Vermont Spent Millions on Electric Buses That Turned Out to be ‘Unreliable’ in Cold Weather

 Vermont invested $8 million in five electric buses aimed at boosting green transportation. However, these buses have shown to be unreliable during the cold winter months, raising concerns about their practicality and taxpayer value.

• Cold Weather Issues: The electric buses require temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit to charge. This has been a significant problem during Vermont's winter, where cold weather is common for about six months each year.

• Battery Recall Concerns: There is a battery recall issue that has resulted in the buses being labeled as a fire hazard, further complicating their use and limiting where they can be charged.

• Criticism from Advocates: Larry Behrens, a spokesman for an energy workers' group, criticized the purchase, noting it has turned out to be an expensive mistake. He described the situation as potentially resembling fraud, indicating that basic questions about the buses' effectiveness and safety were ignored.

• Government Grant Process: Clayton Clark, the general manager at Green Mountain Transit, acknowledged that transit agencies receive new buses through a competitive grant process, emphasizing that successful funding is not guaranteed.

• Public Sentiment: Critics point out that while the buses may not operate effectively, they symbolize a rushed commitment to green initiatives without adequate performance evaluations.

Vermont's expensive venture into electric buses has led to significant disappointment as these vehicles fail to operate in the state's typical winter temperatures. This situation highlights the need for careful planning and consideration of practical requirements when pursuing green solutions.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/genius-vermont-spent-millions-electric-buses-that-turned/

Peru Removes President After Scandal Tied To Chinese Contractor

 Peru's Congress removed President Jose Jeri from office following a scandal involving undisclosed meetings with a Chinese contractor. This political controversy, known as “Chifagate,” raised significant concerns about corruption and transparency in government dealings.

• The Congress voted 75-24 to censure Jeri after secretive meetings with Zhihua Yang, a Chinese businessman whose companies have government contracts.

• Jeri did not participate in the censure debate, claiming it violated his right to defend himself.

• The scandal started in late December when media aired footage of Jeri entering a Chinese restaurant with government officials, which was not documented in his official schedule.

• Yang was interested in a $30 million contract for installing surveillance cameras, raising further ethical questions.

• Despite being accused of wrongdoing, Jeri rejected the allegations and claimed he was the target of a political plot against his government.

• Jeri’s approval rating dropped significantly amid the scandal, with many citizens believing he engaged in corrupt activities.

• Following his removal, a new interim president will be elected before Peru holds general elections in April.

Jeri's ousting reflects ongoing political instability in Peru, demonstrating a trend where presidents face impeachment or removal amid scandals. His presidency lasted only 130 days, making him the seventh president embroiled in controversy within a decade.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/peru-removes-president-after-scandal-tied-chinese-contractor

California Gas Prices Jump 40 Cents to $4.58, Now $1.66 Above National Average

 Gas prices in California are rising rapidly, with current reports indicating a significant increase. The average gas price has surged to $4.58 per gallon, far exceeding the national average.

• Current Prices: California gas prices rose 40 cents per gallon in just two weeks, from $4.18 to $4.58, while the national average stands at $2.92. This places California prices about $1.66 higher than the rest of the U. S.

• Refinery Closures: The price hike is largely due to reduced refining capacity, specifically from the Valero Benicia refinery shutting down and the Phillips 66 facility in Los Angeles already closed. California now has only six operating refineries.

• Regulatory Challenges: California’s regulatory environment requires a specific gasoline blend and has limited pipeline connections, making it harder and more costly to obtain replacement fuel supplies.

• Increased Imports: California has started importing more gasoline, with significant amounts coming from distant places like the Bahamas. This importation adds extra costs for transportation and compliance.

• Future Price Increases: Experts predict that the refinery closures may lead to further price increases of 5 to 15 cents per gallon. There is concern that unless refining capacity increases or demand decreases, gas prices will remain volatile.

The situation in California indicates a prolonged period of high gas prices driven by ongoing supply issues. With no clear stabilization in sight, drivers may continue to face rising fuel costs and limited options in the near future. 

https://redstate.com/ben-smith/2026/02/18/california-gas-prices-jump-40-cents-to-458-now-166-above-national-average-n2199283

A Revolving Door of Predators

 Jim Cardoza discusses the troubling issue of recidivism in America's criminal justice system. It argues that the toleration of violent behavior leads to more violence and outlines how certain system actors, notably prosecutors and judges, contribute to a cycle that keeps high-risk offenders on the streets.

• Criminal Behavior Trends: The article notes that violent behavior is often tolerated in society, resulting in increased violence as the risks associated with committing crimes diminish. Criminals evaluate the risk of punishment versus the benefits of crime, and if the risks are low, they are more inclined to offend.

• Recidivism Statistics: Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows alarming recidivism rates for released prisoners, with 68% rearrested within three years and up to 83% within nine years. This indicates a system that fails to protect the public by continuously releasing individuals who are likely to reoffend.

• Role of Prosecutors and Judges: Prosecutors decide on charges and can lessen the severity of crimes, prioritizing efficiency and their reputation over public safety. Similarly, judges exercise broad discretion in sentencing, often not enough weight is given to public safety concerns. The article criticizes the leniency shown to repeat offenders and considers it a form of negligence.

• Misleading Language on Sentencing: The term "life sentence" is often misleading. Many such sentences allow for eligibility for parole after a certain duration, which contradicts the common understanding of life imprisonment. This misrepresentation undermines public trust in the justice system.

• Accountability in the System: The article argues that the system is structured in a way that decision-makers (prosecutors and judges) do not face significant repercussions when their leniency leads to reoffending. This creates a disconnect where the consequences of their decisions are borne by victims, not by the offenders or the system actors.

The article calls for reforms to address these issues: holding prosecutors accountable for violent crime charges, ensuring judicial discretion is linked to public safety, and clarifying sentencing language to reflect true consequences. It warns that leniency towards violent offenders ultimately shifts the burden onto innocent citizens, making society increasingly unsafe. The author stresses that a serious approach must treat violent recidivism as unacceptable, highlighting the need for a proper response to safeguard the public. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/02/a_revolving_door_of_predators.html

NBC News Buries Background of Latest Trans Mass Shooting Suspect – He 'Also Went by the First Name Roberta'

 Recent events involving commentary on various topics including political issues, a recent mass shooting, and reactions from prominent figures. Key points focus on incidents reported in the news and their implications.

1. Political Commentary:

• A proposal for a wealth tax by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) was criticized by an Argentinian lawmaker during a conference in Munich.

• Democrats faced backlash after sharing a Presidents Day message that featured a problematic image of Bill Clinton, which led to humorous responses.

2. Breaking News on Jesse Jackson:

• Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, associated with politicians like Louis Farrakhan and the Democratic Party, has passed away at the age of 84.

3. Mass Shooting Incident:

• A tragic shooting occurred during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, resulting in two deaths and several injuries.

• The shooter, identified as Robert Dorgan, also used the name Roberta. Discussions around the incident have been scrutinized for how they handled the suspect's gender identity.

• The police described the shooting as targeted, indicating it stemmed from a family dispute.

4. Concerns Over Representation:

• Media coverage, particularly by NBC News, has been criticized for hesitancy in addressing the transgender identity of the shooter. It took several paragraphs before mentioning Dorgan's alternate name related to his gender identity.

• Previous tragic incidents involving transgender individuals, such as the shooting in Canada and the Nashville school shooting, have also been referenced to highlight concerns about potential patterns.

5. Mental Health Issues:

• Dorgan's family members indicated that he suffered from mental health problems. It was reported that he had posted concerning messages online prior to the shooting, hinting at a mental health crisis.

6. Historical Context:

• A note was made regarding the number of mass shootings by individuals identifying as transgender in recent years, suggesting a troubling trend in the statistics provided by various analyses.

7. Other Notable News:

• An executive of the MLB Players Association resigned following an inappropriate relationship revelation.

• A separate incident involving a loaded shotgun being brought to Capitol Hill was mentioned, illustrating ongoing concerns about gun violence.

