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Festive Felons: A Wave of Crimes Mar Christmas Season in Britain - This Christmas, Britain is grappling with a surge of festive-themed crimes, from stolen decorations to vandalized public displays. A ten-year-old Christmas tree, shipped from Iceland, was deliberately felled in Shotton Colliery. In Edinburgh, a Nutcracker statue was stolen, and in Lincolnshire, a six-foot Santa Claus was taken from a pub. These acts have left communities feeling disheartened. Police forces are stretched, with public confidence in them dropping significantly. A particularly heartbreaking incident involved a wishing well set up to honor a deceased son, with hundreds of pounds stolen. A beloved badger mascot named Bertie was also stolen during a Christmas party.

Nineteen-year-old Bella Culley, recently freed from a Georgian jail, gives birth to a baby boy in London. After being arrested for drug smuggling, she was sentenced to five months in prison, but her release was expedited due to her pregnancy. Her family, including her British boyfriend, was relieved to see her back home.

Dr. Mary-Ann Stephenson, new head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, discusses the new guidance on single-sex spaces. She emphasizes the importance of goodwill and recognition of everyones rights, denying the need for a toilet police. The guidance, following a Supreme Court ruling, suggests businesses may ask for confirmation of sex through proportionate means, sparking controversy. Stephenson, facing hostility from trans campaigners, insists she can remain objective on trans issues, explaining her past donation was driven by democratic norms.

Belarus releases 123 political prisoners, including Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, after US lifts sanctions. The move follows productive talks between US special envoy and Belarusian President Lukashenko, focusing on potash sector. Bialiatski, sentenced for politically motivated charges, is freed alongside other opposition figures. The mass release is seen as a significant diplomatic breakthrough, aiming to ease Belaruss international isolation.

Waiter Charged in Liam Paynes Death Released on Home Arrest; Suspect Denies Selling Drugs

Oldhams first solar farm, a three-and-a-half-acre plot in Failsworth, is under construction. Funded by the local council, it will feature 2,700 solar panels, generating 830,000 kWh of electricity annually, enough for 310 homes. The project, part of Oldhams Green New Deal, aims to reduce carbon footprint, create local jobs, and improve the sites ecology. Despite delays, its expected to be operational in spring 2026.

In a challenging match, Saracens fell to the Sharks 28-23 in the Investec Champions Cup. Despite a valiant effort, Saracens discipline proved costly, with key moments swaying the game in favor of the Sharks. The Sharks capitalized on Saracens errors, scoring crucial tries and maintaining their lead. Saracens, despite being a man down, managed to cut the deficit but ultimately fell short. The Sharks secured their first win in Pool Three, while Saracens earned a losing bonus point. Upcoming matches include Saracens hosting Toulouse and the Sharks facing Sale.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver expresses concern over the lack of standards in government-introduced free school breakfast clubs, claiming nine out of ten are unhealthy. He advocates for clear guidelines, citing data showing six hundred forty thousand children annually not improving their health during education. Oliver warns of potential productivity and mental well-being impacts, urging primary schools to implement standards. Despite improvements in school lunches, he cannot guarantee their healthiness due to a lack of compliance checks. The governments plan to roll out free breakfast clubs to all primary schools in England faces challenges, with insufficient funding causing one in ten original schools to drop out.

Sheriff Niven-Smith criticizes two young men for robbery and poor fashion choices, likening them to London gangs. The pair, Kaleb Clacy and Luke Macveigh, robbed two men and a woman, with Macveigh threatening victims with a knife. Sentencing deferred, Clacy ordered to complete community work and supervision, while Macveigh awaits sentencing.