Hannah Ahmed

John Herbert, 42, racially abused a Pakistani-heritage police officer and made further threats and racial remarks while being transported to custody after an altercation at a Birmingham McDonald's on Boxing Day 2025. His defence attributed the incident to binge drinking and cited his remorse, anxiety and depression. Birmingham Magistrates' Court imposed an 18-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work, rehabilitation requirements, alcohol abstinence monitoring, £85 in costs, a £114 victim surcharge and £50 compensation.

Darnell Thompson punched a father several times in the face and head after the man accidentally collided with Thompson’s car in Birmingham while his six-year-old son was present. The victim suffered facial swelling, vision problems, an eye-socket fracture and a broken nose requiring surgery. Thompson was sentenced to 12 months in custody, reduced to six months and suspended for 18 months, with rehabilitation requirements and 300 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £9,640 in compensation.

Wolverhampton mother Kay Johnson says a severe bed bug infestation has left her three children distressed, covered in bites and sleeping on mattresses or the floor after their beds became infested. Midland Heart arranged pest-control treatments on two occasions and scheduled further treatment, but Johnson says the bugs returned. She is asking to be moved from the property, while the housing association says infestations can require multiple treatments and that it is continuing to support the family.

The Springfield Project’s Child Friendly Neighbourhood initiative in Sparkhill is engaging children in activities such as CPR training, holiday schemes and improving their local environment. Chief executive Sarah Robbins says young people should help shape their communities and argues that more accessible, neighbourhood-based youth services are needed, particularly as Birmingham has experienced youth-centre closures and council-run facilities may be too far away for many children.

Police established a large cordon on Ladywood Middleway near Ladywood Leisure Centre in Birmingham after a reported incident on the evening of 12 August 2026. Multiple police cars and officers were seen at the scene, traffic was blocked or heavily disrupted, and officers were reportedly approaching nearby doors. West Midlands Police had been asked for comment, but the nature of the incident remained unclear.

Birmingham experienced a major solar eclipse on August 12, with the moon covering about 91.79% of the sun at peak coverage around 7:12pm—the most significant eclipse visible in the UK since 1999 and one not expected to recur at this scale until 2081. Crowds gathered at Barr Beacon and other West Midlands viewing locations, while residents shared photographs and described a lively family atmosphere. Officials and emergency services warned people not to look directly at the sun and recommended certified eclipse glasses or pinhole viewers. The live coverage also highlighted the Perseid meteor shower expected after sunset, benefiting from the dark sky created by the new moon.

A proposal by Wavensmere Homes to build 165 homes on the former Clarendon Suites and masonic lodge site on Stirling Road, Edgbaston, is expected to receive approval from a Birmingham City Council committee on August 16. The scheme includes 75 three-bedroom townhouses, 90 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 12 affordable homes. The vacant brownfield site was damaged by fire in 2019 and demolished in 2022. Council officers say the development would address local demand, particularly for three-bedroom family homes, while the developer and architects say it will improve the surrounding streetscape and provide sustainable housing.

Erdington Baby Bank founders Alicia and Scott say a BirminghamLive campaign about child poverty helped shape their service at Scallywags in The Fort Shopping Centre. The volunteer-run bank, established to address Birmingham's child-poverty crisis, has received more than 200 referrals in its first seven months and provides essentials such as baby clothes, Moses baskets, bedding and hygiene products through professional referrals. The founders are seeking donations and continued community support.

Residents Doreen “Babs” Boyden and Joan Preston celebrated their 102nd and 101st birthdays together at Care UK’s Bishops Manor in Sutton Coldfield, reaching a combined age of 203. Family, friends, staff and fellow residents marked the occasion with balloons, dancing and cake. Joan credited living fully and choosing happiness for her longevity, while Babs highlighted Scottish dancing and maintaining friendships.

West Midlands Police recorded 5,439 vehicle thefts in Birmingham during 2025, the highest total among its seven local policing authorities. Monthly figures ranged from 381 in January to 487 in October. Coventry recorded 1,146 thefts, Dudley 1,443, Sandwell 1,549, Solihull 1,070 and Wolverhampton 1,051. Police said dedicated teams are targeting vehicle crime and advised residents to secure vehicles, protect keys, park responsibly and check for cloning or electronic-locking vulnerabilities.

