Labour plans to make spiking a specific offence. Making spiking a specific offence is about making sure the law is up to date to deal with it as a crime, justice minister Alex Davies-Jones has said. Labour plans to make spiking a specific offence and has laid out plans for venue staff to be trained in relation to spiking, with a pilot to begin within weeks before a wider rollout next year. Ms Davies-Jones, asked about why it was worthwhile to make spiking a new offence when it is already illegal, said: “Spiking is a crime already. “A lot of people don’t realise that it is a crime already, which is part of the problem.” She said there were around 6,000 reports of spiking last year but that because it is an underreported crime, it is not clear how big of a problem it is. “Part of the problem we’ve got is around the data collection, so you don’t know if you’ve been spiked with a drink, a needle, a vape, for example,” she told Politics Hub on Sky News. Modernising the offence and giving police the tools to get accurate data allows a clearer picture of where, how and how often spiking is happening, she said. It is about “clarifying it, modernising it, making sure that people know exactly what this is...the law isn’t quite, it isn’t up to date. “It isn’t modern enough.” Sir Keir Starmer earlier said he hopes the change will give people “the confidence to come forward”, in a meeting of police bosses, transport figures and hospitality executives in Downing Street. Ms Davies-Jones and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper were among the attendees at the round-table discussion on Monday morning. Labour pledged in its manifesto to introduce a new offence for spiking, but there was no detail in the King’s Speech this year about a specific crime, though it promised to ensure an improved police response to cases. According to information published by the Metropolitan Police, spiking offences are currently covered by more than one law, but most come under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. Sir Keir told the meeting: “There are a number of measures that we are setting out this morning – we want to talk it through with you. “The first is to make spiking a specific offence so that it counts, it’s reported.” He said that such a measure would mean that it “enables everybody to have the confidence to come forward” and also “it allows perpetrators to know that it’s a specific offence”. Detailing the training scheme, he went on: “We’re beginning the piloting of training for staff in venues.” He said the scheme would be “partly to spot what’s happening, but also to know what to do in the event that there is an incident in a venue”. “That will start in December with a pilot then it will be rolled out from March of next year,” Sir Keir added. He also said that the “final” point of discussion for the morning was “police indexing – (the) way that we count it across different police forces”. Sir Keir added: “At the moment it’s quite hard to get your arms around the pure numbers.” Plain clothes officers are being deployed in areas around bars and clubs to spot predatory behaviour. The text-to-report number, 61016, that allows women to contact British Transport Police to report harassment on the train, is due to be relaunched. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Spiking is a disturbing and serious crime which can have a damaging and long-lasting impact on victims. “That’s why today we are taking decisive action to prevent this devastating crime and to crack down on perpetrators, by introducing a new criminal offence for spiking and launching specialist training for thousands of bar staff nationwide. “People shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of their drinks on a night out. “These changes are about giving victims greater confidence to come forward, and ensuring that there is a robust response from the police whenever these appalling crimes take place.”can you play slots online 。

The apocalyptic season of Advent Advent is a reminder that we are building a more just world. Meeting people and hearing their stories transforms fear about end times to breaking bread and building community together. Lyndon Sayers Nov 30, 2024 9:10 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Photo by Natalia Semenova from Getty via Canva.com Listen to this article 00:04:03 These days even non-religious people are talking about the end times. Whether it is climate change or seismic activity in politics, there is a palpable anxiety on the street. There are also those cheering on the breakdown of institutions, assuming rejecting science and smashing government agencies will usher in a better future. Despite the seeming embrace of dystopic language, we are ill equipped to deal with such upheaval. We are no longer tethered by common narratives that bind us together. There are fewer of