Uphill station would be on line to Weston-super-Mare

Councillors have been urged to press for the reopening of a forgotten railway station in Weston-super-Mare.

After the Bristol to Exeter main line passes through Worle, a loop line forks off and stops at Weston Milton and at Weston-super-Mare railway station in the town centre. But there is a fourth long since forgotten railway station which once served the town and that campaigners are now suggesting should reopen.

The Bristol Rail Campaign said that a reopened Uphill railway station could serve Weston Hospital, the Weston College’s Loxton campus, the nearby estates, and provide access to Uphill Beach and local walks. The group’s campaigns lead Christina Biggs suggested to a North Somerset Council scrutiny panel on February 26 that the council should press the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) for the funding to reopen the station if it becomes a member.

The original Uphill railway station opened in 1871, just south of the cutting through the hill crossed by Devil’s Bridge. It was followed in 1884 by Uphill Junction railway station, which opened just north of the cutting. The Bristol Rail Campaign are suggesting that a new Uphill station should be in a slightly different location so that it is on the loop line serving Weston Milton and Weston-super-Mare.

Ms Biggs said: “The idea then is that you are not holding anything up on the mainline. You are just using the local trains that would stop at Weston Milton, Worle, and Weston-super-Mare.”

North Somerset Council is expected to join WECA by the end of the year or early 2027, with a public consultation on the plan currently running until April 10. WECA has millions of pounds of transport funding and Ms Biggs said the council should press for some of this to be spend on a feasibility study on opening a new Uphill railway station. She said: “It’s something you could quite reasonably ask of WECA as an introductory thing/taster.”

WECA is already helping to fund the reopening of the Portishead Railway at the other end of North Somerset, which after a decades long campaign is expected to reopen in 2028. Ms Biggs said: “Uphill is pretty minor because its on an existing line. You don’t have any of the problems of the Portishead Line.”

North Somerset Council is yet to debate or decide whether Uphill railway station is a project it wants to pursue.

The sneaker world is buzzing as Nike prepares to release one of its most coveted retros in recent memory: the Nike Air Max 95 OG “Neon,” dropping Thursday, March 5, 2026. Following a highly limited rerelease in 2025 that sparked massive demand and quick sell-outs, this wider edition arrives in full-family sizing, marking what many call the most anticipated Air Max 95 drop in years.

The “Neon” colorway — originally launched in 1995 — remains a cornerstone of sneaker culture. Designed by Sergio Lozano, the silhouette features a distinctive gradient upper with black-to-cool grey suede overlays that fade upward, accented by vibrant neon yellow (often referred to as Volt) hits on the eyelets, midsole branding and outsole. The design draws inspiration from human anatomy, with layered panels mimicking ribs and muscles, while the visible Air unit in the heel provides signature cushioning.

This 2026 version revives the “Big Bubble” construction, restoring the larger, more pronounced visible Air unit in the heel that closely mirrors the 1995 original. Previous reissues, including some from the early 2020s, featured smaller bubbles that drew criticism from purists. Reviewers and on-feet videos circulating ahead of launch praise the update, noting improved sizing consistency — many suggest it runs true to size (TTS) after years of complaints about the model’s fit.

“These are a return to roots,” one sneaker reviewer noted in a pre-release breakdown. “The bigger bubble not only looks more authentic but enhances the ride without sacrificing the classic aesthetic.”

The release timing aligns with broader Air Max celebrations, as Nike rolls out a “Neon Pack” theme for 2026. Alongside the Air Max 95, the pack includes neon-infused versions of the Air Max 90, Air Max Plus and Air Max TL 2.5, plus complementary apparel like graphic jerseys evoking late-’90s energy. The “Neon” 95 headlines the lineup, with its cultural pedigree — worn by athletes, musicians and streetwear icons for decades — driving hype.

Pricing remains accessible: adult pairs retail at $190 USD (approximately $245 CAD in some markets), with scaled options for younger fans — Grade School at $147, Preschool at $112 and Toddler at $82. Full-family availability broadens appeal, contrasting the adult-exclusive 2025 drop that left many out.

