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The Simeone Legacy Continues At the beginning of the final training session before their biggest game in a decade, Atlético Madrid's players lined up by the centre circle at the Metropolitano and waited for their coach to come. Diego Simeone arrived and ran through the middle of them, from Juan Musso and Jan Oblak at one end to Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman at the other. As he passed, head down, they cheered and hit him – if not quite as hard as they do when it's a player's turn. Gauntlet run, applause echoed round the empty stadium. Happy birthday, mister. Simeone turned 56 on Tuesday. He has spent almost 20 of those here: first as the captain who won the double, then the coach who lifted Atlético's next league title, 18 years on, and now leads them into his fourth and their seventh European Cup semi-final, nine years since the last. What do you get the man who has it all? "Buah! You can't imagine how good it is to be in the four best teams in Europe," he said after the quarter-final; "I have no birthday wish," he said before this semi-final, "just pure gratitude to be able to be with my three sons on my birthday, with my two daughters, my mum, my wife, my lifelong friends." From Ballboy to Professional One of the sons was hidden in the crowd somewhere, hitting him. The day that Simeone bade farewell to the Vicente Calderón as a player in December 2004, he carried his youngest son, two-year-old Giuliano, in his arms. The days before he came back to Madrid as coach in December 2011, he stopped in a cafe in Mar del Plata and, over a croissant and a glass of milk, asked Giuliano, then eight, what he thought. "You're going to coach [Radamel] Falcao?!" the kid replied, excitement giving way to reality. "But … if it goes well, you won't come back." It did and he didn't, but that was all right. Fourteen years later, Giuliano's dad is still there – no manager in Spanish history has lasted longer – and now so is he. Born in Italy in December 2002, Giuliano grew up in Argentina with his elder brothers, Giovanni and Gianluca, but they visited often and their dad visited them too. They would eat "together" via an iPad on matchday mornings. Football was their thing, of course, bound by a shared passion. Glasses would be moved round the table in formation and they would find bits of paper all over the house, Gio recalled: tactical scribblings their dad did. The Making of a Footballer During celebrations after Atlético's 2012 Europa League title, Simeone Sr was caught on camera excitedly talking on the phone: "And did you see Falcao's goal?!" On the other end was Giuliano. The night Atlético won the Copa del Rey in 2013, it was a school night, too late, but the brothers went through the usual routine at home, scarves draped around the room. When Atlético won the derby in January 2015, a tiny ballboy in a white bib and long hair came racing along the touchline – something he was going to be very good at – and leaped into the coach's arms. That was Giuliano too. As a ballboy he was invariably by the bench and, yes, there were times his dad told him to slow down a bit if they were winning. He would visit training at Cerro del Espino in Majadahonda near the family home and have a kickabout. "It was crazy seeing the players up close," he has said. "I always thought: 'Imagine being out there; that would be mad.'" After Falcao, his idol became Antoine Griezmann. Overcoming the Family Legacy Competition came closer to home. "They would kick me, throw me to the floor, and if I cried, I couldn't play with them any more; I learned to be tougher," Giuliano said of playing with his brothers. Gianluca and Gio were good, becoming professionals like their dad, and they suspected Giuliano would be good too. Just maybe not this good. He was 16 when he left River Plate's academy and crossed the Atlantic to join Atlético's youth system, living with his dad, watching him pore over formations every morning. When he turned 18, though, Simeone Sr kicked him out; it was time to be a man. Now, his dad is his manager and his hero is his teammate. Which might make it sound easy, but it hasn't been – in part precisely because it might sound easy. In a recent interview with Jorge Valdano, Giuliano admitted: "At times, it can feel strange to me, wondering what others might think." When Valdano joked that the best thing is, when your teammates speak badly of the manager, speak even worse. The reply came back rapidly: "No doubt!" Giuliano admitted that had affected him when he was younger, telling Cadena Ser: "When I was 12 people said I was playing because I was my father's son. I try to isolate myself from [that]. I know I won't be gifted anything." The Father-Son Dynamic Quite the opposite. Simeone Sr once said that there was no way he would sign his son because of the baggage it would bring: the suspicion, the pressure. "I don't want to say never, but …" he said. "It would be very difficult to have a son in the dressing room. Very difficult for him, for the relationship, for everyone." But he said that about Gio not Giuliano, and Atlético didn't sign the latter nor really plan for father and son to coincide. He was just another kid from the academy, trying to prove himself.

