Oscar Edwards

A fire near Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil has suspended helipad use and disrupted air ambulance access. The hospital’s health board warned that patients needing urgent specialist treatment may be diverted to other hospitals, potentially causing delays and longer transfers, while the emergency department remains open. Fire crews and police are responding, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Great British Bake Off winner Georgina Grasso has revealed that she was diagnosed with bipolar type 2 and autism after previously identifying as having ADHD. The Carmarthenshire-based former nurse said the diagnosis came as a shock, prompted her to question her identity and ability to maintain her workload, but also explained aspects of her past and brought some relief. She has started new medication and asked followers with experience of bipolar disorder for advice. The article explains that bipolar type 2 involves severe depression and hypomania, and notes that bipolar disorder and ADHD can share symptoms and be misdiagnosed.

Former Great British Bake Off winner Georgina Grasso has revealed that she was diagnosed with bipolar 2 and autism after previously believing she had ADHD. The Carmarthenshire content creator said the diagnosis was shocking but also brought some relief by explaining aspects of her experiences. She described feeling uncertain, worried about judgment and concerned about maintaining her workload, while beginning medication and asking followers with bipolar experience for support. The report explains that bipolar 2 involves severe depression and hypomania, and notes that bipolar and ADHD can be difficult to distinguish because their symptoms overlap.

Wildfires across Wales prompted the evacuation of dozens of homes near Llandovery, road closures and a major-incident declaration. An emergency alert warned people in England and Wales not to light fires amid very high national wildfire risk. South Wales Fire and Rescue requested military assistance, with personnel supporting logistics and evacuations. Residents and local businesses described fear, disruption and financial losses, while community groups provided shelter and food. Police arrested four 14-year-old boys on suspicion of arson after a deliberate fire near Porth.

Wildfires across Wales, including a major incident near Llandovery in Carmarthenshire, forced the evacuation of dozens of homes, a care community and other residents while roads were closed. The UK government issued an emergency alert warning of a very high national wildfire risk and deployed military personnel to support South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. High temperatures, difficult terrain and shifting winds were complicating firefighting, with communities providing food, accommodation and other assistance. Police arrested four 14-year-old boys on suspicion of arson in connection with a fire near Porth, while officials warned that further hot weather could lead to a demanding weekend for emergency crews.

Gwent Police has launched a murder investigation after 56-year-old Anthony “Tony” Jones died following violent disorder on Mill Street in Pontnewynydd, near Pontypool. Ten men were arrested, two people were hospitalised and three of those arrested were released on bail. Police are seeking Anthony Paul Jones, 40, of Blaenavon, for questioning and are appealing for information about a blue Ford Transit van allegedly involved in the incident.

A Slim Chickens restaurant in Cardiff received a zero food hygiene rating after a 29 June inspection, with the Food Standards Agency identifying major shortcomings in food-safety management, facility cleanliness, and food handling. The branch temporarily closed, which the Boparan Restaurant Group described as voluntary, and reopened after refurbishment in mid-July. Food safety expert Julie Rasmussen said the fall from a five-star rating in April was surprising and noted that a zero rating requires urgent improvement. The restaurant is awaiting a re-inspection by Vale of Glamorgan Environmental Health.

Sam Knight suffered third-degree burns after stepping on hot sand at Cefn Sidan Beach in Carmarthenshire, despite moving and extinguishing a disposable barbecue. Burns specialists David Fligelstone and Menna Davies say such incidents are increasing because sand remains dangerously hot for a long time. They recommend raising barbecues on stones, bricks or a stand, cooling the sand thoroughly and disposing of used barbecues in hot-ash bins or taking them home. The article also provides NHS first-aid guidance for burns.

Sam Knight, 27, suffered third-degree burns after stepping on hot sand at Cefn Sidan Beach in Carmarthenshire following use of a disposable barbecue. Burns specialists at Swansea Bay University Health Board say incidents are increasing because sand can retain dangerous heat long after a barbecue has been moved. They recommend placing barbecues on stones, bricks or a stand, and disposing of them in hot-ash bins or taking them home. Knight’s recovery took weeks, and he now warns beachgoers about the risk.

Five people were arrested on suspicion of affray after reports of a fight involving weapons at a car wash on Cardiff Road in Taff's Well. South Wales Police attended at about 11:50 BST on Sunday with assistance from specialist firearms officers. No injuries were reported, police said there was no wider risk to the public, and inquiries remain ongoing.

A tropical ocean sunfish washed ashore and died on Traeth Trwyn y Fach beach in Abersoch, Gwynedd, after recent UK heatwaves. Experts say sunfish commonly visit Welsh waters in summer to feed on jellyfish, but sightings have increased alongside reports of warmer seas and more jellyfish. Marine Environmental Monitoring said the dead fish could not be analysed because it was found too late, while noting broader changes in marine species distribution and advising the public to contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue when they find stranded animals.

