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Principal Acedo of the Academy Hill School and Melissa Brown, special educator pose with Flat Stanley in Wilton. Submitted photo WILTON — A collaboration between Melissa Brown’s second and third-grade special education class at Academy Hill School [AHS] and the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary has achieved national recognition, earning the AMVETS Post 33 in Jay the prestigious Carol King Show and Tell for Child Welfare Award. The award was presented on Sept. 6, with Brown and AHS Principal Keith Acedo attending the ceremony to celebrate the achievement. This marks the eighth year of partnership between Brown’s class and the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary. Brown credited the auxiliary, led by President Connie Cordell, for their continued support and involvement. “This collaboration initially began with a family friend, Connie Cordell,” Brown said. “At the time, she was just a member of the women’s auxiliary, but she’s now president. She asked to come into my classroom to volunteer and to do some projects with my students, and here we are eight years later doing even bigger and better projects.” The Flat Stanley project, a centerpiece of this partnership was instrumental in earning the national award. Students sent their Flat Stanley creations to various locations across the globe, and the responses they received sparked excitement and a sense of adventure. “My students had a mix of curiosity, excitement, and anticipation while waiting for their Flat Stanley responses,” Brown said. “They felt curious about where their creations would travel and who would write back and the stories he would come back with.” Flat Stanley’s travels included destinations such as Germany, where he visited a U.S. Army base and returned with German chocolates and a coffee mug for the teachers. In Florida, Stanley took photos with pilots in the cockpit and brought back pilot wings for the students. In South Carolina, he worked at a cake decorating shop, took a painting class and brought back a painting for the classroom. Other destinations included Belgium, where he visited a bakery and a doctor’s office, and Texas, where he spent time at a doggy day care, much to the delight of the animal-loving students.“They are animal lovers and loved seeing Flat Stanley taking naps and playing with the dogs,” Brown said. Closer to home, Flat Stanley visited Montreal, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Boston. Brown explained how the destinations were chosen. “We brainstormed places that we knew people and then asked permission to send him and see if they would be willing to visit places with him and take pictures and write about what he did. Everyone we asked was very willing to help us out.” Shirley Girard (right), president of the Department of Maine AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, poses with Connie Cordell (center) and Lisa Stoddard (left), parliamentarian, and a large Flat Stanley to celebrate the Academy Hill School AMVETS Flat Stanley project in Wilton. Submitted photo The project had a profound impact on the students, enriching their learning while fostering empathy and social skills. “Learning about different places and people through Flat Stanley helped students develop empathy and a broader perspective on the world,” Brown said. By connecting with individuals in diverse locations, students were introduced to new cultures, traditions and lifestyles. Brown noted that these experiences made lessons more interactive and meaningful. “Receiving letters, photos, and gifts sparked excitement and a sense of adventure. It made the project feel real and meaningful.” The project also supported students’ emotional development. “By learning about different communities and the people Flat Stanley visits, students practice understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives, fostering empathy,” Brown said. “Writing letters and sharing stories enhanced my students’ ability to express their thoughts and feelings, which is crucial for building relationships and effective communication.” Students displayed enthusiasm for the project, with some taking a particular interest. “Two students in particular continuously looked at our bulletin board that had all the places he had traveled,” Brown said. “They would always ask if we had gotten anything back yet or they would express, ‘I wonder what he is doing today?’” The recognition from the AMVETS award highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “They picked our project as the best project of the year,” Brown said. “The members of the AMVETS were very excited and very proud of the recognition for the kids and themselves.” Attending the award ceremony with Principal Acedo was a moment of pride for Brown. “There was a sense of pride in being recognized for this achievement,” she said. “Seeing my students celebrated is inspiring, reminding me of the importance of fostering creativity, perseverance and a love of learning.” Brown expressed gratitude for the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary and their contributions to the classroom. Beyond the Flat Stanley project, students have participated in activities such as creating birthday cards for veterans, assembling honor flight packages, and preparing care packages for soldiers during the holidays. “These activities not only taught them about empathy, gratitude, and civic responsibility but also provided them with practical opportunities to practice their reading and writing skills,” Brown wrote in an impact letter to the AMVETS honors and awards committee. “Their efforts have not only enhanced their educational experience but have also nurtured their personal development in profound ways.” The partnership continues to inspire and engage students at Academy Hill School. Reflecting on the journey so far, Brown said, “The Flat Stanley project is significant because it offers a holistic educational experience that nurtures academic skills while also fostering personal growth and social awareness.” We invite you to add your comments. 