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  1. 'Wonky wedding cake' plans go before councillors

    Local Democracy Reporting Service

    A proposed university building that has been compared to "a wonky wedding cake" is going before planning chiefs next week.

    A report by officers at Birmingham City Council described the designs for Aston University as "a fantastic proposal, a well-designed piece of architecture with excellent-looking landscaping".

    The design has also been compared to hula hoops.

    Members are recommended to approve the plan.

    Drawing of planned Aston University building

    The report suggested the new building could become a home to some of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s collections that are not currently on display.

    The building would be built on Gosta Green and it would mainly be used for teaching, with a cafe on the ground floor.

    The council's planning committee will meet on 5 August.

    Drawing of planned Aston University building
  2. Envelope update

    Severe accident: M42 West Midlands northbound

    BBC News Travel

    M42 West Midlands northbound severe accident, between J5 for A41 Solihull By-Pass Solihull and J6 for A45 Coventry Road Birmingham Airport.

    M42 West Midlands - One lane closed and queues for six miles on M42 northbound between J5, A41 (Solihull) and J6, A45 (Birmingham Airport), because of an accident. Congestion to J3A (M40 Interchange). Travel time is 25 minutes.

    To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time

  3. Van passenger dies in Acocks Green crash

    A van passenger has died after a crash in which the vehicle ended up on its side, trapping him.

    Fox Hollies Road at junction with Mayfield Road

    The van collided with a Toyota Yaris on Thursday at the junction of Mayfield Road and Fox Hollies Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham, the ambulance service said.

    The 20-year-old was cut free by the fire service but died at the scene.

    Paramedics said the drivers of both vehicles were checked but did not need hospital treatment.

    West Midlands Police said the driver of the Yaris was helping with inquiries.

  4. Envelope update

    Severe accident: A4040 West Midlands both ways

    BBC News Travel

    A4040 West Midlands both ways severe accident, between A41 Warwick Road and the car dealership.

    A4040 West Midlands - A4040 Fox Hollies Road in Acocks Green closed in both directions between the A41 Warwick Road junction and the the car dealership junction, because of accident investigation work. Traffic is coping well.

    To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time

  5. Birmingham 2022: 'Once-in-a-generation opportunity'

    Businesses are being urged to "seize the opportunity" of Birmingham hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

    Perry is the official mascot  of the Games
    Image caption: Perry is the official mascot of the Games

    A Business and Tourism Programme has been unveiled by organisers with the aim of creating jobs and boosting investment and exports.

    Minister for sport, Nigel Huddlestone, says the scheme is designed so "businesses in the West Midlands and across the country can seize this opportunity and capitalise on the profile of the Games and its audience".

    West Midlands mayor Andy Street said the event would be a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" for the region and "we absolutely have to make the most of it".

  6. Envelope update

    Severe disruption: M5 West Midlands southbound

    BBC News Travel

    M5 West Midlands southbound severe disruption, at J2 for A4123 Wolverhampton Road Oldbury.

    M5 West Midlands - Two lanes closed and it's heavy on M5 southbound at J2, A4123 (Oldbury), because of a lorry that's broken down.

    To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time

  7. Envelope update

    Severe disruption: M5 West Midlands southbound

    BBC News Travel

    M5 West Midlands southbound severe disruption, after M6 interchange.

    M5 West Midlands - One lane closed and it's slow on M5 southbound after M6 interchange, because of a lorry that's broken down.

    To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time

  8. Warning over Covid-19 pass scam

    Residents are being warned to be alert over a scam offering Covid-19 passes.

    NHS App

    Wolverhampton City Council said scam emails and texts appearing to come from the NHS had been sent, inviting people to register for the Covid-19 Pass, which shows an individual’s vaccination status.

    The council said the emails were not real, and passes could be secured for free through the NHS website, app, or by calling 119.

  9. Body found in search for missing teenager

    Police searching for a missing teenager have found a body.

    Seventeen-year-old Charlie Johnson, from Solihull, was last seen on Saturday.

    Officers were called to a stretch of canal in Finwood, near Warwick, at about 13:25 BST on Wednesday after a member of the public spotted a bike similar to Charlie's.

    West Midlands Police confirmed a body, believed by the force to be that of the teenager, was later discovered. The stretch of canal was sealed off for investigations.

    The force said the family had been informed. and there was nothing to suggest the teen's death was suspicious.

  10. Birmingham 2022: Tourism and business boost targeted

    A scheme to boost tourism and business investment during the Birmingham Commonwealth Games has been unveiled.

    Artist's impression of Alexander Stadium

    The programme aims to create 1,000 new jobs - with 600 based in the West Midlands - and increase overseas investment and exports, organisers say.

    The Business and Tourism Programme has been given nearly £24m in funding and runs until the end of 2023.

    Wednesday marked the one-year countdown to the 2022 sporting event.

  11. Rail services affected by flooding

    Rail services have been cancelled due to flooding between Birmingham and Coventry.

    West Midlands Railway said services running through these stations were expected to be disrupted until 18:45 today

    View more on twitter
  12. Envelope update

    Severe disruption: M6 Warwickshire northbound

    BBC News Travel

    M6 Warwickshire northbound severe disruption, between J4A for and J5 for A452.

    M6 Warwickshire - Queues on M6 northbound between J4a, M42 Interchange and J5, A452 (Castle Bromwich), because of an earlier breakdown. Congestion to J4 (Coleshill). All lanes have been re-opened.

    To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time

  13. Drones light up skies to mark a year until Commonwealth Games

    Today is a year to go until the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

    To mark the milestone, 300 drones lit up the skies above Birmingham city centre in the early hours of 28 July, performing a six-minute light show.

    Video content

    Video caption: Birmingham 2022: Drones light show mark one year to go

    Ian Reid, CEO of Birmingham 2022, said: “This is a hugely exciting moment in the life of these Games.

    "With a year to go until the lights go up on the opening ceremony, I am delighted to say that we are on track to deliver what will be an incredible showcase of sport, culture, creativity and community, providing a long-awaited celebration that will bring people back together.

    “Momentum is ramping up, and we’re excited to announce that the highly anticipated main ballot, which is open to everyone, will open on 8 September."