Chloe Atkinson

Apparent suicides following police detention in England and Wales rose to 67 in the latest reporting year, up from 61 previously, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The report also recorded 27 deaths in or following police custody, including four fatal police shootings, while road deaths involving police fell from 26 to 15. Mental health problems and drugs or alcohol were common factors. The IOPC said its investigations have contributed to new guidance, improved custody-staff training, better risk assessments and revised procedures for detainees, while noting that such deaths remain rare relative to more than 900,000 detentions.

Emergency services responded in Newport city centre after a 32-year-old man experiencing a mental health crisis was found sitting on the Sir Charles Morgan statue. Police secured the area and diverted pedestrians while South Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews used ladders to reach him. The man was brought down safely and detained under the Mental Health Act, after which restrictions were lifted.

Newport magnet fisherman Darren Rice recovered suspected Second World War-era weapons, including a Beretta M1934 pistol, a suppressed High Standard HDM pistol associated with the OSS, and a German LP-42 flare pistol, from waterways in Newport and Cardiff. He routinely hands firearms, knives and other dangerous objects to police while removing scrap and debris from canals. Rice says the finds reveal local history but also warn of risks to children and wildlife, urging magnet fishers to work safely and dispose of recovered material responsibly.

A copy of the South Wales Argus dated January 26, 1961, was found beneath the floorboards of a Newport home by resident Luke Jones during building work. The newspaper, which remains partly damaged but readable, contains headlines about a new gymnasium in Somerton, Newport County AFC, and the West Indies cricket team preparing for a Test match in Australia. Its discovery offers a snapshot of Newport life and public interests in 1961, while highlighting the Argus’s long-running role in documenting the city and its community.

A 22-year-old man from Llangan has been arrested on suspicion of affray after a reported mass brawl on Broad Street in Barry, outside the Far East Chinese Takeaway, at about 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 26. He and another previously arrested man remain on police bail while South Wales Police investigate. Video footage reportedly shows a large crowd and several men fighting, with some people knocked to the ground and standing on parked cars. Police are appealing for witnesses and information.

Heavy-duty galvanised gates have been installed at the entrance to open space off Highcross Drive in Rogerstone, Newport, following residents' concerns about youths allegedly using electric bikes and scooters to deal drugs. Councillor Bev Davies said the gates are intended to deter access and reduce anti-social behaviour. Gwent Police says it is continuing operations targeting county lines, organised crime groups, street-level dealing and illegal off-road bikes across the region.

A woman required surgery after her hand became infected following an alleged assault in the beer garden of The Mogridge Pub in Blackwood at around 11:45 p.m. on July 10. Gwent Police are seeking information about a woman with mousey-coloured hair believed to be connected to the attack.

Newport’s approximately £17.6 million leisure centre is reportedly on track for completion later this year, although no official opening date has been announced. Construction was temporarily delayed after contractors uncovered part of a historic canal retaining wall during excavation in early 2025, allowing archaeologists to document the remains. The gas-free facility will use modern heating systems and enhanced insulation to reduce energy costs, replacing the former Newport Centre as a key part of the city-centre regeneration programme. Funding includes £7 million from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, with more than 55% coming from external sources. The council plans to publish an opening-activities schedule during the winter.

Four newborn kittens were found abandoned in a carrier bag in woodland near Caerphilly, still attached to their placentas. After receiving veterinary treatment, they are being cared for around the clock by Gwent Cats Protection and volunteer hand-rearers. The charity is appealing for specialist kitten milk and food donations and has not disclosed further details about where the kittens were found or who abandoned them.

Newport City Council’s Community Protection team carried out more than 1,200 patrols in the city centre over the past year in response to concerns about anti-social behaviour, crime and its impact on businesses. The council said it is working with Gwent Police and other partners through the Safer Newport Community Safety Partnership, enforcing a Public Spaces Protection Order, using a multi-agency process for repeat offenders and upgrading CCTV. The update followed traders’ reports of burglary, robbery, violence and abuse, while Gwent Police’s Operation Krypton had resulted in more than 50 arrests, vehicle seizures and enforcement action.

