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A blue wave helped offset for now a falling tally of Black members in the U.S. House
A Supreme Court ruling that further weakened the Voting Rights Act paved the way for a record drop in Black representation in Congress. But a midterm blue wave helped hold off such a decline for now.
The midterms energized a powerful political constituency: abuse survivors
Two Ohioans are part of a growing movement of survivors of sexual abuse and gender-based violence who are showing up at statehouses, lobbying the U.S. Congress, and coming forward to share their experiences with political candidates — and they’re getting results.
White House threatens Congress, saying aggressive investigations could be crime
It was not clear what legal basis could support the claim. The Constitution grants lawmakers immunity for legislative acts.
Incoming Democratic majority says disaster relief 'a very high priority’
The incoming Democratic majority says disaster relief for Los Angeles wildfire victims and other states will be a "very high priority" in the next few weeks, and if not passed by the end of the year, in the new Congress.
Incoming Democratic majority says disaster relief 'a very high priority’
The incoming Democratic majority says disaster relief for Los Angeles wildfire victims and other states will be a "very high priority" in the next few weeks, and if not passed by the end of the year, in the new Congress.
Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury says she is "sincerely sorry” for missing a critical Hegseth impeachment vote
New Mexico Political Report – Riding high from a national rebuke of President Donald Trump’s economic policies and the war in Iran, Democratic voters and members of Congress filled social media on Tuesday with criticism of Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury and 10 other Democrats who missed a critical vote to advance impeachment proceedings against Secretary of […]
Walberg Supports Legislation to Modernize Veterans Health Care and Benefits
Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) supported H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, as the legislation passed the House.
Rand Paul plans to be top Republican on Senate health committee
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said Wednesday he is seeking the top GOP spot on the powerful Senate health committee next Congress, a move that would likely signal a major shift for the focus of Republican…
Delaware residents file lawsuit seeking a second House seat for the First State
They want a federal court to overturn the House’s 435-seat cap and create a second congressional district for Delaware.
White House warns congressional Democrats: Investigating us may be a crime
Incoming House Oversight Committee Chairman Robert Garcia noted that the Constitution grants Congress “wide latitude to conduct investigations” into the Trump administration.
The hypocrisy of Trump’s team warning Democrats against politicized investigations
After years of Republicans going to extraordinary lengths to politicize congressional oversight and target President Donald Trump’s enemies, his administration is now issuing stark warnings to Democrats to not politicize congressional oversight to target Trump and those around him.
US midterms: assessing the results and implications
A Democratic sweep of the US Congress has delivered a sharp…
White House sends warning to Democrats about investigating the Trump administration
The White House has issued a warning to Democrats over their planned probes into the Trump administration, going as far as claiming that such investigations — a standard oversight function of Congress -- may amount to “blatant criminality.”
White House readies aggressive fight against planned investigations by Congress
The counsel’s office is beefing up staffing and warning Democrats against “capricious threats,” but private firms may be wary of aiding the pushback.
Following big Democratic wins, these swing voters are looking for results
For the swing voters NPR is regularly checking in with as part of its Swing Shift series, the election results brought mixed emotions, as does the pending Democratic control of Congress.
Political analyst says Stephen Miller appointment sets up battle between White House and Congress
Will DSA members be able to drive the conversation in Congress?
DSA candidates were elected in historic numbers to the House
This Week In Politics: A Blue South
Last week’s midterm election produced what many have called a “blue wave” throughout the country, as Democrats secured majorities in both chambers of Congress. Most notably, Democrats flipped seats across traditionally Republican-leaning Southern states, which reflected the widespread voter frustration with current leadership, even among historically loyal red voters. In Texas, James Talarico ended a...
Record number of women veterans elected to Congress, bringing new priorities
A record 11 women veterans will serve in the next Congress, bringing military experience and new priorities on defense and veterans issues.
Why California's Prop. 50 redistricting measure was a mistake
Proposition 50, the Democratic gerrymandering initiative, has drawn California Republicans into near-extinction in Congress. That's unhealthy and unnecessary.
Veterans: Two N.J. Congressmen Who Placed Patriotism Above Politics
Most people in New Jersey politics today probably never heard of Albert Vreeland or Frank Osmers, two young New Jersey Congressmen who placed patriotism
Close Trump ally to lead House Republicans next year
House Republicans will have a new leader at the start of the new Congress in January: Ohio's Jim Jordan, a co-founder of the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus and a close ally of President Trump.
