Jessica Labhart

Broadcast journalist at BBC news online, Birmingham. Former senior reporter at the Express & Star

United Kingdom

BBC broadcast journalist for online, based in Birmingham. Previously a senior reporter at the Express & Star. Contributor to The Guardian. Completed Gold Standard NCTJ production journalism diploma at the UK's top journalism school, News Associates, London and level five NQJ in professional journalism. Freelanced for the London Evening Standard, Ealing Times, the Hillingdon and Uxbridge Times and South West Londoner. Completed work experience at the Coventry Telegraph and Watford Observer.

University of Cambridge graduate with an M.Phil in Screen Media and Cultures (Distinction), a Master of Arts degree and a BA (Hons) degree in Education, English and Drama (Double First Class).

Winner of the George Peabody Prize (2010), the Shuard and Simms Prize (2011) and the Charter Scholarship (2011) at the University of Cambridge, Homerton College. Winner of the Portfolio Prize (2015) at News Associates, London. Highly Commended in the Feature Writer of the Year category at the Midlands Media Awards 2017 and part of team who won Best Exclusive Award at BBC England Awards 2019.

Portfolio
Express & Star
04/13/2017
Wolverhampton radio presenter in charity DJ marathon

A radio presenter from Wolverhampton is to be live on air for 36 hours straight to raise funds for a well-known city charity. WCR (Wolverhampton Community Radio) FM host James Levett, from Pendeford, did a 24-hour radio marathon last year, raising more than £1,000.

Express & Star
04/13/2017
Bilston Town Hall to hold bake off in memory of Jo Cox

People are being invited to attend a special Bake Off event being held in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox. MP for Wolverhampton South East, Pat McFadden, has organised the event with the Jo Cox Foundation to promote community cohesion.

Express & Star
04/13/2017
Miss Wolverhampton pays bridal and prom dress shop a visit - WATCH

Miss Wolverhampton has visited a new bridal and prom dress store in the city - Elizabeth Jade - as part of her ambassador work. Faye Campbell, aged 18 from Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, a was one of 15 girls out of 70 from across the country to progress to the final of the Miss England competition after the semi-finals where she given the title 'Miss Wolverhampton' in July last year.

Express & Star
04/05/2017
Black comedy coming to Wolverhampton

Secg, which began in Sedgley in 1968 but now holds rehearsals and performances at Towers Theatre, Tettenhall College, Wolverhampton, will perform The Anniversary from tomorrow until Saturday. The comedy, written by playwright Bill Macilwraith, tells the story of a mother and her three sons.

Express & Star
04/07/2017
Tickets for Wolverhampton Grand Slam of Darts on sale next week

The tickets will go on priority sale on Tuesday and on general sale on Thursday. Tickets will be limited to eight per person per session for tables. The 32-player cross-code event sees stars from both the Professional Darts Corporation and British Darts Organisation systems competing across nine days at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Expressandstar
05/10/2017
Marathon mission for RAF Cosford Museum

The Mayor and Mayoress of Wolverhampton have officially launched a series of marathons that aim at raising £100,000 for a well-known museum.

Expressandstar
05/09/2017
Former workers visit Springfield Brewery

The former Springfield Brewery site welcomed some familiar faces as former workers visited the historic centre as part of an ongoing project with the University of Wolverhampton.

Express & Star
02/27/2017
The Oscars 2017: Wins, losses and mishaps mark the 89th Academy Awards ceremony

It'll be a ceremony that perhaps will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, but did the winners really deserve their titles and did the losers really deserve to walk away empty-handed? The 2017 Academy Awards crowned Moonlight as Best Picture. The film tells the life story of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami.

Express & Star
02/23/2017
Travellers set up camp on Willenhall car park

Travellers have set up camp in another car park in Willenhall and could now receive parking tickets from the council. The latest site the travellers have pitched up on is the short stay car park based on Wolverhampton Street. The new encampment comes just days after travellers arrived on the Wakes ground car and lorry park with around nine caravans.

Express & Star
02/20/2017
Wolverhampton taxi drivers warned not to use old rank

Hackney carriage taxi drivers in Wolverhampton will be breaking the law if they continue to park along a city centre street, council highways chiefs have said. Drivers who were told by the council to use Albion Street as a make-shift feeder taxi rank for Wolverhampton train station will now not be able to park there after the council announced where the new permanent rank will be.

Express & Star
02/23/2017
Drake, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham - review

He may have just been named International Male Solo Artist at the Brit Awards, but last night, the Canadian artist made Birmingham, or as he now calls it, 'Brum', his second home. The gig, part of the artist's The Boy Meets World Tour and held at the second city's Barclaycard Arena, saw a packed crowd of around 14,000 people get 'turnt up' for a night of celebration.

Express & Star
02/20/2017
Swiss Air Force to perform at Cosford Air Show

The Swiss Air Force will be be sending their PC-7 Team to perform in the skies on June 11 as part of the show which takes place as RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton, every year.

Express & Star
02/20/2017
Gifted young artists showcase their work at Wolverhampton Art Gallery

Gifted young artists are showcasing their work at the city centre art gallery as part of a scheme to champion the creative talents of pupils. The Lichfield Street art gallery invited the art department from Colton Hills School, in Jeremy Road, to select their students' best pieces for show, which marks the first of the 2017 schools' exhibitions.

Express & Star
02/18/2017
Film review: Prevenge at The Lighthouse

Revenge. They say it's a dish best served cold. But in the case of Prevenge, well it was dish that was unexpectedly enjoyable to see being cooked. The film is directed by and stars Alice Lowe who plays Ruth, a seven-months' pregnant mum-to-be on a mission to kill everyone that she believes has indirectly or indeed directly caused the premature death of her boyfriend and baby daddy.

Express & Star
02/16/2017
Wolverhampton council tax rise is lowest across the Black Country

The 3.99 per cent increase means the city council is the only one not proposing the maximum increase allowed of five per cent. Neighbouring cash-strapped authorities in Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell are all putting council tax up by 4.99 per cent.

Express & Star
02/15/2017
Anita and Me, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review and pictures

It's the 1970s in a Black Country mining village. The mine shuts down, a Punjabi family moves in, a new motorway is due to be built, a school is demolished. Times are changing here. Unlikely friendships are forged, broken and lost, as are marriages, jobs and livelihoods.

Express & Star
02/16/2017
Burntwood actress in Anita And Me at Wolverhampton Grand

Burntwood actress Megan McCormick, left, is starring in the latest stage production of Anita and Me, based on Meera Syal's semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. The production, at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre runs until Saturday and sees Megan star as Tracey - the fiesty sister of Anita played by Laura Aramayo.

Express & Star
02/04/2017
Animal magic coming to Wolverhampton with rehearsals under way for puppet show

From baby orangutans to towering grey elephants, the exotic world of the jungle is to come to Wolverhampton this summer with rehearsals for the show, Running Wild, well underway. The production, which features the puppetry design and direction by Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié, who were both previous associate puppetry directors on War Horse, arrives at The Grand Theatre in the city on June 6 to 10.

Express & Star
01/25/2017
Young Voices, Genting Arena, Birmingham - PICTURES and VIDEO

It's not often that you get to see young people showing off their musical talents at one of the top music venues in the UK. It's even rarer to see 6,000 of them altogether, singing and dancing and having the time of their lives.

Express & Star
01/24/2017
Popular pub eyed up as new stop for Wolverhampton cabbies

Hackney carriage taxi drivers in Wolverhampton city centre are to find themselves relocated to a new area close to a popular pub as the council is considering where to put their new rank. Council bosses had initially told the drivers to use Albion Street, a residential street close to the railway station as the 'interim' feeder rank whilst a long-term location was decided upon.

Express & Star
01/21/2017
Top security firm to move its HQ to i54

A leading security firm is to take up a new unit at Wolverhampton's i54 business park as part of a new multi-million pound deal. The i54 will house a state-of-the-art HQ for security specialists ERA after securing around £10 million of funding from Aberdeen Asset Management PLC.

Express & Star
01/20/2017
Concern over child safety on the rise in Wolverhampton

The number of children being referred to Wolverhampton safeguarding services through their GP is on the increase, according to new figures. In the last four years, the number of children that have been referred by their GP to the council's safeguarding department was 203. From April 2015 to April 2016 the number of referrals was 28.

Express & Star
01/20/2017
Rents down but service charges go up in Wolverhampton

The one per cent reduction in rents for tenants of council-owned homes is to come into force from April this year and will run for the next four years. The reduction is a mandatory one which was unveiled by the then Chancellor George Osborne as part of his budget statement in July 2015.

Express & Star
01/18/2017
Debris spills into road during Wolverhampton Market demolition

Work to demolish Wolverhampton's former market took an unexpected turn as a wall collapsed, spilling debris on to the road. A group of five construction workers were spotted trying to deal with the collapsed wall along at the former Westside Wolverhampton Retail Market at Peel Street.

