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The 81st annual Venice International Film Festival is officially underway. 

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 classic comedy horror, opened up the festival this week but there’s still plenty more to come from the event which runs until 7th September.

Jo-Ann Titmarsh, freelance film critic for the Evening Standard, joins us from Venice to discuss all the hotly anticipated premieres, including; Joker: Folie à Deux with Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, Maria starring Angelina Jolie, and Luca Guadagnino’s Queer with Daniel Craig.

Follow us on X or on Threads.

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Zombie knives and machetes will finally be banned from next month amid horrific attacks on London’s streets.

Ahead of a full ban, people in possession of these gruesome-looking weapons are being urged to hand them in at special bins at the capital’s police stations as part of a blades amnesty.

We’re joined by Evening Standard home affairs editor Martin Bentham to discuss the ban and knife crime's devastating impact on young Londoners.

Plus, in part two, Team GB Olympic 800 metres champion Keely Hodgkinson and victorious climber Toby Roberts on their plans after Paris 2024 gold medal success.

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In this special episode of The Standard podcast, you’ll hear an Evening Standard roundtable discussion focussing on the crunch issues in the 2024 mayoral election.

Three cabbies debate the candidates and policies impacting the black taxi trade as the race for City Hall intensifies between Labour incumbent Sadiq Khan and his Conservative rival Susan Hall.

There’s plenty of lively opinion on the mayor’s tenure, low-traffic neighbourhoods, road closures and cycle lanes - plus, could Ulez swing the vote?

Hosted by Ross Lydall, the Evening Standard’s City Hall editor and transport editor. 

You can watch the extended version of this roundtable video online at standard.co.uk.

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Another clip from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's upcoming interview with Oprah has been released, and for the first time it features Meghan speaking. The bombshell 30-second preview of Sunday's show features her accusing what she calls 'The Firm' of "perpetuating falsehoods" against her and Harry. It comes as Buckingham Palace confirms it's investigating allegations Meghan bullied some staff in October 2018.  Lawyers for the Sussexes dismissed the claims as “a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful information”. The Evening Standard's Jonathan Prynn tells us it looks like a very big row is about to erupt. 

Also, our City Hall editor Ross Lydall was at Sadiq Khan's re-election campaign launch, which didn't quite go to plan. The mayor was forced to hole-up inside a coffee shop for an hour to avoid a small group of residents protesting about a transport scheme. Ross says Mr. Khan was then followed down the street by the group as he made his way to a waiting car. 

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Former Treasury worker, now Evening Standard journalist, Jack Kessler joins the podcast to reveal the thinking behind some of Rishi Sunak's big announcements. He tells us why income and corporation tax hikes are coming, and why they're being delayed. He also explains why successive budgets have seen freezes on fuel duty, including this one. 

Rishi Sunak's moment in the Commons came just a few months after Britain left the EU, but the word "Brexit" didn't appear at all in his speech. Jack says that's because announcements like the 'super deduction' business tax cut would be dwarfed by what's been lost through leaving the world's biggest trading bloc without a deal covering services.

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There are two major events taking place on Wednesday that will both contribute to the survival of the culture industries once lockdown is over. The first is an expected £400m budget announcement by chancellor Rishi Sunak, which will see even more money invested into the Culture Recovery Fund, along with cash for museums and venues to stay afloat until they can re-open in May. 

In the evening, the Evening Standard will be revealing the first recipients of the Future Theatre Fund which was created in association with Tik Tok and in partnership with the National Youth Theatre. 12 up-and-coming talents will receive £10,000 each. The NYT's chief executive and artistic director Paul Roseby joins the podcast to talk about how theatres have been navigating the pandemic, and how important it is that young people who have lost so many opportunities for stage work need to be supported. 

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The hunt has intensified for an unknown carrier of a new Brazilian mutation of Covid-19 as scientists warned that if it takes hold it could undermine the roadmap out of lockdown. It was revealed on Sunday that six cases of the new Manaus variant of coronavirus, which is more contagious and may be more resistant to vaccines, have been found in Britain, three in England and three in Scotland.