Consumers can cop via Nike SNKRS app and select global retailers including Foot Locker, JD Sports, Champs, Finish Line, Dick’s Sporting Goods and others. Some retailers offered early access raffles or draws earlier this week, with standard first-come, first-served drops expected at 10:00 AM ET (or regional equivalents) on March 5. Stock appears more robust than last year’s limited run, though high demand for classic Air Max 95 colorways — especially during the ongoing “big bubble” era — suggests sell-outs remain possible.

The Air Max 95’s enduring popularity stems from its innovative design and versatility. The wavy lines and layered materials create a dynamic look that pairs effortlessly with jeans, tracksuits or athleisure. Its influence extends beyond Nike, inspiring countless homages and even cross-brand collaborations. In recent years, the model has seen resurgence through high-profile retro campaigns, celebrity endorsements and its role in streetwear’s mainstream ascent.

Sneaker analysts point to this drop as a test of sustained interest in heritage silhouettes amid a crowded market. With resale platforms like StockX already showing pre-release interest, the “Neon” could command premiums if initial supply tightens.

As sneakerheads gear up for launch day, the consensus is clear: this isn’t just another retro — it’s a chance to own a piece of sneaker history updated for today. Whether for collection, daily wear or flexing on the timeline, the Air Max 95 “Neon” Big Bubble stands ready to make waves once more.

Nike continues to leverage its Air Max legacy, blending nostalgia with modern tweaks to keep the line relevant. This week’s release underscores the brand’s commitment to its icons while expanding access for new generations.

Mortgage rates ticked higher to 6% this week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.

Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released Thursday, showed the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6% from last week’s reading of 5.98%. 

The average rate on a 30-year loan was 6.63% a year ago.

“In fact, rates are down nearly a full percentage point from this time in 2024, spurring activity from buyers, sellers and owners,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “As a result, refinance activity is up, and purchase applications are ahead of last year’s pace.”

The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage increased to 5.43% from last week’s reading of 4.44%.

RENT BECOMING MORE AFFORDABLE FOR MANY AMERICANS AS MARKET STABILIZES

Mortgage rates are affected by several factors, including the Federal Reserve and geopolitics. Though mortgage rates are not directly affected by the Fed’s interest rate decisions, they closely track the 10-year Treasury yield. The 10-year yield hovered around 4.02% as of Thursday afternoon.

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck northwestern Louisiana early Thursday, March 5, 2026, awakening residents across the region and marking the second-strongest recorded tremor in the state’s history, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake hit at approximately 5:30 a.m. CST (6:30 a.m. EST), with its epicenter located about 6 miles west of Edgefield in Red River Parish, roughly 36-40 miles south-southeast of Shreveport. The USGS initially reported the magnitude as 4.4 before upgrading it to 4.9 based on refined data. The shallow depth of about 3-5 miles (5-10 km) contributed to widespread felt shaking despite the moderate size.

Residents from Shreveport and Bossier City to Coushatta and beyond described noticeable jolts that rattled windows, shook furniture, rattled pipes and briefly disrupted sleep. Social media flooded with reports of “the house shaking like a truck hit it” and questions about whether it was a train, explosion or genuine seismic event. The tremor was felt across much of northern Louisiana and into parts of eastern Texas, with some accounts extending to areas near Texarkana.

No immediate reports of serious injuries, structural collapses or major infrastructure damage emerged by midday Thursday. Emergency management officials in Red River, Bossier and Caddo parishes activated protocols to assess buildings, bridges and utilities, but preliminary surveys indicated only minor issues such as cracked drywall or dislodged items in homes. The USGS issued a green alert for the event, signaling a low probability of casualties or significant economic losses from shaking.

Seismologists noted the rarity of such an event in Louisiana, a state not typically associated with frequent or powerful earthquakes. The Pelican State’s seismic history is dominated by smaller events, often linked to the regional fault systems or induced activity from oil and gas operations in some cases. The previous strongest quake was a magnitude 5.3 event off Grand Isle in southern Louisiana on Feb. 9, 2006 — an offshore tremor tied to different tectonic dynamics.