Express & Star
01/17/2017
Campaigners in Wednesfield win bus service stops battle - WATCH

Campaigners who battled to get a bus service to make stops in Wednesfield have won their fight against transport chiefs. They battled for the elderly and disabled to continue to use services in the Wood End area that had been disrupted due to repair work to Pinfold Bridge.

Express & Star
01/16/2017
Wolverhampton canal to get £120,000 revamp

The Birmingham Canal Old Main Line runs through the city as well as other parts of the Black Country. Now, a new programme of work will see the canal's lock gates replaced and historic brickwork restored.

Express & Star
01/15/2017
Wolverhampton cabbies asked to use residential street near station as taxi rank

Hackney carriage taxi drivers in Wolverhampton have been told by the council to use a residential street near the railway station as a make-shift taxi rank. The advice to use it while an additional rank is created has come from the council after improvements to the railway station saw a new entrance open for motorists on January 8.

Express & Star
01/14/2017
La La Land, Light House Cinema, Wolverhampton - review

La La Land is not what I expected it to be. I have never sat through a film that has made me want to laugh, dance , sing and sob all at the same time. But watching this, made me all those things.

Express & Star
01/14/2017
La La Land, Light House Cinema, Wolverhampton - review

La La Land is not what I expected it to be. I have never sat through a film that has made me want to laugh, dance , sing and sob all at the same time. But watching this, made me all those things.

Express & Star
01/13/2017
La La Land opens at Wolverhampton's Light House

Film fans will be able to catch two of this year's Golden Globe winners at a city cinema from today. Musical La La Land, which stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, claimed a total of seven awards at this week's Golden Globe ceremony.

Express & Star
01/12/2017
Police plan to ban drinking on the streets of Wolverhampton city centre

It would make the Park and St Peter's wards alcohol-free zones in a move to stop anti-social behaviour. The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) would see police given the power to seize alcohol from people and make them stop drinking where anti-social behaviour is occurring or likely to occur.

Express & Star
01/12/2017
Now drinking could be banned on the streets of Wolverhampton city centre

It would make the Park and St Peter's wards alcohol-free zones in a move to stop anti-social behaviour. The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) would see police given the power to seize alcohol from people and make them stop drinking where anti-social behaviour is occurring or likely to occur.

Express & Star
12/26/2016
Boxing Day hunt: Hundreds of people turn out for start of event from Hagley - PICTURES

It's a Christmas tradition dating back centuries. But the annual Boxing Day hunt was a popular as ever as hundreds flocked to see the hounds off in Hagley. The Albrighton and Woodland Hunt, which started off from the grounds of Hagley Hall, near Stourbridge, saw generations of families come together to cheer on the riders, their horses and the dogs.

Express & Star
12/20/2016
Goodyear timeline: The highs and lows of tyre-making from 1898 to 2017

From opening in Ohio in 1898 to heading across the Atlantic in 1927 to the dawn of downsizing at the end of the 20th century. It's been up and down for Goodyear and Wolverhampton. 1898 - Goodyear was founded in Akron, Ohio, USA by Frank A Seibeding and developed steadily, building up its tyre-making reputation in the USA and Canada.

Express & Star
12/20/2016
Goodyear closure: Workers left deeply sad at end of an era

Former Goodyear workers have expressed their 'deep sadness' that the plant has closed its doors for the final time today. The closure marks almost 90 years since the iconic company opened its doors and is the end of the era for the firm which first set up and produced a tyre in the city in 1927.

Express & Star
12/19/2016
Santa gets on two wheels to deliver presents as bikers help with charity event

Hundreds of bikers took to the streets of Halesowen and Birmingham in their festive finery to donate toys and essential items to seriously ill youngsters and their families. A total of 300 bikers from across the West Midlands and Shropshire came together on Sunday to present children at Birmingham Children's Hospital with Christmas presents.

Express & Star
12/01/2016
Birmingham's Roundhouse to become activity hub

An historic building in Birmingham is to be transformed into an activity and enterprise hub after Birmingham City Council approved the plans. The Roundhouse, based on St Vincent Street in Birmingham is a Grade II listed building, built in 1874. Designed by architect W.H.

Express & Star
10/07/2016
Vampire comedy musical coming to Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre

Vampires are set to arrive in Wolverhampton as a brand new production with bite is to take to the stage. Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre, Lichfield Street, is to host the all new Vampires Rock Saga called 'Vampires Rock - The Ghost Train' on October 29.

Express & Star
09/02/2016
How dance teacher Lindsey's Disney princesses dream came true

A dance teacher has had a dream come true after her pupils raised money for her to dine with Disney princesses. Lindsey Grant, aged 24, of Wolverhampton, runs Linzi G School of Dance, based in Wednesfield, and has always been a fan of Disney films. She is currently at Disneyland Florida for a family holiday.

Express & Star
09/02/2016
Little Briton to make great price of £20k at a Wolverhampton auction

A rare car built in Wolverhampton more than 100 years ago is set to fetch between £16,000 and £20,000 at auction. The car, which cost only 175 guineas, or £183.75p in modern money, when it was delivered new in 1909, was one of the first cars built by the trail-blazing Briton Motor Company at its Stewart Street Works in Wolverhampton.

Express & Star
08/27/2016
VIDEO: Surge in numbers signing up for Wolverhampton 20k cycle event

Budding cyclists will be in good company next weekend as the Carver's Marathon has seen a surge in the number of runners and cyclists taking part this year. The race event, which is in its 18th year, will include a 20k Cycle Event, which this year is sponsored by furniture firm Cousins.

Express & Star
06/17/2016
Meeting on 200 homes plan for Essington

A public meeting is set to be held over plans to build more than 200 new homes on green belt land in South Staffordshire. A planning application has been submitted to build 210 homes a new shop and parking to serve St John's School and allotments at Hobnock Road.

Express & Star
03/23/2016
Three injured in smash near Wolverhampton Grammar School

West Midlands ambulance service confirmed that they were called at 9.39am this morning to a crash on Compton Road. The smash between an Audi A3 and a Vauxhall Astra at the junction with Merridale Lane, has closed the road between Larches Lane and Wolverhampton Grammar School.

Express & Star
03/10/2016
'The bullies used to call me ugly, but now I could be a beauty queen'

A 19-year-old beauty queen hopeful has told how childhood bullies who used to tell her she was ugly had inspired her to enter the competition. Ria Badhan, of Mill Street, Bilston, is already a semi-finalist in Miss Teen Great Britain and said entering the contest has helped restore her damaged confidence after being targeted by bullies as a youngster.

Express & Star
05/02/2016
Sharp rise in number of Black Country traveller camps

The number of traveller and gipsy sites in the Black country has increased dramatically in the last two years, according to a new report. The Walsall borough saw the greatest increase in sites, with 69 in 2015 in comparison to 15 sites in 2014.

Express & Star
03/14/2016
Politicians, police and preachers unite to help tackle terror threat

It's not often that you see members of the Islamic faith and party members from UKIP 'under one roof of peace', talking about launching a campaign to combat extremism. But that was the case on March 11, where around 50 people from different faiths and backgrounds packed into Baitul Atta Mosque, Willenhall Road, Wolverhampton, alongside UKIP West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge.

Express & Star
03/18/2016
Graiseley Primary School floods after thieves steal part of the roof

The vandals struck at Graiseley Primary School, Graiseley Hill, taking material from around the chimneys. They damaged tiles and skylights in the process and heavy rain the following day saw water pouring through the damaged roof and into the entrance hall and one of the corridors.

Express & Star
03/18/2016
One injured and road closed in Wolverhampton smash

A major road in Wolverhampton was partly closed after a car crash resulted in one person being sent to hospital. The two car collision took place at around 12.30pm this afternoon on the Dudley Road in the Blakenhall area of the city.

Express & Star
03/08/2016
Mother who hid stolen goods in pram jailed

A mother of four who tried to hide shoplifted goods inside her child's pram has been jailed for 10 weeks. Leanne Price, of Foster Road, Wolverhampton, stole fragrance worth £137 from TK Maxx, at Bentley Bridge, on February 9 then frying pans and deodorant worth £23 from B&M on the same day.

Express & Star
03/20/2016
Firefighters tackle Bewdley railway embankment blaze

The fire, which took place at around 6.30pm on March 19 at Droppings Well Farm, Stourport Road, Bewdley is believed to have started accidentally. Hereford and Worcester fire service confirmed they received a call at 6.43pm alerting them to the blaze, and upon arrival saw that it was actually on the railway embankment.

Express & Star
03/24/2016
Wolverhampton gun battle man fails to overturn 'unarguable' conviction

A man facing a 15-year sentence for his part in a shocking gunfight in Wolverhampton city centre has failed in an appeal court bid to clear his name. Aaron Ezeikel Brown, 33, of Julian Close, Deansfield, was jailed in November 2014 after he was convicted of involvement in the battle.

