M6 West Midlands southbound severe disruption, between J6 for A38 and J5 for A452.
M6 West Midlands - One lane closed and heavy traffic on M6 southbound between J6 A38(M) Aston Expressway Spaghetti Junction and J5, A452 (Castle Bromwich), because of a broken down vehicle.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Andrew Moffat, assistant head teacher at Parkfield Community School in Birmingham, says its "No Outsiders" programme is not simply "LGBT lessons", it's also about "community cohesion, British values; it's about people getting along and co-existing".
But outside the gates, families continue to protest over the issue, with about 250 people gathering on Thursday, despite the lessons being halted to allow the school "to re-engage with our parents".
Video content
Video caption: Parents protest again about LGBT teaching at the Birmingham schoolParents protest again about LGBT teaching at the Birmingham school
Here's analysis from BBC News' Midlands Correspondent Sima Kotecha:
"The message is spreading, and a growing number of parents
from various schools across the city are vocally taking part in the
debate.
"This is not a one-faith row. Yes, Muslims in Birmingham are the dominant
protesters, but people from the Christian and Jewish community have also
travelled to the city from other parts of the country to give their support to
the overriding message: that homosexuality does not form part of the
traditional concept of marriage, and should not be introduced to children as
young as four.
"The LGBT community is angry and hurt, and there is an
overwhelming feeling from many that at the heart of this debate is prejudice
and homophobia."
In the papers: Security increased for Friday prayers
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
Why are nets appearing over trees and hedges?
Samantha Fisher
BBC News
Samantha Fisher
BBC News
High-profile nature lovers including broadcaster Chris Packham have criticised developers for promoting the practice.
Read moreArrests over mosque hammer attacks
One man is being held on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage while another was released.
Read more'Men responsible' for pub blasts named
A convicted IRA member names four men he says are responsible for the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings.
Read moreEnvelope update
Severe disruption: M5 West Midlands southbound
M5 West Midlands southbound severe disruption, from J1 for A41 Birmingham Road West Bromwich to J2 for Oldbury.
M5 West Midlands - One lane closed and slow traffic on M5 southbound from J1, A41 (West Bromwich) to J2, Oldbury, because of a broken down vehicle.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Nazi accused 'told to burn evidence'
Garry Jack and Connor Scothern deny being members of the banned neo-Nazi National Action group.
Read moreEnvelope update
Severe disruption: M6 West Midlands northbound
M6 West Midlands northbound severe disruption, at J8 for M5.
M6 West Midlands - One lane closed on M6 northbound at J8 M5, because of a lorry having a tyre changed. Traffic is coping well.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Railway lines reopen after bridge strike
BBC News Travel
Good news for train passengers planning to use services between Birmingham Moor Street and Stratford-upon-Avon:
Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya to leave show
Presenter Radzi Chinyanganya will leave Blue Peter after spending five and a half years on the children's programme.
The 32-year-old from Wolverhampton was the show's 37th presenter when he replaced Helen Skelton in October 2013.
He announced the news last night on Instagram, describing his time on the show as "a genuine childhood dream come true".
He said: "I'll always be grateful for the experiences I've had, the people I've met and the relationships I've made."
Video: What's the weather got in store?
Alex Hamilton
BBC Weather
After a dry start to the night, thickening cloud could bring patchy drizzle and lows of 5C (41F).
Video content
BreakingTwo arrested over Birmingham mosque attacks
Allen Cook
BBC News
Two men have been arrested after five mosques in Birmingham were targeted in a string of attacks this week.
West Midlands Police said a 34-year-old man from Perry Barr and a 38-year-old man from Yardley were both arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage.
Envelope update
Severe disruption: M6 West Midlands southbound
M6 West Midlands southbound severe disruption, between J6 for A38 and J5 for A452.
M6 West Midlands - One lane closed and heavy traffic on M6 southbound between J6 A38(M) Aston Expressway Spaghetti Junction and J5, A452 (Castle Bromwich), because of a broken down vehicle.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
School has 'reservoir of hope' over LGBT row
A school at the centre of a row after teaching children about LGBT rights and same-sex relationships says it's continuing to work with parents and has a "reservoir of hope" about getting the community to work together.
Andrew Moffat, assistant head teacher at Parkfield Community School in Birmingham, says its "No Outsiders" programme is not simply "LGBT lessons", it's also about "community cohesion, British values; it's about people getting along and co-existing".
But outside the gates, families continue to protest over the issue, with about 250 people gathering on Thursday, despite the lessons being halted to allow the school "to re-engage with our parents".
Video content
Here's analysis from BBC News' Midlands Correspondent Sima Kotecha:
"The message is spreading, and a growing number of parents from various schools across the city are vocally taking part in the debate.
"This is not a one-faith row. Yes, Muslims in Birmingham are the dominant protesters, but people from the Christian and Jewish community have also travelled to the city from other parts of the country to give their support to the overriding message: that homosexuality does not form part of the traditional concept of marriage, and should not be introduced to children as young as four.
"The LGBT community is angry and hurt, and there is an overwhelming feeling from many that at the heart of this debate is prejudice and homophobia."
In the papers: Security increased for Friday prayers
Birmingham Live
From Birmingham Live:
Birmingham City deducted nine points
Birmingham City are deducted nine points by the EFL for breaching profitability and sustainability rules.
Read moreRail services cancelled 'for rest of day'
BBC News Travel
There aren't going to be any trains running between Birmingham Moor Street and Stratford-upon-Avon for the rest of today.
It's after a vehicle hit a bridge, blocking the line between Hall Green and Yardley Wood.
Designer clothing stolen in knifepoint burglary
Allen Cook
BBC News
Two men armed with a knife have stolen designer clothing in a burglary in Little Aston.
Staffordshire Police said the pair forced their way through patio doors and into the home on Roman Road yesterday afternoon.
They demanded money and jewellery from an occupant before making off with the clothing.
Officers have released CCTV images of motorbike riders they wish to identify in connection with the investigation.
Rail services 'disrupted until 18:00'
BBC News Travel
Disruption to rail services between Birmingham Moor Street and Stratford-upon-Avon are expected to last until 18:00 after a vehicle struck a bridge.
Lines are blocked between Hall Green and Yardley Wood.
Buses are operating between Shirley and Stratford-upon-Avon calling at all stations, with tickets valid on Midland Metro Tram services.
Envelope update
Severe accident: M6 West Midlands southbound
M6 West Midlands southbound severe accident, from J8 for M5 to J7 for A34 Birmingham Road.
M6 West Midlands - One lane closed and heavy traffic on M6 southbound from J8 M5 to J7, A34 (Great Barr), because of an accident.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
LGBT lessons 'not axed' despite protests
Parents who have protested outside the Birmingham school say the lessons are "toxic" and "disgusting".
Read moreFriday prayers spill on to streets
Sophie Madden
BBC News
Friday prayers have been taking place across Birmingham mosques amid strengthened security following a spate of vandalism.
After a string of attacks on Thursday in which windows were smashed, one of the sites - Witton Islamic Centre - was particularly busy.
So much so, mats were brought outside to allow worshippers to pray on the street.
Abu Ibraheem, the imam of the mosque, said he wanted to “spread love, spread understanding", adding “we will not allow hate to separate us".
Before the service, Rev Phillip Nott, vicar of neighbouring Aston Parish Church, visited with a member of his congregation to present flowers.
Mr Nott said he wanted to make a statement that he would not allow their communities to be divided “by hate".
He said he had been approached by a “wave” of people who wanted to show support to members of the Muslim community.