Our political reporter Sophia Sleigh says questions are being raised over how the variant from the Brazilian city was identified in a Covid-19 test of someone who did not fill in a registration form with their name and details.

Also, royal editor Robert Jobson joins the podcast as it's revealed the Duke of Edinburgh has transferred hospitals for treatment for an infection. It's now the longest spell the 99 year old has spent in hospital and it comes as controversy brews around an interview Prince Harry and Meghan have given to Oprah Winfrey that's due to air in the States on Sunday.

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Prince Harry’s appeared on the Late Late Show with James Corden, and revealed how his mental health was “being destroyed” by the UK media before he and Meghan left for LA. The chat, recorded before the couple announced they would never re-join the royal family, is being described as a “bombshell interview” and comes ahead of the highly anticipated conversation with Oprah. But it’s come out on the same day the Queen was recorded talking to NHS professionals about her own coronavirus vaccination, and encouraging all Britons to get the jab.

The Evening Standard’s Lizzie Edmonds says that’s a rare intervention by the Monarch, but with so much attention being given to Harry’s interview it may not have the impact it was expected to. Lizzie says it’s an early example of how difficult the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s relationship with Buckingham Palace could become as they try to carve out a post-Royal future.

Also, our city editor Jim Armitage joins the show to talk about the future of office working once London’s unlocked. It follows the first meeting of the Evening Standard’s Recovery Board, which saw industry leaders discussing how the city will have to change in a post-pandemic world. 

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This summer's exams have been cancelled and teachers will now assess their pupils based on coursework, essays and optional in-class tests. That's led to concerns about consistency across the country, with Robert Halfon, the Tory chair of the cross-party Education select committee, telling the Standard he's worried about a "wild west" of grading results. 

On the Leader podcast we speak to Geoff Barton, the general secretary of the Association of School & College Leaders (ASCL). He tells us that they're expecting pressure from some parents to give their kids a better grade, but there are systems in place to make it difficult for teachers to do so. He also warns of "consequences" if schools are caught fiddling the results, including having their grades rendered void. 

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Facebook's vice-president for northern Europe, Steve Hatch, joins the show to discuss the social media giant's role in both helping the UK ease out of lockdown, and prepare for life after it. We talk about how the company's adapted to the global pandemic, including ramping up its efforts to tackle disinformation using lessons learned from the 2016 US election. 

He also tells us about how Facebook expects more than 50% if its staff to be working from home for the forseeable future, and what that means for remote offices. And he explains what happened in Australia, where the platform temporarily blocked news from being viewed or shared by its users in a row over new media laws.  

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Schools and safely reuniting with loved ones are being prioritised in England's road map out of lockdown. Mr Johnson's been detailing his “cautious” approach for easing coronavirus restrictions in a speech to Parliament, confirming the reopening of schools on March 8 and the easing of some social restrictions. Our education editor Anna Davis says that's being welcomed by headteachers, although unions are concerned about the risk of staff catching the bug, and starting another cycle of infection.

March 29th is when pubs and restaurants will be able to offer food and drink outdoors to groups of no more than six, but the Evening Standard's Jonathan Prynn says there isn't a date for when people will actually be able to go inside to have a meal or a pint. He also warns there doesn't appear to be much respite for the travel industry, with still no word on whether people should book a holiday for the summer.

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to the Queen that they will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family. Prince Harry and Meghan initially stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in March 2020 in a quest for personal and financial freedom and now live in Montecito, California. We speak to royal observer Victoria Howard, from the Crown Chronicles, who tells us about the behind-the-scenes tensions at Buckingham Palace over the last 12 months, and why the Duke and Duchess are the real winners of the new arrangement. 

Also, London Fashion Week is underway, but it's an all online, covid-safe affair with the usual glamorous parties cancelled during the coronavirus pandemic. But Evening Standard fashion editor Chloe Street tells us coronavirus isn't the only problem - Brexit's causing huge difficulties for the show, and the wider fashion industry itself. She also reveals what her highlights of the event will be, and how some designers are taking advantage of lockdown restrictions to come up with unique visions. 

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In this preview of our Brave New World series, Evgeny talks to psychologist and researcher Bill Richards, whose book Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences is considered a seminal work in the field and is now in its 10th edition. 

