Stourbridge News

Black Country MPs Margot James and Mike Wood say, external they are “surprised” but raring to go following the Prime Minister’s decision to call a snap election.  

Some services are already full when they arrive at the station forcing passengers to get a bus

Kevin Pashby
BBC WM

Workers at Birmingham's Fujitsu factory will walk out today as part of a 48-hour strike. 

The dispute at the electronics giant is over cuts to jobs and pensions. 

People at the Birmingham site will be joined by fellow Unite members in London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Manchester. 

Announcing cuts last year, Fujitsu said it was part of a "transformation programme" within the company and not linked to Brexit, although Fujitsu chairman Masami Yamamoto said last May the firm would reconsider its investments in the UK if it left the European Union.  

Express and Star

Three stops on the Midland Metro line will be shut for six months, external while maintenance work is carried out – adding further delays to journeys. 

Dave Wade
BBC Local Live

A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a motorbike rider died in Bottesford last year.

A 33-year-old from Braintree, Essex, will appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Leicestershire Police said, external.

Christopher Williams died on the A52, travelling towards Grantham on his Honda motorbike, on 25 May.

The 25-year-old, formerly of Wolverhampton, had been living in Derby at the time.

Grapevine Birmingham

The best of Birmingham’s independent restaurants, bars, pubs, street food traders, retailers, artists, designers and musicians will be showcased at The Independent Birmingham Festival at The Bond Company, Digbeth,, external on Saturday, 13 May,    

Image source, The Independent Birmingham Festival 2017

Two West Midlands MPs have decided to stand down following yesterday's vote in Parliament for a snap general election on 8 June.

Image source, Getty Images/Labour party

Labour MP for Wolverhampton South West Rob Marris will not stand, nor will his fellow Labour MP for Edgbaston Gisela Stuart, who chaired the victorious Vote Leave campaign.

She has decided to go after 20 years in Parliament.  

Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter

After a cloudy and mild start to the day with some light drizzle, we can expect a dry day with highs of 15C (59F).

You can find a detailed forecast for your area on the BBC Weather site.

BBC News Travel

Rail operator London Midland is warning a faulty train is blocking the line between Whitlocks End and Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Alex Homer
BBC Local Live

Hello, I'm back with Thursday's blend of news, sport, travel and weather updates.

If you want to share your views on the news or have a brilliant picture to showcase of our region, email us, tweet us, external or visit our Facebook page, external.

The West Midlands' first metro mayor will be elected next month - but what do you really know about the role?

We'll be back with our usual mix of news, sport, travel and weather from 08:00 tomorrow, but keep an eye out here for more updates this evening and into the morning.  

Shefali Oza
BBC Midlands Today

Cloud will thicken this evening, though southern parts of the region will see late sunny spells. 

During the night the cloud will spread southwards and become thick enough for a little light rain with lows of 6C (43F).

The man in his 80s was airlifted to hospital with "severe injuries" to his head, chest and ankle.

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

We love nothing more than on a dull afternoon than to see some of the stunning photos you've sent us.

Here's a cracker from Rob Adams, taken in West Bromwich

Image source, Rob Adams

And thanks to Andy Blakemore whop took this photo in Aldridge.

Image source, Andy Blakemore

Share your photos - email, tweet @BBCWM, external or get in touch via our Facebook page, external. 

A series of meetings are taking place from next week to help the transfer of pupils from Baverstock Academy over the coming months as the school prepares to close.

Birmingham City Council is urging parents to attend the sessions which will "give advice and give information about the next steps for pupils."

The school closes on 31 August.

The government confirmed the school closure last month. It has been in special measures since 2014.

A leaflet with times and guidance is available online via the council website., external

Mike Taylor
BBC WM Sport

National League champions the Birmingham Brummies have their first home league match against Plymouth later.

We'll have full commentary on the BBC Sport website from 19:00.

London Midland, external and Virgin Trains, external are warning passengers of major disruption to and from London Euston this evening.

It's due to a line side fire near South Hampstead which has damaged signalling equipment. 

Services running from Euston to the West Midlands will be cancelled, delayed or revised. 

Labour MP Rob Marris has said he will not be standing in the General Election next month, following 11 years of service.

The Wolverhampton South West MP wrote on his website..., external

Harry Redknapp says he will not be paid for his three-game stint as Birmingham boss if he fails to keep them in the Championship.