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Articles by Heather Thomas
Resolution in support of proposition 4
WHEREAS the platform of the Vermont Progressive Party supports “an inclusive society free of racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, and ableism.” WHEREAS the Vermont Progressive Party works towards a state “that respects the dignity and humanity of every person, and their inherent rights to self-identification, bodily autonomy, and personal freedom, including: Eliminating institutionalized racism in our workforce, government, and law enforcement; Preventing discrimination and...
Resolution in Support of Proposition 3: Workers’ Rights Amendment
WHEREAS the platform of the Vermont Progress Party supports “A Vermont where every worker has security, dignity, and a voice in the workplace, including the right to organize a union, bargain collectively, and strike; WHEREAS the wealthiest are accumulating wealth at a staggering rate while the incomes of working people have been stagnating; WHEREAS union membership has been declining for decades in the face of attacks from corporate interests; WHEREAS union members earn 11% more in wages...
Vermont Progressive Party Statement in Support of UVMSSU and VFNHP Workers
Montpelier, Vermont — The Vermont Progressive Party (VPP) stands in solidarity with UVM Support Staff United (UVMSSU) and the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (VFNHP) in their contract negotiation. The VPP believes it is the right of every worker to bargain collectively and to withhold their labor–to strike!–when management offers unacceptable terms.
Vermont Progressive Party Continues to Grow
Montpelier, Vermont — The Coordinating Committee of the Vermont Progressive Party voted unanimously yesterday to expand their capacity by restructuring and adding additional staff. This comes after successfully organizing more than 49 town committees in ten counties last fall which resulted in an unprecedented number of candidates on the ballot this November.
The Vermont Progressive Party calls for investigation into the Trump Administration’s Propaganda
As of Wednesday, September 23rd, the Trump administration began airing TV advertisements that claim to be “paid for by the U.S. Government.” One ad in particular lies about supposed achievements by the administration, and scapegoats Marxism, communism, and socialism as the country’s chief concerns to deflect from Trump’s own corruption and failures.
Help Shape Burlington forward - Your Input Matters
Lisa Lax is a resident of Burlington, Vermont. She serves as an Insepctor of Elections. This is a response to Councilor Schacter and the other city councilors (all Democrats) who introduced the Burlington Forward resolution at the August 3 City Council Meeting. At this council meeting, there were over 100 people present in person and on line for public comment.
Community Leaders and Alumni Celebrate a New Era at Tennessee Tech
By: Heather Thomas and Jonathan Frank (UCBJ) – With Tennessee Tech University’s football home opener just weeks away, community leaders, alumni and longtime Golden Eagle supporters are sharing what the newly renovated Tucker Stadium means to them through a social media video series.
A New Era of Game Day: Tennessee Tech Elevates Entertainment and Hospitality at Tucker Stadium
By: Heather Thomas When Tennessee Tech University opens the new West Side of Tucker Stadium, Golden Eagle fans will experience far more than a new place to watch football. They will step into a completely reimagined game day.
End of session legislative recap
The Statehouse Progressive Caucus 2026 Legislative Review The 2026 legislative session was one of the longest and most consequential in recent memory and the Statehouse Progressive Caucus was in the middle of it from start to finish. Here's our review of what we fought for, what we won, and where Vermont stands as we head into the election season.
Insight to Action: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Psychedelic Integration
Abstract Psychedelic-assisted therapy and integration are gaining renewed recognition as an effective mental health intervention. However, occupational therapy (OT) is largely missing from psychedelic integration practices despite clear overlap integration objectives. This project involved a comprehensive review of the literature, along with practitioner interviews and a survey to examine current integration practices and identify opportunities for OT involvement.
Workforce Is Tennessee’s Competitive Advantage
By Heather Thomas, UCBJ Associate Publisher (UCBJ) – The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development is no longer just part of the conversation; it is driving opportunity and economic development across the state. That momentum was on full display at the 2026 Worksource Summit, held May 12-13 in Nashville, where leaders aligned strategies to build a sustainable, competitive workforce.
Prohibition on Political Betting
As Approved by Special Meeting of Coordinating Committee on April 22, 2026 Members of the Vermont Progressive Party are prohibited from participating in any betting or prediction markets that involve political outcomes. This includes, but is not limited to, wagering on elections, candidates, public policy decisions, or any politically related events through platforms such as Polymarket or similar services.
Post Crossover Update — The Vermont Progressive Party
Neurological Rights and Artificial Intelligence Rep. Brian Cina, our House Assistant Minority Leader, was lead sponsor on H.814, “An act relating to neurological rights and the use of artificial intelligence in health and human services.” H.814 had tri-partisan sponsorship and passed out of the House on March 18. Now it’s over in the Senate for consideration by the Committee on Health & Welfare.
