Community
Hundreds of Unsafe Squishy Toys Seized in West Midlands
Trading Standards seized over 100 unsafe squishy toys in Staffordshire, citing risks like skin irritation, choking, and links to illegal trading networks.
Business
MP Backs Small Breweries in Campaign to Save Local Pubs
MP Alex Burghart supports SIBA's proposal to let tenanted pubs offer guest beers from small breweries, boosting local business and pub trade.
Culture
Birmingham solar eclipse 2015 pictured as major phenomenon returns
Birmingham welcomes a 91.45% solar eclipse on Aug 12, the fullest until 2081. Look back at the 2015 eclipse images.
Politics
Andy Burnham urged to replace TV licence with universal household levy
Andy Burnham and Lisa Nandy are urged to replace the £180 TV licence with a universal household levy, rated by an independent body, with exemptions for the poorest, according to a new Compass report.
Sport
Health
Dermavia+ Nail Treatment Praised by Amazon Shoppers
Dermavia+ fungal nail treatment pen, priced £22.99 at Amazon, earns 4.5-star rating from over 1,000 reviews, with users reporting clearer nails within weeks.
Burnham and Healey to tax state pensioners with S2P and Serps
Labour's income tax exemption for state pensioners excludes 6.5 million with S2P or Serps top-ups, warns Steve Webb, leaving them facing tax from 2027.
DWP to access bank accounts from October in fraud crackdown
From October, DWP gains powers to enter individual, joint, and business bank accounts to recover benefits overpayments, targeting Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and ESA first.
Birmingham Solar Eclipse 2026: Timings and Viewing Guide
On August 12, 2026, a deep partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK, with Birmingham seeing up to 90% coverage. Here's when and how to watch safely.
Ann Widdecombe's private Requiem Mass at Buckfast Abbey
Ann Widdecombe's funeral will be a private Requiem Mass at Buckfast Abbey on August 12, with press barred and order of service published online.
Premier League & English Football Quiz
Test your knowledge of the Premier League, the FA Cup and English football legends. From Aston Villa's European glory to Old Trafford classics, how many can you score? Kick off now!
