Dyfed-Powys Police say they are dealing with a major incident in Kidwelly, following a report of a collision involving a bus on the A484 near the Kidwelly roundabout (Parc y Bocs).
The road is closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog, and motorists are asked to find alternative routes.
Emergency services are on scene.
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A recent recall of a medication taken by more than 1 million Americans has been upgraded to a class II over concerns the drug does not work properly.
The recall of Chlorthalidone tablets was first issued June 5 and classed on June 22 due to ‘failed dissolution specifications.’
This means there is a problem with how the medication dissolves in the body, which could indicate the drug dissolves too slowly, too quickly or not fully.
This could then mean the amount of active drug released into the body is either more or less within a certain timeframe.
If a medication does not dissolve properly, it may not work as intended, which could pose serious risks to people taking it to control a medical condition.
When a drug dissolves too slowly, the body may not absorb enough and symptoms may not be treated or controlled properly.
If it dissolves too fast, there is the potential for side effects or safety issues.
Chlorthalidone is a prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure and reduce excess fluid retention caused by heart, liver or kidney conditions.
If a medication does not dissolve properly, it may not work as intended, which could pose serious risks to people taking it to control a medical condition
About 5 million prescriptions are written for about 1.5 million Americans per year.
A class II recall indicates: ‘A situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.’
The recall applies to 100- and 1,000-tablet bottles of 25 mg pills with the expiration date of April 2027.
The medication is manufactured by Inventia Healthcare Limited and distributed by Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc.
Approximately 11,460 bottles have been recalled.
The 100-tablet bottles have the NDC 64980-599-01 and batch code RISA24001 and the 1,000-tablet bottles have the NDC 64980-599-10 and batch code ISB24002.
The FDA has not issued guidance on what people should do who take the medication but in similar previous recalls, it has been advised for patients to urgently contact their doctors.
If someone is taking the drug for high blood pressure and it does not work properly, they could be at risk of uncontrolled hypertension.
Untreated high blood pressure can cause serious complications, such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage and blood vessel damage.
If a person is taking it for fluid retention and their edema goes untreated, they could suffer worsening swelling in the legs, around the lungs and in their abdomen, shortness of breath and strain on their kidneys or heart.
Patients are also at risk of side effects if the drug doesn’t work correctly, including electrolyte imbalances, low potassium, low sodium and low magnesium.
This may lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, cramping, irregular heartbeat, confusion, seizures, headaches, reduced kidney function, low blood pressure and high blood sugar.
Damian Robinson, 31, rode the FunBikes X-Max Roughrider 110cc off-road machine illegally on Glenbrook Drive on Sunday, April 26.
He pleaded guilty to the offence.
At Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, the defendant, of Tordoff Way, Barry was ordered to pay £760.
Robinson was fined £450 and hit with a £180 victim surcharge and £130 prosecution costs.
His driving record was endorsed with six penalty points.
The tour, which kicked off in April and stretches well into 2027, will span 34 cities. BTS and their record label Hybe stand to make nearly $2bn (£1.5bn) from their reunion, derived from concerts, merchandise, licensing, album sales and streaming revenue, some analysts told Reuters news agency.
Across Asia, the number of people vying for tickets exceeded what’s available by 15 times, the BBC understands.
They are still adding new dates because of the staggering demand. Just last week, Jakarta and Bulacan in the Philippines learned they would each host a third show.
When the new date was announced, Vevee decided to “fight for those tickets again”, but on official channels, unlike last time when panic got the better of her, she explains.
“I was about to go into a meeting at work and was so terrified that someone else would grab the tickets. I just wanted to transfer the money quickly to lock them in, she says.
“If I had just taken a moment to calm down, I might have spotted the red flags.”
In Singapore, the police have received at least 62 complaints involving BTS concert tickets since 1 June, with losses amounting to more than S$68,000.
E-commerce company Carousell has suspended the reselling of tickets on its platform, and the ban will be in place until 22 December, the date of BTS’ final show in Singapore.
Last week, the Malaysian police said they have received 28 reports from individuals claiming they had been cheated while trying to secure tickets. Authorities are trying to trace “mule accounts” involved in the transactions, they say.
In the early years, BTS’ concerts were largely in South Korea, Japan and the US. As the band grew more famous, and fans from across the world joined their “Army”, their schedule expanded to more of Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
But the ongoing Arirang World Tour is the first time the band will stage multiple shows in five South East Asian countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Tickets in the region are priced between $100 and $300. The most expensive package includes access to pre-show soundchecks, premium seats and BTS merchandise.
