Allen Cook
BBC News
There are long delays on the M6 northbound in Cheshire this morning after the earlier car fire.
Police say the driver got out of his vehicle unhurt and the fire is out, but one lane's still shut past the scene between J17 and J18., external
Image source, North West Motorway Police
Image source, North West Motorway PoliceAllen Cook
BBC News
There's excitement at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust today as it says a carnivorous plant has been recorded in the county for the first time in a 100 years.
Image source, Staffordshire Wildlife TrustThe great sundew is an insectivorous plant that thrives on open bogs.
The trust says the sighting was made at its own Gentleshaw Common nature reserve near Burntwood and described the find as, external "incredible".
The family of Riasat Bi has asked for privacy while officers investigate what happened.
Read More
BBC News Travel
Only one lane's open on part of the M6, external in Cheshire this morning due to a car fire.
Highways England says emergency services are on the scene between J17 and J18 northbound., external
Image source, Highways EnglandProtesters are set to take to the streets of cities and towns across the West Midlands this afternoon to demonstrate against Donald Trump's visit to the UK.
Image source, AFP/Getty ImagesMr Trump is on a two-day working visit to the country and has said that Britons "like me a lot" and he feels "fine" about any protests.
In the West Midlands, protests are planned in locations such as Birmingham, Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, Leamington, Bewdley, Shrewsbury and Malvern.
BBC News Travel
Trains between Derby and Crewe are being disrupted this morning due to a broken-down train between Longton and Stoke-on-Trent.
National Rail Enquiries says trains aren't able to run between Blythe Bridge and Crewe., external
It says it's not sure how long the disruption will last but it could be until at least 13:00.
Stoke-on-Trent Live
The Stoke-on-Trent Live website is covering these top stories today:
A weather warning for thunderstorms , externalcomes into effect across the West Midlands from 11:00 today.
Image source, Met OfficeHeavy showers and thunderstorms could could some localised flooding, said the Met Office.
Police are warning that road surfaces are likely to be slippery after the recent hot spell of weather.
Newcastle Borough Council is seeking a court order to evict travellers from near a playground.
Image source, Newcastle Borough CouncilA group at Wolstanton Marsh are the latest to park on council land.
The local authority said it would be working more closely with Staffordshire Police to deal with unauthorised encampments.
Sunny spells and heavy showers with highs of 24C.
Here are a few of the stories making the headlines on the Experss & Star website this morning:
Hannah Quinn
BBC Radio Stoke
People living in part of Staffordshire say taking the bin out has become "frightening" because works in an alleyway have left trenches covered by plastic ramps.
Severn Trent's been replacing water pipes over the past few weeks in the area around Victoria Place in Wolstanton, Newcastle-under-Lyme.
But residents have told BBC Radio Stoke that delays have led to the deep trenches being covered over by plastic boards which they describe as "treacherous" to walk over.
Quote MessageIt's like a three foot trench down there. It's just a matter of time before somebody gets hurt."
Steve Ellis, Local resident
The water firm's apologised, but says it regularly checks the site for safety and that the work is expected to be completed by early next week.
Rich Davis
BBC Weather presenter
It will be a mainly dry day with the risk of some showers, which could turn thundery, and highs of 24C (75F).
Latest weather for the West Midlands
So you have an "England World Cup Winners 2018" tattoo. What now?
Read MoreThe top stories on the Crewe Chronicle website this afternoon include:
Allen Cook
BBC News
A cat's been rescued after getting stuck at the top of a telegraph pole., external
Image source, Staffordshire Fire ServiceHe was reported to the fire service just before 14:00 on Broadway Street, Burton-upon-Trent.
Firefighters got him down safely and he's now being cared for by the RSPCA.
Shefali Oza
BBC Midlands Today
Rain is spreading over from Wales, meaning some of us could see some showers over the coming days.
In other parts of the region there will be more sun.
Weather forecast with Shefali Oza.
Sara Blizzard
BBC Weather
There will be spells of late sunshine this evening, but also the risk of some further showers.
Clear spells through tonight, with the chance of a few showers persisting and a light breeze.
More on BBC Weather
Robin Grey
BBC Radio Stoke
Stoke City defender Moritz Bauer says he is relishing the challenge of playing more games in the Championship this season.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe 26-year-old joined the club from Ruben Kazan in January and signed an improved five-year deal earlier this month.
The Potters start their season away to Leeds United on 5 August.
Quote MessageFor a football player, it is more beautiful to be playing more games than training. I think for me it is perfect because I have had only 15 games so far, to adapt to the English game. I think this season can help me to improve as a player a lot.”
Moritz Bauer, Stoke City defender
Allen Cook
BBC News
Two Staffordshire MPs on opposite sides of the house have pressed the government for a debate on the emergency service, external within the NHS and the need for "proper investment" in the health service.
Image source, Conservative PartyJeremy Lefroy (pictured), the Conservative MP for Stafford, told the Commons that the country needed all available A&Es and there should be a ban on plans to close any more.
While the Labour MP for Stoke North, Ruth Smeeth, said there was a need for a "truly integrated health economy".
Responding, the leader of the Commons, Andrea Leadsom, said the NHS in England is to get an extra £20bn a year by 2023 and that there have been several health debates already and "there will be many further changes to debate".