us turning to the same news sites, meeting together at civic events, or participating in common social institutions, including churches and other religious institutions. Without meeting together, there is less opportunity to bridge the divides among us. I do not have all the answers. None of us do, but building a society together is something that requires everyone’s active participation. It requires checking in with our neighbours, knowing their names and their struggles. For Christians, one tradition that offers resilience in the midst of uncertain times, is the apocalyptic season of Advent. Spanning the four Sundays prior to Christmas, Advent is a time of waiting. Regardless of what some Christians would have us believe, apocalypse isn’t a longing for destruction. Instead it is a longing for divine justice and love for all neighbours in times of upheaval. One way we mark the time of waiting is lighting an additional candle on the Advent wreath each Sunday. Some people have Advent wreaths at home. Together we are counting down the days not to Christmas, but for Christ’s promised return, ushering in the mutual flourishing for all of creation. During this waiting we keep watch, not out of fear, but out of hope. The coming of Jesus is about turning upside down a world of inequality. Creator does not desire for a few people to get ahead while others are left behind, no matter how many B-movies Kirk Cameron produces with this plot line. Together we can reclaim apocalyptic storytelling that yearns for peace and justice. Advent also reminds us we are not alone. It a relief to hear it is not up to us individually to save the world. Divine love lifts that burden from our shoulders, freeing us to commit to acts of love among our neighbours. When we are anxious, we are unable to act. When we are confident, courage abounds. And so during this time of waiting, we listen. We listen to prophetic stories and voices in our midst that give us courage. We listen to one another, seeking mutual understanding. We listen to silence, a disruption of the noise demanding our attention. Taking time to listen, who knows what we might hear? Who knows how we might be inspired to serve? One concrete example about serving others is the Shelbourne Community Kitchen which is located in the church building where I serve as pastor. The Kitchen is a separate organization, but we are partners supporting their work of feeding neighbours. As they complete a significant renovation project they’ll be even better equipped, preparing meals to feed people who are hungry and teaching them food prep skills in a new commercial kitchen. I am heartened every time I see neighbours visiting the Kitchen, including Indigenous people, settlers, and newcomers to Greater Victoria. In a time of waiting this Advent, it is a reminder that we are building a more just world. Together we are feeding one neighbour at a time. Meeting people and hearing their stories transforms fear about end times to breaking bread and building community together. Lyndon Sayers is co-pastor at Lutheran Church of the Cross and co-host of the CFUV podcast “Let’s Talk Faith and Justice." You can read more articles on our interfaith blog, Spiritually Speaking at https://www.timescolonist.com/blogs/spiritually-speaking * This article was published in the print edition of the Times Colonist on Saturday, November 30th 2024 See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Spiritually Speaking Standing together, listening to difficult truths Nov 27, 2024 3:54 PM How a wet backpack led from despair to hope Nov 23, 2024 7:41 AM Grief Transforms – Light at the Margin Nov 20, 2024 10:25 AM

NoneOXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Sira Thienou scored 16 points with six rebounds, five assists and four steals and No. 18 Mississippi coasted to an 89-24 win over Alabama State on Saturday. Starr Jacobs and Christeen Iwuala both added 12 points and Kennedy Todd-Williams had 11 for the Rebels (5-2), who had a breather after losing to No. 2 UConn by 13 in the Bahamas. Kaitlyn Bryant had seven points to lead the Hornets (2-5), who shot 19% with 33 turnovers and were outrebounded 43-25. Alabama State was 1 of 8 with 11 turnovers in the first quarter, falling behind 24-4. The Hornets were 2 of 11 with seven giveaways in the second quarter when they were outscored 33-6 to trail 57-10 at the half. The Rebels shot 58% with 28 points off turnovers. They scored the first 16 points of the game and the first 24 points of the second quarter. Ole Miss had the last five points of the third quarter and the first seven of the fourth to get the lead to 82-22. The Hornets went 1 of 10 in the final 10 minutes with 10 turnovers. It was Mississippi's third win against teams from the Southwestern Athletic Conference with one more to play. The Rebels play at NC State on Thursday in the SEC/ACC Challenge. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

