The long-time speaker of the New York State Assembly returned to Albany today for the first time since he was arrested on federal corruption charges last week.

Government prosecutors say Speaker Sheldon Silver took nearly $4 million in bribes and kickbacks, in exchange for using his political clout to direct money and policy out of Albany.

There has been talk for months that the state budget has a projected shortfall of around $100 million. To close the budget gap, lawmakers and officials will look at ways to increase revenue through taxes and fees, as well as cut back spending and state services.

But what is our total state budget and how does a $100 million gap happen? VPR’s Statehouse Reporter Peter Hirschfeld, who looks at these numbers on a daily basis, explains the basics of the state budget.

The natural gas pipeline through Addison County received approval from the Public Service Board. But since then, the projected costs have risen twice and nearly doubled.

We talk with the new CEO of Vermont Gas, Don Rendall, and Maren Vasatka, an Addison County landowner who opposes the pipeline.

There was some potential good news for parents of young children in President Barack Obama's State of the Union address last week. The president focused on the importance of early education, and backed it up with a proposal to increase a child care tax credit up to $3,000.

When it comes to winter sports in high school, New Hampshire athletes stand ​alone – in some high places.