SPASH: Trip across the sea

The Social Studies department is sponsoring a trip to Ecuador, London, Paris, and Barcelona. This trip is for students to experience different cultures. All of the meetings have concluded, but students still have a chance to go. If you happened to miss the meetings, see Elizabeth Anderson or Kari Fink. (AP)

INT’L: Woman killed during France protests

According to the BBC news an 80-year-old woman has been killed during France’s fuel protests; she is the fourth person killed. The woman was hit in the head by a tear gas canister while closing her shutters. She passed away on the operating table due to shock.  The protests have been going on for two weeks and show no signs of stopping. The French people are calling for lower prices on fuel and electricity. (LH)

LOCAL: Law enforcement takes part in Red Kettle campaign challenge

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is holding its annual Portage Country Public Safety Challenge on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Members of the Plover Fire and Police Department, Stevens Point Police and Fire Department, Park Ridge Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Portage County Sheriff’s Department will battle it out to see who can raise the most money. Campaign chair Craig Shuler said this year’s safety challenge is more important than last year since the Salvation Army is a behind their 2018 fundraising goal for the Red Kettle Campaign. He encourages people to contribute this weekend and sign up for bell ringing shifts through Christmas Eve. More information can be found in the Stevens Point News. (HY)

NAT’L: Elon Musk’s SpaceX attempts to make history

SpaceX is ready to launch 64 satellites in one fell swoop. A feat that could make history in space missions. According to CNN a rocket will be launched from Vanderberg Air Force Base in California on Dec. 4.  SpaceX seeks to minimize the cost of a launch by reusing the hardware. The mission illustrates the growing demand to launch modern devices that will empower new businesses. (JC)

STATE: Snowy owls are back in Wisconsin

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the migration of the snowy owls has returned to Wisconsin. Birders have spotted them in the eastern part of the state. Snowy owls are easy to spot. They weigh three to six pounds and are relatively big birds. Unlike most owls, they tend to be more active during the day and can be found on fence posts and light posts looking for food. A record of 280 snowy owls was seen and documented last year here in Wisconsin according to the Department of Natural Resources. (MS)