Express and Star
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:51:21 +0000RAF base near beauty spot Cotswolds 'to be used by the US' as part of military operation on Iran
Keir Starmer has announced that the UK has agreed to a US request to use British military bases for "defensive" strikes on Iranian missile sites.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:43:00 +0000Middle East airspace closure: Is airspace closed in Dubai, Qatar, and Turkey - latest update as more than 2,000 flights cancelled
Tens of thousands of passengers have been stranded around the world due to airspace closures in the Middle East.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:40:22 +0000Former Panorama journalist and author to visit Stourbridge
Fearless investigative reporter John Sweeney will visit Stourbridge on March 14 to launch the local Liberal Democrats’ manifesto and share stories from his illustrious career.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:39:51 +0000Peaky Blinders: EXCLUSIVE: Production designer hints at plot surprises in new film The Immortal Man
From its first season, Peaky Blinders has always recreated the Post-WW1 look of our region in all its gritty glory. Ahead of the release of The Immortal Man, we sat down for an exclusive chat with the film’s production designer, Jacqueline Abrahams...
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:34:13 +0000Century celebrations for former Bevin boy
Celebrations have been in full swing at Wellington Hall care home in Wellington, as one of its much-loved residents reached his centenary in style.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:20:33 +0000Black Country Artisan Market at Mander Centre, Saturday 14th March!
At a time when small creative businesses need your support more than ever, Black Country Artisan Fairs has carefully curated a fantastic selection of high quality traders for its Spring Artisan Fair - giving you an unmissable opportunity to shop smal...
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:17:20 +0000Man dies after crash on A454 near Bridgnorth
A man has died after a crash on the A454 near Bridgnorth.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:12:52 +0000Charity coffee afternoon raises more than £170 for wing walk challenge
High Sheriff Award winner Shaz Saleem launched a charity campaign to raise awareness and money for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and One Cat at a Time just at the start of February, their aim was to raise £1,000, the team have smashed their target...
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:48:55 +0000Is Dubai Airport open? Emirates and flydubai issue update as flights suspended until further notice
All flights due to travel from Dubai Airports have been suspended until further notice, it has been announced.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:31:59 +0000Staff threatened and 11 bottles of whiskey stolen from Halesowen store
Do you recognise these two men?
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:00:01 +0000M6 traffic held after two-car crash with 30 minute commuter delays
Traffic is currently being held on the M6 northbound in Warwickshire following a reported two-vehicle collision.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:28:32 +0000Flights from Birmingham Airport to Delhi and Dubai cancelled today amid conflict in the Middle East
Flights from Birmingham Airport to Dubai and Delhi have been cancelled today as disruption continues across the Middle East following escalating conflict in the Gulf.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000Green belt protests a taste of things to come as pressure increases from government housing targets
The weekend's protests in Aldridge and Kingswinford may well be a taste of things to come as councils battle with government targets to build 1.5 million new homes.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000Awards scheme celebrating private businesses opens for entries
An award scheme which recognises private businesses has opened for entries.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000No expense spared: Inside West Bromwich Albion's state-of-the-art coach which comes with luxury seats, top class ovens and a professional chef
A family run Lye coach company has given a sneak peek inside its most state-of-the-art passenger vehicle which transports West Bromwich Albion players to and from football matches around the country.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000'Sort the potholes before the cycle lanes,' says frustrated reader - your letters, plus a 1986 throwback of life at St Mary’s Church School
Readers voice frustration over dangerous potholes, neglected footpaths, and council spending priorities.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000Slow start leaves Midlands Hurricanes with too much to do as winning run comes to an end
It was a tough day at the office for Midlands Hurricanes as their winning run in the league came to a halt in the face of a slow start.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 03:04:10 +0000Israel launches strikes on Beirut after Hezbollah fires missiles across border
The strikes follow the US and Israel pounding targets across Iran on Sunday as part of an intensifying military campaign.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:43:00 +0000Tram disruption for Wolverhampton and Birmingham due to vital works and 'private event'