The Urbanization of England's Flood CrisisEngland is witnessing a rapid shift in flood risk dynamics, with urban centers now bearing the brunt of climate-related disasters. According to the National Housing Federation (NHF), 839,000 homes in towns and cities are now classified as being at high risk of surface water flooding. This represents a threefold increase since 2018, signaling that rapid urbanization and changing weather patterns are colliding with aging infrastructure.The data highlights a stark geographical concentration of risk. Constituencies in Thurrock, Basildon, Bootle, Sefton, and Southport currently lead the nation in the proportion of homes at risk. Notably, areas of London, including Hackney, Barking, and Tottenham, also feature prominently in the top 10, areas that also have the highest proportion of social housing tenants.High Risk Definition: A home is considered at high risk if it has at least a one in 30 chance of flooding each year.Urban Concentration: 80% of high-risk homes are located in urban areas.Timeframe: The number of at-risk properties has tripled since 2018.The Insurance Gap and Social VulnerabilityThe most alarming aspect of this crisis is the disproportionate impact on social housing residents. The NHF reports that in the 10 worst-affected urban constituencies, an average of one in four households lives in social housing. This demographic is facing a perfect storm of exposure and financial vulnerability.Unlike homeowners, who typically have comprehensive coverage, social tenants are less likely to afford contents insurance. Statistics show that one in three of the poorest households in England have contents insurance compared to nine in 10 homeowners. This lack of coverage leaves vulnerable families exposed to catastrophic financial losses when floods strike, often resulting in contaminated water damage that ruins personal belongings and health.Tracey Garrett, chief executive of the National Flood Forum, emphasized the human cost: “Every week we hear from people whose homes have been inundated with filthy water, often containing sewage.” She noted a growing fear among tenants to report flooding due to concerns it might affect their tenancy status.Infrastructure Strain and Future ProjectionsThe root causes of this surge in urban flooding are multifaceted. The Environment Agency (EA) attributes the crisis to extreme rainfall, aging drainage infrastructure, and rapid urbanization which prevents water from soaking into the ground. Surface-water flooding—where rainwater is not dispersed through normal systems—is becoming the dominant threat.The EA forecasts that the number of properties at risk is likely to triple over the next 50 years. This projection suggests that current mitigation strategies are insufficient to keep pace with the accelerating pace of climate change.The Economic Fallout for Housing ProvidersThe financial burden of this crisis is falling heavily on housing associations. Paul Warburton of Torus housing association highlighted the unsustainable costs, noting that a single flood event can cost £500,000 to deal with—money that could otherwise be used for building new homes or essential repairs.As properties become more expensive to insure and the frequency of flood warnings increases, housing providers are facing a looming threat of creating uninhabitable zones. With 52 homes potentially out of action for a year after a single event, the industry is bracing for a future where climate resilience becomes the primary determinant of housing viability.

The Devastation of Beit Hanoon Footage shared by an Israeli soldier depicts the city of Beit Hanoon in Gaza as being completely flattened, highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing conflict. Footage and Initial Reaction The video, which has garnered significant attention, shows extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure, leaving residents without homes or essential services. Humanitarian Crisis Concerns The destruction of Beit Hanoon exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Residents face significant challenges in accessing basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. International Response and Calls for Action The international community has expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, with many calling for an immediate ceasefire and increased aid to the region. The Path Forward As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, efforts towards a peaceful resolution and rebuilding of affected areas like Beit Hanoon are crucial to preventing further humanitarian crises.

The Surge in US Gas Prices US gas prices rose to their highest level in four years on Thursday, reaching an average $4.18 a gallon at the pump as US-Israeli peace talks with Iran remain at a standstill. Historical Context of Gas Prices The last time average US gas prices breached $4.15 a gallon was in April 2022, when oil prices soared shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. Average gas prices are now $1 higher than just a year ago, when they were closer to $3.15 a gallon. Regional Variations in Gas Prices Average gas prices vary heavily by states, with oil-producing states seeing averages as much as $2 a gallon lower than states that import gas. In Texas, gas is $3.72 a gallon while California sees an average of $5.96 a gallon. The Impact of Oil Prices By Tuesday morning, Brent crude, the global benchmark, hit $111 a barrel, lower than its high of $119 a barrel that was seen last month but nearly 60% higher than averages seen before the start of the war. WTI crude, the US benchmark, was near $100 a barrel on Tuesday morning. The Role of Geopolitics Oil prices went up on Tuesday after news that negotiators remain gridlocked over talks to reopen the strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas would typically pass through. Donald Trump reportedly told advisers on Monday he is not happy with Iran’s proposal to reopen the strait, which would require the US to end its own naval blockade of the strait and does not address a nuclear deal. The Future Outlook Higher oil prices have been a boon for western oil companies, which have found themselves with an advantage over their competitors in the Middle East that have been affected by the war. BP on Tuesday said that its profits had more than doubled in the first quarter of the year, reaching $3.2bn (£2.4bn).