Express & Star
03/20/2016
Is Kanye West going to 'fix' Wolves?

Could this be the end of all Wolves' woes? Is Kanye West about to turn the club into a winning machine? According to Twitter, possibly... Kanye West tweeted that he was 'fixing Wolves' in reference to one of the tracks on his latest album, accidentally alluding to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the process.

Express & Star
04/01/2016
Wolverhampton gas blast: 'It's a bit of a blur' admits survivor

The words of the pensioner who miraculously survived a gas blast which flattened her Black Country home. Wendy Ayoub has spoken for the first time about her ordeal - and remembers the floor opening up, but admits the aftermath of the explosion at her home in Wolverhampton was 'a bit of a blur'.

Express & Star
03/30/2016
New timetables after complaints on Wolverhampton buses

The number 32 and 33 buses travel to Wolverhampton via Bushbury, Northwood Park, and Fordhouse Road. They will both have new timetables introduced from April 10. It follows the work of Labour councillor for Bushbury North, who attended Birmingham's National Express control centre earlier this month, meeting with officials from the tracking and management systems team.

Express & Star
03/19/2016
Four injured as smash closes busy Walsall road

Four people were taken to hospital following a crash that saw a busy road blocked off late on Friday night. The two car collision took place at around 21.40pm in Bloxwich Road, Walsall. The crash involved a Citroen Saxo and an other unknown car, resulting in four people being treated for minor injuries.

Express & Star
03/25/2016
Teen football hooligan is banned from Wolves games

The defendant, aged 17, pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court to causing or contributing to violence or disorder in the UK on seven occasions since December 2012. Magistrate Brian Wallis issued the youngster with a three year ban from all home and away Wolves games.

Express & Star
04/04/2016
Son choked to death on chip after family meal

Michael Fellows, aged 34, was found dead by his mother Julie at the bottom of the stairs at their home on Walsall's Yew Tree Estate. His death was described as 'tragic' and 'desperately sad' by Black Country coroner Zafar Siddique.

Express & Star
04/07/2016
Mother's face doubles in size after eyebrow tinting treatment

A new mother's face almost doubled in size after staff failed to conduct the required skin test before tinting her eyebrows. Rebecca Jukes, aged 21, of Blackhalve Lane in Wednesfield, attended the Define Art and Beauty Salon, Mill Lane, Wolverhampton, on April 1.

Express & Star
01/28/2016
Rethink at New Cross Hospital after Sikh patient served beef

A Sikh patient was served a meal containing beef at a Black Country hospital, prompting the managing health trust to review the way it provides food. The patient, whose identity has not been revealed, was given the meat at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton after being taken in over a cardiac-related illness.

Express & Star
01/29/2016
400 council homes on the way to Wolverhampton

The £56 million plan will be launched as soon as the cash becomes available. The council is already looking to identify potential locations so that land is 'site-ready.' Councillor Peter Bilson, deputy leader and cabinet member for city assets, said that savings achieved on the review of the council's business plan and other changes had released sufficient money to make the building initiative possible.

Express & Star
02/18/2016
12-year-old go-kart champion after £25k to kick start career

A young go-karting champion has launched an appeal to raise £25,000 to kick start his career with the company who first trained Lewis Hamilton. Twelve-year-old Conner Prosser, first caught the go-karting bug at the tender age of five during a family holiday to Turkey in 2012.

Express & Star
01/29/2016
Mother-of-three stole perfume for Wolverhampton Boots branch

A mother-of-three from Wolverhampton caught shoplifting has been given a curfew and told to pay compensation to the shops she stole from. Tina Cherrington, 48, of Gordon Place, appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court this week. She pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from Boots in Wolverhampton across two days in early January this year.

the Guardian
11/20/2015
Five weird and wacky ways councils are cracking down on litter

Keeping streets clean matters. According to the Local Government Association, councils spend almost £1 bn a year on tackling litter and fly-tipping, at a time when they face difficult choices due to budget cuts. Incidents of fly-tipping have increased by 20% in 2014 - last year there were 852,000 cases - while funding for street cleaning has fallen for the past four years.

the Guardian
11/24/2015
The professionals paying the price of public sector wage restraint

"I can't even afford to get my gutters fixed or replace the rotten back door on my house. Does society really want its professional public servants feeling like this?" That's the question posed by John, a government worker who, like many other staff in the public sector, is feeling the pinch of pay restraint.

Express & Star
02/20/2016
Veterinary nurse attacked by eight-stone Japanese Akita dog

A veterinary nurse was attacked by an eight-stone Japanese Akita dog as she helped put the pet in the back of a car, suffering cuts to her forearms, wrists and back, a court heard. Vet Susan Lunn lifted the four-year-old dog's hind legs after being asked for help by Amarjit Dosangh in putting the animal in the vehicle in the car park of Vets4Pets in Cannock.

Express & Star
02/09/2016
Husband-to-be bowls his girl over with unusual proposal

A groom-to-be proposed to his bride in a very creative way when he popped the question in a pottery class. Theology student Becki Brown thought boyfriend Mark Bunger, from Walsall, would not propose this year having expected him to do so before New Year's Eve.

Express & Star
02/06/2016
Wolverhampton gas explosion: Home nextdoor wrecked in blast and burgled twice

The explosion destroyed one home and today neighbour Daljit Uppal revealed part of his house was also left badly damaged. He also told how raiders burgled his home after the blast. Mr Uppal lives on Penn Road next door to Wendy Ayoub, who was saved by her washing machine in the gas blast that destroyed her home in December.

Express & Star
02/06/2016
Wolverhampton gas explosion: Home nextdoor wrecked in blast and burgled twice

A father has revealed the shocking extent of the damage to his family home which was damaged during a house explosion in Wolverhampton - as it emerged callous burglars have ransacked the property. Daljit Uppal, lives on Penn Road, next door to Wendy Ayoub, who was saved by her washing machine in the gas blast that destroyed her home in December.

Express & Star
02/10/2016
Junior doctors strike: Medics walk out in the West Midlands

Junior doctors - all medics below consultant level - will provide emergency care only from 8am in the 24-hour walkout. At New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, eight operations and 188 appointments have been cancelled, while 40 outpatients appointments have been cancelled at University Hospital of the North Midlands.

Express & Star
02/12/2016
Pensioner dies after fall at home

A verdict of accidental death was reached at the inquest of a man who refused to go to hospital after bumping his head during a fall at his home. Donald Peverell, aged 77, of Woods Crescent, Brierley Hill, who had a history of falls, died at Russells Hall hospital on November 26 2015.

Express & Star
02/11/2016
Mother died from head injuries as husband charged with murder

Jacqueline Abbott, aged 54, of Lodge Crescent, died of 'extensive and severe head injuries' on December 11 last year, the inquest at Smethwick Council House was told yesterday. She was pronounced dead at the scene and Mrs Abbott's body was formally identified by her son Martyn.

Express & Star
02/13/2016
New Wolverhampton taxi drivers 'don't know what they are doing', say cabbies

Passenger safety is at risk in Wolverhampton, according to cabbies who are concerned about an alleged lack of training given to new drivers. According to members of the Wolverhampton Hackney Carriage Association, new drivers are not receiving proper training prior to being given their licence and taxi plates.

the Guardian
12/03/2015
Bettina Rheims's best photograph: trans sex worker Erica

She was very feminine, very tall, wearing a mink coat. She looked like a superwoman, a Helmut Newton icon or something. I said: "You look beautiful, but I'm casting androgynous people and you're much too feminine for my series." She stayed in my studio and stared at me without talking and after a few seconds I was embarrassed.

Hillingdon Times
Britain's manufacturers back plans to expand Heathrow

Options for expansion at Heathrow A NUMBER of Britain's leading firms are backing the proposed expansion of Heathrow, believing it to be the best way to secure the economy. The news comes on the back of a survey published yesterday by the manufacturers' organisation (EEF), ahead of the Airport Commission's final consultation on expansion, taking place next Tuesday.

Express & Star
04/11/2016
Shakespeare anniversary honoured by Willard Wigan

'To see or not to see' is the ironic title of a microscopic model of Shakespeare created by Wolverhampton-born artist Willard Wiggan to celebrate 400 years since the death of the Bard. 'To see or not to see' is the ironic title of a microscopic model of Shakespeare created by Wolverhampton-born artist Willard Wiggan to celebrate 400 years since the death of the Bard.

Express & Star
04/18/2016
Cat-astrophe averted as kitten rescued from children's toy

A cat-astrophe has been averted by firefighters in Dudley who managed to free a four-week-old cat after he got himself trapped in a children's toy. Frosty, who is currently being cared for by Ravens Rescue UK, based in Kingswingford, got himself stuck at around 7pm this evening, with fire crews from Dudley fire station immediately called to the scene.

