Capital and largest city of Wales, political hub for the Welsh Parliament
A series of fatal crashes involving drivers under the influence has intensified calls for lifetime driving bans. In each case, drivers have been linked to alcohol or drug impairment, leading to the death or severe injury of victims. Courts and officials are responding with harsher penalties and stronger enforcement.
BBC confirms the long-running sci-fi series will not have a Christmas special as plans mature for a competitive tendering process. Russell T Davies has exited, with the BBC planning to invest in the show’s long-term future and explore external platforms.
Scotland Under-20s have advanced to the semi-finals after beating Argentina 44-26, setting up a potential fifth-place finish. Pringle has rotated his squad, hoping to replicate or improve on their 2017 fifth-place benchmark.
The World Cup has continued to lift pub takings and footfall across the UK, with extended licensing hours and late kick-offs driving strong sales in pub chains and local venues. Bar and hospitality groups report higher food, drink and overall spend during group-stage and knockout matches, while authorities warn about fatigue from late-night revelry.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
Swatch and Audemars Piguet have launched the Royal Pop pocket watches to mixed reception. Crowds have formed at stores worldwide, with safety concerns prompting closures in several cities. Early resale prices spike, while Swatch says the collection will remain available for months and is not limited.
England has tightened its grip in a weather-impacted Test against New Zealand, but rain threatens a decisive finish. New Zealand is 55 for five chasing 199, with Phillips and Conway offering brief resistance in a day interrupted by showers.
The London Marathon will be staged over two days in 2027 to enable 100,000 runners to participate, doubling ballot chances and boosting charity income and the UK economy. The plan, backed by the mayor and multiple stakeholders, will preserve the traditional route from Greenwich to Westminster while highlighting a world-first city-wide celebration.
Bonnie Tyler has left an induced coma and remains very unwell in intensive care in Portugal after emergency intestinal surgery. While doctors say her condition is improving slowly, all remaining summer shows have been cancelled or postponed, with autumn dates still possibly going ahead.
A multi-country heatwave has pushed Europe to record temperatures, with the UK recording its hottest June day. Health alerts remain in place in parts of Europe as authorities warn of heat-related risks and disruptions to transport and daily life.
Keir Starmer has delivered a formal parliament apology for historical forced adoption practices in England and Wales (1949–1976). The government has committed a £4 million package to help victims access records, reconnect families, and fund research on long-term impacts. Campaigners welcomed the move after decades of advocacy, noting ongoing needs for trauma support and record access.
Kian Bateman has been given a life sentence after fatally striking Shelley Davies and seriously injuring her partner outside a Cardiff club. He was high on nitrous oxide and did not see Davies in the road before accelerating towards Bratcher. The judge has ordered at least 17 years in prison and imposed driving bans.
A multi-source review shows June and early July 2026 have delivered record heat across Western Europe, driven by fossil-fuel emissions. Authorities warn of health, infrastructure and ecological risks as temperatures stay high and humidity rises; experts say hotter, longer heatwaves are the new normal.
Scottish- and Welsh-born star Bonnie Tyler has died in a hospital in Portugal after an illness, with family confirming the loss. She rose to fame with Total Eclipse of the Heart and held a long international career. Several colleagues have paid tribute.