Families across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands are facing financial stress, unsuitable or overcrowded housing, limited access to public funds and damp or mold-related health problems. Barnardo's Family Focus wellbeing workers, working with Modality Partnership, provide practical and emotional support alongside medical care, including housing advice, advocacy and help addressing mold. Wellbeing worker Aimee McGuinness describes the severe hardship encountered by families and urges those struggling to seek support before their problems escalate.

A Freedom of Information request found 278 police records involving possession of a bladed or sharply pointed article on Birmingham school or further-education premises between January 2022 and June 2026. A further 85 records involved threats with such weapons. Annual possession reports ranged from 55 to 70 between 2022 and 2025, with 30 recorded through June 2026. Birmingham Live notes that school location markers may sometimes refer to nearby landmarks rather than incidents occurring inside schools. West Midlands Police said knife crime remains a priority and outlined enforcement, school interventions, patrols, family support and violence-prevention programmes.

Nadia, a pregnant four-year-old cat, was found abandoned in a cramped dog crate in a Birmingham alley while caring for five kittens that were not her own. After being rescued by Cats Protection West Midlands Cat Centre, her own three kittens died following her birth, while the kittens she had been nursing and another older cat, Maui, are now seeking homes. The centre is urging people never to abandon animals and is offering support to owners facing difficulties.

Midland Heart offers Birmingham parents practical ways to reduce back-to-school costs, including buying uniforms gradually, using second-hand options, labelling belongings and seeking help early. Families may also qualify for budgeting advances, council-supported school travel or specialist transport for children with SEND, while childcare support depends on individual circumstances. Parents worried about finances are encouraged to contact Midland Heart’s Money Advice team.

Diesel prices have risen by 17p per litre to 181.5p, making it cost about £100 to fill a typical 55-litre family car, while petrol has climbed by 11p to 161.5p per litre, taking a full tank to around £89. RAC policy chief Simon Williams said daily increases should stop and prices could begin falling if crude oil remains near $80 a barrel. The outlook may improve if supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz ease, while Donald Trump has accused oil companies of profiting excessively from shortages linked to the Iran war.

Restful Homes Developments has submitted plans to the City of Wolverhampton Council for two three-storey care home buildings on the former St Teresa’s Catholic Church site beside Birmingham New Road. The proposed facility would provide 134 bedrooms, landscaped gardens, 50 car parking spaces, cycle parking and fencing. The applicants say the scheme would address a shortage of registered care places, create jobs, support residents with frailty or dementia, and make efficient use of a brownfield site. Access would be from Dimmock Street, while the planning documents highlight public transport links and the site’s suitability for serving Wolverhampton’s ageing population.

West Mercia Police’s Jog On scheme uses female officers in plain clothes to run in key locations and summon support crews when they experience harassment such as catcalling or horn beeping. Runner and Run Of A Kind founder Lucy Canham welcomed the initiative as a positive and potentially preventative measure, but said police action alone cannot eliminate misogyny, which is influenced by social environments, patriarchy and online content. The force plans to expand the scheme across its area and has released footage of officers stopping motorists accused of harassing runners.

Lozells councillor Taj Uddin has urged residents to stop fly-tipping after repeated dumping of items including fridges, beds and bathtubs at local hotspots. Although Birmingham City Council’s Waste Management Team clears the sites regularly, rubbish often returns within 24 hours. Uddin called for responsible waste disposal and warned that offenders could face significant fines and prosecution. He also met street-cleansing manager Justin Hillyer to discuss targeted improvements across the ward.

One Eastside, Birmingham’s £200 million, 51-storey joint-tallest building, reached practical completion on August 3, four years after construction began. Developed by Sphere Group and handed over to Pension Insurance Corporation, the scheme contains 667 one- and two-bedroom rental homes, with the first residents expected this summer. Its amenities include a spa, gym, wellness studio, panoramic rooftop bar, co-working facilities, a piano lounge and private cinema. The project has also created about 90 local jobs, generated £33.5 million in annual economic value and used nearly £16 million in locally sourced materials and services.

Plans have been submitted to Birmingham City Council to change the use of a five-bed HMO at 141 Floyer Road in Small Heath into a three-bed assisted care home for one child. Applicant Mohammed Raza submitted the proposal, which was registered in June, with a site notice issued on July 31 and public consultation running until August 24, 2026.

Muhammed and Afshana Majothi raised £9,000 for Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity after their son Sully survived two cardiac arrests and spent more than 14 months in the hospital's paediatric intensive care unit. Sully was diagnosed with the rare, incurable condition SMARD1, which causes muscle weakness and respiratory failure, and now lives at home with round-the-clock nursing support. The family says the fundraising is a way to thank the PICU team, whose care enabled Sully to return home and prepare to start school.

The NHS is urging eligible young people in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull to receive the free MenB vaccine before starting university or college in autumn 2026. The infection can cause meningitis and sepsis and spread through close contact, while vaccination requires two doses at least 28 days apart. Eligible people can book through the NHS National Booking Service, participating pharmacies or university clinics during Freshers’ Week.

The Jamaica 0121 Festival will return to Birmingham’s Victoria Square from August 7 to 9, celebrating Caribbean culture and 64 years of Jamaican independence. The mostly free event will feature live bands, artists, DJs, Jamaican and jerk cuisine, stalls, a talent competition and other activities, with 20 stalls, 50 artists, 15 DJs and eight celebrity hosts expected. Birmingham City Council has promoted the festival, which is anticipated to attract large crowds.

HMRC has warned sole traders and landlords covered by Making Tax Digital for Income Tax that the first quarterly update deadline is just over a week away. The system currently applies to those with qualifying gross income profits above £50,000, with thresholds falling to £30,000 in April 2027 and £20,000 in April 2028. HMRC says users should check that they are signed up and using compatible software. Quarterly updates do not replace the annual tax return, which remains due by 31 January.

A visit to Together St Paul's youth centre in Balsall Heath highlights the benefits of its free summer programme for 11- to 15-year-olds, including sports, crafts, nature activities and socialising. The centre is portrayed as a safe, welcoming space where young people can build relationships, engage away from their phones and connect with culturally relatable adult role models. The piece argues that such services are increasingly important as youth centres have closed across Birmingham and the wider UK.

City of Wolverhampton Council has approved Stonebond Properties’ plans to build 60 homes on Craddock Street in Whitmore Reans, where an Xercise4Less gym and warehouse were destroyed by fire in December 2021. The development will include one- to four-bedroom houses, flats and maisonettes. The council concluded that the scheme would not harm the area’s character, neighbouring amenities or highway safety, subject to planning conditions.

A 23-year-old Birmingham Live reporter explains why she has no plans to move out of her parents’ home despite having a full-time job. Rising house prices, rent, bills, transport costs, student loan repayments and the broader cost-of-living crisis make independent living and home ownership unaffordable for many young adults. Data cited from University College London and the Office for National Statistics shows that living with parents is increasingly common, while the average UK home price has risen sharply since 1996. She argues that staying at home is a practical financial choice and that younger people should not feel embarrassed about following different life paths.

Tamworth resident Katie Warren was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer after a routine mammogram despite having no symptoms or detectable lump. She underwent surgery, lymph-node surgery and radiotherapy, completing treatment in March 2023. Warren credits breast screening with saving her life and, together with friends Julie Allen and Karen, now raises money for Breast Cancer Now through annual afternoon tea events that have collected £1,735.

Rednal Road has been identified as Birmingham’s worst fly-tipping hotspot, with 44 recorded incidents—10 more than Kyrwicks Lane, the second-highest location. Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request listed 23 affected roads. Birmingham City Council says fly-tipping can result in fines of up to £50,000 and imprisonment, and is investing an additional £1.1 million to expand enforcement, investigate reports, prosecute offenders, issue fixed-penalty notices and seize vehicles.

Junaid Hussain, a 23-year-old Birmingham City University business management graduate, says he has applied for more than 500 jobs since graduating in 2024 but has received very few interviews and little personalised feedback. He now relies on Universal Credit and has joined the Restart employment-support programme, while considering a security course. Hussain believes the government should do more to address youth unemployment. The government has announced a Youth Jobs Grant offering businesses £3,000 for each eligible young person hired.

St Basils youth service manager Tamzin Reynolds-Rosser says many Birmingham young people want to work but face barriers including limited opportunities, anxiety, homelessness, supported housing circumstances and stigma. The charity’s youth advisory board has been helping build confidence since the Covid-19 pandemic, while its Live and Work scheme in Birmingham and Sandwell offers apprenticeships, support and accommodation for £400 a month. Reynolds-Rosser urges employers to invest in disadvantaged young people, arguing that those affected by homelessness, care experience, bereavement or family breakdown need greater support to access work.

