This Week in Birmingham

Birmingham has been a hub of activity this week, with a blend of exciting events and concerning incidents shaping the city's mood. On the positive side, the National Youth Championships and the "Glastonbury of gaming" featuring The Sidemen at the NEC have brought a youthful and energetic buzz. Major events are clearly boosting the local economy, with millions of pounds brought into the city, and the NEC is set to host DreamHack, a significant gaming festival. The upcoming Easter holidays also promise a busy period, with Birmingham Airport expecting over 750,000 passengers and numerous free family-friendly events planned across the city. Culturally, Birmingham is set to host a 25th-anniversary concert for The Lord of the Rings with a live orchestra, and award-winning actress Denise Gough is returning for Starfury: Invasion. There's also a notable rally for a 'No Kings' event that drew a large crowd. However, the week hasn't been without its challenges. Firefighters have been battling blazes at former social clubs in Ladywood and elsewhere, highlighting ongoing concerns about vacant properties. The city is also grappling with public health issues, as a measles outbreak originating in London has now reached Birmingham. In terms of crime, there have been several disturbing incidents, including a man being glassed outside a pub, a man jailed for a similar assault, and a shocking case of a man being snatched and tortured in a £3m blackmail plot. Police have also made arrests in connection with sexual assaults, including alleged attacks on girls, and a stabbing incident involving a teenager. The disappearance of a Birmingham City fan, Paul Pike, has also cast a shadow, with his belongings being found in Derby. The local football scene has seen mixed news. Birmingham City's season has been graded, with Knighthead weighing up the pros and cons, and there's discussion around potential transfers and player loan moves. Aston Villa fans experienced an injury scare with Jadon Sancho. Elsewhere, a local airport faces potential closure, causing sadness among residents. Concerns have also been raised about Birmingham hospitals facing a significant budget shortfall. On a more local level, residents in Shirley are complaining about road conditions due to potholes, and there's been a debate about the "second city" status. The future of the 'Zombie Quarter' is also being questioned. Finally, a former West Midlands Police officer's unexpected career change to OnlyFans has also garnered attention.