Summary

  • Police check lorry over 'arms hanging out back'

  • Work to repair sink hole continues after flooding

  • Thousands of homes set for city green belt

  • Cricket: Day-night matches announced

  • Updates from Friday 25 November

Live Reporting

Stephanie Barnard

  1. Pub bombings anniversary: Victim's sister 'broke down' over Birmingham's gesture

    The sister of one of the 21 people killed in the Birmingham pub bombings said she "broke down" when she learned they would be honoured posthumously.

    Birmingham City Council has today announced - on the 42nd anniversary of the bombings - that it is to award the 21 the freedom of the city. 

    Julie Hambleton said the gesture meant that sister Maxine - who was 18 when she died - would be "remembered forever". 

    Julie Hambleton

    I broke down, I can't begin to tell you what it means to all of us for our loved ones to be remembered forever and a day even when we pass, because their lives should never ever be forgotten."

    Julie Hambleton, Sister of Maxine, who was killed in 1974

  2. An extremist in the family

    Rasheed Benyahia was a boy from a Birmingham suburb, who enjoyed football and free running. Then one day he disappeared to join the so-called Islamic State in Syria.

    Read More

  3. Weather: Rain, rain and more rain

    BBC Weather

    Heavy, persistent rain will move slowly northwards today.

    The winds will be strong too, with gales likely over higher ground, meaning it will be feeling rather cold. Highs of 9C (48F). 

    Weather graph

  4. Berahino: 'Most difficult year of my career'

    BBC Sport

    Albion striker Saido Berahino is to return to a training camp in the South of France after admitting he's still struggling for focus and feeling depressed. 

    Berahino has issued a statement on the club's website saying constant speculation over his Hawthorns future has contributed to the most difficult year of his career but he is determined to get back on track.

    Saido BerahinoGetty Images

    This last year has been the most difficult of my career and it has left me short of the form and fitness required for the Premier League. I have never been a player who lacked confidence or a belief in himself but that has been where I have found myself and it has hit me hard. It has left me feeling depressed and struggling for focus which has made it even more difficult to regain full fitness."

    Saido Berahino, Footballer

  5. Freedom of Birmingham for the 21 killed in city's pub bombings - 42 years ago today

    The Freedom of Birmingham is to be awarded to the 21 people who died in the Birmingham pub bombings.

    Birmingham City Council announced the gesture today - the 42nd anniversary of the explosions at two city centre pubs which injured 222 more. 

    Ahead of a service at St Philip's Cathedral in Birmingham this evening, the council's leader said the award was a "symbolic act of respect from the city as a whole" in a year when victims' families learned inquests into the 21 deaths were to be reopened.

    St Phillip's CathedralGetty Images

    It's something that says the city stands with you as you go into a particularly difficult time."

    John Clancy, Leader of Birmingham City Council

  6. Pub bombings anniversary: Floral tributes at memorial

    Clare Lissaman
    BBC News Online

    Flowers have been laid on the 42nd anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings at the city's memorial to the 21 people who died.

    A further 222 people were injured in the explosions at two city centre pubs on 21 November 1974. 

    A note with one of the bunches of flowers outside St Philip's Cathedral calls for "justice" for the victims.

    In June it was announced inquests into the deaths of the 21 were to be reopened.  

    Flowers at grave

    A prayer service and vigil will be held at the cathedral in Colmore Row from 17:45.

  7. Birmingham pub bombings: 42 years ago today

    Today marks 42 years since the Birmingham pub bombings that left 21 dead and 222 people injured.

    This year's anniversary may not end in a round number but 2016 marks a significant milestone - it was announced in June that inquests into the deaths were to be reopened after a coroner ruled there was a "wealth of evidence" yet to be heard.

    Commemorative events are planned for the city today, including a prayer service, a cathedral vigil and the lighting of Library of Birmingham. 

    Victims

    The original hearings, opened days after the attacks, were not continued after the jailing of six men - known as the Birmingham Six - whose convictions were quashed in 1991.  

    The double bombing on 21 November 1974 is widely acknowledged to have been the work of the IRA. The blasts destroyed the Mulberry Bush pub at the base of the city's landmark Bullring Rotunda and the underground Tavern in the Town. 

  8. Dalian Atkinson: Living at speed on and off the pitch

    Richard Haugh
    BBC News

    Dalian Atkinson's life was cut short at the age of 48 when he died after being Tasered by police outside his father's home.

    The former Aston Villa forward was remembered at a poignant funeral service on Saturday.  

    Three decades earlier, it would have been impossible to imagine that this would be how the story would end for the fleet-footed footballer with an eye for the ladies and a love of fast cars.  

    Dalian Atkinson playing for Aston VillaGetty Images

  9. Latest: Pub bombing vigil; quarry plan u-turn; police recruitment

    Sophie Calvert
    Newsreader, BBC WM

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

    - A vigil will be held this evening to mark the 42nd anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings

    - Proposals for a quarry works in a village outside Dudley have been withdrawn

    - A West Midlands Police recruitment drive opens today as the force looks to enlist 800 officers

  11. BBC Weather Watchers: Birmingham

    BBC Weather Watchers

    Weather Watcher Dammo sent in this photo of Birmingham just after 08:00.

    It's a wonderful time of morning for changing winter light - perfect for pics.

    Church in BirminghamDammo

    Sign up to become a BBC Weather Watcher here. 

  12. Thanks for all your Children in Need donations

    Children In Need has raised a record £46.6m, with almost 10% of the money raised in the West Midlands.

    The regional total of £4.2m is about a 10% increase on last year's total.

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  13. Watch: Latest weather

    BBC Weather

    Rain on and off throughout most of the day and it’ll be heavy and even thundery this afternoon which could lead to some tricky driving conditions. Highs of 9C (48F).

    Latest weather for the West Midlands

  14. Monday: Live updates for Birmingham and the Black Country

    Monica Rimmer
    Journalist, BBC Online

    Good morning, I'm in the BBC WM newsroom bringing you the latest news, sport, travel and weather for Birmingham and the Black Country between now and 18:00.

    To comment on our stories and send us your photos, email, tweet @bbcwm or visit the BBC WM Facebook page.