A Nuneaton family had a lucky escape after a child's bedroom filled with toxic smoke from a charger fire. Firefighters issue a stark warning about 'daisy chaining' extension leads. Check your electricals now.
Sandwell Council reveals plans for 12 affordable flats opposite the new Horseley Road metro stop, aiming to ease a severe shortage of family homes where waits can stretch to nine years.
A petition on housing asylum seekers in Dudley, gaining over 3,000 signatures, triggered a full council debate. Discover the other local issues that mobilised residents in 2025.
A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off Taiwan's coast, shaking the capital Taipei and prompting tsunami warnings for Japan's Okinawa region. No casualties reported yet.
Swimmers from St Helens, Prescot, and across the North West delivered a medal-laden weekend at the Trafford Metro meet, while Masters athletes triumphed at the European Short Course Championships in Poland.
Alan Davies, 33, of Pensnett, appears at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court charged with burglary and theft from a vulnerable victim in Gornal Wood. Police issue urgent distraction burglary warning.
Timonthy Lydon, 29, has been jailed for eight months and given an 18-month community behaviour order banning him from specific shops and Bilston High Street after 13 thefts. Police warn of impact on businesses.
A manufacturing boss warns small firms in Jaguar Land Rover's supply chain could close due to ongoing cashflow issues from a 2025 cyber attack. Read the full analysis and advice for affected businesses.
West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was stabbed in the stomach during violence on Dudley High Street. The victim has been discharged from hospital.
A man in his 20s was stabbed on Dudley High Street in the early hours of Sunday morning. West Midlands Police are urging witnesses and anyone with footage to come forward.
Campaigners demand Dudley Council reinstates 500 removed grit bins, warning the cost-cutting move risks safety on icy hills. Read the full story and see the petition.
A man was stabbed on High Street in Dudley at 3:30am on Sunday, December 21. Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses. The victim's injuries are not life-threatening.
A man was taken to hospital after a stabbing on Dudley High Street in the early hours of Sunday, December 21. Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses.
Plans for an Eton Star Academy sixth form in Dudley have been approved, promising 240 places. Local politicians clash over whether it's the right investment for the town's youth.
A planning inspector has upheld Dudley Council's refusal of an MOT centre in Brierley Hill, citing significant highway safety risks from potential pavement parking. Read the full verdict.
Dudley Council is set for a £75.9m three-year finance settlement from the Labour government. While Labour MPs hail a 'turning point', the borough's Conservative leader urges caution, saying 'the devil is in the detail'. Read the full story.
Petra Varga of Wirral Metro clinched gold in the 200m Individual Medley with a personal best at the Swim England Winter Championships in Sheffield. Discover all the local medal winners and standout performances from a thrilling weekend of swimming.
Dudley Council's leader insists he has 'nothing to hide' as a report into a collapsed £1.65m land sale is delayed for nearly a year. Read the latest on the audit committee's concerns.
Two men have been charged after police discovered a cannabis grow in Dudley. Officers used dogs and drones in the raid on Littleworth Avenue. Read the full details.
Planning Inspectorate dismisses appeal for eight apartments in Blackheath, upholding Dudley Council's refusal. The scheme was deemed too dense and a risk to pedestrian safety.
Sir Lenny Henry is returning to his Dudley roots for a unique stand-up and storytelling show in May 2026. Tickets go on sale December 19 – don't miss out!
Three Wolverhampton residents have been ordered to pay a total of £7,316 for fly-tipping offences after failing to cooperate with a council investigation. Read the full story.
A Worcester woman must tear down a two-storey garden building after neighbours complained. The council refused retrospective planning permission for the 'eyesore'.
Dudley Council reports a 17% drop in emissions, but a councillor warns selling buildings to the private sector risks 'false accounting' on climate progress. Read the full debate.
A Bilston children's home must close after a planning inspector rejected an appeal against a Dudley Council enforcement notice. The home was operating without permission, causing noise and police call-outs.
Stephen Briscoe, 60, was confronted at his home by vigilante group Broken Dreams. He received a suspended jail term and must register as a sex offender.
A 19-year-old was detained after police spotted a stolen motorbike in Dudley town centre. The rider was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. Read the full story.
The Eating Inn Steakhouse in Blackpool has had its latest planning application refused. The council says the extension harms the Promenade's character. Read the full story.
A crucial debate on cutting parking charges was delayed after lengthy discussions on pub rates and council flag policy. Council leader brands debate 'bloody nonsense'.
Metro tram fares across the West Midlands will increase from 2 January 2026. Find out the new prices for single, day, and monthly tickets and the reasons behind the changes.