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Trump’s 80th birthday present: UFC fights at the White House

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Trump's 80th birthday present: UFC fights at the White House

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump celebrates turning 80 on Sunday with a showstopping birthday spectacle that once would have seemed unfathomable: a cage-fighting show on the storied South Lawn of the White House.

This week, the hard realities of the office have threatened to overshadow the ostentatious UFC mixed martial arts extravaganza, where combatants sealed inside a wire-mesh octagon try to punch, kick, chop and pummel each other into submission.

Trump has found himself boxed into an unpopular and costly war he helped start in Iran. An agreement to end the conflict could be close, but the crucial details are still to be negotiated. Meanwhile, about a mile from Trump’s birthday bash, crews pried the president’s name off the Kennedy Center after a judge ruled naming it after Trump had gone too far.

Regardless, the president will walk out of the White House and be surrounded by Cabinet leaders, top administration officials, Republican lawmakers and 4,000-plus spectators screaming themselves hoarse in a temporary arena under “ The Claw,” a spaceship-like metal arch fitted with lighting, sound equipment and large screens. Thousands more will be watching on big screens from the nearby Ellipse.

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“This event is a one of one event, incredible event. I love it,” said UFC chief Dana White, a close friend of the president, during a Friday night hype session at the Lincoln Memorial where pairs of fighters shoved and scuffled for the cameras under the stoic gaze of Honest Abe’s marble likeness.

The president has sought to tie Sunday’s event — which features seven fights running past midnight — to larger, months-long celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

But it is much more geared toward feting himself, so much so that the G7 summit for leaders of industrialized nations pushed back their get-together so that the president could attend his cage-match party and then fly straight to France for the meetings.

The weather, though, could put a major damper on things. Strong thunderstorms and heavy lightning disrupted Friday’s Lincoln Memorial event, and the forecast for Sunday evening also looks threatening.

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“I’m sick and tired of hearing about the weather,” White declared on Friday, before conceding that he’ll prefer to hold future UFC events inside arenas only.

A dramatic departure from how the last president marked his 80th

When Trump’s predecessor, President Joe Biden, turned 80 in November 2022, he celebrated with a private family brunch at the White House, laying bare just how much and how quickly things have changed.

Asked about the contrast, White House spokesperson Allison Schuster said that the fight “will be one of the most entertaining nights in American history” and said that the timing was appropriate. “Having this spectacle take place at the people’s house on Flag Day during our nations’ semiquincentennial anniversary is a fitting tribute,” Schuster said in a statement.

When he turned 80, Biden was the oldest president in U.S. history, and was months away from launching a reelection bid that he would ultimately abandon after a disastrous debate against Trump and mutiny among Democrats concerned he was too old to handle a second term.

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Trump has now supplanted Biden as the oldest person to be elected U.S. president. He’s constitutionally barred from running again, yet constantly toys with the notion publicly. That’s despite polls showing rising public skepticism about Trump’s mental and physical health — recalling concerns Biden faced as he turned 80.

A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted in April found that less than half of U.S. adults think Trump has the mental sharpness or physical health to serve effectively as president.

The White House countered with a lengthy statement from Trump’s former White House physician, Texas Republican Rep. Ronny Jackson, saying Trump’s “stamina, focus, and strength are exceptional and on display every day. Claims to the contrary are pure fiction.” Jackson added that polling concerns were “being propagated by the same biased, liberal, Trump-hating press that completely ignored the absolute cognitive and physical disaster that was President Biden.”

Trump has nonetheless undergone four publicly announced physical examinations this term alone, with White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella recently declaring him in “excellent health.”

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‘Bread and circuses’ — Trump-style

The UFC event is an apt metaphor for Trump’s pugilistic political style. He is as big a fan of cage-match-style politics as he is of cage-fighting itself.

But Trump has also long been a master of political misdirection, purposely presenting people with something other than his presidency to focus on when things aren’t going well.

With the war in Iran grinding on despite weeks of assurances from Trump that its end is nigh, gas prices staying high, renewed concerns about inflation and plummeting job approval ratings for Trump — a White House birthday party unlike anything America has ever seen is definitely a diversion.

“This is all distraction,” said Mike Fontaine, a classics professor at Cornell University, who likened it to the gladiatorial games of Imperial Rome, when combatants brutalized each other for public entertainment meant to bolster rulers’ popularity and quell potential unrest.

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“This is a classic strategy,” Fontaine said. “In ancient Rome, the phrase would be, ‘bread and circuses.’”

Trump says the UFC is paying for the event and while its full costs haven’t been divulged, the National Park Service said in a court filing that $60-plus million and tens of thousands of hours of labor have gone into it, while seven government agencies have “allocated significant resources and manpower.”