Kat Cammack plans to exert Florida strength in GOP caucus and work across the aisle
The new congressional delegation co-chair says Florida has proven itself as a place of Republican strength
Against the odds, Black political power rises on Capitol Hill
Washington was bracing for a hit to Black representation on Capitol Hill. Instead, the Congressional Black Caucus is welcoming its biggest — and perhaps most influential — class ever.
Sonia Gandhi: What will Congress leader's memoir reveal about India's most powerful political family?
Sonia Gandhi's memoir revisits love, loss and political inheritance, offering a deeply personal defence of her family and its legacy.
Danny Davis: Keep the Bears in Chicago. Build where the benefits matter most.
Retiring congressman makes his case to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for keeping football team in Chicago.
Republican Maria Elvira Salazar wins reelection to U.S. House in Florida's 27th Congressional District
Republican Maria Elvira Salazar won election Tuesday to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Florida’s 27th Congressional District, defeating Democrat Eliott Rodriguez
Hochul cites Democratic control of Congress in pushing AI regulation, federal dollars
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer — both New Yorkers — are expected to lead their respective chambers of Congress.
Senate Republicans vote to keep Thune as leader after election wipeout
Senate Republicans vented their frustrations in three separate meetings on Tuesday after an election wipeout that cost them at least seven Senate seats.
They underestimated Sydney Gruters. Now she’s going to Congress
She’s one of just three Republican women not already in Congress to win a House seat this year.
House Republicans pick Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan to lead them in the minority
Jordan, who serves as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, defeated Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana in a secret ballot election of Republicans who will serve in the next Congress.
Incoming House Democrat says party is threatening him
Rep.-elect Don Leonard (D-OH) is claiming that his party’s senior representatives are threatening him to drop his stated preconditions for backing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) in the upcoming speaker elections or face intraparty repercussions. Leonard ousted incumbent Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH) in last week’s midterm elections, flipping a district President Donald Trump won […]
House Republicans elect Jim Jordan to serve as minority leader next year
Senate Republicans are also set to hold elections Tuesday to choose a leader for the new Congress.
Massie sees ‘high probability’ Hegseth resigns before hearings
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) said War Secretary Pete Hegseth is more likely to resign by the end of the year than continue leading the Pentagon and be subject to Democrat-led hearings when the new Congress is sworn in. Massie told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins he is not surprised President Donald Trump has continued to support Hegseth, […]
Democrat Darren Soto wins reelection to U.S. House in Florida's 9th Congressional District
Democrat Darren Soto won election Tuesday to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Florida’s 9th Congressional District, defeating Republican Dan Green
Democrat whose upset win is sending her to Congress faces a felony charge
Rep.-elect LaKesha Womack of North Carolina, who beat a GOP incumbent, goes to court Dec. 1 after being accused of failing to return a rental car in 2019.
Demslide or republican resilience? A political history forecast of the 2026 us congressional elections -
Forecasting the 2026 US Midterm Elections Demslide or republican resilience? A political history forecast of the 2026 us congressional elections By Stephen Quinlan, Independent Researcher, and Michael Lewis Beck, University of Iowa The history book [...]
Outgoing Republican chairman to DOJ and Democrats: Keep investigating Jeffrey Epstein
Republican Rep. James Comer, who will soon relinquish his position as chairman of the powerful House Oversight Committee when Democrats take control of Congress, has a message for the Justice Department and his Democratic colleagues: There’s a lot more work to be done on Jeffrey Epstein.
