Author: Rhys Gregory

A Newport pilot area for a £500,000 fund that is targeted at tackling poverty related issues was formally approved by the cabinet this week. Since the council leader, Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, announced the No-One Left Behind Fund earlier this year, a working group has developed a framework to pilot the allocation of the fund. Councillor Jason Hughes, cabinet member for communities, and Councillor Mark Howells, leader of the Independent Group, have been pivotal in leading this work with senior officers. Having identified the most deprived areas of the city, a decision has been taken to focus on Tredegar Park (Duffryn)…

Blaenau Gwent Council is taking proactive steps to improve pupil wellbeing, behaviour, and learning outcomes by introducing consistent guidance on mobile phone and smart device usage in schools. The guidance, developed in consultation with schools and trade unions, will be shared with all schools and governing bodies and can be implemented after October half term 2025 at a time and pace set by individual settings. This move comes in response to growing evidence from the borough’s schools of the negative impact of mobile devices on classroom behaviour, social interaction, and focus. Research from, for example, UNESCO, Estyn, and the NEU…

A new £10.5m wheel lathe facility opening in Holyhead today will improve reliability for the rail network across Wales. The automatic lathe – an important maintenance tool that can repair worn or damaged wheels – is part of the Welsh Government’s Network North Wales initiative. Trains in North Wales will no longer need to travel to the existing lathe in Canton, Cardiff – meaning Transport for Wales’ entire fleet of trains will be maintained and serviced quicker. The project has been completed on time ahead of the busy autumn season, when falling leaves make well-maintained wheels even more important. Cabinet…

People with long-term alcohol problems are learning to prepare meals together – thanks to a new project that addresses the poor nutrition and social isolation often linked to alcohol misuse. Feeding Recovery is being delivered in Swansea and Cardiff, by Barod and the Nelson Trust, organisations who support the long term recovery of people affected by substance use, who are ready to make positive changes to their lives. At a visit to a project in Swansea, the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy, met people attending a cookery class and found out more about how the project is helping…

Thousands of primary school children across Cardiff and Penarth will be safer and more visible this autumn thanks to a major donation from a group of opticians. Five Specsavers stores located in Cardiff and Penarth have come together to invest £15,000 to donate 7,500 high-visibility vests to every pupil aged four to seven across the communities they serve. The initiative was launched in Victoria Primary School in Penarth, where pupils from reception, year one and year two were the first to receive their vests as part of the new Specsavers Sees Kids campaign. Over the coming weeks, teams from the opticians will visit…

Some of Cardiff’s best-known food and drink retailers are now using cutting edge technology. Curado Bar and Tiny Rebel are the latest businesses to benefit from the Welsh telco’s upgrade, joining anchor tenant Cardiff Arms Park on Ogi’s new full fibre spine running through the westgate entrance to Central Square. Backed by its privately-funded infrastructure rollout, Ogi’s expansion is helping put homegrown hospitality venues in the fast lane – giving them the bandwidth and reliability to power bookings, back-of-house systems, tills and provide secure guest wifi. Ben Potts, General Manager from Curado Bar, at the edge of the Castle Quarter,…

The conversation around academic integrity and content authenticity has changed dramatically since large-language models went mainstream. I spend my days toggling between automated detectors like Turnitin’s AI checker, GPTZero, and Smodin’s detector, then reviewing the same passages with a red pen. After two years of this back-and-forth, one question dominates the staff lounge: should we trust the algorithm or the human eye? Below, I lay out what the data and my own workflow have taught me. Spoiler: neither side wins outright, but understanding where each shines will save you hours and a few headaches along the way. How Today’s AI…

Are you unsure where an elderly loved one should receive care safely? Choosing the right elder care placement can feel confusing and full of questions. Many families struggle to know what factors matter most when making these decisions. The process can feel overwhelming without clear steps to follow or advice to rely on. Keep reading to learn what options are available and what fits best. In-Home Care Services In-home care helps elderly adults stay safe and comfortable in their own homes. Caregivers can assist with daily tasks, provide company, and offer gentle reminders. Families often feel less stress knowing someone…

A Welsh Government minister has praised a pioneering North Wales music scheme that’s transformed access to music lessons for thousands of children. Culture Minister Jack Sargeant visited Ysgol Esgob in St Asaph to mark the 10th anniversary of the North Wales Music Cooperative that’s saved the music service in three counties. The organisation, which operates in Wrexham, Denbighshire and Conwy, ensures every child can learn to play instrument – whatever their background. Mr Sargeant joined Year 3 pupils for a lively “First Experiences” session, watching them master their first notes on bright plastic pBuzz brass instruments under the guidance of…

The National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) has launched its latest report: A Perfect Storm — Is Wales doing enough to co-ordinate action and engage communities in adapting our infrastructure to a changing climate? The report warns that without urgent action to prepare for the worsening impacts of climate change, Wales risks being left dangerously exposed — with yet more devastating floods, record-breaking heatwaves and coastal erosion in decades to come. However, Wales has the chance to lead in climate resilience if communities, government and infrastructure providers act together. NICW states that while there is strong political focus on cutting…