UFC also announced on Friday that it was adding as an official partner for the event World Liberty Financial to create a special $250,000 athlete bonus pool for Sunday night’s winners. The cryptocurrency company is co-owned by the Trump family, founded with the president’s special diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff and run by his son, Zach. The arrangement further blurs lines between the Trump family’s financial interests and the events and construction projects the president has prioritized and used government resources to pull off.

Still, Fontaine said that when it comes to a personal flair for pageantry, the president’s second-term tendency to lean into “hardcore masculinity and brute fighting” is marrying the UFC’s blood sport with Trump’s trademark humor and enduring sense of showmanship.

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“President Trump has a once-in-a-generation talent for this stuff,” he said.

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Terrington Choir to join scarecrow festival and flower show

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Terrington Choir to join scarecrow festival and flower show

Terrington Choir is marking three decades of singing and community spirit in the village and surrounding area with an event as part of the villages’s flower festival and scarecrow weekend.

Formed in 1996 by the late John Goodwill, the choir has grown into a much-loved local group, performing regularly at concerts and community events.

Over the past 30 years, the choir has raised nearly £30,000 for local charities and good causes, supporting organisations close to the hearts of its members and audiences.

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John’s widow, Janet Goodwill said: “John would have been so happy to see the Terrington choir still going strong after all these years. Although not a choir member myself, I am a keen follower and try to get along to as many concerts as I can.”

The choir’s Musical Director, Kerr Wilson, said: “Reaching our 30th year is a wonderful milestone. We are proud not only of the music we have shared, but also of the support we have been able to give to local charities and the friendships formed along the way.”

The anniversary will be celebrated at 7pm on Saturday, June 20, at All Saints Church, Terrington, as part of a Flower Festival ‘Magic of Musicals’ weekend, bringing together music and floral displays for a special evening of celebration.

The concert will focus on songs from the musicals, showcasing the choir’s repertoire and reflecting on its history of supporting good causes in the local area.

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The concert promises to be a highlight of the village calendar and a fitting way to celebrate 30 years of Terrington Choir.

Everyone is warmly invited to join in celebrating this significant milestone and the key role the choir continues to play in the local community.

The Flower Festival Weekend takes place from June 20 – 21, 10am – 4pm, with a preview evening on June 19 at 6.30pm, £5 entry, at All Saints Church, Terrington. The beautiful floral designs, celebrating musicals across the decades, will come from the specialist skills of Malton and District Flower Club. While the two schools in the village, Terrington C of E Primary School and Terrington Hall Preparatory School are getting involved with their own displays.

The Scarecrow Trail will also take place on Sunday, June 21, 12 – 4pm, around Terrington. The Trail starts and finishes in Terrington Village Hall where there is parking for those who need it and refreshments served.

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Donations received are for the upkeep of the Church and the Village Hall Playground Project.

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Best supermarket own-brand sausages, beans and bread named in taste test results

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Wales Online

Our taste tests compared supermarket own-brand sausages, beans, bread, ketchup, fish fingers and steak from Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op and more to find the best buys

Following numerous taste tests conducted over recent months, we have compiled a definitive list of the finest sausages, bread, baked beans and other kitchen essentials available across UK supermarkets. These are staple food items found in every UK supermarket, with most retailers stocking their own-label varieties.

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While they may appear broadly similar at first glance, they can differ enormously in terms of taste, texture and overall quality. This is precisely what we discovered when putting staples such as pork sausages, baked beans and steaks through their paces. Interestingly, the more budget-friendly options frequently outshine their pricier counterparts.

Aldi and Lidl have consistently performed strongly, while Tesco and Sainsbury’s excel in certain areas. As for M&S and Waitrose, they generally live up to the high expectations we bring to the table. Overall, results differ considerably, and the supermarket with the best sausages won’t necessarily stock the best baked beans.

Sausages

In a recent head-to-head comparison, Aldi’s own-label pork sausages came out on top. They performed impressively across texture, appearance and overall flavour, achieving a near-perfect score of 19.5/20.

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The flavour struck an ideal balance between meat and herbs, while the satisfying meaty texture was effortless to cut through and thoroughly enjoyable. Sainsbury’s also impressed and scored well, though Aldi’s sausages were noticeably more substantial once cooked.

At £1.79 for a 454g pack, it came as a rather pleasant surprise to discover just how tasty these sausages turned out to be.

Baked beans

Baked beans are a quintessentially British staple, and virtually every supermarket offers its own take on them. When compared to well-known brands such as Heinz and Branston, own-brand varieties frequently outperform in taste tests.

