Nicholas Bourne

Tonypandy Police Station, a two-storey building dating from 1876, is being auctioned with a guide price of £99,000 after standing empty for years. The property retains heavy metal cell doors, barred windows and other original features, while previously approved plans would convert it into offices. The building is linked to the Tonypandy Riots of 1910, when a miners’ dispute escalated into attacks on shops and mine owners’ property, prompting the deployment of additional police and troops under Home Secretary Winston Churchill.

Welsh actor Nathan Sussex describes joining Coronation Street as an emotional, career-defining experience. He plays Richie Parkinson, a character connected to a murder investigation and related to Tim Metcalfe, and says he has only been told part of the storyline. Sussex hopes the plot will lead to an appearance in the show's Christmas Day episode, a long-held ambition. The actor, previously known for playing villain Buster in Hollyoaks and for winning Villain of the Year in 2019, grew up watching Coronation Street and regards it as a national institution.

Gwent Police have launched a murder investigation after 56-year-old Anthony “Tony” Jones died from injuries sustained during violent disorder in Pontnewynydd near Pontypool. Police believe members of rival Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs, the Vikings and the Hells Angels, were involved. Ten men aged 31 to 73 have been arrested, with three released on bail. Detectives are seeking further information about those involved, including Anthony Paul Jones, and are looking for a blue Ford Transit van believed to have been used during the incident.

Two men, Elliot Truelove and Liam Thomas, have been charged with murder and attempted murder following the death of 18-year-old Ceiran Evans in a collision between a car and an off-road bike in Gorseinon, Swansea, on 9 July. Both appeared at Swansea Magistrates' Court, confirmed their identities and were remanded in custody. They are due to appear at Swansea Crown Court, while Tyler Ford faces the same charges. South Wales Police described the investigation as complex and traumatic for Evans' family and the wider community.

A study by researchers at Bangor University found that Timema stick insects, which have reproduced through parthenogenesis without male fertilisation for about a million years, have retained functional dosage-compensation mechanisms that balance gene expression between males and females. Scientists had expected these mechanisms to deteriorate because they were no longer necessary in the predominantly female, asexual populations. Analysis of rare males showed that the gene-balancing system remains fully functional, challenging expectations about how quickly evolutionary mechanisms decay when they are no longer needed.

Mo Gilligan recalls spending six-week childhood holidays in Barry Island, where his mother grew up, and describes the Welsh resort as having a cherished place in his heart. He remembers its beaches, fun-park rides and arcades, has continued visiting family in the area, and supported a fundraising gig for Cadoxton Conservative Club. Gilligan also discusses Gavin & Stacey's portrayal of Barry Island, his Welsh connections despite growing up in London, his affection for performing in Cardiff, and his new Netflix documentary, Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy.

A former 19th-century toll house in Llannon near Llanelli, linked to the Rebecca Riots, sold at auction for £76,000 after attracting five bidders. Built by the Three Commotts Turnpike Trust to collect road-maintenance tolls, the property became a target of protests driven by agricultural depression, poor harvests, poverty and opposition to high charges. The Rebecca Riots largely ended before 1844, after increased troop deployments, efforts to avoid violence and criminal exploitation of the movement’s identity.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth visited Gwaelod-y-Garth after a suspected blast at Taff’s Well quarry sent large volumes of water, mud and debris into the village. Fifteen properties were affected and 13 homes were evacuated, with some residents reporting flooding up to 5 feet deep. The Health and Safety Executive and South Wales Police will investigate, while quarry owner Breedon Group said it would cooperate and conduct its own inquiry. Cardiff Council is clearing damaged roads and helping residents secure temporary accommodation.

Firefighters contained a large blaze at Star Trading Estate in Caerleon, Newport, after being called at 02:42 BST and deploying 10 engines. The site was evacuated and everyone was accounted for. Residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed because of smoke, while South Wales Fire and Rescue Service continued monitoring the site. A joint investigation by the fire service and Gwent Police is planned.

Actor Iwan Rheon discusses The Rapture, a BBC psychological thriller adapted from Liz Jensen's novel and set during a heatwave. Although filming in south Wales took place in changeable weather, the production used makeup to create the appearance of heat and sweat. Rheon says the story feels especially relevant as global temperatures rise. The series stars Ruth Madeley as forensic psychologist Dr Gabriele Fox and India Amarteifio as a teenager convicted of killing her mother who claims to have psychic abilities. Rheon also highlights Wales's expanding creative infrastructure and describes his other Welsh productions, including Out There and The Mountain.

Iwan Rheon says BBC thriller The Rapture feels especially relevant as global temperatures rise, despite the cast having filmed its heatwave scenes in changeable Welsh weather. The series follows forensic psychologist Dr Gabriele Fox, played by Ruth Madeley, as she investigates the case of 17-year-old Bethany Krall, played by India Amarteifio, who has been convicted of murdering her mother but claims innocence and psychic abilities. Rheon also discusses Wales's growing screen industry and his other Welsh productions, including Out There with Michael Sheen and The Mountain, which is being filmed on Anglesey. All episodes of The Rapture are available on BBC iPlayer.