An 11-year-old girl named Melly is undergoing treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital for Burkitt lymphoma after months of escalating symptoms initially misattributed to minor illnesses. Her family describes the diagnosis and treatment process as traumatic, with months of therapy still ahead. A GoFundMe has been launched to support her wish to travel to Disneyland once her treatment ends, as relatives express both heartbreak and gratitude for the support they have received.

Fans across the West Midlands debate whether Jude Bellingham should be considered a Brummie or a Yam Yam, with many citing his Stourbridge birthplace and others pointing to his schooling and footballing development in Birmingham. TikTok creators and residents from both Birmingham and the Black Country share competing claims, while Bellingham’s own comments highlight his strong connection to Birmingham and pride in representing the city on the world stage.

Wolverhampton City Council has approved plans from the Department for Education to demolish the aging buildings of Stow Heath Primary School in Willenhall and construct a new facility. The redevelopment includes a two‑form entry school for 420 pupils, expanded nursery provision, and a dedicated SEND unit. Planning documents cite the deteriorating condition and outdated design of the existing 1960s–70s structures, highlighting the need for improved safety, accessibility, and modern learning environments. The new site aims to provide inclusive spaces that meet current educational standards, with completion targeted for September 2028.

Bellfield Junior and Infant School in Northfield has applied to Birmingham City Council for permission to partially demolish an existing building and construct a single‑storey extension to expand its nursery and early years facilities. Planning documents outline aims to modernise the site, increase capacity, and enhance the learning environment, supported by additional staffing. The proposal forms part of a broader consultation to merge the junior and infant schools into a unified primary institution. A decision on the application is expected by August 6.

Sam Neill’s family announced his sudden death in Sydney at age 78, prompting widespread tributes from fans expressing grief and admiration for his career and character. Statements highlighted his peaceful passing surrounded by family and acknowledged the care provided by St Vincent’s Private Hospital. Supporters celebrated his influence through roles in Peaky Blinders and Jurassic Park, sharing emotional messages across social media.

A 22-year-old woman from the Midlands endured six years of severe pain before receiving an endometriosis diagnosis, despite repeated assurances that nothing was wrong. Her condition was identified only after an MRI and subsequent laparoscopy revealed endometriosis affecting her bowel, bladder and near her ovary. She continues to experience intense daily pain and is exploring further treatment while preparing to participate in a charity obstacle run to raise awareness and support for others with endometriosis.

The government’s baseline report for its ten‑year Child Poverty Strategy shows four million children in relative low income and 1.9 million in deep material poverty in 2024–25. The report forecasts that new measures, including ending the two‑child limit, expanding free school meals, and launching a £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund, will reduce child poverty by 400,000 by 2029–30 and lift 550,000 children out of poverty overall. Ministers Pat McFadden and Bridget Phillipson emphasise the strategy’s evidence‑led approach and its focus on practical support such as free breakfast clubs and affordable childcare to improve children’s long‑term opportunities.

An 11‑week‑old girl from Lichfield was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive brain cancer, leading to multiple surgeries and ongoing treatment at Birmingham Children's Hospital. Her parents have stopped working to remain with her, and a GoFundMe set up by her aunt is raising money to support the family and potential future treatment abroad.

New NHS guidance allows the early use of two non‑invasive diagnostic tools, Endosure and Endotest, aimed at reducing endometriosis diagnosis times. Advocate Laura Potts supports the update as a positive step but warns that quicker diagnoses must be matched with adequate follow‑up care. She also cautions against misleading online claims about supposed “miracle cures,” urging patients to consult qualified specialists and critically assess health information.

DVSA data shows Dudley learner drivers face an average driving test wait time of 15.4 weeks, significantly longer than the Great Britain average of 10.7 weeks. Reforms to the booking system aim to reduce test reselling and improve fairness, including limiting amendments and restricting moves to nearby centres. DVSA reports increased test availability and over 278,000 more tests conducted between June 2025 and June 2026 compared to the previous year.

A Birmingham councillor warned residents of health risks posed by a heatwave as an amber alert from the UK Health Security Agency came into effect for the West Midlands. Nosheen Khalid urged people, especially vulnerable groups, to keep homes cool, stay hydrated, and seek medical help if symptoms of heat-related illness appear. She encouraged residents to monitor heat alerts and check on others as temperatures rise to 32C.