Commuters are advised to check for the latest updates before travelling.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000Jailed: 12 West Midlands criminals locked up for their crimes in February - including rapists and teen who murdered 12-year-old Leo Ross
February saw several violent and vicious offenders locked away for crimes committed in the West Midlands - here are 12 of the most serious.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000Changes to Local Council Tax Reduction Schemes in two Staffordshire authorities approved
Two Staffordshire authorities have approved changes to their council tax reduction schemes to support residents receiving certain benefits.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000Plans to convert South Staffordshire barn into four new homes approved
A former agricultural barn next to a football club can be converted into four new homes after South Staffordshire councillors voted to approve plans.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000'Aim High Aim Higher' - We visit a Sandwell school where students don't just aim for the sky - they aim for the stars
Sandwell's Ocker Hill Academy isn't just a school where students come to learn; it's a community where students strive to be the very best that they can be.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0000Rat activity shows significant increase after hot summer and recent rain
Rat activity in UK properties has significantly increased over the last year, thought to be due to a record hot summer and exacerbated by recent wet weather.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0000Plan submitted to turn former antiques shop back into a house
A plan has been submitted to change a former antiques shop back into a house.
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0000Watch: The quirky Black Country town with more than 30 barber shops and hair salons
With over 30 barbers or hair salons, Sedgley has a right to lay claim to being the West Midlands' home of hairdressing if not the UK's.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:50:15 +0000Five arrests and two men in hospital after Oldbury stabbing
Five people have been arrested after two men were stabbed following disorder in Oldbury.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:37:14 +0000Black Country pub's plea for help after it suffers 'smash and grab' break-in
Staff at a Stourbridge pub have issued a plea for a carpenter to come out and fix the back door after the pub suffered a break in overnight.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:02:45 +0000Train delays in West Midlands due to 'emergency service led incident'
An incident on the train line between Dorridge and Birmingham Snow Hill is causing delays and alterations to services this afternoon
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 14:43:57 +0000Woman injured after two car crash in Wednesbury - occupants of BMW flee the scene
Police have launched an investigation after the occupants of a BMW involved in two-car crash in Wednesbury fled the scene.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 14:31:26 +0000Delays after M6 crash near Wednesbury
An earlier accident reported on the M6 near Wednesbury is causing delays for Sunday afternoon motorists.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 13:01:06 +0000'We need her back safe and sound ' - Black Country mother speaks of her anguish as her daughter faces 'chaos' in Dubai after Iran strikes
An anguished Coseley mother whose daughter is 'on lockdown' in Dubai says she is desperate to know her daughter is safe.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:05:13 +0000West Midlands Police forensic team in the spotlight as hit TV show returns tonight - here's everything you need to know
The work of West Midlands Police's team of forensic officers in helping to solve serious crimes will be brought into focus during the latest series of a hit TV programme.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:16:35 +0000Birmingham Airport: More flights cancelled after US and Israel launch strikes on Iran as West Midlands tourists left stranded abroad
More flights from Birmingham International Airport have been cancelled after US and Israeli strikes on Iran forced airlines to divert or cancel routes.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 10:18:33 +0000Council issues warning as funeral takes place of teenager fatally stabbed outside Black Country mosque
Roads around an Oldbury mosque are expected to be busy today (Sunday) as the funeral of a teenager who died nearby takes place.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:40:53 +0000Police issue appeal after attempted sexual assault in West Midlands
Police have issued an appeal after an attempted sexual assault on a woman in Birmingham.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:31:48 +0000Fears grow of regional instability after death of Iran’s leader
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States on Saturday.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 08:44:47 +0000West Midlands driver jailed after deliberately running over pedestrians as violence flared outside nightclub
A driver has been jailed for more than 11 years after deliberately running over pedestrians when violence erupted outside a Birmingham city centre nightclub.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +000034 pictures: A throwback to the careers that shaped our Midlands communities