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In our very own taste test of own-label baked bean tins, one retailer emerged as the undisputed victor. Co-op claimed the top spot with an almost flawless score, with the first distinguishing feature being its rich, deep colour.

The sweetness then hit immediately, and the texture struck a perfect balance once the beans were cooked. They delivered the most pronounced flavour in our recent comparison, securing this tin’s place at the top.

Ketchup

In a recent ketchup comparison, Lidl’s own-label variety claimed victory, ranking above the likes of M&S, Tesco and other own-brand offerings, as well as surpassing Heinz. Priced at £1.05 for 650g, it struck the ideal balance between sweetness and strength, making it a perfect condiment that complements rather than overwhelms a meal — precisely what a condiment should do. Furthermore, it contains less sugar than Heinz, which is a bonus for those mindful of maintaining a healthier diet.

Fish fingers

Fish fingers are another household staple that can be found in the freezers of countless British homes. They are a fairly no-frills frozen food, popular for their simplicity. That said, some are undoubtedly superior to others. In fact, our recent fish finger taste test revealed clear winners and losers, with some of the highest-ranking options proving to be among the most affordable.

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Sainsbury’s 10 Breaded Omega 3 Pollock Fillet Fish Fingers claimed top spot, costing just 93p for a pack of 10. The breadcrumbs delivered a remarkable flavour, while the fish itself struck the ideal balance of fishiness. It also boasted the finest texture of all the fish fingers tested, offering a perfect combination of slight crunch, smoothness and flaky fish.

Steak

Supermarket steak remains a firm favourite amongst shoppers during the summer months. If you’ve been pondering which retailer offers the finest cuts, we put them through their paces this year.

Lidl emerged as the champion, priced at £5.49 for 195g, equating to £28.15 per kilogram. The 21-day matured British beef proudly displayed the Red Tractor logo and showed an attractive marbling before cooking.

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It delivered a burst of flavour once cooked, clinching the top spot despite numerous other steaks carrying considerably heftier price tags.

Sourdough bread

While some Britons prefer to bake their own sourdough at home, the overwhelming majority purchase it from their local supermarket. Having recently compared five loaves to determine the finest option, Tesco emerged as the clear victor.

It stood out as the undisputed winner, boasting a perfect crust and just the right level of saltiness. It proved delightful when toasted, and its overall flavour surpassed that of Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Asda.

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Casemiro and Carlo Ancelotti blasted by former Brazil star after Morocco draw | Football

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Casemiro and Carlo Ancelotti blasted by former Brazil star after Morocco draw | Football

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In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

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Federal judge blocks Trump administration’s changes to museums and parks

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Federal judge blocks Trump administration's changes to museums and parks

A federal judge on Friday ordered the Trump administration to restore sites changed under an executive order calling for the nation’s museums, parks and landmarks to not display elements that “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.”

The preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley in Massachusetts also orders a pause on any additional changes, writing that the plaintiffs have shown that these efforts are meant “to rewrite the Nation’s history with a white-out pen.”

“History cannot be faithfully told while excluding the experiences of communities whose contributions, struggles, and achievements form an important part of our Nation’s story,” the judge wrote.

The Trump administration must also provide a status report every week describing the progress they’ve made with these changes, the judge wrote.

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“Under the guise of promoting American dignity, this Administration seeks to share a limited history by ordering the removal of all signs, displays, and interpretive exhibits at National Parks that do not align with its preferred narrative, thereby telling half-truths,” Kelley wrote.

The order comes in response to a February lawsuit filed by conservation and historical organizations over National Park Service policies that the groups say have forced park service staff to remove or censor dozens of exhibits that share factually accurate and relevant U.S. history and scientific knowledge, including about slavery and climate change.

Many of the changes were at Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park, where the administration removed exhibits on the lives of nine people enslaved at the site in the 1790s under George Washington, the first U.S. president. Other changes included removing a sign at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument in Arizona describing basalt bubbles because it had an image of a visitor holding a Pride flag while films on labor history were removed from the Lowell National Historical Park in Massachusetts.

President Donald Trump signed the executive order “restoring truth and sanity to American history” at the nation’s museums, parks and landmarks last year. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum later directed removal of “improper partisan ideology” from museums, monuments, landmarks and other public exhibits under federal control.

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An email seeking comment from the Interior Department was sent Saturday.

Alan Spears, senior director for cultural resources for the National Parks Conservation Association, one of the organizations that brought the lawsuit, said the ruling will help protect national parks from the administration’s effort “to erase history and science at these one-of-a-kind places.”

“National parks belong to the American people and censorship of any kind goes against the values these places represent,” he said.

