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The UK government has instructed HS2 Ltd to assess the feasibility of operating its high-speed trains at reduced speeds, aiming to curb escalating costs and facilitate an earlier launch in the 2030s. The proposal involves limiting train speeds to 186mph (300km/h), a significant decrease from the initially planned 224mph. Potentially billions of pounds in savings could be achieved through this adjustment, which would bring the project more in line with typical European high-speed rail standards. Currently, most UK trains operate at a maximum speed of 125mph, while HS1 trains serving Kent and the Channel tunnel reach up to 186mph. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has commissioned HS2 Ltd to report back on the potential savings from slower trains before the summer recess. This development follows a review by HS2's new CEO, Mark Wild, who has been working to regain control of the project's costs and delays. Alexander acknowledged the challenges facing the project, stating that previous plans significantly underestimated the work required. Despite these challenges, she praised Wild's leadership and noted that HS2 is now making progress, having completed the excavation of all 23 miles of deep tunnels needed for the initial stage of the railway. The project's overall budget is expected to be reassessed and restated in 2026 prices, with predictions that it will exceed £100bn due to soaring inflation and rising labour and steel costs. As of now, the total expenditure stands at £46.2bn at current prices. Government sources suggest that the original design for the world's fastest railway was “gold-plated” and “needlessly overspecced”, contributing to the cost overruns. Wild emphasized that speed was never the primary objective, and the railway's focus should be on delivering better journeys, increased network capacity, and economic growth.

The youth unemployment crisis has sparked a call for more comprehensive support for young people seeking jobs. Many argue that the current system fails to adequately address the challenges faced by this demographic, leading to a cycle of rejection, confusion, and anxiety. The need for a revamped support system is underscored by the reality that young people often face significant barriers when entering the job market. The threat of losing benefits for not meeting job search requirements can undermine trust and engagement, making it even more difficult for them to secure employment. To effectively tackle this issue, experts suggest that the government must rebuild trust by removing punitive measures and creating job centers that offer more personalized support. This includes providing young people with the time, resources, and relationships with work coaches who understand their ambitions and can help build their confidence. Young people's voices must be central to shaping the support designed for them. By incorporating their perspectives, the government can create more effective and targeted initiatives that address the specific needs of this demographic. The crisis is also attributed to government policies that have driven employers' decision-making. For instance, national insurance rises and increases in the minimum wage have made young people more expensive to employ, leading companies to opt for older, more experienced workers. Furthermore, the rise in young people out of work due to ill health reflects a deeper erosion of stability. The article argues that secure, humane work is not an optional extra but a public health intervention, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing youth unemployment.

The Trump administration has announced it will pay French energy major TotalEnergies $1 billion to kill plans to construct wind farms off the US east coast. This decision comes as a fuel crisis triggered by the war in Iran drives up global fossil fuel prices.The deal is the latest blow to the US offshore wind industry, which has faced repeated disruptions to multi-billion-dollar projects under Donald Trump. Trump has expressed his dislike for wind turbines, citing their ugliness, cost, and inefficiency, and his administration has moved to increase domestic fossil fuel production.In the deal, TotalEnergies will give up two offshore leases it had purchased off New York and North Carolina. The US Department of the Interior will reimburse the company $928 million it paid for the leases under Joe Biden. TotalEnergies has pledged not to develop any new offshore wind projects in the country and will invest nearly $1 billion this year in the development of four trains at the Rio Grande LNG plant in Texas, and the development of upstream conventional oil in the US Gulf and shale gas production.Critics of the deal, including climate advocates and environmental groups, argue that it will deepen the country's dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and undermine efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. They also point out that offshore wind projects can provide reliable and affordable power to the grid. The decision has been met with criticism from groups such as Oceantic Network, Evergreen Action, and Sierra Club, who argue that it will leave American consumers struggling to pay their electricity bills and undermine efforts to address climate change.

Huw Edwards, the former BBC presenter, has publicly criticized Channel 5 for producing a drama about his downfall without first verifying the facts with him. The two-part show, titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards and starring Martin Clunes, aired on Channel 5.Edwards was suspended from his role as a leading news anchor in 2023 after allegations surfaced that he had paid a teenager £35,000 for intimate images and conversations. He has since disputed the principal allegations made in the Sun.In a statement, Edwards expressed his disapproval of the production company Wonderhood, stating that they made no attempt to check the truth of their narrative before producing the drama. He also criticized Channel 5 for not allowing him to respond to the allegations before the show aired.Edwards added that he plans to produce his own account of the events and expressed deep regret and remorse for his crimes, having received a six-month sentence suspended for two years for possessing indecent images of children.A Channel 5 spokesperson defended the drama, stating that it was based on extensive interviews with the victim, his family, and court reporting, and that all allegations were put to Edwards via his solicitors before transmission.

