Mother of one of Elon Musk’s sons sues over Grok-generated explicit images
Ashley St Clair files lawsuit in state of New York over deepfakes that appeared on social media platform X The mother of one of Elon Musk’s children is suing his company – alleging explicit images were generated by his Grok AI tool, including one in which she was underage.Ashley St Clair has filed a lawsuit with the supreme court of the state of New York against xAI, alleging that Grok, which is used on the social media platform X, promised to stop generating explicit images but continued to do so. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Trump press secretary launches tirade against reporter who asked about ICE
Karoline Leavitt brands journalist who asked about deaths in ICE custody and killing of Renee Good ‘a leftwing activist’The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, accused a reporter of being a “leftwing activist” during a heated confrontation on Thursday over the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent last week.Beginning his question during the White House press briefing, Niall Stanage, a White House columnist for the Hill, referred to the Trump administration’s staunch defense of ICE agents and the assertion by the homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, that ICE are “doing everything correctly”. He pointed to statistics showing that... [Continue Reading]
'No hanging today' in Iran, as US holds back from military action
The White House says it will hold off on military action in Iran after the regime halted executions, but "all options remain on the table" if the killing of protesters continues. [Continue Reading]
Judge allows offshore windfarm halted by Trump to resume construction
Setback for president, who has called windfarms ‘losers’, as Empire Wind project allowed to move forwardA federal judge on Thursday cleared the way for a New York offshore wind project to resume construction, a victory for the developer who said a Trump administration order to pause it would probably kill the project in a matter of days.District judge Carl J Nichols, an appointee of Donald Trump, ruled construction on the Empire Wind project could go forward while he considers the merits of the government’s order to suspend the project. He faulted the government for not responding to key points in... [Continue Reading]
Trump aims to keep everyone guessing over Iran action
There were growing signs that US military action on Iran might be imminent, then the US president suddenly changed his tune. [Continue Reading]
WA farmers grapple with radar outage during wet season
A Kimberley pastoralist says the radar will be of little use by the time it comes back online at the end of the wet season. [Continue Reading]
US bill approving US$300 million for Taiwan’s military passed in House
A US spending bill approving US$300 million in cash assistance for Taiwan’s military has passed the House of Representatives and is expected to become law. On Wednesday, the House passed a two-bill government spending package that would fund the Departments of the Treasury and State through September, along with other federal agencies, bringing the total to eight of 12 annual spending bills needed by January 30, to avoid a government shutdown. The bills must now clear the Senate before they can... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela’s Machado says she presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she “presented” US President Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during their meeting on Thursday. “I presented the president of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize,” Machado told reporters outside the US Capitol. She did not answer reporters’ questions as to whether he accepted it. Machado was visiting the White House to discuss her country’s future with Trump, even though he has dismissed her credibility... [Continue Reading]
US says it reached deal with Taiwan to lower tariffs and boost investments
US to lower tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15% as chip and tech businesses pledge $250bn spending in US operationsThe US said on Thursday that it had signed a deal with Taiwan to reduce tariffs on goods from the democratic island, while increasing Taiwanese semiconductor and tech companies’ investments in America.The agreement, the US commerce department said, “will drive a massive reshoring of America’s semiconductor sector”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Tszyu and Zerafa separated by security in fiery weigh-in clash
There is no love lost between Nikita Tszyu and Michael Zerafa as they meet for one final time before their much-anticipated fight in Brisbane. [Continue Reading]
Inside the push to shade 1.3 million feedlot animals
Once seen as barren landscapes, feedlots across Australia have been reshaping their image. With industry encouraging its operators to install shade, uptake has been widespread. [Continue Reading]
China’s Zhejiang targets 3- to 7-nanometre AI chip breakthroughs to counter US chokehold
