The Vermont Telecommunications Authority has been awarded a $1.6 million federal grant to expand cellular phone service and provide wireless internet in areas hit by flooding in 2011. 

Residents in South Hero are organizing to fight a proposed dollar store in their community.  They join a number of towns where there is opposition to proposals to build the small box stores.

The Vermont House is preparing to debate the budget and a number of new tax proposals this week, and House leaders are already trying to line up votes for a $1.3 billion plan that includes a contentious bid to cap welfare benefits.

Vermont dairy farmers won't get payments on time from a federal milk pricing program. The payments are stalled due to wrangling over federal funding.

The Vermont House has given its preliminary approval to a $26 million tax package to help balance the state budget for next year.  But the plan faces the strong opposition of Governor Peter Shumlin.

First grade may seem a little early to start encouraging children to think about college, but in the Northeast Kingdom there are good reasons to underscore the importance of a post-secondary education. The region lags far behind the state in the percentage of people with college degrees - and it's gearing up for an influx of jobs that will require an educated workforce.

Every year, Hillary Hoffman gathers handfuls of timothy hay to help fill her children's Easter baskets. This year, she's bought bales and bales of it from a certified organic farmer and she's been packing it in boxes with open windows so prospective buyers can touch and smell it.

Legislation that increases state spending by roughly 5 percent was approved by the House last night. The bill sets up a major disagreement with Governor Peter Shumlin over the funding of child care programs.

The Vermont Telecommunications Authority has terminated two grants awarded to the Springfield based broadband provider VTel. The decision stems from what was described as a performance problem with one grant.

By a three to one margin, the Vermont House has given its preliminary approval to a bill that makes a significant change in the way that the state taxes the sale of gasoline.

When an old dairy farm in Shoreham became the hub for a trendy new whiskey company several years ago, many were excited by the idea of new jobs and economic development. But two things may get in the company's way: mold and the state's definition of a farm.

A key House committee has given preliminary approval to a tax package that would raise roughly $26 million, putting it on a collision course with the governor because it includes provisions he opposes.

The Vermont Department of Labor says federal budget cuts are being made to emergency unemployment benefits.

Over the past five years, college tuition at Vermont's public institutions has risen by at least 27 percent. But income growth has not kept pace. That's the finding of a report out this week from the New England Board of Higher Education.

Two different reports out this week paint two very different pictures of affordable housing.  One says housing is more affordable for families than it's been for 25 years. The other says housing is unaffordable for many Vermonters. 

Officials from Green Mountain Power provided a first glimpse inside their new $2.5 million  energy innovation center in downtown Rutland Thursday. It's an investment that city officials say is having a positive ripple effect on the entire downtown.

Vermont's unemployment rate dropped in January. The Department of Labor says the rate of 4.7 percent is down two-tenths of a point.

Gov. Peter Shumlin said on Wednesday the state shouldn't collect $6 million that the auditor's office says several towns owe to the state education fund.

Five years ago at Town Meeting, about two dozen towns from Montpelier to White River Junction voted to join ECFiber, a community based organization that promised to deliver high speed fiber optic broadband service to every household. Today ECFiber has been able to connect just a few hundred customers, and in the five years that have passed, its had to dramatically change its business model.

The state auditor says cities and towns that have special economic development tax districts should return some of the money they owe the state

The increasing number of Vermont specialty food producers - many of them farmers - is creating a demand for facilities where they can make their products. A new business in Chittenden County is the latest food processing center to come on line - and there are more in the planning stages.

Town meeting voters in six Windham County towns will be asked to support a regionwide effort to boost the economy. The region has seen declining wages, job opportunities and population. The situation is expected to worsen with the eventual closing of Vermont Yankee and the loss of many high-paying jobs.

Governor Peter Shumlin says he may have to re-evaluate his opposition to any tax increases if the federal sequestration process continues for any length of time.

This month, the Vermont Country Store announced the appointment of Chris Vickers as its new President and CEO. The appointment continues a tradition of appointing a non-family member as CEO of the 3rd generation business.

An iconic Brattleboro building that was gutted by fire two years ago is moving closer to making a comeback. Since 2011 the historic Brooks House and its many storefronts and apartments have been a dark spot on Brattleboro's Main Street.