Iranian forces fired missiles at Israel, Gulf states, and U.S. military sites as U.S. and Israeli airstrikes hit Iran. Regional tensions rise, with global energy markets and travel affected.
Iranian forces launch missiles targeting Israel, Gulf Arab nations, and U.S. military sites
Iranian forces launch missiles targeting Israel, Gulf Arab nations, and U.S. military sites
Iranian forces and allied groups launched missiles targeting Israel, Gulf Arab nations, and U.S. military bases on Monday, while U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes across Iran. The attacks follow the killing ofIran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, further escalating the conflict.
Kuwait accidentally shot down three U.S. F-15E warplanes during the attacks, though all pilots ejected safely. Casualties from the strikes include at least 555 deaths in Iran, 11 in Israel, and dozens in Lebanon, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
The conflict has disrupted regional air travel and global energy markets. Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery and Qatar’s LNG production were targeted, while Iran continues missile attacks across the region.
Torbjorn Soltvedt, risk analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, said, “The attack on Gulf energy infrastructure marks a major escalation, with uncertainty ahead for regional stability and global markets.”
Ohio lawmakers are responding after the U.S. and Israel launched joint military strikes on Iran. Officials voiced support and prayers for U.S. service members.
Ohio Lawmakers React to U.S., Israeli Strikes on Iran
Ohio Lawmakers React to U.S., Israeli Strikes on Iran
Ohio political leaders are weighing in after the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes on Iran over the weekend.
President Donald Trump posted an eight-minute video on Truth Social addressing the military action. In the video, he accused Iran of continuing to advance its nuclear program and developing missile capabilities that could threaten the United States. He also urged the Iranian people to “take over” their government.
Iran responded by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region, escalating tensions across the Middle East.
Ohio Leaders Voice Support
Several Ohio lawmakers shared their reactions on social media following the strikes.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno expressed support for the president’s decision.
“God bless and protect our troops,” Moreno wrote. “President Trump sought for months to avoid conflict and negotiate with Iran to prevent them from rebuilding their nuclear program. I fully support his decision to eliminate the threat once and for all once it became clear there was no other option.”
Moreno added that he trusts the president to act in America’s best interest and to work toward peace in the region.
Frank LaRose also responded publicly following the strikes, joining other state and federal leaders in commenting on the rapidly developing situation.
This is a definitive moment for the long-suffering people of Iran.
Saying a prayer of support for our American and allied warriors carrying out their missions. 🙏
Other lawmakers said Iran’s leadership has long posed a threat to stability in the Middle East and to U.S. national security. Several officials also offered prayers for American service members deployed overseas.
Donald Trump was required to seek Congressional approval before striking Iran — but he didn’t. Now, his reckless actions have put American troops in danger, leaving them vulnerable to retaliation. The safety of Americans must come first: Congress must quickly vote on the War…
President Donald Trump said Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead following joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Iran vowed retaliation.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead
The United States and Israel launched a large-scale military attack on Iran Saturday, escalating tensions across the Middle East.
President Donald Trump said on social media that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is dead following the coordinated strikes. Trump described the moment as a major turning point and urged the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny.”
Iran had not immediately issued an official statement confirming Khamenei’s status at the time of the announcement.
Strikes Target Leadership Areas in Tehran
Initial strikes appeared to hit areas near government and military sites in Tehran, including locations associated with Iran’s leadership. Smoke was seen rising from parts of the capital, and Iranian state media reported explosions in multiple cities.
It was not immediately clear whether Khamenei, 86, was present at the targeted sites when the bombardment occurred.
Trump said the strikes were carried out using advanced intelligence and tracking systems in coordination with Israel. He added that additional senior Iranian leaders were also killed.
“The heavy and pinpoint bombing will continue uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary,” Trump said, describing the operation as aimed at achieving stability in the region.
Iran Launches Retaliatory Attacks
Before the announcement of Khamenei’s death, Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military installations in the region in response to the strikes.
Air defense systems were activated across parts of Israel, and regional bases housing American forces reported incoming threats.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, warned that Israel and the United States would “regret their actions,” promising a strong response from Iran’s military.
The reported death of Iran’s supreme leader marks one of the most significant developments in the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Analysts say the situation could reshape leadership dynamics within Iran and further impact regional stability.
Military and diplomatic observers are closely monitoring whether additional strikes or broader conflict will follow in the coming days.
The U.S. and Israel launched large-scale military strikes on Iran, prompting missile retaliation targeting Israel and Gulf nations hosting American bases.
