Latest news with #RachelWood
BBC News
19-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Protests as Suffolk library services taken back by council
A library service run independently for the past 12 years has been taken back under council control. Suffolk County Council's cabinet decided unanimously the service should revert back to council ownership from 1 June. Philip Faircloth-Mutton, responsible for the library services at the Conservative-led authority, said there was "no other credible or legal solution available" to protect all 45 libraries. Protesters gathered outside the cabinet meeting at Endeavour House in Ipswich. Rachel Wood, a library user from Newmarket, said she was "horrified" by the decision. Independent charity Suffolk Libraries had run the service since 2012 across 45 to renew its contract with the council started in November but broke down in February. The council said the charity had proposed unacceptable terms, including reducing hours by 30%. The council also raised concerns about the cost of the service's head office and senior managers. The library service disputed the claims over the costs of senior managers. At the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Faircloth-Mutton said the decision was not taken "lightly" but felt there was "no other choice".He told the meeting "extensive negotiations" had taken place with the library service but there was no "confidence in Suffolk Libraries' financial viability or management" . The move has met with opposition from library service users and supporters. A petition set up by Suffolk Libraries patron and former BBC Radio Suffolk broadcaster Lesley Dolphin has gained 22,000 signatures. Ms Dolphin asked the council meeting if the public's feelings would be taken into consideration. She was told by Faircloth-Mutton the petition had been dealt with "fairly" and in accordance to the "council's constitution". Rachel Wood, who was among a group of about 20 protesters who gathered before the meeting, said: "I have come all the way from Newmarket because it is really important. "We must not let Suffolk County Council throw something away that has helped so many people." Bruce Leeke, chief executive of the library service, said its finances were "rigorously managed".He said the council had "seen the finances every month" and asked: "Why has this suddenly become an issue?" After the decision was confirmed, Mr Leeke said "We are all devastated that the achievements and hard work of our staff, volunteers and supporters over the past 12-and-a-half years, coupled with the amazing support we've had over the past three weeks, have still not been enough to convince the county council to change its mind, or at least reconsider its proposal."The Labour group at Suffolk County Council has asked for the decision to be "called in" and reviewed by the scrutiny committee. This would need to be agreed by the council's monitoring officer. Unison supported the council's decision and said services were best run and delivered by the authority. Winston Dorsett, Unison's eastern regional organiser, said the union wanted to ensure "terms and conditions remain protected". Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Yahoo
Police operation targets 'predators' on nights out
A police operation targeting "predatory behaviour" in a seaside town at night has led to a reduction in crime, officers and publicans have said. North Yorkshire Police said its specialist team of officers for Project Vigilance had been patrolling Scarborough's town centre since December 2023 during peak times for partygoers. Supt Rachel Wood said the officers deployed, both in uniform and plain clothes, were trained to spot "potential victims" but also people displaying "predatory behaviour" in a bid to intervene and prevent sexual violence. Supt Wood said the Scarborough operation had led to 23 arrests and 68 "interventions" since it began. She added: "We've had a number of positive safeguarding referrals that have gone in and we've seen a reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour since we've been running it. "People should feel reassured that these patrols are taking place." Ryan Mancrief, of Scarborough pub The Waterhouse, said the police presence in his venue had helped deter anti-social behaviour. He said his venue also worked with officers as part of the Ask for Angela scheme, which encourages patrons to approach bar staff and use the codeword "Angela" to indicate they are in potential danger. "We get the Street Angels or the police involved and we make sure that that vulnerable person is protected," Mr Mancrief added. The force also holds Project Vigilance patrols in York's city centre, mirroring what has become a national operation first launched in 2019. Officers deployed also help people find a safe way home, find their friends if they get separated or refer them to partner services, such as Night Angels or the Yorkshire Ambulance service, the force added. Supt Wood said it was also important for bystanders to "trust their instincts" and report behaviour that "doesn't seem right". "However insignificant you think something may be, please report it, because your actions could potentially save lives," she said. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. BBC secret filming shows pubs not enforcing safety scheme Women cautiously welcome night-time police scheme 'Super-recognisers' used to patrol for sex offenders North Yorkshire Police
BBC News
17-03-2025
- BBC News
Scarborough: Police operation targets predators on nights out
A police operation targeting "predatory behaviour" in a seaside town at night has led to a reduction in crime, officers and publicans have Yorkshire Police said its specialist team of officers for Project Vigilance had been patrolling Scarborough's town centre since December 2023 during peak times for Rachel Wood said the officers deployed, both in uniform and plain clothes, were trained to spot "potential victims" but also people displaying "predatory behaviour" in a bid to intervene and prevent sexual Wood said the Scarborough operation had led to 23 arrests and 68 "interventions" since it began. She added: "We've had a number of positive safeguarding referrals that have gone in and we've seen a reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour since we've been running it."People should feel reassured that these patrols are taking place." Police presence working Ryan Mancrief, of Scarborough pub The Waterhouse, said the police presence in his venue had helped deter anti-social behaviour. He said his venue also worked with officers as part of the Ask for Angela scheme, which encourages patrons to approach bar staff and use the codeword "Angela" to indicate they are in potential danger. "We get the Street Angels or the police involved and we make sure that that vulnerable person is protected," Mr Mancrief added. The force also holds Project Vigilance patrols in York's city centre, mirroring what has become a national operation first launched in deployed also help people find a safe way home, find their friends if they get separated or refer them to partner services, such as Night Angels or the Yorkshire Ambulance service, the force Wood said it was also important for bystanders to "trust their instincts" and report behaviour that "doesn't seem right"."However insignificant you think something may be, please report it, because your actions could potentially save lives," she said. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Homestyle Food
There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today's puzzle before reading further! Homestyle Food Constructor: Dylan Schiff Editor: Jared Goudsmit ALLIE (15A: Activist ___ Redhorse Young) ALLIE Redhorse Young is a writer and the founder of Protect the Sacred, a grassroots organization focused on educating and empowering Navajo leaders and allies. She is a member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation in northern New Mexico. SODA (68A: Drink such as Inca Kola) Inca Kola, also known as Golden Kola, is a SODA that originates from Peru. Its main ingredient is lemon verbena, giving it a sweet, fruity flavor. Outside of Peru, the Coca-Cola company owns the Inca Kola trademark. TROOP (13A: Scouts BSA group) Scouts BSA is the division of BSA (Boy Scouts of America) that has programming for kids between the ages of 11 and 17. Scouts BSA participants are organized into TROOPs. Here's a heads up for you: On February 8, 2025, the organization's 115 anniversary, BSA will officially change its name to Scouting America. The name change reflects the organization's 2019 policy change that allows girls to join. WAFFLE HOUSE (17A: Restaurant chain that serves the All-Star Special) Founded in 1955 in Georgia, WAFFLE HOUSE now has locations in 25 U.S. States. (Those states do not include Iowa, sadly.) The WAFFLE HOUSE All-Star Special includes eggs, toast, a WAFFLE, choice of bacon, sausage, or ham, and choice of grits, hash browns, or sliced tomatoes. A TON (22A: Oodles) and A LOT (6D: Oodles) Oodles of oodles clues! Okay, two is not exactly oodles, but I couldn't resist. MISO (27A: Soup made with dashi) Homemade dashi is made by heating water containing edible kelp and other ingredients, and then straining the liquid. Dashi powder may be used instead of making homemade stock. Dashi is used as a base for MISO soup. PIZZA HUT (36A: Restaurant chain that once served the P'Zone) Founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, PIZZA