Express & Star
04/11/2016
Vulnerable woman helped down from Wolverhampton bridge by police

A woman seen on a bridge over a busy Wolverhampton road is being assessed by health professionals after police were called to help get her down today. The woman was seen on the Gorsebrook Road Bridge, Oxley, over the A449 Stafford Road, near McDonalds. Police were called to assist the woman at around 2pm.

Express & Star
04/10/2016
Banned from Wulfrun Centre: Thief who stole £48 chocolate from Wolverhampton Poundland

A man who stole £48 worth of caramel chocolate from Poundland in Wolverhampton has been told not to enter the Wulfrun Centre as part of his bail conditions. Peter Smith, aged 26, of Hart Road, Wednesfield, pleaded guilty to one charge of theft of the confectionary which took place on March 30 this year at Poundland, Wulfrun Square.

Express & Star
04/15/2016
Police officer in hoax kidnap case 'believed threats were genuine'

The phone records of a police officer who allegedly made hoax 999 calls to implicate a man in a fictional terror plot to kidnap a colleague have been revealed in court. Pc Amar Tasaddiq Hussain, of Yardley, Birmingham, who is suspended from duty, appeared at Stafford Crown court and maintained that he genuinely believed the threats to kidnap one of his fellow officers were real.

Express & Star
02/25/2016
Family of woman who died days after being diagnosed with tonsillitis make fundraising pledge

The family of a 20-year-old woman from Bilston who was diagnosed with tonsillitis 19 days before she died of a rare condition have set up a donation page in her memory. Chelsea Jackson, of Pace Crescent, a student who was rarely ill, suffered with a sore throat on December 28 last year and was given antibiotics to treat tonsillitis by her doctor.

Express & Star
04/16/2016
Arranged marriage woman, 20, died in Smethwick canal

Shareen Liaqat of Legge Street, West Bromwich, was found by contractors working on the Smethwick canal on January 27 this year. The court heard how Miss Liaqat had called her brother Nadeem at around 7.10pm on the evening before her body was discovered.

Express & Star
04/16/2016
Wolverhampton gas blast survivor is back on her feet

"I was delivered into a hole in the kitchen floor and I was delivered out of the hole in the kitchen floor. "But I don't believe in being miserable, it's a fault of the will." Those were the words of Wendy Ayoub, who survived a huge explosion which totally destroyed her home on December 28 last year.

Express & Star
06/13/2016
Remains of man's body found on Wolverhampton street

Residents of a quiet residential street in Wolverhampton made a grim early morning discovery when the remains of a man were discovered in Finchfield. The remains, believed to be that of a male in his 40s, were discovered on Woodland Road, Finchfield, at around 6.30am on Sunday.

Express & Star
06/22/2016
Dangerous dog that attacked woman will not be destroyed

A dangerous dog that mauled a woman's hand as she went to stroke it will not be destroyed, a court heard. The eight-year-old American bulldog and Staffordshire bull terrier cross, named Geezer, was off the lead with owner Maurice Hutchinson when the attack on Wendy Young happened in Dudley.

Express & Star
07/04/2016
Wolverhampton site is 'haunt for drinkers and drug addicts'

Unsecured land in Wolverhampton has become a 'haunt for drinkers and drug addicts' according to a councillor who has called for the police to intervene. The land, in Church Road, linking Stafford Road and Three Tuns Lane, has become a site of anti-social behaviour, according to councillor Ian Angus, Labour councillor for Bushbury North.

Express & Star
07/04/2016
Woody's Music Bar and motel put up for sale for £250,000

A much-loved music venue has been put up for sale for a quarter of a million pounds despite only being completely renovated around five years ago. Woody's Music Bar in Hednesford is described by those selling the property as 'an iconic venue locally, with a reputation for attracting some of the best live performers the area has to offer.'

Express & Star
06/06/2016
Wolverhampton's Queen Square closes for six weeks for gas works

The work is being carried out in the square and Victoria Street. Queen Street will be closed to traffic in both directions between Exchange Street to the junction of North Street, Victoria Street and Darlington Street. Traffic will be able to exit Dudley Street via Lichfield Street.

Express & Star
04/21/2016
Wolverhampton surgery extension deferred over traffic

Plans to extend a doctors surgery in Wolverhampton have been deferred for further consideration, despite the originals plans being recommended for refusal. Owners of the Caerleon Surgery, Dover Street, Wolverhampton, submitted plans to build a single storey rear extension to accommodate a staff room and an additional consulting room on the existing site.

Express & Star
04/20/2016
Queen's 90th birthday: Beacons of light to celebrate milestone

More than 1,000 beacons will be lit across the UK after Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall light the principal beacon at Windsor Castle to celebrate the momentous occasion. A beacon will be lit on Rowley Hills, near East Avenue, by Sandwell mayor, Councillor Barbara Price, on 21 April at 8.30pm.

Express & Star
07/05/2016
Wolverhampton Faces nightclub shuts as costs rise

Faces Nightclub, formerly known as Oceana, has closed with bosses saying they have been left with no alternative because of the costs of running the huge venue in Bilston Street. Dozens of workers, including bar staff, managers, cleaners and security were told that the closure was going ahead.

Express & Star
06/13/2016
Boy, 12, airlifted to hospital after collision with car in Cannock

A 12-year-old boy has been airlifted to hospital with suspected life threatening injuries after a collision with a car on Hemlock Way. The boy was taken to Queen Elizabeth's Children Hospital after the collision involving Ford Fiesta just before 8.30am this morning. The collision took place on Hemlock Way at the junction of Sindon Hill Way.

Express & Star
04/26/2016
Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital fined £95k for A&E wait times

The fine for March relates to the Wolverhampton hospital not meeting the national targets over four hour waiting times. It was revealed in the Trusts's quality and performance report, which showed there had been an additional 1,742 people going to A&E in March. This was an increase of 14.6 per cent on the previous month.

Express & Star
04/27/2016
Rise in bed sores at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital due to staff shortage

An increased number of patients are suffering from bed sores at New Cross Hospital due to staffing shortages, a new report has revealed. The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust has seen an increase of reported pressure ulcer incidents for two months according to their quality and performance report.

Express & Star
04/30/2016
Driveway blaze destroys caravan and car in Dudley

An early-hours blaze completely destroyed a caravan and a car in Dudley on Saturday, but was was prevented from spreading to the house thanks to the quick work of fire crews. The fire started in a caravan parked outside a house in Norton at around 4am today and quickly spread to the owner's nearby car.

Express & Star
05/03/2016
IN PICTURES: National Dwarf Games are a hit as 200 take part and Paralympic star Ellie Simmonds...

More than 200 competitors from across the UK and Europe visited the Black Country and Staffordshire to take part in the National Dwarf Games - with a surprise visit by Paralympic superstar Ellie Simmonds. Many of the events were held at Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton on Sunday, with Ellie making an unexpected appearance at yesterday's swimming gala in Cheslyn Hay.

Express & Star
05/15/2016
PICTURES: Wolverhampton graffiti art is streets ahead

From the colourful flight of a hummingbird, to the monochrome close-up of a chimpanzee - the graffiti work of a Wolverhampton artist is helping to re-define street art. Steve Edwards, a so-called 'Graffoflarge' artist has been commissioned by community organisations around Wolverhampton to transform derelict and unsightly walls and buildings into works of art.

Express & Star
05/04/2016
Dickens originals to go under the hammer in Wolverhampton

Cuttlestones Auctioneers and Valuers, of Clarence Street, Wolverhampton, will auction off 20 Charles Dickens novels including a number of rare first editions, in its Specialist Collectors' Sale on Friday. The collection was put together in the early 20th century and has been inherited by its current owners.

Express & Star
05/20/2016
Grandmother inspires Wolverhampton beauty queen dream

A beauty queen from Wolverhampton is looking forward to taking part in the finals of Miss Black Country after being inspired to enter the competition by her nan. Gabrielle Purchase, aged 23 of Lichfield Road, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, is to take part in the finals of the competition on Sunday.

Native Monster
05/20/2016
New Wolverhampton burger restaurant opens - creating 25 jobs

The first UK restaurant of a new chain of burger bars was opening in Wolverhampton today, creating 25 new jobs. Burger Priest was opening in Victoria Street, opposite Beatties. Bosses have teamed up with Jobcentre plus and the adult education service to recruit its 25 members of staff.

Express & Star
07/19/2016
Video: Tune in to Wolverhampton's musical history with music wall

Music lovers can enjoy a cacophony of much-loved tunes from classic Slade rock hits to the soulful melodies of Beverley Knight within a special musical wall. Hidden within the wall, located on the vacant Royal London buildings, on Princes Square, is a variety of hit tracks released by some of the most famous musicians to call the city their home.

