Vermont Senator Peter Welch addressed the Senate on Tuesday, urging the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He criticized her management of FEMA and described her actions as part of a “cruel and illegal mass deportation campaign,” which he deemed disqualifying. “We cannot have a leader in charge of FEMA who is intent on its destruction… This mass deportation policy does not serve America or contribute to our nation’s strength and safety. Rather, it focuses on Secretary Noem’s goal of achieving the highest number of deportees… Secretary Noem must resign,” Welch stated. He further accused her of financial mismanagement.
Vermonters received a historic $9.9 million in unclaimed property last year. According to the Vermont Treasurer’s Office, they processed a record 31,593 claims in the last fiscal year, surpassing the previous year’s total of 19,010. The state initiated the MoneyBack program last year to actively return unclaimed property using verified Tax Department data. This initiative resulted in nearly $1.3 million being distributed to over 5,000 Vermonters. Additionally, a record $24 million in new unclaimed cash was transferred to the state last year, awaiting return to its rightful owners.
A Vermont woman was apprehended after crossing from Canada into the U.S. Esther Ngoy Tekele, a Congolese woman with permanent resident status in the U.S., was taken into custody on July 6 following a wedding in Canada. Court documents indicate that upon her return, authorities detained Tekele and confiscated her permanent resident card, with the reasons remaining unclear. She is currently held at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility awaiting a court appearance next week.
The alleged leader of a Canadian scam ring, which has defrauded over $30 million from older adults in Vermont and across the United States, has been arrested. The so-called “grandparent scam network” has been the subject of investigation by authorities in Vermont. Officials say that the scam operated out of call centers in and around Montreal. Scammers would call older victims, posing as a relative or the attorney of a relative who had been arrested, and request money for bail. According to the U.S. attorney’s office for the District of Vermont, a federal grand jury indicted 25 members of the scam network on fraud charges back in February. An additional nine individuals were previously charged in the District of Vermont in connection with this scam. In March, all but two members of the group were arrested. One of those not arrested was the alleged ringleader, Gareth West, who presented himself as a wealthy real estate developer. West remained at large until July 4, when he was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Quebec. According to court records, West is scheduled to appear in court in Montreal on TODAY (Thursday), July 17th. The RCMP says he is currently behind bars awaiting possible extradition to the U.S.
Registration for Miss Vermont 2026 and Miss Vermont’s Teen 2026 is now open. This scholarship competition serves as an official preliminary for the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen competitions, contributing to the largest scholarship program for women globally. The 2026 competition is scheduled for April 25 and 26, 2026, at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe. Contestants will participate in interviews, talent, on-stage questions, fitness, and evening gown segments. For details on becoming a candidate, eligibility requirements, and competing for the titles of Miss Vermont 2025 or Miss Vermont’s Teen 2025, please visit missvermont.org or contact executivedirector@missvermont.org for further information.
WTSA SPORTS FOR THURSDAY JULY 17th 2025
The Brattleboro Little League 12U All-Stars have maintained their undefeated status by clinching the District 2 title after defeating Rutland. As reported by The Commons, they are set to host the state tournament this weekend. The first game of the best-of-three series took place at South Main Street Field on July 8, where Cole Systo contributed significantly with two three-run home runs, leading to an 11-1 victory over Rutland in just four innings. Brattleboro secured the title on July 13 with a 3-1 win in Rutland. With the District 2 championship secured, Brattleboro is prepared to host the state 12U championship. The double-elimination tournament is scheduled to commence on Saturday, July 19th, with the champion advancing to the New England Tournament in Bristol, Connecticut.
REDSOX will start a 3 game series on Friday against the cubs at 2:20pm
YANKEES will also start a 3 game series on Friday evening against the Braves in Atlanta, at 7:15pm