The Lead: FIFA Official Removed Following Sexual Assault ArrestA football match official who was selected to potentially work at the men's World Cup in North America has been removed from consideration after being arrested in the UK on allegations of sexual assault. The incident occurred while the referee was in Britain for a UEFA competition game.The Event Details: Arrest and FIFA ResponseWorld Cup organizer FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that it was "aware of the serious allegation" after British daily The Sun first reported details of an alleged assault of a teenage boy at a hotel. In a statement, FIFA said, "In the meantime, the match official will not be considered for any FIFA competition matches."The match official was not identified in reports, nor was the specific European competition game he was working at for UEFA. The Sun reported that the Metropolitan Police in London released a man in his 30s on bail while the investigation continues.The Impact Analysis: World Cup Preparations AffectedFIFA had published a list this month of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials selected for the 104-game World Cup being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The removal of this official creates a potential staffing challenge for the tournament, though FIFA has not indicated whether a replacement will be named.UEFA also confirmed it would not be selecting the official for its games, stating it was "monitoring the situation with great concern" and would "continue to follow developments closely." The alleged incident is part of "an active investigation" according to UEFA.The Prediction: Investigation and Potential ConsequencesThe investigation into the alleged sexual assault is ongoing, with the referee currently released on bail. If charges are filed, the official could face not only legal consequences but also a potential lifetime ban from football officiating. FIFA and UEFA are likely to strengthen their vetting processes for match officials following this incident, which has cast a shadow over the upcoming World Cup preparations.

The Psychosexual Horror SensationAddison Heimann's second feature, Touch Me, is a bold and unconventional film that wears its heart – and other appendages – on its sleeve. It's the queer, disaffected millennial live-action hentai psychosexual horror-drama-comedy that a specific slice of the viewing public has been waiting for. The film explores complex relationships and human (and alien) behavior with a unique blend of horror and sensuality.A Complex Living SituationAt the center of Touch Me is the friendship between Joey (Olivia Taylor Dudley) and Craig (Jordan Gavaris), which begins as clearly affectionate but becomes increasingly problematic. Craig pays the rent while Joey doesn't, creating an imbalance that allows Craig to get away with questionable behavior, like asking Joey to stay in her room with the lights out when his Grindr date comes over because he's told the guy he lives alone.The Alien IntruderInto this dynamic struts Joey's former lover, Brian (Lou Taylor Pucci), who is more than a little bit problematic himself. He possesses charm, choreographed dance routines, and is an almost literal demon in the sack. Brian is a sometimes-tentacled alien – and a narcissist. As a character, Brian feels somewhat modeled on Frank-N-Furter from Rocky Horror, with a hedonistic outlook, pansexual orientation, and ear for a toe-tapping tune, though his aesthetic is less fishnets, more Jesus in a hip-hop tracksuit.Horror Meets ComedyHeimann has so much to say about difficult friendship dynamics, relationship challenges, and general millennial malaise that it's a relief that the tone and pace is mostly light and zippy, though it occasionally meanders. There are several genuinely hilarious moments once the film kicks into horror mode, as the manipulative, self-pitying and narcissistic alien defends himself in much the same way as a manipulative, self-pitying and narcissistic human might, with the hollowness of his words made gleefully transparent by the horror context.A Unique Sensual ApproachThe cherry on top of this admittedly weird cocktail is a strong streak of genuine sensuality. If it's your first encounter with tentacle sex on screen, you might be surprised how appealing Heimann and his cast have managed to make it seem. The film balances its shocking elements with genuine emotional depth, creating a viewing experience that is both provocative and thought-provoking.Release InformationTouch Me is set to be released on digital platforms from May 4th, offering audiences a chance to experience this unique blend of psychosexual horror and millennial comedy for themselves.

