Vermont and New York are among 20 states opposing President Trump’s executive order that prohibits transgender individuals from military service. The “friend of the court” brief argues that the order is unconstitutional, undermines national security, and discriminates against transgender people. Vermont Attorney General Clark stated that the order is not only unconstitutional but also disrespectful to the transgender military members who have served honorably. Other states joining the brief include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Many individuals in Vermont protested President Donald Trump on President’s Day in response to recent federal spending cuts. Rallies took place at City Hall in Burlington and the State House in Montpelier. This follows the White House’s decision to terminate thousands of federal employees, including probationary staff, by the end of business on February 13.
New Hampshire authorities report that two men from Massachusetts, Ricardo Antonio Lara Guerrero, 28, and Jason Checo Severino, 24, face charges related to a drug operation in Newport and Claremont. They were stopped by state police on Interstate 89 last Wednesday and found with fentanyl. The suspects are linked to a drug operation that has resulted in 20 arrests in the region since last November under Operation Granite Shield, with police suspecting they were transporting drugs from Massachusetts to Sullivan County.
On February 9th, shortly before 8 a.m., Vermont State Police were alerted to a single-vehicle accident on Route 100 in Wardsboro. Upon arrival, troopers discovered an abandoned vehicle that had damaged a mailbox. Investigation revealed that Sarah Galaske (46) of Whitingham was driving negligently and failed to report the incident. She was found to have a criminally suspended license and was violating her court release conditions. On February 17th, Galaske was located and issued a citation to appear in the Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division on March 25th.
An unusual hitchhiker startled employees at a Market Basket store in Manchester, New Hampshire, when an ornate cat-eyed snake was discovered in a shipment of bananas. Although the snake is mildly venomous, no injuries occurred. The 8-inch snake has since been relocated to a sanctuary in Massachusetts. Other animals, such as frogs, lizards, and spiders, are also frequently found in fruit shipments.
Town officials are warning residents about a phishing scam involving fraudulent emails that appear to be from the Town of Swanzey. These emails misleadingly suggest that property owners are owed money. Authorities advise against responding to or clicking any links in these emails, which have been confirmed as illegitimate. Residents with concerns should contact Tax Collector Kevin Westcott at (603) 352-7411 ext. 109 for verification. Officials emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant against phishing scams and verifying unsolicited requests for personal or financial information.
WTSA SPORTS FOR TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18th 2025
USA loses 2-1 to Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off round-robin finale. Despite the loss, the United States advance to Thursday’s championship game, when they take on Canada.
IN LOCAL BOYS BASKETBALL, THE BRATTLEBORO BEARS TAKE ON MT. ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY TONIGHT IN RUTLAND, TIP OFF AT 7PM