OpenAI is to expand its London research centre to become its largest hub outside the United States, setting the stage for an intensified battle with Google DeepMind for top artificial intelligence talent in the UK capital.

The developer of ChatGPT said it would significantly increase the size of its London operation, which currently employs around 30 researchers, although it stopped short of disclosing specific headcount targets or investment figures. The move represents a strategic deepening of its UK presence at a time when competition for elite AI engineers has become one of the fiercest recruitment wars in global technology.

OpenAI, whose European headquarters remain in Dublin, said London offered a “unique concentration of world-class talent across machine learning and the sciences” alongside a strong culture of interdisciplinary collaboration.

The expansion is widely seen as a direct challenge to DeepMind, which employs about 2,000 staff in the UK and has long dominated Britain’s AI research ecosystem.

Mark Chen, OpenAI’s chief research officer, acknowledged that the company had already recruited staff from DeepMind and expected to continue doing so. He said OpenAI’s appeal lay partly in its culture.

“We are famously a bottom-up lab,” Chen said. “We let researchers pursue their lines of research and turn those into company-level bets.” By contrast, he suggested, Google’s approach could be “slightly more top-down”.

The contest for AI talent has driven compensation to extraordinary levels. Senior engineers at major AI labs can command packages worth well over £1m, often made up of salary, bonuses and equity. In the United States, reports have emerged of multi-million-dollar offers as firms scramble to secure leading researchers.

As a private company, OpenAI can offer equity stakes that may rise significantly in value if the firm eventually lists publicly. It has also facilitated secondary share sales, allowing employees to monetise part of their holdings — creating a powerful recruitment incentive.

Chen said compensation would remain “very competitive”, adding: “AI talent is very valuable and we need to be competitive everywhere.”

The expansion was welcomed by UK political leaders eager to position Britain as a global AI powerhouse.

Technology secretary Liz Kendall described the move as “a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s world-leading position at the cutting edge of AI research”.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said he was “delighted that OpenAI is anchoring its major new research hub here”, arguing that the capital’s academic institutions and tech ecosystem made it a natural home for the next wave of AI innovation.

The announcement comes as the UK government seeks to attract high-growth technology firms as part of its broader economic strategy, positioning AI as a central driver of productivity and competitiveness.

OpenAI’s expansion follows internal warnings from its chief executive, Sam Altman, that the company faced mounting competition from rivals including Google and Anthropic. Altman has previously described the race in advanced AI development as a “code red” moment for the firm.

Chen said recent advances in so-called AI agents — autonomous software capable of executing tasks with limited supervision — marked a significant inflection point for the industry.

“Something is happening in AI that feels like a step change,” he said. “We’ve reached a level where we can rely on agents and use them in real-world workflows.”

He described how researchers can now delegate experiment execution to AI systems, returning to interpret results and refine hypotheses. This, he suggested, would increasingly reshape not only research roles but also broader “analyst-style” professions.

However, Chen cautioned that such systems remain dependent on human oversight and design. “Agents cannot ideate and come up with the experimental design itself,” he said.

As AI capabilities accelerate, public anxiety about job displacement and social impact has grown. Recent essays questioning the pace and implications of AI development have circulated widely, contributing to volatility in technology markets.

Chen acknowledged that “external perception of AI has shifted in a more negative direction” but argued that many practical applications — particularly in productivity and research — remain underappreciated.

“There are many positive uses of agents,” he said. “That’s something we as an industry need to underscore.”

With OpenAI committing to scale up in London, the capital is poised to become an even more intense battleground in the global race to dominate advanced AI — with research talent, equity incentives and cultural positioning now as important as computing power itself.

Walmart has agreed to a $100 million judgment to settle allegations that it deceived delivery drivers about their pay and tips, the Federal Trade Commission announced Thursday — a move FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson touted as “a huge win for American workers.”

“We had been investigating Walmart and its representations that it was making to its delivery drivers that millions of Americans use all across the country, and the consumers who are using the delivery services, about how much delivery drivers were going to be paid, whether the entirety of your tip was actually going to go to drivers, which is what Walmart was telling both drivers and consumers,” Ferguson told “Varney & Co.”

“What we concluded in our investigation is that… Walmart was misrepresenting both how much drivers were going to get paid and where tips were going, both to drivers and consumers, and that meant that drivers were denied millions and millions of dollars that they thought they were going to get when they signed up to do these jobs for Walmart.”