China’s eastern tech powerhouse Zhejiang, home to giants like Alibaba and the humanoid robotics start-up Unitree, has set clear targets to develop cutting-chips and chipmaking equipment over the next five years. The province is the latest locality to prioritise innovation under its new five-year plan. It joins other hubs, including Shenzhen and Shanghai, that have thrown their weight behind Beijing’s nationwide strategy to develop indigenous technologies amid an intensifying rivalry with the... [Continue Reading]
Maggie raging by Eva’s betrayal in Coronation Street and a nasty injury follows
They never see eye to eye. [Continue Reading]
EastEnders’ George edges even closer to discovering the truth about killer Nicola
Will George heed Billy's warning? [Continue Reading]
Emmerdale’s Marlon ‘stunned and in disbelief’ by death after setting out to murder
'There are no options left to him'. [Continue Reading]
U.S. Forces Seize Sixth Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela
The Coast Guard boarded and seized the Russian-flagged tanker, originally named Veronica, in a pre-dawn operation in the Caribbean Sea. [Continue Reading]
Machado presented Trump with her Nobel medal at White House meeting
Trump thanked Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, calling it "a wonderful gesture of mutual respect". [Continue Reading]
San Francisco to make childcare free for families earning up to $230,000
Officials to offer 50% subsidy up to $310,000 in effort to make one of world’s most expensive cities more affordableSan Francisco will offer free childcare to families earning less than $230,000 a year, and a 50% subsidy to those earning up to $310,000, in an expansion of the city’s childcare offerings designed to make one of the world’s most expensive cities more affordable for residents.San Francisco’s mayor, Daniel Lurie, announced the initiative as part of his “Family Opportunity Agenda” on Wednesday, alongside a package of housing, education, food, healthcare, transportation and other programs focused on affordability. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Italian Court Closes Fraud Case Against Influencer Chiara Ferragni
A judge dropped the case against Ms. Ferragni, who had been embroiled in a scandal over sales of a limited edition Christmas cake marketed as supporting cancer treatment. [Continue Reading]
University of Arkansas Withdraws Job Offer for Emily Suski Over Transgender Stance
The University of Arkansas withdrew a job offer to a legal scholar after state officials learned that she had signed a legal brief concerning transgender athletes, lawmakers said. [Continue Reading]
The $3bn plan to eradicate debris balls washing up on Sydney beaches
The NSW Environment Protection Authority identified the Malabar wastewater treatment system as the origin of the debris balls plaguing beaches in Sydney. [Continue Reading]
Troops and vessels from European Nato allies arrive in Greenland
The limited deployment involves Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands and the UK. [Continue Reading]
Israel kills 8 in Gaza as US declares phase two of ceasefire deal launched
Two family homes come under Israeli attack in central Gaza's Deir el-Balah, killing at least eight Palestinians. [Continue Reading]
María Corina Machado says she presented Trump with her Nobel peace prize medal
Trump heaped praise on the Venezuelan opposition leader for presenting him with ‘her Nobel peace prize for the work I have done’The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has presented her gold Nobel peace prize medal to Donald Trump after meeting him in the White House, nearly a fortnight after he ordered the abduction of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro.Machado, who received the award last year for her struggle against Maduro’s “brutal, authoritarian state”, told reporters on Thursday she had done so “in recognition [of] his unique commitment [to] our freedom”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Breaking: Venezuelan opposition leader gives Trump Nobel Peace Prize
Maria Corina Machado says she presented Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during a meeting in Washington earlier today but did not say whether he accepted it. [Continue Reading]
RTÉ Chief Financial Officer Mari Hurley resigns from post
The Chief Financial Officer for RTÉ has resigned from her post, less than 18 months after taking up the position. [Continue Reading]
Concerns Rise Over Childcare Abuse and Political Prisoners in Venezuela
The recent release of leaked documents detailing years of childcare abuses in the Australian Capital Territory has raised significant concerns about the safety and well-being of children in care. Nearly 2,500 documents have surfaced online, revealing cases of severe misconduct among educators, which prompted a deeply critical response from ACT Education and Early Childhood Minister Yvette Berry, acknowledging the urgent need for quality improvements across childcare providers in the region. Among the distressing incidents mentioned, a two-year-old, referred to as Lucy, was forcibly slapped by an educator. Her mother reported that the incident remained undisclosed to them until hours later... [Continue Reading]
Why China’s next development priority must be secondary education