Campaigners are calling for a stronger legal definition of contaminated land after Caerphilly County Borough Council ruled that Ty Llwyd Quarry, a former landfill near Ynysddu, does not meet the statutory threshold. The decision followed Arcadis testing of leachate, groundwater, surface water, air and soil, but residents and environmental groups point to Greenpeace findings, fencing and ongoing leachate management as evidence of risk. The council says monitoring and control measures will continue, while the controversy has gained renewed attention through the BBC documentary Buried, presented by Michael Sheen.

Newport City Council says it will not conduct or commission a formal review of the environmental impact of its three-weekly residual waste collections, despite complaints about fly-tipping, overflowing bins and increased litter. The council says it assesses the service using indicators including fly-tipping, street cleanliness, enforcement activity and resident reports, claiming fly-tipping has declined while enforcement remains at record levels. It has restructured its cleansing service and plans initiatives including seven-day street cleaning, additional bins, improved flat recycling, specialist vehicles and pop-up recycling centres. More detailed environmental performance data is expected to be published in 2026/27.

Outdoor cinema events are returning across South Wales this summer, with screenings planned in Newport, Caerleon, Cwmbran, Cardiff and Monmouth. Programmes include popular films such as Grease, The Goonies, Mamma Mia!, Wicked and The Greatest Showman, with events offering family entertainment, sing-alongs and relaxed outdoor settings. Tickets range from free admission to around £3, while organisers recommend arriving early and bringing blankets, warm clothing and snacks.

The Festival Park play area in Ebbw Vale has been closed since 2021 and is not currently open. Gemma Coulthard, who runs Festival Café with support from family members operating a bridal boutique, has received landlord approval to refurbish it and launched a GoFundMe appeal. The family hopes to create an accessible community space for children and families as part of a broader effort to revive the former shopping destination, which has largely become an industrial park.

Bright orange water near Court Farm Water Treatment Works in Ponthir has raised concerns among residents, particularly because people fish and may swim nearby. Natural Resources Wales said the incident is not pollution, while Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water explained that the colour comes from iron in untreated water recycled from filter-washing processes. The authorities said the discharge is part of normal treatment operations and that the water is treated to regulated drinking-water standards.

A severely neglected and dehydrated Cane Corso named Missy wandered into Summer-Lea Owen's garden in Cwmbran, where she was found weak, starving, flea-infested and covered in sores. Owen's family contacted the RSPCA, which worked with Gwent Police to support the dog's recovery. A GoFundMe campaign raised money for Missy's veterinary care, and part of the funds, along with donated food, treats and toys, was given to the RSPCA and All Creatures Great and Small to help other animals.

A flock of sheep strayed onto the busy A465 Heads of the Valleys road between Ebbw Vale and Abergavenny, slowing traffic and causing congestion. A farmer, his sheepdog and a police officer safely herded the animals away from the dual carriageway. The incident prompted amused reactions online and reminders for farmers to secure gates and prevent livestock from escaping onto roads.

Newport City Council will begin the next phase of its £18 million Fixing Our Roads programme from July 26 to August 11, causing disruption as major routes including Chepstow Road, Caerphilly Road, Magor Road, Caerleon Road and Ridgeway undergo resurfacing or surface treatment. The council says it will continue reactive repairs such as pothole filling and expects the programme to provide long-term improvements while freeing highways staff to address other roads. Work on St Julian’s Road is not included in the current phase, and start dates for Coast Road and the remaining section of Malpas Road north of the M4 have not yet been announced.

An unlicensed rave in Chepstow Park Wood kept residents across nearby Monmouthshire villages awake with loud music reportedly continuing until around 8:30am. Gwent Police attended after complaints, advised attendees to stop the music and safely dispersed the area. Police did not confirm whether arrests were made, and the organisers and any further enforcement action remain unidentified.

A 21-year-old Newport motorcyclist was seriously injured in a collision involving a white Honda 300 motorcycle, a white Mercedes A160 and a grey Škoda Fabia on the bridge between Blaina Wharf and Spytty Road. The rider remains in serious but stable condition. Police closed the road while specialist collision investigators examined the scene and are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from nearby routes, asking anyone with information to call 101 and quote log reference 2600238609.

The British Heart Foundation shop on Commercial Street in Newport is seeking donations, purchases and public support to avoid possible inclusion in a second wave of closures. The store is not among the first locations scheduled to close, but the BHF plans to shut around 150 shops over the next two financial years, citing rising costs, changing donation patterns and increased online shopping. About 90 closures are expected by March 2027, with the remainder by March 2028. The charity says the restructuring is needed to keep its retail network financially sustainable and protect funding for cardiovascular disease research, while its wider financial position remains healthy.

A Newport shopping trip explores charity shops, independent retailers and vintage stores including St David’s Hospice Care, Tenovus Cancer Care, Retro Central, Barnardo’s and the British Heart Foundation. The writer finds heavily discounted vintage china, DVDs, clothing, branded boots, glassware, homeware and cookbooks, with Barnardo’s £3 JUST Sheepskin boots judged the standout bargain. Vintage seller Lowri Jenkins says second-hand shopping offers greater variety, size inclusivity, durability and environmental benefits, reinforcing the article’s conclusion that thrifting is increasingly a deliberate sustainable choice rather than merely a way to save money.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service withdrew its request for helicopter support at the Blaenavon wildfire after crews made strong progress using ground tactics. The fire, which began on July 19 on Mynydd Garnclochdy in Torfaen, had affected about 222 hectares across two sectors. Helicopter availability was also constrained by exceptional demand from wildfires across the UK. Crews, supported by Natural Resources Wales and contractors, cut firebreaks and used tractors with water bowsers to contain the blaze. The Welsh Government said it would review the country’s wildfire-fighting capabilities, including aerial support.

The Card Centre on Commercial Street in Newport is preparing to close, with a 20% closing-down sale already under way, although staff have not been given a confirmed closing date. The store is owned by Cardzone, which has been reducing its UK estate amid lease and property-portfolio challenges. Cardzone acquired the Newport branch in 2014 and expanded further through its 2024 acquisition of Clintons. The closure follows shutdowns at several other UK branches, while the nearest remaining Cardzone-operated store in Gwent is in Caerphilly.

A vehicle fire on the westbound M4 near Newport caused significant disruption, closing multiple lanes between Junctions 27 and 28 from late morning until around 3 p.m. Emergency services extinguished the fire and made the carriageway safe, leading to long queues and delays that continued even after the road fully reopened. Motorists were advised to check conditions and consider alternative routes, with traffic returning to normal later in the afternoon.

Fire crews from multiple South Wales stations have been tackling a hillside wildfire above Cwmavon since late Sunday evening, facing difficult terrain and requiring additional resources. The blaze, reported around 8:42 p.m., continues into a second day as firefighters use beaters and a leaf blower to contain it. Authorities urge the public to avoid the area while efforts to bring the fire under control remain ongoing.

Stagecoach will divert Service 15 in Pontypool from July 21 to July 26 due to temporary closures of Park Road and Penygarn Road. Buses toward Trevethin will divert via Hospital Road from Park Road, while those toward Pontypool will divert from St Cadocs Road to Pontypool Town Bridge. Several stops in Penygarn will not be served, and passengers are advised to use alternative stops and check the Stagecoach Bus App.

Ruth Jones takes a rare dramatic turn in the new BBC psychological thriller The Rapture, adapted from Liz Jensen’s novel. The series follows forensic psychologist Gabriele Fox as she encounters a young offender who claims to foresee disasters, blending crime and psychological suspense. Filmed in Wales, the production has drawn attention for Jones’s departure from her usual comedic roles and begins airing July 26 on BBC One with full availability on BBC iPlayer.

An overnight closure of the eastbound entry slip road at M4 Junction 25A in Newport is scheduled from July 20 to 22, running between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Traffic Wales confirmed the shutdown and advised drivers to follow signed diversions and allow extra travel time during the works.

A skip fire at the Household Recycling Centre in New Inn, Torfaen prompted its closure as smoke spread to nearby areas including Griffithstown and Pontypool. The council advised residents to avoid the site and warned that future opening hours may change pending safety checks. Fire crews deployed two appliances to control the blaze, which remained ongoing.

