Author: Andrew Rogers

Reddit has overtaken TikTok to become Britain’s fourth most visited social media site.The shift reflects changing search algorithms and growing demand for human-generated content. According to Ofcom, Reddit’s UK reach has risen by 88% in two years.Around three in five UK internet users now visit the platform. Growth is strongest among younger users.More than 75% of people aged 18 to 24 use Reddit, making it the sixth most visited site for that group. A key driver has been changes to Google’s search algorithm, which now favours forum discussions.Reddit’s content is also used to train AI models by Google and OpenAI.…

West Ham United have strengthened their attack by signing Pablo Felipe from Gil Vicente and agreeing a deal for Taty Castellanos of Lazio. The two forwards will cost up to £47m combined, as manager Nuno Espírito Santo looks to boost survival hopes.West Ham rejected a move for Jørgen Strand Larsen after baulking at Wolves’ £40m valuation. Pablo joins for £18.3m plus add-ons after scoring nine goals in Portugal this season.Castellanos arrives for about £26.1m following talks with Lazio. West Ham sit 18th and are short of strikers after Niclas Füllkrug left on loan.A centre-back and further departures are also expected…

Global oil prices fell almost 20% in 2025, marking their sharpest annual drop since 2020.It was also the first time markets recorded three consecutive years of losses. Analysts blame persistent oversupply despite conflicts in key producing regions.Crude briefly fell below $60 a barrel for the first time in nearly five years. The International Energy Agency expects supply to exceed demand by 3.8m barrels a day this year.Opec has delayed planned production increases, but output remains high. Brent crude ended the year at $60.85 a barrel, down from nearly $74 a year earlier.US oil prices saw a similar decline. Weaker global…

Adorable grey seal pups have been photographed at Donna Nook Nature Reserve on the Lincolnshire coast.The site near Louth attracts hundreds of visitors during the pupping season each year. The season usually runs from October to December.This year, 1,924 pups were born at the reserve. That figure is 274 higher than last year, which saw a notable decline.Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust said the increase was welcome. All adult seals have now returned to sea.Twelve pups were still visible from the viewing area earlier this week.

America has launched a historic nationwide volunteer initiative. Called “America Gives,” this year-long campaign is part of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The movement aims to make 2026 the largest year of civic service in U.S. history. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission announced the initiative, highlighting its goal to encourage citizens to take action in their communities. Volunteers are invited to pledge time and support on key issues such as food insecurity, environmental cleanup, and community assistance programs. Officials emphasized that the campaign seeks to inspire Americans of all ages to get involved. By combining national efforts with local action, the…

West Ham United are preparing an opening bid for Jørgen Strand Larsen as they fight relegation.Manager Nuno Espírito Santo wants attacking reinforcements in January. Wolverhampton Wanderers are believed to value the striker at £40m.Strand Larsen has scored three league goals this season for bottom-placed Wolves. The 25-year-old impressed last year after joining from Celta Vigo, scoring 14 goals.That form previously attracted interest from Newcastle United. West Ham sit 18th and see a new striker as crucial to survival.They are set to loan Niclas Füllkrug to AC Milan. Nuno has also considered Ellis Simms and Haji Wright.A loan move for Nathan…

Sam Altman is offering a $555,000 salary to fill one of the most demanding roles in artificial intelligence.The new head of preparedness at OpenAI will oversee defences against serious AI risks. The role includes monitoring threats to mental health, cybersecurity, and biological safety.It also involves preparing for future systems that may train themselves. Altman warned the job would be stressful and require immediate immersion.He said the position is critical as AI capabilities accelerate rapidly. Industry leaders have raised growing concerns about loss of control.Demis Hassabis has warned of AI causing harm if it goes “off the rails”. With little global…

New airline routes from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic are opening significant opportunities for tourism, trade, and diaspora travel. Flights to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana are now available, providing easier access for travelers across the region. These new routes make it simpler for U.S. residents to visit the Caribbean for vacations, business, or family trips. Airlines are offering convenient schedules and competitive fares, attracting both first-time and frequent travelers. Santo Domingo and Punta Cana are among the most popular destinations in the Dominican Republic. Tourists can enjoy beaches, resorts, cultural landmarks, and local cuisine. The increase in flights…

Louis Gerstner, the executive credited with rescuing IBM from decline, has died aged 83.IBM confirmed his death on Sunday. Gerstner led IBM as chair and CEO from 1993 to 2002, a turbulent period for the company.It faced intense competition from rivals including Microsoft and Sun Microsystems. As the first outsider to run IBM, Gerstner rejected plans to break it into smaller units.He argued customers wanted integrated solutions, not fragmented technology. Current IBM chief Arvind Krishna said that decision proved critical to the company’s survival.He praised Gerstner’s focus on client needs and long-term relevance. IBM had lost ground after the rise…

Arsenal overcame a late scare to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.The win sent Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League after another narrow victory. Arsenal dominated early and took the lead through Martin Ødegaard just before half-time.The captain finished calmly after Bukayo Saka capitalised on a Brighton mistake. The hosts doubled their advantage soon after the break when Georginio Rutter turned a Declan Rice corner into his own net.Despite control and numerous chances, Arsenal failed to put the game beyond reach. Brighton pulled one back unexpectedly through Diego Gómez after the ball rebounded…