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.

Aunt killed in fire with niece was 'beautiful soul'

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder over the fire in Middlesborough, police say.

Fundraiser for A66 crash police officers tops £1m

Cleveland Police Federation says it will split the money between the two officers' families.

Boy, 15, arrested over stabbing at Brent Council HQ

The victim, believed to be a 17-year-old, was found fatally injured at Brent Council's headquarters.

Moment Peter Kay gatecrashes BBC weather report

The comedian interrupted North West Tonight weather presenter Molly Brewer as she gave her report.

Police 'missed opportunities' before woman's murder

An inquest hears that domestic abuse victim Sarah Albone "lost confidence" in the police.

Prison attack on Sara Sharif's father was 'with tin lid'

Two men are accused of attempting to murder Urfan Sharif, who killed his 10-year-old daughter.

'Are you going to call her Dolly?' - Family recall icon's maternity ward visit

Dolly Parton met baby Emma in Rotherham in 2007, with her family recalling the superstar's visit.

Stourbridge fires began in fields 'where machinery was used'

Investigators say the fires started accidentally in fields where farming machinery was being used.

Call with couple in Iran prison 'enormous relief'

Joe Bennett says he has spoken to his mother properly for the first time in three months.

'Ironing board' train seats to be replaced after years of complaints

Greater Thameslink Railway says these upgrades are part of the wider renationalisation plans.

Man who hid arson attack suspect's body in bin jailed

Paul Smith's body was found in Liverpool seven days after a fire killed a couple in St Helens.

Campaign to ditch town's 'erroneous' hyphens

Dubbed the "great dash debate", people want big companies to ditch the Wiltshire town's hyphens.

Rail boss 'in awe' after Kidman and Bullock scene

The stars appear on the train, specially transported to a film studos for a new movie sequel.

College tutor crowned Britain's fastest bricklayer

Dale Wherton, from Derby, took the title by laying 859 bricks in one hour at a special event.

How a rescued crow stole a bull terrier's heart

Cuthbert has formed an unlikely friendship with canine Mildred after being nursed back to health.

'I'm still paying a mortgage for a home destroyed by a fire'

Sarah Williams's flat was destroyed in a fire two years ago. Why is she still paying a mortgage on it?

When whole towns closed and headed for the seaside

Mill and factory closures every summer meant their workers had the chance to flock to the seaside.

'Fears for my son's safety in mainstream school keep me awake at night'

Freddie is also autistic and non-verbal but no place can be found for him at a special school.

How a cleaner was wrongfully imprisoned over asylum seeker leaks

How a man was wrongfully accused before being kept too long in prison - prompting a CPS apology.

The challenge of selling a house with a dark past

What happened inside Carol and Stephen Baxter's five-bedroom home still shocks the local community.