Seven non-profit organizations from Lilloett to Penticton are set to receive grant funding from Beem Credit Union. The $60,000 will be distributed this December through the Community Investment Fund, with each organization receiving between $2,500 and $15,000 based on their anticipated impact. “Investing in our communities is at the heart of who we are,” said Brian Harris, CEO of Beem Credit Union. “The organizations receiving these grants are doing incredible work to bring people together, offer support to those who need it most, and create brighter futures for everyone." Grant recipients were chosen based on their potential to create lasting, wide-reaching benefits and their alignment with Beem’s social impact priorities, which include supporting young parents, promoting mental wellness, strengthening social ties, and driving local economic growth. The recipients and the projects that the funding will go to support are: • Kelowna and District SHARE Society SHARE’s Tee Totes Project, which empowers individuals facing employment barriers through virtual workshops and paid contract opportunities, aligning with Beem’s commitment to education and a strong local economy. • Lillooet Agriculture and Food Society Lillooet Grown Marketplace Social Enterprise Startup, funding upgrades to kitchen equipment and educational programming that promote local food, sustainable practices, and stronger community connections. • Merritt & Nicola Valley Crime Stoppers Society Proactive fraud and crime awareness campaign in Merritt and surrounding Indigenous communities, supporting education, security, and mental well-being with resources that promote lasting safety. • Penticton Recovery Resource Centre Funding trauma-specific training and resources for Discovery House in Penticton, expanding support for men’s recovery and their families; addressing the critical need for men’s mental health services in the Okanagan. • Penticton | Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) CRIS South Okanagan’s purchase of tandem recumbent cycles supports their expansion of accessible outdoor recreation programs to the South Okanagan, promoting mental wellness by breaking down barriers to inclusive community activities. • Vernon | Living Lakes Canada (LLC) Society The Foreshore Integrated Management Planning (FIMP) survey of Wood and Kalamalka Lakes supports the Okanagan Indian Band's leadership in environmental stewardship and skill-building using modern tools and Indigenous knowledge. • West Kelowna | KANDU Funding the expansion of KANDU offerings, an Indigenous-led peer support centre, to enhance services for youth and seniors, fostering intergenerational knowledge sharing through technology and cultural making kits to support mental wellness and education. Since the fund was created in 2007 it has contributed over $2 million to support community organizations and programs, with a total of $125,000 distributed in 2024 after the latest grants.BEERSE, BELGIUM, Dec. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Janssen-Cilag International NV, a Johnson & Johnson company, today announced data from the Phase 3 AQUILA study showing that DARZALEX ® (daratumumab) subcutaneous (SC) formulation significantly delayed progression from high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM) to active multiple myeloma (MM) and extended overall survival compared to the current standard of care of active monitoring. 1 The data were presented for the first time as an oral presentation at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting (Abstract #773), taking place in San Diego, California, United States from 7-10 December, as part of the Press Programme and were selected for the Best of ASH session. 1 "Patients with high-risk smouldering multiple myeloma, which has no approved treatment, have a high probability of progressing to active multiple myeloma - a life-threatening stage of the disease,” said Meletios A. Dimopoulos, M.D., Professor and Chairman of the Department of Clinical Therapeutics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine and presenting author.* "Findings from AQUILA highlight the potential of early intervention with daratumumab SC to delay disease progression, extend overall survival and prevent end-organ damage associated with active multiple myeloma.” In the AQUILA study, 194 patients received daratumumab SC and 196 patients were actively monitored per current standard of care treatment for high-risk SMM. 1 At a median follow-up of 65.2 months (range, 0-76.6), patients who received daratumumab SC showed statistically significant improved progression-free survival (PFS; defined as progression to active MM, as assessed according to the International Myeloma Working Group diagnostic criteria for MM [SLiM-CRAB], or death) vs patients who underwent active monitoring arm; 63.1 percent in the daratumumab arm vs 40.8 percent in the active monitoring arm remained alive and progression-free at 60 months (Hazard Ratio [HR], 0.49; 95.0 percent Confidence Interval [CI], 0.36-0.67; p Red tape and fine print won't make the world a better place for not for profitsPrince scores four as Radnor Valley pull away from drop zone

