News

UK plans social media ban for under‑16s

The UK’s planned social media ban marks a major shift in how governments regulate children’s digital lives. With enforcement expected in spring 2027, millions of young people - and the tech companies they use - will need to adapt to a new online landscape aimed at prioritising safety over unrestricted access.

KIC Radio Honoured with Employer Contribution Award at Walsall College STAR Awards

KIC Radio has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to student development after receiving the Employer Contribution Award at this year’s Walsall College STAR Awards.

Young Filmmaker Shines Spotlight on Knife Crime Awareness

Molly Strafford, a young filmmaker from Aldridge, is being recognised for using creativity to tackle a serious issue affecting young people today - knife crime.

Wolverhampton Young Citizen Awards Open for Nominations

Wolverhampton is full of young people doing incredible things, and now it’s time to shine a spotlight on them. The 2026 Wolverhampton Young Citizen Awards are officially open for nominations, and the city’s community is being asked to help recognise the next generation of local heroes.

Major seaside hotel fire treated as suspicious

About 280 people were evacuated from the premises at Folkestone's Grand Burstin Hotel.

Premier League fans and players honour Noah Woods

Everton and Ipswich supporters and players pay tribute to the three-year-old, who died this week.

'Fast, furious and dangerous' - a city's quad bike menace

Videos show groups of riders weaving through busy city centre traffic in Birmingham.

How Queen perfected trademark harmonies in a cave

Drummer Roger Taylor says Queen perfected their singing in a cave on a beach in Cornwall.

Murder arrest after death of e-biker

A man in his 20s is now in police custody for questioning.

'Our flat has been for sale for four years': Why is the market so weak?

James Schaife and his partner are among the many Londoners struggling to sell their flat.

Weaver's blanket gifted to French president by PM

Laura Rosenzweig from Sedbergh says one of her blankets could now be on the French president's bed.

Single decker bus stolen and driven into cars

A man is arrested after the stolen bus crashed into multiple vehicles in Telford, police say.

'I chase shoplifters from my store aged eight to 82'

Store owner Pal Mann says shoplifting has got progressively worse since he opened 21 years ago.

Bluebird at centre of new legal dispute

The claim for nearly £150,000 revolves around whether items provided were donated or not.

'I was a professional singer - but cancer took my voice box'

Tanja Bage has continued to perform on stage despite having her voice box removed during treatment.

Lost piece of fashion history found after international appeal

The housecoat, from the debut collection of the Preston fashion label, is one of two surviving examples.

Woman makes history as UK's new Vatican ambassador

Tammy Sandhu is the first woman from a minority background to be the UK's ambassador to Vatican City.

The boy without a voice - who's helping others find theirs

Sohail Ahmed struggled to talk as a child, and now helps other people overcome selective mutism.

Educating teens through football is a great buzz, says Gerrard

Ex-Liverpool captain and legend Steven Gerrard launched his football and education academy in 2011.

A village familiar with tragedy mourns Noah Woods

"This is a community that knows tragedy and has had to contend with tragedy in recent years," says rector.

Rail disaster of 1957 marked by St John's plaque

A plaque is unveiled in honour of the victims of one of Britain's worst ever train crashes.

'I trained hearing dogs for years - then needed my own'

Kevin Rafferty says Dexter alerts him to noise and has been a companion since the death of his wife.

Hummingbird hawk moths and ivy bees: The insects thriving as temperatures rise

Hummingbird hawk moths - often mistaken for small birds - are being spotted in the West Midlands.

Call for all schools to get epilepsy training

Epilepsy affects one in 100 people, according to charity Epilepsy Action.