Dr Amir Khan is one of the UK’s most well-known health experts (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The UK is basking in another heatwave this week, with temperatures due to hit 40 degrees in some areas. While this is great news for those who love the hot weather, for those who aren’t as keen, it’s going be very uncomfortable indeed. And if you’ve ever heard someone complaining they’re suffering in the heat while you don’t think it’s so bad, it turns out there’s a science behind it.
Dr Amir Khan is a familiar face on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, where he regularly dishes out useful health information and advice. And now he has explained why women tend to feel hot weather more than men.
Speaking in a video on TikTok, Dr Khan said the idea that women feel the heat more strongly is not simply a matter of perception. “They (women) are not being dramatic,” he said. “They are being factual, and it’s really fascinating in terms of the reason behind it.
“So we know that hormones play a role, and that’s true. Estrogen and progesterone can affect how your body regulates temperature, and menopause and hot flushes can make things so much worse.
“So absolutely that is true. But there are some other things that people just don’t think about.”
He continued by explaining how the way women’s bodies generally differ from men’s contributes to the problem. “Women tend to have smaller bodies and less blood volume than men,” he said. “That means, when temperatures rise, the body has less circulating blood available to move heat from the core to the skin, where it can escape. So that takes longer.
“Women also tend to have smaller hearts and narrower blood vessels, so shifting blood around the body to get rid of excess heat may be slightly less efficient than that of a man’s.
“And here’s a really interesting one I think. Research suggests women often have a higher skin temperature, but a lower core temperature than men. So, even when their body isn’t actually overheating, they can feel hot and more uncomfortable as well.”
Dr Khan also said women’s generally smaller bodies can also mean they are likely to get dehydrated more quickly, particularly through sweating. “A litre of sweat lost affects a petite woman much more than a large man, for example,” he said.
Continuing, he said: “There’s also things like iron deficiency. Women are much more likely to be low in iron because of periods. And if your iron levels are low, hot weather can leave you feeling absolutely wiped out, dizzy, and exhausted.
“And let’s not forget all those things like sleep. Women are already more likely to be struggling with sleep disruption during perimenopause and menopause. So hot weather just adds to that awfulness. And poor sleep then makes you feel less able to cope with the heat the next day.”
Concluding, he said: “I know hot weather is nice for lots of us, but, if you’re struggling and if you’re feeling it, particularly as a woman, you know why that is, and you can absolutely complain about it. It is your biology, and complain about it if you need to.”
There are a number ways to keep yourself cool during the hot weather. The government provided the following tips:
The last time I recall witnessing the force of nature that is Skunk Anansie was around 1995, in Cardiff University Students Union and at a volume so loud that the vibrations literally blew the tiles off the roof. Happy pre-health and safety days. The British rock survivors’ latest appearance in the city sidesteps any potential for a similar incident thanks to its open-air setting – at Cardiff Castle on a double-header tour with the similarly venerable Garbage, part of the Depot Live summer concert programme there.
Over 30 years later, then, and reason to wonder if Skunk Anansie have quietened down a tad? No way: their set this evening is raw, bouncing and full-throttle. At a mere 58 years young, frontwoman Skin rocks the stage and brings an unrelenting energy to the set. Manic, fierce and awesome on every level, her London twang rings loud across the packed-out lawn; as she jokes about everything from our current political situation to her own roots, Skin’s chat comes easily and without apology. A woman who is in control and knows it.
It’s a set that includes plenty of Skunk Anansie’s signature songs: This Means War, Weak – which Skin performs while crowdsurfing – and Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good) being perhaps the three standouts. And Skin’s respect for her touring partners is underlined when she returns to the stage to introduce Garbage – cue her equally iconic counterpart, Shirley Manson, arriving onstage in a leather kilt to a fully pumped-up crowd.
Whereupon Manson goes on to quite simply kill it, packing a voice as good as it was in Garbage’s first flush – if not better. Like Skin, she’s been around a long time, and retained a kickass attitude. The Edinburgh-born Manson and her American bandmates serve up a fantastic show for an audience predominantly old enough to have grown up with iconic songs like Stupid Girl, Only Happy When It Rains and I Think I’m Paranoid.
Everyone went home happy, sweaty and rocked out from a massive, anthem-heavy night to kick off another week of high-profile live events across Cardiff.
Garbage + Skunk Anansie, Cardiff Castle, Mon 22 June
words ANTONIA LEVAY photos KEVIN PICK
A financial expert has revealed his “secret” word for securing the best deals on numerous household bills. Using this phrase could unlock a range of discounts and offers when “haggling” over the phone.