U.S., Israel Launch Major Strikes on Iran
U.S., Israel Launch Major Strikes on Iran
The United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran, marking a major escalation in tensions across the Middle East.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. had begun “major combat operations,” describing the strikes as necessary to eliminate what he called imminent threats and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Israel carried out what he described as a “pre-emptive attack” targeting Iranian military and strategic infrastructure.
Explosions Reported Across Iran
Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran shortly after 9:30 a.m. local time, with smoke seen rising near central areas of the capital. Blasts were also reported in other cities, including Karaj, Isfahan, Qom and Kermanshah.
Footage circulating online showed people running near damaged areas, though casualty figures have not been independently verified.
Iranian officials said key government sites were targeted, including areas near the compound of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, called the strikes “unprovoked” and “illegal,” but said the supreme leader was alive.
Iranian state television reported President Masoud Pezeshkian was safe.
An Israeli military official said a “broad wave” of strikes targeted missile launchers, air defense systems and gatherings of senior officials.
Iran has closed its airspace until further notice.
One person was killed after a dump truck left the roadway and struck a tree on U.S. 33 in Marysville Thursday afternoon, according to police.
Driver Killed After Dump Truck Crashes on U.S. 33 in Marysville
Driver Killed After Dump Truck Crashes on U.S. 33 in Marysville
One person is dead after a dump truck crash Thursday afternoon in Marysville, according to authorities.
The Marysville Division of Police said officers and emergency crews responded around 12:10 p.m. to a single-vehicle crash involving a dump truck traveling eastbound on U.S. 33.
Preliminary findings indicate the truck left the roadway and struck a tree. First responders pronounced the driver dead at the scene. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
The identity of the driver has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
The Ohio Department of Transportation reported the right lane of U.S. 33 was closed following the crash.
Police said the investigation into what caused the truck to leave the roadway is ongoing.
A child abducted from Plain City in Union County was found safe near Hilliard early Friday. Police arrested Andrew Gonzalez and charged him with kidnapping.
Abducted Child Found Safe Near Hilliard; Suspect Arrested in Union County
Abducted Child Found Safe Near Hilliard; Suspect Arrested in Union County
HILLIARD, Ohio — A child reported abducted from Union County early Friday morning was found safe less than an hour later near Hilliard, according to authorities.
Police said the child was taken from Madison Way in Plain City around 2:45 a.m. The suspect was described as someone known to the child.
Officers with the Columbus Division of Police were alerted to a possible location after a cellphone ping directed them to a Meijer store along Hilliard Rome Road in west Columbus. The child was located there safely.
No injuries were reported.
Authorities identified the suspect as Andrew Gonzalez. He was taken into custody and transported to the Tri-County Regional Jail. Gonzalez has been charged with kidnapping.
The Plain City Police Department is leading the investigation. Officials said Gonzalez is not the child’s father and does not have parental rights.
DEA agents in Columbus say they seized enough fentanyl in 2025 to potentially kill more than two million people, as Franklin County reports a 25% drop in overdose deaths.
DEA Seizes Record Amounts of Fentanyl in Columbus as Overdose Deaths Decline
DEA Seizes Record Amounts of Fentanyl in Columbus as Overdose Deaths Decline
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration say they are intensifying efforts to remove fentanyl from the streets of Central Ohio and are seeing measurable results.
According to the DEA’s Columbus District Office, agents seized enough fentanyl in Columbus last year to potentially kill more than two million people.
“We are relentless right now,” said Brian Mulcahy, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Columbus office.
Mulcahy said that just this week, agents confiscated five ounces of fentanyl in the city an amount he said could have impacted hundreds of lives.
Mulcahy pointed to new data from the Franklin County Coroner’s Office showing overdose deaths declined by about 25% in 2025 compared to 2024.
The DEA is also tracking changes in the potency of counterfeit pills. Every seizure is sent to a lab for testing. In 2023, about seven in 10 pills tested contained a potentially fatal dose of fentanyl. Recent testing shows that number has dropped to roughly two in 10 pills.
Mulcahy said enforcement efforts are disrupting supply chains and increasing prices, which may be contributing to the shift.
“Those are all positive indicators. Still, too many lives are being lost,” he said.
He noted that synthetic drug overdoses remain one of the leading causes of death among Americans ages 18 to 45, surpassing car crashes and gun violence in recent years.
Nationally, the DEA reports overdose deaths have declined over the past three years, though officials stress continued vigilance is needed.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are scheduled to testify before a House committee as part of Congress’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Bill and Hillary Clinton to Testify in Epstein deposition
Bill and Hillary Clinton to Testify in Epstein deposition
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are scheduled to testify this week as part of a congressional investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The depositions, expected to take place in New York, follow months of negotiations between the Clintons’ legal team and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Lawmakers previously voted to subpoena both former officials for testimony.