UBER IN HOT SEAT AS PROBE FINDS VIOLENT OFFENDERS WERE CLEARED TO DRIVE PASSENGERS: REPORT

Andrew Ferguson, chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), during a Bloomberg Television interview in Washington, D.C. on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025.  (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Ferguson said the settlement will require Walmart to pay $100 million to drivers who “were denied the full compensation that they had been promised.”

He said the development also requires the company to “redo its business practices to make sure drivers get what they’re promised” and ensure representations made to both drivers and consumers are “correct [and] accurate,” and that the company “will live up to its promises.”

The FTC, along with 11 states, accused the retail giant of deceiving Spark delivery drivers about “base pay, incentive pay and tips they could earn,” leaving them to “lose tens of millions of dollars’ worth of earnings,” according to the agency’s public affairs office.

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This photo shows a Walmart store exterior in Salinas, Calif. on April 8, 2014.  (iStock / iStock)

“Labor markets cannot function efficiently without truthful and non-misleading information about earnings and other material terms,” FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Christopher Mufarrige said in the press release.

A Walmart spokesperson told Reuters that the company has compensated affected drivers and is continuing to issue additional payments where necessary.

“We value the hard work and dedication of the drivers who deliver great service and products to our customers… We are continuously improving procedures to ensure fairness and transparency for drivers,” the spokesperson told the outlet.

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Ferguson told FOX Business that the outcome isn’t limited to Walmart.

“Any of the sort of gig delivery services that try to induce people to do deliveries by making promises about compensation have to be honest about those promises, and we’re going to hold everyone to account – not just Walmart,” he said.

The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, stretched into its fourth week on Thursday with authorities preparing to return her Tucson-area home to the family following a final FBI evidence sweep.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen entering her residence on Jan. 31, 2026, and was reported missing Feb. 1 after failing to appear at church. Investigators quickly classified the case as an abduction, citing evidence that she was taken against her will. Multiple ransom notes have surfaced, though details remain limited to protect the investigation.

In a emotional video posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Savannah Guthrie announced that her family is offering up to $1 million for information leading to her mother’s safe return — or recovery if the worst is feared.

“We are desperate to find her,” Savannah Guthrie said in the video. “We also know that she may be lost. She may already be gone.” The plea highlighted the family’s anguish after more than three weeks without contact.

The reward announcement triggered an immediate surge in tips. A senior official familiar with the probe told NBC News that the FBI tip line has received over 23,000 calls since the disappearance began, including more than 750 in the first 12 hours after the reward was publicized. Authorities describe some as credible, though no arrests or named suspects have been announced publicly.

On Wednesday, a flurry of FBI activity at the Guthrie home signaled a final forensic sweep before releasing the property back to the family. Sources told multiple outlets, including NBC News, NewsNation and the New York Post, that agents collected additional evidence, including mixed DNA samples noted earlier in the investigation. The return of the home marks a procedural shift as the case enters a prolonged phase without major breakthroughs.

Pima County authorities and the FBI have released limited details, including doorbell footage showing a masked individual with a backpack near the property, possibly surveilling it beforehand. Volunteers have assisted in searches, discovering items like a backpack in a nearby storm drain, but connections to the case remain unconfirmed.

Online speculation has swirled, with some amateur investigators focusing on individuals peripherally connected to the family, including a bandmate of one son-in-law. Dominic Evans, identified in reports as a schoolteacher, publicly denied any involvement in interviews, telling The New York Times that false accusations stem from “clickbait” and misinformation.

A recent briefing featured a county sheriff addressing “new developments,” though specifics were not disclosed publicly. Retired FBI agents consulted by media outlets have noted the challenges in abduction cases involving elderly victims, emphasizing the importance of tips while cautioning against premature conclusions.

Savannah Guthrie has used her platform sparingly but powerfully, urging the public to come forward. The family has expressed willingness to pay a ransom if demanded, though no verified contact from abductors has been confirmed in recent reports.

The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence as a journalist and co-anchor. Colleagues and viewers have rallied in support, amplifying calls for information.

As Day 26 dawned, optimism remained tempered by the passage of time. Investigators continue canvassing leads, analyzing evidence and following up on the influx of tips spurred by the reward. The FBI maintains an active tip line, and authorities urge anyone with information — no matter how small — to contact them.

The Guthrie family continues to hold out hope amid the uncertainty. “We just want her home,” Savannah Guthrie has repeatedly emphasized.

