Feb
2010
Articles from 2nd Feb 2010
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Brum's ring of fire
Feb 02 2010 | Birmingham News
CITY centre commuters were wowed as Birmingham’s skyline was lit by a ring of fire. Read
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Birds of prey seized after police raid
Feb 02 2010 | Birmingham News
A £20,000 haul of rare and protected birds of prey has been recovered from a house in Birmingham. Read
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Jacko doc 'on manslaughter charge'
Feb 02 2010 | National News
US prosecutors plan to charge Michael Jackson's doctor with manslaughter, a law enforcement official in Los Angeles has said. Read
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Talks over Northern Ireland drag on
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Negotiations to save Northern Ireland's powersharing government are continuing after a rebellion within Democratic Unionist ranks raised fears of a worsening crisis. Read
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Cadbury takeover 'good for UK jobs'
Feb 02 2010 | National News
The chairman of Kraft has said the purchase of Cadbury would be good for UK manufacturing jobs. Read
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Prince leads tributes to soldiers
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Prince Harry has led tributes to two British soldiers killed by roadside blasts in Afghanistan. Read
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Terry's 'lover' bids to protect son
Feb 02 2010 | National News
The model who allegedly had an affair with England captain John Terry is determined to protect her young son from the media frenzy, her publicist said. Read
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Brown warns of more Iran sanctions
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Gordon Brown has threatened further sanctions against Iran as he stressed that the country was in defiance of five United Nations security council resolutions. Read
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Brothel owner jailed for 11 years
Feb 02 2010 | National News
A brothel owner who used internet chatrooms and the prospect of modelling work to lure girls as young as 14 has been jailed for 11 years. Read
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Kraft wins control of Cadbury
Feb 02 2010 | National News
US food giant Kraft has won its five-month battle for control of Cadbury after shareholders backed its takeover offer. Read
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Police quiz 'jigsaw killer' further
Feb 02 2010 | National News
A wide-ranging police investigation is under way into the identity of murder victims dismembered by "jigsaw man" killer Stephen Marshall. Read
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Blair 'deceived Parliament': Short
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Tony Blair deceived Parliament about the grounds for invading Iraq because he believed it was right to go to war, the inquiry into the conflict has heard. Read
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Power-sharing hangs in the balance
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Democratic Unionist and Sinn Fein leaders are to brief party colleagues at Stormont after a further session of crunch talks to save Northern Ireland's power-sharing government. Read
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17 years for army cadet's killer
Feb 02 2010 | National News
A teenage gang member who knifed a 16-year-old army cadet through the heart has been sentenced to a minimum of 17 years behind bars. Read
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Blair 'warned of possible crisis'
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Tony Blair was warned weeks before the Iraq war began that the US was unprepared for running the country after the invasion, newly-released letters show. Read
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PM defends increase in borrowing
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has insisted he was "right" to run up Britain's largest-ever state deficit, saying that it was essential in order to get the country through the recession. Read
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British stars up for Oscar glory
Feb 02 2010 | National News
British stars Colin Firth, Helen Mirren and Carey Mulligan have been nominated for best actor and best actress Oscars. Read
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BBC faces presenter age bias claim
Feb 02 2010 | National News
The BBC is being sued for age discrimination after one of its female presenters was dropped from a rural affairs programme. Read
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PM plans to ditch first-past-post
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced he will seek parliamentary approval for a referendum to ditch the first-past-the-post voting system for Westminster elections. Read
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Goldsmith 'misled cabinet on Iraq'
Feb 02 2010 | National News
The former Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, "misled" the Government over the case for going to war with Iraq, a former Cabinet minister has told the inquiry into the conflict. Read
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Short 'warned Blair of Iraq crisis'
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Tony Blair was warned just weeks before the Iraq war began that the US was unprepared for running the country after the invasion, the inquiry into the conflict has heard. Read
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NHS to probe abortion case 'leak'
Feb 02 2010 | National News
A patient's complaint that her family learned about her abortion from a hospital worker is to be investigated, an NHS board has said. Read
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Terry 'lover' upset over hurt wife
Feb 02 2010 | National News
The French model at the centre of claims surrounding England captain John Terry's alleged affair was "upset" by thoughts of how his wife might be feeling, publicist Max Clifford has said. Read
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GP service variation 'unacceptable'
Feb 02 2010 | National News
An unacceptable variation exists between doctors' out-of-hours services around the country, a minister has admitted. Read
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Body scan images are 'destroyed'
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Transport Secretary Lord Adonis has sought to allay privacy fears over the introduction of full body scans at airports. Read
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Falling oil prices hit BT profits