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Steelers Host Massive Ex-Browns Nose Tackle for VisitPatrick Roy wants his Islanders to be “homers” and take advantage of a lengthy stretch of games at UBS Arena. He also wants them to preserve third-period leads, and they were able to do both in a 3-1 win over the Blues on Saturday night . Kyle Palmieri clinched it with an empty-netter with 35.5 seconds remaining. Brock Nelson moved into the Islanders’ record book with three points, including a goal after a child with cancer asked MSG Networks’ Shannon Hogan to ask Nelson to score one for him on Hockey Fights Cancer Night. Nelson is now tied with John Tonelli for ninth on the team's all-time points list with 544. Ilya Sorokin made 24 saves for his 100th career victory. The Islanders (8-8-5), who won for the fifth time in regulation, completed a 1-2-2 road trip with a brutal 2-1 loss in Detroit on Thursday night, giving up both goals in the final 4:46 to blow their third, third-period lead in a row. Saturday marked the start of a three-game homestand and a stretch of eight of 11 at UBS Arena. The Islanders thought they had taken a 3-1 lead at 11:33 of the third period after defenseman Noah Dobson connected from the right circle. But Blues coach Drew Bannister successfully challenged that Palmieri, on top of Jordan Binnington, had interfered with the goalie. Binnington finished with 28 saves for the Blues (9-12-1). A major factor in the Islanders being unable to hold third-period leads has been their inability to extend one-goal leads. But Nelson finally provided a big second goal for the Islanders as his power-play one-timer at the crease off Max Tsyplakov’s patient feed from behind the net made it 2-0 at 15:55 of the second period. Nelson also set up the Islanders’ first goal as Palmieri, who earlier in the first period missed a look at an open net from the left circle, made it 1-0 at 18:51 with a rising wrist shot from the slot. Still, it took the Blues just 45 seconds in the third period to halve the Islanders’ lead as rookie defenseman Isaiah George was called for cross checking Robert Thomas 10 seconds earlier. Pavel Buchnevich found Jake Neighbours open at the post for an easy power-play score. Notes & quotes: Sorokin’s start snapped a string of five straight games in which Roy alternated Semyon Varlamov with Sorokin...Defenseman Grant Hutton and Hudson Fasching remained the healthy scratches...Former Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy remained out of the Blues’ lineup with a lower-body injury. He has not played since Oct. 15. Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
OpenAI and military defense technology company Anduril Industries said Wednesday that they would work together to use artificial intelligence for "national security missions." The ChatGPT-maker and Anduril will focus on improving defenses against drone attacks, the companies said in a joint release. The partnership comes nearly a year after OpenAI did away with wording in its policies that banned use of its technology for military or warfare purposes. Founded in 2017, Anduril is a technology company that builds command and control systems and a variety of drones, counting the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom among its customers, according to its website. OpenAI said in October that it was collaborating with the US military's research arm DARPA on cyber defenses for critical networks. "AI is a transformational technology that can be used to strengthen democratic values or to undermine them," OpenAI said in a post at the time. "With the proper safeguards, AI can help protect people, deter adversaries, and even prevent future conflict." The companies said the deal would help the United States maintain an edge over China, a goal that OpenAI chief Sam Altman has spoken of in the past. "Our partnership with Anduril will help ensure OpenAI technology protects US military personnel, and will help the national security community understand and responsibly use this technology to keep our citizens safe and free," Altman said in Wednesday's release. Anduril was co-founded by Palmer Luckey, after Facebook bought his previous company Oculus VR in a $2 billion deal. The new partnership will bring together OpenAI's advanced AI models with Anduril systems and software, according to the companies. "Our partnership with OpenAI will allow us to utilize their world-class expertise in artificial intelligence to address urgent Air Defense capability gaps across the world," Anduril co-founder and chief executive Brian Schimpf said in the release. Schimpf said the collaboration would allow "military and intelligence operators to make faster, more accurate decisions in high-pressure situations." gc/ahaTOEWS, James Dennis
At Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport, more than a year of war has taken its toll. Global airlines have canceled flights, gates are empty and pictures of hostages still held in the Gaza Strip guide the few arriving passengers to baggage claim. But one check-in desk remains flush with travelers: the one serving flights to the United Arab Emirates, which have kept up a bridge for Israelis to the outside world throughout the war. The Emirati flights, in addition to bolstering airlines' bottom lines, have shined a light on the countries' burgeoning ties — which have survived the wars raging across the Middle East and could be further strengthened as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to office. "It's a political and economic statement," said Joshua Teitelbaum, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at Israel's BarIlan University. "They are the main foreign airlines that continue to fly." Since the wars began with Hamas' initial Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, many international airlines have halted, restarted and halted again their flights into Israel's main gateway to the rest of the world. The concern is real for the carriers, who remember the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine 10 years ago and Iran shooting down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 after takeoff from Tehran in 2020. But FlyDubai, the sister airline to the long-haul carrier Emirates, has kept up multiple flights daily and kept Israel connected to the wider world even as its other low-cost competitors have stopped flights. Abu Dhabi's Etihad has continued its flights as well. While maintaining the flight schedule remains politically important for the UAE after its 2020 diplomatic recognition of Israel, it also provided a further shot in the arm for revenues — particularly for FlyDubai. Since the Israeli's wars against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon started, international carriers such as Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, Germany's Lufthansa and other major airlines halted their flights. Some resumed, only to stop again after Iran's Oct. 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel and Israel's Oct. 26 retaliatory strike on the Islamic Republic. Tehran has threatened to strike Israel again. That's brought major business to Israel's national carrier El Al, which had struggled in the coronavirus pandemic and prior years. The airline posted its bestever half-year results this year, recording a $227 million profit as compared to $58 million profit in the same period last year. El Al stock has risen by as much 200% over the past year, as compared to a 29% rise in the wider Tel Aviv 125 stock market index. El Al, however, lacks the routes and connections of major international carriers. Low-cost carriers as well have stopped flying into Israel during periods of the war, sending the price of El Al tickets ever higher. Passenger numbers through Ben Gurion halved compared to the same period the year before, El Al said in its second-quarter financial results. However, FlyDubai has kept flying. The carrier has operated more than 1,800 flights to Israel since October 2023, cancelling only 77 flights overall, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. In September alone, it flew more than 200 flights. As a line snaked toward the FlyDubai check-in counters at Ben Gurion Airport, UAE-bound Motti Eis said the flights were "a symbol that the Emirates countries decided to keep the peace." FlyDubai declined to answer questions from The Associated Press about the flights. Etihad, the flag carrier for Abu Dhabi, has kept flying into Tel Aviv, but the number of its flights has been dwarfed by FlyDubai. FlyDubai had 3.6% market share at Ben Gurion, compared to El Al's 43.2% in the second half of 2024. However, at least two of the foreign low-cost airlines with greater market, Wizz Air and Blue Bird, stopped flying for extended periods this year. Etihad said it maintains a close watch on the situation in the region, but continues its daily flights to and from Tel Aviv. "Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, employing best practices in safety and security practices, enabling Etihad and other airlines to provide essential air connectivity as long as it is secure to do so," the airline said in a statement. Beyond the financial impact, the decision also takes root in the UAE's decision to recognize Israel in 2020 under agreements brokered by President Donald Trump known as the Abraham Accords. While Abu Dhabi has repeatedly expressed concern and outrage at Israel's conduct during the wars, Israel's consulate in Dubai and embassy remain open in the country. And while Dubai, broadly speaking, remains focused on business in the country, Abu Dhabi's focus long has been on its geopolitical aims — which since the 2011 Arab Spring have been squarely focused on challenging Islamist movements and those who back them in the wider region. The UAE, a hereditary autocracy, long has viewed those groups as serious challenges to its power. Get local news delivered to your inbox!