Rachael Lewis

Nearly 10,000 seats were empty at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium during Monday evening's European Athletics Championships session, with attendance reaching 13,623 in a venue holding 23,000. Fans, athletes and commentator Steve Cram blamed high ticket prices, expensive food and transport difficulties, while organisers said sales had exceeded targets and several later sessions were close to selling out. Critics argued that pricing was excluding families and young people from Britain's first hosting of the championships, although Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy defended the affordability of many tickets and predicted rising attendance.

BBC research found that one third of children in the West Midlands cannot swim 25 metres by the end of primary school, including 42% of Year 6 pupils in Wolverhampton and 46% in Birmingham. Alice Dearing called the figures disappointing and stressed that swimming and water safety are essential life skills, particularly during a heatwave. The research also identified stark disadvantages in safe self-rescue skills among children eligible for the highest levels of free school meals. Swimming representatives attributed the gap partly to inconsistent provision and short courses, while the Department for Education said its new PE Partnership Network would bring schools, clubs and national bodies together to target support where it is most needed.

Solihull Council leader Karen Grinsell has defended plans to build more than 1,600 homes at Holbeche Place, a major redevelopment of the former Mell Square. She argues that locating housing in the town centre will help meet demand without building on green spaces, while combining homes with shops, restaurants and public areas. Residents have raised concerns that the scheme could create a ghost town, with bland designs and insufficient parking. The development, being delivered by Muse with Solihull Council, is expected to be built in phases over 10 years, beginning with 346 build-to-rent homes and 228 affordable homes.

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a man suspected of more than 50 violent attacks in and around Solihull over the past year. The attacks have targeted lone women and older vulnerable people, with victims assaulted and gold jewellery stolen. Crimestoppers and West Midlands Police have released images of the unidentified suspect and appealed for anonymous information.

Record heat in the UK has driven a surge in heatstroke and heat‑related illnesses at Walsall Manor Hospital’s A&E, where patient numbers and waiting times have climbed sharply. Staff report growing cases of heatstroke, dehydration, respiratory issues and heart problems, with demand exceeding typical winter peaks. Hospitals and ambulance services across the region have activated heatwave plans, increased staffing and issued public safety guidance as attendances reach record highs, partly intensified by World Cup‑related activity.

Recycling collections will resume in parts of Birmingham as the city introduces phased changes to refuse services during an unresolved bin strike. A pilot in Sutton Coldfield, Erdington and Kingstanding will add food waste collection and shift household waste pickups to a fortnightly schedule. The initiative follows the formation of a minority council administration led by Liberal Democrat Roger Harmer, who has prioritised resolving the long-running strike. Cabinet member Harris Khaliq confirmed the rollout will proceed, supported by additional resources and enforcement, with its effectiveness evaluated before citywide expansion.