Recent news highlights important discussions around political proposals, significant tragedies involving gun violence, and the media's handling of sensitive topics such as gender identity. The tragic shooting in Rhode Island raises broader questions about mental health and societal responses to such incidents, inviting further examination of these complex issues. 

https://www.westernjournal.com/nbc-news-buries-background-latest-trans-mass-shooting-suspect-also-went-first-name-roberta/

Trump Repeals EPA’s Endangerment Finding, Preserving Affordable Energy and Housing

 On February 12, 2026, the Trump Administration repealed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2009 "endangerment finding," which had authorized regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors. This significant action aims to enhance affordable energy and housing ultimately to maintain U. S. competitiveness. The repeal has sparked widespread controversy and debate about its implications for climate policy and public health.

1. Repeal of Endangerment Finding:

• The 2009 finding allowed the EPA to regulate carbon emissions across multiple sectors including vehicles, power plants, and agriculture.

• The Trump Administration views the repeal as a way to limit excessive regulation and protect affordable energy options.

2. Reactions to the Repeal:

• Environmental groups and blue states, particularly California, have responded strongly against the repeal, with promises of legal challenges to reinstate the regulations.

• News outlets criticized the move as a significant setback for public health protections and the fight against climate change.

3. California's Climate Policy:

• California's strict climate policies have led to high energy costs and expensive housing, with a push for compact living arrangements that limit single-family homes.

• The state's policies are framed as essential to battling climate change, although they have raised housing prices and increased competition for energy sources.

4. Economic Implications:

• The repeal is seen as a means to keep energy prices low, crucial for economic stability and prosperity. Comparatively, energy prices are higher in regions focused on strict climate policies.

• States with lower energy costs, often red states, are becoming more attractive to investors, in contrast to California’s expensive energy and housing environment.

5. Debate on Climate Science:

• The repeal did not challenge the science of climate change, which has been a contentious topic. Some studies, including one from the Department of Energy, argue that the role of greenhouse gases in climate change needs reassessment.

• The political landscape around climate science is influenced by funding and consensus building, raising concerns about potential biases in climate research.

6. Trump's Perspective on Climate Priorities:

• Trump prioritizes addressing immediate global threats, such as nuclear war, over long-term climate concerns.

• The administration emphasizes the importance of energy for national prosperity and social well-being, advocating against micromanagement of energy consumption.

The repeal of the EPA's endangerment finding marks a critical shift in U. S. climate policy under the Trump Administration, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens and enhance energy affordability. This action has polarized opinions, leading to planned legal confrontations from environmental advocates and raising questions about the future of climate regulation in the U. S. As the debate continues, the tension between economic needs and environmental concerns remains a pivotal issue for policymakers and society at large.

https://amgreatness.com/2026/02/18/trump-repeals-epas-endangerment-finding-preserving-affordable-energy-and-housing/

Wes Moore 2028 Drowning in River of Bullshit

 Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, has faced significant scrutiny over the past ten weeks regarding his claims about his personal history. Investigations revealed inconsistencies in several stories he has shared, which have raised questions about his suitability as a potential presidential candidate for 2028.

1. Investigative Reports: Reports by Andrew Kerr challenge Moore’s assertions about his expertise on radical Islam, claiming he cannot produce an Oxford graduate thesis that supposedly supports his credibility. Additionally, his story about his great-grandfather being chased from South Carolina by the Ku Klux Klan is contradicted by historical records.

2. Mainstream Media Response: The mainstream press has largely ignored these investigative findings, leading to concerns about bias in the coverage of Moore’s candidacy.

3. Governor’s Defense: When questioned about the missing thesis, Moore emphasized his educational credentials and his character but failed to address the specifics of the allegations. His communications team dismissed inquiries about his grandparent's history as politically motivated attacks.

4. Issues of Credibility: Moore has a history of making several dubious claims, including a difficult childhood and honors that lack verifiable evidence. His response to scrutiny tends to deflect blame rather than provide clarity.

5. Potential Implications: If Moore pursues the presidency in 2028, his opponents are likely to use these findings to question his integrity and credibility in debates.

Wes Moore’s presidential ambitions may be jeopardized by mounting scrutiny over his past claims. The unverified nature of his personal stories, coupled with the mainstream media's apparent complicity, raises significant questions about his candidacy as he approaches the 2028 election cycle. 

https://freebeacon.com/democrats/wes-moore-2028-drowning-in-river-of-bullshit/