To hear the whole interview, and listen to previous editions, search 'Brave New World Evening Standard' in your podcast provider.

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Talks have started between Britain and Greece which could pave the way for holidays this summer in the Mediterranean country. Greek tourism minister Harry Theoharis has revealed preliminary discussions are taking place including on “vaccine passports”. Our Deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil says Athens has been impressed by the UK's vaccine rollout, but the discussions may have been prompted by their dire economic situation.

He also warns the cost of a trip to Greece may be prohibitive for many, with it likely families of four facing an additional £1000 bill to cover quarantine costs on their return. Meanwhile, Covid-19 infection rates are tumbling in Britain but Boris Johnson's still resisting pressure to speed up the lifting of lockdown. Nicholas tells us that may be down to variations in the rate of infection across the country, and lingering fears of as yet unknown mutations.

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The boss of Easyjet, Johan Lundgren, sits down with the Evening Standard's Susannah Butter to explain how he thinks the UK's airlines can get off the ground again after nearly a year of pandemic restrictions. Right now, it's far from clear whether people will be allowed to travel this summer, and Mr Lundgren is calling for clarity on how lockdown will be lifted, saying that there is a "pent up demand" for people to get on flights abroad again. They also discuss vaccine passports, which he doesn't think "should be mandated". 

 And he talks about the future of flight, describing how battery powered planes are already powerful enough to cover 2,000km, which would be 80% of Easyjet's network in Europe. 

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The government's hoping rapid coronavirus tests, being trialled at Porton Down, will allow Britain’s devastated entertainment and events industry to reopen in the summer. But our arts correspondent Rob Dex says venue managers and west end producers are only giving the plan a "cautious" welcome. There are concerns about the accuracy of the tests, how can they be delivered to potentially thousands of people queuing for a show, and who's going to pay for them? Will you get a free coronavirus check with your ticket? 

Also, deputy arts editor Jessie Thompson reviews Framing Britney Spears which has just been released in the UK. The documentary's re-ignited the #FreeBritney movement over her conservatorship, and caused Justin Timberlake to apologise for his behaviour during his break-up with the singer. Jessie tells us the film will change people's minds about Britney herself, but it's also another example of how some of the world's biggest female stars were treated by their industry in the early 2000s.

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Our political editor Joe Murphy tells us the government’s fears of a new, as yet unknown, coronavirus mutation are behind its “timid” approach to lifting lockdown. Despite pressure from some MPs in his own party, Boris Johnson’s resisting demands to speed up the process saying the way out “will be “cautious but irreversible”.We hear how that’s causing a row inside Downing Street, but measures such as “Covid Passports” are being ruled out.

Also, features writer Katie Strick gives us the lowdown on pregnancy for the famous in LA, following the Duchess of Sussex’s announcement that she’s expecting a second baby. Learn about the hospitals where a “natural birth” means not wearing make-up and which celebrity pals might be God parents to the new arrival. 

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Stephen Manderson, aka Professor Green, is a big advocate for opening up the conversation around mental health, having presented documentaries on everything from suicide to child poverty. 

On this episode of the Leader podcast Evening Standard columnist Jimi Famurewa, sits down with Stephen to talk about the profound effect the pandemic is having on everyone’s mental health, particularly for children, and his thoughts on the impact of social media in our lives.

Speaking from his London home, the rapper spoke about working from home and juggling two new businesses Aguulp, a supplement company, and Giz n Greens, a pizza business that he set up with his close friend and chef Gizzi Erskine during the pandemic.

This episode is an adaptation from Evening Standard’s video series The Lockdown Sessions, you can watch the full interview here.

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The Evening Standard’s political editor Joe Murphy joins us to explain the concerns over the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, as the Prime Minister says he says he has “every confidence” in the jab. It comes after a study of around 2,000 people suggested it only offers minimal protection against mild disease of the variant and, due to the young age of participants, could not conclude whether the jab worked against severe disease.