The investigation has drawn bipartisan interest. Members of both parties say they are seeking transparency and accountability related to Epstein’s crimes and any potential connections to public officials.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said the focus should remain on facts and justice for victims. “We are looking for truth, for the survivors, and justice and accountability,” he said.
Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) also stated that no one should be shielded from scrutiny if credible evidence emerges.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) said he plans to attend the depositions and release transcripts and video once approved for publication.
Republican lawmakers have pointed to previously released photos of Bill Clinton in proximity to Epstein, while the Clintons have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
In prior statements, representatives for the Clintons said they had already provided relevant information to investigators and had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities. They have characterized the subpoenas as politically motivated.
The committee had previously considered holding the Clintons in contempt of Congress after they declined to appear for earlier in-person depositions. That move would have required approval by the full House.
Some Democrats argue the proceedings risk becoming political theater rather than a fact-finding mission. Others maintain the investigation must remain focused on accountability and transparency.
The depositions are part of a broader congressional review of documents and testimony connected to Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Governor Mike DeWine launched the OhioSEE program to provide free comprehensive eye exams and glasses to students in 15 high-need Ohio counties, including Franklin County.
OhioSEE Program Launches to Provide Free Eye Exams and Glasses to Students
OhioSEE Program Launches to Provide Free Eye Exams and Glasses to Students
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new statewide initiative is aiming to improve vision care access for thousands of Ohio students.
The OhioSEE program has officially launched, bringing free comprehensive eye exams and glasses directly into schools, with a focus on 15 high-need counties, including Franklin County.
Gov. Mike DeWine visited Prairie Lincoln Elementary School in the South Western City Schools district this week to highlight the program and observe students receiving on-site eye care services.
State officials say that while students in Ohio receive basic vision screenings at school, many who need follow-up care never receive it. In some high-need counties, only about one in five children who require additional vision treatment actually receive it.
“We just have too many children in the state of Ohio who need glasses, they need an eye exam, and they are simply not getting it,” DeWine said. “So this program is really the way to do it.”
A Columbus mother is calling for an investigation after ICE agents allegedly sprayed pepper spray into her vehicle near Easton Town Center, affecting her and three children.
ICE Agents Pepper Spray Car with Children in Columbus
ICE Agents Pepper Spray Car with Children in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A Columbus mother is asking for an investigation after she says two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deployed pepper spray into her vehicle while her three children were inside.
The incident happened Dec. 21 near Easton Town Center. Video recorded from inside the vehicle shows the mother and her daughters ages 18, 15 and 11 after shopping in the area. The family says they noticed ICE agents nearby and warned others in Spanish.
Moments later, two agents in a white Dodge Durango pulled alongside the driver’s side window and discharged pepper spray into the open window as they drove past, according to video shared with local media.
“Our eyes were burning, and I had crying kids,” the mother said. She requested anonymity over concerns about retaliation.
After the spray was deployed, the agents activated their lights and drove away, according to video. The mother said she briefly followed the vehicle before stopping.
ICE Responds
A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the incident was connected to another reported use-of-force event at a nearby Dollar Tree store.
In a statement, ICE said “anti-ICE agitators targeted, followed and verbally harassed off-duty ICE officers” and blocked agents from leaving the store, prompting them to deploy pepper spray to clear a path.
The agency did not clarify why pepper spray appeared to be used more than once or why it was discharged toward a moving vehicle. ICE policy states pepper spray should be used only to the minimum extent necessary to restore order and protect safety, and after attempts at de-escalation.
The incident occurred during a targeted immigration enforcement effort known as “Operation Buckeye.”
Police Response and Investigation
The 18-year-old daughter called 911 to report the incident. Officers with the Columbus Division of Police met the family at a nearby fire station and took an assault report.
Images taken afterward show irritation to the family’s faces and orange residue inside the vehicle. Audio from the 911 call captures coughing and distress from those inside the car.
Attorney Grant Carpenter, who represents the mother, said his client was seated in her vehicle and did not threaten the agents.
“My client was not threatening anyone. She didn’t have a weapon. She was warning others,” Carpenter said.
The family says they were later informed the case was closed. Carpenter argues the investigation did not fully examine available evidence, including video footage and a license plate number.
Sgt. Joe Albert of Columbus police said the division is reviewing the incident to ensure policies were followed.
The mother and her attorney are requesting that Columbus police reopen the case and that the Department of Homeland Security review the agents’ actions.
“It was dangerous to spray someone driving a car,” the mother said, adding she is grateful no one was more seriously hurt.
An ICE spokesperson said all use-of-force incidents are required to be reported and reviewed under agency and Department of Homeland Security policies.
