Community
DWP to Pay £706 State Pension Early Due to New Year Bank Holiday
Thousands of UK state pensioners on the basic rate will receive their £706 payment early this week. The DWP confirms revised dates due to the New Year's Day bank holiday.
Business
DWP's 5,000 Manager Training Plan Slammed as 'Drop in Ocean' for 2.8m Sick
A new DWP scheme to train 5,000 SME managers to support sick employees has been branded 'spin politics' by business leaders, who say it fails to address the scale of 2.8 million long-term sick. Read the full analysis.
Culture
Emmerdale's Joe Absolom Exits After Filming 'Darkest' Slavery Storyline
Actor Joe Absolom departs Emmerdale after a harrowing modern slavery plot. His final scenes, filmed in November, will air in early 2026. Read the full story here.
Politics
Labour's 'Grey Belt' Shift Sparks Wave of West Midlands Housing Plans
Labour's planning policy change is leading developers to argue for 'grey belt' status on green belt land, with major housing applications now pending across the West Midlands. Explore the key sites and local impacts.
Transport
Sport
Health
Five-inch snow storm to hit 13 UK counties from Jan 4
Forecasters warn of a major wintry shift with up to five inches of snow targeting 13 English counties from January 4. Get the latest Met Office and BBC weather updates.
UK faces 43cm snow storm with three Home Nations hit
The UK is set for a major snowstorm on January 11, with up to 43cm forecast for the North East and 17cm in London. Meteorologists warn of a 'nightmare after Christmas'. Read the latest forecasts and impacts.
Birmingham bouncer dies after mistaking meningitis for bad back
A Birmingham security guard died from meningitis after mistaking symptoms for sleeping awkwardly. His family are fundraising and raising awareness of the deadly illness.
UHNM Chief Nurse Awarded OBE in New Year Honours
Ann-Marie Riley, Chief Nurse at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, receives an OBE for exceptional nursing leadership and patient care. Discover her impact.
Mosley's Dinner Tip to Lose a Stone Without Dieting
The late Dr Michael Mosley's simple change to when you eat your evening meal could help you lose a stone in 12 weeks, according to research. Discover the easy weight loss tip.