The wages of most workers in Vermont have not kept up with their productivity growth. Between 2000 and 2024, productivity in Vermont increased by 47 percent, while compensation, defined as the median hourly wage and benefits for production and non-supervisory workers, only rose by 34 percent. Although Vermont performs better than many states, in the early 2000s, the rise in compensation for Vermonters was more aligned with productivity growth. However, this gap expanded following the Great Recession that began in late 2007. Nationally, productivity increased by 45 percent from 2000 to 2024, slightly lower than Vermont’s rate. In contrast, compensation for production and non-supervisory workers, who constitute approximately 80 percent of the workforce, grew by less than half that rate—only 21 percent.
Sen. Bernie Sanders stood with more than 100 teachers on Capitol Hill to say low salaries are leading to teacher shortages and negatively impacting education. He thinks salary guarantees could help fix the issue. In a new bill, he wants to have a $60,000 minimum salary for public educators. The Pay Teachers Act would also ensure a $30-per-hour minimum wage for paraprofessionals and provide $1,000 in classroom supplies for teachers every year.
Vermont’s weekly unemployment claims for the week ending July 19, 2025, remain at low seasonal levels following a spike in late June (648). Last week, new claims totaled 220, an increase of 1 from the previous week and a decrease of 18 compared to the same period last year. Claims typically reach their lowest point in summer, with 181 reported at the end of September 2024. In the latest report, the Service industry represented the majority of claims at 59%, rising by 4 points from the prior week. Construction claims increased to 6%, up 3 points, while Manufacturing claims decreased to 9%, down 9 points. Overall, Vermont’s total unemployment insurance claims for the week were 2,774, reflecting a decrease of 222 from the previous week and an increase of 212 from the same time last year.
On Saturday evening, shortly after 6pm, a Trooper from the Vermont State Police noticed a motor vehicle infraction on Canal Street in Brattleboro. The Trooper initiated a traffic stop and engaged with the driver, Nathaniel Hurley, 26, from Guilford. During the encounter, Hurley exhibited signs of impairment. Further investigation indicated that Hurley was driving with a criminally suspended license. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of DUI and Criminal DLS, then taken to the Westminster State Police Barracks, where he received a citation and is set to appear at the Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division on August 19th. Hurley was released to a sober person.
Multiple teams were engaged in extinguishing a brush fire on East Road in Orange, Massachusetts, on Saturday afternoon. According to the Orange Fire Department, the brush fire in the vicinity of East Road covered an area of approximately one acre, and its cause was determined to be accidental. Fire crews received support from members of the Warwick and Athol Fire Departments. The tanker from Warwick was instrumental in suppressing the flames, as the department noted that its equipment is capable of accessing terrain that standard tankers cannot reach. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of this incident. The New Salem Fire Department also provided mutual aid in Orange while crews were present at the brush fire site.
The Vermont Blueberry Festival commenced on Saturday. The historic towns of Wilmington, Dover, Jacksonville, Whitingham, Marlboro, and Readsboro will welcome thousands of attendees during the ten-day celebration. A parade highlighted the festivities in Dover. Local businesses contribute to the event by offering special deals on blue-themed products, activities, meals, cocktails, and more. This annual festival will take place until August 4 in Southern Vermont’s Deerfield Valley.
WTSA SPORTS FOR MONDAY JULY 28th 2025
THE REDSOX TOOK 2 OUT OF 3 FROM THE DODGERS OVER THE WEEKEND WINNING YESTERDAY 4 – 3 THE REDSOX ARE MINNESOTA FOR A 3 GAME SERIES WITH THE TWINS, FIRST PITCH TONIGHT AT 7:40PM
THE YANKEES DEFEATED THE PHILLIES YESTERDAY 4 – 3 THE YANKEES START A 4 GAME SET WITH THE RAYS TONIGHT FIRST PITCH AT 7:05PM
THE PGA TOUR 3M OPEN, THE WINNER WAS KURT KITAYAMA WITH -23 UNDER PAR. THE WYNDHAM CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS THIS THURSDAY JULY 31st.
The Brattleboro 12U Little League All-Stars played in the state championship game against Essex Town on Saturday, July 26th, at the Brattleboro Little League Field on Oak Grove Avenue. The game was part of the Vermont state finals, and Brattleboro hosted the game after winning their first two games in the tournament. The Essex Town 12U team defeated Brattleboro 4-0 in the championship game to claim the Little League baseball state title.