BBC Radio Stoke

Parts of Staffordshire have been warned they could face tougher Covid-19 restrictions as cases rise sharply.

Image source, PA Media

Every borough in the county has seen an increase in cases, with East Staffordshire in particular seeing the infection rate nearly double in a week from 64.3 per 100,000 to 116.9.

The whole county is currently in Tier 1, but the county council said , externalit expected the government to bring in tougher measures unless the rate slows or reduces.

The local authority's director of health, Dr Richard Harling, said it expected some areas of Staffordshire to be moved to tier two this week.

"We were considered by the government for escalation to higher alert this week gone and I expect we will be considered again this week coming," he said.

David Simm's "disgusting remarks" were caught on camera during a Zoom meeting last week.

Wolves winger Adama Traore is close to agreeing a new long-term contract with the Premier League club.

BBC Radio CWR

Delays to decisions about coronavirus restrictions over financial support are creating confusion, according to the mayor of the West Midlands.

Image source, Reuters

Greater Manchester leaders want better support before agreeing to a move to the top tier of rules, which would force some businesses to close.

The communities secretary Robert Jenrick said he hoped he could reach an agreement with the region's MPs "in the next day or two".

The West Midlands' Conservative mayor, Andy Street, said the process needed to be standardised.

"We can't have, when there is a health crisis, everywhere negotiating separately," he said.

"There should be a standard formula - the government wanted simplification and it should be provided, otherwise decisions which need to be taken are held up."

BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester

Businesses in Herefordshire near the Welsh border have said they are worried they will lose out financially from a national lockdown across Wales.

Image source, PA Media

A decision is due to be announced later on Monday about a two or three-week "fire-break" to slow down the Covid-19 virus.

Firms working in towns and villages in Herefordshire near the border said there was already confusion about the different rules in England and Wales.

Lucy Gardner runs the village shop Woods of Whitchurch: "I'm a couple of miles from Monmouth so what does that mean for us?

"I go in and out of Monmouth every day, my bank is in Monmouth - what does that mean for me?

"Can I go to my bank, can they come here? No they can't, so the impact financially is going to be massive."

Sonya Cary runs a care hub in Pontrilas which provides a lunch club and delivers prescriptions and food to people on both sides of the border.

"I'm hoping that our social bubble will continue to remain strong here and I do foresee us having Christmas Day lunch here unless government forces us to say... we don't know what is going to happen, but we are positive."

Birmingham Live

The Birmingham Live website is covering these stories today:

• Mum shares heartbreak of autistic son's struggles in lockdown, external
• Four teenagers stabbed after fighting breaks out in Bordesley Green park, external
• Home Secretary to consider public inquiry over Birmingham pub bombings, external

A woman arrested on suspicion of murder has been released without charge, police say.

BBC Radio CWR

Two schools have closed from today for a fortnight after Covid-19 outbreaks at both sites.

Image source, Google

Avon Valley School, Rugby, (pictured), external and North Leamington School,, external said on their websites their positive cases involved staff and students.

They said they would reopen on 2 November and all students should self-isolate for the 14 days.

Children will be taught online and the schools said anyone who struggled to access the work should contact them.

Express and Star

The Express and Star is covering these stories today:

• Legion's warning as Covid crisis set to decimate Poppy Appeal, external
• Home Secretary agrees to look at the case for Birmingham bombings public inquiry, external
• Sandwell MP joins fight to stamp out violence against shop workers, external

Sophie Madden
BBC News

The home secretary is to consider the case for a public inquiry into the 1974 Birmingham Pub Bombings.

The blasts at the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs on the night of 21 November killed 21 people and injured 220.

Their families have long called for a public inquiry into what happened.

Priti Patel said she "recognised the desire to see those responsible brought to justice".

Fresh inquests last year ruled the victims were unlawfully killed, but did not establish who was responsible.

BBC Weather

Mainly dry with lots of hazy sunny spells for the first half of the day before turning cloudier. Breezy with a high of 14C/57F

Image source, BBC Weather Watcher Carol

The cloud will quickly thicken tonight with a band of showers expected to move over the area in the first part of the night before becoming drier later. Low: 10C/50F.

You can get a latest forecast for your area at any time by going to the BBC Weather website.

The latest news, sport, travel and weather across the West Midlands and south Cheshire.

Families say a public inquiry would establish "truth, justice and accountability" for victims.

Ross Barkley dedicates his winning goal to Aston Villa's medical staff as Dean Smith's side maintain their 100% start to the season by edging victory at Leicester.

Abu Dhabi's minister of tolerance has denied allegations he sexually assaulted a festival organiser.

The 18-year-old has been named by police as Nathan Cartwright.

The victim has been named by police as Tamba Momodou, 20, who was shot in Telford on Tuesday.

Sheffield Wednesday pick up a second win of the season to end Birmingham's unbeaten start.

Adam Rooney marks his debut with a goal as 10-man Solihull claim a win over Boreham Wood in the National League.

Striker Ivan Toney scores two second-half goals as Brentford record a comfortable home win over Coventry City.