December is a great time to dress in three or four layers of clothing and take a winter walk around your garden. It is easier to see the architecture of trees and shrubs after they’ve lost their leaves. Make notes of where they could use some pruning in the spring. And it’s a perfect time to look at your landscape and see where you might want to make some changes. Remember how you wanted to fill up the garden space immediately and planted plants close together to get the effect? If you see everything is crowded together, and the plants are not getting the proper amount of sun or nutrients, then you should not be planting more. Are there holes you didn’t notice in the frenzy of the growing season? Has something gotten way too large for the balance of the garden? Start making notes on what you would like to change next year. Garden catalogs can be used to help you make decisions about what to add, change or remove in your landscape. Mark the plants and seeds you want to purchase for your garden, note how long it takes to germinate the seeds you are thinking of buying and whether the plant likes shade, sun or a bit of both. Decide where each plant is going to fit in your yard or in containers on your patio, deck or at the back door. A calendar with writing space will help you remember when to start your various garden tasks. If you are looking for gift ideas for gardening friends or family members, here are some ideas that any gardener would appreciate finding under the tree or in their Christmas stocking this holiday. You might look through the gardening magazines at the store and pick one or two to wrap up and put under the tree. Depending on your budget, you could add a year’s subscription to a magazine of the gardener’s choice. You might make a scrapbook into a gardening journal for a customized gift. There are many interesting and helpful books available on a variety of gardening topics. Since most gardeners like whimsy in their gardens, think about giving some garden art. The Yakima Area Arboretum, most garden centers and other stores have various items of garden art such as colorful wind chimes, steppingstones, garden signs, gazing balls, small statuary, bird houses, etc. Think of color, like some bright blue, to enhance a garden setting. Hands are the hard worker of the gardener so you might consider a ‘wardrobe’ of gloves: soft Fox gloves for transplanting, nitrile gloves for plain old weed pulling, sturdy leather gloves with long cuffs for rose pruning and other “prickly” work. Daily gardening gloves wear out quickly, so we need new pairs every year. Buy the rubber coated cloth gloves by the three-pack, add a good hand cream and become your gardener friend’s favorite gift-giver! Another fun gift is a houseplant. There are many to choose from and several even have a bloom of flowers. And of course, during the holiday season we all think of the Christmas cactus with its gorgeous blooms. Not only can you choose the plant to give, but the pot that it is potted into. Tools are always a welcome gift and the most popular is a quality pair of pruners. Other ideas are a water meter to accurately water indoor and outdoor plants or a small indoor plant tool set in a nice tote. Some gardeners like an outdoor apron with pockets in which to put a favorite tool, gloves or cell phone. A handy tool that can take the work out of cultivating hard soil up to 8 inches deep is the “Dirt Ripper”. A” scuffle hoe” (also called an oscillating hoe) that moves backward and forward, and cuts weed roots off just below the surface is another hardy gardening tool. A claw or hand fork for weeding, planting and working small areas, a spading fork, a hard-toothed metal rake, shrub clippers, loppers, a wheelbarrow, plastic bucket and a small tarp are other items that might be much-appreciated gifts for your gardening family member or friends. Lastly, if you have no idea what your gardening family member or friend wants or needs, consider giving a gift certificate to a local nursery. Enjoy the holidays. • For any gardening questions, contact the Master Gardener Clinic at 509-574-1604 or email gardener@co.yakima.wa.us .Liverpool's clubland determined to go beyond Labour's spiking plans

