**Wales Daily Briefing: Breaking News, Weather, and Travel Updates for Friday, 13 June**
Residents across Wales woke up to a busy Friday, with a mix of breaking news, weather warnings, and travel disruptions as the top stories continued to unfold. Our news roundup covers the latest events from across the country and notable updates from further afield, reflecting a day of significant developments for Welsh communities.
A significant police operation took place in Llanelli, where a bomb squad was deployed to New Dock Road. Local authorities established a 100-metre cordon, evacuating several homes and urging local residents to steer clear of the area. No further information on the nature of the alert had been released at the time of reporting, but the situation drew considerable attention on social media, with community members sharing concerns and updates.
Elsewhere, the family of a couple and their young daughter from Newport mourned after being named in connection with travellers on an Air India flight. Tributes have poured in for the family, with many in the community expressing their condolences. Emergency crews were reportedly active at the scene, though official statements regarding the incident remain limited as authorities continue their investigation.
Tragic news emerged from Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), where two women lost their lives after entering the pools along the Watkin Path. The shocking incident has prompted renewed discussions around safety at popular beauty spots, especially as Wales heads into the summer season and more visitors flock to its natural landscapes.
In Merthyr Tydfil, a pensioner has become the unlikely centre of a debate over new infrastructure, steadfastly refusing to vacate his home of 65 years amid the construction of a £2 billion road scheme. The road has now been engineered to curve around his property, illustrating the personal side of grand development projects and the lengths some individuals will go to protect their homes.
Court coverage today highlighted the sentencing of Ryan Bonsu, 30, labelled a ‘very high risk’ to young women, for attempting to record an assault on a teenager. Another case saw former company director Zahid Afzal exposed for pocketing £150,000 via fraudulent Covid business loans—an act for which the presiding judge condemned the abuse of emergency public support systems during the pandemic.
Turning to national concerns, Welsh Water warned that parts of the country could soon face a hosepipe ban, after a drier-than-usual spring and early summer resulted in a developing drought classification. Official guidance urged the public to prepare for possible restrictions as water levels continue to drop.
Weatherwise, the Met Office issued yellow warnings across 20 counties, forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorms through the weekend. Flooding and lightning strikes are anticipated to affect roads near Swansea and Neath, further complicating travel plans and causing delays on the M4. However, a more optimistic note forecasted that temperatures could climb to 25°C by next week, promising a return of summer conditions.
Political developments also featured today as campaigners called on the government to legislate for council tax discounts for all those over state pension age. A parliamentary petition on the subject has been launched, gaining traction as the cost-of-living debate continues to dominate headlines.
In other news, police are investigating allegations of public indecency in south-west Wales, following the arrest of a man. Officers have appealed to the public to help identify a female involved in the reported incident, emphasising their ongoing commitment to community safety.
As Wales navigates a day shaped by community concerns, extreme weather, and national discourse, our updates provide a snapshot of life across the principality. Readers seeking to stay informed are encouraged to sign up for regular newsletters and updates, ensuring they remain connected to the stories that matter most.