A Birmingham-based social enterprise, ACH, supported 244 refugees and migrants with accommodation and assisted 504 residents overall through housing, training and employment programmes over the past year. CEO Fuad Mahamed highlighted the challenges faced by newly recognised refugees and the importance of targeted support. ACH initiatives, including its Bridge to Employment programme, helped individuals such as Kitty secure job offers from Pret A Manger and Uniqlo. Beneficiaries praised the organisation’s impact and supportive environment.

More than 100,000 children in Birmingham were living below the breadline in the year to April 2025, with the West Midlands showing the highest regional child poverty rate in the UK. Family Action warns that rising living costs are forcing families to choose between essentials such as food, fuel and housing, affecting both working households and those on Universal Credit. Increasing hardship is contributing to food insecurity, housing instability and digital exclusion, raising concerns that children may begin to view deprivation as normal.

A new 60‑metre exhibition in Birmingham’s Grand Central showcases more than 50 photos of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, celebrating the late musician’s legacy with images by renowned rock photographers. Fans described the tribute as fitting and emotional, with visitors of all ages engaging in the display that includes an interactive selfie feature. The exhibition adds to ongoing tributes across the city, including the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s “Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero” showcase running until September.

Several Birmingham-area schools will allow students to start later on July 6 due to England’s 1 a.m. World Cup match against Mexico, with Q3 Academy, Streetly Academy and Plantsbrook School announcing delayed morning schedules to support student wellbeing. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said children could still attend school as normal, while England coach Thomas Tuchel encouraged parents to let children watch the match. The decision remains at the discretion of individual schools and families.

England advanced to the World Cup last 16 after a 2-1 win over DR Congo, with Harry Kane scoring twice before their upcoming match against Mexico in Mexico City. The UK Foreign Office updated its Mexico travel guidance for fans attending the game, highlighting travel requirements, safety advice and recent incidents in the city, including fatalities during celebrations and increased reports of theft and drink spiking. Fans returning to the US are warned that UK emergency travel documents cannot be used to re-enter the country from Mexico.

Ozzy Osbourne’s throne from his final performance is now on display at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery as part of the Working Class Hero exhibition. The display highlights his career achievements, including major awards and memorabilia, and has been extended due to high public interest. The exhibit, featuring the throne also used during his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, is open to visitors for free until September 27.

Celebrations erupted across Birmingham as England defeated DR Congo 2–1 in the World Cup, with Harry Kane scoring both goals in the final minutes. Fans in venues such as Luna Springs in Digbeth rejoiced as England advanced from the last 32 to the last 16, where they will face Mexico in Mexico City on July 6. Supporters expressed excitement online as England moves closer to a potential World Cup title.

Residents across Birmingham and the West Midlands shared optimistic predictions for England’s World Cup match against DR Congo, with most forecasting an England win and naming Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham as likely scorers. Fans described the match as challenging but remained confident and hopeful as the game progressed.

A World Cup match saw DR Congo score within the first seven minutes, shocking England fans watching at Bromsgrove Sporting Club and across the UK. Supporters reacted with disbelief as England’s tournament fate remained uncertain going into the second half. The article notes England’s potential early exit implications, upcoming Premier League scheduling, and continued hopes among fans for a comeback.

Jet2 is expanding its Jet2Weddings programme with six new destinations, adding 19 wedding sites across Turkey, Portugal, Lanzarote, Italy, Malta and Santorini from summer 2027. The programme now covers 13 destinations in seven countries, offering three wedding package tiers and a range of customer benefits through Jet2holidays and Perfect Weddings Abroad. The company is offering a £200 discount on Ultimate wedding packages booked in July for travel through October 2028, alongside additional perks for couples and guests. Executives from Jet2holidays and Perfect Weddings Abroad highlighted strong demand and increased choice for couples planning weddings abroad.

A Halesowen MP praised West Midlands–born footballers Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers ahead of England’s World Cup match against DR Congo, using Prime Minister’s Questions to highlight their contributions. Keir Starmer, who recently resigned, wished the team luck and noted government investments in grassroots and school sports. He closed with a light‑hearted reference to penalty advice involving Thomas Tuchel and David Seaman.

Jess Phillips urges the government to exclude child rapists from the upcoming early release scheme that will allow many prisoners to be released after serving a third or half of their sentence. She raises concerns about inadequate risk assessments and public safety, calling for stricter exemptions. Justice Minister Jake Richards acknowledges her points, referencing ongoing discussions and highlighting increased investment in the probation system to support community safety.