This Week in Cardiff

Cardiff experienced a mixed bag of emotions this week, with a distinct sporting flavour dominating headlines. The city's football fans are likely feeling the sting of defeat as Wrexham clinched the Adran Premier title, beating Cardiff City in a crucial decider. This loss, coupled with the earlier news of a beloved jacket potato café's closure, cast a shadow over the early part of the week. However, there was a bright spot for sports enthusiasts as the Cardiff Devils secured a convincing 4-1 victory over the Manchester Storm in the EIHL, bringing a much-needed cheer. Rugby also saw its share of ups and downs, with Cardiff Rugby battling hard but ultimately falling short against the Sharks in Durban, though the team's spirit remained upbeat. There was also a notable defeat for the Quins against the Bears at the Principality Stadium. On the community front, concerns were raised about the popular beer bike company, with residents worried about potential public nuisance and urination. This issue has even caught the attention of councillors in England. Meanwhile, a significant planning application was approved for cladding remediation on a Cardiff Bay tower block, offering reassurance to residents. Foodies have reason to celebrate with a popular pie shop set to open its largest site yet in an up-and-coming area. Looking back at the city's history, there was a fascinating revelation about past plans that could have drastically altered the city centre. Commuters faced disruption due to major train issues between Cardiff and Port Talbot. On a more positive note, news broke of a legendary British reggae band announcing a summer gig, promising a vibrant cultural addition to the city. In legal and safety news, a significant court decision is expected regarding the tragic passing of Emiliano Sala. On a more concerning note, a pair have been accused of plotting mass-casualty attacks in Cardiff, and two teenagers have denied plotting terror attacks on religious sites. The city council has been active this week, with the approval of a visitor levy on overnight stays, which has been met with claims of public support, though some residents are expressing concerns about council "greed." Plans for a new £34.3 million Health and Wellbeing Hub are underway, promising to transform healthcare services. Discussions are also ongoing regarding proposed changes to Welsh-medium secondary schools, sparking concern. Other notable news includes the retirement of the captain of the Cardiff Bay Daffodil boat after 25 years, Craig Bellamy praising young Welsh talent Dylan Lawlor, and the announcement of dates for the Cardiff Music City Festival 2026. Cardiff University also received global recognition, ranking among the world's best universities. The community also saw a £2.3 million investment in a new mydentist site and the reopening of a revamped Peacocks store. Finally, a supermarket in Cardiff took the unusual step of banning alcohol sales ahead of a Wales match.