
As drink-spiking and date-rape drugs cases continue to stoke emotions, Victoria council is looking for answers The conversation re-entered the spotlight recently when the 2021 death of Victoria 18-year-old Samantha Sims-Somerville — who ingested a lethal dose of the well-known date-rape drug GHB — was re-classified a homicide by the Coroner's Service of B.C. Additionally, this month, a 16-year-old girl and her mom spoke with local media about her experience allegedly being drugged at a Vancouver Island party. Victoria police chief Del Manak spoke at council's Nov. 21 meeting about Somerville's death, which was initially ruled an accidental overdose. "This is an extremely tragic situation," he said. Manak explained that investigations like this can be tough, and some evidence, including second or third-hand evidence, can't always be admissible evidence to the court. He also mentioned that though the coroner's office deemed Somerville's death a homicide, there may not be enough evidence to prove anyone's culpability. "We aren't doubling down. This is an extremely serious case with just a horrific outcome and we're doing everything we can," Manak told the council. "I can't make up the evidence though, right? The evidence is the evidence and the courts will decide, not on a balance of probabilities, but on beyond a reasonable doubt if there's enough evidence that meets the charge-approval standard." Following the re-classification of Somerville's case, VicPD said it has since requested more information from the coroner about why. In the meantime, "out of an abundance of caution," it has forwarded the case to the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit, which looks after all suspicious deaths and homicide cases, for review. Council members put forward a motion to request an update from VicPD, the Greater Victoria School District, and the provincial government about any efforts being undertaken to raise awareness and prevent the use of date-rape drugs like GHB or Rohypnol. "What are we doing in Victoria about these crimes? What can city council do about these crimes? And likewise, what are high schools doing about these crimes? What are our not-for-profits, our social services agencies doing about these drugs? And what is VicPD doing?" asked councillor Matt Dell. Dell explained he recently talked to nightclub owners in the city, who said that they put up awareness posters, have safe drink spots where people can leave their drinks and offer free lids to cover the top of drinks, though other council members felt that it isn't enough. "I think we are doing our due diligence to let parents and victims know we're on their side and we want to do everything we can to educate the community and make sure that everything that could happen to prevent this is happening; that when there is a case, that charges are laid when they need to be laid that we're not just letting this slip through the system," Coun. Krista Loughton said. Stacey Forrester, a co-founder of Good Night Out, whose goal is to create safer spaces and prevent sexual violence in Vancouver and Victoria's nightlife, says suspected drink spiking is not a rare sight for their street-teams, which works in the cities' entertainment districts on Friday and Saturday nights. "A big part of our work is actually educating the public, not just on signs of drink spiking, but signs of predatory behaviour," Forrester explained in an interview in the summer. "We can only saturate women so much with 'cover your drink, don't leave it alone, don't [take] drinks from strangers.' Whereas, we need to educate bar staff and patrons, especially men, on signs that someone is being predatory." She explained red flags to watch for in bars and nightclubs include individuals targeting the most intoxicated person in the room, lingering around unattended drinks, buying drinks with a sense of entitlement or expectation, and trying to separate an intoxicated person from their friends. "Good Night Out has a three-hour training that includes all aspects of nightlife safety, including preventing drink spiking," Forrester said. "Talking about drink spiking is really important, but we also have to be aware that the most commonly used drug to render people incapacitated is alcohol. It just doesn't make the headlines." Coun. Stephen Hammond explained that he didn't support the motion because he felt it would be a waste of time for the province, the school district and VicPD to put a report together. He thought it would be better to encourage the parties to make sure people are being educated about the issue. "What I want is for the school district and for the police to be educating young men that they have no right over the bodies of young women, nor do they have the right to drug young women," Hammond said. "I would also prefer they spend the time educating young women about the harms, and that tragically, today, you can never leave a drink alone or out of your sight."Eagles QB Kenny Pickett expects to be ‘ready to go’ vs. CowboysNBA's Christmas Day ratings skyrocket, even going up against NFL games
ASHEBORO — For the second year, Randolph Community College’s industrial maintenance technician apprentices took their knowledge and enthusiasm for manufacturing into local third-grade classrooms as part of National Apprenticeship Week and Youth and Young Adult Apprenticeship Day. Visits were made to Uwharrie Charter Academy and Lindley Park Elementary School, where apprentices and volunteers from Pexco engaged students in hands-on activities to highlight the vital role of manufacturing in Randolph County, the nation and the world. Through interactive learning, the apprentices guided students in constructing robot arms from popsicle sticks. These activities introduced the young learners to essential manufacturing concepts such as supply and demand, quality control and diagrams and schematics. To complement the hands-on exercises, teachers read “Pete the Cat: Robo-Pete,” a story that resonates with themes of creativity and innovation. “Connecting with younger generations through education and hands-on experiences is critical for fostering an interest in manufacturing and technology,” said Shah Ardalan, president/CEO of Randolph Community College. “Our apprentices serve as inspiring role models, showcasing the exciting possibilities in manufacturing while planting the seeds for the future workforce of Randolph County and beyond.” Launched in 2023, the IMT apprenticeship program offers the opportunity to earn an associate degree in industrial systems technology while gaining hands-on, paid experience with local employers. Current employers include Energizer, Jowat Corporation, Pexco, the Timken Company and the new Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina, plant. For more information, contact RCC Director of Apprenticeships Stacey Miller at 336-318-4958 or apprenticeships@randolph.edu or visit randolphimt.com .