NYT: Trump wished Biden well in newly disclosed 2021 letter
(CNN) — In his forthcoming book, former President Joe Biden discloses the contents of a 2021 letter written by President Donald Trump as he prepared to leave the White House after his first term, according to an excerpt of the book and a copy of the letter obtained by The New York Times.“Many presidents have come and gone who simply governed as Republicans or Democrats,” Trump wrote in the letter to Biden, according to Times. “Largely, they did not change history, they were just swept along in its relentless tide. This will not happen to you because I know how much you love the American people.”Biden has previously alluded to a “very generous letter” left by his predecessor, and now successor, but until now had declined to talk about the contents.The reported letter, which was dated January 20, 2021, strikes a different tone than Trump’s public statements after losing the election to Biden in 2020. Trump repeatedly claimed the election was stolen and refused to conduct an orderly transfer of power to his successor, challenging the results in court and pressing his allies to move to block the certification of his loss.The matter came to a head when Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, as Congress was voting on whether to certify the results. While Congress ultimately certified Biden’s victory, Trump has continued to deny the 2020 results and pardoned over 1,000 people involved in the riot when he returned to the White House last year.“Not only are you joined by the past, but you carry the hopes and dreams of the entire nation on your shoulders. The gravity of that fact never leaves you, it is the anchor that grounds every decision you make,” Trump wrote in the letter.“Your strength, your deepest reservoir of energy, comes from the knowledge that millions upon millions of people are depending on you. Their ambitions and aspirations are the reason you are here, with so many counting on your success,” he continued.Biden was inaugurated the same day as the letter and Trump did not attend the festivities as is customary for most living presidents. Trump has sharply criticized Biden in the years since the 46th president left office.In his book, titled “Promise Me, America,” Biden writes it was “as if there were two Donald Trumps” and says Trump “deeply destabilized democracy,” according to the Times.“But here he was, offering his best wishes in warm language that sounded like it was coming from an old friend,” Biden wrote in the book, which is set to be released next Tuesday.In a statement to the Times, White House communications director Steven Cheung said, “Joe Biden should have heeded the president’s wise words, but instead he tried to destroy this country and weaponize the justice system against his political enemies.”“Biden is a disgrace, and America is better off with him no longer as president,” Cheung added.The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
Impeachment isn't only for presidents. How does the process work for Cabinet secretaries?
The Constitution allows Congress to impeach and remove federal officials, including Cabinet secretaries
What Does Democratic Control of Congress Mean for Global Health?
This policy watch examines what the 2026 Midterm Election results and Democratic control of Congress might mean for global health.
Opinion | A new Congress should mean a new agenda for health care
Lawmakers have an opportunity to lower health care costs, protect coverage, and restore the scientific independence that drives medical progress.
WATCH LIVE: Senate considers bills on permitting, survivor justice as GOP mulls future leadership
WATCH LIVE: House expected to hold preliminary vote on Hegseth impeachment as GOP chooses next leader
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says impeachment push is a ‘farce’
The defense secretary likened the effort by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie to Congress’ two failed efforts to impeach President Donald Trump.
Hegseth: Impeachment effort is 'political spectacle'
Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke on an effort to impeach him at a press conference on Tuesday, saying "What one disgruntled and defeated congressman is attempting is not oversight," adding in his final days of congress, he is trying to "do damage" to President Donald Trump.
Purplish: How the midterms could shake up Colorado politics
Colorado Republicans didn’t think things could get worse for them. During the midterms, they did, with Democrats flipping some congressional and statehouse seats.
Congress live updates as House and Senate Republicans hold leadership elections after midterms losses
Trump administration live updates: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to address House impeachment threat
Live updates and the latest news on the Trump administration as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addresses a House impeachment threat and Republicans choose their leadership for the new Congress.
First on CNN: Whistleblowers tell Democrats documents linked to Trump’s construction projects are being destroyed
House Democrats are demanding that the Interior department retain documents related to President Donald Trump’s construction projects around Washington after whistleblowers warned that key paperwork has already been destroyed before Democrats take power, congressional sources tell CNN.
A trailblazing Indiana Democrat’s next mission: Figuring out how to represent Republicans
J.D. Ford flipped a barn-red district in one of the nation’s most reliably Republican states. Now, like many of his soon-to-be colleagues across the country, the unlikely Democratic midterm winner is thinking about how to keep from becoming a one-term congressman.
Republicans, reeling from an election drubbing, will choose their leadership in Congress
Reps. Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise are vying for the top spot in the House, while John Thune is expected to remain Senate Republican leader, despite a conservative push to delay.
Here are some of the House seats that Democrats didn't expect to win this year
Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, who led the National Republican Congressional Committee, lost his seat this year.
Here are some of the House seats that Democrats didn't expect to win this year
Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, who led the National Republican Congressional Committee, lost his seat this year.
Baumgartner wins tight race for Eastern WA seat in US House
U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner has won reelection to Washington’s 5th Congressional District seat, in a race that saw a Democratic challenger get the closest to winning the district in more
U.S. midterms bring new focus to weather and science in Washington
Democratic control of Congress changes the equation for science funding and FEMA oversight.
Baumgartner wins tight race for Eastern WA seat in U.S. House
U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner won reelection to Washington's 5th Congressional District, in a race that saw a Democrat get the closest to winning in decades.
Democrats Are Wasting No Time Investigating Corporate America’s Biggest Names
After Tuesday’s blue wave, congressional leaders are setting deadlines, and companies are lawyering up.
