Eleri Griffiths

A debate emerged among Welsh school leaders after a June heatwave forced widespread closures, with Caldicot head teacher Alun Ebenezer criticising shutdowns as unnecessary and emphasising the importance of resilience. Chris Parry of Lewis School defended closing his school based on safety, citing poor ventilation and extreme heat. Education organisations urged caution while highlighting the need for significant investment in school buildings to withstand rising temperatures. The Welsh government noted ongoing collaboration with local authorities and recently announced funding for maintenance.

A Caldicot head teacher criticised widespread school closures during a June heatwave, arguing that students benefit from remaining in school and learning resilience. Attendance at his school fell sharply, but adjustments such as relaxed dress codes and modified lessons were made. Another head teacher defended closing his school due to safety concerns and poor ventilation. Education organisations urged caution while calling for investment to improve school infrastructure. The Welsh government highlighted ongoing funding to support maintenance and adaptations for extreme weather.

Producer Pip Burley recounts how Catherine Zeta-Jones secured her breakthrough role as Mariette in The Darling Buds of May after he noticed her by chance during final casting sessions. Initially not on the audition list, she impressed the team immediately and was chosen for the part, eventually launching her path to Hollywood. Burley also reflects on the challenges of casting the series and reveals that actors including Danny DeVito, Bob Hoskins and Phil Collins were considered for the role of Pop Larkin.

Catherine Zeta-Jones secured her breakthrough role as Mariette in The Darling Buds of May after producer Pip Burley noticed her by chance during final casting sessions. Burley said the role had been difficult to cast until Zeta-Jones appeared for an unexpected audition and impressed the team immediately. He recalled first seeing her perform in 42nd Street and noted her rapid development into a major talent, with co-star David Jason predicting her future Hollywood success. Burley also revealed that several actors, including Danny DeVito and Bob Hoskins, were once considered for the role of Pop Larkin.

Flintshire councillors voted 26–21 to continue a consultation on plans to merge four Catholic schools into a £55m super-school, despite concerns over public confidence after the initial consultation was halted following a legal challenge. Supporters argued that restarting the process showed accountability and offered residents another chance to contribute, while opponents said issues with the first consultation had not been addressed and warned of stress on families and staff. The proposal involves closing schools in Saltney, Mold and Flint, with debate centred on the adequacy and transparency of the consultation process.

A Newport man received a 12‑month suspended sentence and a lengthy driving ban for knocking a pedestrian unconscious with a modified electric motorbike and fleeing the scene. Jordan Willetts admitted dangerous driving, riding without a licence, and failing to stop after hitting Sam Bevan, who suffered head injuries and memory loss. The court rejected Willetts' claim he feared being robbed, citing his decision to ride the wrong way and leave the victim in the road. Willetts was ordered to complete unpaid work, follow a curfew, and pay compensation, costs and a surcharge.

A new coach service linking Bangor and Carmarthen will launch by autumn, offering faster north–south travel in Wales using eight new vehicles with multiple daily services. The Welsh government expects the £2m initiative to boost access to jobs, education, healthcare and sustainable tourism, while Transport for Wales highlights improved reliability along the west coast. Residents express mixed views, with some welcoming enhanced connectivity and others questioning demand and long-term viability. Funding has been confirmed alongside an extension of the £1 bus fare scheme for young people.