The Amazing World of Amazon: Read All About It
Will we have a world without books? asks Richard Lutz as he sees another bookshop shut down?
University secures funding to help combat female genital mutilation
Coventry University is set to lead a Europe-wide project which aims to put an end to the illegal practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), after it was awarded funding to continue research into the issue.
March of the beekeepers: Government urged to back pesticide restrictions
The Government must take urgent action to protect declining bee populations by supporting European Commission proposals next Monday
Girls answer 40th anniversary reunion call
Scores of ‘Old Girls’ are planning to return to Solihull School on 22 June for a gala reunion to celebrate the arrival of the first female students 40 years ago.
On the beach
Terry Wills wonders whether the Albion are on holiday yet.
That nice Mr Gove
Laurence Inman is in love, but it’s a very weird kind of thing.
Manufacturer praises students after university challenge
Six college students will be presenting their ideas to managers at a manufacturing firm following their success at ‘The Pitch’ competition hosted by the University of Wolverhampton.
Celebrity chef recipe study highlights healthy eating concerns
Meal recipes promoted by celebrity chefs in Britain could be a hidden contributing factor to the country’s obesity epidemic and associated public health concerns, according to new research.
There’s no such thing as a free smartphone
Samsung Electronics has admitted for the first time that it uses tin in its products that’s destroying tropical forests, killing coral and wrecking the lives of communities
International Scoop: Latest Breaking News on Mystery White House Letter
Breaking Stateside news by our hardnosed reporter Howard Elston (CBE) – US authorities have dropped the charges against a Mississippi man accused of sending letters poisoned with Barry Manilow music
‘Exciting times for Walsall’ companies
The latest Duport Business Confidence Report reveals a sharp rise in net company growth last year in Walsall, suggesting a recovering local economy.
Labour claim residents paying for Business Rate collection failures
Companies in Walsall owe over £2 million in unpaid business rates while the council makes cuts in public services and care for vulnerable people, claim Walsall’s Labour Group.
Narrow boats, wide eyes, open minds…
A couple from the Midlands are launching a unique venture on Warwickshire’s waterways, called Float by Boat
Apprenticeship event nets gadgets for teens
Three teenagers got more than expert advice when they visited a Black Country Apprenticeship showcase
Martin Longley’s New York Sounds: Space Rock To Out-There Jazz
Martin Longley sees Spiritualized compress their cosmic selves into a tiny Brooklyn DIY venue…
Howard Elston’s Royal Announcement: Happy Birthday Good Queen Bess
Our court correspondent Sir Howard Elston (DOA) celebrates a right royal birthday.
Screengrab: If You Gotta See One Film On The Box…
The one movie to watch on UK tv this week? Richard Lutz points to a real winner buried in the schedules
Simmer down
Terry Wills on the Albion and some unsavoury happenings elsewhere.
CAMRA book highlights Britain’s Best Real Heritage Pubs
A new publication from CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale, highlights the hidden gems of British pub architecture with 270 pub interiors of outstanding historic interest.
Solihull School celebrates Oxbridge offers
Solihull School is celebrating an outstanding set of Oxford and Cambridge University offers
Wolves Uni launches latest academy
A West Midlands primary school is the latest to reopen as an academy under a new trust led by the University of Wolverhampton Social Enterprises Limited.
40 Miles, 20 Villages, 1 Day – Feckenham 40 returns for the fourth year
Staff at Bromsgrove based advertising agency, Superdream, are preparing to don their hiking boots, and walk 40 miles in one day for two charities.
Two West Mids firms gain highest rank in Corporate Responsibility Index
Carillion and Jaguar Land Rover have been recognised with the highest ranking in Business in the Community’s annual benchmark of responsible business management
Phone win for ‘bedroom tax’ campaigners
Walsall people needing to contact the council’s housing benefit helpline for advice on the so-called bedroom tax can now do so without worrying about excessive phone bills
Delighting in Dorridge
Tammy Facey enjoyed a posh night out – and, without leaving much out, here’s her report.
Manufacturing firms set for performance boost through new grant scheme
A new funding scheme for West Midlands SMEs is aiming to award 200 grants over the next two years in a bid to help manufacturing businesses boost their competitiveness.
A suitable case for treatment
Laurence Inman is in a pensive mood, dogged by regrets.
New business venture for education specialist
A new service to help schools enhance careers advice for students and tap into business support has been launched.
The Baroness T’s Death? Don’t Make Me Laugh
Maggie jokes? There’re a weird joke in themselves, says writer Sheilagh Matheson
Kneeding dough? It’s all the rage
Midlands Co-operative sees baking sales rise as bread-baking program inspires customers