Bill Wade, executive director for the Association of National Park Rangers, another organization that brought the lawsuit, said this is especially good news for National Parks employees who “have prided themselves for being able to provide truthful, accurate and unbiased information.”

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‘Last-minute’ pay and contract offer to resident doctors

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'Last-minute' pay and contract offer to resident doctors

They were set to stage a four-day walkout from 7am on Monday – the 16th round of strike action since 2023.

But the British Medical Association (BMA) said on Saturday that a last-minute offer had been made, which will be put to members.


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Dr Jack Fletcher, chairman of the BMA’s resident doctors committee (RDC), said: “We have always been clear that no strikes needed to go ahead if we received an offer appropriate to put to our members.

“This should not have been left to the last moment, but we hold up our end of the bargain when the Government shifts its position.”

“All we have asked for is a fair offer that secures enough jobs to tackle the madness of doctor unemployment and take steps to address the erosion of our pay. Tens of thousands of frontline doctors will now vote in a referendum on whether this offer is sufficient.

“We will always negotiate in good faith and strikes are a last resort that we will only use in the face of complete Government intransigence. When Government moves, so do we.

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“Doctors will now have their say. If they say no to this offer, we will have to continue our plans for further escalated action across next month.”

The offer is understood to include standard 2016 resident doctor contract terms for all locally employed doctors and an average 6.6% pay uplift to be fully implemented by April 2027.

Professor Frankie Swords, national medical director at NHS England, had said that the service faced a “triple whammy of pressure” as the planned strike would have coincided with warm weather and the World Cup.

Health Secretary James Murray said: “It is a positive and welcome development – especially for patients – that the BMA have called off these unnecessary strikes.”

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He added that after a 28.9% pay rise for resident doctors over the last three years, “the country simply cannot afford to increase the pay offer for this year”.

Professor Ramani Moonesinghe, national clinical director for critical and perioperative care at NHS England, said: “It is extremely welcome news that the BMA has called off next week’s strike – for both patients and NHS staff.

“The BMA has recognised the positive changes we have made for both resident doctors and patients over the last year – but we are not complacent, we know more is needed and that working conditions have not been good enough, and we will continue to do more to make the NHS a desirable place to work.

“I want to thank staff across the NHS who have worked extremely hard to maintain care for patients throughout recent industrial action – and I really hope today is a positive step in the right direction to end strikes once and for all, while we continue to ensure the NHS is the best place to work for resident doctors now and in the future.”

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‘A man wouldn’t undress me and put me in a bikini – so why can AI?’ | News Tech

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'A man wouldn't undress me and put me in a bikini - so why can AI?' | News Tech
Trolls made a video on Grok, she says, of the Labour MP being chloroformed (Picture: Metro/House of Commons)

Like millions of us, Labour’s Jess Asato frequents the popular social media site X.

But in the back of her mind, Asato, 45, wonders if the next user she interacts with could be undressing her using AI tools.

In January, the MP for Lowestoft in Suffolk was allegedly among millions of women digitally undressed by people using Elon Musk’s chatbot, Grok.

‘I’ve spoken to many, many victims and what they’ve told me is how I feel,’ Asato tells Metro.

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A headshot of Jess Asato.
Jess Asato is calling on people to join her claim (Picture: House of Commons)

‘A bit more afraid, you don’t know who is out there or what they might be doing to your image.

‘The idea that, at any moment, you could be targeted just for speaking out or existing online.’

Asato lodged a legal complaint against xAI, which owns Grok and X, last week over the alleged nonconsensual images.

‘AI has turbocharged misogyny’

Asato joined X, then called Twitter, in 2009 – just two years after it launched.

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‘It was a pretty joyous place,’ she recalls, saying she saw Twitter as a way for people to talk about politics on the ground.

That didn’t last long. One of Asato’s first experiences with misogyny on the platform was in 2014, when she commented on the rape trial of footballer Ched Evans.

‘The abuse I got was awful,’ she says. ‘Misogynistic abuse on social media has been going on for a really, really long time.

‘It’s now turbocharged with this ability to lift any woman’s image, manipulate it through AI, and then use it to demean, degrade, humiliate and create death threats.’

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: In this photo illustration, a screen displays a post by Elon Musk on the X app, showing an AI prompt-created image, made with Xai's Grok app, depicting Musk wearing a bikini, on January 12, 2026 in London, England. Today the UK communications regulator Ofcom launches a formal investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X regarding its AI chatbot, Grok.??The probe centres on reports that Grok has been used to generate non-consensual sexual deepfakes, including "undressed" images of women and sexualised images of children. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
An image manipulated BY Grok of Elon Musk wearing a bikini (Picture: 2026 Getty Images)
Mandatory Credit: Photo by David Talukdar/Shutterstock (15147895j) New Delhi, India. 12 February 2025 : In this photo illustration Grok, an AI chatbot by xAI, ChatGPT, Deepseek app icons seen in an iPhone screen. Generative AI and modern chatbot tech concept. Photo Illustration of Grok Mobile App - 12 Feb 2025
Grok is X’s chatbot feature, and has proven controversial (Picture: David Talukdar/Shutterstock)

Phoney images of real people, mainly women wearing bikinis or in sexually provocative situations, flooded X in December and January.