Tomorrow marks the start of National Careers Week, a UK-wide celebration of careers guidance and a chance to inspire young people as they explore their future paths.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000'This option is exactly what some people want,' family funeral firm says as it unveils new direct cremations service
One of the UK’s longest established funeral directors has launched a new direct cremations service after taking over Hammerwich Crematorium.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000Peaky Blinders: Splitting the fact from the fiction ahead of new film with Professor Carl Chinn
Proud Birmingham patriot and the world’s premier authority on the real Peaky Blinders, Professor Carl Chinn MBE sat down with a chat for us to help separate fact from fiction ahead of the release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000Change in plans to convert historic Walsall County Court complex into flats' development
Developers behind plans to convert the historic Walsall County Court building into flats when it is relocated elsewhere have made a minor change.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000Staffordshire County Council promoted farms for housing despite ‘ban’
A council continued to promote two of its farms for housing development – despite leaders saying they would stop farms being sold off.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000New parking restrictions coming into force in Rowley Regis's High Street
New parking restrictions are coming into force along Rowley Regis's High Street as part of road safety improvements for shoppers and visitors.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000Plan for new homes on historic Stourbridge site recommended for approval
Dudley Council planners are being asked to approve the details of a development on the former Rolling Mills site in Stourbridge.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000We visit a Staffordshire pub which has been given a new lease of life by its landlord and has become a popular community hub
This pub has been given a new lease of life by its landlord after years of struggle and has become a popular community hub with great beer and a warm welcome.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000Black Country car dealership opened without permission fails in bid for permission
A council has rejected plans that would have allowed a West Bromwich car dealership opened without permission to stay.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +000010 brilliant Black Country hidden gems steeped in history and nature you need to visit this Spring
To celebrate the beginning of spring we have made a list of ten hidden Black Country gems you need to visit over the next few months.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000Fares for new Birmingham rail services revealed by bosses - here's how much it will cost
Rail bosses have revealed how much it will cost passengers to use much-heralded new railway stations in Birmingham.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000Black Country neighbourhood named among best places to retire in England, according to The Times
Forget dreams of retiring by the seaside - new research suggests older people may thrive best in well-connected towns and cities, including two right here in the West Midlands.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000Residents weigh in on whether their West Midlands home city is a 'powerhouse' or a 'cesspit'
Birmingham communities have been urged not to let "politics say what their city is" following a row about its image.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0000Five 'under-the-radar' market towns in the West Midlands that are perfect for a peaceful day out
There are some beautiful under-the-radar market towns in the West Midlands that are perfect for a peaceful day out.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0000Severn Valley Railway warns landowners about their liability after last year’s catastrophic landslip is caused by ‘fallen tree from adjacent land’
The Severn Valley Railway has warned landowners with properties next to their rail line that they are liable for the trees on their property.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0000'It's heartwarming to see that people still want to fight': Protestors wage war on West Midlands greenbelt plans
The continued battle to protect an area of greenbelt land in the West Midlands countryside has seen protestors come out to make their voices heard.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:21:54 +0000Sharon Osbourne remembers husband Ozzy as ‘authentic and gifted’ at Brit Awards
The singer, known as the Prince of Darkness, died aged 76 in July last year.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:33:07 +0000'Once it's gone, it's gone forever': Hundreds join protest against homes planned for Black Country greenbelt
It was a day for residents and campaigners to come together and make their voices heard about plans to build homes on greenbelt land around their town.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:18:13 +0000Two more teenagers charged with murder after fatal stabbing outside Smethwick mosque
Two teenagers have been charged with murder more than a week after a man was fatally stabbed.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:01:52 +0000Lane closure causes delays on M6 near West Bromwich after vehicle breakdown
Motorists heading north on the M6 have been warned to expect delays after a vehicle breakdown caused a lane to be closed.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:59:09 +0000Police hunting Black Country man wanted for number of offences