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Energy giant BP has announced its annual profits almost halved as the effect of lower oil prices took its toll. Read
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Human rights judges hear fan case
Feb 02 2010 | National News
An England football fan facing extradition to Portugal to serve a jail term is due to have his case heard the European Court of Human Rights. Read
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Anger as Pope slams UK equality law
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Pope Benedict XVI has sparked fury among secular and gay rights campaigners after he attacked equality legislation in Britain for running contrary to "natural law" and restricting the freedom of religious communities. Read
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BA cabin crew dispute back in court
Feb 02 2010 | National News
The dispute over new schedules for British Airways cabin crew is to return to the High Court. Read
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PM 'to offer electoral reform vote'
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Gordon Brown is expected to offer MPs a vote on a referendum to ditch the traditional first-past-the-post voting system for Westminster elections. Read
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Cameron tipped for Oscar nods
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Blockbuster sci-fi spectacle Avatar is tipped for big Oscar nominations success in a list which could see director James Cameron pitted against his ex-wife. Read
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Kraft set to seal Cadbury deal
Feb 02 2010 | National News
US giant Kraft's five-month battle for control of iconic confectioner Cadbury is set to be sealed when it unveils the level of support for its takeover offer. Read
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War critic Short faces Iraq Inquiry
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Former Cabinet minister Clare Short is to give evidence to the Iraq Inquiry. Read
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Tories poach Brown climate adviser
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Shadow chancellor George Osborne is set to announce that one of Gordon Brown's most influential environmental advisers is to assist a Conservative working group. Read
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Left-wing MPs in vote plea to PM
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Gordon Brown faced renewed pressure to adopt a "core vote" election strategy as 40 left-wing MPs backed calls for a radical manifesto to shore up Labour's traditional support. Read
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Call to axe services programme
Feb 02 2010 | National News
The Government could save billions of pounds by scrapping a flagship programme to assess and publicise the performance of local services, a think-tank report said. Read
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Whitehall 'complacent' over threat
Feb 02 2010 | National News
Complacent civil servants leading the fight against terrorism could be putting the public at risk by settling for second best, a report warns. Read
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Aston Villa defender backs Gabby to keep on scoring
Feb 02 2010 | Aston Villa FC news
Aston Villa top scorer Gabby Agbonlahor has been tipped to go on a scoring run – and hit a hat-trick – after getting his goals tally back up and running. Read
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Big Ron backs Aston Villa for glory
Feb 02 2010 | Aston Villa FC news
RON Atkinson has backed Martin O’Neill’s Aston Villa to continue their three-pronged challenge for glory – despite the lack of transfer window additions at Villa Park. Read
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Birmingham City: Transfer deadline day debate rages on
Feb 02 2010 | Birmingham City News
Birmingham City: Transfer deadline day debate rages on Read
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Alex McLeish urges Birmingham City fans to have faith
Feb 02 2010 | Birmingham City News
ALEX McLeish today asked supporters to trust his and the club’s judgment and back the players who have got Blues to where they are in the Premier League. Read
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Alex McLeish: stars didn't turn their noses up at Birmingham City
Feb 02 2010 | Birmingham City News
ALEX McLeish has insisted that Blues was a desirable destination for soccer’s stars. Read
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It's a night of the stars at Birmingham City's legends dinner
Feb 02 2010 | Birmingham City News
IT WAS a night of the stars at St Andrew’s when Blues held their inaugural ‘legends dinner’ to mark the opening of the club’s Hall of Fame. Read
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West Brom: Slory promises to score goals as trio exit Baggies
Feb 02 2010 | West Brom News
ANDWELE Slory has promised to add to Albion’s goal tally following his free transfer from Feyenoord. Read
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Roman Bednar feels he's finally back to his best for West Bromwich Albion
Feb 02 2010 | West Brom News
ROMAN Bednar is determined to focus only on the future after revealing he is finally back on top form. Read
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Change in fortunes promotes McLaughlin
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Kevin McLaughlin will complete a spectacular change in fortunes when he makes his Ireland debut on Saturday - just a year after considering quitting rugby. Read
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Johnson opts for attacking approach
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Martin Johnson will send England into their opening RBS 6 Nations game against Wales with a licence to thrill after naming the boldest attacking team of his 18-month tenure. Read
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Magpies dump out Latics
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Notts County caused a major upset at the DW Stadium as two late goals saw them beat Wigan 2-0 and book a place in the FA Cup fifth round. Read
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Butterfield treble sends Wolves out
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Danny Butterfield's stunning six-minute hat-trick dumped Barclays Premier League side Wolves out of the FA Cup as Crystal Palace triumphed 3-1. Read
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Drogba denies Tigers victory
