Megan Jones

England's whisky industry has expanded to more than 70 distilleries, including Spirit of Birmingham, founded by siblings Joanie and Anthony Dillon in a converted South Yardley garage. The producers believe English whisky has substantial growth and export potential, although the spirit requires at least three years of maturation before it can legally be called whisky. The government is considering protected geographical-indication status for English whisky, which supporters say would protect its authenticity and reputation. Some distillers oppose proposed rules requiring single malt to be made in copper pot stills, arguing that this could prevent producers using stainless steel equipment from labelling existing products as English single malt whisky.

Betty, a former stray adopted by Folklore Coffee and Bagels owner Alex Light, has been appointed West Midlands Railway’s junior mouse catcher at Sutton Coldfield station. She will continue greeting passengers, patrolling the station and helping deter mice. Betty follows George, the popular senior mouse catcher at Stourbridge Junction, who has gained a large social-media following, merchandise and a train named in his honor. The appointment was announced ahead of International Cat Day.

A 50-year-old bridge over the M42 near junction six for Birmingham Airport will be demolished and rebuilt after inspectors found concrete damage, corroded steel reinforcement and rapid deterioration. National Highways said strengthening would not be a viable long-term solution. The demolition is expected to take place during planned M42 closures for HS2 works, while a temporary bridge is being considered and existing diversions will remain in place.

A Solihull pub risks losing significant revenue after being denied a Temporary Event Notice to show England’s potential early‑morning World Cup match against Mexico. Despite recent licensing relaxations allowing extended hours for most games, the 01:00 BST kick-off falls outside the permitted window, and Solihull Council said the application was submitted too late to be approved under strict legal rules. The Wharf Tavern’s operations manager says the decision will hurt business already impacted by rising costs, noting other pubs have also faced rejections. Local MPs are appealing the decisions, while the council maintains it must follow licensing law.

A West Midlands firefighter deployed to Venezuela as part of the UK’s international search and rescue team described severe devastation following twin earthquakes that killed more than 1,450 people and left tens of thousands missing. Despite diminishing chances of survival, he said the team maintained hope for rare miracle rescues. UK ISAR personnel and trained dogs continue operations, supported by £2m in British humanitarian funding, while aftershocks remain a primary risk.