California lawmakers take on Capitol Hill orientation
A college professor, an anthropologist, and a pediatrician walk into the U.S. House of Representatives. It’s not the start of a joke, but a few of the adjectives that can be used to describe the California lawmakers elected to Congress.
Democrats demand answers on Trump’s AI policy amid spy plot
Congressional leaders raise concerns in a letter as Nvidia investigates its chief executive’s affair with a suspected Chinese spy.
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart reelected to Congress in unexpected close race against political newcomer
He defeated Democrat Nicole Locklin and a third candidate with no-party-affiliation in a race far closer than expected on Election Night.
Massie seeks to force vote on Hegseth impeachment
Massie filed eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Monday as Kentucky's two new incoming Congress members arrived on Capitol Hill.
Democrats plan to use new power to rein in Trump's education agenda. But their tools are limited
Democrats in Congress are gearing up to challenge President Donald Trump's education policies, including the dismantling of the U.S. Education Department.
Class of 2027 Illinois congressional delegation arrives in Washington
The state will see five new faces in Congress next year after a series of retirements created a seismic shift in Illinois politics. Senator-elect Juliana Stratton arrived in Washington on Monday for a two-day Senate orientation after winning the open race to succeed Sen. Dick Durbin.
Lawmakers briefed on Nvidia affair as security concerns mount
Congressional Republicans have called on Huang himself to provide an update, warning the incident raised 'significant national security concerns.'
Lauren Boebert Gets Shown the Door by Colorado Voters
Democrat Eileen Laubacher will replace the Republican whose congressional career made LGBTQ+ people targets and confrontation a calling card.
GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert will lose reelection to Democrat Eileen Laubacher in Colorado, CNN projects
Retired Rear Adm. Eileen Laubacher, a Democrat, will flip Colorado’s 4th District, CNN’s Decision Desk projects, ending conservative firebrand Rep. Lauren Boebert’s tenure in Congress.
With a New Congress Coming in January, Stand Up for Science Releases Its Plan for Accountability Over Attacks
Second chapter of Forging the Future of Science and Democracy proposes oversight and accountability measures to protect science from political interference
With a New Congress Coming in January, Stand Up for Science Releases Its Plan for Accountability Over Attacks
Second chapter of Forging the Future of Science and Democracy proposes oversight and accountability measures to protect science from political interference
NCAA president pushes Congress for legislation protecting student-athletes’ physical, mental health
Former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA President Charlie Baker joins The Hill Sunday host Chris Stirewalt to discuss the future of college sports legislation and push for the protection of …
Feds award $10B to states in second year of rural health grants
Federal officials on Monday announced $10 billion in awards across all 50 states in the second year of the Rural Health Transformation Fund, grants created by Congress to bolster rural health in response to concerns about Medicaid cuts. Texas received the largest grant for the 2027 fiscal year — almost $282 million — followed by Alaska, Montana, California and Oklahoma.
Recount begins in Florida congressional race amid conflict-of-interest claim
A judge kept Miami-Dade’s elections chief on the recount board despite a lawsuit calling her Rep. María Elvira Salazar’s “political ally” and friend.
Changing Maps and Outcomes: Gerrymander Potential and District Dissimilarity in Forecasting the 2026 Midterms -
Forecasting the 2026 US Midterm Elections Changing Maps and Outcomes: Gerrymander Potential and District Dissimilarity in Forecasting the 2026 Midterms By Jay A. DeSart, Utah Valley University Congressional redistricting presents a particular challenge for forecasting [...]
US Midterm Elections: Democrats Pledge To Lower Health Costs And Revive Research Funding
November’s US midterm elections swept Democrats into power in both the House and Senate, marking a shift in congressional leadership on key health policies.
As Congress’ Lame Duck Session Starts, More than 100 Groups Urge Congress to Pass Health Care Price Transparency Before Year's End
Passing These Pending, Vetted, Bipartisan Bills Would Be a Foundational First Step to Address Voter Demand for Action on Health Care Affordability Washington, D.C. – As Congress returns to Capitol Hill today, less than a week after a historic midterm election, more than 100 organizations are calling on Congress to act on bipartisan measures to […]
The Briefing | What permitting reform should deliver for tribes
Congress’ push to accelerate energy and infrastructure projects has raised questions about how faster reviews would affect tribes’ ability to protect culturally significant land and waters. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, S. 5653, proposes to shorten reviews, expand electric transmission and limit legal challenges. Sponsors say the legislation would encourage capital […]
Trump says his deportation policy 'might have been too tough' for midterm voters
Trump said that he thinks he can work with Democrats in the new Congress on some kind of immigration deal.