A 66-year-old man, Albert Williams, has been charged with murder following a fatal early-morning altercation in Newport. Police responded to reports of a disturbance on St Vincent Road, where a woman was later found dead near Chepstow Road. Several roads were closed as forensic teams and officers investigated, though they have since reopened. Police continue to maintain a significant presence in the area and are appealing for information, urging the public not to speculate while legal proceedings continue.

A forthcoming BBC documentary examining toxic waste at Ty Llwyd Quarry has renewed pressure on authorities as residents voice longstanding concerns over chemical contamination allegedly linked to historic dumping by Monsanto. Michael Sheen’s involvement has brought heightened attention to the issue, with local councillors highlighting environmental risks, public health fears and ongoing anxiety within the community. Campaigners call for a full investigation and long-term remediation plan while Caerphilly County Borough Council continues consultations before issuing a formal response.

Fferm Gelli near Blackwood is highlighted as a peaceful, budget‑friendly family destination offering free entry and parking, friendly animals and a range of facilities including a café and play area. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed countryside experience while only paying for optional extras such as animal feed or food. The farm is described as a hidden gem that provides strong value for families seeking an affordable day out during school holidays.

A new shop, the Newport Curiosity Shop, has opened in Newport, offering a mix of vintage items, antiques, and mystical goods. The store also houses Cody's Magick Apothecary, created in memory of the owner’s late uncle and focused on natural herbs and resins. Intended as a destination for those interested in unusual, vintage, or magical items, the shop aims to bring a unique retail experience to the city centre.

Police launched a murder investigation in Newport after a woman died following a disturbance on St Vincent Road, with a 66‑year‑old man arrested and several surrounding streets closed while forensic work continues. Officers expanded their presence in the area to support enquiries and reassure the community, which has expressed shock at the incident. Authorities are appealing for CCTV or dashcam footage from the early hours of July 18 and directing information to Gwent Police or Crimestoppers.

An unauthorised encampment has returned to Kimberley Park in Newport, prompting renewed concerns from residents and the suspension of all football activities. Albion Rovers FC closed the fields earlier in the week after a previous encampment, citing health, safety and safeguarding risks. Newport City Council has been notified, and parents have been urged to avoid the site while the club explores alternative training venues. Residents expressed frustration over repeated disruptions to a key community sports area.

Newport Market’s diverse food stalls are highlighted through two contrasting dishes: rich beef brisket tacos from Bab Haus Mex and a lighter prawn linguine from The Italian Job. The market is portrayed as a vibrant destination offering both indulgent and health‑conscious options, contributing to its growing popularity as a modern street‑food hub.

Newport City Council has intensified its crackdown on fly‑tipping, issuing more than 1,000 warning letters, 276 fixed penalty notices and securing 23 prosecutions between April 2025 and March 2026. Enforcement efforts have continued into the current year, with additional fines and notices already recorded. The council emphasises that fly‑tipping is a criminal offence and urges residents to dispose of waste legally, offering guidance on recycling, excess waste and larger bin applications while encouraging the public to report illegal dumping.

A gull in Cwmbran died after a teenager allegedly kicked it, causing severe injuries that led a vet to euthanise the bird. An RSPCA inspector reported that a witness saw the attack, prompting an appeal for information or video footage. The incident highlights rising reports of animal cruelty, with the RSPCA noting a significant increase in summer cases and promoting its Summer Cruelty awareness campaign.

A viral stunt by influencer Tom Christopher, who hauled a bathtub to the summit of Pen y Fan for what he called the world’s highest bath, sparked debate on social media after photos circulated online. Walkers assisted him in filling the tub, and some speculated the effort was for charity. Reactions ranged from jokes to concerns that the bathtub had been abandoned. The incident followed another unusual event on the mountain involving a DJ set by former rugby player Josh Navidi. It remains unclear whether the bathtub has since been removed.

Residents in Rogerstone voiced concerns about sewage discharges in the River Ebbw after data from Surfers Against Sewage indicated seven spill events from a Welsh Water outfall in recent months. Locals warned families to avoid the river amid fears over health risks, citing repeated pollution issues. Welsh Water stated that the reported discharges were false alerts caused by environmental or technical factors affecting monitoring equipment.