Many of us attempt to obtain the best value for money regarding our shopping and bills. Accumulating points, utilising coupons, and browsing price comparison websites can all assist with this.
However, there are some less well-known techniques that can prove effective too. In a video posted to his Money Saving Expert (MSE) website, Martin Lewis revealed a straightforward hack to attempt.
Martin said: “Do you want to know the secret to haggling with call centres? We’re talking breakdown, cover mobile phones, digital TV, insurance companies and more.”
According to Martin, deploying a particular word could help secure these deals. He continued: “It’s one of language.”
Initially, you’ll need to inform the company that you’re dissatisfied with your current service, or that you’re considering leaving. You then want to be transferred to a department called customer disconnections, as this is where some of the “best deals” are available.
He said: “What really happens is when they say to us, ‘Okay, I’ll put you through to customer disconnections’ if you say, ‘I’m going to leave.’ In reality, they’re putting you through to customer retentions.
“That’s the place where they have the people who have got the power and authority to keep you as a customer and give you the best deals and discounts.”
Martin explained: “So if you first go through to call centre staff and you’re politely talking with them and they’re not giving you what you want, then again, with a smile on your face, because we must use charm to get the best deals, ask to be put through to disconnections.
“And then you may get a much better deal.” The MSE website provided additional guidance on speaking to disconnections.
It highlighted that timing is crucial. “Haggling works best when you’re near or beyond the end of your contract,” MSE said.
There are also certain phrases that can work. MSE said: “You may find that your customer service rep will only offer a small discount at first, but if you don’t agree with the price, try phrases like:
It added: “Don’t say yes to the first offer they give. You should never go with the first offer. Chances are, it’s not the best deal they can do. Remember, be firm.”
For more information, visit the MSE website here.
Rebecca Evans CBE has taken on the role for Horatio’s Garden Wales, based at University Hospital Llandough, which supports people with spinal injuries through therapeutic garden spaces.
A long-time supporter of the charity, Ms Evans said: “Horatio’s Garden is such a very special charity that has created the most beautiful, accessible gardens, providing a measure of peace, therapeutic benefits and much-needed joyous surroundings to patients and their families during what can be incredibly challenging times.
“I feel so very privileged to be an ambassador for the Welsh Garden at Llandough Hospital.”
She previously performed at the charity’s annual carol service last year.
The garden at Llandough is one of eight Horatio’s Gardens located at spinal injury centres across the UK.
Katie Tait, CEO of Horatio’s Garden, said: “We are so grateful for Rebecca’s brilliant commitment to supporting people spending time in Horatio’s Garden.
“Her support will help raise awareness of our mission and inspire others to ensure people in Wales can access the care, community and restorative benefits they need after a life-changing spinal injury.”
More information about the charity’s work can be found at horatiosgarden.org.uk.
Lucy Beckwith is one of only 23 people in Ireland who live with a rare condition.
‘Daily life for me can be different every day,’ says the Castlebar, Co. Mayo native.
‘I struggle with my muscles and my main challenges are doing a lot of physical movement. Fatigue is one of my consistent symptoms and this is something that I have to manage in order to keep up a good routine. I will plan my busy days so that I then have plenty of rest days afterwards.’
This is because Lucy lives with cystinosis, an extremely rare metabolic disease with life-long effects.
It is characterised by an accumulation of the amino acid cystine in the organs and tissues of the body, leading to severe organ dysfunction, including the kidneys, eyes, liver, muscles, and central nervous system.
It is caused by a breakdown in the mechanism for removing cystine from the cells, causing it to crystallise and reach toxic levels.
Lucy Beckwith, who lives with cystinosis
Cystinosis is a genetic disease meaning both parents must carry a faulty gene for it to be passed on to a child. People with one copy of the faulty gene are carriers but will not have cystinosis themselves.
And Lucy’s condition means she has to take 30 pills a day and struggles with movement.
‘Due to my cystinosis, I had to have a kidney transplant in 2018 and I also had an unrelated spinal surgery the same year to remove a tumour. I now take 30 pills each day which are all different drugs to help manage aspects of cystinosis, my transplant, and high blood pressure. I am very grateful for all of the support that I had during that time and, despite it being extremely challenging, I came out the other side.’
Cystinosis Ireland will be at the heart of a major global gathering devoted to an extremely rare disease that affects 2,000 people around the world and 23 people here in Ireland.
The conference, Cystinosis Solidarity, is being presented in partnership with Cystinosis Network Europe, and is set to welcome more than 250 people from 22 countries to the event which will take place in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, from July 2-4.