Experts in the UK though say it does guard against the worst of the virus, but it’s possible the country will now need three injections to the ever evolving Covid bug at bay. Also, Joe tells us about the Standard’s exclusive IPSOS Mori poll, showing Britons would prefer Boris Johnson rather than Keir Starmer to be in charge of the rest of the pandemic and the subsequent economic recovery. He says it’s a problem for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who appears to be failing to make an impact with the public, even as the UK has a record coronavirus death toll. 

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Health editor Ross Lydall joins us to explain how two major milestones in the fight against coronavirus are about to converge on a single day.1.5 million people from London’s most at risk groups should have been vaccinated by February 15, which is also the day the government will start putting UK arrivals into quarantine hotels. But those strict border rules are coming under criticism, with some hotels unhappy about being forced to take people in and at the same time turn other customers away. Labour’s also accusing the government of being too slow to implement the changes, which come 50 days after the ‘South Africa’ variant was first discovered.

Also, the Evening Standard’s chief theatre critic Nick Curtis gives us his five star review of 2021’s first theatrical blockbuster: ‘Handforth Parish Council’. He tells us how the cast of unknowns have made a “supreme” drama with their Zoom call set to the backdrop of a meeting in a small Cheshire town. He also predicts “You don’t have the authority, Jackie Weaver!” will become the catchphrase of video conferencing for the remainder of lockdown.

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A red Ford Escort Cabriolet XR3i draped topped with a giant doily is among art works nominated for this year’s Turner Prize - as Britain’s prestigious contemporary creative competition marks its 40th anniversary.

Four shortlisted artists to win the £25,000 prize include three Londoners whose work ranges from traditional drawing to more eccentric installations.

But as the Turner Prize turns 40, is it still relevant?

Analysis and background with Evening Standard arts correspondent Robert Dex.

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan tells us how the coronavirus pandemic has “exposed the institutional racism” in the city, with BAME communities hardest hit by the infection. In an interview with Ayesha Hazarika, he describes how he recognised something was wrong as he wrote letters to grieving families and realised so many names were from ethnic minority backgrounds.

He also calls for greater cross-party collaboration to beat the bug, citing the a video featuring MPs from all parties encouraging Black and Asian people to get the vaccine as an example of what can be done.

Mr Khan also says he fears a mental health crisis is unfolding in London, comparing the trauma some are experiencing to that faced by the public during the Second World War. And he talks about how he’s using music, zoom calls and walks with the dog to help him get through an extraordinary time.

The interview is adapted from the Evening Standard’s Lockdown Sessions series. The full-length video is available on our YouTube channel.

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London’s public health director, Professor Kevin Fenton, reveals the findings of his study into the spread of coronavirus in London through the pandemic so far. He’s discovered that the capital’s Asian community was hardest hit in the second wave of the infection’s spread, and in this special edition of the podcast he explains why that may have happened.

Speaking to our deputy political editor, Nicholas Cecil, he also reveals that more cases have been found in women than men, and discusses the ‘South African’ and ‘Kent’ variations of Covid-19.

He also tells us about when he hopes lockdown restrictions might start to be lifted, and pays tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, the Second World War Veteran who raised millions for the NHS and has died after testing positive for Covid. 

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Political reporter Sophia Sleigh joins the podcast as scientists warn there may be other versions of coronavirus emerging. The Government’s former chief scientific adviser has said he is "more worried" about the South American covid variant than the one from South Africa. Professor Sir Mark Walport, who held the top advisory post from 2013 to 2017, warned that different variants were “cropping up” around the world. 

Also, John Arlidge tells us about the one thing Joe Biden and Donald Trump agree on: ‘Big Tech’ should have its powers curbed. But how can that be done? He explains the difficulties in tackling social media such as Facebook, and the overwhelming dominance of firms like Apple and Amazon

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Political editor Joe Murphy’s back on the podcast as it’s revealed the more contagious ‘South Africa’ variant of coronavirus has been found in parts of London and Sussex. More than 100 cases have been discovered so far and surge testing is underway in eight postcodes, with everyone over the age of 16 being encouraged to get one whether they’re showing symptoms or not. It comes as the government announces its secured 40 million doses of a vaccine from French firm Valneva. Joe says the Prime Minister’s confident the UK will be the first country in the world to stockpile jabs for use next year.

