City of north Wales, site of recent local and cultural developments
BBC reports that actor Michael Sheen has pressed MPs to back a national PCB testing and cleanup programme after tests showed elevated contamination at sites linked to Monsanto. The Welsh government calls contaminated land a key priority, amid questions over who should fund testing and cleanup. The Welsh Affairs Committee is also hearing from researchers and journalists who documented findings.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warns that AI poses a Hiroshima‑style risk unless international rules are agreed. She outlines concerns over climate change, migration and foreign interference, and argues for a stronger UK‑EU relationship in security and trade.
Wrexham has confirmed a high-profile pre-season tour to the United States, with fixtures against Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland. The team is focused on training and results as injuries shape squad selection ahead of the Championship campaign.
The Doctor Who screenwriter has spoken about his husband Andrew Smith’s death from glioblastoma in 2018. He says caregiving was hard but he would have done it for 50 more years. Smith and Davies were together 20 years, married in 2012, and Davies is dating Oliver Cole. Davies will publish a memoir about his career this year.
A 5cm crustacean fossil from Brymbo is named Pygocephalus brymboensis after the site, where 17 specimens have been found at the new Stori Brymbo heritage attraction. The find reveals a spiky, previously unrecognised form and highlights year‑round excavations and forensic‑science training on the site.
Four young women have told the BBC they were sexually assaulted and harassed at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, prompting calls for an independent inquiry and reforms. The Army says unacceptable behaviour has no place in its forces and urges victims to come forward. Reports outline a pattern of misconduct dating back years, with official data showing hundreds of complaints linked to the college.
BBC and Independent investigations reveal claimed PCB dumps linked to Monsanto in the 1980s, with residents near sites testing high PCB levels. Michael Sheen addresses public health concerns as whistleblowers push for accountability. The BBC documents trace alleged historic dumping and calls for fresh statutory testing
The Welsh election ends Labour’s 26-year hold on the Senedd, with Plaid Cymru forming a minority government alongside Reform UK. The new coalition faces internal clashes over policy, from refugees to devolved powers, as it sets out its first days in power.
The bank holiday weekend is marked by widespread rail disruption due to a Birmingham power outage affecting CrossCountry’s control centre. Plans for a near-normal service on Monday are in flux as rail routes face cancellations, rail replacement buses are in place, and tickets remain valid across operators amid disruption.
A band of thunderstorms and heavy rain has prompted yellow weather warnings across much of England and Wales. The Met Office warns of disruption to transport and potential flooding, with 81 areas under warning and multiple flood alerts. Homeowners in Perry Barr have already seen flooding, as forecasters anticipate further downpours over the bank holiday weekend.