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Didier Drogba celebrated his return from African Nations Cup duty by notching his 20th goal of the season to spare Chelsea's blushes in a 1-1 draw with lowly Hull. Read
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Byrne wins appeal
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Wales full-back Lee Byrne has been cleared to play in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash against England at Twickenham. Read
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Maguire ruins Keane debut
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Robbie Keane's Celtic debut went spectacularly awry as Tony Mowbray's reign hit a new low with the club's first defeat to Kilmarnock in 32 meetings with a 1-0 loss. Read
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Hamilton gives new car top marks in test
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Lewis Hamilton emerged smiling after his first day of testing ahead of the new Formula One season and citing a "night-and-day feeling" compared to McLaren's horror show of a year ago. Read
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Grant unhappy over broken promises
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Portsmouth boss Avram Grant has hit out at the broken promises which have left his side staring Premier League relegation in the face. Read
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Green light for Benjani deal
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Benjani Mwaruwari's loan move from Manchester City to Sunderland has been given the go-ahead by the Premier League. Read
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Premier League to hold back Pompey cash
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
The Premier League will hold on to more than £2million from Portsmouth's player sales in January to cover money owed to other clubs as more financial pressure was heaped on the south coast side. Read
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Coach search begins after Gibson exit
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
The England and Wales Cricket Board have begun the search for a new fast bowling coach following the departure of Ottis Gibson. Read
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Redknapp: Keane has Spurs future
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Harry Redknapp feels he was right to allow Robbie Keane to join Celtic on loan - but maintains the Republic of Ireland striker still has a future at Tottenham. Read
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O'Gara to start for Ireland
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Ireland will open their Grand Slam defence with Ronan O'Gara at fly-half after Jonathan Sexton was ruled out against Italy with a leg injury. Read
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Reds look for new investors
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Liverpool hope to give new life to their plans to build a 60,000-seat stadium by bringing in new investors before the end of the season. Read
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Ferdinand appeals extra match ban
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Rio Ferdinand has appealed against an extra one-match ban imposed by a Football Association disciplinary commission. Read
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Sunderland wait on Benjani
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Sunderland are still waiting to hear if the Premier League will ratify the loan signing of Benjani Mwaruwari. Read
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Robinson makes six changes
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Andy Robinson has made six changes to his Scotland team for Sunday's RBS 6 Nations opener against France. Read
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Johnson opts for bold England team
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Martin Johnson has cast off the shackles and named the boldest attacking team of his 18-month tenure for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations championship clash with Wales. Read
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Hall commits to Rhinos
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
England winger Ryan Hall, who finished as Super League's leading tryscorer in his first full season in the Leeds first team, has signed a new four-year contract with the champions. Read
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Pennell pens new deal
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Worcester have announced that young winger Chris Pennell has signed a new two-year deal at the Guinness Premiership club. Read
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Palace buyer 'will be found'
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Crystal Palace administrator Brendan Guilfoyle is confident that he will be able to find a buyer for the financially-stricken Coca-Cola Championship side. Read
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Massa happy with return
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Felipe Massa has brushed aside any doubts over his ability to compete again in Formula One by insisting: "I'm 100% ready to return to racing." Read
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Moses sets sights on England call-up
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Victor Moses believes his move to Wigan can pave the way for a full England call-up. Read
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Gibson lands Windies head coach role
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
West Indies have confirmed that Ottis Gibson will take over as their head coach in time for their upcoming series against Zimbabwe. Read
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Ancelotti warns players over focus
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
As the private life of captain John Terry continues to make headlines, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has warned his team not to lose focus when they look to extend their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League with victory at Hull on Tuesday night. Read
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Keane unveiled to hero's welcome
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Robbie Keane was presented to hundreds of jubilant Celtic supporters in the early hours of Tuesday morning after completing his surprise loan move from Tottenham. Read
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Capello to decide on Terry captaincy
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Fabio Capello will have the final say on whether John Terry leads England at the World Cup after the Football Association left the decision in the Italian's hands. Read