A 17-year-old from Newport is preparing to complete the 160km Nijmegen Four Day Marches in the Netherlands to honour his father, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. After six months of training, he will join a team of around 13 walkers and aims to raise £4,000 for Brain Tumour Research, having already surpassed £3,200 through his JustGiving page. The challenge serves both as a tribute to his father and a fundraising effort to support research into the disease.

A visit to Arcadia Café & Bistro in Newport highlights its gothic-inspired décor and standout brunch offerings, particularly a Greek yogurt bowl topped with berry compote and Lotus Biscoff crumble. The atmosphere and food combine to create a memorable experience, complemented by items such as avocado toast and a San Pellegrino drink. The café is recommended as a distinctive and enjoyable brunch destination in the city.

A Newport family reports living for more than three years with severe mould and damp in their rented home, claiming the conditions are harming their young children and that their landlord has failed to make necessary repairs. The letting agency denies neglect, attributing the mould to condensation caused by the tenants’ ventilation and heating practices. Environmental Health indicated water‑penetrating damp, while the agency cites inspections showing no structural issues and asserts that recommended anti‑condensation measures were completed. The tenants maintain they have followed all advice and believe unresolved underlying property problems continue to affect their home.

Residents in Newport report persistent fly-tipping and overflowing bins, arguing the pattern is supported by extensive photos, resident accounts and official data. They cite the council’s three‑weekly non‑recyclable waste collection schedule as a key cause and have launched a petition calling for a review of waste and environmental practices. Newport City Council maintains it is frustrated by illegal dumping and continues daily cleanup and enforcement efforts, recording the highest number of fly‑tipping enforcement actions in Wales for 2024–25.

A vehicle fire between junctions 23a and 24 of the M4 near Newport caused lane closures and traffic delays on July 4. Emergency services responded around 5:20 p.m., closed lanes as a precaution, extinguished the fire and ensured the vehicle was safe. No injuries were reported, and the cause is still under investigation. Traffic returned to normal after the vehicle was removed.

Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn presented Kylie Minogue with a portrait made from his own lipstick impressions during her visit to Cardiff, where she was filming the project Tangled Up in Blue. Minogue reacted enthusiastically, adding to their history of creative exchanges that includes previous artworks inspired by her Golden and Tension eras. Filming for the project has included locations in Porthcawl, drawing local attention.

Reports of aggressive begging, substance misuse and disorder around Newport Bus Station have raised concerns among residents and business owners. A nearby shop owner described frequent early‑morning disturbances and daily shoplifting incidents, while some passengers reported feeling unsafe, citing threats and drug use in the area. Others noted improvements compared with previous years but said problems persist, especially at night. Newport City Council highlighted ongoing partnerships across Gwent to provide drug and alcohol support services and outreach for people at risk of homelessness, reaffirming its commitment to addressing antisocial behaviour and addiction.

Newport’s Kingsway Centre is undergoing significant regeneration under new owner Niall Leighton-Boyce, who has invested about £2 million and welcomed numerous new businesses. Plans include up to 200 apartments above the centre as part of a mixed-use redevelopment, alongside previously approved student housing and a music university. The Market, a new entertainment and craft venue, is set to reopen in August with upgrades, while established and new businesses are contributing to increased footfall. Continued investment, council collaboration and local shopper support are seen as essential to sustaining the centre’s revival.

Market Arcade in Newport has evolved into a vibrant hub for independent businesses, combining historic Victorian architecture with a growing mix of modern enterprises including cocktail bars, salons, and a vegan skincare brand. Business owners describe a supportive community atmosphere and increasing foot traffic, noting optimism about new developments such as expanded outdoor seating and continued growth. The arcade now serves as both a commercial space and a social destination, reflecting renewed cultural and economic activity in the city.

Comedian Rufus Rice joked on his podcast that North Macedonia was as economically deprived as Newport, also making light‑hearted comments about the River Usk. The remarks, shared during a conversation with Sandro Ford and Aidan Rafferty, drew online attention despite being intended as humour. Rice and his co‑hosts discussed travel and comedy while highlighting their large online followings.

