http://www.birminghampost.net/latest-news/ Latest en-gb Birmingham Post http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/30/2012-games-ceremony-to-be-city-wide-65233-21637691/ Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:35:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/30/2012-games-ceremony-to-be-city-wide-65233-21637691/ Organisers of London 2012 will not try to imitate the pageantry of the opening and closing ceremonies at the Beijing Games, Olympics minister Tessa Jowell has said. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/30/faith-schools-accused-on-employment-65233-21637362/ Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:05:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/30/faith-schools-accused-on-employment-65233-21637362/ The Government is being urged to reform faith schools to ensure they cannot discriminate against pupils and teachers on religious grounds. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/30/farm-worker-killed-in-baler-tragedy-65233-21637295/ Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:35:16 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/30/farm-worker-killed-in-baler-tragedy-65233-21637295/ A farm worker has died after becoming trapped in a hay baler, police have said. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/30/france-rapist-may-have-fled-to-uk-65233-21637241/ Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:35:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/30/france-rapist-may-have-fled-to-uk-65233-21637241/ A man who raped a UK journalism student at an illegal immigrants' camp in Calais is believed be a people smuggler and may have fled to England, police have said. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/30/spurs-must-increase-arshavin-offer-65233-21637177/ Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:15:16 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/30/spurs-must-increase-arshavin-offer-65233-21637177/ Zenit St Petersburg coach Dick Advocaat claims Tottenham have come nowhere near meeting his valuation of Andrei Arshavin. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/30/federer-overcomes-alves-challenge-65233-21637117/ Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:15:33 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/30/federer-overcomes-alves-challenge-65233-21637117/ Roger Federer was able to overcome a sloppy performance against unheralded Brazilian Thiago Alves to reach the third round of the US Open. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/30/woman-killed-in-200ft-mountain-plunge-65233-21637067/ Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:35:16 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/30/woman-killed-in-200ft-mountain-plunge-65233-21637067/ A 38-year-old woman has died after falling about 200ft down a mountainside. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/hard-times-ahead-warns-darling-65233-21636804/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:05:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/hard-times-ahead-warns-darling-65233-21636804/ Britain's economic downturn will be "more profound and long-lasting" than expected amid the worst global economic conditions for 60 years, Alistair Darling has warned. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/ill-winehouse-pulls-out-of-concert-65233-21636658/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:35:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/ill-winehouse-pulls-out-of-concert-65233-21636658/ Amy Winehouse has pulled out of a concert in Paris due to illness, her publicist said. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/cricket-news/2008/08/29/daggett-secures-loan-move-from-warwickshire-to-leicestershire-65233-21636549/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:07:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/cricket-news/2008/08/29/daggett-secures-loan-move-from-warwickshire-to-leicestershire-65233-21636549/ Edgbaston (day 3 of 4): Warwickshire 476-9 dec, Derbyshire 462-7. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/united-defeated-in-monaco-65233-21636589/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/united-defeated-in-monaco-65233-21636589/ Zenit St Petersburg lifted the UEFA Super Cup in Monaco with a 2-1 victory over Manchester United. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2008/08/29/jonas-olsson-on-his-way-to-west-brom-65233-21636527/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:02:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2008/08/29/jonas-olsson-on-his-way-to-west-brom-65233-21636527/ West Bromwich Albion have had an £800,000 offer accepted by Dutch Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen for centre-half Jonas Olsson. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/08/29/villa-boss-o-neill-says-he-deserves-to-spend-50m-on-players-65233-21636433/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:47:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/08/29/villa-boss-o-neill-says-he-deserves-to-spend-50m-on-players-65233-21636433/ Aston Villa’s signing of James Milner took Martin O’Neill’s summer outlay to roughly £50million, a figure the manager believes he has earned the right to spend. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/wilson-back-on-track-65233-21636490/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:45:19 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/wilson-back-on-track-65233-21636490/ Oliver Wilson made the greatest comeback of his golfing life to stay on course for a Ryder Cup debut next month. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/federer-through-in-straight-sets-65233-21636413/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:45:18 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/federer-through-in-straight-sets-65233-21636413/ Roger Federer booked his place in the third round of the US Open on Friday after easing to a straight-sets victory over Brazilian qualifier Thiago Alves. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/birmingham-city-fc/2008/08/29/mcleish-blasts-chaos-caused-by-transfer-window-65233-21636374/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:44:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/birmingham-city-fc/2008/08/29/mcleish-blasts-chaos-caused-by-transfer-window-65233-21636374/ Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish believes the transfer window system has caused ‘mayhem’ in football and has called for it to be reviewed. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/sports-columnists/brian-dick-rugby/2008/08/29/longer-season-will-help-us-get-used-to-new-rugby-rules-65233-21636357/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:40:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/sports-columnists/brian-dick-rugby/2008/08/29/longer-season-will-help-us-get-used-to-new-rugby-rules-65233-21636357/ Brian Dick prepares for the first whistle of a long, long rugby season. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/rfu-news/2008/08/29/moseley-seek-more-control-on-and-off-the-pitch-65233-21636351/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:26:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/rfu-news/2008/08/29/moseley-seek-more-control-on-and-off-the-pitch-65233-21636351/ The player sharing arrangement with Gloucester is once more a key factor for Moseley this term. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/manufacturing-business/2008/08/29/interim-results-bring-optimism-for-aga-rangemaster-65233-21636349/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:20:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/manufacturing-business/2008/08/29/interim-results-bring-optimism-for-aga-rangemaster-65233-21636349/ A sudden rebound in market confidence could be on the cards, according to Aga Rangemaster, the Solihull-based manufacturer of upmarket cast-iron cookers. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/08/29/new-highs-for-countrywide-65233-21636344/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:15:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/08/29/new-highs-for-countrywide-65233-21636344/ Worcestershire-based farming and rural supplies business Countrywide has posted record figures with strong growth across its retail, agricultural and energy businesses. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/08/29/average-deposit-needed-for-a-mortgage-now-40-000-65233-21636343/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:13:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/08/29/average-deposit-needed-for-a-mortgage-now-40-000-65233-21636343/ Homebuyers need an average deposit of nearly £40,000 in order to qualify for a best-buy mortgage deal, research has shown. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/legal-business-financial/2008/08/29/millions-face-being-worse-off-in-retirement-65233-21636292/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:51:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/legal-business-financial/2008/08/29/millions-face-being-worse-off-in-retirement-65233-21636292/ Hopes of preventing further damage to UK workplace pensions following the introduction of the Government’s latest savings initiative in 2012 have suffered a major setback, an expert said this week. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/08/29/birmingham-designers-and-publisher-celebrate-booker-prize-listing-65233-21636291/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:47:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/08/29/birmingham-designers-and-publisher-celebrate-booker-prize-listing-65233-21636291/ Birmingham communications agency Homer Creative is celebrating with local publishers Tindal Street Press after Gaynor Arnold’s book Girl In A Blue Dress was long-listed for the prestigious Man Booker Prize. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-health-news/2008/08/29/hospitals-underspend-by-155m-as-more-operations-are-cancelled-65233-21636242/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:43:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-health-news/2008/08/29/hospitals-underspend-by-155m-as-more-operations-are-cancelled-65233-21636242/ The number of cancelled operations has shot up in the West Midlands - while hospitals and health trusts are on course to run up a surplus of £155 million this year. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/keothavong-bows-out-65233-21636265/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:45:21 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/keothavong-bows-out-65233-21636265/ Olympic champion Elena Dementieva brought British number one Anne Keothavong's surprise run at the US Open to a close in straight sets in New York. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/police-to-examine-kirstie-foster-s-computer-after-maesbrook-blaze-65233-21636180/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:34:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/police-to-examine-kirstie-foster-s-computer-after-maesbrook-blaze-65233-21636180/ Police are examining a missing teenager's computer as they worked to solve the mystery surrounding the Foster family's burnt-out country estate in Shropshire. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/child-injured-in-mountain-plunge-65233-21636202/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:35:20 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/child-injured-in-mountain-plunge-65233-21636202/ A six-year-old girl has been seriously injured and a man and woman have been airlifted to hospital after they fell around 200 feet down a mountainside. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/government-agency-moves-to-birmingham-from-london-65233-21636136/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:19:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/government-agency-moves-to-birmingham-from-london-65233-21636136/ The national agency responsible for advising the Government on libraries and museums is relocating from London to Birmingham. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/npower-and-scottish-power-follow-suit-with-price-rises-65233-21636084/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:15:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/npower-and-scottish-power-follow-suit-with-price-rises-65233-21636084/ Energy firms Npower and Scottish Power have announced more bad news for households with steep increases in gas and electricity prices. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/england-win-series-65233-21636104/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/england-win-series-65233-21636104/ England wrapped up victory in the NatWest Series with a 126-run defeat of South Africa at The Oval. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/pm-death-threat-case-trio-remanded-65233-21636053/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:05:16 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/pm-death-threat-case-trio-remanded-65233-21636053/ A man who allegedly threatened to kill Tony Blair and Gordon Brown in a posting on a jihadi website has been remanded in custody. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/arson-probe-police-examine-computer-65233-21635999/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:05:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/arson-probe-police-examine-computer-65233-21635999/ Police were examining a missing teenager's computer as they worked to solve the mystery surrounding her family's burnt-out country estate. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/08/29/cash-incentive-for-councils-to-support-business-65233-21635963/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:09:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/08/29/cash-incentive-for-councils-to-support-business-65233-21635963/ Councils are to receive cash rewards for helping local businesses succeed, ministers have announced. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/birmingham-volunteer-groups-miss-out-on-council-funding-65233-21635962/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/birmingham-volunteer-groups-miss-out-on-council-funding-65233-21635962/ More than a third of voluntary organisations bidding for £30 million of Birmingham City Council grants have had their applications turned down. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/coventry-duo-jailed-after-blackmail-plot-65233-21635954/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:55:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/coventry-duo-jailed-after-blackmail-plot-65233-21635954/ Two friends have been jailed for their part in a kidnap and blackmail plot which was instigated by the victim in an attempt to get his family to pay a £10,000 ransom. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-education-news/2008/08/29/private-school-headteacher-dismisses-exams-credibility-65233-21635844/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:39:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-education-news/2008/08/29/private-school-headteacher-dismisses-exams-credibility-65233-21635844/ Meddling politicians have undermined the credibility of GCSEs and A-levels, a leading headmaster has said. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/robinho-remains-focused-on-blues-move-65233-21635927/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:45:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/robinho-remains-focused-on-blues-move-65233-21635927/ Real Madrid forward Robinho insists that he still hopes to join Chelsea, revealing that negotiations are ongoing. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/honeymoon-deaths-police-chief-fired-65233-21635863/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:35:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/honeymoon-deaths-police-chief-fired-65233-21635863/ Antiguan Police Commissioner Gary Nelson has been fired by the island's Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/criminals-let-off-over-sentences-65233-21635669/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:35:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/criminals-let-off-over-sentences-65233-21635669/ More than 60 judges have given "unduly lenient" sentences to offenders convicted of some of the most serious crimes, according to new figures. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/08/29/mcconnell-is-no-ordinary-joe-65233-21635592/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:07:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/08/29/mcconnell-is-no-ordinary-joe-65233-21635592/ Joe McConnell is a man steeped in the city of Birmingham, a city in which he has lived and worked his whole life. Tom Fleming talks to him about his career. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/potters-clinch-sonko-deal-65233-21635614/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/potters-clinch-sonko-deal-65233-21635614/ Stoke have signed defender Ibrahima Sonko on a three-year deal from Reading for a fee which could be worth up to £2.25million, the club have announced on their website. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/dvla-strike-closes-birmingham-office-65233-21635590/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:03:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/dvla-strike-closes-birmingham-office-65233-21635590/ A pay strike by workers at the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency caused "significant disruption" today. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/business-social/john-bright-business-columnist/2008/08/30/digby-taking-no-chances-at-the-bassi-wedding-65233-21635585/ Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:51:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/business-social/john-bright-business-columnist/2008/08/30/digby-taking-no-chances-at-the-bassi-wedding-65233-21635585/ Dubai is the place and the wedding is Paul Bassi to his good lady Priya. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/08/29/james-milner-i-thought-it-was-a-joke-when-toon-halted-villa-move-65233-21635008/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:38:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/08/29/james-milner-i-thought-it-was-a-joke-when-toon-halted-villa-move-65233-21635008/ New Villa signing James Milner has revealed he thought Martin O'Neill was joking when his first move to Villa fell through two years ago. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/legal-business-financial/2008/08/28/rebecca-rows-for-britain-before-taking-up-accountancy-post-65233-21629469/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:20:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/legal-business-financial/2008/08/28/rebecca-rows-for-britain-before-taking-up-accountancy-post-65233-21629469/ Rebecca Crowther will be rowing for Britain before joins accountants Horwath Clark Whitehill. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/hunt-for-birmingham-owners-of-starving-and-neglected-pet-dog-65233-21635526/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:02:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/hunt-for-birmingham-owners-of-starving-and-neglected-pet-dog-65233-21635526/ Animal welfare officers in Birmingham are searching for the owners of a badly neglected dog. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/passengers-stranded-in-refund-row-65233-21635471/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:35:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/passengers-stranded-in-refund-row-65233-21635471/ Passengers scrambled to get tickets for alternative flights following the collapse of transatlantic budget airline Zoom. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/11-8m-hit-by-new-energy-price-rises-65233-21635280/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:05:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/11-8m-hit-by-new-energy-price-rises-65233-21635280/ Energy firms Npower and Scottish Power have announced more bad news for households with steep hikes in gas and electricity prices. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/prince-harry-returns-to-army-duties-65233-21635050/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:35:17 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/prince-harry-returns-to-army-duties-65233-21635050/ Royal soldier Prince Harry has returned to his regiment after a summer break amid reports that he has repeated his request to return to front-line action. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/birmingham-city-fc/2008/08/29/birmingham-city-fined-over-ticket-pricing-policy-65233-21634878/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:17:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/birmingham-city-fc/2008/08/29/birmingham-city-fined-over-ticket-pricing-policy-65233-21634878/ Birmingham City have been fined by the Premier League after they were found guilty of a discriminatory pricing policy against away supporters at St Andrew's last season. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/scolari-in-the-dark-over-robinho-65233-21634907/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:15:24 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/scolari-in-the-dark-over-robinho-65233-21634907/ Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari admits he is still waiting for the phone call to tell him Robinho is coming to Stamford Bridge. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/08/28/aston-villa-into-uefa-cup-first-round-65233-21630106/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:44:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/08/28/aston-villa-into-uefa-cup-first-round-65233-21630106/ Aston Villa 1 FH Hafnarfjordur 1 (agg: 5-2) - Villa made sure of a comfortable passage through to the first round proper of the UEFA Cup. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/england-set-proteas-challenging-target-65233-21634843/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:15:22 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/england-set-proteas-challenging-target-65233-21634843/ Andrew Flintoff and Ian Bell's contrasting half-centuries helped England post 296 for seven in the third NatWest Series match against South Africa at The Oval. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/scottish-power-hikes-energy-prices-65233-21634797/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:05:19 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/scottish-power-hikes-energy-prices-65233-21634797/ Scottish Power announced it was increasing gas prices by an average 34% and electricity prices by 9%. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/08/29/aston-villa-face-bulgarian-opponents-in-uefa-cup-65233-21634764/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:09:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/08/29/aston-villa-face-bulgarian-opponents-in-uefa-cup-65233-21634764/ Aston Villa are to play Bulgarian outfit Litex Lovech in the first round of the UEFA Cup. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/08/29/gareth-barry-committed-100-per-cent-to-villa-65233-21634753/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:02:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/08/29/gareth-barry-committed-100-per-cent-to-villa-65233-21634753/ Gareth Barry said he is fully committed to Aston Villa, starting with Sunday's visit of Liverpool. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/guantanamo-hearing-grants-more-time-65233-21634677/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:35:16 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/guantanamo-hearing-grants-more-time-65233-21634677/ The Government was given a further week by the High Court to consider its position over its refusal to disclose secret documents in the case of a British resident held in Guantanamo Bay. http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/theatre-in-birmingham/2008/08/29/all-inclusive-policy-sees-dreams-come-true-at-stage2-65233-21634248/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:45:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/theatre-in-birmingham/2008/08/29/all-inclusive-policy-sees-dreams-come-true-at-stage2-65233-21634248/ Birmingham’s youth theatre company, Stage2, has almost come of age. Jo Ind reports. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/pm-terror-threat-men-remanded-65233-21634618/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:35:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/pm-terror-threat-men-remanded-65233-21634618/ A man who allegedly threatened to kill Tony Blair and Gordon Brown in a posting on a jihadi website has been remanded in custody. http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/rock-pop-music-birmingham/2008/08/29/review-glasvegas-at-the-birmingham-barfly-65233-21634245/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:42:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/rock-pop-music-birmingham/2008/08/29/review-glasvegas-at-the-birmingham-barfly-65233-21634245/ It’s quite an achievement to have outgrown the size of venues you’re playing on the first night of your sell-out UK tour, a week and a half before your debut album comes out – but that’s just what Glasvegas have done. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/business-comment/more-business-comment/2008/08/29/arun-bajaj-immigrant-work-permits-are-a-minefield-of-bureaucracy-65233-21634586/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:40:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/business-comment/more-business-comment/2008/08/29/arun-bajaj-immigrant-work-permits-are-a-minefield-of-bureaucracy-65233-21634586/ The report that the UK will have Europe’s largest population by 2060, 77 million putting it ahead of France and Germany, threw up a number of issues. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2008/08/29/mowbray-shrugs-off-reaction-to-west-brom-s-start-as-hysteria-65233-21634548/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:29:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2008/08/29/mowbray-shrugs-off-reaction-to-west-brom-s-start-as-hysteria-65233-21634548/ Tony Mowbray claims the reaction to West Brom's winless start to the Premier League season has been "comical". http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/proteas-hit-back-65233-21634504/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/proteas-hit-back-65233-21634504/ England lost three quick wickets as South Africa battled to keep the NatWest Series alive at The Oval. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/toffees-to-face-liege-65233-21634456/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/toffees-to-face-liege-65233-21634456/ Everton will have the chance to add to Belgian club Standard Liege's Merseyside misery after being drawn with them in the first round of the UEFA Cup. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/villa-complete-milner-signing-65233-21634408/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/villa-complete-milner-signing-65233-21634408/ Aston Villa have completed the signing of Newcastle winger James Milner on a four-year contract. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/divorce-at-lowest-rate-for-26-years-65233-21634348/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:05:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/divorce-at-lowest-rate-for-26-years-65233-21634348/ The number of couples getting a divorce has dropped to the lowest rate for 26 years, official figures showed. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/search-teams-hoping-to-enter-fire-ravaged-mansion-65233-21632700/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:12:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/search-teams-hoping-to-enter-fire-ravaged-mansion-65233-21632700/ Investigators are hoping to enter the fire-ravaged Shropshire home of a missing millionaire and his family amid fears they may be dead inside. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/three-face-pm-death-threat-charges-65233-21634292/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:05:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/three-face-pm-death-threat-charges-65233-21634292/ Three men are due to appear in court charged over an alleged threat to assassinate the Prime Minister. http://www.birminghampost.net/comment/letters-to-the-editor/2008/08/29/hypocrisy-of-furious-labour-mps-over-post-office-closures-65233-21634243/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:39:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/comment/letters-to-the-editor/2008/08/29/hypocrisy-of-furious-labour-mps-over-post-office-closures-65233-21634243/ MPs are not the only ones furious about the Post Office’s decision to save only one branch in the Birmingham, Coventry and North Warwickshire area. http://www.birminghampost.net/comment/post-comment/2008/08/29/eco-town-may-go-through-despite-protests-65233-21634237/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:35:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/comment/post-comment/2008/08/29/eco-town-may-go-through-despite-protests-65233-21634237/ After a slow start on the public relations front, developers behind a planned 6,000-home eco-town at Middle Quinton near Stratford-upon-Avon are beginning to see the necessity of being more open about the type of community they wish to build. http://www.birminghampost.net/comment/birmingham-columnists/more-columnists/2008/08/29/jon-walker-does-brown-s-vision-of-party-strike-a-chord-with-its-mps-65233-21634217/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:33:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/comment/birmingham-columnists/more-columnists/2008/08/29/jon-walker-does-brown-s-vision-of-party-strike-a-chord-with-its-mps-65233-21634217/ It’s come to something when a left-wing pressure group can do a better job of setting the agenda than the might New Labour spin machine. http://www.birminghampost.net/comment/birmingham-columnists/agenda/2008/08/29/sustainability-aims-act-as-a-wake-up-call-for-construction-65233-21634174/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:27:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/comment/birmingham-columnists/agenda/2008/08/29/sustainability-aims-act-as-a-wake-up-call-for-construction-65233-21634174/ A tightening market and greater dependence on the public sector means that the construction industry ignores sustainability issues at its peril says Rob Atkinson http://www.birminghampost.net/comment/birmingham-columnists/agenda/2008/08/29/olympians-aren-t-the-only-people-who-ll-need-funding-65233-21634169/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:25:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/comment/birmingham-columnists/agenda/2008/08/29/olympians-aren-t-the-only-people-who-ll-need-funding-65233-21634169/ Olympic heroes and heroines but at what cost? asks Sarah Gee on her Birmingham Post lifestyle blog http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/08/29/aston-villa-sign-newcastle-united-midfielder-james-milner-65233-21634125/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:38:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/08/29/aston-villa-sign-newcastle-united-midfielder-james-milner-65233-21634125/ Aston Villa have completed the signing of England Under 21 winger James Milner from Premier League rivals Newcastle United. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/28/huge-artistic-advertising-hoarding-planned-for-m6-65233-21630015/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:11:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/28/huge-artistic-advertising-hoarding-planned-for-m6-65233-21630015/ A massive piece of public art and one of the world’s biggest adverts could soon be greeting motorists on the M6. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/riera-set-for-reds-medical-65233-21633894/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:45:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/riera-set-for-reds-medical-65233-21633894/ Liverpool are poised to complete the signing of Albert Riera from Espanyol after the Spanish wide midfielder flew to England for a medical. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/police-enter-family-s-fire-hit-home-65233-21633769/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:35:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/police-enter-family-s-fire-hit-home-65233-21633769/ Police have entered the burnt-out home of a missing millionaire for the first time. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/calderon-robinho-badly-advised-65233-21633642/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:15:17 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/calderon-robinho-badly-advised-65233-21633642/ Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has hit out at Robinho's advisors as the debate about the Brazil international's future rumbles on. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/everton-agree-saha-signing-65233-21633582/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/everton-agree-saha-signing-65233-21633582/ Everton have announced they have agreed to sign Manchester United's Louis Saha, subject to a medical. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/murray-happy-with-battling-win-65233-21633407/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:45:17 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/murray-happy-with-battling-win-65233-21633407/ British number one Andy Murray insisted he was delighted with his performance against second-round opponent Michael Llodra at the US Open. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/england-name-unchanged-team-65233-21633350/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:45:16 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/england-name-unchanged-team-65233-21633350/ England have named an unchanged team for their NatWest Series match against South Africa at The Oval. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/ba-and-american-link-up-probed-65233-21633209/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:05:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/ba-and-american-link-up-probed-65233-21633209/ The proposed link-up between British Airways and giant US carrier American Airlines (AA) is to be investigated by the European Commission, it has been announced. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/new-delay-for-liverpool-stadium-65233-21633122/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/new-delay-for-liverpool-stadium-65233-21633122/ Liverpool have announced that the plans for their new stadium in Stanley Park have been delayed yet again. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/fiszman-gunners-have-cash-to-spend-65233-21632976/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:45:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/fiszman-gunners-have-cash-to-spend-65233-21632976/ Arsenal would be willing to spend up to £30million before the end of the transfer window if manager Arsene Wenger found the right player, according to director Danny Fiszman. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/wolves-fc/2008/08/29/wolves-fear-worst-as-george-elokobi-tests-reveal-damage-to-knee-ligaments-65233-21632905/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:35:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/wolves-fc/2008/08/29/wolves-fear-worst-as-george-elokobi-tests-reveal-damage-to-knee-ligaments-65233-21632905/ George Elokobi faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy confirmed the defender had damaged knee ligaments. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/birmingham-city-fc/2008/08/29/alex-mcleish-still-holding-out-for-bobo-balde-despite-discouraging-signals-65233-21632868/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:27:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/birmingham-city-fc/2008/08/29/alex-mcleish-still-holding-out-for-bobo-balde-despite-discouraging-signals-65233-21632868/ Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has said he is unlikely to do any more transfer business before the window closes on Monday if he can conclude the on-going Bobo Balde saga – but unconfirmed reports coming out of Scotland claim the defender has rejected Blues’ offer. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2008/08/29/paul-robinson-stays-as-albion-deny-move-65233-21632860/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:24:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/west-bromwich-albion-fc/2008/08/29/paul-robinson-stays-as-albion-deny-move-65233-21632860/ Tony Mowbray has secured the services of one defender and also scotched rumours of another – Celtic’s Bobo Balde, joining him at The Hawthorns. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/two-arrested-after-shots-fired-at-car-in-rugby-65233-21632828/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:17:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/two-arrested-after-shots-fired-at-car-in-rugby-65233-21632828/ Two young men have been arrested after a shotgun was fired at a car in Rugby, police said. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/hughes-excited-by-swp-return-65233-21632819/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/hughes-excited-by-swp-return-65233-21632819/ Manchester City manager Mark Hughes believes his club have delivered a real statement of intent by re-signing Shaun Wright-Phillips. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/zabaleta-set-for-city-move-65233-21632771/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/zabaleta-set-for-city-move-65233-21632771/ Espanyol have given Pablo Zabaleta permission to travel to Manchester City for a medical after the Barclays Premier League club offered to pay the Argentina international's eight million euro buy-out clause. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/unsold-properties-plan-for-councils-65233-21632706/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:05:20 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/unsold-properties-plan-for-councils-65233-21632706/ Councils could get help to buy repossessed and unsold properties under new plans to be announced by the Government, it has been reported. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/man-arrested-after-warwickshire-shotgun-incident-65233-21632643/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:05:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/man-arrested-after-warwickshire-shotgun-incident-65233-21632643/ A man has been arrested in Warwickshire after a car was fired at with a shotgun. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/injured-paraglider-airlifted-to-shropshire-hospital-65233-21632638/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:03:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/injured-paraglider-airlifted-to-shropshire-hospital-65233-21632638/ A man has been airlifted to hospital after injuring himself while paragliding in Shropshire. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/motorcyclist-dies-in-crash-65233-21632635/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:01:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/08/29/motorcyclist-dies-in-crash-65233-21632635/ A young man has died after his motorcycle collided with a lorry and a car in Alum Rock, Birmingham. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/financial-help-for-carers-urged-65233-21632504/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:35:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/financial-help-for-carers-urged-65233-21632504/ The benefits system for unpaid carers is outdated and the Government should provide extra financial help to support them, MPs said. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/26-7m-loss-as-b-b-crashes-into-red-65233-21632448/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:35:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/08/29/26-7m-loss-as-b-b-crashes-into-red-65233-21632448/ Beleaguered lender Bradford & Bingley said it had crashed into the red in the first half of 2008, after credit crunch losses and rising bad debts. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/lampard-backs-robinho-to-shine-65233-21632313/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/lampard-backs-robinho-to-shine-65233-21632313/ Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard believes Robinho's talent will "light up the league" when the Brazil forward signs from Real Madrid. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/pompey-in-for-motta-65233-21632265/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:15:13 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/pompey-in-for-motta-65233-21632265/ Portsmouth have made a bid to sign Brazil's former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/mourinho-reveals-chelsea-regret-65233-21632172/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:45:13 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/mourinho-reveals-chelsea-regret-65233-21632172/ Jose Mourinho has revealed he turned down an opportunity to leave Chelsea after their FA Cup final victory over Manchester United last year and admits he regrets deciding not to accept the offer after his relationship with the London club broke down just a few months later. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/ivanovic-crashes-out-of-us-open-65233-21632078/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/08/29/ivanovic-crashes-out-of-us-open-65233-21632078/ Top seed Ana Ivanovic was stunned at the US Open on Thursday as she was defeated 6-3 4-6 6-3 by Julie Coin in the second round.