Research published on Friday from Malwarebytes reveals that one in three daily AI users think it’s okay to create fake explicit images of people they know.

But women previously told Metro that the realistic AI-generated images, called deepfakes, amounted to digital sexual assault.

One estimate puts the number of sexualised images created of real people between December 29 and January 8 at three million, or 190 per minute, according to the Center for Countering Digital Hate.

Asato’s mentions were flooded with such content after she called on Musk to take action.

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‘Somebody created this horrible AI video of me being chloroformed and my skirts being lifted as if for a sexual assault,’ she says.

Given that she has campaigned against nudification apps, which create doctored explicit images, none of this is a surprise to her.

‘I became the victim of the very thing I was talking against,’ she says, alleging that X gave her no real ways to protect herself.

‘This isn’t just because of the nature of the content that’s created – albeit it is pretty traumatising – it’s to do with the fact that you, your personality, your image, has been taken without your consent, manipulated by somebody you don’t know into something that looks realistic but is not you. That’s where the violation happens.

‘Nobody would be allowed to come up to me in the street and strip my clothes off and put me in a bikini, so they shouldn’t be allowed to do that online either.’

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Investigating xAI

Media regulator Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office, the data watchdog, both launched investigations into xAI.

The government even considered blocking X, as some countries did.

X removed illegal content depicting children and suspended accounts before restricting the image-generation tool to just paying subscribers.

However, Metro found that Grok could still make partially nude images by using certain words. It also doctored illicit images of men on its standalone app and website, Grok Imagine.

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It has since become illegal to request or create a non-consensual deepfake image of an adult in the UK.

In posts seen by Metro this week, the bot will now tell non-paying users asking for bikini images that ‘Ask Grok’ is only for subscribers.

When premium members request them, the bot doesn’t seem to respond.

Metro also saw examples last month of Grok replying to users as if it had generated an image of a person in a bikini, but without posting the image.

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Things would have been different, Alsato argues, if Grok had launched with safeguards or followed policies outlined by regulators.

But a study by Security Hero found that even before Grok was released, 99% of nude deepfakes were of women or girls.

New claimants have come forward to join Asato’s legal action, many saying they have struggled to persuade X to remove the offending images.

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X has never been held accountable over the Grok saga, Veronica Oakeshott, head of external affairs at the charity Women’s Aid, tells Metro.

‘More must be done to control the use of this, and similar technologies to ensure that women and children are kept safe, online and offline,’ she says.

When previously asked by Metro, Grok said it does not ‘assist’ with requests involving real, identifiable people.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: In this photo illustration, the prompt screen from the Grok AI app is displayed on an ipad, on January 12, 2026 in London, England. Today the UK communications regulator Ofcom launches a formal investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X regarding its AI chatbot, Grok.??The probe centres on reports that Grok has been used to generate non-consensual sexual deepfakes, including "undressed" images of women and sexualised images of children. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Grok has a standalone tab within the X app and website (Picture: Getty Images Europe)

Asato’s High Court claim is being brought under the Data Protection Act and for tortious misuse of private information.

Goshawk, director of business development at the domestic abuse and sexual violence charity, Solace, says it should mark a change in our approach to online safety.

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‘Removing the tools alone does not get to the heart of this issue, which is that our society values women’s privacy and dignity less,’ Goshawk says.

At the end of the day, Asato says she’s not asking for much – no woman is.

‘It’s making sure that women are free to be ourselves in online spaces without the fear,’ she adds, ‘of being turned into pornography if you say something a man doesn’t like.’

xAI has been approached for comment.

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Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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Steve Darou appointed executive head chef at Swinton Estate

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Steve Darou appointed executive head chef at Swinton Estate

Swinton Estate, near Ripon, has announced the appointment of Steve Darou as Executive Head Chef, joining the estate on June 8.

Darou joins from St. John restaurants in London, where he served as Group Head Chef.

The estate says he brings with him a deep respect for ingredient-led cooking, seasonality and the resourceful nose-to-tail philosophy that has made St. John one of the UK’s most influential culinary institutions.

