Current News

by Ed Neuert, University of Vermont The 2026 Winter Games that concluded this Sunday saw the most successful outcome ever at an Olympics for athletes affiliated with the University of Vermont. Of the nine current or former students competing in the games in Milan and Cortina, three came home with medals and one, Ben Ogden ’22, earned two silver medals in cross-country skiing events, becoming the first Catamount to score multiple podium spots at an Olympic Games. Besides Ogden, UVM medalists were Paula Moltzan, who studied biology at the university, who claimed a bronze medal in the inaugural alpine women's team combined event, and Ryan Cochran-Siegle, an engineering management student, who won the silver medal in the men’s alpine super-G. With four medals, UVM athletes earned as many or more than some countries, including Poland, Slovenia, Spain, and Denmark.

Vermont Business Magazine Funding is now available through the Samara Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation. Led by a group of queer and trans Vermonters, the fund supports transformational grants and scholarships for individuals and organizations working to strengthen the power, health, joy, and safety of LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive people across Vermont. The Samara Fund will accept applications for LGBTQ+ led projects and organizations in Vermont. Funding for 2026 will be guided by the Samara Fund’s values.

Vermont League of Cities & Towns VLCT is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the VLCT Board of Directors. Please consider applying or nominating a qualified municipal leader to support VLCT in fulfilling its mission to serve and strengthen local government. Applications are due Friday February 27.

Vermont Business Magazine Ahead of tonight’s State of the Union address, Treasurer Pieciak and State Fiscal Officers have called on President Trump to comply with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling and cease implementing any broad-based tariffs without congressional approval. In a letter to President Trump, leaders also demanded the administration reimburse taxpayers, businesses, and states for the financial harm caused by import taxes imposed illegally under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health reported last week that the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations have edged back to about 5 cases statewide. Other indicators through wastewater analysis show COVID-19, Norovirus and especially RSV in Vermont and nationally are active. There were no measles cases after one reported in Vermont the previous week in Washington County and the rate nationally is low. While there have been no measles virus detected last week, COVID virus, RSV and Norovirus were high at testing sites. See most recent test results below.

Vermont Business Magazine Norwich University has selected Brigadier General William McCollough ’91, VSM, the University’s 56th Commandant of Cadets and Vice President for Student Affairs, as the 2026 Commencement speaker. His selection reflects not only a distinguished career of service, but a life shaped by Norwich University’s enduring mission to educate useful citizens prepared to serve with character and purpose. BG McCollough will return to the commencement stage this spring as he concludes four years of impactful leadership at Norwich. For graduating cadets and students, his presence represents more than professional accomplishment; it embodies the values, expectations, and responsibilities that define a Norwich education.

Vermont Business Magazine U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) today released the following statement in observance of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. "In the absence of action by this administration, Congress must punish Russia for its crimes and impose consequences for any country that supports or enables Putin’s invasion. I urge quick action on bipartisan legislation to further sanction Russia."

Vermont Business Magazine Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) today released the following statement following the announcement of a data center moratorium in Denver, Colorado. A few months ago, when I proposed a moratorium on AI data centers, it was perceived as a radical, fringe and Luddite idea. Well, not anymore. Today, the mayor of Denver, Colorado, following the lead of city councils and state officials across the country, announced a data center moratorium for his city. The local officials who are supporting a moratorium are right: data centers will have a profound impact on land and water use, and will drive up electricity costs. Concerns about the very real environmental impact of data centers, however, are not the only reasons to support a moratorium.

Vermont Business Magazine Equity Services, Inc, an independent broker-dealer and registered investment adviser, has announced the successful launch of Fidelity Managed Account Exchange as the new technology foundation for its proprietary advisory platform, ESI Illuminations. Completed in collaboration with Fidelity, the conversion of the advisory platform represents one of the most significant platform transformations in ESI’s history and underscores the firm’s continued investment in technology, advisory capabilities, advisor support and enhanced client value. Founded in 1968, Equity Services, Inc. (ESI) is a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser committed to advisor growth, client confidence, and lasting partnership. Backed by the strength of 175+ year-old mutual company National Life Insurance Company, ESI offers a flexible affiliation model, access to industry-leading solutions, and a strong, independent platform for financial professionals nationwide.

by Mona Abou, Community News Service When genetic testing company 23andMe was hacked in Oct. 2023, roughly 6.9 million users had ancestry-related data breached. The company filed for bankruptcy in March 2025 and recently settled a $30 million class-action lawsuit. In response, Vermont lawmakers are considering a consumer protection bill that would regulate how genetic testing companies collect, use and share Vermonters’ data. An amended version of the bill was voted out of the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development on Feb. 19.

by Devon Green, VAHHS Last week, the breakneck pace of the session picked up even more speed with the realization that Town Meeting and Crossover are on the horizon. Check out all that went on with hospitals, below: Green Mountain Care Board Bill: The Green Mountain Care Board presented the Senate Health and Welfare Committee with new options for reference-based pricing in S.190. Although VAHHS could not comment on the newly released proposals, VAHHS testified that outsourcing of services should be studied before it is regulated to maintain access to care and that the Green Mountain Care Board should not have audit authority in addition to observer authority because it was duplicative and administratively costly.

Vermont Business Magazine Are you a student in Grades 10-12, and curious about the healthcare field? Do you have a desire to work at improving the lives of others? Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is once again launching their signature summer day program, MedQuest, at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, VT and Mt. Ascutney Hospital & Health Center in Windsor, VT. This unforgettable multi-day experience will give students the chance to explore, connect, and grow, in a real-world medical environment. Students will participate in job shadows with health professionals, team-based activities, hands-on clinical activities, and be mentored by students from the Robert Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont.