Many of you don't know that when I left TV news, I took a job shooting videos for the Washington Department of Natural Resources. It gave me the chance to build my independent media work in my personal time, which was not an option as a TV reporter given my contract in corporate news. When I was hired, I was encouraged to keep my social media presence. Recently, my bosses informed me that I was to stop all videos related to Covid safety, vaccines and mandates that “undermine” DNR's policies, as DNR is one of many state agencies with a vaccine mandate, though ours was enacted by Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz and separate from Gov. Inslee's order. My independent work was done on personal time with personal equipment and I never discussed my position at DNR. I also informed my bosses that I had a First Amendment right to continue, and that the policy of a state agency committed to science should align with robust discussion that includes a variety of viewpoints. They disagreed. I refused to comply and was terminated last week.
I am truly grateful for the many wildland fire fighters whose stories I’ve had the honor of telling, as well as the fuels crews fixing the forest health crisis driving historic fires. We nearly evacuated twice this year, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that the work of DNR staff across the state saved our home and thousands of others.
While there are many unknowns for our family, not the least of which is finding a new health insurance plan (any suggestions?), we are absolutely unwavering that it was the right decision. How could I continue covering censorship and allow myself to be censored on one of the most important topics of my lifetime? There are a great many people taking grave risks right now - many of them you've seen in my videos - and those of us who stand up for free speech and informed choice right now will hopefully pave the way someday for others to do so without losing their jobs. I got into journalism to follow the truth wherever it leads, and I will continue. I am planning to record a video to discuss this publicly on YouTube. Would you please let me know what questions you'd like me to answer in it? In sum, our family is incredibly grateful for your support here. I have absolutely no regrets. I said once that free speech is the hill I would die on - but just to be clear, as I've said before, I did not commit suicide. 😉 Be brave. We are in this together.
Whoever invented tabbouleh is a genius. I started making it because our local regenerative produce farm, Growing Back to Eden, has the most beautiful parsley. I had no idea how healthy it is! Parsley is a vitamin K super green, not to mention it’s packed with so many other nutrients. It makes regular salad greens look lazy. I opt out of the bulgar wheat and just use tomatoes, onion and mint. Back when I bought tabbouleh, I’d notice it was often made with cheaper oils like sunflower or canola. I use olive oil and a dash of sea salt. It’s so easy and if you make a lot at once, it holds pretty well in the fridge for a week. Don’t forget your Green Pasture products (cod liver/butter oil, skate oil, muscle rub, and more!) with the link below.
GREEN PASTURE:
https://www.greenpasture.org/
(promo code “ALISON” for 10% off all products)
Fermented foods are not just good for people, they are great for animals. Fermenting chicken feed is so easy and it makes the grains far more nutritious. All you do is put your feed in a bucket and add water until the water covers the feed. Let it soak for 1 to 3 days and you should see it start bubbling. It’s fermented and ready to feed your chickens. You will probably have to add more water after your initial mixture grows in volume to make sure there is always a little bit of water covering the top. This prevents mold. Our chickens love their fermented feed and will leave any dry feed untouched if their fermented feed is in front of them.
We met Corona at 4H yesterday, she’s a one-eyed barrel racing horse. She had ocular melanoma and her eye was surgically removed last year. She has made a full recovery and is back to barrel racing! She has won over $400 in local competitions in just a few months with her young rider.
😧
WiFi signals can measure heart rate—no wearables needed - News
https://news.ucsc.edu/2025/09/pulse-fi-wifi-heart-rate/
https://open.substack.com/pub/jessicar/p/automation-has-it-stolen-what-it?
I am completely for regressing to analog. I would be a Luddite. I am looking forward to our arts and crafts backlash movement