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Gannon replaces Cooper at Posh
Feb 02 2010 | National Sport
Peterborough have confirmed former Stockport and Motherwell boss Jim Gannon as their new manager. Read
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David Jones: Wolves are taking Crystal Palace seriously
Feb 02 2010 | Wolves FC News
DAVID Jones says Wolves will treat crisis club Crystal Palace with respect tonight. Read
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Wolves boss urges side to focus on Crystal Palace
Feb 02 2010 | Wolves FC News
MICK McCarthy says Wolves must not let a potentially glamorous FA Cup fifth-round meeting with Villa distract them at Crystal Palace. Read
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Why former Wolves star Robbie Keane had to leave Tottenham Hotspur
Feb 02 2010 | Wolves FC News
CELTIC pulled off arguably the biggest coup of the transfer window by signing Robbie Keane on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season. Read
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Education: Bright pupils ask burning questions
Feb 02 2010 | Education
COUNCILLORS were given a Question Time-style grilling by Primrose Hill School pupils. Read
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Police target suspected crime group in Black Country raids
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
MORE than 100 police officers were involved in a series of dawn raids across Wolverhampton and the Black Country today. Read
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Sparkhill man charged with offences under Terrorisim Act
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
A BIRMINGHAM man will appear before magistrates today charged with offences under the terrorism act. Read
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Brum's ring of fire
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
CITY centre commuters were wowed as Birmingham’s skyline was lit by a ring of fire. Read
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NEC workers face closure of their final salary pension scheme
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
NEARLY 360 workers at the National Exhibition Centre face closure of their final salary pension scheme after it ran up a £20 million deficit, it was revealed today. Read
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Birmingham City Council council defend itself against Audit Commission report
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
CITY council leaders have described a damning audit commission report into its finances as being full of ‘praise’. Read
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Aldridge fertility clinic reaches 4,500th baby milestone
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
MIDLAND fertility specialist medics have reached a milestone with the arrival of their 4,500th baby. Read
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Man killed father in Birmingham machete street attack
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
A MAN who killed his father in a horrific machete attack in a street in Birmingham has been sent to a secure hospital. Read
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Acocks Green grandmother collapses and dies after watching gang breaking into neighbour's home
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
A GRANDMOTHER collapsed and died moments after witnessing a gang of masked iron bar-wielding yobs breaking into her neighbour’s home. Read
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Former Wolverhampton prison officer Amitjo Kajla closes in on out-of-court settlement
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
A PRETTY Midland prison officer who won a claim for unfair dismissal after claiming she was victimised for being “too attractive” is closing in on an out-of-court compensation settlement. Read
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Birmingham teenagers deny arson attack on packed bus.
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
THREE teenagers have denied starting a huge fire on the backseat of a packed rush-hour bus in Birmingham. Read
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Birmingham 'unlikely' on Pope's UK visit
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
WIDESPREAD reports that Pope Benedict XVI could beatify Cardinal Newman during his visit to the UK in September have been described as “speculation”. Read
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Man shot in leg in Moxley - police appeal for witnesses
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
POLICE are hunting a gunman who shot a reveller in the leg at 11pm on Saturday night. Read
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Appeal over attack with crowbar in Bromsgrove Street
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a Bromsgrove man was hit with a crowbar and kicked in an unprovoked attack. Read
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'Innocent' man stabbed to death during race riots
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
AN “INNOCENT” council IT worker was stabbed to death by a mob during race riots, a jury was told. Read
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Shareholders of Birmingham-based Cadbury deciding on Kraft takeover bid
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
WORLD-famous Cadbury was today facing the loss of its independence after nearly 200 years – as shareholders finally decided on the fate of Kraft’s £11.7 billion hostile takeover bid. Read
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Brummies endangering lives by not having free bowel cancer test
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
MIDLANDERS are putting their lives in danger by not having a free test for bowel cancer. Read
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Robber head-butted victim in Walsall robbery
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
A WALSALL teenager who robbed two young men of their mobile phones has been sent to a Young Offenders Institution for two-and-a-half years. Read
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Barclays completes move to new Midlands HQ at Birmingham's Snow Hill
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
BARCLAYS has completed its move to a new Midlands headquarters in the landmark Snow Hill development in central Birmingham. Read
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Acas runs guide to equal pay
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
ACAS, the employment relations service, is running a series of drop-in sessions to help council workers in the West Midlands understand what their equal pay settlement offer means to them. Read
