A one-off sponsored reading of Bishop Francis Asbury’s journals is being staged to mark the 200 anniversary of his death – and Sandwell people are invited to join in the fun event. The affectionate tribute – which will last several hours – will give a wonderful insight into Asbury’s character. The non-stop reading, inspired by Asbury’s extensive writing, will help raise awareness of his amazing rise from humble origins in Hamstead to becoming one of America’s founding fathers.

People across the city are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote in May’s local elections. Individuals who fail to register to vote will be unable to have their say at in the local and police and crime commissioner elections, which will be held on 5 May 2016.Also, residents of Sutton Coldfield could miss their chance to vote for their new town councillors.

A vision for the sustainable transformation of the area between the City Hospital and Edgbaston Reservoir has been approved. The Greater Icknield Masterplan provides guidance on how over 60 hectares bordering the west side of the city centre can be developed. It is the largest brownfield housing-led redevelopment proposal in Birmingham, with the potential to provide around 3,000 new homes and 1,000 job opportunities.

Registration is now open for Wolverhampton's fantastic new walking, cycling and running game Beat the Street, and people young or old are being encouraged to sign up now to take part in the city-wide challenge – with some fantastic prizes up for grabs for those clocking up the highest scores. Players receive points for the distance they travel on foot or bike between special sensors called Beat Boxes which are being erected on lampposts around Wolverhampton.

Every taxi driver in Wolverhampton is to be offered training to help in the fight against child sexual exploitation (CSE) in the Black Country. The City of Wolverhampton Council is encouraging its licenced taxi drivers to act as "eyes and ears" in the fight against CSE, a crime in which perpetrators groom youngsters and emotionally and sexually abuse them.

The transformation of Perry Barr, starting with the A34 North Perry Barr subways project has been approved. The scheme will see a safe, attractive and convenient pedestrian route to help stimulate future investment by filling in three pedestrian subways at the junction and the centre of the island raised to existing road level.