Express & Star
07/26/2016
The Great Big Thank You Awards: X Factor's Joe Whelan serenades unsung heroes

Best known for his time on the X Factor, musician Joe Whelan has become the latest celebrity to endorse the Express & Star's Great Big Thank You Awards. Joe, who comes from The Scotlands area of the city, shot to fame in 2012 when he wowed the judges on the hit ITV show with his rendition of Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love.

Express & Star
07/25/2016
Pokémon Go comes to Wolverhampton Art Gallery

Head to the digital emporium to help catch Pokémon characters like Drowzee, Nidoran, Poliwag, Jynx, and Squirtle. With different Pokémon appearing each day it is making it easier for gamers in Wolverhampton to catch them all. A new lure will be added to the site to entice more characters.

Express & Star
07/27/2016
The Great Big Thank You Awards: Help your child's teacher get top marks

They may have encouraged you to reach your potential, to pass your exams with flying colours, to go to university. Whatever they've done, however they're helped, the Express & Star would like to hear from you. The Express & Star's Great Big Thank You Awards is open for nominations for the prestigious category of Teacher of the Year.

Express & Star
07/29/2016
Great Big Thank You Awards: Voice star Megan sings praise

BBC The Voice star Megan Reece has become the latest musician to endorse the Express & Star's Great Big Thank You Awards. The Wolverhampton-born singer and mother-of-four was catapulted to fame earlier this year when she delivered knock-out performances including her version of Lianne La Havas' What You Don't Do as part of judge Paloma Faith's team.

Express & Star
07/28/2016
WATCH: Bilston Yarn Stars brighten up the town

It may be too hot for a knitted hat and scarf, but members of a Black Country knitting group have put their talents to a new project, knitting flowers and ribbons for display in Bilston town centre. The Bilston Yarn Stars have created an array of colourful streamers, floral rosettes and even knitted owls.

Express & Star
07/15/2016
Wolverhampton Music Service's Youth Orchestras holding warm up concerts for Italy shows

School pupils from Wolverhampton are tuning up for a musical tour of Italy, holding a special concert in city before they jet off. A total of 77 members of Wolverhampton Music Service's Youth Orchestra and Youth Wind Orchestra will take part in a series of prestigious concerts in the Umbria region of Italy at the end of July.

Express & Star
08/27/2016
80,000 fines for Wolverhampton's bad drivers

Almost 80,000 parking and bus lane fines have been issued by Wolverhampton council since 2015 according to a new report. The council outsources its parking and bus lane control to global parking giants APCOA, which issues tickets on its behalf. In 2015/16 the company issued a staggering 79,860 tickets, including both parking and bus lane fines in the city.

Express & Star
07/05/2016
The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton's staff win top award

Volunteers at The Way Youth Zone have collectively won a prestigious award in recognition of all their hard work. The 126 volunteers that work at the venue, which opened in January, bagged the Wolverhampton City Council Volunteer Award at a ceremony at The Grand Theatre on June 28.

Express & Star
07/18/2016
Play inspired by Molineux slave to be performed in Wolverhampton

A play inspired by the life of a slave, owned by the Molineux family, is the topic of a new play being performed in the very place he lived in during the 1700s The production entitled 'Surnamed Africanus' is to be performed within Wolverhampton Archives, Molineux Hotel Building, Whitmore Hill, from July 19 to 21.

Express & Star
03/03/2016
Driver wins appeal over bus lane fine

A driver who appealed after he was issued with a bus lane fine will not have to pay up after the official adjudicator found in his favour. David Evans, 53 of Stowheath Lane, Wolverhampton, was caught in the bus lane on Willenhall Road on September 12.

Express & Star
07/02/2016
Arsonists raze primary school sheds in latest shocking attack

Parents have expressed their disgust at a 'despicable' act of suspected arson after two sheds containing hundreds of toys were set alight at a school in Willenhall. The sheds, which contained outdoor play equipment, wellies and toys belonging to nursery children at Lodge Farm Primary School in Furzebank Way, were believed to have been set alight on Friday after a series of acts of vandalism at the school.

Express & Star
07/03/2016
Body found in search for missing engineer Martin Cadman

Police have called off the search for missing engineer Martin Cadman after a man's body was found in a wooded area of West Bromwich. Mr Cadman was last seen on Tuesday morning when he left the Travelodge Hotel on Wolverhampton Road in Oldbury.

Express & Star
07/19/2016
The Great Big Thank You Awards 2016: Nominate your unsung heroes

Do you know someone who deserves a Great Big Thank You? Is it about time that they received recognition for all their hard work, in a glittering ceremony attended by celebrities from across the region? Perhaps they are the person you always turn to for advice in your community, someone who supports you and always goes the extra mile to help?

Express & Star
07/04/2016
JAILED: 97mph driver who left friend paralysed after ploughing into tree

A man who caused 'catastrophic injuries' to his 19-year-old friend after the car he was driving collided with a tree has been sentenced to more than two years in prison. Tobias Dell, aged 24, of Inkerman Street, Heathtown, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Express & Star
04/21/2016
Protesters vent anger at plans for new primary school for Wolverhampton Grammar

Protesters were out in force to object to plans for a new primary school to be built as part of Wolverhampton Grammar school. Concerned parents and residents who live near to where the proposed development would be made their voices heard both outside the Wolverhampton council building and during a planning committee meeting on Tuesday.

Express & Star
07/22/2016
Wolverhampton summer school fantasy film fun

Central Youth Theatre will screen How to Train Your Dragon, Monsters Inc and The Jungle Book as part of its Fantasy Film summer school. The school will be an opportunity for children aged between seven and 13 to make a play, which will be showcased to an invited audience of family and friends at the end of the five-day scheme.

Express & Star
04/18/2016
Fallings Park Primary School expansion hailed a success

Fallings Park Primary School, Old Fallings Lane, Wolverhampton, was part of the council's project to increase pupil admissions by developing the existing site. Work on the site began in 2014 and was completed on Friday as contractors put the finishing touches to landscaping the three new play areas.

Express & Star
07/26/2016
Survey reveals what people in the West Midlands like for a grand summer day out

A new survey has revealed what makes a great summer day out in the West Midlands just in time for the school summer holidays. The survey carried out by the National Trust, in conjunction with YouGov Plc, asked people in the West Midlands what they felt were the elements of a great British summer day out.

Express & Star
04/23/2016
Burglars take £5,000 of designer glasses in raid on Wolverhampton opticians

Penn Eyecare, based on the Penn Road, is believed to have been broken into at around 4.15am yesterday, with thieves causing damage to the front door and lock as they entered. But the offenders were unable to access the main glass cabinet containing the exclusive Ray Bans at the front of the shop.

Express & Star
04/25/2016
Drink driving student sped along M6 at 123mph

A 20-year old student from Wolverhampton is to spend three months in prison after he was caught speeding at 123 miles per hour on the M6. Ravi Semic of Wolverhampton Street, Bilston, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on April 21 charged with dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Express & Star
07/27/2016
Ex-Wolves star Richard Stearman marries after unusual Paris proposal

Former Wolves skipper Richard Stearman has tied the knot in fairytale fashion after an unusual proposal involving the ex-wife of a previous teammate. The Wolverhampton-born defender, who made 234 appearances for Wolves before joining Fulham in 2015, married Beth Lay last month.

Express & Star
08/28/2016
Terror Teds proving a hit for Staffordshire businesswoman

They're certainly not your average bears, but one woman from South Staffordshire has made her love of terrifying teddies a popular new business. Sarah Holmes, aged 25, of Saredon Lane, Great Saredon, near Wolverhampton, decided to start making the Terror Teds after her partner was unable to find one to buy for her in the UK.

Express & Star
04/29/2016
May bank holiday weekend: Train disruptions planned

Major disruption is expected to train travel over the Bank Holiday weekend as engineers carry out the final phase of repair and upgrade work. Services to and from Stafford will be affected due to Network Rail's final phase of the £250 million Norton Bridge scheme.

Express & Star
04/29/2016
Three arrested after Class A drugs thrown from car in police chase

Class A drugs were thrown from a car during a police chase as the driver and passengers raced to escape arrest this morning. The chase, which started in the Penn Fields area of the city, started at 1am and finished in Tettenhall, just off Danescourt Road.

Express & Star
04/28/2016
Seriously ill patients at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital moved about at 3am

Seriously-ill patients are being moved around wards at 3am at a Black Country hospital to make space for more admissions. The open door policy at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital means no-one who attends is turned away, but this leads to existing patients being moved into different wards, often in the middle of the night, to make space.

Express & Star
03/07/2016
Bagful of cash and cannabis seized at Wolverhampton train station

In addition to the bagful of drugs, around £1,000 in cash was seized by British Transport Police at around 9.45pm. The officers made an arrest and seized the money and marijuana after receiving a text message tip-off from a member of the public.

