BBC Weather Watchers

BBC Weather Watcher laurab sent in this fantastic photo from Delph. 

The leaves seem to show the whole array of autumnal colours. 

If you have a photo of the region you'd like to share, you can email, tweet @bbcwm, external or visit the BBC WM Facebook page, external.  

Image source, laurab

Birmingham's preparations to host the World Indoor Athletics Championships in 2018 have been given the seal of approval by the sport's governing body. 

A delegation from The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), external has been in the city to check on the redevelopment of the indoor arena where the event will be held. 

Around 400 athletes from 150 countries will take part in the championships that take place in March 2018. 

BBC Sport

Ex-Wolves manager Kenny Jackett is in the frame to replace Alan Stubbs as manager at Rotherham United.

According to the Sheffield Star newspaper, Rotherham have already made contact with Jackett after Stubs' sacking on Wednesday.

Rotherham are currently bottom of the Championship table, with one win from 13 league games.

Image source, Rex Features

Birmingham-born film producer Sir Michael Balcon will feature in a special exhibition in the city. 

He was a producer on more than 350 films and mentored David Puttnam and Sir Alan Parker. 

The display aims to reflect his legacy and the impact of his work.   

It is taking place at the Parkside gallery at Birmingham City University until 27 October.  

BBC Midlands Today

Police officers will search parks and wasteland across Birmingham today in search of knives that have been hidden. 

Communal areas of tower blocks will also be checked as part of Operation Spectre.

West Midlands Police says it believes offenders hide the knives until they're needed so that they won't be caught carrying them.

Express and Star

A £2,000 reward has been offered to help catch the callous, external person who killed two cats.

Dudley Council says the Halesowen Leisure Centre is currently, external closed due to an electrical fault. 

Monica Rimmer
Journalist, BBC Online

Newborn babies in Sandwell and West Birmingham are going to be given a box to sleep in. 

They're traditionally used in Finland as a bed for the first six months of a child's life. 

The boxes - made from thick cardboard and containing a foam mattress - are designed to prevent babies from rolling onto their fronts, which has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome.

The manufacturer says the boxes last year helped to reduce infant mortality , externalin Finland to just over two children in every thousand. 

A 27-year-old Shard End man remains in police custody on suspicion of murder following a fatal stabbing on Tuesday.

Police believe the 28-year-old victim was attacked, external in Hadfield Way, Kingshurst. 

He was taken to hospital in a car by a member of the public at around 19.40 with a stab wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead just before 21:00.

Police make a murder arrest after the death of a man who was driven to hospital in Birmingham with a fatal stab wound.

A child refugee is heading to Birmingham to be reunited with his father whom he hasn't seen for ten years.

Under-18s have been brought to the UK from Calais this week and among them is Shamsher, 13. He is heading to the second city where, according to the local authority, a number of child refugees have arrived.

Shamsher, 13, is from Afghanistan. His dad lives in Alum Rock and spoke to the BBC through an interpreter, predicting he would be unable to control his emotions when he sees his boy.

Louise Hancock
Newsreader, BBC WM

The morning's headlines for Birmingham and the Black Country include: 

- The City Council has confirmed that a number of child refugees have arrived in Birmingham

- A man remains in police custody this morning in connection with a fatal street stabbing, external  

- Babies being given boxes as beds

BBC Weather

A couple of foggy patches to look out for on a fairly cloudy start. 

The cloud will thin allowing for some brighter weather as the day goes by, with just the risk of an isolated shower. Highs of 13C (55F).    

Monica Rimmer
Journalist, BBC Online

Welcome to Thursday's news, sport, travel and weather updates. 

I'm in the BBC WM newsroom between now and 18:00 bringing you the latest from Birmingham and the Black Country.

Comment on our stories and share your pictures with us by email, tweeting @bbcwm, external or visiting the BBC WM Facebook page, external.

One of the film industry's most influential and important producers is being honoured in a new exhibition.

The Birmingham-based father of a young refugee, whose plight reduced singer Lily Allen to tears, has said he is ready to 'embrace' his son.

Would a second runway at Birmingham Airport be the answer to London's prayers?

Walsall winger Kieron Morris signs an extended Saddlers contract, tying him to the club until 2019.

A Christmas grotto manufacturer is one of three businesses ruined by a "severe" fire on an industrial estate.

A knife attack victim taken to hospital by a member of the public dies from his injuries.