Marcus Boothe

Laura Bayliss says she is relieved after a stranger mistakenly took a suitcase containing the ashes of her late fiancé Gavin and their two dogs on a crowded train. The suitcase was taken by civil servant Juliana Friend, who realised the mistake several days later. Bayliss had waited five years before feeling ready to scatter the ashes at Holywell Bay in Cornwall, a place associated with happy memories. The two women plan to meet so Bayliss can retrieve the suitcase and complete the ceremony.

Bristol City Council will redirect 25 bus services away from Broadmead from 30 August as part of the Bristol on the Move City Centre project. Bus stops on Union Street, The Horsefair and Penn Street will close, while new or upgraded stops will open on Fairfax Street, Broad Weir, Lower Castle Street and Bond Street. First Bus and Stagecoach services including routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 41, 42, 43, 375 and Y6 are affected. Officials say travel advisers and tailored stop information will help thousands of passengers adjust, while transport campaigner David Redgewell called the project Bristol city centre's biggest change in 40 years and urged clear communication.

Bristol has become the UK's first official harm reduction city after councillors approved a motion prioritising support for drug users over punitive measures. Proposed by Green Party councillor Cara Lavan, the policy aims to shift drug issues toward public health, citing rising overdose deaths and barriers created by criminalisation. The decision, backed by Green, Labour and Liberal Democrat members, drew opposition from Conservative councillors who argued it neglected enforcement. Organisations working in addiction support welcomed the move, highlighting existing services such as needle exchanges and drug checking, and noting Bristol’s efforts are already influencing other cities.

Cyclists in Bristol are preparing for the World Naked Bike Ride on 15 August to raise awareness of cyclist vulnerability and promote responsible road use. Organisers describe the event as a celebration of cycling and body positivity while highlighting cycling‑related deaths. Participants are invited to follow an “as bare as you dare” dress code, with the six‑and‑a‑half‑mile ride starting and ending at the Pump House in Hotwells and supported by marshals for safety.

Football supporters across the West of England are offered a range of alternative venues to watch the England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final, including community centres, sports clubs, nightclubs and outdoor fan zones in Bristol, Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire, with several locations providing large screens, food and entertainment.