Latest News
- UK Government Mulls X Block due to Grok AI Image Concerns
- Wingsuit pilot dies after 1,000ft mountain dive at 120mph
- US Forces Boldly Capture Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker Marinera in Atlantic
- US Spy Planes Gathering at RAF Bases in the UK
- UK Faces Heavy Snowfall as Storm Goretti Hits: What to Expect
- Who is Delcy Rodriguez, the Trump-supported new leader of Venezuela?
- Urgent hunt for Brit who disappeared in Thailand after video call with family
- Heavy Snowfall Leads to Widespread School Closures
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UK Government Mulls X Block due to Grok AI Image Concerns
12:28 pm
- Ofcom is investigating Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, regarding the use of Grok AI for creating sexual deepfakes.
- The investigation comes amid rising concerns over the impact of AI-generated explicit content.
- UK laws around AI-generated images are being scrutinized; new regulations could soon classify such content as a criminal offense.
- Politicians, including Keir Starmer, are urging swift government action to address the issue and protect users.
Ofcom has launched an investigation into content shared on Elon Musk’s platform X (formerly Twitter) involving Grok AI-generated sexual deepfakes. This move follows growing concerns over the potential harm such content could inflict, including privacy violations and mental distress.
The inquiry is rooted in rising alarm over the misuse of artificial intelligence technologies to create non-consensual imagery, posing significant ethical and legal challenges. Experts have warned that such content can exacerbate societal issues and threaten individual autonomy.
The investigation specifically targets Grok’s utilisation of AI to generate explicit imagery without consent, raising questions about regulatory oversight in digital spaces. Ofcom’s findings will directly influence future regulations aimed at curtailing online abuses.
Elon Musk has been uncharacteristically quiet on the subject in recent days, which suggests even he realises how serious this all is. But he did fire off a post accusing the British government of seeking “any excuse” for censorship.
The inquiry concerns all users of the platform, particularly those whose images may have been manipulated or used without consent. A spokesperson stated, “These developments underscore the urgent need for robust frameworks when it comes to AI and personal rights.”
X is struggling as a platform
X has been struggling as a platform every since Elon Musk’s overpriced takeover. The platform has seen many mainstream publishers, like The Guardian, and prominent personnel to leave the platform. The users have dropped, despite Musk’s personal involvement and boost to the users with clickbait. AI generated images are one of the most clicked clickbait tech the platform has used to create engagement, which has fallen to record lows.
With Ofcom’s scrutiny underway, the implications for X could be significant, particularly if they lead to stricter regulations or a potential overhaul of the platform’s content policies. “This is undoubtedly a turning point for how we view digital privacy rights in the age of AI,” an industry analyst noted, indicating that forthcoming actions could reshape the landscape of online content creation significantly.
BBC
Ofcom investigates Elon Musk’s X over Grok AI sexual deepfakes
The Guardian
Can X be banned under UK law and what are the other options?
Sky News
Creating AI sexualised images to become criminal offence this week
The Independent
Starmer issues ultimatum to Musk vowing ‘fast action’ from government to end Grok abuse on X
Wingsuit pilot dies after 1,000ft mountain dive at 120mph
1:14 pm
TL:DR
- Acclaimed wingsuit pilot Brendan Weinstein, 32, died after crashing into rocks off Table Mountain, South Africa.
- He completed over 1600 wingsuit flights but failed to pull up in time during a challenging jump.
- Tourists witnessed the accident around 9am; he crashed at 120mph just 10 seconds after jumping.
- Weinstein concealed his gear from cable car staff and did not consult local jumpers beforehand.
- He leaves behind a partner, Kivia Martins, and a baby son, Eiger.
Daredevil wingsuit pilot killed after diving off 1,000ft mountain and crashing at 120mph
One of the world’s most renowned wingsuit pilots has died after diving off a famous South African mountain and hitting rocks below. Rescue crews were unable to save him.
Daredevil Brendan Weinsten, 32, did not manage to pull up in time and was seen by tourists smashing into large boulders close to Table Mountain in South Africa.
Pilot Weinstein – who leaves behind partner Kivia Martins and a baby son, Eiger – had travelled to Cape Town alone to do the difficult flight.
It’s believed the Red Bull star took a cable car to the top, hiding his parachute and wingsuit from staff who would have stopped him if they had seen them.
He then walked to the spot where he jumped around 9am, and was spotted by dozens of American and British tourists who witnessed him fall.
Weinstein, originally from Utah, had completed over 1600 wingsuit flights, 800 base jumps and 1000 parachute jumps and was a world expert.
He crashed into the rocks below 10 seconds after jumping
But on Monday morning, when he dived off the 1086m high Table Mountain, he crashed at a speed of 120mph.
Wilderness Search & Rescue and SanParks rangers were alerted and sent teams along with a helicopter to search the front of the mountain for his body.
The severely injured pilot was found at 10am and airlifted by helicopter off Table Mountain to an ambulance surrounded by tourists on the road below.
Former South African skydiver Jeff Ayliffe says the jump was highly technical and that Weinstein had reportedly flown directly from the US to the site without consulting local base jumpers.
He said: ‘Brendan hadn’t contacted any of the local base jumping fraternity to speak to them about this exit point, and this exit point has been jumped many times successfully.
‘It is a very technical jump, however, and it had very sad consequences. Brendan Weinstein is considered one of the most experienced base jumpers in the world, and he has a huge following in America.
‘His technical ability is incredible; he’s done many, many jumps. This is only our third base jumping death in South Africa.’
US Forces Boldly Capture Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker Marinera in Atlantic
3:17 pm
TL:DR
- The US military seized the oil tanker Marinera, linked to Russia and Venezuela, for violating US sanctions.
- The operation was conducted in the North Atlantic, based on a federal court warrant.
- Marinera attempted to evade US blockade; formerly named Bella-1, it was re-flagged with Russian insignia.
- Another tanker, Sophie, was also seized for carrying Venezuelan oil.
- US officials reaffirmed the effectiveness of the blockade against sanctioned Venezuelan oil globally.
US forces dramatically seize Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in Atlantic | News World
A US military helicopter hovering over the oil tanker in the Atlantic
An oil tanker linked to both Russia and Venezuela has been seized by US forces in the Atlantic.
The US European Command, headquartered in Germany, confirmed today the seizure of the Marinera for ‘violations of US sanctions’.
It said in a statement on X: ‘The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro.’
This comes as part of Donald Trump’s aggressive push to dictate oil flows in America’s backyard.
The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic.
Marinera, formerly called Bella-1, is under US sanctions and has spent at least two weeks attempting to evade a US blockade near Venezuela.
Ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic showed the tanker nearing Iceland’s exclusive economic zone today.
It holds such importance to the Kremlin that it deployed a submarine and other vessels to escort it across the Atlantic.
The ship began its journey in Iran and was bound for Venezuela to pick up oil, part of the so-called shadow fleet that moves oil for Russia, Iran, and Venezuela despite mounting US and allied sanctions.
After it left the Caribbean, its name was changed from Bella-1 to Marinera, and it adopted the Russian flag.
Further data from TankerTraffic shows the vessel making a sudden turn southbound, also slowing down.
The incident follows a disputed boarding attempt in late December. The US Coast Guard tried to intercept Bella-1 near Venezuela on December 21, but its crew refused to allow personnel aboard.
In the days that followed, the ship changed its identity and the crew painted a Russian tricolour on the hull.
A US vessel pictured near the Marinera in the Atlantic.
The second tanker, Sophie, was seized in the early hours of this morning.
By January 1, it had been officially renamed to Marinera and listed in the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping.
RAF planes are understood to have been involved in the US operation and British airbases were used as the launchpad for US war planes for the mission to try to board the vessel.
No 10 said it would not comment on speculation.
A statement said: ‘We don’t comment on the operational activity by other nations, including third-party use of UK bases.’
Starmer calls this speculation
The US seized another shadow fleet tanker Sophia in the Caribbean Sea in the early hours of this morning, with authorities saying that it was carrying oil from Venezuela.
Responding to the success of the operations, US defense secretary Pete Hegseth said that the US blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil is in effect ‘anywhere in the world.’
‘The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT – anywhere in the world,’ he wrote on X.
The move comes just days after US special forces swooped into Caracas before dawn on Saturday in a deadly raid to abduct Nicolas Maduro and take him to the US.
MARINERA (9230880) just made a sudden southbound turn at 11:26 UTC at 60.9386, -16.37014. Decelerated from 9kn to 8kn speed. pic.twitter.com/dH8BnpF6r5
— TankerTrackers.com, Inc. (@TankerTrackers) January 7, 2026
The US military turned him over to federal authorities for prosecution on charges involving alleged drug trafficking.
Top Venezuelan officials have called Maduro’s capture a kidnapping and have accused the US of trying to steal the country’s vast oil reserves, estimated to be the largest in the world.
In turn, Trump and top US officials have accused Venezuela of stealing US oil, in an apparent reference to the country’s nationalization of its energy sector in several waves over the past half-century.
US Spy Planes Gathering at RAF Bases in the UK
3:05 pm
TL:DR
- American spy planes spotted at RAF Fairford amid global tensions involving Venezuela, Russia, and Greenland.
