Passengers travelling on the main line between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton are warned to expect delays due to overhead wire damage at Smethwick.

Corinne Wheatley
BBC WM, Journalist

Former chancellor George Osborne says he "sweated blood" to get a mayor for the West Midlands. 

He made his first public comments since leaving the front bench during the launch of a new think tank to champion his Northern Powerhouse initiative.

Elections for the first directly elected mayor for the West Midlands take place next May.  

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

Birmingham was described as the "best place for the Jamaican squad" back in 2012 during the London Olympics - now the team is considering a return to the city in preparation for the IAAF World Championships next year., external

Ahead of the 2017 event - after which Usain Bolt is set to retire - the council says it's in discussions with Team Jamaica about basing its training camp at the University of Birmingham, which it used four years ago.

Despite a damp start to Birmingham life in 2012, the team praised the city, saying "it was fantastic". Enjoy a blast from Brum's recent past here: 

Tamworth Herald

Space for up to 2,000 houses could be made in Polesworth and Dordon as part of North Warwickshire's local plan to keep up with population growth and support neighbouring authorities who cannot meet their housing target., external

BBC Entertainment and Arts

Birmingham singer songwriter Laura Mvula missed out on the Mercury Music Prize last night.

Grime star Skepta beat the likes of David Bowie and Radiohead to win this year's prize.

Watch her sing Phenomenal Woman, recorded at Hammersmith Apollo ahead of the announcement.

Read updates from last night and watch highlights.

BBC Travel

The problems with the trains between Birmingham and London are likely to continue for the rest of the day.

The disruption has been caused by a landslide at Watford Junction.

It's affecting London Midland and Virgin Trains.

Alex Homer
BBC Local Live

A "cowboy builder" who fleeced a 71-year-old out of £39,316 for work on his home has been jailed.

George Humberstone admitted conspiracy to defraud on the first day of a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Image source, Google

The 33-year-old, of Cleese Caravan Park in Walsall Road, Staffordshire, was jailed for 37 months.

Birmingham City Council's trading standards department, which brought the case, said the work for the victim was "over-priced and poor quality".

Further action is expected to be taken to recoup funds from Humberstone under the Proceeds of Crime Act in March 2017.

Allen Cook
BBC Local Live

The MP for Cannock Chase says she's going to meet the fire service and other groups today, external over the wood fire in Rugeley that's been burning for 11 days. 

Residents have told the BBC they are angry they still have to keep their doors and windows shut after 1,000 tonnes of waste caught fire on farmland on Slitting Mill Road on 5 September. 

Image source, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

The fire service said a controlled burn was taking place over fears water supplies could be contaminated. 

Amanda Milling has said this week it was "unacceptable" the fire was still burning and says she'll meet with "all relevant bodies" today to discuss the issue further. 

Separately, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service say they'll hold a public meeting on Monday evening, external at Rugeley fire station.

Police officers are getting on bikes to spot motorists who drive too close to cyclists while overtaking.

David Lumb
BBC News Online

A suspected medieval pit has been found beneath a car park in Staffordshire.

It was discovered by archaeologists excavating the Corporation Street car park in Tamworth ahead of a project to redevelop Tamworth Assembly Rooms.

Image source, Tamworth Borough Council

Around the edge of the pit they found three small pieces of pottery, which have been sent away for analysis.

The site is near St Editha's Church - believed to be the heart of a development where a possible Saxon palace was located.

Experts believe the pit may have been used as a place for people to keep rubbish.  

Aston Villa defender Ritchie De Laet could face a lengthy spell out with a serious knee injury says boss Roberto Di Matteo.

Rob Gurney
BBC WM Sport

Doubts are being raised about the future of Albion head coach Tony Pulis following the completion of the club's takeover. 

It was confirmed last night that Chinese businessman Guochuan Lai is officially the new owner after the Financial Conduct Authority rubber stamped it.

Albion are currently 12th in the Premier League table but some fans are calling for the head of manager Tony Pulis and others are questioning the club's ambition after an underwhelming transfer window.

Image source, Getty Images

Sara Blizzard
BBC Weather

A weather warning remains in force as there's a chance of showers this morning but it will brighten through the day.

BBC Midlands Today

Undercover police are being used to catch drivers in Birmingham who fail to give enough space to cyclists. 

The officers cycle along busy routes and anybody driving too close is reported before being offered the choice of a fine or a training session.  

As Warwickshire and Surrey get ready to meet in the One-Day Cup final, BBC Sport looks at who may come out on top at Lord's.

As Warwickshire and Surrey get ready to meet in the One-Day Cup final, BBC Sport looks at who may come out on top at Lord's. The final is a meeting of the last two losing finalists, with the Bears beaten by Durham in 2014 while Surrey lost to Gloucestershire last year.

A man is jailed for 30 years for repeatedly stabbing a girl in her neck and chest and several sexual assaults.

Warwickshire captain Ian Bell and Surrey counterpart Gareth Batty bring plenty of experience to Saturday's One-Day Cup final.

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

A "landslip" near Watford Gap is disrupting rail services across the Midlands.

London Midland has cancelled trains in and out of London Euston "for the next few hours".

The Network Rail hub for Birmingham New Street tweeted these pictures:

Passengers are warned to check before they travel., external

BBC Weather

There will be heavy, perhaps thundery showers for many of us during the morning.

However, these will gradually clear to leave a dry afternoon with increasing amounts of sunshine. It will feel much fresher than recently - highs of 17C (63F).