Express & Star
04/30/2016
13-year-old a victim of revenge porn attack

A 13-year-old was a victim of revenge porn in the West Midlands last year, according to new figures released by police. The statistics show that from April to December 2015, 12 people were charged with offences relating to the sharing of revenge porn, involving victims aged from 13 to 23 years old.

Express & Star
04/30/2016
Labour anti-semitism row: Ian Austin slammed for Hitler/Ken Livingstone 'joke'

Dudley MP Ian Austin has been labelled a 'disgrace' after he sent out a controversial tweet about Ken Livingstone's Hitler comments. The Labour MP for Dudley North sent a tweet out yesterday which said: "This row about Ken Livingstone & Hitler is so unfair. One was a horrible extremist obsessed with Jews.

Express & Star
04/30/2016
Labour anti-semitism row: Ian Austin slammed for Hitler/Ken Livingstone 'joke'

Dudley MP Ian Austin has been labelled a 'disgrace' after he sent out a controversial tweet about Ken Livingstone's Hitler comments. The Labour MP for Dudley North sent a tweet out yesterday which said: "This row about Ken Livingstone & Hitler is so unfair. One was a horrible extremist obsessed with Jews.

Express & Star
04/30/2016
'Intoxicated' man falls off Stourbridge scaffolding

The 48-year-old man, who was treated for traumatic injuries at the scene, was taken to Russells Hall Hospital at around 9.30pm on Friday. Stourbridge community paramedic Ste Hill was on shift at the time of the fall and is believed to have treated the man for his injuries before taking him to hospital.

Express & Star
05/01/2016
Smoke screen fills Oldbury Matalan

Staff at a Matalan store in Oldbury had a shock when they were greeted by an unexpected smoke screen as they opened up for business this morning. The smoke, which is believed to have been prompted by the alarm system at the Portway Road store, is meant to act as a security fogging solution that reduces the likelihood of theft.

Express & Star
07/21/2016
Artist brings the industrial past of Black Country to life

From the roaring furnaces of the Black Country's famous foundries to the tranquil peace of the canal - an exhibition brings some of the region's best loved scenes to life. Ken Wood, who was born in Ironbridge and later moved to Dudley, is currently displaying his latest collection of works at the Portal, in Birmingham New Road, Dudley.

Express & Star
05/02/2016
SATs exams to be boycotted by many in West Midlands schools

Some parents across the West Midlands are planning to keep their children away from school tomorrow in opposition to the latest round of new SATs tests. The boycott is part of a nationwide protest against the tests, which critics say are more difficult than previous years.

Express & Star
07/29/2016
Beacon Centre gets £119,000 in grants in funding boost

The centre in Wolverhampton Road, Sedgley, has been awarded the cash by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund. The money will support 100 visually impaired people over the age of 24 living in Wolverhampton. It will help them to find employment and boost social skills through IT training, cookery courses and financial workshops.

Express & Star
03/10/2016
WATCH: Wolverhampton's Compton Hospice makes mini-film to raise awareness of Lymphoedema

A new animated video has been launched by Wolverhampton's Compton Hospice to raise awareness of Lymphoedema as part of a campaign to educate people about the condition. The three-minute-long video shows how the body's lymphatic system deals with fluid build up in cells, and how this differs when someone has Lymphoedema, which is a condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues.

Express & Star
01/07/2016
Hands up who's taking part in a 2016 Race for Life

Get those trainers at the ready girls - it's time to give cancer a good kicking by taking part in the region's Race for Life events. Women of all shapes and sizes are being urged to get the New Year off to a great start by signing up now to Cancer Research 2016 events.

Express & Star
01/09/2016
Hundreds expected at Big Brother auditions in Wolverhampton nightclub

Big Brother is coming to Wolverhampton to audition hundreds of hopefuls from around the city for a chance to appear in the infamous reality TV show. The show is touring throughout the UK this month to find the most entertaining people to appear on our TV screens later this year.

Express & Star
01/09/2016
Wolverhampton family's plea after thieves target grave

A distraught family has appealed for help in tracking down thieves who stole memorials from the grave of their father in Wolverhampton on the 18th anniversary of his death. Martin and Dawn Dobbing were disgusted to find that a large figurine of the Virgin Mary and a small can of Guinness, placed to commemorate the death of Mrs Dobbing's father, the late-Dennis Heaney, were stolen over the Christmas period.

Express & Star
02/25/2016
Motorcyclist killed after losing control on his way home

Robert 'Claude' Christopher, aged 39, died on December 28 last year after 'dropping' his bike to avoid a vehicle turning left into a shop. Three vehicles were involved in the crash on Oldbury Road, Rowley Regis, when Mr Christopher came off his bike and crashed into a Land Rover.

Express & Star
01/13/2016
Van lands on its side in icy Wolverhampton smash

The accident, which is thought to have been caused by the sudden fall in temperatures overnight, has prompted a warning from police about driving conditions this week. The van rolled over on Bridgnorth Road in Shipley at the junction with Bennetts Lane, landing on its right side on a grass verge.

Express & Star
01/08/2016
West Midlands weather: Snow on the horizon as Arctic blast hits

Snow is on its way to the West Midlands as the milder conditions finally make way to an Arctic blast. Temperatures are set to plummet by next week, with the mercury dropping below 0C. Parts of the UK are being warned to expect snow when an Arctic air mass creates freezing overnight conditions as it sweeps across the country.

Express & Star
04/01/2016
PICTURED: Firefighters battle severe Bilston shop blaze

A fire that took place in a shop's office in Bilston was so severe that it took the plaster off the walls, fire officers have revealed. Fire fighters were called to the blaze at the St Giles Shop, Church Street, Bilston at 4.50am this morning.

Express & Star
03/19/2016
Grandfather in hospital after four-car crash

He was driving his silver Vauxhall at around 6.30pm on March 19 along Tansey Green Road, near the junction with Smithy Lane when he was involved in the crash. He was taken by ambulance to Russells Hall hospital where it is believed he was treated for shock.

Express & Star
03/19/2016
Lack of aspirational headteachers blamed for snub to Jaguar Land Rover offer over link with schools

Not one school in Wolverhampton has taken the opportunity to link with Jaguar Land Rover to improve their students' employability, despite the scheme being 'heavily encouraged'. The lack of take up of the educational partnership with the engineering firm which came to the city in 2011, has been blamed on a lack of 'aspirational head teachers' by city councillor Phil Bateman.

Express & Star
01/15/2016
Bilston Malones Bar has licence pulled after staff failed to act on brutal attack

A bar has had its licence revoked after CCTV footage revealed how staff did not respond to the brutal assault of a man inside the premises. Malones Bar in Bilston, which had its licence suspended following the incident on November 7 last year, was unable to convince council officials that the premises should keep its licence in a meeting.

Express & Star
03/02/2016
WATCH: Boyfriend caught on the hop by trampoline leap year proposal

A woman jumped at the chance to propose to her boyfriend this leap year - and picked the perfect location to pop the question. Lisa Moran, aged 37, chose the Air Space trampoline centre in Wolverhampton as the venue when she decided to ask partner Asa Greenaway, 39, to marry her.

Express & Star
03/01/2016
Pensioner dies after being run over twice - once by own car

A pensioner died in freak accident during which he was run over twice - once by his own car, a coroner heard. Kenneth Phillips, 72, was also hit by the vehicle of a man who had suffered a blackout at the wheel, his inquest was told.

Express & Star
01/18/2016
Slimmer who ditched takeaways and beer to lose 3.5 stone to take on triathlon

He ate takeaways almost every day and 'thought nothing of drinking eight to 10 pints a night' - but now Tom Giles has lost three and a half stone and is taking on a triathlon. The 35-year-old, of Emerson Road, Wolverhampton, was inspired to lose weight after he found he was spending more time sitting down taking his inhaler, than running around with his children.

Twitter
Wednesfield Police on Twitter

"For those who miss it @HTown_EParkWMP we made front page @ExpressandStar - illegal cars not welcome in Wolverhampton"

Express & Star
01/19/2016
PICTURED: Stafford Road smoke delays Wolverhampton commuters

Drivers in Wolverhampton had to contend with more than congestion this morning when smoke filled a major route into the city during rush hour. Smoke from a Twente Express lorry covered a stretch of Stafford Road at around 9.20am causing disruption for drivers on the busy commuter route.

Express & Star
06/22/2016
Revealed: The million-pound doorstop

The antique has since been found to be a Chinese artefact from the 18th century. The rare blue and white vase was discovered propping a door open in a home and has been described as 'the find of a lifetime' by auctioneers.

Express & Star
01/07/2016
Where you can Race for Life in 2016

It's time to kick that Christmas weight into shape for Cancer Research UK, with women throughout the Midlands invited to run, jog or walk at any one of the Race for Life Pretty Muddy events.