THE WEEK OF NOV 9, 2026
- Congress returns for lame-duck session - White House issues space freedom proclamation
Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats are committed to "holding the crooks accountable" in new Congress
The Latest: Congress returns to a changed Washington
President Donald Trump said he ‘might have been too tough for voters’ on deportations and that he thinks he can work with Democrats on an immigration deal. But Trump and
Inflation, Politics Driving Economic News
Americans made clear on Nov. 3 that inflation and the high cost of living were major reasons they decided to toss the Republicans out of Congress and repudiate the economic policies of the Trump administration. But inflation is not going anywhere anytime soon – and certainly not as long as oil ...
Gov.-elect Hinojosa wants to expand Medicaid in Texas. An executive order won’t make that happen
Texas Dems may craft a state “trigger bill” to activate Medicaid expansion if Congress repeals costly Trump administration restrictions.
Outgoing Congress returns for busy week of funding fights and a possible Hegseth impeachment vote
The outgoing Congress returns this week facing funding deadlines and a possible impeachment vote of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Congress returns to a changed Washington after GOP's election wipeout
Congress returns to a changed Washington after Democrats trounced Republicans in the midterm elections.
Trump administration live updates: Congress returns with government funding atop the to-do list
Live updates and the latest news as Congress returns with government funding at the top of their to-do list, Donald Trump meets with the prime minister of Qatar and the Supreme Court announces new cases.
What is the 'Protect College Sports Act' and why does it face an uphill battle in the House?
A bipartisan Senate bill addressing college athlete payments and Olympic sports protections faces opposition in the House during Congress's lame-duck session.
What is the 'Protect College Sports Act' and why does it face an uphill battle in the House?
A bipartisan Senate bill addressing college athlete payments and Olympic sports protections faces opposition in the House during Congress's lame-duck session.
What is the 'Protect College Sports Act' and why does it face an uphill battle in the House?
A bipartisan Senate bill addressing college athlete payments and Olympic sports protections faces opposition in the House during Congress's lame-duck session.
Nvidia’s Jensen Huang Scandal Tests Trump, as Does Emboldened Congress | WSJ Politics Newsletter for Nov. 9
Also, the president says mass deportations might have been ‘too tough,’ and his former advisers get into a nasty text-message feud
Lula races to pass agenda before rightward shift in Congress
Government narrows priorities as a more conservative legislature prepares to take office next year
What Democratic wins could mean for health policy, according to Penn expert Ezekiel Emanuel
A Democratic-controlled Congress could try to reverse cuts to health coverage, lower prescription drug costs, and pursue other health priorities. But the president's veto power remains a barrier.
Missouri Republicans mulling future of congressional redistricting after Prop A failure
Voters rejected a Trump-backed map by an overwhelming margin. But some lawmakers aren’t ruling out pursuing another stab at new congressional lines.
The Real Story of the Polar Bear in a UVM Science Hall Starts With Two Montpelier Agents Undercover in the Arctic
A polar bear has been hanging out in a UVM science hall for decades. Subscribe He’s a full-grown male, standing behind glass on an artificial iceberg in the lobby of the University of Vermont’s Marsh Life Science Building in Burlington. Most Vermonters have no idea he’s there. Students who asked about him heard he came from Canada. A poacher killed him, the story went, federal officers seized the hide at the Vermont border, and the government gave him to UVM on “indefinite loan.” A UVM biology professor told it that way in 2012. The university’s own news office repeated it in 2021. That story was wrong. The bear was evidence. In 1972, two federal wildlife officers from Montpelier posed as trophy hunters, bought their way into an illegal hunt run by a poaching ring, and followed it all the way to the frozen Arctic Ocean north of Alaska. One of them shot this bear. Sonia DeYoung, who works with UVM’s natural history collections, pieced the real story together from a half-remembered campus rumor, a case file buried in Anchorage and one stripped claw. She told it Nov. 6 in UVM Magazine. The Undercover Buy Early in 1972, Paul Bagalio and Bruce Parker walked into a Seattle taxidermy shop. Both lived in Montpelier. The case file lists Parker as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent and Bagalio as a deputy game warden for the service. On paper, Bagalio was an unlikely undercover man. Born in Northfield and raised in Montpelier, he served in the Marines after high school, graduated from Norwich University in 1957, taught at Vermont Technical College and worked as an