is Essex from 2011 to 2013 and returned in 2018, had sought the court order after their two-year marriage ended in July 2024. Divorce proceedings were initiated in September of that year. Carroll, who recently underwent surgery for a fractured limb and ligament damage, last appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on crutches on February 4. At that time, he indicated his intent to deny the breach allegations. Background on the case The non-molestation order, issued by Chelmsford Justice Centre on October 10, 2024, was designed to prevent harassment. Carroll was arrested at Stansted Airport on April 27, 2024, after allegedly breaching the order. A police source revealed he was detained shortly after landing from France. “An issue was flagged up to the Border Force officers at passport control, which led to police being called. He was questioned then taken away,” said a source describing the incident. Essex Police confirmed the charge: “A man has been charged with breaching a non-molestation order. Andrew Carroll was arrested on 27 April and the alleged offences relate to an incident in March this year.” Carroll’s career and personal life Carroll, who earned nine England caps between 2010 and 2012, moved to Liverpool for a then Anfield record £35 million in 2011. He also played for West Ham, Reading, and West Brom before joining French clubs Amiens and Bordeaux. Following his return to England in July 2024, he signed with Dagenham and Redbridge. Currently, he is dating make-up artist Lou Teasdale, 42, whom he reportedly met at Glastonbury Festival in June. The potential penalty for breaching a non-molestation order includes fines or up to five years in prison for severe violations. Carroll and Ms Mucklow have three children together: sons Arlo and Wolf, and daughter Marve.
Iran war: What has been hit so far – and the military assets in play
Iran War: What Has Been Hit So Far – and the Military Assets in Play The US and Israel have intensified their aerial assaults on Iran, marking the fourth consecutive day of hostilities since the operation that eliminated its supreme leader began. With hostilities showing no signs of abating, Sky News has compiled a detailed analysis of the ongoing conflict, tracking both the attacks launched by the US and Israel and the strategic military assets involved. Explore Strike Locations via Satellite Imagery Operation Epic Fury commenced on Saturday, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at his Tehran residence. Satellite images reveal the locations of strikes, offering a visual breakdown of the campaign’s scope. Israel escalated the campaign by conducting over 100 air strikes, eliminating numerous high-ranking Iranian military personnel within three days. “Preliminary analysis shows that the United States and Israel used a variety of precision-guided munitions to strike Iran,” said Nic Jenzen Jones, director at Armament Research Services (ARES). “These included air-delivered weapons such as the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), Blue Sparrow-series air-launched ballistic missiles, and bombs ranging from 500 to 2,000 pounds.” “In addition, surface-to-surface missiles were also fired, such as Tomahawk-class sea-launched variants and the PrSm land-based system,” added Jones. Iran has retaliated by launching drones and missiles at Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar. The UK’s RAF base in Cyprus was targeted, underscoring Iran’s ability to strike from afar. The Sajjil missile, Iran’s longest-range weapon, can reach up to 2,000km, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. This range allows it to target Moscow or Athens but falls short of enabling strikes on the UK. The conflict has underscored the strategic role of the US-UK joint base in Cyprus, which Sir Keir Starmer initially hesitated to authorize for US operations against Tehran. Satellite images captured on Sunday morning revealed 14 aircraft stationed near the runway, including six F-16s and two P-8 Poseidons. The remaining were transport planes like the C-5 Galaxy and KC-135 Stratotankers, as noted by Jane’s Defence Weekly analysts. Recent flight data highlights the movement of 47 US military aircraft, with 15 passing through British bases such as Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. This location, previously a focal point of political debate over the Chagos Islands’ handover to Mauritius, has seen increased activity. US airbases in Germany have experienced a notable reduction in aircraft, with 246 departing from Spangdahlem and Ramstein since February 23, representing a 52% decrease. Similarly, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar has seen more departures than arrivals, positioning it as a potential Iranian counterattack target. Meanwhile, aircraft are gathering at Kuwait, Israeli, and Jordanian bases, indicating shifting strategic priorities. Satellite imagery reveals damage at two Iranian naval installations, including fires at Bandar Abbas, the Navy’s central command post, and the burning of the Makran, a major vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Sky News has monitored the Makran among six Iranian ships tracked via TankerTrackers data, stationed near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
UK city that was incredible in 80s but now has ‘atmosphere of misery’
UK city that was incredible in 80s but now has ‘atmosphere of misery’ Employment opportunities have surged by 23.9% since 2014, while population numbers have grown by 14.2% over the same timeframe, surpassing the national average by nearly double. Situated just 48 minutes from London, the cathedral city in Cambridgeshire has also gained recognition as a budget-friendly destination for commuters. Despite these figures, the city’s current reputation among locals tells a contrasting story. Residents describe their surroundings as bleak, with a noticeable shift in tone from past praise. One Reddit user, u/Deep-Ambassaord6373, remarked: “Peterborough city itself isn’t in great shape. It’s been underinvested in for years, feels stagnant, and you can see the decline more or less everywhere you go.” Property Market Trends Rightmove data reveals that property prices in Peterborough averaged £254,282 last year, with semi-detached homes selling for around £239,693 and terraced properties priced at £195,691. These figures remain significantly lower than London’s average of £654,969, according to Zoopla. However, affordability is often cited as a key factor keeping people in the area. Resident Perspectives “I know Peterborough fairly well, and the change has been incredible since the 80s when it was a small, clean, modern city; it’s a total dump these days.” Another user, @jenn53803, echoed this sentiment: “Peterborough is now a s***hole!! It used to be a beautiful market town, with a lot of heritage and traditions. Now it’s a dump.” Meanwhile, u/slophiewal offers a more optimistic view, stating: “The city still has the potential to be fantastic and thriving, but it just seems to fall a bit short.” Historic and Cultural Highlights Despite its challenges, the city boasts several notable attractions. The Norman Cathedral, constructed in 1238, stands as a testament to its rich history. For history enthusiasts, the burial site of Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, adds a unique draw. The 16th-century Burghley House and Nene Park—spanning 10km along the River Nene valley—further highlight its cultural and natural appeal. Ferry Meadows Country Park is also a highlight for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Residents often mention the city’s affordability as a redeeming quality. While the average monthly rent in the area is £2,526, this is still more accessible than the cost of living in other parts of the UK. The city’s proximity to Cambridge, known for its scenic cobbled streets and punting opportunities on the river, makes it a convenient base for weekend escapes. Interestingly, Peterborough’s struggles have been overshadowed by the rising popularity of Wandsworth in South West London. A 2025 study tracking over 23,000 relocations found Wandsworth as the most sought-after London borough. Yet, its housing prices—averaging over £810,224 in the past year—far exceed the national average of £269,900. Residents there praise its tranquil vibe, expansive green spaces, and high-quality schools. This contrast between the city’s historical appeal and modern challenges underscores its evolving identity. While some see promise in its future, others remain skeptical, with the city recently ranking as the second most depressing place to live in Britain, according to ILiveHere’s 2024 survey. London & Country Mortgages provides free guidance to residents, offering support through their authorized services under the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). Although most Buy to Let mortgages aren’t regulated by the FCA, the city’s property market continues to attract those seeking value and convenience. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy.
