Abbie Wightwick

Police discovered and destroyed a cannabis factory at a house in Caerau, Cardiff, following a tip-off. Leroy Bratcher, 49, was charged with supplying and producing cannabis and received an eight‑month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. Authorities warned that such operations pose fire risks due to altered electrics and urged the public to report concerns.

A professional standards hearing examined allegations that learning support worker Claire Townsend shared unnecessary personal history during a sex education class and breached safeguarding rules by joining a pupil WhatsApp group using her personal phone number. She allegedly remained in the group for about a month, exchanged messages with pupils, and failed to report inappropriate content despite safeguarding training. Additional accusations include inappropriate tone and behaviour toward pupils between 2023 and 2024. The case is being reviewed by the Education Workforce Council, and the hearing continues.

Authorities warn visitors to Llangorse Lake in Powys to avoid contact with the water after toxic blue‑green algae was detected. Natural Resources Wales has installed warning signs and advises keeping pets and livestock away due to risks that include rashes and illness in humans and potential danger to animals. The Department for the Environment notes that climate‑driven changes in rainfall and temperature are increasing the likelihood of such algal blooms, which can last from days to weeks depending on water conditions.

A prolonged heatwave has pushed Welsh Water’s daily demand to more than 1,000 megalitres, far above the usual 850, prompting warnings that supply could become difficult to maintain. The company reports increased production efforts, leak repairs and tanker operations, while urging customers to reduce usage through simple measures such as using watering cans, reusing paddling‑pool water and limiting appliance use to full loads. Small conservation actions are presented as essential to avoiding further restrictions if hot weather continues.

The Welsh Government confirmed it will consult on a 3.5% pay rise for qualified teachers and leaders, rejecting the independent review body’s 4.25% recommendation as unaffordable. Unions condemned the move, warning it undermines the review process, damages trust, and risks worsening recruitment and retention issues. NAHT and NEU criticised the government for ignoring evidence-based recommendations and highlighted wider pressures on schools, including funding shortages and rising additional learning needs. The government said it would fully fund the proposed rises, consult on a higher increase for unqualified teachers, and pursue reforms to pay structures and conditions while balancing tight budgets.

Newport Council’s planning committee approved a homeowner’s request to lower a boundary wall and grant retrospective permission for a new driveway in Marshfield. Several residents objected, arguing the wall was a historic feature that contributed to local character, while a ward councillor warned the change could affect road safety and alter the area’s appearance. Planning officers said they had no grounds to refuse the application, noting the wall could legally be altered or demolished without permission. The committee approved the proposal by majority vote, subject to conditions.

Powys councillors deferred a decision on a proposed meteorological mast near Brecon after newly elected councillor Colin Millichap requested more time to consult residents. Planning officers recommended approval, noting most objections related to the wider wind farm plan by Garreg Fawr Energy Park Limited, a subsidiary of Bute Energy. Residents and experts raised concerns about gaps in the application’s evidence and referenced an unresolved objection from the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority. Councillors voted five to two in favour of delaying the decision.

Abergavenny guesthouse owner Geoff Burrows was refused planning permission for repaving and adding a timber shelter to a patio extending over the River Gavenny’s bank. Although the original patio had become lawful due to the passage of time, council officers concluded that the new works required permission and raised concerns over flood risk, biodiversity and the extension of the property’s curtilage. Planning officials and the council’s flood risk officer argued the riverbank was unsuitable for such structures, while supporters cited Burrows’ good faith and intention to restore storm-damaged areas. The committee rejected the application by 12 votes to three.

Athletes and spectators enjoyed a hot and vibrant day at Ironman 70.3 Swansea, where strong Welsh support was widely praised by winners Harry Palmer and Lizzie Rayner. Palmer secured his third consecutive victory, while Rayner celebrated a hard-fought win despite late-race cramping. Thousands participated across the swim, bike and run course, with volunteers playing a key role in managing conditions and supporting competitors. The event featured scenic coastal routes and energetic crowds that contributed to an electric atmosphere.

An 18-year-old woman died after a medical emergency at the Tonnau Festival on Anglesey, prompting police investigation and the involvement of the coroner. Festival organisers closed the event early, citing safety concerns and the need to support emergency services’ work. Attendees were asked to leave the site, and no further entry was permitted as authorities continued inquiries into the unexpected death.

Winning numbers for the Lotto and Thunderball draws were released, including results from both rounds under the new Lotto format. The article highlights jackpot amounts, odds of winning, and reminders about how players can become millionaires.

Two severely obese Jack Russell terriers were seized from the Swansea home of William Johns, who admitted two Animal Welfare Act offences. One dog, Cai, was found collapsed and in end-stage heart failure and was subsequently euthanised. The second dog, Lily, was also grossly overweight and was later seized after the owner failed to follow advice. Johns received a suspended eight‑month prison sentence, a 15‑year animal ownership ban, and financial penalties. Lily has since recovered under RSPCA care and will be rehomed.

Parents and supporters of Ruthin School have launched a campaign to prevent its closure after owner Galaxy Global Education placed the institution into administration. The group is exploring several rescue options, including a buyout, leasing the site, or forming a not‑for‑profit trust. The administrator is reportedly open to a community‑led bid, but campaigners must submit a formal proposal by the end of July. Financial pressures cited include falling pupil numbers, a decline in international boarders, and reduced recruitment activity following the school’s acquisition by GGE. Supporters argue the school remains viable and highlight backing from the Old Ruthinian Association. Parents, staff, and pupils have expressed shock and distress, with more than 100 staff losing their jobs and families struggling to secure alternative school places.

Cardiff Council plans a temporary expansion of 60 places at Ysgol Glantaf for the 2027–28 school year to ensure every child seeking Welsh‑medium secondary education can secure a place amid a projected short‑term spike in demand. Public engagement showed strong support for sufficient provision but raised concerns about timing, facility pressures and long‑term planning. The council identified a single‑site expansion at Ysgol Glantaf as the most effective short‑term solution, with further consultation planned on future long‑term Welsh‑medium education provision across the city.

An inquest was opened into the death of newborn Cameron Jay Griffiths, who died at the University Hospital of Wales at just over one day old. The assistant coroner reported concerns that the death may be linked to a pregnancy-related medical procedure. A consultant‑provided cause of death cited pulmonary hypoplasia, persistent hypertension and a diaphragmatic hernia. The inquest was adjourned, and condolences were offered to the family.

The Welsh Government is introducing national indicators for literacy and numeracy as part of a Foundational Literacy and Numeracy plan to be published in September, providing schools with clear guidance on expected learning progression. The plan will use personalised assessment data and focus on early development, phonics, and support for struggling learners and transitions between school stages. Education Minister Anna Brychan emphasizes raising standards and improving long-term outcomes, while Helen Fychan highlights the importance of reading and libraries. The rollout coincides with the upcoming publication of PISA results, which continue to serve as the key benchmark for comparing Wales’ performance with other UK nations.