If you were asked which middle-income country has one of the lowest levels of educational attainment, very few would say China. We continually hear stories about mass university expansion, record numbers of annual graduates and elite institutions that rank among the world’s best. Despite these impressive strides, gaps in education remain a large roadblock for China’s further economic development. The country remains largely undereducated for its level of economic development: only about 31 per... [Continue Reading]
Winemakers face long road to recovery after fire destroys vineyards
Two wineries in the Strathbogie Ranges have lost a combined 150 hectares of vines, 3,000 sheep and three homes in the Victorian fires. [Continue Reading]
Concerns Grow Over Lithium Battery Fires at NSW Landfills
Fire authorities in New South Wales are raising alarms over the increasing incidence of fires caused by lithium batteries at landfill sites across the region. Recent events have led to the closure of some facilities and significant disruptions for local communities. The Rural Fire Service (RFS) has highlighted the challenges associated with extinguishing these fires, as they are "notoriously difficult" to combat. On Wednesday, a fire believed to have been ignited by a lithium battery occurred at the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre near Wagga Wagga. This incident threatened nearby homes and required an emergency response that elevated the situation to... [Continue Reading]
England Prepares for World Cup Amid Club Manager Turmoil
As the global stage of the FIFA World Cup approaches, England manager Thomas Tuchel is making critical decisions about his squad. With his contract set to expire at the end of the tournament, Tuchel emphasizes the importance of selecting players based not just on talent, but also on their social skills and ability to work within a team dynamic. Tuchel has scheduled two friendlies in March against Uruguay and Japan prior to announcing his squad for the finals. England's group stage pits them against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. As part of his squad selection strategy, Tuchel has demonstrated a willingness... [Continue Reading]
Preventing ADHD Assessments Raises Concerns in England
The National Health Service, or NHS, in England is reportedly restricting access to assessments for ADHD as a cost-cutting measure. Freedom of Information requests reveal that over half of the integrated care boards (ICBs) have imposed limits on the number of assessments to be conducted for ADHD during the fiscal year of 2025-26. Astonishingly, 13 out of 22 ICBs implementing such limits failed to inform general practitioners and nearly the same number neglected to communicate with patients waiting for assessments. The advocacy group, ADHD UK, uncovered this lack of communication and indicated that it signifies an attempt by the NHS... [Continue Reading]
Trump unveils healthcare plan without clear funding or execution timeline
Trump's healthcare plan promises lower costs but lacks specifics and faces challenges from a divided Congress. [Continue Reading]
Major Drug Seizures and Heightened Tensions in the Gulf Region
Authorities in Spain have made significant strides in combating international drug trafficking, culminating in the arrest of 30 individuals and the seizure of nearly 2.5 tonnes of cocaine. This operation, lasting 15 months, unraveled a complex network of smugglers who relied on innovative methods to transport narcotics originating from Colombia. The investigation began in October 2022, when the Policía Nacional discovered 88 kg of cocaine hidden in a vehicle in Mijas, a town in southern Spain. This initial find led to the identification of three organized crime groups collaborating to dismantle extensive cocaine shipments bound for Europe. Authorities noted the... [Continue Reading]
'A carpet of red' as millions of baby crabs storm Christmas Island's beaches
Wildlife officials on one of Australia's most remote territories are welcoming the final chapter of its famous red crab migration, the return to shore of millions of baby crabs. [Continue Reading]
US lawmakers propose US$2.5 billion agency to boost production of rare earths
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has proposed creating a new agency with US$2.5 billion to spur production of rare earths and the other critical minerals, while the Trump administration has already taken aggressive actions to break China’s grip on the market for these materials that are crucial to hi-tech products, including mobile phones, electric vehicles, jet fighters and missiles. It is too early to tell how the bill, if passed, could align with the White House’s policy but whatever the... [Continue Reading]
Suburban Perth mayor wins $250,000 in defamation battle with ratepayer
City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall is awarded a quarter of a million dollars in a lengthy defamation fight with one of his own constituents over a series of social media posts. [Continue Reading]
Manchester United Eyes Potential Managers Amid Interim Changes