engineer at Rock of Ages, according to his obituary in the Times Argus. He founded Ramchem, a company that made epoxies for the Barre granite industry. He was also a hunter. His obituary passes along his advice: “Don’t ever miss an opportunity to hunt.” And it says he worked undercover for the U.S. Department of the Interior, helping expose what his family calls one of the largest poaching rings in U.S. history. In the Seattle shop, Bagalio and Parker posed as unscrupulous trophy hunters who wanted a polar bear and didn’t care how they got one. They came away with a scribbled note: a phone number and a hefty price. The Seattle Times later reported the number. In a May 1972 story, later reprinted in the Congressional Record, the paper said the two-man hunt cost $6,500, more than $50,000 in today’s money. The Times cited a federal search-warrant affidavit alleging that the ring paid two men who held valid Alaska permits so the hides and skulls could be shipped and processed under their names. Bagalio and Parker traveled to Barrow, on Alaska’s Arctic coast, with guides working with the taxidermist. These were not men to cross. The case file describes a man taking a 12-gauge automatic shotgun from his plane and telling Parker it was “the persuader.” One photo in the file shows a mustached accomplice peering out from beneath a heavy fur hood. On March 8, 1972, on the pack ice about 100 miles north of Point Barrow, the northernmost point in the United States, Bagalio shot a male polar bear. Parker shot a second. Bagalio had no legal permit to kill it, and that was the point. The bears were hard evidence of what the ring was selling. Back in Fairbanks, a Fish and Wildlife agent marked Bagalio’s bear so it could be identified later. He smeared fluorescent dye around its nose and ripped the dark outer sheath off one of its front claws. Bagalio and Parker went on to run several more undercover hunts against poachers in the West. The danger was real. Bagalio later told the Bennington Banner, according to DeYoung’s account, “My guide made it perfectly clear that he would leave me dead in the mountains if he thought I was an investigator.” Subscribe The Faded Rumor The bear came to UVM in 1975. How the government handed him over is still unknown. A rumor came with him. A student named in the UVM Magazine article simply as Carol helped catalog the university’s specimens in those years, and she heard it: an undercover federal agent had killed the bear in Alaska because he feared his cover would be blown and his life was in danger. Over the years the rumor faded. In the 1980s, the bear was put away in storage long enough for mice to chew the fur off his ankles, and several of his front claws went missing. He was later brought back out and set up on his iceberg in the Marsh Life Science lobby, where he has stood for decades since. Somewhere along the way, the Canada story took over. The Case File Decades later, DeYoung met Carol at an open house for UVM’s zoological collections. Carol told DeYoung’s research partner, Dave Moroney, what she remembered. They were delighted, and skeptical. At DeYoung’s request, David Rippeto, a UVM graduate who is now a Fish and Wildlife special agent in Anchorage, went through a mountain of old case files stashed in cardboard boxes and found the right one. It ran more than 80 pages: photographs, letters, permit records and a typewritten account of the case. Carol’s rumor had the core of it right. A federal officer had shot the bear in Alaska while undercover. But the file showed it wasn’t a desperate move to save his own skin. The shooting was part of the plan. The Stripped Claw One question remained. Was the bear in Burlington really Bagalio’s? DeYoung and Moroney shone a black light on the bear’s snout, looking for the dye. Nothing glowed. They already had the answer. The year before, a conservator repairing the mouse damage had found that one of the bear’s supposedly missing front claws was still there, minus its dark outer sheath, just as the agent in Fairbanks had left it in 1972. “Fifty years later, the marker originally meant for law enforcement told us we had our bear,” DeYoung wrote. Paul Bagalio didn’t live to see it. He spent the rest of his life in Vermont, most of it at Horn of the Moon in East Montpelier, and died Dec. 11, 2022, at 90, a few months before DeYoung first opened the case file. His family remembered the bear differently. The obituary says he took a record-class polar bear in Siberia, across the international date line. The federal case file puts the bear in this story about 100 miles north of Point Barrow. The obituary doesn’t say whether it’s the same animal. His bear is still on the iceberg. Go see him: The polar bear stands in the entrance to Benedict Auditorium, between the Marsh Life Science and Hills buildings on UVM’s Burlington campus. Compass Vermont is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
Opinion: Congress must do its duty to our military
"Our service members are doing their part. Ohio’s defense workers are doing theirs. It is time for Congress to do the same," writes State Rep. Mike Dovilla.