(The Center Square) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta said that his office will protect “the health and rights of transgender individuals to access medically necessary care.” Bonta made this statement after the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday about Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1. This bill prevents minors from receiving hormone and puberty blockers as well as getting surgery to identify as “a purported identity inconsistent with the minor's sex.” “Laws such as Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1 are dangerous and discriminatory by denying transgender youth the critical, lifesaving care they need,” Bonta said. “Amid a growing wave of legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, it is more important than ever to stand against these harmful measures,” he added. “ I urge the Supreme Court to protect the rights of transgender youth and ensure they are not denied the care they need to live full and authentic lives.” Following the oral arguments, several media outlets reported that the Supreme Court appeared likely to uphold Tennessee’s law. After the Supreme Court oral arguments, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said it should be up to the General Assembly. “Tennessee’s General Assembly reviewed the medical evidence, as well as the evidence-based decisions of European countries that restricted these procedures, and ultimately passed this bipartisan law prohibiting irreversible medical interventions," Skrmetti said in a statement after oral arguments ended. "The plaintiffs in this case are asking the court to take the power to regulate the practice of medicine away from the people’s elected representatives and vest it in unaccountable judges.” Bonta and 19 other state attorneys general filed an amicus brief in the U.S. v. Skrmetti case, urging the Supreme Court to overturn Senate Bill 1. In California, at least 2,024 minors received sex reassignment procedures between 2019 and 2023, The Center Square previously reported . This was the most in the country for a state. Families that underwent these procedures were billed almost $ 29 million. This means that the average medical intervention costs per child were an estimated $14,300. The data came from Do No Harm (DNH), which “represents physicians, nurses, medical students, patients, and policymakers focused on keeping identity politics out of medical education, research, and clinical practice.” DNH data shows three of the top 12 hospitals performing these procedures are in California.
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Trump Nominates Former Sen. Kelly Loeffler for Small Business Administrator
Here, the PA news agency looks at the seven Grand Slam finals contested by the pair. Murray turned in a poor performance in Melbourne, failing at the third attempt to win a set in a Grand Slam final as Djokovic broke serve seven times and hit six aces to claim a comprehensive win 6-4 6-2 6-3. “You had an unbelievable tournament and deserved to win,” the Scot said in reference to his opponent. “I look forward to playing against you in the future.” It took five sets for Murray to claim his first Grand Slam title, becoming the first British man to achieve the feat since Fred Perry in 1936. The final clocked in at four hours and 54 minutes as Murray prevailed 7-6 (10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 to end a wait of 287 tournaments in British male tennis for a victory. “I want to congratulate Andy on his first grand slam, he thoroughly deserves it,” said Djokovic. “I really tried my best. I gave it my all. It was a tremendous match.” Congrats @DjokerNole . Incredible athlete. Perfect gentleman. #ausopen — judy murray (@JudyMurray) January 27, 2013 Murray was dogged by injury in Melbourne with a heavily strapped right foot and a tight hamstring as Djokovic fought back from a set down to land a third consecutive Australian Open title, 6-7 (2) 7-6 (3) 6-3 6-2. “His record here is incredible,” said Murray. ”Very few people have managed to do what he has done, a deserved champion.” Murray ended a 77-year wait for a British men’s victory at Wimbledon by defeating his old foe 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in SW19, serving emphatically with nine aces and only two double faults to throw off the weight of history. The Scot had been 4-1 down in the second set as the match threatened to slip away from him and with it the chance to cement his place in tennis folklore, but having wasted three championship points he finally sealed the deal when Djokovic drove into the net with his final shot. A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole) Djokovic triumphed 7-6 (5) 6-7 (4) 6-3 6-0 and after the 24 matches and five grand slam finals the pair had played against each other across nine years, the Serb had established a 16-8 overall lead and 3-2 in slam finals. “Success is being happy,” said Murray. “It’s not about winning every single tournament you play, because that isn’t possible.” What a journey. Really grateful for everything. I'll keep working hard. Love is the key! pic.twitter.com/CrT7TYRL3O — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 31, 2016 The Serb landed a fourth win over Murray in Australian Open finals and his 11th in 12 matches to land his 11th major title, whilst