The gathering will provide a forum for the cystinosis community, as well as for clinicians and scientists, to share lived experiences, the challenges people face and progress in developing new treatments.
Among the topics being featured at the conference will be research updates from around the world, including the latest gene therapy developments, more patient-friendly treatments, and the use of AI in research.
There will also be breakout sessions for different age groups and members of the family, such as parents and partners, as well as on aspects of living with cystinosis such as eye health, fertility and following a ketogenic diet.
The earliest symptoms of cystinosis can include excessive thirst and urination, feeding issues and vomiting. A condition called Fanconi Syndrome, caused by cystinosis, leads to the kidney’s inability to retain nutrients and children may fail to thrive.
They may even be diagnosed with rickets—a weakening and softening of the bones. As crystal deposits build up in the eyes, this can lead to sensitivity to light and other eye complications.
Cystinosis is typically diagnosed by a paediatric nephrologist using a blood test to identify elevated cystine levels in white blood cells. In addition, a urine test can show if there are high levels of protein and electrolytes. Finally, a genetic test may be offered in some situations.
At present, while there is no cure for cystinosis, treatments are available that slow the progress of the disease.
However, these can be difficult for patients to take. Additional medications and supplements must be taken to replace the nutrients and electrolytes lost due to excessive urination.
Professor Atif Awan, consultant paediatric nephrologist at Children’s Health Ireland, says research is making the condition easier to manage for those who have cystinosis.
‘Cystinosis is a hereditary condition mainly affecting the kidneys, causing the body to lose important salts and a lot of water,’ he says.
Denise Dunne of Cystinosis Ireland
‘This can lead to malnutrition and make it hard for children to grow and thrive. To manage the condition, salts have to be replaced every single day. Managing fluid and medications in cystinosis is a very demanding treatment routine. Affected children have to take a lot of medicines up to seven times a day and night.
‘The work researchers are doing to make treatments easier to manage, more effective, and with fewer side effects is so important. One really encouraging development, highlighted at the conference, is medicated contact lenses for the eyes.
‘This could replace the need for frequent eye drops, which can be both painful and inconvenient throughout the day.
Due to better management, children with cystinosis are growing better, doing better nutritionally, and are more independent adolescents and adults.’
At the conference scientists will hear directly from people with cystinosis.
For Denise Dunne, head of operations at Cystinosis Ireland, the conference is an opportunity for scientists to hear directly from people on life with cystinosis.
‘It is a real privilege to be hosting this conference here in Ireland, bringing people living with cystinosis and their families face-to-face with clinicians and scientists to help shape the future of cystinosis care and research,’ she says.
‘It’s not only important for patients to hear first-hand about the development of new and better treatments, but it’s also crucial for the scientists to hear where they need to focus their efforts to help improve people’s lives.’
Disney’s Toy Story 5 racked up the animated franchise’s best ever opening weekend, with ticket sales of more than $300m (£227m) globally.
Released on 19 June, the fifth installment of the Toy Story saga follows Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear as they face their toughest rival yet – a tablet computer.
Its strong box office performance is a return to form for Disney and Pixar after a series of challenges in recent years.
It is estimated to be this year’s second-biggest opening weekend globally, after The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. That film is currently the highest grossing film of the year, taking in more than $1bn.
Toy Story 5 grossed over $160m in North America and more than $150m internationally in its first weekend in cinemas
With an estimated production budget of $250m, it will need to make at least twice that amount to cover the additional costs of marketing and other expenses.
Disney’s Pixar films have historically recouped their budgets – often comfortably – with many titles bringing in three times as much as they cost to make and promote.
A handful of its films – especially sequels like The Incredibles 2 and Inside Out 2 – have crossed the $1bn mark.
But some of the storied studio’s more recent titles, like the alien adventure Elio and Toy Story spin-off Lightyear, have bombed at the box office.
The Mandalorian and Grogu, Disney’s latest big-budget Star Wars spin-off, has yet to double its $165m cost.
Overall box office revenues have declined since the Covid-19 pandemic, as studios struggled to draw people back to cinemas as the industry has seen a shift towards streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.
Big-budget blockbusters in particular have suffered, with many films underperforming at the box office.
Still, the Toy Story series is one of Pixar’s most lucrative franchises, having raked in more than $3bn at the global box office since audiences were introduced to Woody and Buzz in 1995.
The original movie, set in a world where toys come to life, revolutionised the use of computer-generated graphics and propelled Pixar into the ranks of leading animation studios.
The series’ third and fourth instalments each made more than $1bn at the box office.
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