The Systematic Destruction of Bint JbeilIn the historic heart of Bint Jbeil, a 400-year-old Great Mosque once stood as a testament to the city's enduring cultural memory. Today, it lies in ruins, alongside more than 1,500 buildings systematically destroyed by Israeli forces in an escalating military campaign in southern Lebanon.Through the meticulous analysis of satellite imagery and open-source intelligence, a visual investigation by aljazeera.net's fact-checking team has revealed a deliberate Israeli policy to render southern Lebanon permanently uninhabitable.The border villages and towns of southern Lebanon are witnessing a relentless military escalation beyond conventional warfare. Israeli operations have expanded into a policy of systematically "wiping out" civilian homes, residential neighbourhoods and vital infrastructure, analysis of the map shows.This pattern has drawn direct comparisons to the Israeli military's brutal tactics in the Gaza Strip, which lies in ruins. Most of Gaza's 2.3 million people remain forcibly displaced.Legal experts, analysts and local officials warn that the ultimate objective is the "emptying of residential geography", carving out a depopulated "buffer zone" at the forward edge of the border that permanently prevents displaced residents from returning and establishes a violently enforced demographic reality on the ground.Israel says it wants to create a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to prevent attacks from Hezbollah.A Visual Map of ObliterationBint Jbeil has emerged as the epicentre of this devastation, functioning as a concentrated model of Israel's border strategy. By verifying and geolocating visual evidence, Al Jazeera's digital investigation team tracked 14 distinct videos published by Israeli soldiers and journalists between 16 and 24 April.The resulting map of the blasts exposes a highly concentrated campaign of destruction. The data reveals that 93 percent of the documented demolitions – 13 out of the 14 incidents – occurred within the Nabatieh governorate.Half of these catastrophic explosions were focused squarely within the Bint Jbeil district, systematically flattening entire blocks in the towns of Bint Jbeil, Beit Lif, and Ainata. Another 43 percent of the blasts targeted towns administratively tied to Nabatieh, such as Khiam, Kafr Kila, and Rab El Thalathine, while a single significant demolition was recorded further west in the coastal town of Naqoura.These figures underscore a methodical blueprint to dismantle civilian infrastructure. Aerial data and satellite imagery collected up to late April reveal a staggering reduction in Bint Jbeil's urban mass. According to Bazzi, more than 70 percent of the city has been totally destroyed, with another 20 percent partially damaged, bringing the affected urban footprint to more than 90 percent.Approximately 3,000 housing units have been completely levelled. The demolitions have been heavily concentrated in the city's commercial centre and its oldest, most historic neighbourhoods, including Ain al-Saghira and the Mosque Quarter.The destruction has stretched far beyond residential buildings to the city's eastern and western outskirts, targeting power stations, water networks, schools and hospitals, including the Salah Ghandour Hospital.Furthermore, Bazzi added that agricultural land has been razed and subjected to incendiary weapons and white phosphorus munitions, describing the scorched-earth tactics as a "compound crime" under international humanitarian law, which strictly prohibits the intentional destruction of civilian property and livelihoods.Strategic Military Objectives and Buffer ZonesIsraeli military reports openly highlight the strategic importance of Bint Jbeil and the neighbouring town of Maroun al-Ras. Sitting at high altitudes, these areas overlook illegal northern Israeli settlements such as Avivim, Yir'on, Dovev, Malkia and Dishon. The Israeli military command views absolute control over these vantage points as crucial for field superiority and for directing artillery fire deeper into Lebanese territory.The Israeli military recently announced that its 98th Division had completed the encirclement of the Bint Jbeil area as part of "Operation Northern Arrows". The stated goal is to neutralise the threat of antitank missiles and push back Hezbollah's Radwan Force. Currently, five military divisions are deployed deep in the area, tasked with dismantling Hezbollah's subterranean and surface infrastructure.Israeli media coverage frequently evokes the 2006 war's brutal battles in Bint Jbeil, where eight Golani Brigade soldiers were killed, framing the extensive destruction of the city in 2026 as an act of military retribution.Hezbollah had claimed victory in the 2006 war as it had prevented Israel from achieving its war goals.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that his forces were continuing to strike Hezbollah mercilessly and were close to concluding the battle in Bint Jbeil. Netanyahu confirmed he had issued clear, unequivocal instructions to the military to continue expanding the security belt and to intensify their fortified presence within the newly created buffer zone.Humanitarian Crisis and Future OutlookIn direct response to the expanding demolitions, Hezbollah released a defiant video message in Arabic and Hebrew, vowing to thwart Israel's efforts to establish a buffer zone over the ruins of southern Lebanese communities."Any security belt, no matter its depth, will prevent our activation when we decide to do so," the group warned. The broadcast served as a clear reminder of Hezbollah's intact arsenal of rocket launchers, drones and precision-guided missiles.The video featured a previous statement by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, who declared that illegal Israeli settlements "will not be safe, even if the Israelis enter any area in Lebanon". Hezbollah fighters continue to launch precise, deadly strikes using missiles and explosive drones against Israeli troop gatherings operating within the ruins of the border villages.For the 2,000 families forcibly displaced from Bint Jbeil, the loss of their homes, heritage and livelihoods is absolute. Yet, despite the destruction of historic mosques and neighbourhoods, the resolve of its residents remains unshaken.Bazzi urged immediate international intervention to halt the blatant violations of international law, maintaining that Israel's attempt at erasure would ultimately fail to uproot the people from their land.