A wanted appeal has been launched to find a man who is suspected of numerous offences in Dudley.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:45:47 +0000Appeal launched for information after burglary in Solihull
A police appeal has been launched after a burglary at a house in the east of Birmingham.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:03:28 +0000LIVE: Birmingham Airport flights diverted and cancelled after US and Israel launch strikes on Iran
Flights across Western Europe and the Middle East are facing severe disruption after US and Israeli strikes on Iran forced airlines to divert or cancel routes, including services from Birmingham.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000Kingswinford vodka brand seeks to grow its US presence after founder’s epic California road trip
Kingswinford vodka brand Jatt Life is aiming to grow its US off-trade presence after a successful two-week brand boosting campaign in California.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:59:13 +0000Black Country man jailed after police seize zombie knife
A man has been jailed after police seized a zombie knife from him.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:39:11 +0000BYD raises the stakes with Sealion 5
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:10:43 +0000Black Country flood alerts today: Areas affected across Midlands as rivers stay high
The Environment Agency has updated flood alerts and warnings across the Midlands following further rain.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:09:12 +0000BYD Sealion 5 DM-i: 631 miles of range for under £30k
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:11:37 +0000Police appeal after vans and campervan stolen in Highley - residents urged to check CCTV
Police are appealing for information after three vehicles were stolen from streets in Highley over a five‑day period.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:07:56 +0000County Lines: Drug dealer who had business cards jailed over West Midlands Class A supply line
A Class A drug dealer who sent out business cards advertising his services has been jailed after police shut down a supply network.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 09:37:00 +0000'A compelling opportunity to deliver aspirational homes' - £150m plan for 430 new homes in Staffordshire
Housebuilder Cameron Homes has submitted outline plans for a £150m scheme to build 430 homes and community facilities in Chasetown, Burntwood.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:29:54 +0000Power cut affecting hundreds of homes in Walsall area cleared
A power cut affecting hundreds of homes in the Walsall area from this morning has been almost completely cleared.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:18:30 +0000Jailed: Pair locked up for almost 80 years after opening fire in Black Country street leaving three women injured
Two men have been jailed for a total of almost 80 years after they opened fire at a group of people in a Wolverhampton street - leaving three injured.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Leader heckled after telling Walsall Leather Museum campaigner to ‘shut up’ during meeting
A leather museum campaigner was told to ‘shut up’ by the leader of Walsall Council at a public meeting.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Black Country businesses urged to complete vital survey as Government's Spring Forecast looms
Black Country businesses are urged to complete a vital economic survey that could directly influence government policy decisions affecting companies in the region.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Council housing proposal rejected as Walsall councillors approve maximum tax increase and £32 million cuts
A maximum council tax increase and £32 million worth of cuts for the 2026/27 budget have been approved by Walsall councillors.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Peaky Blinders: Your essential guide to new film The Immortal Man
The wait is almost over. Adjust your flat caps, and this time fill them with popcorn – by order of the Peaky Blinders.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000New Cradley Heath Skills Campus set for official launch - here's when
A new skills campus built in the heart of Cradley Heath to bring practical training and adult learning courses to locals is set to be officially opened.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Sale of family-run Willenhall laser cutting business saves 11 jobs
11 jobs have been saved following the sale of a Willenhall-based family run laser cutting and sheet metal fabrication company.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Cradley Heath business hub to hold open days with free six-month storage up for grabs
A Black Country business hub which has opened on an historic site in Cradley Heath is set to throw its doors open to visitors, with a big prize up for grabs.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Mark Andrews: Aliens, ski-jumpers with big packages, and our brave new world under Zack Polanski
Mark Andrews takes a wry look at the week's news
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Midlands Heroes: Dudley boy Sir Lenny Henry is 'Still at Large'