Thursday’s quake ranks as the strongest inland earthquake in Louisiana records and the most powerful to affect the Shreveport area in decades. It surpasses recent minor activity in the region, including a 2.9 magnitude event near Coushatta in late February 2026 and several 2.6-3.1 tremors since late 2025. The area’s geology includes parts of the stable interior of the North American plate, but proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone to the north and Gulf Coast subsidence features can allow occasional felt events.

Experts from the USGS and local universities emphasized that while the quake was significant for the area, it remains below thresholds typically associated with widespread destruction. “Magnitude 4.9 events produce strong shaking near the epicenter but rarely cause major damage unless structures are particularly vulnerable,” one seismologist commented in initial briefings. The event’s shallow focus amplified intensity, leading to “moderately strong” perceived shaking (Modified Mercalli Intensity V-VI) close to the epicenter.

Local officials urged residents to check for gas leaks, inspect chimneys and report any structural concerns to authorities. The Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police coordinated response efforts, while the National Weather Service and emergency broadcasters disseminated safety information. No tsunami risk existed, given the inland location.

The quake prompted a surge in “Did You Feel It?” submissions to the USGS website, helping refine intensity maps. Community reactions ranged from surprise to curiosity, with some longtime residents recalling faint tremors in past years but nothing of this caliber. Social media posts included videos of swaying light fixtures and personal accounts from as far as 100 miles away.

Geologists continue monitoring for aftershocks, which are possible but expected to be minor. As of early March 6, 2026 (KST — corresponding to late March 5 evening local time), no significant follow-up events had been recorded, though small aftershocks below magnitude 2.0 may go undetected without sensitive instruments.

This event underscores Louisiana’s occasional seismic vulnerability, even in areas considered low-risk. State emergency preparedness officials used the occasion to remind residents of basic earthquake safety: drop, cover and hold on during shaking, and secure heavy objects to prevent hazards in future incidents.

As investigations into the quake’s precise cause continue — potentially natural tectonic stress or linked to regional subsurface activity — northwest Louisiana returned to normalcy Thursday afternoon. Schools, businesses and transportation operated without major disruptions, though the morning’s rare rumble left an impression on a region more accustomed to hurricanes and floods than earthquakes.

The 4.9 magnitude tremor serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability, even in stable continental interiors. Authorities and scientists will analyze data in coming days to better understand this unusual addition to Louisiana’s seismic catalog.

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Combined Authority aims to tackle shortages of lab space and Grade A offices

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has announced new funding for property developments to help meet demand for lab space and to tackle the shortage in Grade A office supply. Authority bosses say the funding is designed to “help address key market failures” analysed in the city region’s growth plan for 2025-2035.

Studies show the city region has a “significant demand” for laboratory space, a shortage of Grade A office supply, and a need for more “high-quality industrial accommodation”. The funding launched today has been designed to unlock inward investment and to encourage developers to provide that space.

This round will focus on backing “capital land and property projects that support sector-led clusters”, and on backing schemes where there are “demonstrative viability gaps”. The authority plans to launch more such funding calls in the months and years ahead.

The funding call runs from today until midday on April 1 and focuses on three priority areas.

Grade A Office Space: The CA is “seeking to invest in projects which deliver a minimum 60,000 sq. ft of new or refurbished commercial floorspace which can meet the needs of existing occupiers and support business growth in the Central Business District”.

Specialist Laboratory Space: The authority is looking to invest in schemes “which deliver new or refurbished Category 1 or 2 laboratory space, clean room space and ‘write up’ facilities which can support the growth of high potential start-ups in the Liverpool City Region. This will require delivery of at least 40% of overall floor space for laboratory or clean room uses, which contributes to the Health & Life Sciences sector”.

Premium Industrial Units: The CA is looking to invest in new or refurbished units “to support the growth of the region’s advanced manufacturing sector”.

Cllr Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region’s cabinet member for business, investment and trade, said: “Unlocking high quality land and property is fundamental to the future of the Liverpool City Region. These new funding calls will accelerate the development of the modern offices, laboratories and industrial space our growing sectors need.

“This is about creating the right conditions for businesses to innovate, invest and expand, so that our communities continue to benefit from more jobs, more opportunities and a stronger, more resilient economy.”

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