Natural Resources Wales has confirmed that an investigation into a severe fly infestation in Glanymor, Llanelli, identified metal recycling company AMG Resources as a source. The company has been served with an enforcement notice giving it 21 days to address waste-management issues and return to compliance with its permit. Residents have reported being unable to cook or eat normally, with the problem worsening during hot weather. Carmarthenshire County Council says it has invested substantial resources, including inspections and strategically placed fly traps, while NRW seeks a swift and lasting solution.

Crisis management arrangements were activated in Wales as multiple large wildfires continued burning across the country without the availability of helicopter support. Aerial resources contracted by Natural Resources Wales were already deployed elsewhere in the UK, prompting urgent discussions to secure assistance. Firefighters tackled major blazes in north and south Wales, with smoke affecting nearby communities and residents expressing concern over the lack of aerial firefighting capability. Authorities deployed additional ground crews and equipment while urging the public to stay clear of affected areas as efforts continued to prevent further spread and protect homes, wildlife and property.

Welsh ministers will decide on a planning application for a 20m-high radar station at Cawdor Barracks, part of the AUKUS deep space surveillance programme involving the UK, US and Australia. Campaigners opposing the project argue it advances US military aims and accelerates the militarisation of space, while the UK government says the radar system is essential for tracking deep-space objects and safeguarding satellite infrastructure. The Welsh government rarely intervenes in planning applications but can do so when issues extend beyond local significance.

A 25-year-old man died at a campsite near the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd, prompting the arrest of three men on suspicion of drugs-related offences. Police said the incident is being treated as isolated and unexplained, with no wider public risk. Local officials expressed condolences and emphasized safety for residents and visitors ahead of the upcoming agricultural event.

Eight men from across the UK were charged with 34 offences following a long-running Gwent Police investigation into historical child sexual exploitation in south Wales. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised counts including rape and aiding and abetting rape, based on allegations from several women regarding abuse between 1985 and 1996. The defendants, aged 54 to 73, are set to appear before Newport Magistrates' Court on 24 July, with prosecutors emphasising the evidential basis for the charges and the defendants’ right to a fair trial.

A teenage resident of Capelulo in Conwy county recounts the fear and uncertainty of evacuating her home as a major wildfire spread across Conwy Mountain during a prolonged heatwave. Police instructed households to leave as flames approached, and the family waited hours to learn their property was safe before returning two days later. Fire crews brought the incident under control but continued to tackle other blazes in Wales amid mounting pressure from extreme conditions. The teen described relief at returning home but sadness over the extensive environmental damage, noting the long recovery time for the landscape.

A major wildfire on Conwy Mountain prompted evacuations as firefighters worked in difficult conditions to contain the blaze amid hot, dry and windy weather. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area, follow safety instructions and keep windows closed, while evacuation centres were set up for displaced households. One person was taken to hospital, and officials warned that wildfire risk remains extremely high across Wales during an ongoing heatwave, urging the public to act responsibly and stay safe near outdoor areas and water.

Mark Hughes carried the coffin of his son Alex at a funeral service in Prestbury, joined by family and leading football figures including Sir Alex Ferguson, Bryan Robson and Ryan Giggs. Alex Hughes, a former player and football agent, had worked in recruitment roles at several clubs and most recently at Grimsby Town. Family tributes highlighted his devotion to his wife Jess and their two sons. His father‑in‑law delivered a eulogy reflecting his pride in his children, and Mark and Jill Hughes released a statement expressing their heartbreak at his sudden death.

Sports figures and family gathered in Prestbury, Cheshire, for the funeral of football agent and former player Alex Hughes, son of Mark Hughes. Tributes highlighted his career in recruitment and agency work across several clubs and his devotion to his family. Mark Hughes and relatives carried the coffin, while prominent football figures including Sir Alex Ferguson attended the service. A statement from Mark Hughes expressed heartbreak over the sudden loss, underscoring Alex Hughes’ close family ties and respected standing in football.

Welsh chef Bryn Williams has replaced scones with Welsh cakes on the afternoon tea menu at Wimbledon’s Renshaw restaurant, prompting complaints from some diners who view scones as a core tournament tradition. Williams highlighted that both items are British classics and said the aim was to offer a distinctive Welsh-inspired menu. Despite the controversy, Welsh cakes have proven popular, with staff baking around 400 daily, though scones remain dominant overall, with 72,000 sold at last year’s tournament.

Alfie Watts reported that his car was broken into in Cardiff and a laptop containing his school tour presentations was stolen, though the material had been backed up and his talks continued. The theft follows two recent incidents in London and Chile during wider travel and charity activities. South Wales Police confirmed receiving the report but have identified no suspects, warning that opportunistic thefts from vehicles remain common.

Alfie Watts, winner of Race Across the World, had his car broken into in Cardiff, resulting in the theft of his laptop and other belongings during a school tour promoting mental health and resilience. The device contained presentation materials, though they were backed up, allowing his scheduled talks to continue. The incident follows two other recent thefts he experienced in London and Chile. South Wales Police confirmed they received his report but have not identified suspects, warning that valuables left in vehicles are vulnerable to opportunistic theft.

An 18-year-old participant in a Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition drowned in the River Wye at Glasbury, prompting a multi-agency search involving police, mountain rescue, firefighters and the National Police Air Service. His body was recovered after he entered the water and could not be located. Authorities supported the teenager’s friends nearby while investigators examined the scene, a popular local swimming and paddling area. The report also outlines the structure of the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme.