THE number of coronavirus patients in hospital in Gwent reached its lowest number since the summer last week.

- The elections nominees for the Senedd elections on May 6 are to be announced throughout today. - We'll be providing information on what to expect over the next few weeks, and introducing the candidates up for election.

THE relaxation of lockdown restrictions in Wales is being accelerated - meaning gyms and leisure centres will be able to re-open earlier than planned - as Covid-19 infections continue to fall, Mark Drakeford has announced.

Follow along live throughout the day for all of the latest coronavirus news as it breaks. We will also be bringing you the most up-to-date stats from Public Health Wales when they are released later today

A THIEF stole council laptops from a local authority site with a gang just days after being slapped with a suspended jail sentence.

Experts warned that too often opportunities to intervene and tackle abuse are missed.

THOUSANDS of disabled people in Gwent have taken the UK Government to tribunal over benefit payments – and three quarters have won, new figures show.

THERE could be significant financial pressures on the Welsh NHS because of the Covid-19 pandemic and a predicted funding shortfall of over £500 million, a report suggests.

A NEWPORT gym which closed down last year will reopen next month, albeit in a new form.

AN Abercarn artist is gearing up to release his long-awaited debut album this month.

The herd immunity threshold fluctuates depending on transmission risk and daily death rates.

Demand for mental health services are fast-approaching breaking point, with a “very real risk” they will be “overrun.

A PONTYPOOL chippy has been named among the top 50 takeaway fish and chip shops in the UK

- The elections nominees for the Senedd elections on May 6 are officially out today. - We'll be providing information on what to expect over the next few weeks, and introducing the candidates up for election.

ALL five of Gwent's local authorities have recorded case rates under the Welsh average, according to the latest Public Health Wales figures.

A WOMAN who carried a pair of scissors in her handbag “for protection” brandished them when she joined a ruckus outside a homeless hostel.

A DRIVER was handed a suspended prison sentence after he admitted causing the death of a “beautiful” 12-year-old boy who was knocked off his bike.

A MAN has been arrested after a bomb disposal team was called to Blaenavon on Wednesday evening.

A NEWPORT man has been “banned from being naked in public” after he was hit with a Criminal Behaviour Order to tackle his anti-social behaviour.

A TEENAGE drug dealer who hid crack cocaine up his bottom was caught after plainclothes police spotted him trafficking on the streets of Newport.

A NEWPORT woman has been banned from entering the city centre as a result of her anti-social behaviour.

Keep up to date with the latest coronavirus news across Gwent and Wales following new guidance on Astra-Zeneca covid vaccine

A MAN is to stand trial after he pleaded not guilty to a samurai sword, hammer and serious assault allegations.

TRAFFIC is slow on the M4 travelling westbound between J26 Malpas and J27 High Cross due to a collision.

A NEW Lidl store has opened in Newport today.

In a statement, Debenhams said the closing down sale would offer “incredible limited-time bargains”.

A BARBER'S in Blackwood could be closed down for failing to comply with coronavirus regulations.

PLAID Cymru has promised a Welsh Eurovision entry if it wins power in May's Senedd Election.

POLICE have arrested two people following morning patrols.

A ROUND-UP of cases heard at Newport Magistrates’ Court and Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court.

PLANS for an affordable housing scheme in a large side garden in Newport have been approved by city councillors.

NATIONAL Museum of Wales has been damaged by a fire.

THERE are more reasons for Welsh independence than against, Dragons winger Ashton Hewitt has said.

The South Wales Argus Camera Club has more than 4,300 members and we regularly feature their pictures both in paper and online.

PLANS to expand a school and relocate another in Caerphilly county borough have been given the go-ahead.

WELSH Labour would not support holding a referendum on Welsh independence unless Plaid Cymru won a majority in the Senedd, leader Mark Drakeford has said.

Welsh Labour will launch its election manifesto today and will argue it has the experience and credentials beyond any other party, to help Wales recover from Covid and build what it says will be a "stronger, fairer Wales".

THE Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party has confirmed its Senedd candidates for the South Wales East region.

WORK to weatherproof Monmouth skatepark has been made possible thanks to donations from local businesses.

A Pembroke man who drove while under the influence of cannabis has been fined a total of £239.

Please note you commit a criminal offence if you post any comments that give details that could prejudice a fair trial.

HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition asking for an 'outdated' park in Barry to be upgraded.

A NEW training facility for construction in collaboration with Coleg y Cymoedd has opened in Caerphilly.

AN INQUEST into the death of a murdered Pembroke Dock woman was opened and adjourned this morning.

AN EIGHT-FOOT python was discovered on a farm in Merthyr.

Here is a round up of the public notices published in the South Wales Argus over the last week.

IF YOU ou are a sport lover then Mal Powell wants you to get behind his classic car run, set to take place this Sunday, April 11.

HM Passport Office is telling travellers to allow up to 10 weeks to receive their documents.

The cash-saving guru regularly provides financial advice through weekly newsletter and TV appearances including his own ITV show.

DOG walkers are reminded of the need to keep their dogs under control when out in the countryside - particularly now it is lambing season.