Express & Star
01/22/2016
£3.3k fines imposed on Wolverhampton's litter-lout smokers

They were all due to appear before city magistrates, but only three appeared at the hearing. They all admitted littering. They were told to pay between £145 and £367 in fines and costs after failing to pay an initial on-the-spot £75 penalty handed out in August and September last year.

Express & Star
01/22/2016
Legal highs: Poppers taken from Wolverhampton city centre shop in new police blitz

New laws will ban the sale of such substances in April and police, trading standards officers and council officials wanted to spread the message that action would be taken against those who flout the ban. Mamba, on Queen Street, Wolverhampton, a shop selling e-cigarettes, was among the premises visited.

Express & Star
01/25/2016
Black Country Touring awarded lottery funds

A theatre and dance company that works with people from across the Black Country has been awarded £28,000 of lottery funding for its latest project. Black Country Touring (BCT) works with people from Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall to put on shows in schools, community centres, libraries and art galleries.

Express & Star
01/25/2016
Gang fight pub with 'laissez-faire attitude towards security' closed down

A fight between two gangs at a Wolverhampton pub, that saw one member punched and another allegedly draw a knife, has prompted council bosses to shut down the venue for the second time in five months. The Harp Inn, in Walsall Street, Horseley Fields, was described by police as being 'on the gang circuit' of pubs in Wolverhampton.

Express & Star
02/17/2016
Soldier turned Amazon worker steals £1,500 of goods in first week on job

An former soldier from Staffordshire stole almost £1,500 worth of goods just a week into a job working for Amazon. Neil Tuft, aged 26, of Littlewood Lane in Cheslyn Hay, admitted stealing the £1,362.50 worth of goods, including a Tom Tom smart watch, at Cannock Magistrates' Court.

Native Monster
03/17/2016
Review: Fame, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Fame definitely came to Wolverhampton this week, in the professional-standard performance from youngsters who danced and sang their hearts out on stage. The performance pulled out all the stops to deliver what was often gob-smacking renditions of classic hit songs that left the audience in awe.

Express & Star
03/21/2016
Raised By Wolves in line for American makeover

The production company behind Caitlin Moran's hit series 'Raised by Wolves' is in talks to potentially launch an American version of the show next year. The autobiographical show was developed by the BBC and broadcast on Channel 4 three years ago.

Express & Star
03/21/2016
Nun better in Wolverhampton art exhibition

Mike Massingham, aged 64, and Bill Parker, aged 63, have joined forces to create a contrasting yet complementary exhibition of artwork at the Asylum Gallery in Chapel Ash. The exhibitions, entitled Spanish Caprichos and Meditation Paintings are being displayed together at the gallery from March 18 to 27.

coventrytelegraph
02/27/2015
Tributes to one of Coventry's first black bouncers

One of the first black bouncers in Coventry has died after a battle with cancer. Seymour Barnes-Bromfield worked on the doors at pubs and clubs across the city in the 1970s and 80s, including popular haunts like Tiffany's, The Three Tuns, Reflections and the Devonshire Arms. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in September and died in hospital on January 24, aged 57.

Express & Star
03/11/2016
Willenhall puppy theft: Teen admits stealing seven-week-old bulldogs

Wolverhampton Magistrates Court heard how the defendant and another male broke into a house on Beccles Drive, Portobello and stole the puppies, worth £2,000 each, on January 22. CCTV cameras on a neighbouring property caught the pair breaking the rear patio lock and getting into the house. They were later spotted running away.

Express & Star
03/14/2016
268 cases of fraud cost Wolverhampton City Council £1m

Council staff misusing a council purchase card and staff working on out-of-work activities during their contracted hours. Just some of the 268 cases of fraud detected by Wolverhampton council on one year, a new report can reveal. The report followed a meeting of the audit and risk committee, details how the total value of the detected cases of fraud was £1,067,168 in 2014/15.

South West Londoner
01/19/2015
Gig review: Run-DMC and Raleigh Ritchie @ Scala London - South West Londoner

The godfathers of hip-hop, Run-DMC, were joined by new kid on the block, Raleigh Ritchie, to celebrate 30 years of the Vodafone network, at Scala last night. The event celebrated 30 years since Michael Harrison, son of former Vodafone Chairman Sir Ernest Harrison, first used the network to call his father at midnight on January 1 1985.

Express & Star
01/12/2016
LIVE: Junior doctors strike in the West Midlands

Hospitals across the Black Country and Staffordshire are providing emergency care only after thousands of junior doctors went on strike. Despite last-ditch talks to prevent the damaging action, around 4,000 operations and procedures have been cancelled across the country, with thousands more routine appointments also postponed.

Express & Star
01/27/2016
30 new midwives for Wolverhampton

The new staff were recruited as part of a drive to increase the ratio of staff to patients at New Cross Hospital. They have been in training at the hospital for up to 12 months and are now qualified to work as midwives.

the Guardian
11/06/2015
Uma Thurman: five best moments

Uma Thurman is best known for her grungy, cult-status work with Quentin Tarantino, first on Pulp Fiction (1994) as the defiant, chain-smoking sex symbol Mia Wallace, then the revenge-hungry Bride in 2003's Kill Bill.

the Guardian
11/14/2015
Cambridge residents march against lack of affordable housing

Cambridge residents are taking to the streets on Saturday in a protest to highlight the effect of the housing crisis on the city. Hundreds of people are marching through Cambridge - the third most expensive place to live in the UK in 2014 - as part of a day of demonstrations organised by Cambridge city council and the local branch of trade union Unite.

Express & Star
01/05/2016
From Ikea to icon for Eddie Redmayne

Actor Eddie Redmayne's sense of style clearly isn't just limited to his choice of furniture - he has now been named the best dressed male of 2016, beating the likes of David Beckham, DJ Nick Grimshaw and singer Sam Smith to the coveted top slot.

Express & Star
05/03/2016
In pictures and video: Hundreds descend on Wolverhampton Vaisakhi festival

The holy procession on Sunday took around four-hours to complete its journey around the city. It began at 9am at Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara on Cannock Road and continued to West Park, where it ended at around 1.30pm. The procession originated in the Punjab region of India as a harvest festival and marks the birth of the Sikh nation in 1699.

Express & Star
05/18/2015
GALLERY: Wolverhampton school's class of '55 reunite

Dozens of former pupils of Wolverhampton's landmark Regis School gathered to celebrate 60 years since they first walked through its doors. The class of 1955 was the first to attend the school on Tettenhall Road, which was one of the country's first ventures into the now defunct comprehensive schools system.

Express & Star
05/16/2015
Fern Britton in Coven pub stop on marathon charity bike ride

TV star Fern Britton stopped off in Coven as part of her John O'Groats to Land's End charity bike ride. The former This Morning presenter visited The Rainbow Inn yesterday for a bite to eat during a break from the challenge.

Express & Star
05/06/2016
Shopping centre's where the art is as major exhibition gets under way in Wolverhampton

"It's about giving a nod to our heritage and looking forward to the future" were the words of the head of Wolverhampton's Mander Centre at the opening of a major arts event in the city. The City Arts Experience, featuring works by graduates from the University of Wolverhampton, was launched on Wednesday after taking around three months to complete.

coventrytelegraph
02/13/2015
'The leafy suburbs of Warwickshire were not the right place for this'

Campaigners who fought the Coventry Gateway development were delighted at the decision. Mark Symes - Chairman of the Campaign group, Against the Gateway, said: ''We are of course delighted at the news this morning. ''This is the cumulation of three years of hard work, involving many people and weeks of attending the public inquiry.

coventrytelegraph
02/13/2015
Look: Coventry now home to world's three fastest cars

New Land Speed Record exhibition opened at Coventry Transport Museum by Andy Green - fastest man on Earth Coventry Transport Museum is now home to the three fastest cars in the world. A new Land Speed Record exhibition has been opened at the attraction by the fastest man on earth Andy Green.

Hillingdon Times
Hillingdon people join demo in Westminster backing Heathrow expansion

Sign of change? The demo claimed to represent 80,000 people in favour of expanding Heathrow HUNDREDS of Hillingdon residents made their voices heard outside Parliament on Tuesday, supporting the expansion of Heathrow, just as the final consultation on expanding London's runways took place.

coventrytelegraph
02/12/2015
Business as usual at Crosby's despite lorry smash

Crosby's bar in the Coventry SkyDome remains open for business following a lorry crash this morning. A truck driver is believed to have reversed into the front of Crosby's at about 6:30am today. Arena Manager Chris Carpenter said: "As far as we are concerned, it is business as usual.

Ealing Times
Ealing whisky lover is finalist in UK Blog Awards

AN Ealing man is a finalist in this year's UK Blog Awards, to be announced in April. Greg Dillon, 29, of Park View Road, North Ealing, is one of ten finalists in the lifestyle category for his whisky blog, Great Drams. The blog details a wealth of whisky facts, reviews of local whisky events, as well as readers' thoughts on their favourite tipple.

