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Prosecutors in England and Wales are seeing a significant rise in charges for strangulation and suffocation, a new standalone crime introduced in June 2022. From July 2022 to March 2023, charges increased from 1,483 to 8,545, and then to 2,656 in just the first three months of 2023. This offence, which can land offenders up to five years in prison, is often tied to domestic abuse and escalating violence. The surge in charges reflects growing awareness and a strong push to hold abusers accountable, protecting victims and tackling violence against women and girls.

Unison Report Reveals Welsh Teaching Assistants Struggles: Low Pay, High Demands, and Christmas Dilemmas The podcast episode delves into the challenges faced by teaching assistants in Welsh schools, who are creating Christmas magic for pupils despite earning rock-bottom pay. The report from Unison reveals that these workers, predominantly women, earn between £1,200 and £1,399 per month during term time, often less than a full-time minimum wage job. Their roles have expanded since the pandemic, leading to increased anxiety, poor social skills, and complex needs among pupils. Teaching assistants like Janet Murray and Kim Huntley share their experiences, highlighting the lack of proper training, extra pay, and support for handling violence and bad behavior. The report emphasizes high turnover due to low pay and the Welsh governments agreement to improve recognition and fair treatment for these unsung heroes.

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed warns council leaders against implementing four-day working weeks, citing potential performance issues and government policy. He cites South Cambridgeshire District Councils switch to a four-day week as a concern, highlighting drops in housing services. Critics argue shorter weeks hurt productivity, while supporters point to increased morale and output in a Scottish public sector trial. Reeds letter leaves no room for doubt as councils focus on reliable services.

President Trumps Greenland Ambitions: A National Security Push President Trump reiterates the U.S.s need for Greenland, appointing Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy. Trump cites security concerns, not minerals, and emphasizes the islands strategic importance. Denmark, however, insists on Greenlands autonomy, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlands Jens-Frederik Nielsen issuing a joint statement. Denmark summons the U.S. ambassador, demanding respect for its borders. Trumps long-standing push for Greenland, including potential forceful measures, has escalated tensions. Denmarks intelligence report warns of rising Arctic tensions and U.S. pressure, as strategic stakes rise for missile defense and resources.

Talking Tables, a London-based company, specializes in crafting Christmas cracker jokes designed to elicit groans, not laughter. Their process involves meticulous selection from thousands of submissions, ensuring each joke delivers the perfect shared cringe. Neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott explains that laughter, even at terrible jokes, releases endorphins, reducing stress and strengthening bonds. Brain scans reveal that jokes activate multiple areas of the brain, making laughter contagious and most enjoyable with loved ones. Expert Professor Richard Wiseman agrees that the best cracker jokes are short and groan-worthy, creating a shared experience that keeps the holiday spirit alive.

King Charles shares a humorous gardening mishap, revealing his love for horticulture and sustainability. He traces his passion back to family, inspiring a new topiary garden at Sandringham. The king also suggests school vegetable gardens for environmental education.

Algerian migrant Munir Ghilas, 28, confesses to a two-month theft spree in Londons financial district, stealing over £20,000 worth of items from upscale bars. CCTV shows him boldly snatching bags, including a £3,000 laptop. Victims, including a man who lost a £2,700 laptop, express shock and disruption. Ghilas is arrested after a dramatic chase, awaiting sentencing on January 13th. City police vow to increase patrols and use cameras to prevent similar crimes.

Caprice Brown, a 24-year-old woman, sentenced to nine years for a series of brutal attacks on men she met on dating apps. Posing as different personas, she lured them to hotel rooms, handcuffed, attacked, and robbed them. The victims suffered severe physical and emotional trauma. Browns accomplice, Karissa Alfrez, received six years after a trial. This podcast episode underscores the risks of online dating and the importance of staying vigilant.

A Welsh familys Christmas dreams shattered by faulty insulation scheme, leaving their home uninhabitable for their asthmatic son and another family facing a massive repair bill. Building experts warn of a damp time bomb in stone homes, while installers and the government promise reforms for better accountability and quick fixes.