ICYMI: Here's a summary of recent news and current events in Bristol, UK, as of Wednesday, July 23, 2025:
**Bristol Top Stories & Breaking News:**
* **Explosives Scare and Evacuation:** Dozens of homes in Ashton Vale, South Bristol, were evacuated on Tuesday evening (July 22)…
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* **Explosives Scare and Evacuation:** Dozens of homes in Ashton Vale, South Bristol, were evacuated on Tuesday evening (July 22) after concerns about "potentially explosive items" at a property. A man was arrested in connection with the incident, and residents were allowed to return to their homes in the early hours of Wednesday morning after the cordon was lifted. A police presence remains in the area.
* **Dangerous Cladding on Tower Blocks:** Council tenants in Bristol's tower blocks will have to wait another six years, until 2031, for dangerous cladding to be fully replaced. While Bristol City Council aims to speed up the process, challenges like a shortage of skilled workers mean the work won't be completed until after the government's 2030 guideline.
* **"We The Curious" Protest:** The Bristol science attraction "We The Curious" was forced to close early after a mass protest by community union Acorn on Saturday (July 19). Around 80 activists occupied the foyer and announced free entry, protesting the venue's links to military company Leonardo, which is on a boycott list for its ties to the Israeli military.
* A murder investigation has been launched after an elderly woman (80s) was found dead.
* A man was found guilty of murdering a couple and dumping their bodies near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in suitcases.
* A murder charge was dismissed against Cartell Williams in another case.
**Local Issues & Developments:**
* **Schools:**
* Primary schools in Bristol are reportedly in "grave danger" with many facing potential closure, according to a council report.
* Bromley Heath Junior School has implemented a total ban on smartphones.
* Hundreds of Bristol school places remain empty, with locals blaming "inflated house prices."
* More than 200 pupils have been suspended from a secondary school in three weeks.
* "Challenging to maintain" council-owned homes in Bristol could be sold off if repairs are too expensive.
* Doubts remain about affordable housing at Baltic Wharf, as the developer states a need for government funding.
* The new £60m Public Transport Interchange at Bristol Airport has opened, bringing significant changes for passengers.
* Plans for an "epic" 40-meter cable bridge over the River Avon have been approved.
* Bristol river walls are at risk of collapse due to alleged neglected maintenance.
* A new mayoral scheme offers free bus travel for 150,000 children this summer.
* A measles map shows the UK hotspots, with Bristol identified as "at risk of an outbreak."
* There's a proposal for Bristol to have England's first safe space for drug taking (Overdose Prevention Centre).
* The Bristol Harbour Festival 2025 recently took place, with thousands attending.
* The popular nightclub Motion has confirmed an "exciting" new site as its iconic club closes.
* Gromit Unleashed 3, a sculpture trail, is back in Bristol until August 31, 2025.
* The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is scheduled for August 8-10, 2025.
**Other Noteworthy News:**
* **First Edition Hobbit Book:** A first edition Hobbit book found during a Bristol house clearance is expected to fetch thousands.
* **Red Hot Chili Peppers Star Backs Rowers:** A Red Hot Chili Peppers star is backing Bristol brothers rowing across the Pacific.
* **Cost of Living/Economy:** Concerns about inflated house prices and the impact on school places continue.
For more in-depth reporting, you can refer to the Bristol Post and Bristol Live websites.