The Devastation of Bint Jbeil In the historic heart of Bint Jbeil, a 400-year-old Great Mosque once stood as a testament to the city's enduring cultural memory. Today, it lies in ruins, alongside more than 1,500 buildings systematically destroyed by Israeli forces in an escalating military campaign in southern Lebanon. A Visual Map of Obliteration Through the meticulous analysis of satellite imagery and open-source intelligence, a visual investigation by Al Jazeera's fact-checking team has revealed a deliberate Israeli policy to render southern Lebanon permanently uninhabitable. 14 distinct videos published by Israeli soldiers and journalists between 16 and 24 April were tracked and verified. 93 percent of the documented demolitions – 13 out of the 14 incidents – occurred within the Nabatieh governorate. Half of these catastrophic explosions were focused squarely within the Bint Jbeil district, systematically flattening entire blocks in the towns of Bint Jbeil, Beit Lif, and Ainata. The Impact on Bint Jbeil Aerial data and satellite imagery collected up to late April reveal a staggering reduction in Bint Jbeil's urban mass. According to Mohammad Bazzi, the mayor of Bint Jbeil, more than 70 percent of the city has been totally destroyed, with another 20 percent partially damaged, bringing the affected urban footprint to more than 90 percent. Approximately 3,000 housing units have been completely levelled. The demolitions have been heavily concentrated in the city's commercial centre and its oldest, most historic neighbourhoods, including Ain al-Saghira and the Mosque Quarter. Buffer Zones and Military Objectives Israeli military reports openly highlight the strategic importance of Bint Jbeil and the neighbouring town of Maroun al-Ras. The Israeli military command views absolute control over these vantage points as crucial for field superiority and for directing artillery fire deeper into Lebanese territory. The Future of Bint Jbeil For the 2,000 families forcibly displaced from Bint Jbeil, the loss of their homes, heritage and livelihoods is absolute. Yet, despite the destruction of historic mosques and neighbourhoods, the resolve of its residents remains unshaken. Bazzi urged immediate international intervention to halt the blatant violations of international law, maintaining that Israel's attempt at erasure would ultimately fail to uproot the people from their land.

The Lead: Trump Reviews Iranian Peace ProposalUnited States President Donald Trump's national security team is reviewing an Iranian proposal aimed at halting its joint war with Israel, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and delaying negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme until after the war ends. The White House confirmed Trump met his national security advisers on Monday to discuss the plan, while US media reports said he was dissatisfied with the proposal because it postpones talks on Iran's nuclear activities.The Event Details: Iranian Proposal for De-escalationThe proposal comes amid uncertainty surrounding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will not enter negotiations while the US maintains restrictions on Iranian ports. Washington and Tehran agreed to a temporary ceasefire on April 8 after more than a month of fighting that began with joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The truce, mediated by Pakistan, has since come under strain because of disputes over maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz and US measures targeting Iranian ports.The Data Analysis: Global Economic ImplicationsDozens of countries have called for the "urgent and unimpeded reopening" of the Strait of Hormuz, while United Nations chief Antonio Guterres warned the standoff could trigger a global food emergency. Shipping disruptions are hitting vulnerable countries hardest, with about 20 percent of global oil and natural gas supplies passing through the strait. The closure has resulted in thousands of stranded cargo vessels and tens of thousands of maritime workers unable to move through the waterway.The Impact Analysis: Shifting Regional DynamicsA parallel conflict involving Israel and Lebanon has added to regional tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Monday and said Tehran was considering a US request to restart negotiations. Araghchi emphasized the strategic partnership between Iran and Russia, while also signaling openness to diplomacy. Bahrain, which requested a UN Security Council meeting with support from dozens of countries affected by higher fuel prices, described the closure as a violation of international law and called for attacks on ships to end.The Prediction: Path Forward in Nuclear NegotiationsThe Reuters news agency, citing an official briefed on the meeting, said Trump wants the nuclear issue addressed at the start of any negotiations. CNN, citing two sources familiar with the matter, said Trump was unlikely to accept the proposal, reporting that lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports without resolving concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme would weaken Washington's leverage. As the situation evolves, the international community continues to pressure both sides to find a diplomatic solution that addresses both security concerns and economic stability in the region.