Leicester explosion: Three men guilty of murdering five people
Nottinghamshire couple have baby after Facebook group pays for IVF
Music stores to face administration
Man in court charged with child's murder
Man admits attacking officers in Oadby
Updates for Friday 28 December 2018
These geese were spotted taking a stroll in the sunshine at Bennion Pools in Leicester yesterday, and we're expecting another dry and crisp day today with prolonged sunny spells and highs of 6C (43F).
Image source, MogjoThe outbreak at HMP Lowdham Grange was one of the biggest in a prison at the time, a report says.
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Greig Watson
Reporter, BBC News Online
North West Leicestershire now has England's highest coronavirus infection rate, the latest figures show.
The area's rate in the seven days up to 28 February was 197.9 per 100,000, according to Public Health England data.
Image source, PA MediaAnd while the figure has fallen, it was only by 2% - when many other places saw falls of more than 20%.
Leicester is still third with a rate of 188.0 and Ashfield is seventh with a rate of 169.6.
Other areas in the region with high rates are: Mansfield in eighth (164.7), South Derbyshire in ninth (164.1) and the borough of Oadby and Wigston in 14th (164.9).
Overall, seven of the top 20 locations are in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
The East Midlands has the highest rate (122.8) of any region in England, which has a national average of 81.3.
Theatre practitioner Lloyd Balatongan penned the ditty to encourage more people to get their jabs.
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Gavin Bevis
BBC News
North West Leicestershire has England's second highest coronavirus infection rate, latest figures show.
The area's rate in the week up to 27 February was 205.6, according to Public Health England data.
Leicester is third with a rate of 197.1 and Ashfield is sixth with a rate of 181.4.
Further down, Mansfield is 12th (168.3), Gedling 15th (162), the borough of Oadby and Wigston is 18th (159.6), and Nottingham is 20th (157.7).
Overall, seven of the top 20 locations are in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, but all saw drops in their infection rate as national lockdown measures continue.
Image source, PA MediaThe England average for the same weekly period was 86.3.
The clouds aren't likely to shift today, but there'll be a slight breeze and top temperatures of about 7C.
Today's BBC Weather Watchers picture comes via Helen Earth in Cropwell Bishop.
Image source, Helen EarthThe man went into the home for two weeks of respite care, but was left there for five months.
Read MoreGavin Bevis
BBC News
Multiple schools in the East Midlands have suspended online learning today following what's been described as a "cyber attack".
The schools, which include The Suthers School in Newark, Kirk Hallam Community Academy, Birklands Primary School in Market Warsop and The Garibaldi School in Mansfield, are all run by the Nova Education Trust.
Image source, GoogleThe trust told the Nottingham Post, external it had been subject to a "sophisticated cyber attack which has resulted in unauthorised access to the trust's IT infrastructure".
It said they had reported the attack to the Department for Education, the Information Commissioner's Office and the National Cyber Security Centre.
Amy Orton
Local Democracy Reporter
Dame Kristin Scott Thomas brought some Hollywood glamour to Leicester Royal Infirmary when she turned up for her Covid vaccine.
The actor, best known for roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral, The English Patient and TV comedy Fleabag, was at the hospital on Tuesday to get her first dose of the jab.
Image source, Kristen Scott Thomas/InstagramMs Scott Thomas, 60, who lives in nearby Rutland, posted the moment on Instagram.
She wrote: “Vaccinated by the fantastic people at Leicester Hospital.
"It was really easy. No waiting, no fuss, no stress."
At the last official count, more than 287,000 first doses had been given across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Sandish Shoker
BBC News
A freeport is set to open at East Midlands Airport, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced in this afternoon's budget.
He said eight freeports he announced could help economic recovery by making it easier and cheaper to do business in regions, as well as creating jobs.
The freeports, usually located around shipping ports and airports, mean goods which arrive into them from abroad are not subject to the tariffs normally paid to the government.
These taxes only become payable when the goods leave the freeport and are moved somewhere else in the UK.
Critics say they increase the risk of tax dodging and lower employment standards.
Find out more about freeports here.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe airport, near Castle Donington, is one of eight UK locations.
Airport managing director, Claire James, said the news will "shine a spotlight on a part of the country which has so much to offer investors, existing businesses that wish to grow, and the supply chains that are linked to them".
She added the airport will play "a significant role in the government's ambitions for a 'global Britain'".
Maria Machancoses, director of Midlands Connect, called it "fantastic news" and said they would work with local authorities to make sure the site is well connected to trade locally, nationally and internationally.
Gavin Bevis
BBC News
A card sent by Captain Sir Tom Moore to The Florence Nightingale Museum in London is to be sold to help safeguard the venue's future, a Derbyshire-based auction firm has said.
The greeting features of a photo of the charity fundraiser, who died last month, along with his famous quote "tomorrow will be a good day".
Hansons will take charge of the online sale, due to take place on 9 March.
The card has a guide price of £100 to £200.
Image source, HansonsMuseum director David Green said: "Last summer we teamed up with Hansons to hold an online auction to raise much-needed funds for our Save The Nightingale Museum campaign.
"We were delighted and grateful to receive a signed card from Captain Tom, recognising the special link between Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and military personnel, who she cared for.
“Captain Tom was clearly extremely busy in his last months, so his card sadly arrived too late for the auction.
"However, his family have given us their blessing to use the card now to help us raise funds which we desperately need."
Image source, Hansons
Samantha Noble
BBC News Online
Members of a singing group have virtually come together to sing Happy Birthday to a 108-year-old woman.
Rushcliffe Borough Council's singing group first met Jeanie Richardson when they visited Leawood Manor Care Home, in West Bridgford, to perform carols in 2018.
Image source, Rushcliffe Borough CouncilWhen they heard the care home was appealing for people to help celebrate her big day, the group organised the rendition, which was then recorded and played to her via YouTube.
The council also dropped off flowers and a card for Mrs Richardson's birthday on Saturday.
Image source, Rushcliffe Borough CouncilKath Marriott, the council's chief executive, said: "I’m delighted that our teams have been able to help celebrate such an incredible milestone for Jeanie as she reaches her 108th birthday.
“The team have fond memories of Jeanie dancing at our Christmas performance a few years ago and I’m so pleased that we’re able to be a part of her special day."
Mrs Richardson said she was "delighted" by the gesture.
A rainy and windy Wednesday is on the cards for many, with cool temperatures topping out at about 7C.
Today's BBC Weather Watchers picture comes from zannamac in Ashby de la Zouch.
Image source, zannamacClaire Mercer stages a protest outside a police headquarters on her late husband's birthday.
Read MoreNottinghamshire and England fast bowler Jake Ball signs a new contract with his native county until 2023.
Read MoreMountain hares have new protections in Scotland, but in England they can be culled without a licence.
Read MoreAnother cloudy day is in store for much of the region, with high temperatures of about 9C (48F).
Today's BBC Weather Watchers picture comes courtesy of Curly Claire in Tollerton.
Image source, Curly ClairePolice say "countless" numbers of visitors to Matlock Bath were told to stick to lockdown rules.
Read MoreConnor Black, 24, died in hospital after being found stabbed inside a property.
Read MoreThe latest news, sport, travel and weather for the East Midlands.
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