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Sheep gives birth to five lambs at Swinton Estate in Masham

That experience will strengthen Swinton’s estate-to-plate ethos still further, and focus on the connection between land and kitchen, championing whole-animal butchery, and ensuring the estate’s produce is used with imagination, integrity and minimal waste.

A key part of his role will be to develop the wider team of chefs so that they build a deeper understanding of how to handle and use ingredients from across the county, creating a more authentic expression of Swinton’s land, people and provenance.

 Steve Darou said: “I am delighted to be joining Swinton and leading the food offering across the estate. Having grown up in Canada with a strong connection to foraging and fishing, I have always held a deep respect for produce and provenance.

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 “After 12 years with St. John in London, I am excited to work with the team to realise the full potential of one of the country’s great estates, from its exceptional walled kitchen garden to the wider landscape that shapes its identity. It is a rare opportunity to create food that is not only delicious, but truly rooted in place.”

 Alongside these wider developments, Josh Barnes will conclude his time at the Chef’s Table at Swinton on July 5, bringing to a close an important chapter in the evolution of the estate’s culinary offering.

During his tenure, the Chef’s Table was awarded 3 AA Rosettes and received Michelin recognition. Further details of the next chapter for the experience will be announced in due course.

General Manager Ramune Aleks added: “This is an exciting moment for Swinton, and we are delighted to welcome Steve to the estate.

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“His appointment reflects our ambition to build a kitchen culture that combines exceptional cooking with a deeper understanding of provenance, seasonality and regenerative hospitality, while making the very most of the extraordinary produce and farming heritage around us.”

 

 

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Andi Oliver: ‘I always find the best food on holiday by asking one question’

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Andi Oliver: 'I always find the best food on holiday by asking one question'
Andi Oliver let Metro snoop through her kitchen (Picture: Andi Oliver)

Welcome back to What’s Cooking, Metro’s food series, taking a peek inside the nation’s kitchens.

This week we’re at home with chef and presenter, Andi Oliver, who is best known as the host of the BBC’s Great British Menu.

After replacing Prue Leith on the show and working as a judge for four seasons, Andi took over the mantle of host in 2020. 

However, the 63-year-old hasn’t always worked with food. She actually started her career as a singer in the band Rip Rig + Panic in the 80s.

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If you’ve ever wondered what a TV chef really eats at home when the cameras aren’t rolling, we’ve got the answers, as well as her top tips for finding the most delicious dishes when travelling.

A look inside Andi Oliver's kitchen for Metro's What's Cooking series
The chef and presenter is the host of the Great British Menu (Picture: Andi Oliver)

First, tell us a secret. What’s your most unhinged snack obsession?

I’m addicted to this vegan caramelised white chocolate by Ombar. It’s so nice and creamy, I eat it every single day.

Usually, I don’t have a massive sweet tooth, but now I have to have at least two squares of this after dinner, otherwise I feel a bit weird.

I went on holiday to Antigua recently, and I’m so obsessed that I had to take some of it with me. I literally had 10 bars of it in my suitcase.

Ombar caramelised white chocolate bars in Andi's fridge
Ombar is the 63-year-old’s current obsession (Picture: Andi Oliver)

Do you have any tips for finding the best food when travelling?

I like to find out what local people are eating. So I always ask the cab drivers for their recommendations. They’ll tell you where to go, and it’ll be some random little cafe that you’d likely never have found by yourself.

I was taken to the best jerk and barbecue place in Jamaica. It was in this little clearing in the Blue Mountains, and I’m so glad we asked, because if not, I would have completely missed it.

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You can also ask people in local food markets where they like to go, or speak to the experts at Intrepid Travel.

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I’m a massive fan of what they do, which is why I’m working with them on their new Endangered Dishes campaign to highlight 10 iconic global dishes facing extinction due to overtourism and climate change

These are more than just delicious things on the plate; these are our human stories. These recipes tell the stories of the movement of people, why we’re in the places we are, how we got there, how we connected, and how we thrived as people all over the world.

We need to preserve, celebrate, and encourage people to experience these beautiful dishes.

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Intrepid Travel’s 10 endangered dishes…

10. Kwun Tong Gao (Jumbo Soup Dumplings)
 
9. Petkhvis Chvishtvari (Black Millet Patty)
 
8. Inanchila (Sacred Sticky-Rice Tongue Dessert)
 
7. Traditional Gumbo with Filé Powder
 
6. Hand-rolled, Kettle-boiled Bagels
 
5. Tlacoyos with Maiz Criollo (Heirloom Native Corn)
 
4. Chelsea Bun
 
3. Cuscos Transmontanos com Coelho (Transmontanos Couscous with Rabbit Stew)
 
2. Mosbolletjies (Grape Must Buns)
 
1. Funazushi / Narezushi (The Original Sushi)

Which dish always reminds you of your childhood?