Stand-up legend and co-founder of Comic Relief Sir Lenny Henry needs no introduction - but as this week’s Midlands Hero, we’re going to give him one anyway.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000'Flying our flags is a sign of pride, not provocation' - your letters, plus England prepare for Wales in a 1958 snapshot
From flying the Union flag to concerns over tolerance and the courts, local readers have their say on issues affecting the nation today.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:53:09 +0000Birmingham vs Black Country: How industry built two proud but different cultures
Dr Steve McCabe takes a look at the proud differences between the Black Country and Birmingham
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:05:36 +0000The 5 longest direct routes available from Birmingham Airport in 2026
These are the 5 longest scheduled nonstop flights you can take from Birmingham Airport (BHX) in 2026:
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 02:27:00 +0000All the Black Country locations for mobile speed camera vans heading into March 2026
Here are a number of sites across the Black Country where mobile speed cameras are currently in place.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 02:00:00 +000020mph limits and bus gates planned for Birmingham as major project moves forward
Bus gates and 20mph speed limits could soon be introduced on certain roads in Birmingham city centre as a major project moves forwards.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 02:00:00 +0000Excitement for opening of new Birmingham railway stations after years of delays
Excitement is building for people in Moseley as the opening of a new railway station to serve the village draws closer following years of delays.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 02:00:00 +0000Face of detained 18-year-old who attacked his mother in Smethwick
This is the face of 18-year-old Jonan Walker who has been detained for attacking his mother and leaving her for dead at their Smethwick home.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 02:00:00 +0000Date set for public hearing on controversial Staffordshire waste incinerator appeal
Controversial proposals for a new clinical waste incinerator in a village near Stafford will be considered by a planning inspector in April.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 02:00:00 +000014-bed HMO could be built above Smethwick pharmacy under new plan
A new HMO could be built above a Smethwick pharmacy according to plans submitted to Sandwell Council.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 01:09:00 +000022 famous faces that the Black Country like to claim as their own - from acting legends to music stars
Take a look at some of the brightest Black Country stars who hold the torch in showcasing the region's talents.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 01:00:00 +0000Real ale lovers invited to put in the hard yards and visit pubs all across the West Midlands as popular brewery real ale trail returns
Lovers of real ale are being invited to visit as many pubs as they can and get their miles in over the next three months as a brewery's real ale trail returns.
Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:01:00 +0000'Schools are running on empty': Education union warns of ‘severe crisis’ as indicative strike ballot opens
Schools are running on empty, a teaching union has warned, as teachers begin voting in an indicative strike ballot.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:18:48 +0000I visited Digbeth Dining Club’s buzzing new canal-side venue in Dudley that’s ‘been a long time coming’
With delicious food at a beautiful canalside venue, the new Digbeth Dining Club site in Brierley Hill is one to visit.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:02:11 +0000Scrap metal business in Willenhall sold to new owner, saving 13 jobs
A long-running family-run scrap metal business in Willenhall struggling with rising costs has been sold to a new owner, saving 13 jobs.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:13:28 +0000'Incident cleared' after one lane of four was 'blocked' by stranded vehicle on M6 near Walsall
Minor disruption was reported on the M6 in Walsall due to a stranded vehicle.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:04:45 +0000Four alleged pro-Palestine protesters deny £1.2m damage to Wolverhampton factory
Four alleged pro-Palestine protesters have pleaded not guilty to causing more than £1.2 million of damage in a planned attack on a UK factory linked to Israel.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:03:34 +0000'We were there from the beginning': Fans queue up as Ozzy the Bull wears a custom Peaky Blinders flat cap
Fans from all across the world queue up for a photo with Ozzy the Bull, who sports a brand-new Peaky Blinders inspired look.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:38:08 +0000'It's unbelievable': 200,000 birthday cards sent to very special Rowley Regis girl Amelia
An 'unbelievable' 200,000 birthday cards have been sent to Amelia Kolpa ahead of her special day next week.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:14:58 +0000Four charged with drugs and weapons following Walsall county lines arrests
Four people have been charged with drug offences in Walsall following a county lines operation in the borough.
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:07:31 +0000Two more teenagers arrested on suspicion of murdering young man outside Black Country mosque
Two more boys have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of an 18-year-old man who was stabbed to death outside a mosque.