Winter Drying Hack Bans Musty Smells in 90 Minutes
A simple trick using a fan heater and a bedsheet promises to dry laundry fast and eliminate musty odours this winter. Discover the debate between this method and dehumidifiers.
Category : Community
State pensioners to get £114.60 Attendance Allowance hike
The DWP has announced a 4.8% rise in Attendance Allowance payments for state pensioners, with new rates effective from April 6. Find out how much you'll get.
Mystery of Birmingham grave marked only 'Mother'
A headstone in a Birmingham cemetery bearing only the word 'Mother' sparks an online mystery. Discover the theories about the young mum's unmarked grave.
Child bride at 15 speaks out on forced marriage horror
Rubie Marie was forced to marry a man in his 30s at age 15, suffering daily rape. Now 42, she shares her story to raise awareness and help other survivors of honour-based abuse.
Solihull's Locally Listed Heritage Buildings Revealed
Explore over 40 locally listed heritage assets across Solihull, from 17th-century cottages to Art Deco landmarks. Discover how these buildings shape the borough's unique character and enjoy local protection.
New flats planned for Tipton amid 'critical' housing shortage
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.
Sister's plea for justice after brother murdered
The sister of Anthony Sharma, murdered by Diogo Bettencourt, shares her grief and calls for witnesses. West Midlands Police appeal for information on the brutal attack.
Cognitive decline costs pensioners £30,000, warns IFS
New IFS research reveals cognitive decline erodes £30k of wealth for over-65s, urging urgent pension reforms and advance financial planning to protect savings.
Pensioners over 80 get 25p weekly age top-up
State pensioners aged 80+ receive a 25p weekly 'age addition', unchanged since 1971. Critics call it 'insulting' as its value has plummeted. Discover the future of this payment.
Army veteran turns life around with Solihull HMO support
Former soldier Dan Vaughan, who struggled after leaving the army, is rebuilding his life thanks to a veteran-specific HMO scheme in Solihull. Discover how the project offers housing and support.
Half of West Midlands Teachers See Homeless Pupils
Shocking Shelter survey reveals more than half of teachers in the West Midlands have worked with homeless children in the past year, severely impacting education. Urgent action is needed.
How Birmingham residents defeated HMO plans in 2025
A look at how community action led to the rejection of several HMO applications in Birmingham in 2025, from Handsworth to Erdington. Read the success stories.
Jailed prison guards: Five officers sentenced for inmate relationships
Five female prison officers have been jailed in 2025 for inappropriate relationships with inmates. Read the shocking details of the cases and the ongoing crackdown.
Ex-1D Security Guard Fundraising to Save Leg
Preston Mahon, former security for One Direction and Leona Lewis, may lose his leg without a £30,000 private operation. NHS will not intervene until it's life-threatening.
Birmingham's gang legacy persists in 2025 court cases
The ghosts of the Burger Bar Boys and Johnson Crew still influence Birmingham's gang violence. Explore how new groups fight over old territories, with deadly consequences in 2025.
Police staff donate Christmas toys to hard-working dogs
West Midlands Police staff and Arcus FM have donated toys and treats to the force's dog unit this Christmas. Inspector Rachel Crump thanks donors for rewarding the dogs who work over the festive period.
Derby Council hires security for flag removal after threats
Derby City Council has spent £1,400 on security guards to protect workers removing England and Union flags following 'threatening behaviour'. Full details on the council's U-turn and costs revealed.
Gloucester's 'Mr Athletics' Terry Haines Dies Aged 82
Tributes pour in for former Gloucester Mayor and Sheriff Terry Haines, a Labour stalwart and founding force in the city's athletics scene, who died suddenly aged 82.
Village objects to six bungalows on 'inappropriate' site
Residents and parish councillors in Charlton, Worcestershire, strongly oppose plans for six bungalows on agricultural land, citing traffic and sustainability concerns. Read the full story.
Birmingham Hotels Join 'Ask for Angela' Safety Scheme
Four city centre hotels in Birmingham have adopted the 'Ask for Angela' initiative, offering discreet help to anyone feeling unsafe. Staff are trained to assist by calling a taxi or security.
Four bungalows planned for disused Worcestershire pub car park
A developer has submitted plans to build four dormer bungalows on the former car park of The Coventry Arms in Upton Snodsbury, a site vacant since 2017. Read the latest on this brownfield development.
22-year-old arrested in Islington teen murder investigation
A 22-year-old man has been detained on suspicion of murder following the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Adam Henry in Islington. Read the latest on the police investigation.
Council's £1m hotel bill for homeless 'not sustainable'
Stoke-on-Trent City Council spent over £1m housing homeless in B&Bs last year, leaving taxpayers with an £850k bill. Councillor admits the situation is unsustainable. Read the full report.
Cost of raising a child in UK soars to £249,000
New research shows the cost of raising a child to 18 has surged to £249,000, with childcare and teen years being the most expensive. Discover the full breakdown and expert analysis.
County lines courier had 'one last line' before arrest
Jason Revill, 28, was caught with drugs worth £50,000 in Norwich. He asked officers for 'one last line' before being detained. Read the full court report.
Police Appeal on Birthday of Murdered Motherwell Man
Police Scotland make a fresh appeal for information on what would have been Jordan Gray's 27th birthday. The 26-year-old was found shot dead in his Motherwell flat on December 15.
Raw Meat Dumped at Sikh Temple in West Bromwich
West Midlands Police are investigating a hate crime after a man dumped raw meat outside the Guru Narak Gurdwara in West Bromwich. The incident, caught on camera, occurred on December 22. Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
Major Review of DWP's £83 Carer's Allowance Overpayments
A major review finds 210,000 Carer's Allowance overpayments. The DWP will now reassess 185,000 cases. Discover the details and what it means for unpaid carers.
Manhunt for prisoner who fled open prison near Grendon
Police are searching for Mahad Elmi, 27, who left HMP Springhill between Christmas and Boxing Day. The public are warned not to approach him and to call 999 immediately if seen.
Woman seriously hurt in Tipton Christmas Day crash
A woman in her 60s was seriously injured after being hit by a car on Alexandra Road, Tipton, on Christmas morning. Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
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