Limiting Grok AI image edits to paid users 'insulting' to victims, says No 10
It comes after government urged Ofcom to use all its powers – up to and including an effective ban – against X.
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Second night of US protests over ICE shooting of woman in Minneapolis
Protests over the killing of Renee Good took place in Houston, Cincinnati, Washington DC and Philadelphia.
Storm Goretti live: rail services suspended, flights cancelled and schools closed across UK as 380,000 homes in France lose power
Road, rail and air travel disrupted across the UK as Storm Goretti brings wind, rain and snow to the UK and parts of EuropeTell us: how have you been affected by Storm Goretti?Officials in the West Midlands have warned of the “worst snowfall in a decade” as parts of England and Wales prepare to be hit with 5-10cm of snow on Friday, and up to 15-25cm in some areas.In a statement on Wednesday, Stoke-on-Trent city council reassured residents it had not run out of grit after “misinformation” began to circulate. It said:We are now facing the worst snowfall we have faced in 10 years. The Met Office has predicted that we could have 3.5 inches of snow and temperatures as low as minus 4C on Thursday into Friday morning. As a result, we are carefully managing our resources and stock of salt.Unfortunately, we have been made aware of some misinformation circulating regarding the council’s salt supplies and gritting operations. It simply isn’t true that we have run out of grit.The current cold snap is now expected to last at least until this weekend according to Met Office forecasts, and we know that prolonged exposure to low temperatures can have a severe impact on people’s health, especially if they’re older or have serious health conditions.That’s why we’re urging people to check in on friends, family and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to the cold and make sure that they’re able to keep themselves warm while this period of cold lasts. Continue reading...
Trump claims to have cancelled ‘previously expected’ second wave of attacks on Venezuela – US politics live
US president says move was reaction to Caracas releasing large numbers of political prisoners as ‘sign of seeking peace’Donald Trump has claimed that he cancelled a second wave of attacks on Venezuela because it was cooperating with the US on oil infrastructure and had released political prisoners.The US president said early on Friday that he cancelled planned military action in recognition that the authorities in Caracas had released “large numbers” of prisoners and were “seeking peace”. Continue reading...
EU trade deal with South American Mercosur bloc provisionally approved despite farmers’ opposition – Europe live
Agreement with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, which still needs approval of European parliament, would end 25 years of negotiationsPope Leo also chooses to express a view on the recent events in Venezuela, calling for world governments – I think he means US president Donald Trump in particular – to “respect the will” of the Venezuelan people.Goes without saying that it’s particularly important coming from the first US pope.“I wish to repeat my urgent appeal that peaceful political solutions to the current situation should be sought, keeping in mind the common good of the peoples and not the defence of partisan interests.”“This pertains, in particular to Venezuela. In light of recent developments in this regard, I renew my appeal to respect the will of the Venezuelan people and to safeguard the human and civil rights of all ensuring a future of stability and concord.”“The Holy See strongly reiterates the pressing need for an immediate ceasefire and for dialogue motivated by a sincere search for ways leading to peace.I make an urgent appeal to the international community, not to waver in its commitment to pursuing just and lasting solutions that will protect the most vulnerable and restore hope to the afflicted peoples.” Continue reading...
US border patrol agents shoot two people in Portland
Police say pair are in hospital but condition not known, as mayor urges ICE to pause operationsUS border patrol agents shot two people outside a hospital in Portland, Oregon, a day after an ICE officer shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis.The Portland police bureau (PPB) said in a statement on Thursday afternoon that two people were in hospital after a shooting involving federal agents, adding that the conditions of those shot were not known. Continue reading...
X response to Grok sexualised images scandal ‘insulting’ to victims of misogyny, says No 10 – UK politics live
Image-creation function has been limited to paying subscribers after Elon Musk’s platform was threatened with fines and regulatory actionIn the US, Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican congresswoman, has said that, if the UK bans X, she will try to legislate to sanction not just Keir Starmer, but Britain as a whole.In a post on social media, she said:There are always technical bugs during the early phases of new technology, especially AI, and those issues are typically addressed quickly. X treats these matters seriously and acts promptly. Let’s be clear: this is not about technical compliance. This is a political war against @elonmusk and free speech—nothing more. Continue reading...
Live Updates: Trump Says More U.S. Attacks on Venezuela ‘Will Not Be Needed’
President Trump cited cooperation from the country’s new leaders, who began releasing political prisoners on Thursday in an apparent concession after the U.S. capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
Trump Indicates He Will Meet Venezuela’s Machado After Offer to Give Him Her Nobel Peace Prize
President Trump indicated that he would meet the Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Last year, she won the Nobel Peace Prize, an award he covets.
Venezuela releases imprisoned opposition figures, which Trump says US requested
Venezuela released a number of imprisoned high-profile opposition figures, activists and journalists, in what the government described as a gesture to "seek peace".