The Orange Tree theatre in London is currently hosting a captivating production of Nicholas Wright's 2002 play, Vincent in Brixton. This poignant piece imagines a lesser-known chapter in the life of Vincent van Gogh, who spent a year in south London pursuing a career as an art dealer and possibly had a romantic relationship with his landlady or her daughter.In Georgia Green's tender production, the play blossoms into more than just a footnote in art history. The story revolves around Vincent, portrayed by Jeroen Frank Kales, and his landlady Ursula, played by Niamh Cusack. Their characters share a deep mental perturbation, uncovering a kinship in misery that eventually blossoms into romance.The setting, designed by Charlotte Henery, is a cozy kitchen on the Orange Tree stage, perfect for quiet confidences. The sound design by Donato Wharton adds a sensory layer with birdsong, the sound of pans on the stove, and the rush of Vincent's blood during his first kiss. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, with Cusack's rich-layered voice conveying Ursula's distraught emotions.The play is remarkable for its non-judgmental writing, allowing the characters to express their feelings in personal and poetic ways. The cast delivers full-hearted performances, including Rawaed Asde as the other lodger and Ayesha Ostler as Ursula's vigilant daughter. The relationship between Vincent and Ursula is portrayed as a brief, radiant interlude, offering a glimpse into Van Gogh's life before he found his vocation as an artist.This production of Vincent in Brixton runs at the Orange Tree theatre, London, until 18 April, offering audiences a chance to experience a unique and emotional exploration of restless souls.

The documentary 'Breaking the Cycle' shines a light on Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, a charismatic Thai politician and pro-democracy activist, who has captured the nation's attention with his progressive vision.As the founder of the Future Forward Party (FFP), Juangroongruangkit's message of correcting past wrongs and securing a brighter future resonated with students, working-class, and rural voters in Thailand.The FFP's campaign in the 2019 general election led to a stunning result, with the party securing the third-most seats in parliament, despite facing an onslaught of court cases from the ruling party.While the documentary provides an inspiring look at the progressive movement in Thailand, it could have benefited from a deeper analysis of Juangroongruangkit's policies and other key figures in the FFP.Nevertheless, 'Breaking the Cycle' serves as a vital reminder that progressive movements are thriving globally, even in the face of far-right rhetoric.

Jenni Murray, a trailblazing broadcaster and longest-serving presenter of Woman's Hour, has died at the age of 75. Murray brought a unique calm authority to the BBC Radio 4 weekday show for an impressive 33 years, transforming it into a platform for discussing subjects such as the menopause, domestic violence, genital mutilation, and sexual politics.Under Murray's tenure, which began in 1987, Woman's Hour evolved significantly from its origins in 1946 as a program focused on cooking, cleaning tips, and romantic serials. By the time Murray took over, the show had become a sisterhood of the airwaves, as described by the Sunday Times in 1996.Murray was renowned for her fearless and thoughtful questioning of guests, which included politicians, film stars, authors, poets, chefs, gardeners, lawyers, and anxious parents. One notable interview was with Margaret Thatcher in 1990, where Murray exposed the ideological differences between the feminist approach and Thatcher's views on childcare and gender equality.Murray also conducted incisive interviews with other prominent figures, including Edwina Currie, who revealed her affair with John Major, and Tessa Jowell, discussing her financial decisions. Her conversations were marked by a flair for the dramatic and a deep empathy for her guests.Throughout her career, Murray was not without controversy. In 2017, she faced backlash for an article she wrote questioning the use of the term 'real woman' by trans individuals. The BBC subsequently warned her about maintaining impartiality on controversial topics.Murray's contributions to broadcasting were widely recognized. She was awarded an OBE in 1999 and a dame in 2011. Woman's Hour won the Television and Radio Industries Club's award for best radio program in 2004, and Murray received two Sony awards in 2010 and 2011.Murray's legacy extends beyond her broadcasting career. She was a champion of women's rights and a prolific author, writing several books, including her memoirs and a history of women's suffrage.