HUT now has locations around the world, including in all 50 U.S. states (even Iowa!). The P'zone was a calzone-style PIZZA launched by PIZZA HUT in 2002. It is currently discontinued, although the chain briefly brought it back in 2019. EVAN (42A: "Westworld" actress ___ Rachel Wood) The TV series Westworld (2016-2022) is based on a 1973 movie of the same name. The TV show's story began in a Wild-West-themed amusement park. The hosts in the technologically advanced park are droids. The show's setting eventually expanded to the "real world," where people's lives are controlled by artificial intelligence. EVAN Rachel Wood portrays Dolores Abernathy, a host working at the amusement park. She won a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for the role. ASPENS (47A: "Quaking" trees) Quaking ASPENS are named because their leaves appear to tremble in even the slightest breeze. A fun fact about ASPENS is they propagate through their roots, so when you see a grove of ASPENS, it is often one organism sharing a common root system. UNIT (50A: Mile or mole) A mile is a UNIT of length. As you might have learned at some point, a mile is equal to 5,280 feet. A mole is a UNIT used to measure the amount of a substance, particularly the number of particles. One mole is equal to 6.02214076 x 1023 entities, whether that's atoms, molecules, ions, or other particles. That number (approximately 602 sextillion) is referred to as the Avogadro number. INDIRA (53A: Indian prime minister Gandhi) INDIRA Gandhi (1917-1984) was the prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She is the only female prime minister India has had to date. Although they share a last name (which for INDIRA Gandhi was her married name), INDIRA Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi (who led India to independence and whose likeness is featured on their currency) were not related. EAT (55A: Chow down) This is a nice bonus answer in this restaurant-theme puzzle. MAC ( 59A: ___ and cheese burger) A MAC and cheese burger is exactly what it sounds like, a hamburger with MAC and cheese as one of the toppings. SHAKE SHACK (62A: Restaurant chain that serves 'Shroom Burgers) Founded in 2004 in New York City, and starting out as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park, SHAKE SHACK now has 262 locations in the United States (but none in Iowa, sadly), as well as locations around the world. SHAKE SHACK's 'Shroom Burger is a veggie burger that consists of a fried portobello mushroom filled with melted cheddar cheese. CLUES (7D: Crossword hints) I'm a fan of self-referential CLUES. OKRA (58D: Veggie in some maque choux) Maque choux is a traditional dish of Louisiana. It consists of corn, green pepper, onion, and sometimes other vegetables, which are braised with bacon grease. OKRA is one of the vegetables that is sometimes included in the dish. A few other CLUES I especially enjoyed: PEEVES (31A: "Pet" frustrations) NPR TOTE (41D: Iconic bag from a D.C. broadcaster) HID (63D: Avoided the seeker, in a kids' game) WAFFLE HOUSE (17A: Restaurant chain that serves the All-Star Special) PIZZA HUT (36A: Restaurant chain that once served the P'Zone) SHAKE SHACK (62A: Restaurant chain that serves 'Shroom Burgers) HOMESTYLE FOOD: Each theme answer is a restaurant chain whose name is comprised of a FOOD (first word) and a STYLE of HOME (second word). This is a clever theme. It's fun that the theme uses both parts of each theme answer. I also appreciated the choice to clue each theme answer in a parallel manner, [Restaurant chain that serves (or once served) "menu item"]. The only problem I see with this theme is that it has made me hungry. Thank you, Dylan, for this delightful puzzle. One more thing: Occasionally I like to mention things that are happening in the broader crossword world, and today I have two things to share with you. The first one is the Boswords Winter Wondersolve, an online crossword tournament that will happen this coming Sunday from 1:00-4:30 pm Eastern Time. It's not too late to sign up, and I highly recommend it. Boswords holds four events a year – one each season – and they are always worthwhile and extremely enjoyable. Secondly, some folks in the crossword community put together the ORCA Awards each year, to honor great puzzles and clues from the previous year. Voting is currently open for the 13th ORCA Awards. I always enjoy looking at the ballot as a way to marvel at the many crosswords available. The ORCA awards ceremony will be online on February 24 at 9:00 pm Eastern time. USA TODAY's Daily Crossword Puzzles Sudoku & Crossword Puzzle Answers This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Crossword Blog & Answers for January 30, 2025 by Sally Hoelscher
