Alec Blackman

Jaguar Land Rover’s pre-tax profit fell sharply in the first quarter of its 2026 financial year, with reported profit of £66m compared with £248m a year earlier. Revenue declined to £6bn and vehicle sales fell 9.2%, with the company citing Middle East conflict, market disruption, supply constraints and a fire at a Norwegian components supplier. The results follow planned cuts of up to 300 jobs and the financial impact of a major cyberattack that halted production for five weeks. JLR said it remains profitable and expects new products, including the all-electric Jaguar Type 01, to support future growth.

Network Rail was fined £1.2m at Birmingham Magistrates Court after a deteriorating wall beside Rugby railway station collapsed onto 81-year-old Edward Hanlon in September 2022, causing fractured ribs, a punctured lung and a blood clot. The Office of Rail and Road said Network Rail failed to identify the wall as part of its infrastructure because a former tenant’s fence obscured the boundary, leaving the wall uninspected. Network Rail apologized, said it had addressed immediate risks, and strengthened its asset-record, boundary-identification and inspection procedures. Hanlon died in January 2025 after being diagnosed with lymphoma.

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has ruled out expanding the West Midlands Combined Authority to include Warwickshire, saying the current area is the right size for his regional priorities. He said he is nevertheless working on agreements with neighbouring areas so Warwickshire residents can benefit from projects involving jobs, housing and transport. Warwickshire's existing county, district and borough councils are expected to be replaced by two unitary authorities in 2028, and Parker urged local political leaders, businesses and residents to develop their own devolution proposals. The county had previously explored joining the WMCA and supported a single super-council, but the government recommended a two-council model.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council accidentally exposed the names, email addresses and personalised security codes of just over 2,900 voters in the Arbury ward while updating the electoral roll. The breach occurred on 27 July when an email sent during the annual canvass linked to a spreadsheet containing the data. Council chief executive Tom Shardlow apologised, said the information was taken offline quickly and affected residents were notified. The council described the incident as isolated, launched an investigation, notified the Information Commissioner's Office and said it would introduce additional checks to prevent a recurrence.

The Royal Shakespeare Company cancelled a preview of Game of Thrones: The Mad King about four hours before its scheduled performance on 25 July, following an earlier postponement. The company said the production’s ambitious scale and unforeseen delays required additional time for the cast and creative and technical teams to refine the show. Ticket holders will receive full refunds, while the official opening in Stratford-upon-Avon remains scheduled for 8 August. Written by Duncan Macmillan and based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, the play is due to run until 5 September.

A preview of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Game of Thrones prequel, The Mad King, was cancelled about four hours before its scheduled performance after an earlier preview had already been postponed. The RSC cited unforeseen delays and the ambitious nature of the production, saying it needed more time to refine the work. Ticket holders will receive full refunds, while the official opening remains scheduled for 8 August in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Royal Mail released two sets of stamps honoring Sir Frank Whittle and key British military aircraft influenced by his jet engine innovations. The collection features images of Whittle, his early engines and eight iconic jets from the Gloster Meteor to the F-35B. Whittle’s pioneering work, which began in Coventry and advanced Britain’s aviation leadership, underpins the featured aircraft, several of which mark milestone anniversaries in 2026. Royal Mail highlighted Britain’s aviation legacy and Whittle’s transformative role in jet propulsion.

Three Coventry pubs are closing by late July as rising costs, reduced footfall and pressures linked to pub company agreements strain local venues. The closures involve the Aardvark, Town Wall Tavern and the Lion's Inn. Camra representatives cite high beer costs from pub company ties and government tax and duty policies as major challenges for small operators, reflecting a nationwide trend. Stonegate, which owns two of the affected pubs, says the closures are temporary and emphasizes investment and strong performance across its wider estate.

An artist from Sutton Coldfield spent a year painting daily sunrises to cope with the deaths of her mother and aunt, later selling the artworks to raise funds for Myton Hospice in Warwick, where she now volunteers. The routine helped her manage grief and improve her mental health, and her work is now contributing to hospice support through sales at craft fairs.

A closed multi‑storey car park in Coventry remains in use despite the collapse of its operator, NCP, and its official closure in April. With no barriers or security, drivers continue parking for free amid vandalism, litter and signs of drug use. Coventry City Council, which owns the freehold, says security responsibility lies with the head leaseholder and NCP, and is seeking legal advice on enforcement. Administrators PwC state the property has been formally offered back to the head leaseholder, who is expected to secure the site.

Specialist ME and Long Covid services in Coventry and Warwickshire have been halted, prompting concerns from the ME Association about the impact on thousands of affected patients. George Eliot Hospital closed its weekly clinic due to the loss of clinical leadership, while patients previously served by University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire are now being redirected by GPs. The local Integrated Care Board said funding has not changed but acknowledged that no specialist clinics are currently operating and that options for future service provision are being explored. Patients and advocates warn the loss of support leaves many feeling isolated and without adequate care.

Rugby Borough Council is examining potential routes to revive motorsport at the long‑closed Brandon Stadium after rejecting redevelopment plans for housing. The council aims to determine whether a lawful and financially viable option exists, including the possibility of compulsory purchase, though no final decisions have been made. Campaigners from Save Coventry Speedway and Stocks back the move as consistent with planning decisions and the local plan, noting that any future acquisition would be funded by partner groups rather than taxpayers.

A new specialist nurse role has been introduced at Coventry’s main hospital to improve communication and reduce barriers to care for patients with learning disabilities or autism. Leona McCook will support both patients and clinical staff across multiple departments, drawing on personal experience and her background in paediatric and specialist adult nursing. The position complements mandatory NHS training established after the death of Oliver McGowan, underscoring ongoing efforts to strengthen care for vulnerable patient groups.

Coventry City Football Club has opened a new 15,000-square-foot retail store at the Coventry Building Society Arena, which club leaders describe as crucial for financial growth. Chief business officer Nicola Ibbetson said the shop represents a major branding opportunity following owner Doug King’s purchase of the stadium. The store includes a historical exhibition and aims to expand engagement with women and younger supporters. Designed as an immersive experience, it replaces a smaller location at the arena and a separate city-centre outlet.

More than £220,000 from the UK government’s High Street Rental Auction programme will be used to refurbish a former TSB bank building in Rugby that has been vacant since 2018. Rugby Borough Council secured the funding to renovate and market the property before auctioning its lease, with restrictions preventing uses such as gambling outlets or takeaways. Council leader Louise Robinson said the project aims to improve the area’s appearance and attract a new business.

A sensory-friendly prom is being held in Coventry for school leavers with autism, ADHD and other SEND conditions, organised by Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind. The event includes silent and low-volume discos, quiet areas and a beige buffet tailored to sensory needs, attracting attendees from across England. Families describe the prom as an essential opportunity for their children to enjoy a traditional milestone in an environment that accommodates anxiety and sensory sensitivities.