the Scot made it five consecutive final losses in Melbourne, a new record in the Open era. “I feel like I’ve been here before,” said Murray after a 6-1 7-5 7-6 (3) loss. “Congratulations Novak, six Australian Opens, an incredible feat, and incredible consistency the last year.” "This is something that’s so rare in tennis... it’s gonna take a long time for it to happen again" Andy to Novak ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LN7dW8ZJED — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 5, 2016 This was Murray’s first final at Roland Garros but it brought a familiar conclusion as Djokovic triumphed against him for the fifth time in seven Grand Slam finals. The 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4 success was a first win for the Serb in Paris and saw him hold all four slams simultaneously. Murray went on to win Wimbledon the following month and was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year but, addressing Djokovic in Paris, said: “This is his day today. What he’s achieved the last 12 months is phenomenal, winning all four of the grand slams in one year is an amazing achievement.”
After receiving reports of dozens of avalanches from popular backcountry areas across the state, Colorado avalanche officials are warning that conditions are trending toward a difficult-to-predict persistent slab problem. State avalanche officials lifted a special avalanche advisory Sunday night, Dec. 1, that had been put in place after a snowstorm dumped more than 2 feet of snow on parts of the Colorado Rocky Mountains ahead of Thanksgiving . But the Colorado Avalanche Information Center wrote in its forecast Monday, Dec. 2, that avalanche danger remains moderate to considerable throughout most of the state, including the northern mountain region. “You can trigger deadly avalanches nearly anywhere in the region,” Colorado avalanche officials wrote in the northern mountain forecast . In recent days, backcountry observers have reported avalanches at Loveland Pass , Berthoud Pass , Bald Mountain near Breckenridge and other popular backcountry spots. Since Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 28, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center has received nearly 20 field reports detailing avalanches in the Vail and Summit County region and more than 15 reports of avalanches on the Front Range. On Nov. 30, backcountry skiers triggered a small avalanche on Loveland Pass on an east-facing slope near the tree line, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. The skiers reportedly did not observe any cracking or collapsing in the area before the avalanche. Avalanche officials said that this demonstrates that just because a slope doesn’t give obvious signs of instability, doesn’t mean it won’t avalanche. “As we move further away from the storm, avalanches will become more difficult to trigger, but also more difficult to predict,” Colorado avalanche officials wrote in a social media post Sunday, Dec. 1. “The avalanche conditions are headed towards the always scary lower-likelihood, higher-consequence setup with a Persistent Slab avalanche problem across most of the state.” Persistent slab avalanches are responsible for most avalanche accidents, including about 2⁄3 of all avalanche fatalities in Colorado . A persistent slab problem forms when a persistent weak layer is buried by additional layers of snow, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. These types of avalanches can be difficult to predict because they can occur days, weeks or months after the initial avalanche cycle. In the Flat Tops, Front Range and eastern Summit County, basal weak layers are the primary weak layer of concern because if a slide breaks in these deeper weak layers, it is likely to propagate and become a larger avalanche, the avalanche forecast states. This avalanche problem started way back when late October and early November storms dropped snow that then faceted on shady aspects and melted off sunny aspects, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Northerly and easterly aspects that held the most of this preserved snow are reportedly the most hazardous. The 2-3 feet of snow received last week is now connecting terrain that previously wasn’t connected, and there have been reports of large avalanches connecting whole bowls and wrapping around terrain features, the avalanche forecast states. There have also been reports of avalanches triggered from a distance and from below. While persistent slab avalanches pose the larger hazard, there have also been reports of wind slab avalanches in the northern mountains, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. In general, Colorado avalanche officials advise backcountry travelers to stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees that are sheltered from the wind. Avalanche danger could decrease to moderate in place throughout the week, but the hard-to-predict persistent slab problem will remain a danger, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. The most up to date avalanche forecast can be found at Avalanche.state.co.us . “The bottom line is that you need to keep making conservative decisions,” Colorado avalanche officials wrote in the forecast. “Make sure you aren’t traveling below overhead hazards and be extra cautious about the slopes you commit to.”
