Ofcom launches investigation into Musk’s X over ‘deeply concerning’ deepfakes row
Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into X after its AI chatbot Grok was being used to generate sexually explicit deepfake images of women and children.
The UK media watchdog said it would determine whether the social media giant has failed to comply with its obligations under the Online Safety Act.
Business secretary Peter Kyle said he expected the production of “nudifying images” by X’s AI chatbot Grok to be “dealt with”.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: “Reports of Grok being used to create and share illegal non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material on X have been deeply concerning.
“Platforms must protect people in the UK from content that’s illegal in the UK, and we won’t hesitate to investigate where we suspect companies are failing in their duties, especially where there’s a risk of harm to children.”
It follows Liz Kendall’s announcement that she would back Ofcom if it rules the social media site should be banned in the UK.
Ms Kendall said: “Sexually manipulating images of women and children is despicable and abhorrent.
“I expect Ofcom to use the full legal powers Parliament has given them.”
Supressing Grok could suppress free speech, says Farage
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has expressed fears that censoring Grok, X’s AI, could “further suppress free speech”.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Farage said: “Nothing from the current set of regulators and government would surprise me when it came to free speech.
“Lets talk to Grok, they’ve already made 1 or 2 steps in our direction. Our fear is we’ll suppress Grok, and further suppress free speech and we don’t want to do that.”
Ofcom’s investigation of X follows assessment of evidence, regulator says
Ofcom’s decision to investigate X followed an assessment of evidence handed over by the social media platform.
On Monday 5 January, the regulator gave X a “firm” deadline of Friday to provide an explanation of the steps it had taken to comply with its duties to protect its users in the UK.
Ofcom said the company responded by the deadline and it then carried out an assessment as a “matter or urgency”.
Following an assessment, the regulator decided to launch an investigation into X to determine whether it has complied with its obligations under the Online Safety Act.
Ofcom launches investigation into X following ‘deeply concerning’ reports
Ofcom has launched an investigation into X to establish whether X has failed to comply with its legal obligations under the Online Safety Act.
The independent regulator’s announcement follows “deeply concerning” images of Grok, the platform’s AI, being used to create sexually explicit content of women and children.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: “Reports of Grok being used to create and share illegal non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material on X have been deeply concerning.
“Platforms must protect people in the UK from content that’s illegal in the UK, and we won’t hesitate to investigate where we suspect companies are failing in their duties, especially where there’s a risk of harm to children.
“We’ll progress this investigation as a matter of the highest priority, while ensuring we follow due process. As the UK’s independent online safety enforcement agency, it’s important we make sure our investigations are legally robust and fairly decided.”
How AI deepfakes are humiliating teachers and pupils in British schools every day
Beyond Grok, nudifying technology and pornographic deepfakes are ripping through classrooms, leaving teachers and children traumatised and schools unsure how to respond.
With suspensions rising and prosecutions rare, Chloe Combi asks who is protecting them in the age of AI?
How AI deepfakes are humiliating teachers and pupils in British schools every day
Grok to be ‘dealt with’, says business secretary
Peter Kyle said he expects the creation of “nudifying images” by X’s AI chatbot Grok to be “dealt with”.
The business secretary told broadcasters it was up to independent regulator Ofcom to enforce the law, which is now deciding whether the social media platform has broken the law.
He said: “In this country, we have independent regulators, and when it comes to enforcement it is not the decision of ministers like me as to whether someone is sanctioned or fined or not.
“I brought in measures that strengthened the law, that raised the ceiling on the law when it came to protecting children and protecting everybody from hate and criminal activity online.
“The independent regulator Ofcom is now deciding whether X has stepped outside of the law with the way that Grok, the AI-generated chatbot, is integrated with X and is generating nudifying images.
“Some of the things I have seen and heard about are disgusting and clearly unlawful, and I expect that to be dealt with.”
X’s move to only allow paying subscribers to use its AI tool ‘insulting’, says Downing Street
Downing Street has criticised X’s move to restrict its AI tool Grok, claiming the changes are “not a solution”.
On Friday, changes were made to Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot, which now limits the ability to generate images to paying subscribers only.
It followed global backlash after the tool was used to digitally remove clothing from children.
But Downing Street has warned that the changes were “insulting” to victims of misogyny and sexual violence and had made creating deepfakes a “premium service”.
