Updates from Monday 15 April to Sunday 22 April
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Lee Thomas
Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke
A teenager's been knifed in the chest after trouble flared outside a pub in Stoke-on-Trent.
Image source, GoogleLate on Saturday night, police say they were called to the Hollybush on Dawlish Drive, Bentilee.
The 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital for treatment but officers say he was discharged soon afterwards.
Allen Cook
BBC News
Game of Thrones might be back on television screens but, as far as parts of the West Midlands are concerned, "winter is NOT coming".
Both Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council say they have officially stood down their gritters, marking the end of their winter seasons., external
Image source, Worcestershire County CouncilThe signs of spring are coming thick and fast now from our local BBC Weather Watchers, from new arrivals to flowerings plants.
These three are no exception, from users Di's walk in Sutton Coldfield, Soadave in Alderminster, Warwickshire and Littleacorns in Southam, also Warwickshire:
Image source, Di's walk
Image source, Soadave
Image source, LittleacornsTwo people have been taken to hospital, suffering minor injuries, after a three-car crash on the A444 in Warwickshire.
The ambulance service was called just before 13:30, with a man and woman taken to nearby George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton.
Both carriageways were closed for a time after a second three-vehicle crash on the opposite side of the road just before 14:00, with only minor injuries being reported.
One lane remains closed on the northbound carriageway with queuing traffic being reported in the area.
Duane Thomas, from Birmingham, admitted possessing a firearm after he was shot by police officers.
Read More"Good progress" is being made by crews tackling a grass fire at a West Midlands park.
Image source, Mark HollowoodAn area of about 1,000 sq m is understood to be on fire at grassland off Watling Street in Brownhills near Walsall.
Local resident Mark Hollowood said thick smoke could be seen drifting across the nearby A5 with others reporting having to keep their windows closed.
The fire crew is expected to remain at the site for the next 90 minutes, said the fire service.
The railway line at Dudley Port in Birmingham has been closed to allow fire crews access to a grass fire in the area.
Grass on a canal embankment is alight with the fire service first being called to the area at 13:52.
Disruption to rail services between Birmingham and Wolverhampton is expected to last until 16:00.
Rail tickets are being accepted on local bus services.
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Local Democracy Reporting Service
Tom Davis
Coventry city centre could be granted Purple Flag status to recognise the area as a safe and enjoyable place for a night out.
Image source, Coventry City CouncilThe scheme, which is similar to the Blue Flag status for beaches, assess each area’s crime rates, hygiene standards and range of visitor attractions.
Those that are given the award are recognised as offering an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out.
The council, West Midlands Police and other city partners are considering launching a bid to help improve Coventry’s night-time economy.
BBC News Travel
A fire close to the railway track near Dudley Port is causing disruption to trains between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton.
Disruption is expected to last until 16:00 said National Rail.
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Birmingham Live
These are some of today's Birmingham Live headlines:
A man who was shot by police after fleeing a raid with a loaded pistol wearing just underpants has been jailed.
Image source, West Midlands PoliceDuane Thomas was shot in the shoulder after "bursting" from a window of his Edgbaston home in an apparent bid to hide the weapon, Birmingham Crown Court heard.
The 30-year-old, of Shepherds Gardens, had been released from a 10-year sentence for robbery 18-months before officers raided his home in October 2018.
After pleading guilty to last month to possession of a firearm and ammunition he was jailed for six years and four months today.
Firefighters are tackling an area of grassland that's on fire near Walsall.
Crews were called at 13:25 to a site off Watling Street in Brownhills.
Image source, Michael BevanThe area affected is reportedly in the Brownhills Common area, the fire service said.
An area of about 1,000 sq m is understood to be on fire.
BBC Politics
Brexit-inspired tableware is being made to record Britain's exit from the EU.
Brexitware, made in the ceramics heartland of Stoke-on-Trent, is currently on sale in several museums, including the V&A.
Meet the woman designing Brexit-inspired china.
Ceramics artist Harriet Coles said she was inspired after her son suggested making egg cups for hard and soft-boiled Brexit.
Ms Coles works references to Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, and the EU flag, into the distinctive blue and white pattern of her crockery.
A man has been treated in hospital for a gunshot wound after after shots were fired from a car in Birmingham.
Police were called to Pretoria Road in Bordesley Green on Saturday night to reports of a shooting.
The 19-year-old's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, said West Midlands Police.
Allen Cook
BBC News
A post-mortem examination's going to take place this Wednesday, external to try and work out how a woman died at a property in Staffordshire at the weekend.
Image source, GoogleStaffordshire Police officers were called to an address in Anglesey Street, Hednesford, near Cannock, at 18:30 on Saturday where they found the 47-year-old's body.
Her death is still being treated as unexplained while police wait for the examination to be carried out.
They say a 47-year-old man from Cannock, arrested after the death, has been released under investigation.
Matt Sandoz
Stoke City commentator, BBC Radio Stoke
Stoke City manager Nathan Jones says the club has to do a better job in the transfer market this summer.
Image source, ReutersThe Potters were relegated last season with the owners admitting they had made "significant errors" in the transfer market.
Several high-profile signings failed to make an impact, such as Jese Rodriguez and Kevin Wimmer.
Stoke were among the favourites for promotion from the Championship but have stumbled to a current position of 16th.
Quote MessageI'll have to do it because, if not, I'll be the next one out the door so, I'm not prepared to do that so we're going to change that."
Nathan Jones, Stoke City manager
A few of the stories making the headlines on the Worcester News website:
With just over three years to go until Birmingham hosts the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the council said it was "on track" to deliver the infrastructure.
Commonwealth Games: Next host city Birmingham puts on a show in Gold Coast ceremony
Council leader, Ian Ward, said plans were moving ahead for the city's athlete's village and stadium 12 months since the city took part in the Commonwealth Games handover ceremony.
The local authority said it was now "very close" to submitting final plans for the stadium and surrounding area.
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Dominic Dietrich
BBC Radio Stoke
A park pavilion's been left badly damaged in a suspected arson attack, external with parts of its roof caved in.
The fire service and police were called just before 02:00 to Victoria Park, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent.
Emergency services say a white substance has posed no serious health risk to the public.
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