Kathryn Stanczyszyn
Political Reporter, BBC WM

Eyebrows were raised yesterday by Birmingham city councillors for more than one reason when a report over the ongoing bins dispute was published., external

It’s unusual to see such a candid publication in the public domain – but this report said quite clearly there’s absolutely no room for manoeuvre when it comes to the pay grading issue that refuse workers have been striking over.

Why? Not only because of the direct savings of more than £5m the council wants to make – but because keeping the grade 3 binmen as they are could lead to a raft of equal pay claims that the council can’t afford. Some bin workers are generally thought to be on higher wages in than others on similar grades in different departments.

The council has already paid out more than £1 bn in equal pay claims, and with difficult financial times ahead says it can’t afford more.

Giles Latcham
BBC Midlands Today

The jury in the inquest into the death of a nine-year-old boy who died after eating lunch at his Birmingham school has found that neglect played a part in his death.

It took them four hours to reach a verdict in the case of Mohammad Ismaeel Ashraf who died in March this year from a severe allergic reaction.

The jury found that a delay in school staff giving Ismaeel an emergency adrenaline injection could have contributed to his death.

Image source, WEST MIDLANDS POLICE

They said that death was the result of anaphylactic shock caused by an unknown allergen, probably food.

The coroner, Louise Hunt, said she was concerned that care plans at Al-Hijrah school in Bordesley Green, were not in place for all children with allergies.

She also criticised the local authority for compiling a report on the safety of children at Al-Hijrah but not communicating it to the school.

A new BBC series "filmed entirely in Birmingham and all about Birmingham" has been commissioned.

The online-only channel BBC Three announces that it has commissioned a comedy called Man Like Mobeen, stars the comedian and actor Guz Khan.

Khan, from Coventry, who has co-written the series tells the story of Mobeen Deen, a 27-year-old Muslim, trying to leave behind a life of crime in Birmingham after finding his faith.

A comedy short featured online earlier this year...

BBC WM

Growing fruits and vegetables may not seem like the most obvious way to tackle anti-social behaviour but that’s exactly what they’re hoping will happen on an estate in Walsall.

A new community garden has been opened and it’s all down to local resident Gemma Betts.

Everyone’s pitched in, from the builders who supplied the gravel to the staff at the Friendship Care and Housing group she works for.

Discount retailer The Works, which is based in Sutton Coldfield, says it is planning to open more stores across the country, creating 600 new jobs.

The company, which sells arts & crafts, books, toys and stationery currently has more than 390 stores across the UK.

Image source, The Works

Company bosses say they hope to increase to as many as 650 stores by 2022.

A report reveals Birmingham council cannot afford the deal which ended a seven-week bin strike.

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

If like me your Facebook wall, Instagram and Twitter feeds are awash with smiley sun-drenched holiday photos, a reminder to think twice before posting.

West Midlands Police reminds us that it's the perfect time of year for thieves to target empty homes.

It's also worth checking your security settings and taking a look at who can see your posts, if in doubt.

Birmingham Mail

A shocking moment a man tried to flee a knife-wielding mob , externalafter a frenzied street brawl erupted outside a party.

Nicola Beckford
Reporter, BBC Midlands Today

Three days of mourning will culminate with the funeral later today of Bishop Sydney Dunn, the founder of Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic.

Bishop Dunn, who died recently at the age of 95, founded the denomination in Birmingham in 1955.

At its height, it had congregations in the UK, America, Canada, Africa and the West Indies.

Express and Star

A son who fatally wounded his sister and stabbed his mother , externalbefore turning the knife on himself was allowed to leave hospital after an 'inadequate' discharge from hospital before the attack, an inquest heard.

Jurors heard Melvin James killed his sister and stabbed his mother then turned the knife on himself.

Peter Wilson
BBC Midlands Today Special Correspondent

It’s been a summer of violent knife crime at a 15-year high. The return of gun and gang violence across Birmingham. Police say it follows no set pattern, no easy explanation.

But some people I’ve spoken to say they think they know the answer.

Since 2010 across the UK £400m has been cut from youth services, 600 youth centres have closed. Millions have been cut from the youth service budget in Birmingham and many voluntary organisations have seen their funding evaporate.

Alison Cope is looking for funding for her anti-knife campaign. Her son Joshua Ribera, a grime music star, was fatally stabbed four years ago.

She believes that unless resources are there for young people they simply choose the wrong path and end up costing the government, police and council yet more millions.

It's not every day you come across a boat on a road.

Sandwell Council's highways team is appealing to find the owner of this good lady.

Paintings and jewellery valued at £2.7m was stolen in the raid in 2009.

BBC WM Sport

The top sport stories this lunchtime on BBC WM include:

• Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has confirmed he is attempting to sign Robert Snodgrass from West Ham
• Walsall FC won't rush into a decision on whether to sign striker Matty Fryatt, says manager Jon Whitney
• Albion will play Manchester City, Villa host Championship rivals Middlesbrough, while Wolves play Bristol Rovers in the third round of the Carabao Cup

A collection of 98 works capturing city living have gone on display at the RBSA gallery in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.

BBC News Travel

Drivers are warned to expect delays on the M6 southbound between junction 9-8 after a crash, warn Highways England., external

Dudley News

Vulnerable members of society across Dudley borough, external are to get a major boost after council chiefs committed to a multi-million pound package of adult health and social care initiatives.

The leader of Birmingham City Council says discussions will continue with the Unite union "to find a way forward" over its dispute with refuse collectors in the city.

Last week bin men called off their strike, after seven weeks of industrial action after terms were agreed in principle with the Labour-led authority.

A special cabinet meeting was held this morning but the discussion was deferred until 1 September to allow further talks.

The council says it is continuing to work in clearing the back log, external of bin collections as many complain that their rubbish remains.

Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer

Streetly Academy's head teacher has paid tribute, external to students' 'great resilience' with some highly impressive results.