Community
Ann Widdecombe Murder: Police Arrest 26-Year-Old Man, Rule Out Political Motive
Police arrest 26-year-old man on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe, 78, at her Devon home. Motive not politically motivated or terror-related, police say.
Business
West Midlands Smashes Devolution Targets: 2,925 Jobs and 7,237 Homes in First Year
WMCA exceeded government targets in its first devolution year, creating 2,925 jobs, supporting 10,117 businesses, and signing off 7,237 new homes, nearly tripling employment support goals.
Culture
New Family-Friendly Birmingham World Cup Fan Zone Opens for England v Norway
A new inclusive fan zone at The Art Quarter in Digbeth opens July 11, featuring a big screen, Halal food court, and prayer rooms for England v Norway and Wimbledon.
Politics
HMRC confirms higher tax band for two million households in UK
HMRC data shows 5.76 million individuals paid the higher rate in 2023/24, up 50% from 2019/20, as frozen thresholds and rising incomes push more taxpayers into the 40% bracket.
Sport
Health
Holly Ramsay's Pregnancy Massage Before Baby Girl
Holly Ramsay, 26, enjoyed a pregnancy massage ahead of welcoming her first child, a baby girl, with husband Adam Peaty, due December 2026.
DWP State Pension Age Rise to Cost Carers £182 a Week
A state pension age increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028 will cost carers £182 a week, with 26,000 carers missing out on £7,011 a year, according to Carers UK.
Wales Health Gap: 750,000 Affected by Economic Stagnation
A Senedd debate revealed that 750,000 people in former mining areas face severe health inequalities, with Welsh Government admitting geography dictates life expectancy.
Lichfield Baby Diagnosed with Rare Aggressive Brain Cancer
11-week-old Freya Charles from Lichfield was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive brain cancer. She underwent nine-hour surgery and may need treatment in the US or Canada.
DWP confirms £300 bonus for pensioners
The DWP has approved automatic £300 Winter Fuel Payments for state pensioners born before 28 June 1960, with payments ranging from £100 to £300 for winter 2026-2027.
The Royal Family Quiz: Crowns & Castles
Test your knowledge of the British monarchy, from Buckingham Palace and the Crown Jewels to coronations and royal residences. How regal is your trivia?