Between her hard work on the court as a WNBA superstar, and her duties as a mother at home, Breanna Stewart needs some caffeine throughout the day to keep her going.

But Stewart isn’t just drinking any coffee to get her fix — she’s partnered with a brand that is perfect for the pro athlete she is.

Stewart has joined Throne SPORT COFFEE, becoming the first female athlete to partner with the brand that prides itself on being much more than just a coffee provider. It has natural caffeine, 100% daily value of vitamin B and is NSF Certified for Sport.

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WNBA star Breanna Stewart became the first female athlete to partner with Throne SPORT COFFEE. (Throne SPORT COFFEE / Fox News)

Beverage industry vet Michael Fedele created the COFFEE PLUS+ formula for both the brand’s premium charges lattes and cold brews, which offers 150mg of natural caffeine as well as 10 grams of protein for recovery — just what’s needed for athletes like Stewart.

“It just seems really natural and fitting for me,” she told FOX Business in an exclusive interview about the partnership. “I think that being an athlete, being a mom, there’s so many reasons why we constantly need caffeine. But to have it in a healthy way, and also have the protein in it — every time I walk in the gym I’m having one. I’m letting everyone know that not only am I drinking coffee, but I’m getting so positive protein benefit as well.”

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Stewart said that she loves to go with the mocha, salted caramel or just plain black coffee. But it’s the perfect pick-me-up when she’s ready to take the court, hit the gym or get in any physical activity to better herself for her games.

Stewart also joins a star-studded group of partners, which includes Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, becoming an immediate face of the coffee brand.

Breanna Stewart of the Mist reacts against the Lunar Owls during the second half of the Unrivaled 2026 game at Sephora Arena on Jan. 17, 2026 in Medley, Florida. (Tomas Diniz Santos/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“It’s a huge win and I think just to see athletes like myself [and] Patrick Mahomes continue to partner with Throne just shows why. Because all of these supplements — vitamin B, protein and natural caffeine — is essential to help us be our best on and off the court, or on and off the field, they say in football. I’m really excited it all came to fruition.”

Today, professional athletes have to worry about what they put in their bodies more than ever considering regulations and banned substances.

What sets Throne SPORT COFFEE apart from the rest is having its products independently tested and NSF Certified for Sport, meaning athletes like Stewart, and every other consumer, knows that quality and safety are in the beverage.

“As an athlete, you don’t want to think about [it], or constantly check labels, especially with the national team and those type of things coming up. Knowing it’s a safe and healthy drink is perfect for us,” she said.

Breanna Stewart of the Mist shoots the ball against the Vinyl during the fourth quarter of the game at Sephora Arena on Jan. 25, 2026 in Medley, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images / Getty Images)

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While Throne SPORT COFFEE is spotted in the fridges at Unrivaled Basketball, Stewart’s three-on-three league she co-founded with fellow WNBA star Napheesa Collier, she’s excited to get back with her Liberty teammates and get them involved, too.

“Once I get back to New York, I’ll make sure I put some in the locker room on a consistent basis,” she said.

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Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, continues to reshape industries from space exploration to artificial intelligence, with his recent acquisition of xAI by SpaceX marking one of the most significant corporate consolidations in history.

The February 2026 merger, which valued the combined entity at $1.25 trillion — SpaceX at $1 trillion and xAI at $250 billion — has positioned Musk’s ventures as a vertically integrated powerhouse spanning rockets, satellites, AI development, and social media through X (formerly Twitter). Musk described the move in a SpaceX blog post as creating “the most ambitious, vertically-integrated innovation engine on (and off) Earth,” with plans to deploy AI data centers in orbit powered by limitless solar energy and Starlink connectivity.

The deal comes amid Musk’s push to overcome terrestrial constraints on AI compute, including energy shortages, regulatory hurdles, and land limitations. Experts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of orbital data centers due to launch costs, radiation risks, latency issues, and maintenance challenges, but Musk has doubled down, stating in recent comments that SpaceX is shifting focus toward building a “self-growing city” on the moon within the next decade.

Musk’s net worth, estimated by Forbes at around $845 billion to nearing $900 billion as of late February 2026, edges closer to trillionaire status, driven largely by SpaceX’s valuation surge and Tesla’s ongoing role in the electric vehicle and autonomy markets. A new Oxfam analysis highlighted Tesla’s contribution to U.S. inequality as a factor in Musk’s wealth accumulation, noting his extreme fortune amid broader economic disparities.