A new Newport café, Bap House, is earning attention for its generous and flavorful sandwiches, particularly a standout mozzarella and pesto option praised for its fresh ingredients and balanced taste. Owner Sam Smith highlights his aim to bring something new to the local food scene, and the café is portrayed as a promising addition for anyone seeking a satisfying lunch.

Ye Olde Murenger House in Newport is highlighted as a historic and atmospheric pub dating back to the 1500s, offering traditional features such as Tudor-style décor and cask ale drawn from an oak barrel. Visitors consistently praise its character, welcoming staff, and sense of continuity. The pub’s Samuel Smith beers, including Alpine Lager, complement its timeless setting, making it a notable and well‑reviewed local destination.

Upgrades to more than seven kilometres of ageing gas mains in Newport East are causing prolonged disruption along Somerton Road and Chepstow Road as part of a £2.1 million Wales & West Utilities project running from June until early August. Businesses report reduced footfall and operational strain, residents face longer travel times, and a nearby bridge closure has worsened congestion. Wales & West Utilities cites safety and future energy needs as justification, while Newport Council confirms the works. Normal traffic conditions are expected to return once the project concludes in early August.

Newport has become a hotspot for illicit vape and tobacco sales, with trading standards and police seizing large quantities of illegal products and shutting down multiple shops. The city now ranks eighth in the UK for vape shops per capita, intensifying concerns about the impact of illegal trading on public health and local communities. Legitimate retailer Mani, who opened a second shop in Newport, criticizes competitors for selling counterfeit goods, while local officials call for stronger action to curb criminal activity linked to the illicit market.

Political divisions over proposals for a Newport bypass stretch back to the 1920s, when local leaders debated a nine‑mile route similar to the modern M4 relief road plan later scrapped in 2019. Supporters argued the road would boost employment and reduce isolation, while opponents, including Aneurin Bevan, prioritised investment in valley roads and raised concerns about funding. Financial risks, unemployment pressures and differing visions for regional development prevented commitment to construction. The unresolved tensions over congestion, economic growth, and environmental impact continue to shape debates on new routes around Newport nearly a century later.

Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn presented Katy Perry with a portrait made from thousands of matches to mark her new song Watch It Burn, prompting an amused and impressed reaction from the singer. Wyburn, known for unconventional portrait materials, met Perry during her Cardiff Castle performance on 30 June 2026, where she delivered a high-energy show featuring her major hits. Perry’s playful question about burning the artwork added a personal moment to the encounter.

Newport has become one of the UK areas with the highest number of vape shops per capita, prompting mixed reactions from residents and business owners. Retailer Mani says strong demand has allowed him to expand, while others raise concerns about youth vaping, product safety, and illegal sales. Several shops have recently been closed by authorities for selling illicit vapes and tobacco. Views within the community range from seeing vaping as a healthier alternative to smoking to worries about saturation, youth uptake, and insufficient regulation.

A homelessness‑prevention initiative led by Prince William and The Royal Foundation marks its third year, highlighting progress in Newport. The Homewards programme focuses on early intervention, collaborative community support, and developing long-term solutions, including a new transitional housing facility for women. Newport resident Chelsie Robinson describes how local support services such as New Pathways helped her recover from grief, homelessness and substance misuse, illustrating the programme’s impact as it continues efforts to drive lasting change.

A newly installed cycle lane in Newport has prompted disagreement among councillors and residents over its cost, necessity and expected usage. Councillor Fouweather questioned the demand for the route and raised concerns about its endpoint near a pedestrianised zone, while Councillor Howells highlighted extensive consultation, existing active‑travel data and the link it provides between the city centre and the railway station. Opinions from residents range from viewing the scheme as a worthwhile investment to calling it a waste of money. The lane forms part of a wider city‑centre improvement package funded by the Welsh Government.

Luke Evans stars in the crime drama 5 Lbs of Pressure, now streaming on Netflix, portraying an ex-convict seeking redemption while facing violent retaliation from the victim’s family. Directed by Phil Allocco and set in New York, the film explores themes of forgiveness, family, and second chances. The article highlights Evans’ Welsh roots and his previous major film roles.