Montpelier News Today | 2 Min New | The Daily News Now!

Rutland and Vermont prepare for heavy rain and strong winds this Friday, with Rutland Fire Departments water rescue team and boats on standby. State Emergency Management Director Eric Forand confirms coordination with towns and three search and rescue teams. Both entities advise residents to make a plan before storms hit, and to avoid downed power lines.

Jeanne Hulsen, a former Burlington High School athletic director, accused the district of gender-based wage discrimination. After a lawsuit and mediation, the district agreed to a $475,000 settlement, with Hulsen receiving $295,000 for lost wages and her lawyer getting $180,000 for legal costs. The settlement comes after the girls soccer teams equal pay activism, highlighting ongoing pay disparity issues in the district.

Vermont students ornaments adorn the National Christmas Tree in Washington D.C. Karsens Abenaki history-inspired piece and Bellas maple syrup tribute are among the artworks showcasing Vermonts culture and natural beauty. The display, part of the America Celebrates exhibit, runs until New Years Day, offering a glimpse of Vermont to global visitors.

35-year-old Sandra Barber from Northern New York was resentenced to 364 days in jail for violating her probation on animal cruelty charges. She was initially sentenced to three years of probation, banning her from owning or caring for animals and using illegal drugs. However, she was found with a cat and tested positive for cocaine, leading to her arrest and resentencing.

Prepare for potential power outages in Northern New York as strong winds are expected to cause widespread disruptions. National Grid advises residents to take safety precautions, avoid open flames, and report outages promptly. Exercise extreme caution around downed power lines, assuming theyre live and dangerous.

Community members in Plattsburgh are grappling with concerns over a proposed federal holding facility, with conflicting information about its true purpose causing confusion and distrust. The facility, planned for an empty warehouse, has been approved but residents demand clarity on its use and the involved agencies. The projects next step is code compliance, but community members push for greater transparency. The town supervisor assures residents of a commitment to legal process and regulations, with a public comment session scheduled for December eighteenth.

Students across Chittenden County spread holiday cheer to seniors, with culinary students preparing lunch and elementary students performing concerts. Intergenerational connections were highlighted, creating memorable experiences during the festive season.

Bishop Ronald Hicks, currently serving as the Bishop of Joliet, Illinois, has been appointed as the new Archbishop of New York by Pope Leo the Fourteenth. This significant appointment comes as Cardinal Timothy Dolan retires, marking a new chapter for the U.S. Catholic Church. Bishop Hicks, known for his commitment to preventing abuse and protecting children, takes over a role that includes managing a $300 million fund for sexual abuse victims. His appointment is seen as a reflection of Pope Leos vision, signaling a new direction for the church.

New York on Brink of Legalizing Medically Assisted Suicide: Debate Rages Over Bills Safeguards and Potential Abuses