Banana pancakes. My mum used to make them every day, and we’d eat them with savoury food in Antigua.

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You can make them from pumpkin or banana, and they’re a cross between a pancake and a fritter. They’re delicious, and you can have them with everything.

Name one thing that’s always in your fridge…

A look inside Andi Oliver's fridge
Andi always has oat milk in the fridge (Picture: Andi Oliver)

I don’t have dairy, so I buy oat milk, and I specifically like to get pistachio oat milk.

I’ve got one of those Nespresso machines, and you can get matcha and vanilla pods. I mix that with pistachio oat milk, and then put a little bit of honey and add a tiny drop of orange blossom water in there – it’s a trick I learned from a woman in San Antonia, and it’s absolutely delicious.

What about in your store cupboard?

A look inside Andi's store cupboard, as she holds up tinned fish
Tinned fish is always in the cupboard (Picture: Andi Oliver)

I love tinned fish, like big time, and I’ll make sardines on toast with shaved, raw onion, a fudgy boiled egg, and a little bit of green seasoning on top, which is a mix of herbs, spring onion, and garlic. 

That’s a real Antiguian breakfast/lunch thing to eat, with a side of avocado.

And in the freezer?

I always have stock or bone broth in my freezer, and I’m quite a fan of Itsu dumplings.

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I’ll cook the dumplings in a pan, straight from frozen, and add some of the green seasoning I mentioned earlier, plus a splash of stock, and some butter. You get this really lovely, buttery chicken stock sauce. 

Top it with some spinach and put the lid on while it finishes cooking, and that’s a really banging, quick lunch.

A look inside Andi Oliver's freezer, with bone broth and Itsu dumplings
Itsu dumplings and frozen stock are her freezer must-haves (Picture: Andi Oliver)

Is there anything you can’t resist splurging on at the supermarket?

I do like a nice £40 bottle of champagne, like Fleury. That goes down very well in this house, and I’m partial to it with some elderflower cordial. 

What do you prefer to get the cheap own-brand version of from the supermarket?

Tinned beans. There’s been a real thing lately where everybody’s buying beans in glass jars, but you don’t need fancy ones. People will always find a way to tell you to buy something more expensive, but I’ve been eating beans out of tins since I was born, and they’re fantastic.

Finally, what’s been cooking lately?

Traditional file gumbo from Louisiana
The filé gumbo is at risk of going ‘extinct’ (Picture: Intrepid Travel)

I’m currently working my way through all 10 of the Endangered Dishes and bringing them to life. 

Recently, I’ve made chicken and oxtail gumbo from Louisiana, which is a filé gumbo. It has a roux, which is thickened with the filé powder (dried and ground leaves from a sassafras tree). 

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It’s not an easy dish to cook; it takes hours, and there’s definitely some skill involved, but it was really interesting and exciting to make.

Want to take part in What’s Cooking and let Metro raid your kitchen at home? Email courtney.pochin@metro.co.uk  

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‘In demand’ Argos lamp charges Apple iPhones and goes ‘beyond expectations’

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Wales Online

‘The phone charger is very handy, I can’t find anything not to like’

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Argos shoppers have been raving about a versatile desk lamp that serves several other purposes including charging smartphones. The model in question is available at Argos, which has highlighted the £40 Groov-e Ares LED Charging Desk Lamp as an ‘in demand’ item.

The standout feature of the lamp is its built-in 10W wireless charging pad, which can be used to charge compatible wireless charging devices such as smartphones and tablets by placing them on the base. This includes gadgets from brands like Apple and Samsung, with users reporting ‘no issues’ charging iPhones.

Available in black or white, the multifunctional Groov-e lamp also has a digital screen on the stem that can display the time, calendar or room temperature, as well as serving as a built-in alarm clock. It’s cleverly designed with a backup battery that ensures the alarm still operates should mains power be lost.

READ MORE:

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As for lighting, it features a built-in LED bulb with three modes – warm, warm white and cool – plus a dinner mode, with five variable settings in each mode. All of these are selectable with a simple tap of the touch control pad, so users can select the best brightness to suit the mood whether working, reading or watching TV.

The Groov-e Ares lamp is designed with a folding arm that can be easily adjusted to angle the light where needed and a compact frame suitable for a range of desk sizes. It also boasts a one metre cable providing flexibility of placement.

Groov-e Ares LED Charging Desk Lamp

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£40

Argos

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Buy Now on Argos

The Groov-e Ares LED Charging Desk Lamp can charge compatible wireless charging devices like Apple and Samsung smartphones.