Express & Star
02/18/2016
Neighbour cleared of manslaughter over flat fire death

Sandra Nowocinska, aged 22, died four days after being rescued from her flat by firefighters. She was discovered unconscious in her bedroom after inhaling smoke. Her son, who was five-year-old at the time, also suffered burns but survived.

the Guardian
11/19/2015
Patrick Zachmann's best photograph: an anti-mafia squad interrogate a suspect

I took this in Naples in 1982, while I was doing a project on the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia. Nobody was really talking about the Camorra publicly so I decided to go there, following the anti-mafia police. I wanted to confront violence and I needed to understand my own limits as a photographer, to understand when to shoot and when not to shoot.

Express & Star
02/01/2016
Wolverhampton NHS Trust hoping to find genetic disease links

A ground-breaking project is being launched by the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to identify genetic links between family members who suffer from cancers and other rare diseases. The £250 million '100,000 Genomes Project' was introduced by the government in 2012, in an attempt to sequence 100,000 genomes from around 70,000 people.

Express & Star
01/09/2016
400 new council homes earmarked for Wolverhampton

The news comes as thousands of current tenants are welcoming a one per cent cut in rents, but it means they will face a rise in costs for heating, concierge services and garage rents as the city council looks to find the money to pay for the new homes.

Express & Star
01/07/2016
Broad Street kebab shop loses licence bid over camera confusion

A Black Country kebab shop owner has been denied a licence for the premises after he failed to show he knew how to operate CCTV properly. Mohammed Ahmadei of Caspian Kebab and Pizza in Wolverhampton was unable to convince council officials of his ability to fully operate the business with due care and understanding at his licence hearing.

Express & Star
02/16/2016
School worker stole £1,500 from pupils' trips fund to spend on her own children

A former clerical assistant at a primary school stole almost £1,500 from a pot of money that was supposed to pay for trips for the pupils, a court heard. Andrea Payne, who had worked at Etching Hill Primary for eight years, admitted stealing £1,416 from the school between January and July last year.

Express & Star
03/19/2016
Firefighters rescue horse trapped in trailer

A horse that trapped both its front legs in the metal bar of its own trailer has been rescued by the fire service. Fire crews were called to assist the female horse at 11.15am this morning after the owner became concerned.

Express & Star
05/11/2016
40 tribute acts lined up for free Wolverhampton music festival WV1

A total of 40 tribute acts will take to the stage at Wolverhampton's West Park this summer in an event which will see 10,000 visitors flock to the park. The WV1 fest takes place on August 13 and 14 and will include performances from local tribute acts including bands inspired by Bon Jovi, Led Zeppelin, The Killers, Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

Express & Star
02/08/2016
Picture perfect - Photos mistakenly donated to Compton Hospice returned to family

A series of photographs mistakenly given to Compton Hospice in a box of stamps have been identified and returned to the family who handed them over. Over 150 pictures, which feature members of a family from the 1930s to the early 1990s, were donated as part of two large boxes of stamps, to raise money for the hospice.

Express & Star
05/16/2016
Bilston girl rules Miss Earth

A 16-year-old girl has won the prestigious title of Miss Earth after she wowed the judges with her campaign against food waste. Chelsea Rist, of Hartshorne Street, Bilston, won the Miss Earth 2016 pageant on May 7, after a weekend of competing at the MacDonalds Burlington Hotel, New Street, Birmingham, which saw her complete a catwalk challenge, a cocktail dress round, evening wear, swimwear and eco-challenge round.

Express & Star
02/07/2016
Wolverhampton cabbies protest over wages U-turn amid fears they'll be left out of pocket

Taxi drivers in Wolverhampton launched a protest after the company they work for backed out of a deal they believe would increase their wages. A protest of around 50 drivers took place outside the Go Carz offices after they found out the company would not be agreeing to a deal brokered in January to raise the minimum fare for any journey from £2.80 to £3.50.

Express & Star
02/12/2016
'Florence Nightingale' carer died after accidental painkiller overdose

A young woman described as being like Florence Nightingale because she enjoyed helping others died of an accidental overdose of painkiller medication, an inquest heard. Joanne Helen Sheppard, aged 33, was found dead on the kitchen floor in the house of a man she was caring for in Moxley in December.

Native Monster
02/08/2016
Is Wolverhampton's Robin 2 haunted?

Soap dispensers flying off walls, a cat in a window and a soldier seen putting on uniform - some of the ghostly goings-on at an historic Wolverhampton venue. The sightings at the Robin 2, in Mount Pleasant in Bilston, have attracted the interest of clairvoyant Philip Solomon, who is to hold a special spiritual evening tomorrow.

Express & Star
03/18/2016
Review: Caitlin Moran's 'Moranifesto' sure to get readers' votes

'As someone who comes from a council estate, in a town that rioted in the 1980s (Wolverhampton, the McDonald's was left intact. Even as we rioted, we protected the chips), but now mingles with the elite,' says Caitlin Moran, 'I know why those feelings exist.'

Express & Star
03/26/2016
Wolverhampton canal death not suspicious, say police

The death of a man whose body was found in a canal in Wolverhampton is not being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed. The man was discovered in the Staffordshire and Worcester canal, opposite the New Regency Banqueting Suite, Foxes Lane, Dunstall, on March 20.

Express & Star
05/06/2016
Gary Peplow tragedy: Motorbike death crash in Spain remains a mystery

A motorcycling holiday ended in tragedy when a biker was killed when he smashed into a crash barrier in Spain, an inquest heard. Gary Peplow was on a tour of Europe with friends when he hit the barrier. The 50-year-old father, from Bewdley, suffered heavy blood loss as a result of multiple injuries.

Express & Star
05/06/2016
WATCH: Young raiders caught on camera stealing £60k of tools from Ford fanatic's business

"We're not going to let them beat us, no way." These are the words of the girlfriend of a business owner who has had more than £60,000 worth of tools stolen by raiders. The couple have been left heartbroken at the loss of their livelihood after burglars, one of whom appears to be carrying a weapon, broke into their firm in Penkridge.

Express & Star
05/18/2016
West Midlands travellers 'most likely to take tea on holiday'

People in the West Midlands are most likely to take their own tea on holiday according to a new report. A survey carried out by Travelsupermarket revealed that 35 per cent of holidaymakers from the West Midlands admit to taking tea bags in their suitcase, more than the tea-loving folk of Yorkshire, 31 per cent of whom take their own tea with them.

Express & Star
04/22/2016
Crook's boyfriend told to sell £22k Porsche funded by theft

The boyfriend of a nursing home manager who fleeced a vulnerable care assistant out of his near £95,000 inheritance has been forced to sell his Porsche. Steven Wedge, the 49-year-old bankrupt partner of Jayne Whitehouse, was bought the £29,995 Porsche 911 Carrera by her with the stolen money.

Express & Star
05/20/2016
Murder suspect due in court after Richard Groves' body found in flat

A man was appearing in court today charged with murder after a body was found at a flat in the Black Country. Unemployed Darren Lander is accused of the murder of Richard Groves, whose body was found at Thompson Road, Langley. The 32-year-old was found dead at a flat in Alfred Gunn House.

Express & Star
03/26/2016
Brussels attacks: Wolverhampton mosque opens book of condolence

Members of the Baitul Atta Mosque, Willenhall Road, decided to open the book to encourage members of the community to show their support to the people who lost their lives or who were injured in the attacks. It was open until yesterday when a special service was held from 10.30am.

Express & Star
04/07/2016
WATCH: Wolverhampton through the decades captured on film

Hometown, filmed in Wolverhampton in 1959, describes the then town as 'busy, sharing in the prosperity of the Midlands, this old market town is now a flourishing industrial centre'. The crisp monochrome footage shows St Peter's Square and the Art Gallery, as well as the Prince Consort Statue, which was opened by Queen Victoria herself, now known to many as the man on the horse'.

Express & Star
07/18/2016
Bridgnorth to host open air production of Bard classic

An open air production of A Midsummer Night's Dream is to bring magic and intrigue to a park in Bridgnorth next month. The 'Rain or Shine' theatre company are set to delight family audiences this summer with their production of Shakespeare's magical and hilarious masterpiece at Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley, on August 12 from 7.30pm.

Express & Star
07/03/2016
Tom Watson for sale on ebay - at just £66,000

Eagle-eyed online shoppers may snap up more than they bargained for after the deputy leader of the Labour party was listed for sale on ebay. West Bromwich MP Tom Watson, who was elected as deputy leader in September last year, was listed on the online shopping site on Friday.

Express & Star
07/20/2016
Review: Guys and Dolls, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Luck was a lady last night when a stellar cast of musical stars brought Broadway-inspired Guys and Dolls to the Grand Theatre. It may have been a Hot Box outside, but inside the theatre the audience were primed to experience all the razzmatazz of 1950s New York, and they were not disappointed.