Sat. Dec 28th, 2024

Dear readers,

Last month, VTDigger published my investigation revealing how the federal government has quietly built surveillance towers along the Canadian border in Vermont and New York — with the possibility for more.

Government accountability reporting like this takes time and effort. If you value this type of journalism from me and my colleagues at VTDigger, please support it with a year-end donation and your gift will be tripled today. 

Time is running out for us to meet our goal. Can we count on you?

To report this story, I spent days scouring public records and satellite imagery, as well as calling local residents, town officials and experts on border surveillance technology. Then, I got in my car and drove up to the northern border myself, traveling from Derby Line to New York State to speak to more people and see where this technology has actually been deployed.

Since my story was published, the most rewarding part has been hearing directly from VTDigger readers about their experiences with border and immigration enforcement in their communities. To me, these messages show what VTDigger does best — not just informing, but also engaging, people across our state and beyond.

While VTDigger’s journalism is free to read — something I’ve always been proud of — it certainly isn’t free to produce. If you haven’t already, please consider supporting our local, nonprofit newsroom before the end of the year, in whatever way or amount you can.

Right now, all gifts up to $500 are being tripled, including monthly donations for the first year! We only have until Dec. 31 at midnight to reach our goal. Will you join us?

Thank you for reading and supporting local journalists.

Sincerely,

A man with a beard and short hair smiles at the camera, wearing a dark shirt. The background is blurred.

Shaun Robinson

State Government & Economy Reporter, VTDigger

If you can, please consider becoming a sustaining member at a level that works for you. Sustaining members make it possible for VTDigger’s journalists to dig deeper. Become a sustaining member at $15/month and you’ll receive a free VTDigger t-shirt.

Read the story on VTDigger here:  All gifts tripled until Dec. 31: Who is watching the watchers?.

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