BBC News Birmingham & Black Country

From the Express and Star today:

• Parish council near Stafford to get £350,000 for dropping HS2 petition
• Nearly 1,500 same-sex ward breaches at Sandwell and City hospitals
• Dozens of Wolverhampton schools facing funding deficit

Wolverhampton's refurbished Civic Hall will probably be run by a private operator when it reopens in the autumn of 2021.

Proposals going before city councillors suggest an external firm will be best placed to attract big names to the venue, which is having a £38.1m overhaul.

City of Wolverhampton Council

Labour leader Ian Brookfield said the authority would retain the ownership of the building, but external expertise would allow it to create a "world-class entertainment centre".

The 81-year-old building, which also includes the adjoining Wulfrun Hall, will have a combined standing capacity of more than 4,500.

Championship leaders West Bromwich Albion had to come from 2-0 down at The Hawthorns last night to claim a draw against bottom club Barnsley.

PA Media

An own goal and an equaliser from Matheus Pereira after 81 minutes keeps the Baggies two points above second-placed Leeds United.

Elsewhere in the Championship, Birmingham City beat Blackburn Rovers 1-0 and Stoke City lost 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday.

In League One, Burton Albion won 1-0 against AFC Wimbledon and Shrewsbury Town drew 1-1 with Gillingham.

Crewe Alexandra are still top of League Two after drawing 0-0 with Colchester United, Port Vale beat Bradford City 2-1 and Walsall lost 2-0- at Oldham.