Launch Consulting Welcomes John Cipolla as President to Drive Innovation and Growth
Joe Burrow is no longer talking about the playoffs after another loss by the high-scoring BengalsIn today's Daily Fix:Marvel Rivals' roster keeps on growing, and we now have a first look at Wolverine via a new trailer. The fan-favorite mutant's new design, however, is raising some eyebrows for its lack of iconic mask and overall younger look. But purists shouldn't fret, as his more recognizable outfits will likely be coming in a season pass or other (likely paid) DLC. In other news, The PlayStation 5 just got a console software update which allows you to choose a new start-up animation and menu theme. This is part of Sony's celebration of the PlayStation's 30th anniversary, and now you can wax nostalgic while your modern PS5 boots up to the sound of the PS1's start-up animation. And finally, a trailer has leaked for a cancelled James Bond game, and no this isn't related to the upcoming Project 007 from IO interactive—it's a Lego game!
This is CNBC's live blog covering European markets. European stocks are set to open in negative territory Thursday, with French markets in focus after Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government was toppled in a vote of no confidence Wednesday. A majority of lawmakers from both the left-wing New Popular Front alliance and the far-right National Rally supported a no-confidence motion in the country's lower house yesterday evening. Motions had been tabled by both the left- and right-wing blocs Monday after Barnier, who has been in power for only three months, used special constitutional powers to force a social security budget bill through Parliament without a vote. The move angered opposition parties and, last night, deputies on the left and right ousted the government. Barnier is expected to resign Thursday, but he could remain in charge of a caretaker government while President Emmanuel Macron searches for a replacement. Elsewhere overnight, Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed after Wall Street stock benchmarks notched record highs yesterday. U.S. stock futures were broadly unchanged on Wednesday night. There are no major earnings or data releases in Europe Thursday. Bitcoin tops $100,000 for the first time ever The price of bitcoin soared past the long-awaited $100,000 benchmark for the first time ever late Wednesday evening. The flagship cryptocurrency was last higher by more than 7% at $102,879.60, according to Coin Metrics. Earlier, it rose as high as $103,844.05. The move came hours after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to nominate Paul Atkins as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The same day, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said bitcoin was "just like gold only it's virtual, it's digital," speaking at the DealBook conference . For more on bitcoin's historic milestone read our full story here . — Tanaya Macheel CNBC Pro: 'It is key to remain invested,' Julius Baer portfolio manager says. Here's how she's investing The persistent uncertainty in financial markets has raised questions on portfolio construction and how to invest across asset classes as 2025 nears. One long-term investor is now playing the market by staying invested and being well-diversified. "We believe it is key to remain invested and view any potential corrections as technical and temporary opportunities to get into the market," Julius Baer International's portfolio manager Aneka Beneby said. She also revealed how and what she is allocating to in the lead up to the new year. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Amala Balakrishner European markets: Here are the opening calls European markets are expected to open lower Thursday. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 17 points lower at 8,342, Germany's DAX down 7 points at 20,225, France's CAC down 28 points at 7,275 and Italy's FTSE MIB down 82 points at 33,747, according to data from IG. There are no major earnings or data releases in Europe Thursday. — Holly Ellyatt