The U.S. Department of Justice is taking legal action against Vermont regarding access to voter registration data. In August, the federal government requested information such as names, addresses, and driver’s licenses. Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas has stated that providing this data would breach Vermont law. Tuesday’s actions have increased the number of states the Justice Department has sued to at least 14 in its pursuit of voter information. DOJ officials argue that withholding the data constitutes a blatant disregard for federal civil rights laws. The requests from the Trump administration have sparked significant conflict with Democratic states, especially with the 2026 midterm elections approaching.
A head-on collision involving a tractor-trailer and an SUV in Chester resulted in multiple individuals being hospitalized. The incident occurred around 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday off Route 103 North near Willard Road. Both vehicles sustained significant damage, necessitating the extraction of the occupants. The Chester Fire Department required assistance from the police, the Proctorsville Fire Department, and the Springfield Fire Department to rescue the individuals and clear the area. There is currently no information regarding the cause of the accident or the condition of those transported to the hospital.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife is considering a new rule to charge a fee for recreation beyond hunting and fishing, for things like bird watching, kayaking or hiking. Officials say it’s an attempt to monetize from the many people enjoying state lands. Under the rule, people would need a license to visit any of Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s 301 wildlife management and access areas. Department Commissioner Jason Batchelder estimates an annual license would cost roughly $20. It comes amid a shift in the state’s recreation landscape. Fish and Wildlife data show more hunters and anglers are choosing one-time fee, lifetime and permanent licenses over annual ones.
A Whitingham man previously reported missing has been located, Vermont State Police confirm. Officers received a report about the situation late Tuesday night. Authorities say that 67-year-old Robert Birch was last seen on foot in the Kentfield and Sadawga Lake Road area. Birch is reportedly an avid walker, who state police say is “known to travel several miles a day on foot in the Whitingham and Readsboro, VT areas.”
A progressive group is focusing on two Senate Democrats and an independent senator who supported some of President Donald Trump’s judicial nominees, pledging over $1 million to encourage congressional Democrats to adopt a firmer stance against the Republican president. In a weeklong advertising initiative that commenced on Wednesday, Demand Justice is concentrating solely on senators not facing reelection next year: Democrats John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, along with independent Angus King of Maine, who aligns with Democrats.
Newell Brands, the owner of Yankee Candle, announced on Monday that it will close 20 stores in the U.S. and Canada, accounting for approximately 1% of brand sales. These closures are anticipated to be implemented in January. Additionally, Newell Brands, which produces items like Sharpie pens and Coleman camping gear, stated that it will also lay off over 900 employees this month, representing about 10% of its professional and clerical workforce, as per a statement.
WTSA SPORTS FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 4th 2025
THE 12 – 9 CELTICS ARE BACK ON THE COURT TONIGHT IN WASHINGTON AGAINST THE WIZARDS TIP OFF AT 7:00PM.
THE BRUINS ARE BACK ON THE ICE TONIGHT AT TD GARDEN AGAINST THE ST LOUIS BLUES, PUCK DROPS AT 7:00PM.
IN THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL THE 6-5-1 COWBOYS ARE IN DETROIT AGAINST THE 7-5 LIONS, KICK OFF AT 8:15PM