Manchester United is navigating a period of transition as they appoint Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the season. Carrick steps into the role following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, with the club currently sitting seventh in the Premier League and only a few points off the coveted Champions League spots. Gary Neville, a Manchester United legend, believes that despite Carrick's potential to guide the team back to Champions League football, he should not be considered for a permanent position. “I hope Michael does really well,” Neville remarked on a podcast. However, he emphasized that even a... [Continue Reading]
Irish humanitarian Seán Binder acquitted of all charges
A packed Greek court erupted in cheers as Seán Binder from Co Kerry was found not guilty of people smuggling, belonging to a criminal organisation and money laundering, almost eight years after the charges were first brought. [Continue Reading]
Release of Childcare Breach Documents and Political Prisoner Vigil in Venezuela
The recent release of nearly 2,500 documents in Australia has shed light on longstanding issues within the childcare sector, particularly in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This move follows a year-long investigation by Four Corners, aimed at exposing various breaches of care standards. The documents reveal serious allegations, including educators using physical discipline against children, with instances of slapping, shaking, and inappropriate restraint outlined in several reports. ACT Education and Early Childhood Minister Yvette Berry acknowledged that improvements are needed among certain childcare providers, stating that the majority are compliant but that flagrant disregard for regulatory recommendations remains a concern.... [Continue Reading]
The Priest, the Financier and the $10 Millon Townhouse
When a pastor learned his childhood home might undergo a glow-up, he saw his beloved Brooklyn further receding — and took to a different kind of pulpit. [Continue Reading]
World champion Littler beats veteran Lim in Bahrain
World champion Luke Littler brushes aside veteran Paul Lim 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Bahrain Masters. [Continue Reading]
Concerns Rise Over Lithium Battery Fires Amid New Disposal Campaign
Authorities in New South Wales are issuing urgent warnings regarding the disposal of lithium batteries, as a series of fires at landfill sites continues to escalate, threatening both safety and public resources. The state's Rural Fire Service (RFS) has highlighted the dangers associated with improper battery disposal, stressing that these items often spark significant fires that can be both difficult to extinguish and costly to manage. Wagga Wagga City Council is exploring advanced solutions such as thermal cameras for early fire detection at their landfill facilities. A recent fire at the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre prompted this initiative after a... [Continue Reading]
The Traitors star Rachel has no clue she’s just jeopardised her whole game
Rachel’s rogue decision to shoot a broadside in Faraaz’s direction, by publicly labelling him as a traitor after the roundtable, could be the makings of her demise. [Continue Reading]
Sue thought she had gastro and died a week later. Her family wants answers
Struggling to find answers about what happened in the week leading up to her death in hospital, Sue Smith's loved ones say they want hospitals to put more resources into investigating these types of incidents. [Continue Reading]
Key Decisions Loom as England Prepares for World Cup and United Seeks New Manager
The England football squad is facing scrutiny as manager Thomas Tuchel approaches the World Cup with a focus on player dynamics and team chemistry. With his contract expiring at the end of the tournament, Tuchel emphasises that selecting players goes beyond mere talent; it involves evaluating their social skills and ability to contribute positively to the team environment. The manager has indicated that experience will play a crucial role, bringing back seasoned players like Jordan Henderson while making tough choices regarding others, including Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. Tuchel will announce his final squad following two friendlies in March against... [Continue Reading]
Teary Hunter says Aus Open berth 'meant the world' after injury heartache
Storm Hunter books her spot in the main draw of the Australian Open — something that was inconceivable last year as she battled injuries that left her in tears mid-match. [Continue Reading]
‘Extremely lonely and isolated’ mum killed disabled daughter before taking her own life, coroner rules
'We want their deaths to change the way disabled children, but also their parents, are perceived.' [Continue Reading]
New Regulations on ADHD Assessments Raise Concerns in England
The National Health Service (NHS) in England has recently faced scrutiny over measures implemented by integrated care boards (ICBs) aimed at restricting access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessments. This development has raised alarms among health professionals and advocacy groups, particularly as the country grapples with increasing demand for mental health services. Freedom of Information requests revealed that more than half of the 42 ICBs across England have placed limits on the number of individuals eligible for ADHD assessments during the fiscal year 2025-26. Out of the 22 ICBs announcing such restrictions, 13 did not communicate these changes to... [Continue Reading]