Consumers in Metro Manila can now experience improved mobile connectivity as Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), the wireless subsidiary of PLDT Inc., continues to expand and enhance its mobile network. The rollout includes new 4G/LTE and 5G sites, as well as upgrades to existing sites in key cities such as Manila, Taguig, Valenzuela, Makati, Pasig and Quezon City. “Our ramped-up network rollout and enhancement initiatives are key to delivering unmatched customer satisfaction through superior connectivity, accelerating business growth while reinforcing our dedication to nation-building, driving progress, and shaping the country’s digital future,” Smart chief operating officer Anastacio Martirez said over the weekend. Smart’s value brand TNT has also introduced “TNT 5G Max” in Bonifacio Global City and surrounding areas, offering faster speeds and more reliable connectivity through 5G technology. Selected boosts To meet the growing demand for seamless connectivity during events, Smart has boosted its 5G coverage in major venues such as the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. During events like the PBA Finals and concerts by international artists, Smart’s 5G network delivered download speeds up to 10 times faster than competitors, with speeds exceeding 200 Mbps reported at the MoA Arena. ‘Accelerating business growth while reinforcing our dedication to nation-building, driving progress and shaping the country’s digital future.’ Smart Wireless Network Head Debbie M. Hu said the company will continue to invest in enhancing its mobile network to meet subscribers’ needs. The network enhancements are part of the PLDT Group’s broader efforts to strengthen its integrated network, which includes the Philippines’ largest fiber infrastructure. Smart’s mobile network currently covers 97 percent of the population, aligning with the group’s commitment to bridging the digital divide.Sharks make roster moves ahead of game vs. L.A. KingsYakima Valley Master Gardeners: Holiday gift ideas for the gardener in your life

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Sira Thienou scored 16 points with six rebounds, five assists and four steals and No. 18 Mississippi coasted to an 89-24 win over Alabama State on Saturday. Starr Jacobs and Christeen Iwuala both added 12 points and Kennedy Todd-Williams had 11 for the Rebels (5-2), who had a breather after losing to No. 2 UConn by 13 in the Bahamas. Kaitlyn Bryant had seven points to lead the Hornets (2-5), who shot 19% with 33 turnovers and were outrebounded 43-25. Alabama State was 1 of 8 with 11 turnovers in the first quarter, falling behind 24-4. The Hornets were 2 of 11 with seven giveaways in the second quarter when they were outscored 33-6 to trail 57-10 at the half. The Rebels shot 58% with 28 points off turnovers. They scored the first 16 points of the game and the first 24 points of the second quarter. Ole Miss had the last five points of the third quarter and the first seven of the fourth to get the lead to 82-22. The Hornets went 1 of 10 in the final 10 minutes with 10 turnovers. It was Mississippi's third win against teams from the Southwestern Athletic Conference with one more to play. The Rebels play at NC State on Thursday in the SEC/ACC Challenge. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Tyrese Hunter scored 17 of his 26 points after halftime to lead Memphis to a 99-97 overtime win against two-time defending national champion and second-ranked UConn on Monday in the first round of the Maui Invitational . Hunter shot 7 of 10 from 3-point range for the Tigers (5-0), who were 12 of 22 from beyond at the arc as a team. PJ Haggerty had 22 points and five assists, Colby Rogers had 19 points and Dain Dainja scored 14. Tarris Reed Jr. had 22 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Huskies (4-1). Alex Karaban had 19 points and six assists, and Jaylin Stewart scored 16. Memphis led by as many as 13 with about four minutes left in regulation, but UConn chipped away and eventually tied it on Solo Ball’s 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining. Takeaways Memphis: The Tigers ranked second nationally in field goal percentage going into the game and shot it at a 54.7% clip. UConn: The Huskies saw their string of 17 consecutive wins dating back to February come to an end. Key moment The teams were tied at 92 with less than a minute remaining in overtime when UConn coach Dan Hurley was assessed a technical foul for his displeasure with an over-the-back call against Liam McNeeley. PJ Carter hit four straight free throws — two for the tech and the other pair for the personal foul — to give Memphis a 96-92 lead with 40.3 seconds to play. Key stat UConn had three players foul out. Memphis attempted 40 free throws and made 29 of them. Up next Memphis will play the winner of Colorado-Michigan State on Tuesday in the second round of the invitational. UConn will play the loser of that game in the consolation bracket. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball .WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is Louisiana State Employees Retirement System’s 4th Largest Position