Community
Drug user son jailed after terrorising parents for cash in Birmingham
A Birmingham man who repeatedly demanded money from his parents for drugs has been jailed for 16 months after a court heard they were scared to leave home.
Business
EasyJet to cover cost of new-born babies' passports in cost of living move
EasyJet will cover the £66.50 UK child passport fee for babies up to 18 months old when parents book an easyJet holiday before November 26.
Culture
KGJ Insurance launches £2,000 Stourbridge mural competition
KGJ Insurance invites artists to design a new Stourbridge-themed mural for its town-centre building, with a £2,000 prize for the winning entry and £100 for three highly commended artists.
Politics
HMRC writes off £12.9bn in unpaid tax as business failures soar
HMRC wrote off nearly £13bn in unpaid tax last year, with £9.8bn in write-offs, as business insolvencies hit record levels, a National Audit Office report reveals.
Sport
Health
New 2027 dismissal protections for pregnant workers and parents
From 2027, pregnant women and new parents in England gain stronger unfair dismissal protections, requiring employers to consider all reasonable alternatives before dismissal.
DWP sends £150 Warm Home Discount letters to pensioners
DWP is writing to Pension Credit recipients about £150 Warm Home Discount payouts. Letters arrive this week through January 2027, with a helpline deadline of 26 February 2027.
Dementia pilot cuts over-80s waits by 20 weeks
Memory Matters pilot in North Birmingham reduced dementia assessment-to-treatment waits for over-80s from 31 to 11 weeks, with 109 assessments via 17 GP practices.
Christa Pike speaks after botched execution attempt
Christa Pike, who survived two lethal injections in Tennessee, can now speak in full sentences and walk more independently, her attorney confirmed.
Dudley carers urged to join national support survey
Unpaid carers in Dudley can share experiences in a national survey running until December 14, piloted by six West Midlands councils to improve care support.
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?