The prime minister has suggested the social media platform could be completely blocked in the UK after “unlawful” and “disgusting” images were generated.
Comment: If women quit X because of Grok’s deepfake nudes, the predators win – so I’m staying
As women abandon X because of its use to generate non-consensual sexual imagery, the danger is not just what happens to those who stay, but what happens when abusers are left alone on the platform, says Olivia Petter.
If women quit X because of Grok’s deepfake nudes, the predators win – so I’m staying
‘I feel violated and dehumanised after X’s Grok AI stripped me naked’
Women say they have been left feeling “violated and humiliated” after “dehumanising” images of them have been created by users of Grok AI without their consent.
Evie, 22, who did not wish to share her surname, said she has been bombarded with more than 100 sexualised images of herself in less than a week, including one that digitally stripped her naked.
“I just feel like I’ve been violated,” she told The Independent. “I’m just so shocked there are people out there who can do this – and that there are so many people who will defend it and come up with excuses for this when it’s blatantly a huge violation.”
Read Tara Cobham’s full story here
Two countries become first to block X over Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok
Malaysia and Indonesia have become the first countries to block Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, after authorities said it was being misused to generate sexually explicit and non-consensual images.
The moves reflect growing global concern over generative AI tools that can produce realistic images, sound and text, while existing safeguards fail to prevent their abuse.
The Grok chatbot, which is accessed through Musk’s social media platform X, has been criticized for generating manipulated images, including depictions of women in bikinis or sexually explicit poses, as well as images involving children.
Two countries become first to block X over Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok
Minister says X ‘not doing enough to keep customers safe’
A government minister has said X is still “not doing enough to keep its customers safe online”, amid calls for the government to ban Elon Musk’s social media platform.
Business secretary Peter Kyle told BBC Breakfast that the indecent AI images that have been generated in recent days are an “affront to people’s diginity” and are “making people feel unsafe”.
He said it was “appalling” that X had not tested Grok properly, and adding, the government “stands fully behind Ofcom” in using their full powers – which include effectively banning X.
EU ‘demands Farage clause’ in Brexit reset talks with Starmer
The EU is said to be demanding that any future British government pay financial compensation if it reneges on a post-Brexit “reset” deal signed with Sir Keir Starmer, as part of an attempt to protect against a possible Reform UK government.
A draft text of the proposed EU-UK “veterinary agreement” – which would slash red tape for UK food and drink exporters – reportedly includes a termination clause which would require Britain to pay a penalty if it leaves the deal, a stipulation which is said to have been dubbed a “Farage clause” by EU diplomats.
But government sources told The Independent it is standard for agreements to have contingencies for termination, adding that any such clauses would work both ways and noting that talks to set out the precise terms of the deal have not yet begun.
Responding to the reports, Nigel Farage said he would refuse to hand over any money to Brussels under any deal signed by Sir Keir, telling the Financial Times: “I would break it.”
He said: “No parliament may bind its successor, we will not honour any clause. If Starmer signs this, it is a democratic outrage.”
Hitting back, a government source said: “Exit provisions are a basic staple of any international trade agreement. Pretending these routine legal contingencies constitute a democratic outrage is frankly exhausting.”
It comes after sources told the Financial Times that any party pulling out of the deal would be forced to cover the cost of reinstating border checks and infrastructure controls in the future.
Referencing the proposed clause, one EU diplomat told the newspaper it was a “safety provision to provide stability and a deterrent for Farage and co”, saying that the bloc is looking to sign a deal that would endure past the end of the current UK parliamentary term in 2029.
“The EU wants an agreement long term, and not only until 2029, should a change happen at the next election,” they said.
The draft text of the agreement also requires Britain to “dynamically align [with] and simultaneously apply” any rules relating to animal and plant products that are introduced in Brussels.
But both Reform UK and the Tories have promised to overturn plans for dynamic alignment – which would see Britain agree to automatically adopt future changes to EU rules – arguing it would water down Britain’s legal independence since Brexit.
It comes as the government prepares a bill which would hand ministers powers to bring the UK into alignment with EU law, as part of an attempt to reduce paperwork and boost growth in Britain.
The bill, which will be brought forward this year as part of the government’s Brexit reset, would give ministers overarching powers to bring the UK in line with EU law in certain areas, such as food standards, animal welfare and pesticide use.
