Vt. Gov. Scott Says Vermont Welcomes Refugees

Montpelier — Vermont Republican Gov. Phil Scott is praising the federal court rulings blocking parts of President Trump’s executive orders that banned people from seven predominantly Muslim nations from entering the country.

In a statement issued Sunday, Scott says the United States and Vermont both have histories of welcoming people of all cultures and backgrounds.

He says the state has “proudly and peacefully” welcomed refugees from Somalia, Vietnam, Bosnia and Bhutan.

Scott’s spokeswoman Rebecca Kelley saidScott also finds it dismaying the president’s executive order has put on hold a program to settle Syrian refugees in Rutland.

Anti-Terrorism Exercise Starting at Shipyard

Kittery, Maine — People who live near Portsmouth Naval Shipyard can expect some increase in security activities over the next week or so.

An anti-terrorism training event called Operation Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2017 kicks off Monday and will continue through Feb. 10. The annual exercise is designed to test the readiness of Navy security forces and ensure seamless interoperability with other services and agencies. Officials say area residents may see or hear security activities associated with the exercise.

The Navy says Operation Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield is not in response to any specific threat, but is a regularly scheduled exercise.

— Wire reports