Hello and welcome to Wales Online’s live blog on Tuesday 18 June. We bring you all the latest news from across Wales – whether you’re on the move, at home or at work – as well as the latest traffic and travel.
We’ll also bring you great news from the UK and abroad. Contribute directly to the blog by posting your comments below, or tweet us @WalesOnline Share news that’s happening in your area.
08:19Kathy Owen
Rugby has been rocked by the sudden death of a top star aged 25
Highlanders Super Rugby star and Maori All Black Connor Garden-Bachop has died aged 25.
In a statement on Monday, New Zealand Rugby said Garden-Bachop died of a “medical event” at a relative’s home.
Christchurch Police said: “The death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the coroner’s office.” Rugby morning headlines here.
07:51Kathy Owen
Disruptions for rail passengers
Services are suspended for Transport for Wales between Cardiff Queen Street and Rhymney.
This is due to the breakdown of a freight train at Lisvan and Thornhill.
07:25Kathy Owen
M4 crash alert
This morning commuters are being warned of a crash on the M4 near Port Talbot this morning.
It happened on the eastbound carriageway between junction 40 Taibachni and junction 38 Margam.
At 7.10am Traffic Wales said traffic officers were on their way to the scene and that there was an “attack on approach”. Live updates here.
07:05Kathy Owen
Steel workers begin industrial action
More than 1,500 steelworkers in Port Talbot and Llanvern have gone on strike as well as a ban on overtime in a dispute with Tata over plans to stop steel production at the blast furnace.
The Indian-owned company said it would not budge from its position to close two blast furnaces at its Port Talbot steel plant.
Blast furnace No. 5 will be closed at the end of this month and No. 4 at the end of September. Instead, the steelmaker plans to build a new electric arc furnace (EAF) to make steel from scrap.
06:29Kathy Owen
Fans are already lining up for Taylor Swift’s concert
It’s a big day for Cardiff as Taylor Swift comes to town.
Fans have been queuing since around midnight and the queue is already over the River Taffi this morning. Follow live updates here throughout the day.
06:10Kathy Owen
Met Office forecast for Tuesday
Sunny spells and the odd shower today. Here is the full forecast for Monday:
A dry and fine day for most with plenty of sunny spells. Feeling warm from the wind and in any sun, but cooler on exposed coasts. Maximum temperature 21 °C.
Lovely evening sun but a cool breeze especially on exposed northern beaches. At night, the wind will decrease in the southeast direction. soft. The minimum temperature is 8 °C.
06:09Kathy Owen
Good morning
Welcome to the WalesOnline daily blog.
The news team is ready to bring you the latest news, weather and travel from across the region.
It’s time to start.