Also, our home affairs editor Martin Bentham discusses his interview with the Met’s deputy commissioner Stephen House, who says officers will continue “disproportionate” stop and searches of young black Londoners in an attempt to save lives. The robust defence of the Met’s approach came during a chat in which he also disclosed that around 300 knives a month were being seized during searches.

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Our deputy political editor Nicholas Cecil joins us as the EU dramatically ramps up a vaccines row with demands jabs made in the UK are sent to them. It follows European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen demanding AstraZeneca publish its contract with the EU to deliver 300 million doses. The company’s done that, with redactions, but Nicholas tells us the fine print contradicts Ms von der Leyen’s claim that the agreement was “crystal clear.” He also says the UK government’s trying to stay out of the battle, which Brexiteers claim shows the country was right to leave Europe.

Also, economist and former trader Gary Stevenson explains what’s happening with Wall Street after struggling US retailer GameStop suddenly saw its share price rocket. He tells us how investors have been hit by a “classic short squeeze” and warns it will happen again as the effects of the covid pandemic start to hit economies.

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After vaccination minister Nadhim Zahawi advised millions of us to delay booking a summer holiday, the Leader podcast speaks to travel consultant Paul Charles about the state of the industry. He tells us there is “no plan” from the government to help a sector already struggling after last season was cancelled by Covid, and predicts more airlines and travel agencies will collapse.

Paul also says so-called ‘quarantine hotels’ will be less effective in the UK than they have been in other countries and could lead to hundreds of millions of pounds being lost to the economy.

Also, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, joins the show as pressure grows on the government to deliver a blueprint on how schools will re-open. He says there appears to be a division between the Department for Education and Downing Street over the best way forward, which is causing confusion for teachers and parents.And he warns further delays risk harming young people’s confidence, as they wonder if there will be any classes at all this year.

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The Evening Standard’s political editor Joe Murphy tells us what the government’s planning with proposed ‘quarantine hotels’. Under plans being decided by ministers over the next 24 hours, some travellers will be put on buses and driven directly to isolation centres where they’ll stay for 10 days. Joe says there are divisions within the government over how stringently the rules should be applied, with some ministers wanting a blanket ban on all countries but others arguing it should only be applied to places known to have new dangerous mutations of the virus.

It comes as Boris Johnson warns he’s concerned about as yet undiscovered “vaccine-busting” variations of Covid making their way into the UK.

Also, the Michelin Awards are being held… but why? With restaurants across the country closed because of lockdown restrictions, some are wondering if the prestigious ceremony’s been rendered pointless by the pandemic.But our chief food critic, Jimi Famurewa says the prizes could bring a welcome spotlight to a beleaguered industry.  

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To mark the launch of our YoungLondonSOS campaign, we’re joined by investigations editor David Cohen whose reporting has revealed how badly the pandemic has affected schoolchildren. 500,000 teenagers and children who had no mental health problems before the lockdowns will now need support in 2021 – that’s on top of the 1 in 6 already identified by the NHS.

The Evening Standard’s teaming up with Place2Be, a charity providing mental health support to schools. It currently works with 150 primary and secondaries in London. David tells us the campaign will help them “turbo-boost” expansion plans to double that figure by 2025, and how that will help the capital’s younger generation in a unique crisis.

The Standard is calling on its readers, as well as corporates and charitable foundations, to give generously. Every £100 you donate could deliver a whole school service to one vulnerable child for one year.

Go to standard.co.uk/YoungLondonSOS for more.

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Rishi Sunak’s controversial Rwanda Bill was today brought into stark focus following the deaths of at least five migrants - including a child - who were packed into a small boat with more than 100 people trying to cross the English Channel.

French police and coastguard said the fatalities included three men, a woman and a seven-year-old girl.

The Channel tragedy came after late-night votes in Parliament, as Sunak finally saw his Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill getting voted through, which will set in motion plans for deporting asylum seekers who entered the UK "illegally" to east-central Africa .

But what’s next, what are the legal hurdles - and what happens to the legislation if Labour wins power?