It is understood that the new powers could be used to implement deals struck with the EU, such as agreements to align electricity and carbon markets, or plant and animal standards.
When he became prime minister, Sir Keir promised to reset Britain’s relationship with Brussels and rebuild ties with the bloc after years of tension and mistrust under the Conservatives.
And in an interview at the start of the year, the prime minister signalled that the government would be prepared to align even more closely with the EU single market if the move is in the national interest, insisting Britain should “go further” in strengthening post-Brexit ties with Brussels.
The Cabinet Office has been contacted for comment.
UK announces Project Nightfall to provide Kyiv with new missiles
Ukraine has attacked three Russian oil drilling platforms in the Caspian Sea, according to its military.
“Direct hits have been recorded,” it said in a post on Telegram on Sunday, adding: “The extent of the damage is being assessed.”
The infrastructure is said to be owned by Russia’s Lukoil Corporation. Dramatic drone footage shows the overnight attack although Kyiv did not share further details of the operation.
It comes as the Ministry of Defence announced it will develop new tactical ballistic missiles for Ukraine, code-naming the initiative “Project Nightfall”.
Defence secretary John Healey said the UK was determined to arm Ukrainians with advanced weapons to fight back against Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
Later on Monday the UN Security Council is due to hold an emergency meeting to discuss Russia’s use of its Oreshnik hypersonic missile just 60 miles from the border of Nato member Poland.
Russia has claimed the Oreshnik strike was retaliation for an attempted Ukrainian drone attack on one of Putin’s residences, an allegation Kyiv denies.
Russia claims it has captured a settlement in eastern Ukraine
Russia’s defence ministry claims that its forces have captured a village of Novoboykivske in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine.
It comes amid growing attacks on the region, with Ukraine reporting on Sunday that the Russian army dropped glide bombs on the village of Novoukrainka.
The attack injured a civilian, according to Ukrinform.
China hits back at Trump’s Greenland remark
China on Monday urged the United States not to use other countries as an excuse to pursue its own interests, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. needed to own Greenland to prevent Russia or China from occupying it in the future.
“The Arctic concerns the overall interests of the international community,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference. She said China’s activities in the Arctic aim to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
Mao also called for respecting the rights and freedoms of all nations to conduct lawful activities in the Arctic.
Watch: Trump says US must acquire Greenland before Russia or China do
Merz offers India closer security cooperation with Germany to reduce reliance on Moscow
Germany wants to cooperate more closely on security issues with India to reduce the latter’s reliance on Russia, chancellor Friedrich Merz said as he met with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi today.
The countries signed a memorandum of understanding to that effect during Merz’s first trip to the South Asian nation, in addition to agreements on critical minerals, the health sector and an artificial intelligence innovation centre.
“India and Germany are working together to build secure, trusted and resilient supply chains. The MoUs being signed today on all these issues will give new momentum and strength to our cooperation,” said Modi at a joint news conference.
India still works closely with Russia, where much of its military equipment originates, on security policy, and it is one of the largest buyers of Russian gas and oil alongside China.
Germany is working to ensure the Indian government prevents Indian companies from circumventing sanctions on Russia and reduce its energy imports – demands India has so far rejected.
Russia losing more than 1,000 soldiers per day, says Zelensky
Russian losses on the battlefield in Ukraine are up to at least 1,000 soldiers a day, president Volodymyr Zelensky says.
“Right now, Russian losses amount to no less than 1,000 killed per day – and this has been the case since December. This is how Russia is essentially paying just to keep the war from ending,” he said in his nightly address.
“This is madness and it can only be stopped by combined forces – the forces of Europe and the United States, the forces of all our partners. Every day of this war is a reminder that the world cannot protect itself from madmen. We must protect it. Russia must be stopped,” he said.
Is the UK really ready to put boots on the ground in Ukraine? Britain’s dwindling military might in numbers
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signed a historic deal to deploy British troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia.
But his pledge has drawn scepticism amid growing concern about the UK’s military capabilities and dwindling troop numbers during an increasingly precarious global climate.
Reform leader Nigel Farage derided the commitment, saying the UK is in “no position” to put boots on the ground in Ukraine during a press conference on Wednesday. “With what boots? he asked. “What kit? We might be able to go for six to eight weeks but … We’re in no position to do it.”
Is UK ready to put boots on ground in Ukraine? Britain’s military might in numbers
Zelensky says every strike on Russia ‘brings end of war closer’
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said that his forces were working on new operations targeting Russia, alongside those that are already underway.