Sebastian Korda produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in the third round of the Miami Open, marking one of the biggest upsets of the ATP season. The American, seeded 32nd, dominated the match for over an hour before Alcaraz mounted a fierce comeback, ultimately prevailing 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.Korda's resilience and determination were on full display as he overcame a difficult spell to secure the win. His serve was dominant for much of the match, and his ground strokes were clean and destructive. Alcaraz, known for his exceptional return skills, was effectively shut out of many service games.The match took a dramatic turn when Korda, leading 6-3, 5-3, lost seven consecutive points, allowing Alcaraz to stay in the match. However, Korda regained his composure to close out the third set and secure the victory.Alcaraz praised Korda's performance, saying, 'Sebi was incredible today. Played such a great game. A lot of tight, tight moments that I just didn’t make the most of it.' The loss marks a setback for Alcaraz as he prepares for the clay-court season.Korda's victory is significant for his career, as he looks to capitalize on the momentum and make a deeper run in the tournament. The win also boosts his confidence as he faces tougher opponents in the future.

Transitioning from the bright lights of the Stade de France to the familiar surroundings of the Crumbie Stand presents a unique mental challenge for international rugby players. For England's Ollie Chessum, however, the return to domestic competition proved fruitful as he delivered another tireless performance in Leicester's 33-19 victory over Bristol.The result not only elevates the Tigers to third place in the Premiership standings but also secured what could prove to be a crucial bonus point when playoff calculations are finalized. Bristol, who had been seeking bonus points of their own, ultimately left empty-handed and remain in fifth place following a match that maintained intensity from start to finish.The significance of this fixture was evident as Chessum and Joe Heyes were asked to immediately return to action following their Six Nations commitments, with Jack van Poortvliet also coming off the bench. This selection strategy proved effective, bolstered by another influential display from fly-half Billy Searle. The final try exemplified the Tigers' growing confidence under pressure.Even head coach Geoff Parling was urging his players to take calculated risks, shouting at Freddie Steward to kick the ball from deep rather than risk turnovers. When his players backed themselves from their own half, the decision paid dividends."I've been trying for a long time to get them to play what they see and that's what they did," Parling stated afterward, while also praising Chessum's contribution. "The Six Nations is physical but there's also an emotional toll. It's always a challenge for those guys when they come back after being away for eight weeks. Ollie was outstanding. He's a big emotional leader for us."Two decisive tries within a three-minute spell midway through the first half proved pivotal. When Leicester enters the "killing zone," they appear increasingly dangerous, as demonstrated by the close-range power of Joaquín Moro and Hanro Liebenberg, which left the Bears, missing rested Ellis Genge and dealing with injuries, with no answer.Bristol, however, proved difficult to contain for extended periods. Their industrious captain Fitz Harding, the league's top tackler this season, rewarded sustained pressure with a try, while Kalaveti Ravouvou continued his habit of scoring against the Tigers, escaping past Steward and Chessum to touch down down the right wing.The Bears' other first-half highlight came from hooker Gabriel Oghre, whose cultured left boot produced a magnificent 45-metre touchfinder from a defensive lineout. Oghre's versatility raises questions about why he isn't discussed more frequently among England's hooker options.While romantic backstories don't typically secure tight victories, the return of Scotland international flanker Hamish Watson on loan from Edinburgh added emotional significance. After 14 years north of the border, the 34-year-old relished the opportunity to run out to the traditional strains of Smoke on the Water at his boyhood club.Bristol continued to press, with Harding burrowing over for his second try, bringing Jimmy Williams' conversion to make it 20-19. Leicester needed to respond, and almost did when Searle launched an attack that might have yielded a spectacular try had Moro held the final pass.Though Izaia Perese soon crossed for Leicester's third try, the Tigers couldn't fully relax until the final moments. Steward's cross-kick initiated a daring raid up the right touchline, culminating in Hamer-Webb's exuberant dive over the line to seal the victory."We wanted to take Leicester out of their comfort zone and we did that at times," lamented Bristol's director of rugby Pat Lam. "We just need to finish more of our opportunities. You have to be at your best to win here and we weren't at our best."With seven regular-season rounds remaining, the stakes continue to rise. Bristol will host Harlequins at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, while Leicester faces Gloucester at Villa Park in the latest edition of the Slater Cup.