With the latest from Westminster, Mark Blunden is joined in the House of Commons by the Evening Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil.

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The top speechwriter for the Obama administration, Cody Keenan, says he would give Amanda Gorman a job at the White House after astonishing the world with her inauguration poem.The 22-year-old’s “The Hill We Climb” was a highlight of the ceremony marking the start of Joe Biden’s presidency, and has been hailed by critics for its themes of unity and togetherness. The advisor, who was director of speechwriting at the White House between 2013 and 2017, also gives us a behind the scenes glimpse of how to write a great political speech.

Also, The Hill’s Capitol reporter, Juliegrace Brufke, joins us to discuss a lightning fast first day at the Oval Office with 17 executive orders dispatched from the Resolute Desk.

Joe Biden’s already begun dismantling his predecessor’s work, signing off on the US re-joining the Paris climate change agreement, and halting construction of a wall on the border with Mexico.

But will the pace slow down as the White House slogs through what it calls “four converging crises:” the Covid-19 pandemic, an economic crisis, climate change, and racial inequality?

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Evening Standard columnist Ayesha Hazarika says new US vice president, Kamala Harris, “represents the two things Donald Trump hates the most: women and people of colour”. She tells the Leader podcast, the Trump administration was “founded on racism” and Ms Harris’s arrival at the White House is “karmic justice” for four years of turbulence.

It comes as Joe Biden is inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States at a ceremony in Washington. But how will he work with a woman who attacked him, including over issues of race, when she was an opponent in his run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination?

Ayesha believes it was Ms Harris’s strength in those debates that most impressed Mr Biden, and the two of them have their work cut out to restore faith in the United States across the globe.

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The Evening Standard’s political editor, Joe Murphy, tells us why London may have turned a corner in the battle against coronavirus. We’ve learned case numbers for the infection are now falling in every one of the capital’s boroughs, in some cases up to 30 percent. But Joe also warns that, despite the good news, hospitals are still packed with record numbers of patients, and both the Health Secretary and Mayor of London are appealing for people “not to take their foot off the peddle”.

Also, we look at what the first 100 days of a Joe Biden presidency might look like. The man who beat Donald Trump will be inaugurated at a ceremony in Washington with unprecedented security, including extra vetting for the National Guard amid fears of an “insider attack.”Once he gets to the Oval Office, though, what will President Biden do?

We’re joined by Jack Kessler to look through the probable portfolio of executive orders and policy decisions that will be coming out of the White House from the very first day.  

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An Evening Standard investigation has revealed half a million under-18s who previously showed no signs of mental health issues are now facing problems, due to the lockdowns caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Investigations editor David Cohen joins us to talk about his findings, which also show A&E wards are seeing increasing numbers of adolescents admitted for self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

We also hear from a psychologist who tells us why social media cannot replace physically seeing friends and a headteacher describes seeing traumatised children forget lessons. With cases already at unprecedented levels, the Centre for Mental Health says a new cohort of 500,000 previously healthy children under 18 will require mental health care due to the devastating economic, health and family pressures caused by the virus crisis.

For information and support call Mind on 0300 123 339

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The Evening Standard's Nicholas Cecil joins the show as pressure grows on the government to send more vaccine doses to London. It's emerged the city's delivered just one tenth of the jabs nationally, which mayor Sadiq Khan says has him "hugely concerned". But there appears to be hope on the horizon, with hospital admissions dropping and infections falling in some boroughs. Nicholas also discusses the possible threat of further lockdown restrictions, telling us the government's taking a 'wait and see' approach. 

Also, from Washington, we're joined by The Hill's Capitol reporter Juliegrace Brufke who was in the building when the riots broke out. She describes a city nervous about the upcoming inauguration of Joe Biden, especially after Donald Trump's second impeachment. And she relives the moment the Capitol was breached, telling us how she texted her family while hiding from rioters.

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Health editor Ross Lydall joins the podcast as the Evening Standard reveals London’s getting fewer doses of coronavirus vaccine per head than other areas of the country. t’s down to a “fair share” system that’s distributing the Oxford and Pfizer doses equally between primary care networks. 