“It is still too early to speak publicly about some of the operations – ones that the Russians have already felt. Some of the operations are still underway. I also approved new ones,” he said.
“We are actively defending ourselves, and every Russian loss brings the end of the war closer. Our deep strikes, special measures – all of this, of course, must continue,” the war-time president said.
Russian defence site in Moscow targeted in sabotage operation
Pro-Ukrainian agents reportedly hit a Russian air defence site in Moscow oblast, a US-based think tank has said.
“The ‘Atesh’ Crimea-based Ukrainian partisan group reported on 11 January (yesterday) that its agents carried out a sabotage operation in Moscow Oblast, burning a radio mast of the Russian 5th Air Defense Division (1st Air and Missile Defence Army, Russian Aerospace Forces [VKS],” the Institute for the Study of War said.
Atesh, meaning “fire” in Crimean Tatar, is a group spying on Russians and Russian military movements in Crimea, and also in other occupied areas.
If confirmed, the attack would be a rare Atesh operation inside Russia. Neither Ukraine nor Russia have issued a comment on Atesh’s activity.
Chechen leader Kadyrov suffers kidney failure, Ukrainian defence sources say
Chechen leader and close Russian ally Ramzan Kadyrov is undergoing dialysis due to kidney failure, sources in Ukraine’s defence intelligence said, according to local media reports.
Kadyrov’s health has deteriorated, according to local Ukrainian outlets Interfax-Ukraine and Ukrinform.
Kadyrov is a key ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin and seen as one of the most powerful and feared men in Moscow.
He has reportedly been admitted to a private hospital in Chechnya where his family members have gathered, including some who have travelled in from abroad.
Russia attacks energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s Odesa
Russia forces have attacked energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region overnight, causing blackouts, the war-hit nation’s largest private energy firm DTEK said this morning.
“33,500 families in the region are without electricity due to shelling. The damage is significant. It will take time to repair the equipment,” it said on Telegram.
Three teenagers killed in ‘devastating’ head-on crash in Bolton are named locally
Three teenagers and a taxi driver have been killed in a head-on crash in Greater Manchester.
A red Seat Leon collided with a Citroen C4 Picasso taxi on Wigan Road in Bolton in the early hours of Sunday morning, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.
The driver of a red Seat Leon and two passengers, believed to be three men aged between 18 and 19, as well as the driver of a Citroen C4 Picasso taxi, thought to be a man in his fifties, died in the incident at 12.45am.
Formal identification of the teenage victims is still taking place, said police at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, although they have been named locally by the Bolton Council of Mosques (BCoM) as Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, Farhan Patel and Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali.
Mosrab Ali was also named locally and is believed to be the taxi driver.
Five wounded passengers were also taken to hospital, where they are still being treated.
A police cordon remained in place at the scene as officers continue their investigation.
At the press conference, Chief Inspector Helen McCormick said: “The families of those we believe have been fatally injured in this incident have been informed and have specialist family liaison officers supporting them at this current time.
“Five other people have been taken to hospital where they are currently being treated.
“This was a devastating incident for all those involved, none more so than the families of those deceased.
“This was a particularly challenging scene for colleagues in the emergency services and I want to thank first responders from our Bolton District and Roads Policing Unit at GMP as well as the fire service and ambulance service for all their hard work through the night and into today.”
Pictures from the scene show the wreckage of the two vehicles, with debris strewn across the road.
One resident on Wigan Road said they were woken by a “loud bang”.
The woman, who did not want to be named, looked from her bedroom window and saw “quite a bit of debris” on the road. She also saw a red car that was “really damaged”.
Another resident did not see what happened, but heard a “car accelerating”.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said on Sunday: “At around 12.50am this morning, three fire engines and the technical response unit attended a crash involving a taxi and a car on Wigan Road, Bolton.
“Firefighters arrived quickly to make the area safe and used cutting equipment to help remove people from the vehicles before passing them into the care of North West Ambulance Service. Greater Manchester Police assisted with cordoning the area. Crews were in attendance for roughly two hours.”
Ayyub Patel, councillor for Rumworth, said the “community is very saddened by the tragic news”, adding that the authorities should be left to carry out their investigations.
GMP is urging any witnesses to come forward with information.
Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 111 of 11/01/2025. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Met boss hits out at Trump’s claims about London crime as homicide rates fall
Britain’s most senior police officer has hit back at critics who “promote narratives that suit them” about crime levels in London, after homicides in the capital fell to their lowest level for more than a decade.
It comes after Donald Trump claimed there are no-go areas for Met Police officers, while Nigel Farage has described the city as being “in the grip of a crime wave”.
But Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley pointed to new figures which show that 2025 was one of the safest in terms of serious violent crime, criticising “commentators” for sharing false claims online.
Meanwhile, London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan accused critics of “painting a dystopian picture of a lawless place where criminals run rampant” – arguing they “couldn’t be more wrong”.
It comes after new figures showed that there were 97 homicides in the capital in 2025, down 11 per cent from 109 in 2024. This is also the lowest number recorded since 95 homicides 11 years ago, in 2014.
And despite London’s growing population in the last decade, last year had the lowest homicide rate per capita on record – 1.1 per 100,000 – the Metropolitan Police figures show.
This is lower than other major cities worldwide such as New York at 2.8, Berlin at 3.2 and Paris at 1.6 per 100,000, the force said.
Writing in The Times, Sir Mark said: “Today, London has its lowest homicide levels in a decade, and the lowest ever per capita.
“Despite claims circulated online, including AI‑generated videos creating fictional violent scenarios, some commentators promote a narrative that suits them, regardless that the facts tell a very different story.
“London is safer, and the progress we are making is saving lives, is measurable and independently evidenced. This is not a matter of opinion or messaging; it is what the data shows.”
He added: “We are proud to represent Londoners, and we will speak up for the truth — something that matters more than ever in an age of misinformation and disinformation.”
Meanwhile, writing in the Guardian, Sir Sadiq said: “In recent years, politicians and commentators have sought to spam our social media feeds with an endless stream of distortions and untruths – painting a dystopian picture of a lawless place where criminals run rampant.
“Across the Atlantic, Donald Trump has inexplicably veered between describing London as a city moving towards sharia law, and a place with hospitals like “warzones” and areas where police don’t want to go.
“Here in Britain, Nigel Farage is dancing to his tune. Reform UK’s leader claimed last week that London was ‘in the grip of a crime wave’. Meanwhile, the party’s new candidate for mayor of London claimed that people pitied Londoners for living in a city that was ‘no longer safe’.
“This latest startling statistic shows that those who talk down the capital at every opportunity couldn’t be more wrong: in London, the evidence is clear, we’re winning the battle against violent crime.”
The figures released by the Met come as the latest crime figures for England and Wales also show a fall in the number of homicides to their lowest level since current methods of reporting began in 2003.
Some 518 homicides were recorded by police in the year to June 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics, a drop of 6% from 552 in the previous year and 27 per cent below the pre-pandemic total of 710 in 2019/20.
The Met said its work tackling homicide has been particularly strong in curbing violence among young people, with the fewest number of victims aged under 25 this century, and a 73 per cent decrease in the number of teenage victims since 2021, dropping from 30 to eight in 2025.
The mayor of London’s violence reduction unit, set up in 2019, is believed to have been part of such efforts, by delivering 550,000 interventions to stop young people being drawn into gangs.
The Met also said public confidence in policing was rising, with 81 per cent of Londoners rating the force as doing a good or fair job locally.
But it follows a vetting review published on Thursday that showed 131 officers and staff at the Met, including two serial rapists, committed crimes or misconduct after they were not properly vetted.
It found that thousands of police officers and staff were not properly checked, amid pressure during a national recruitment drive from July 2019 to March 2023.
The Met said it has taken action to clean up the workforce and tighten vetting standards, and was being open and transparent about some historical practices that do not meet current standard.
Your dream cruise formula: From Caribbean islands to European cities
If your ideal holiday is one that blends fuss-free adventure with great culinary choices and sumptuous relaxation, then book yourself onto a cruise immediately. From experiencing rich cultures, visiting breathtaking beauty spots, and dining on delicious delicacies – cruising has become one of the most luxurious ways to travel.
This dream-holiday formula is something that Virgin Voyages has perfected with its multi-award-winning, adult-only cruises, which sail across Europe, North America and the Caribbean. From entertaining onboard experiences and modern facilities to exciting escapades on land, these are the types of trips that are worth writing home about, and why Virgin Voyages has been named Travel + Leisure ® World’s Best #1 Mega Ship for an impressive three years in a row.
