Community
Stourbridge man grows giant 650lb squash for Southampton show
Lee Herrington from Wollescote, Stourbridge, has grown a giant squash weighing over 650 pounds, now on display in Southampton. He previously held a Guinness World Record.
Business
British Gas customers eligible for £1,700 energy grant from October 1
British Gas Energy Trust's Energy Support Grant offers up to £1,700 per household, available from October 1 for eligible prepayment and credit customers in Birmingham and beyond.
Culture
Genius 'Network Fail' mural mocks Network Rail's Digbeth demolition plan
A mystery graffiti artist sprayed 'Network Fail' over The Warehouse's Tree Lung mural in Digbeth, mocking Network Rail's £1.75bn Midlands Rail Hub plan that could demolish the community hub and over 50 businesses.
Politics
Dame Judi Dench backs Archers cast in BBC Birmingham studio plea
Dame Judi Dench and 100+ Archers cast and crew urge BBC to keep the drama in Birmingham after plans for a new Digbeth studio were scrapped amid £500m cuts.
Sport
Health
Motorcyclist hospitalised after Dudley collision on The Parade
A motorcyclist in his 30s was taken to hospital after a collision with a car on The Parade, Dudley, at 10.50am on October 17. Police appeal for witnesses.
AA reveals 10 fuel-saving tips as UK petrol prices stay high
The AA has issued 10 tips that could cut fuel costs by up to 20% as Middle East disruption keeps diesel near £2 and petrol above 174p per litre.
Sandwell Couch Potatoes climb Snowdon for sailing trip
The Sandwell Couch Potatoes will climb Snowdon on October 17 to fund a 2027 sailing voyage for people recovering from psychosis, supporting Black Country Brighter Lives' 30 ways campaign.
Burnham and Healey won't extend energy VAT cut as bills rise
Andy Burnham and John Healey won't commit to extending the energy VAT cut beyond March, with Cornwall Insight predicting a £276 rise in typical annual bills from January.
£2m fake weight loss drugs seized in Birmingham raid
West Midlands Police and MHRA seized £2m of fake weight loss pens, including 12,000 Retatrutide and Tirzepatide pens, at a filthy Nechells industrial unit.
TV & Film Quiz: British Screen Classics
From EastEnders and Doctor Who to James Bond, Only Fools and Horses and Wallace and Gromit, test your knowledge of classic British television and cinema. Lights, camera, quiz!