Midlands Engine Investment Fund launches £100 million equity fund

Launch is latest wave of £250 million Midlands Engine Investment Fund.

Further investment and devolution call at mayoral summit

Metro Mayors in joint call for government to review housing funding allocation to city-regions.

Birmingham MP delighted by asylum seekers project

Pioneering project supports young asylum seekers and refugees.

Region to show united front at MIPIM 2018

Billions of pounds of Midlands investment opportunities to be unveiled at global property show.

The slow road to citizenship

Richard Lutz chronicles how he took the pledge and became British.

Sir Howard Exclusive: Trump shutdown shock

From Sir Howard Elston, sitting in his US underground nuclear bunker somewhere under Das Capital.

Wolff at the door: Double trouble in The West Wing

Richard Lutz reads two books that turn the spotlight on President Trump.

Birmingham students to debate role of the Commonwealth

Event hopes to spotlight effect on Britain’s relations with the world.

WMCA unveils proposed budget and mayoral precept for 2018/19

New body to raise funds for continued infrastructure expansion.

The rights and wrongs of Mr Will Mapplebeck

Will Mapplebeck looks back at his looking forward.

Birmingham looks to Asia for post-Brexit investment

City attracts £300 million investment from Hong Kong creating over 1,000 new homes.

Thorpe redux

Will Mapplebeck reviews a book about disgraced Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe in a time of a dark intolerant Britain.

Mayor to host multi-faith conference

Event aims to build togetherness through faith.

That was the Warwickshire that was and other tales

Richard Lutz plunders his archive to remember what happened last week…..

Birmingham tax specialist calls for investment help in budget

Government action “holds the key to innovation boost.”

Are we reaching our critical state?

Will Mapplebeck asks if we are observing the end of politics.

Screengrab: The disunited state of America

Richard Lutz turns his attention to a TV documentary that stands out.

Mayor keeps pledge on multi-faith conference

Sign-up to be part of West Midlands multi-faith conference.

May day – not a car crash but a pile up

Will Mapplebeck witnesses more whacko politics at one crazy Tory knees-up.

Hard Labour at Brighton Rock

Will Mapplebeck survives the Labour Party Conference as delegates enjoy the surf at New Dawn-by-the-sea.

Birmingham Northfield MP wins national road safety award

Accolade honours longstanding commitment to safe vehicle development.

Car crash politics

Will Mapplebeck fishes for the best politico-TV on the box. It can make for disturbing viewing.

Blues for a forgotten crooner

Richard Lutz catalogues another seven days.

Don’t follow the money

With a new term about to begin, it’s time for a poser:  Why do people become politicians, asks Westminster pundit Will Mapplebeck. 

Director of strategy appointed at West Midlands Combined Authority

Latest arrival will help develop regional devolution.

That was the week that was: Minding the gap and Twitter lies

Richard Lutz charts another seven days in this crazy old goofy world.

The cage in the hills

Richard Lutz is detained on his way down the River Ayr in Scotland

Exclusive: Why Toiletmouth Scaramucci must stay in the job

Sir Howard  Elston, braving constant onslaughts from the White House

Government invests to help region’s traffic

West Midlands Combined Authority gets £5.84 million to boost local transport network.

Youthquake and the ballot box

Will Mapplebeck explains why the changing face of Britain should frighten the Conservatives.