See the latest figures for coronavirus cases and deaths in your area.

Pat McFadden says the Tories can no longer claim to be a "pro-business party" after the Government's handling of the banking sector in the Brexit deal.

Covid-19 vaccinations are now under way at a Black Country hospital – as work continues to on their new £3 million emergency department.

Thousands of people who have been in contact with someone with coronavirus across the Black Country and Staffordshire are still not being reached by the test and trace system, latest figures suggest.

A craft shop owner has said she is ‘heartbroken’ as her business has closed again due to new restrictions.

After the most turbulent year many of us have ever been through, teachers are hoping for a brighter 2021.

An ecologist and broadcaster has spoken in support of controversial proposals for the future of Cannock Chase.

Two proud parents have welcomed a Christmas Day baby into the world.

All-action hero Garry Thompson reflects on the making of his fascinating footballing career – and wouldn’t change a single thing.

Women in the West Midlands are four times as likely to be jailed as those in the area of England and Wales with the lowest rate of female imprisonment, new analysis revealed.

A social media comment about a football match has led to a cheeky charity run by a Staffordshire man.

Lightweight railcars powered by methane, partly derived from manure, could operate on reopened rail lines or even replace trams in the West Midlands.

A petition has been launched urging ministers to hold a new vote over the controversial HS2 line.

Two Walsall senior nurses have been recognised for their contributions in a region-wide commemorative e-book that marks the year of nurses and midwives.

A record number of students have accepted places to study on healthcare courses this year to join the frontlines of the NHS in the wake of the pandemic.

A Black Country school is asking for volunteers to help with its coronavirus testing.

Read the latest column from Toby Neal.

Five people have been arrested after two handguns and a stash of drugs worth £115,000 were seized by police after a New Year's Eve raid.

A further 33 coronavirus patients have died in hospitals in the Black Country, Birmingham and Staffordshire.

West Midlands Police were called to more than 700 suspected Covid-19 breaches on New Year's Eve – including a party for 50 in Wednesbury.

A wildlife campaigner has pleaded with people to dispose of fuel safely after a lake became polluted with diesel.

West Midlands Police arrested more than 45,000 criminal suspects in 2020, says the force.

Police are continuing to hunt for a prisoner with links to the Black Country who absconded from HMP Sudbury.

A council leader says the Government needs to provide more clarity over a return to school for pupils next week, as Covid cases in the city continue to surge.

Businesses could "disappear for good" across the West Midlands and Staffordshire without further Government support, leaders have warned.

Personal items left in tribute to four crash victims have been handed in at a police station anonymously after being taken from the tree they were attached to.

A hospital chief in the Black Country has said the NHS is "well and truly in the eye of the storm" as it deals with an influx of coronavirus patients.

Only essential shops remain open at the Merry Hill shopping centre in Brierley Hill after Dudley borough entered Tier 4.

West Midlands business leaders have reiterated the need for more Government support after the region entered Tier 4 due to rising coronavirus cases.

A Halesowen headteacher has welcomed the delay of students returning after Christmas so his school can prepare to start Covid testing.

There was an air of sadness as shoppers called in a Wolverhampton supermarket for the final time.

Two West Midlands paramedics have revealed what it has been like working on the front line during the pandemic – and over the Christmas period.

A Midlands entrepreneur believes 2021 could turn out to see a boom for the leisure and hospitality industries despite the current coronavirus pandemic.

A leading figure at a Wolverhampton mosque has spoken of his journey and life as a migrant.

MPs across the Black Country and Staffordshire have shared their messages of hope and positivity for a much better year in 2021.

A new trial date has been set for two brothers accused of fraudulent trading at a Wolverhampton garage.

A virtual ghost festival is taking place in aid of charity.

It was a poignant tribute to man’s best friend and a special bond. Former policeman Ken Young was presented with a unique reminder of his ex-partner - a dog called Karl.

Bishops across the Diocese of Worcester have offered messages of hope ahead of a new year.

More than 300 people with a history of rough sleeping have been helped off the streets and into their own accommodation thanks to the West Midlands Housing First pilot.

Ministers have been urged to use a chunk of a £4.8 billion fund to reopen a West Midlands rail line to passenger traffic.

A further 36 coronavirus patients have died in hospitals in the Black Country, Birmingham and Staffordshire.

One of the West Midlands' most senior health officials has urged people to stick to Tier 4 rules and stay at home to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in the region this New Year's Eve.

There was a sense of frustrated acceptance as the new coronavirus restrictions kicked in across Wolverhampton on New Year's Eve.

Residents of the Black Country and Staffordshire have been told to stay at home as the region moved into the toughest Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions.

A man has been killed in a caravan fire in Staffordshire believed to have been started by a cigarette.

Waitrose in Wolverhampton is open for the final time today after the site was sold to Tesco.

Police are appealing for help in tracing a wanted man from Dudley.

When coronavirus first came to Russells Hall Hospital, nurse Beth Farney said the scene looked like something out of ET.

MPs and council chiefs across the region have expressed their regret as the Black Country and Staffordshire moved into Tier 4 restrictions.

Wolves' Molineux stadium should be converted into a mass vaccination centre to allow as many elderly and vulnerable people as possible to get a Covid vaccine, a city MP believes.

The Mayor of Wolverhampton will host a bumper virtual fundraising quiz to mark the start of the new year.

West Midlands Police has made more than £150,000 available to community groups funded by cash and assets seized from criminals.

From helping the homeless to improving diversity – meet the local community heroes named in the New Year’s Honours list.

More than a quarter of domestic abuse incidents across the West Midlands and Staffordshire were against men, figures have revealed.

The criminal trial is supposed to be the end of the road. And if it results in a not guilty verdict then that, in the eyes of the criminal justice system, is that. The process has been followed, the case was not proven.

Two police officers from the Black Country are to receive top honours for their parts in separate life-saving incidents.

Police trying to trace a man who has lost contact with his family have released a new photo of him – after he was seen shopping in the Black Country.