Tesla faces headwinds, including a first-ever annual revenue decline reported earlier in 2026 and a federal judge’s decision upholding a $243 million verdict in a fatal Autopilot crash case from 2019. Despite these, Musk has teased advancements in Full Self-Driving software, including upcoming voice commands, and progress on the Cybercab robotaxi. He recently claimed Tesla has “solved” dry electrode manufacturing, a key hurdle for next-generation batteries.

In AI, Musk’s xAI — now under the SpaceX umbrella — continues developing Grok, facing scrutiny from regulators. The European Union launched probes into Grok’s features over deepfake capabilities, including nonconsensual undressing images, while U.S. House Democrats opened an investigation into similar concerns on X. Musk has countered criticisms, including accusing rival Anthropic of large-scale data theft for training its Claude model, sharing Community Notes alleging a $1.5 billion settlement over pirated books.

Musk’s political influence remains prominent. He has advocated for stricter election laws, endorsing the SAVE Act with photo ID requirements ahead of the 2026 midterms, warning that without it, democracy could end. On X, he frequently comments on Senate proceedings, criticizing delays on voter integrity bills and mocking what he called a “dog parade” in the chamber instead of legislative action.

Other ventures show momentum. The Boring Company is tunneling simultaneously in Nevada, Texas, and Tennessee at costs reportedly 99% lower than traditional methods, expanding projects like the Vegas Loop and Nashville Music City Loop. Neuralink’s brain-computer interface work has inspired a surge in similar efforts in China.

Musk’s public statements on X often spark controversy. He recently called Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum a potential “cartel plant” without evidence following a major cartel leader’s death, prompting her government to consider legal action. He also reignited his feud with Bill Gates, posting “Karma is real” in response to reports about Gates and linking it to Tesla short sellers, while warning that Tesla’s potential dominance could bankrupt even Gates.

In a recent all-hands meeting at xAI, Musk emphasized speed in AI development, massive compute scaling, and future breakthroughs like code-free binary generation. The Pentagon reached a deal to use Grok in classified systems, underscoring xAI’s growing role in defense applications.

As Musk’s companies intertwine more tightly, questions persist about governance in his sprawling empire, potential conflicts of interest, and the long-term viability of ambitious goals like lunar cities and orbital AI. Yet his track record of defying skeptics — from reusable rockets to mass-market EVs — keeps investors and observers watching closely.

The SpaceX-xAI merger, ahead of a potential SpaceX IPO later in 2026, may redefine how private conglomerates operate in emerging tech frontiers. For now, Musk’s focus remains outward — toward the stars, where he sees the future of intelligence unbound by Earth’s limits.

Roofing Supplies Group expanding at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone

Plans for a huge new storage and distribution centre which could bring in extra jobs have been given the green light.

Blackpool Council’s planning committee, meeting on Tuesday February 25, unanimously approved the reserved reserved matters application for the construction of the new 1,742sqm facility at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

Applicants Roofing Supplies Group Ltd are looking to expand further, having become one of the leading independent roofing merchants in the North West.

The firm already has two existing depots close to the application site and it is intended to amalgamate the operations of both onto the new development with a modern, fit for purpose facility.

The Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone is a 144-hectare economic development area spanning Blackpool and Fylde, established in 2016 to create up to 5,000 jobs by 2041.

It already features over 200 businesses, specialising in aviation, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology, but it is undergoing a major expansion, with a new £18.5m access road and infrastructure works set to complete this year, opening up 10.5 hectares of new development land. The new storage and distribution centre is part of that developing landscape.

A planning statement on behalf of the applicants stated: “Roofing Supplies Group Ltd were established in 2001 and have since grown to become a leading independent roofing merchant in the North West.

“The company specialises in supplying a comprehensive range of roofing materials for both pitched and flat roof developments.

“They currently have branches in St Annes, Manchester, St Helens, Morecambe, Carlisle, Deeside and Burnley and are looking to improve the efficiency of their business.

“The company has two existing depots close to the application site and it is intended to amalgamate the operations of both onto the new development with a modern, fit for purpose facility. “

The proposals comprise a double heighted storage and distribution facility with mezzanine floor, with the ridge height of the building measuring 7.902m.

The scheme also includes a service yard to the rear of the site, containing the bin store as well as open storage racking, and extensive landscaping.

The earlier outline planning consent, which was approved last year, included several conditions which the applicants agree will be adhered to throughout the development of this project.

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.