London has the highest infection rates in the UK, but is losing out because its population is more dense than some areas. On Tuesday night, London had a record number of Covid patients on ventilators, with the number of working-age adults with the virus taking total inpatient numbers in the capital above 15,000. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has asked Boris Johnson for additional supplies to help curb the pressure on hospitals.  

Also, Donald Trump is about to become the first US President to be impeached twice in a historic vote in the House of Representatives. We hear from UCL politics expert Julie Norman who tells us, unlike the first time, there are increasing signs some within his own party will support the move in a Senate trial. That may include Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who reportedly thinks impeachment will help the Republican party expel Mr Trump’s influence. 

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The Evening Standard’s Sophia Sleigh tells us how her Sunday outing to a local park ended up with a political controversy. She spotted Boris Johnson out on his bike in Stratford with a security detail, seven miles away from Downing Street, at a time when the government’s telling everyone to “stay local”. Sophia says while the PM didn’t break any laws he has an “optics problem” with some claiming it’s a “do as we say not as we do” situation. The row’s also resurrected memories of Dominic Cumming’s eye test at Barnard Castle, leading to calls for ministers to clarify exactly what “local” means.

Also, #FreeSchoolMeals has been trending on social media after pictures of what impoverished families are being sent to feed their kids started appearing. In lieu of £30 vouchers, they’ve been receiving boxes from private companies, but the meagre offerings only include some bread, a few vegetables and cans of baked beans. The department of education say’s its looking into it. Our columnist, Susannah Butter, tells us she thinks it’s “appalling” and wonders what would have happened if Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford hadn’t, once again, stepped in to help.

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The Chief Medical Officer, Chris Witty, is warning the health service will face unprecedented pressures as coronavirus continues to spread. In London, an estimated one in twenty have the infection. We speak to Lewisham GP Dr Louise Irvine who describes five hour waits for ambulances, poor co-ordination in the vaccine delivery system, and little support for those trying to stick to lockdown rules. 

Also, celebrity correspondent Lizzie Edmonds talks to us about the reboot of Sex and the City. The gang's getting back together for a new series on HBO Max, but Kim Cattrall's iconic Samantha Jones is not on the announced cast. Will it really be the same without her?

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Health editor Ross Lydall joins the show to explain why the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has "put up the biggest red flag he can" as coronavirus runs rampant through the city. Ross tells us what that means for hospitals where doctors have told him they are "horrified" by the rise in cases that Mr Khan describes as "out of control". There are more than 7,000 Covid patients in London hospitals — almost 2,000 more than the first peak last April — and almost 1,000 are on ventilators.

Meanwhile, the Evening Standard's Susannah Butter has been talking to some of the nurses in the capital trying to cope with an onslaught of infected patients arriving in their wards. She tells us they're struggling to deal with the huge numbers, and it's causing enormous stress that inevitably many are taking home with them. 

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Mayor Sadiq Khan started the week in hot water over river safety - after his manifesto stated he planned to make the capital’s waterways, including the Thames, so clean they would be “swimmable” within a decade.

At the same time, Thames Water, which is battling a budget black hole, warns customer bills could rocket by almost half.

The Standard podcast is joined by Evening Standard business editor Jonathan Prynn and former lifeguard Brendon Prince, founder of Above Water, a water safety and drowning awareness charity.

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Boris Johnson’s under huge pressure to deliver a successful vaccine roll-out today as he promised MPs a “means of escape” from lockdown. Our political editor, Joe Murphy, says the Prime Minister’s announced that London’s ExCeL exhibition centre will host one of seven new mega-vaccination venues launched in stadia and halls next week. But he’s facing growing unease, including from within his own party, over how long the latest lockdown will last. Meanwhile, education secretary Gavin Williamson’s cabinet position may be in doubt after he cancelled GCSE and A-Level exams, days after a screeching u-turn on school closures.

And, we speak to Dr Julie Norman, from UCL’s department of political science, as it appears the Democrats are taking the Senate off the Republicans. She tells us how activists and politicians rallied supporters to overcome voter suppression in what was once a deep red state. And she says some Republicans are blaming Donald Trump for the loss, risking a split in the party. 

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