Anton Honchanka recalls spending four weeks in Wales in 1999 through the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline programme after leaving his contaminated hometown of Gomel, Belarus. He stayed with Angela Davies and later Peter and Linda Amoss in Llanharry, forming close bonds with the families despite the language barrier. The recuperative visits gave children from Belarus and Ukraine access to cleaner air, food, water and medical support, while Welsh communities provided clothing, dental care and other assistance. Honchanka, now a father of two, says Wales remains close to his heart and hopes to reunite with his former host families, who likewise remember the experience warmly.

Otis Lawrence, an 18-year-old from Swansea, became the youngest-ever Formula One Esports world champion and the first Welshman to win the title, securing victory by two points. His success highlights sim racing as an accessible pathway into motorsport, traditionally viewed as elitist due to high costs. Lawrence’s career has progressed through major esports teams including Alpine, McLaren and Aston Martin, and he hopes it will lead to future opportunities in Formula One. Other sim racers such as Lucas Blakeley and commentator George Morgan describe a growing overlap between esports and real-world racing, driven by technology and the need for affordable alternatives to traditional motorsport. Sim racing is increasingly seen as a proving ground for talent and an essential tool for modern racing development.

Amy Dowden unveiled a bronze 3D map sculpture in Caerphilly featuring a miniature figure of herself alongside other local figures as part of a wider regeneration project at Dafydd Williams Park. The event included a performance by students from her childhood dance school and community tributes such as a florist’s display. The installation forms part of Caerphilly Council’s long-term plan to revitalise the town with new attractions and public art, supported by artist Sebastien Boyesen, also known for creating Abertillery’s Guardian memorial.

An 18-year-old from Swansea has been charged with the murder of another 18-year-old, Ceiran Evans, following a collision between a car and an off‑road bike in Gorseinon. He also faces an attempted murder charge after a second man was seriously injured. Four additional men arrested in connection with the case have been released on bail. South Wales Police continue to investigate and have urged the public not to share circulating social media footage while appealing for further information.

Police charged 18-year-old Tyler Ford with the murder of Ceiran Evans following a collision between a car and an off-road bike in Gorseinon, Swansea. Ford is also accused of attempting to murder a second man who remains in hospital. Four additional men were arrested in connection with the incident and released on bail. South Wales Police continue to investigate and have urged the public not to share circulating footage of the crash.

Police footage captured Owen Pendree performing dangerous manoeuvres in Newport before officers used a stinger to stop him, after which he threw his electric motorbike into the River Usk. Supported by aerial units, Gwent Police arrested him near Clarence Place. Pendree pleaded guilty to multiple offences including dangerous driving and was sentenced to 12 months in prison and a three‑and‑a‑half‑year driving ban, with officers emphasising that the video evidence left little room for dispute.

Police pursued disqualified driver Owen Pendree through Newport after he was seen performing wheelies and weaving through traffic on a Sur-Ron electric bike. A stinger device stopped the vehicle, and Pendree threw it off Newport Town Bridge before being arrested. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and without insurance, and received a 12‑month prison sentence and a three‑and‑a‑half‑year driving ban. Gwent Police highlighted the role of video evidence and emphasised the consequences for dangerous drivers.

Three South Wales Police officers were honoured for bravery after arresting a man who threatened them with a knife and a chainsaw during a violent incident in a Bridgend flat. Tommy Gillespie received prison sentences for affray, criminal damage and threatening with an offensive weapon. The officers were recognised at the National Police Bravery Awards in London, where Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood praised their dedication to public safety.

Pub numbers in Wales have risen slightly in 2026 despite widespread closures across the UK, offering rare optimism for the hospitality sector. Industry figures and pub owners attribute survival to shifts toward daytime trade, family-friendly environments, aesthetic appeal, and community involvement. Rising costs, changes in drinking habits, and pandemic impacts continue to pressure the sector, with thousands of job losses across the UK. Examples from Rhyl and Bala illustrate adaptation through food-led business models, use of local produce, and preservation of heritage. The Welsh government plans business rates reform and a new taskforce to support high street recovery.

Pub numbers in Wales have risen slightly in 2026 despite widespread closures across the UK, offering rare optimism for the hospitality sector. Industry pressures including energy costs, business rates and shifting social habits continue to challenge pubs, while community‑owned venues and businesses adapting with food, events and family‑friendly offerings show stronger resilience. Young people increasingly choose venues based on aesthetics and atmosphere rather than price, and many are drinking less. Industry figures call for long-term government support, with the Welsh government pledging business rate reforms and a new taskforce to support high streets and hospitality.

A Cardiff woman sought medical advice after a vivid dream convinced her that a mole on her chest was cancerous, leading to an early diagnosis of stage 1b malignant melanoma. Chelsea Rees described acting on intuition following her uncle’s recent death from cancer, prompting her GP to refer her for dermatological assessment and surgery. Further procedures confirmed early detection, and she continues follow‑up checks. She praised Macmillan Cancer Support for counselling and urged others to monitor skin changes and seek medical advice promptly.