- The 99th Reconnaissance Squadron, equipped with intelligence-gathering technology, is reportedly on site.
- Recent surge in US military activity includes F-35 jets from RAF Mildenhall and C-17 transport aircraft.
- US forces have seized oil tankers which are allegedly violating sanctions linked to Venezuela.
- Speculation about a US takeover of Greenland persists, despite Denmark rejecting the idea.
Fleet of US spy planes amassing at RAF bases in the UK
A squadron of American spy planes has been spotted at a UK airbase as global tensions around Venezuela, Russia, and Greenland increase.
The 99th Reconnaissance Squadron, equipped with critical intelligence gathering machinery, were seen at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire today.
The squadron’s mission is to ‘deploy and employ warrior Airmen and execute effective and sustained U-2 operations globally in support of National Objectives.’
Trump to launch Greenland invasion from the UK
Fairford has long hosted United States Air Force personnel, but onlookers say the last few days have seen a drastic surge in activity.
Earlier today, F-35 jets were spotted taking off from RAF Mildenhall as US planes amass in the UK.
Images taken at Fairford on Monday showed several US Air Force C-17 aircraft – typically used for heavy transport of equipment and personnel.
Large US reconnaissance planes are currently in the UK
F-35 planes were seen taking off from RAF Lakenheath.
No 10 said it would not comment on speculation or the uses of British military bases by third parties.
The large gathering of planes comes amid rumours of a US takeover of Greenland and as American forces intercepted an oil tanker that historically carried Venezuelan crude oil.
The US European Command, headquartered in Germany, confirmed today the seizure of the Marinera for ‘violations of US sanctions’.
It said in a statement on X: ‘The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro.’
The US seized another shadow fleet tanker, Sophia, in the Caribbean Sea in the early hours of this morning, with authorities saying that it was carrying oil from Venezuela.
Trump has also mentioned trying to buy Greenland
Locals have said they are not for sale and are not happy. But Trump is also reportedly considering using the military to take over Greenland.
Washington has said that Trump has been discussing ‘a range of options’ to acquire the island home to 56,000 people.
Trump has repeatedly insisted that Greenland, a semiautonomous Danish territory, rightfully belongs to the US.
But Denmark has stressed that the sparsely populated island is not for sale.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned it could spell the end of Nato – a mutual-defence alliance whose members include the UK, the US, and European powers – and upend the Russia-Ukraine war.
UK Faces Heavy Snowfall as Storm Goretti Hits: What to Expect
2:56 pm
- Storm Goretti: New snow and wind warnings issued in the UK.
- Travel Disruptions: Hundreds of flights across Europe affected, especially in the UK.
- Safety Alerts: Amber snow warning signals dangerous travel conditions; risk to life emphasized.
- Infrastructure Issues: Criticism of councils’ preparation for icy roads amidst the adverse weather.
- Power Outages: Homes in north Scotland reported to be without electricity due to the storm.
Snow and wind warnings are in effect across the UK as Storm Goretti grounds hundreds of flights throughout Europe. The latest advisories from the Met Office indicate significant disruptions ahead, with an amber snow warning for parts of Scotland and northern England, cautioning against “dangerous” travel conditions.
The severe weather conditions have been attributed to a series of winter storms moving in from the Arctic, bringing heavy snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures. The Met Office has warned of extreme hazards, stating, “Be prepared for disruption and dangerous conditions.”
As the storm progresses, reports of accidents and delays have surfaced, with local authorities struggling to cope with the conditions. Many roads have been rendered impassable, leading to significant travel chaos and grounding of flights.
The affected areas include airports in Scotland and the North of England, where several airlines have cancelled flights due to the adverse weather. “We urge passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport,” a spokesperson stated. Residents in impacted regions have expressed frustration, citing inadequate preparation by local councils.
With forecasts predicting additional snowfall in the coming days, there are growing concerns about the implications for travel and power supplies. “We’re entering an unprecedented period of severe winter weather,” warned a senior meteorologist. As communities brace for further impacts, the government advises residents to stay informed and exercise caution during their journeys.
News Articles
BBC
New snow and wind warnings in UK ahead of Storm Goretti as hundreds of Europe flights grounded
The Guardian
Homes in north Scotland without power as Arctic weather sweeps UK
Who is Delcy Rodriguez, the Trump-supported new leader of Venezuela?
1:08 pm
TL:DR
- Delcy Rodriguez has been appointed interim leader of Venezuela following the US’s removal of Nicolas Maduro.
- Rodriguez vows to collaborate with the Trump administration and seeks “respectful relations” with the US.
- Choice of Rodriguez over opposition leader Maria Corina Machado raises concerns.
- She has a controversial past, serving under Maduro and facing sanctions for human rights violations.
- The US outlined demands for Rodriguez, including a crackdown on drug markets and foreign influence.
Who is Delcy Rodriguez, the Trump-backed new leader of Venezuela? | News World
Delcy Rodriguez is now the interim leader of Venezuela – but she has quite the past.
The former Vice President of Venezuela has been sworn in as interim leader after the US ousted Nicolas Maduro.
Following the divide and conquer campaign by the Americans, the one fierce ally of Maduro has become the ‘Yes woman’ America so desperately wanted.
Delcy Rodriguez, who has vowed to work with the Trump administration, was sworn in by her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, who was re-elected as speaker. Shortly after being sworn in, Donald Trump appeared to threaten her, saying she could ‘pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro’ if she didn’t bend to the administration’s wishes.
Democracy is second to oil
After being sworn in, Rodriguez said Venezuela is seeking ‘respectful relations’ with the US. But choosing to swear in Rodriguez over democratic opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado has raised some eyebrows – here’s all you need to know about Rodriguez.
Shifting relationship with the US
Rodriguez was a fierce ally of Nicolas Maduro. Shortly after Maduro’s arrest, Rodriguez and Maduro’s son appeared to be sympathetic to the deposed leader. ‘I come with sorrow for the suffering inflicted upon the Venezuelan people following an illegitimate military aggression against our homeland,’ Rodriguez said on Saturday.
Maduro’s son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, added: ‘If we normalise the kidnapping of a head of state, no country is safe. Today, it’s Venezuela. Tomorrow, it could be any nation that refuses to submit. This is not a regional problem. It is a direct threat to global political stability.’
Shortly after making the statement, however, Rodriguez appeared to change her tune to appease Trump. ‘We extend an invitation to the government of the US to work jointly on an agenda of cooperation, aimed at shared development, within the framework of international law, and that strengthens lasting peaceful coexistence,’ she said.
The choice of Rodriguez over Machado, the opposition leader, who was forced to live in hiding after supporting the candidate who replaced her in the election after she was barred by Maduro, has also caused some confusion. Machado has been living in exile in Oslo, having fled Venezuela as threats against her mounted.
After winning the Nobel Prize, she dedicated it to Trump (brown-nosing at its best), but Trump still appears not to trust Machado. He said on Saturday: ‘She doesn’t have the support within, or the respect within, the country. She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect.’
From lawyer to vice president
Before entering politics, Rodriguez worked as a lawyer (Picture: AFP). Before joining the government, Rodriguez was a lawyer who worked in labour law. She spent years in England and France, where she received her postgraduate degrees. After returning to Venezuela, she entered politics while Hugo Chavez was still the leader, serving as vice minister for European Affairs. In 2013, shortly after Maduro also took office, she became a household name in Venezuelan politics.
Her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, is head of Venezuela’s National Assembly. In her own time in politics, she’s defended Maduro, eventually being named as his Vice President in 2018. Previously, she served as finance minister and oil minister. Rodriguez’s travels abroad have been cause for concern – out of all Venezuelan officials, she travels to China, Russia, and Turkey the most.
Controversies and sanctions
Due to her role in Maduro’s government, Rodriguez has been the focus of sanctions from the European Union and a travel ban due to human rights violations. She’s also sanctioned by the United States, Canada, and Switzerland for ‘dismantling democracy’ in Venezuela. She’s also banned from entering Colombia, which is known to oppose Maduro’s brutal regime.
In 2020, she was the focus of a scandal called ‘Delcygate’, in which she fraudulently sold 104 bars of Venezuelan gold to Spanish businessmen for millions. Given her sanctions in the country, the sale sparked outrage, and the secrecy of her visit prompted security concerns.
Rodriguez has vowed to work with America
The US has given Rodriguez a list of demands for her time as interim leader in Venezuela, but made it clear they want her to step aside for free and fair elections when the time comes.
The US wants her to crack down on drug markets, stop the sale of oil to US enemies, and kick out Iranian, Cuban, and other foreign actors who work against America from her country. Trump doesn’t seem worried that Rodriguez, who was a fierce defender of Maduro, will fight back against this.
He’s suggested she could face military action if she fails to cooperate, adding: ‘Venezuela, thus far, has been very nice. But it helps to have a force as we have. If they don’t behave, we will do a second strike.’
But for Rodriguez to dismantle the Maduro allies left in the country will be a battle in itself; someone close to Trump’s Venezuela operation described it as ‘an unstable pit of vipers.’
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