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Birmingham set for warmer weather after snow shower
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
THE surprise blanket of snow which caused traffic headaches for motorists yesterday will be the last taste of winter for the next week at least, forecasters said. Read
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Councils in Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell and Wolverhampton defend gritting teams over "frightening" conditions
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
BLACK Country councils are insisting they made a good job of gritting roads despite motorists having to endure “frightening” conditions. Read
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Report in aftermath of Big Freeze shows health services in Midlands stretched to limit
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
DOZENS of operations cancelled, emergency patients forced to wait over four hours and not enough ambulances on the roads. Read
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Rose Dene owner attacks treatment of dogs at the hands of the RSPCA
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
THE owner of axed Black Country kennels Rose Dene has hit out at the alleged treatment of the animals at the hands of the RSPCA during last month’s raid. Read
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body scanners to be installed at Birmingham International Airport
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
CONTROVERSIAL body scanners which make passengers appear naked are to be introduced at Birmingham International Airport by the end of the month. Read
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Walsall man fined for trapping wildfinches
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
A MIDLAND pigeon-fancier has pleaded guilty to capturing and keeping wild birds in homemade traps. Read
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Sutton Coldfield firm raises £300 for Birmingham Children's Hospital
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
A SUTTON Coldfield company showed its caring side when it raised £300 for sick kids. Read
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Birds of prey seized after police raid
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
A £20,000 haul of rare and protected birds of prey has been recovered from a house in Birmingham. Read
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Birmingham lorry driver questioned over cigarettes haul
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
A BIRMINGHAM man has been released on bail after four million contraband cigarettes were found hidden in the back of a lorry arriving from France. Read
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Mailman Gregg wants Villa fans' cup final stories
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
THE Mail is going cup final crazy – with our dedicated reporter bringing you all the build-up from Villa fans preparing to head down Wembley Way. Read
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Bollywood beckons for Small Heath baker Iffzal Hussain
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
BAKER Ifzzal Hussain is hoping to swap buns for Bollywood after competing in an X Factor-style contest. Read
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Police hunt man over Bromsgrove theft bid
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
A CALLOUS would-be thief who tried to make off with a charity box from a pub is being hunted by police. Read
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Crackdown on Birmingham crooks who have not paid court fines
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
CONVICTED criminals from across the Midlands who have refused to pay their court fines could be in for an expensive wake-up call. Read
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Stechford mosque helps Haiti survivors
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
KIND-hearted worshippers at Faiz Ul Quran Ghousia Mosque, on Albert Road, Stechford, have raised £500 for the Red Cross Haiti earthquake appeal. Read
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Shirley house fire tackled thanks to neighbours.
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze at a Birmingham house caused by candle wax dripping into a storage heater. Read
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Firemen free Quinton youngster's trapped finger.
Feb 02 2010 | Top Stories
FIREFIGHTERS came to the aid of a distressed three-year-old Quinton boy after he trapped his finger in a metal thimble on Friday Read
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Health: I piled on 4 stone during pregnancy
Feb 02 2010 | Health
Amy Haines, aged 29, of Acocks Green, tells Diane Parkes her weight loss story. Read
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Warwickshire woman gains MBE for heart charity work
Feb 02 2010 | Health
TRUDIE Lobban’s daughter Francesca was just ten months old when she had her first seizure – but it was to be nearly three years before her condition was actually diagnosed. Read
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The Mat Kendrick Column: Specs appeal is no match for the terraces
Feb 02 2010 | Sports Talk
MENTION 3D specs to cinema-goers of my generation and it conjures up gory images of Jaws 3 and a Great White Shark causing havoc in a water park in the early 1980s. Read
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Walsall man fined for trapping wildfinches
Feb 02 2010 | News
A MIDLAND pigeon-fancier has pleaded guilty to capturing and keeping wild birds in homemade traps. Read
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Supplements no substitute for good diet
Feb 02 2010 | Nutrition
Q I currently take vitamin supplements each day. Are they doing me any good, or am I just wasting my money? Read
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Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand appeals against ban
Feb 02 2010 | Premier League
Rio Ferdinand has appealed against an extra one-match ban imposed by a Football Association disciplinary commission. Read
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The career of Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane
Feb 02 2010 | Premier League
ROBBIE KEANE FACTFILE Read
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Man Utd: Selling David Beckham was right - Sir Alex Ferguson
Feb 02 2010 | Premier League
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has "no regrets" over the sale of David Beckham as he prepares to face his former star in opposition. Read
