Author: Rhys Gregory

People who need to lose weight quickly because they have a serious medical condition will have access to weight loss drugs on the NHS in Wales. People who are waiting for time-sensitive surgery or organ transplants, women seeking fertility treatment, and people with conditions such as severe asthma, severe obstructive sleep apnoea, or cancer where weight loss would improve treatment outcomes or access to therapies will have access to the weight-loss drug tirzepatide (Mounjaro). Previously, the weight loss medication was only available on the NHS through specialist weight management services. The new arrangements ensure people with urgent clinical needs can…

The Menai Suspension Bridge will reopen fully to two-way traffic from 7am Friday, October 24 following the successful completion of temporary works to address an issue in a number of bolts on the bridge The bridge will open with a 7.5-tonne weight limit in place, as engineers have advised the previous 3-tonne weight limit can now be lifted following the installation of additional strengthening. Inspections of the temporary works  will take place every Wednesday at 10am and traffic will be managed on the bridge with stop/go signs at this time. The reopening coincides with the Menai Bridge fair, allowing traffic…

Ambulance handover delays have fallen to their lowest level in more than four years. Overall, people are waiting less time in ambulances outside hospitals, with handover delays now at their lowest since July 2021. The latest NHS performance figures, which are published today, show the time the Welsh Ambulance Service lost to handover delays at emergency departments fell by 40% in September compared to September 2024. Response times are also improving as a result – the average response time to reach people in the “amber” 999 category was 25 minutes faster in September. Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said: “We have…

Plaid Cymru has secured a significant victory in the Caerphilly Senedd by-election, with Lindsay Whittle elected as the constituency’s new Member of the Senedd. The result marks a major upset for Welsh Labour, which had held Caerphilly since devolution in 1999. The full result was: 15,961 – Lindsay Whittle, Plaid Cymru 3,713 – Richard Tunnicliffe, Welsh Labour 12,113 – Llyr Powell, Reform UK 690 – Gareth Potter, Conservatives 709 – Roger Quilliam, UKIP 516 – Gareth Hughes, Green Party 497 – Steve Aicheler, Liberal Democrats 117 – Anthony Cook, Gwlad Turnout reached 50.43%, making it the first Welsh Parliament by-election…

Last year (2024-25) Powys County Council added 22 extra homes to its council housing stock. It bought four new builds off a private developer in Ystradgynlais (Parc Brynygroes) and 18 older properties. The 18 had all previously been council houses, before they were bought by their tenants through the right-to-buy scheme. They are in Newtown, Ystradgynlais, Llandrindod Wells, Knighton and Llanspyddid. Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys said: “Buying ‘off-the-shelf’ properties is a great way of expanding our council housing stock quickly, to help meet the demand for affordable homes, and in the future,…

Modern technology has transformed how people live, communicate, and perform their daily tasks. From smartphones to artificial intelligence, the influence of digital innovation is present in nearly every aspect of life. The rise of mobile applications and online platforms has also made entertainment and connection more accessible. For instance, even traditional Filipino card games such as Tongits go in GameZone have found new life online, showing how technology bridges the gap between fun, convenience, and culture. Technology today is not just a tool; it’s an extension of human capability. Whether used at home, in schools, or at workplaces, its presence…

Counting is now underway in Caerphilly following the close of polls at 10pm, as voters wait to see who will take the vacant Senedd Cymru seat. Voters across the constituency headed to the polls throughout Thursday, 23 October to choose from eight candidates competing in what has been described as one of the most significant by-elections in the 26 years of Welsh devolution. Those standing are: Liberal Democrats: Steve Aicheler Gwlad: Anthony Cook Greens: Gareth Hughes Conservatives: Gareth Potter Reform: Llyr Powell UKIP: Roger Quilliam Labour: Richard Tunnicliffe Plaid Cymru: Lindsay Whittle The by-election was called following the death of…

Cardiff’s retail scene was taken to a whole new level last night as Sephora rolled out the black carpet for an exclusive VIP launch party ahead of the official opening of its first Welsh store at St David’s Cardiff today. The global beauty giant, which has become synonymous with prestige, inclusivity and innovation, celebrated its arrival in Wales with a glamorous evening filled with live entertainment, celebrity guests, and plenty of sparkle. The launch event brought together a mix of well-known faces, content creators, and local officials, all treated to Sephora’s signature style and flair. Guests received an exclusive Sephora…

Mae Partneriaeth Rheilffordd Gymunedol newydd wedi’i lansio yn Ne-ddwyrain Cymru, wedi’i hariannu drwy Trafnidiaeth Cymru. Wedi’i lleoli ym Merthyr, mae ‘Partneriaeth Rheilffordd Gymunedol y Tri Chwm’ yn cael ei chynnal gan Gweithredu Gwirfoddol Merthyr Tudful (VAMT) ac mae’n cynnwys cynrychiolwyr o’r sectorau gwirfoddol a thwristiaeth, darparwyr gofal iechyd, partneriaid cymunedol a’r diwydiant rheilffyrdd. Ei hamcan fydd hyrwyddo teithio cynaliadwy, iechyd a lles, twristiaeth a datblygiad economaidd ar hyd y rheilffyrdd sy’n cysylltu Treherbert, Aberdâr a Merthyr â Chaerdydd. Drwy ganolbwyntio ar brosiectau lleol, mae’r bartneriaeth yn anelu at wneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol i’r bobl a’r cymunedau y mae’n eu gwasanaethu. Dywedodd…

Parents who have built their families through adoption are encouraging others to consider providing children in care a stable, safe home through adoption. This National Adoption Week (October 20 to 26), the National Adoption Service for Wales is asking more Welsh people to consider adoption when planning their families as part of its ‘Now Is a Good Time’ campaign. The campaign is inspired by stories of the lifechanging moment parents took the decision to begin the adoption process, and the personal recommendations that helped them get there. Every family is unique, and the National Adoption Service supports a diverse range…