Here’s what would-be Sailors can expect from a Virgin Voyages cruise…
Meet the leading ladies
Whichever of the 150-plus destinations you choose to sail to, one thing remains guaranteed, you’ll get an unforgettable journey, and leave with happy stories to share with loved ones back home. Why not make those memories on Virgin Voyages’ impressive Lady Ships, with Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady each offering a distinct personality which is encapsulated in everything from decor to destinations. Expect enough amenities and activities to entertain a small city: from tequila tasting to spa days and over 20 premium eateries serving menus curated by Michelin starred chefs. There’s a whole holiday’s worth of experiences before you’ve even docked at your first port.
Everyone sleeps easy
Be gone any thoughts of pokey, old-fashioned interiors and get ready to embrace charming cabins with a super-yacht aesthetic. No matter which of the Virgin Voyages sleeping quarters you choose from, you’ll be met with super comfortable beds, a roomy rainshower, mood lighting, free Wi-Fi and a large flat-screen HDTV. Want to really push the boat out? Opt for luxury suites that promise five-star comfort and opulence, with champagne tables, sun loungers, handwoven terrace hammocks and in-room bars. Virgin Voyages ‘RockStar’ Sailors can also enjoy everything from VIP entrances to private access to rooftop terraces.
Let them entertain you
Whether your spirit is one of a dancing queen or a sophisticated theatre-goer, Virgin Voyages has nightlife and entertainment options to suit every taste – developed with the help of the world’s most-talked-about directors, choreographers, and artists. Choose from 80s parties, festival acts or classic stories like Romeo and Juliet – reinvented with a circus twist. Each ship offers something different, so if you’re a Virgin Voyages regular, you’ll never see the same thing twice. Save your vocal chords for the private karaoke rooms, while the casinos and gaming arcades could elevate an already winning mood even further.
Wonderful wellness
Don’t want to leave your full-on fitness regime behind when you go on holiday? Or are you just curious to try a new healthy group class? Whatever your wellness wishes, there’s plenty to keep you busy onboard with workouts for every level. There’s yoga, HIIT, weight training, boxing, meditation and more, plus running or walking the signature 255-metre-ish Virgin red running track, which curves around the top of the ship in a halo shape. If relaxation is your main goal, head to the spa for everything from steam room and sauna to hot stone massage and seaweed wrap. The beauty salon offers a range of professional treatments, from manicures, pedicures and nail art to IV therapy, Botox and fillers.
Make it a ‘Shore Thing’
While you’re free to enjoy port cities at your own leisure, Virgin Voyages also curates an array of land excursions or ‘Shore Things’ for those who want to immerse themselves in local culture. Why not enjoy a barefoot fish cookout on the Mexican island of Cozumel, a late night party on the Greek Island of Mykonos or visit the historic halls of Harvard University when sailing through Boston, Massachusetts. If you’re cruising the Caribbean, choose from a beach day in St Vincent and The Grenadines; explore the private island of Mustique or visit the colourful buildings of the capital Kingstown. Do as much or as little as you like – you’re always in charge!
Discover dreamy destinations
Proving that there really is a cruise for everyone, Virgin Voyages’ child-free cruises visit almost endless destinations that span Europe, North America and the Caribbean. Choose a five-night cruise from New York to Bermuda, taking in the paradise pink-sand beaches, maritime history and cafe culture of the island, or maybe a seven-night voyage starting in Los Angeles and sailing to Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan in Mexico. For a trip closer to home, soak in the Mediterranean sunshine while visiting Europe’s most famous cities and islands starting in the homeports of Greece and Spain. Tick off an array of bucket list destinations with the Idyllic Ibiza cruise aboard the Valiant Lady; set sail from Rome to Barcelona with stop offs at the superluxe Amalfi Coast, Cannes and Ibiza – now, that’s what you call an A-list adventure.
With so many incredible destinations to visit and on-board luxury to explore, a cruise with Virgin Voyages is a holiday you’ll never stop talking about.
Discover Virgin Voyages luxury range of cruises and plan your next adventure today
Donations pour in for agent who shot Minneapolis woman after weekend of US protests
Donations have poured into a GoFundMe account for the ICE officer accused of killing activist Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis last week as protests continued in cities across the U.S. over the weekend.
Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three, was shot dead by federal immigration agent Jonathan Ross behind the wheel of her SUV on a residential street Wednesday morning, provoking a huge public outcry as footage of the incident was closely scrutinized on social media.
After a GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for the victim’s family, a competing account was established to enable Ross to bankroll his legal defense.
“I am big believer in our legal principal [sic] that one is innocent until proven guilty,” wrote hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman on X after donating a reported $10,000 to Ross’s cause.
The Trump administration, which blamed Good for the confrontation that led to her death, has meanwhile said it is sending “hundreds” more federal law enforcement agents to Minnesota to protect its officers and continue immigration raids.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has called on ICE to “get the f*** out” of the city and accused federal law enforcement of making the community less safe.
GoFundMe set up to support immigration agent accused of killing Renee Good
Donations have poured into a GoFundMe account for the ICE officer accused of killing activist Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis last week as protests continued in cities across the U.S. over the weekend.
Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three, was shot dead by federal immigration agent Jonathan Ross behind the wheel of her SUV on a residential street Wednesday morning, provoking a huge public outcry as footage of the incident was closely scrutinized on social media.
After a GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for the victim’s family, a competing account was established to enable Ross to bankroll his legal defense, which had reached $350,000 at the time of writing.
“I am big believer in our legal principal [sic] that one is innocent until proven guilty,” wrote hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman on X after donating a reported $10,000 to Ross’s cause.
Ackman also said he had intended to donate to Good’s account but that it had been closed before he could do so, nevertheless sharing links to both pages.
The Good family GoFundMe has already raised more than $1.5 million.
Hello and welcome
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the ongoing fallout from the killing of activist Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis last week, which has led to widespread anti-ICE protests in cities across the U.S.
Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three and poet, was shot dead behind the wheel of her car by immigration agent Jonathan Ross in a confrontation on a suburban street, sparking a huge public outcry when footage of the incident was shared on social media.
First ever autistic Barbie doll to represent neurodivergent children
The launch of the first Barbie doll representing autistic individuals has been warmly received by campaigners and charities, who praise it as a step towards more “authentic, joyful” representation for neurodivergent children.
The doll incorporates specific design elements, carefully chosen to reflect experiences common among some autistic people. These include loose clothing, intended to minimise fabric-to-skin contact, and an eye gaze subtly directed to the side, mirroring how some autistic individuals may avoid direct eye contact. Each doll also comes with a pink fidget spinner to reduce stress and enhance focus, and noise-cancelling headphones to block out background sounds and limit sensory overload.
Creators Mattel said the doll “invites more children to see themselves represented in Barbie”.
The finished product was created with input from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) in an effort to hear first-hand from the autistic community on the kinds of features the doll should have.
The network described the doll as a “milestone” in representation and said it was “thrilled” to help with the design, adding: “It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic, joyful representations of themselves, and that’s exactly what this doll is.”
Other features include moveable elbows and wrists to allow gestures which creators said might be used by some autistic people to process sensory information or express excitement, and a pink tablet symbolising the way some people might use digital tools to help with their everyday communication.
Ellie Middleton, an autistic writer who regularly shares her experiences online, described the doll as a “powerful symbol” for young girls in feeling accepted.
She said: “To now have an autistic Barbie doll makes me so emotional.
“Statistics show that young girls are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, so to have a powerful symbol like this autistic Barbie doll helps bring the conversation around neurodivergence in women to the forefront, so that autistic girls can feel accepted and seen.”
The National Autistic Society (NAS) cautioned that, given autism is a spectrum, it is “important to remember autistic people can be very different to each other, with different sets of strengths and challenges”.
The society describes autism as a “lifelong neurodivergence and disability” which influences how people experience and interact with the world.
It estimates more than one in 100 people are autistic and that there are at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
NAS managing director of national programmes, Peter Watt, said: “Seeing more depictions of autism is key to understanding and autism acceptance.
“It’s really important that these representations are authentic and based on extensive consultation with autistic people, and we’re pleased Mattel involved the autistic community in the development of this doll.
“It is positive to see authentic autistic representation on TV and films, the arts and in play, as better public understanding of autism across society could transform hundreds of thousands of autistic people’s lives.”
Mattel has, in what it described as efforts to create a brand with a more inclusive reflection of the children who play with its products, previously created diabetic and blind Barbies and a doll with Down’s syndrome.