Samsung’s The Premiere is first 8KA certified projectorThe S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index’s three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1% and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as US markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. US-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4% respectively. The Japanese car makers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street also got a labour market update. US applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labour Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late on Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar.
Israel's attorney general orders investigation into Netanyahu's wife
Over 18,000 register to run for Supreme Court seats and federal judges in Mexico's new systemHUNTERSVILLE, N.C., Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toll Brothers, Inc. TOL , the nation's leading builder of luxury homes, today announced its newest master-planned community, Overbrook Estates , is coming soon to Huntersville, North Carolina, located off Highway 77 and Gilead Road. Construction of the Sales Center and model homes will begin in early spring 2025 and sales are expected to start in late spring 2025. Overbrook Estates will include 357 new homes, including ranch and two-story single-family home designs. Home buyers will be able to choose from nine exquisite home designs across three collections ranging from 3,030 to 3,905+ square feet, with 3 to 6 bedrooms, 2.5 to 5.5 baths, and 2- to 3-car garages. Each home will be built with the outstanding quality, craftsmanship, and value for which Toll Brothers is known. Homes are anticipated to be priced starting from the $600,000s. Home buyers will experience one-stop shopping at the Toll Brothers Design Studio . The state-of-the-art Design Studio allows home buyers to choose from a wide array of selections to personalize their dream home with the assistance of Toll Brothers professional Design Consultants. "We are excited to bring our luxury home brand to the Huntersville community with Overbrook Estates by Toll Brothers," said Ryan Switzer, Division President of Toll Brothers in Charlotte, North Carolina. "Conveniently located just off Highway 77 and Gilead and close to Lake Norman, this stunning new luxury home community will offer residents resort-style living and easy access to everything this vibrant area has to offer." Home buyers will enjoy proximity to nearby shopping, dining, arts and entertainment, and recreational destinations, including Birkdale Village, Historic Downtown Huntersville, McDowell Creek Greenway, as well as nearby Lake Norman. The community will feature future onsite amenities including a pool and cabana. Overbrook Estates is also just a short drive away from the excitement of Uptown Charlotte. Children will have the opportunity to attend school in the Mecklenburg County School District. Major highways including Interstates 77 and 485, and Route 73 are easily accessible from Overbrook Estates, offering homeowners convenient access to Uptown Charlotte, Morrisville, Davidson, and Lake Norman. For more information and to join the Toll Brothers interest list for Overbrook Estates, call (866) 232-1719 or visit TollBrothers.com/Charlotte . About Toll Brothers Toll Brothers, Inc., a Fortune 500 Company, is the nation's leading builder of luxury homes. The Company was founded 57 years ago in 1967 and became a public company in 1986. Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TOL." The Company serves first-time, move-up, empty-nester, active-adult, and second-home buyers, as well as urban and suburban renters. Toll Brothers builds in over 60 markets in 24 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, as well as in the District of Columbia. The Company operates its own architectural, engineering, mortgage, title, land development, smart home technology, and landscape subsidiaries. The Company also develops master-planned and golf course communities as well as operates its own lumber distribution, house component assembly, and manufacturing operations. In 2024, Toll Brothers marked 10 years in a row being named to the Fortune World's Most Admired CompaniesTM list and the Company's Chairman and CEO Douglas C. Yearley, Jr. was named one of 25 Top CEOs by Barron's magazine. Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information visit TollBrothers.com . From Fortune, ©2024 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Contact: Andrea Meck | Toll Brothers, Senior Director, Public Relations & Social Media | 215-938-8169 | ameck@tollbrothers.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/00efb8b7-140d-4d66-b421-027fcf5a2e3d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/41410aba-2b25-42e2-8259-4256b403d6e7 Sent by Toll Brothers via Regional Globe Newswire (TOLL-REG) © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.