A similar lamp is on sale at Amazon, where the BIENSER LED Desk Lamp with Wireless Charging costs £27.99. Despite its lower cost, this model offers a total of 50 lighting choices and can also charge compatible devices.

Elsewhere, more traditional lamps are available at Dusk, where the £49 Emer Scallop Edge Reactive Glaze Table Lamp has received a perfect five-star rating. As for the Groov-e Ares LED Charging Desk Lamp, Argos customers have awarded it a 4.6-star rating after more than 40 reviews, with some saying it goes ‘beyond expectations’.

“It goes above and beyond my expectations,” one shopper said. “The light features are brilliant as well as the temp readings and the fact it has wireless charging [is] a bonus.”

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Another said: “Nice lamp with brightness and tone adjustment which is excellent when working late into the night. I have [an] iPhone 12 and there are no issues with charging, while charging a discreet red LED on the base will turn green when the phone is fully charged. I would recommend the light.”

However, the same buyer also highlighted one ‘bugbear’, adding: “One bugbear is the buttons at the back are flush and therefore difficult to find when adjusting the time/date.”

Nevertheless, another five-star review says: “Excellent bedside light, I bought two for my bedroom. Good variety of brightness, clear clock and temperature readout. The phone charger is very handy too – can’t find anything not to like.”

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Cambridge Riverside improvement plans divide locals as some call it ‘great project’

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Cambridgeshire Live

The Greater Cambridge Partnership wants to make the Riverside route safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists – but not everyone agrees it’s the right priority

Readers of Cambridgeshire Live have been weighing in on proposals to upgrade a well-loved riverside route in Cambridge. Many are in favour of creating a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, while others argue that the funding would be better spent repairing the roads.

The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) says Riverside is used daily by thousands of pedestrians and cyclists. The route forms part of the Bottisham Greenway.

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A GCP spokesperson said: “The GCP wants to enhance Riverside to create a safer, more accessible and more enjoyable route into the city and surrounding areas.” Riverside runs from the Elizabeth Way bridge to Stourbridge Common. The GCP’s proposals include:

  • Wider, more consistent footways;
  • New resting spots with planting and accessible seating;
  • Clearer signage and improved pedestrian crossings;
  • Safe, secure cycle parking.

Jonathan Camp, GCP Project Manager, said: “Riverside is already enjoyed by many people. These proposals aim to make it safer, greener and more inviting – a place where you can move easily, meet friends or simply enjoy being by the river. We’re asking everyone who uses Riverside to tell us what they think so we can create something that reflects what the community needs.”

A public consultation on the proposals is open until Monday, 13 July, at 11.59pm. You can access the link HERE.

One reader, Nocyclinganywhere comments: “Another vanity project and complete waste of money. Another project for cyclists that will be like all the others and not get used, if cyclists want these vanity projects, they should pay for them.”

Garyblowpants writes: “A great project! More road funds should be funneled to cyclists instead of being wasted on motorists.”

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Tartan53 asks: “Does the CGP have an overall plan to interfere and ‘improve’ every road in Cambridge, surprised there was no reference to the ‘millions’ of cyclists who use this route everyday.”

Bobbymcbobface says: “To be fair, when I pass through there, there are always loads of runners on the road; it may be safer if they had a proper pavement to use.”

Over on our Facebook page, Stephen R comments: “Another great development. Can’t wait.”

Frank G believes: “What a waste of money.”

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Martin L-S writes: “Excellent scheme to benefit pedestrians, long overdue. As the picture shows, the pavement by the river just stops half-way along Riverside, forcing people to walk in the roadway.”

Tom R adds: “This whole riverside has huge potential (and established use). It would benefit greatly from more ‘active transport’ facilities.”

Trevor P says: “Could widen the river here to allow floating restaurants and mooring for boat trips up the river to Ely, making a proper riverside promenade with coffee stands, snacks etc.”

Sue R thinks: “Here we go again, GCP, the ones that just pop into Cambridge now and again to see how they can spend more money on vanity projects. Yes, it would be nice, definitely Camcycle would be very happy, but wouldn’t it be better to improve some of the pavements and roads that are really in need of repair first around Cambridge?

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“I walk along the river there, and never have I found it to be overcrowded with ‘thousands’ of pedestrians and cyclists. Never seen an accident with the cyclists and pedestrians, although I’m not saying there hasn’t been one with the speed some of the cyclists seem to think they need to go.”

Eco Nick writes: “I remember when they sorted it out not long ago. Again? Not needed. Sorry to bang on about it, but resurface the roads. For all road users. I am totally against this plan. It is fine. I cycle it a lot. Litterpick it too.”

Does the riverside need to be improved? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

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