Neutrality or Safety: You Cannot Have Both
Kate Bailey lives in South Burlington. She is a former chair of the South Burlington School Board and Chair of the South Burlington Progressive Party City Caucus. Last week, South Burlington City and school district leaders had the opportunity to respond to the harm and fear ICE inflicted on our community.
Vermont Progressive Party Stands with our Statehouse Leaders
Montpelier, Vermont — This morning Vermont Public released a developing story about the nature of the sexual harassment allegations against Rep. Bob Hooper going back at least 8 years.
Preparing for Our Parents to be DeportedA Home Raid in Vermont and the Children Left Behind
Growing up in a mixed-status family, where different family members hold different immigration statuses, you become acutely aware of both the risks and the responsibilities that come with being the only U.S. citizen in the household. At an early age, we sometimes joked that one day I might become the owner of our home or that I might have to be adopted by another family if something happened. Last week, a family in our community faced that fear.
Vermont Progressive Party Condemns the ICE Activity and Violence in South Burlington
Montpelier, Vermont — The Vermont Progressive Party condemns the reckless ICE activity and violence in South Burlington on Wednesday, March 13. Progressive Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak stated, “What happened in South Burlington [on Wednesday] was deeply disturbing. Federal immigration agents chased an individual down Dorset Street during morning rush hour, raided a home, detained three immigrant Vermonters, and escalated encounters with protestors to the point of violent clashes.
Tax the Rich — The Vermont Progressive Party
On February 19, 2026, Progressive leaders including Senator Tanya Vyhovsky, P/D (Chittenden Central), Representative Kate Logan, P/D (Chittenden-16), Senator Anne Watson, D/P (Washington), alongside Senator Larocque Gulick, D (Chittenden Central) and Representative Teddy Waszazak, D (Washington-3), held a Tax the Rich press conference in the Hall of Inscriptions at the Vermont State House.
Progressive Update — The Vermont Progressive Party
The Progressive Caucus recently heard from the Land Access and Opportunity Board about their current work and hopes for the 2026 legislative session.
Education Reform: Another way is possible — The Vermont Progressive Party
Written By Gene Bergman, City Councilor (Ward-2), Burlington, Vermont The Governor is demanding that we implement Act 73 quickly, especially the school district closure/consolidation provisions, in order to make education affordable. But as more than 5,000 Vermonters who weighed in last year overwhelmingly made clear, the Governor is wrong. Extreme consolidation will not lower taxes or improve education. We need another way and one is possible.
Progressive Caucus Calls for Repeal of Act 73 and a Fair, Evidence-Based Path to Education Transformation — The Vermont Progressive Party
Montpelier, Vermont — Vermont Progressive General Assembly Caucus members, educators, school leaders, and students gathered today to call for the repeal of the harmful provisions of Act 73 and to urge the Legislature to pursue a fair, evidence-based approach to education transformation that strengthens public schools while addressing the real drivers of property tax pressure.
Progressive Caucus: Governor’s Budget Misleads Vermonters About the Real Causes of the Affordability Crisis — The Vermont Progressive Party
Montpelier, Vermont — The Vermont Progressive General Assembly Caucus today sharply criticized Governor Phil Scott’s budget address, calling it a misleading justification for austerity that echoes national, far-right talking points while asking working Vermonters to accept higher costs and fewer services. “The Governor’s budget follows a familiar national playbook: deregulate, cut public investment, and then tell working people there is no alternative,” said Rep.
The Vermont Progressive Party Calls for Act 73 to be Repealed — The Vermont Progressive Party
Montpelier, Vermont — Today, Governor Phil Scott, during his State of the State address, demanded that Vermont legislators stay the course with Act 73 – an act that would end local control of public education, force school redistricting and closures, and use the foundation formula to fund school districts, while providing no property tax relief. Act 73 is fundamentally flawed and workingVermonters need property tax relief.
The Vermont Progressive Party Calls for the resignation of Eva Vekos, Addison County State’s Attorney — The Vermont Progressive Party
Middlebury, Vermont — The allegations against Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos demonstrate a long history of negligence in her role. It is horrific to hear how sexual assault victims were belittled, bullied, and shamed by the Addison County State’s Attorney. We – as a county, as a state, and as a society – cannot continue to fail the victims of sexual violence. We deserve better.
A debt of gratitude to former Member Organizer Evanita “Yva” Nolan — The Vermont Progressive Party
After nearly two years with the Vermont Progressive Party, Member Organizer Yva Nolan has left her role to do other work. We are grateful for her service to the Party.
A New Era of Leadership — The Vermont Progressive Party
Chair Bill Hunsinger shared “I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to work alongside Progressives across Vermont who fight everyday to better the lives of working-class families.
Why Gov. Phil Scott’s Policies Don’t Work for Me — The Vermont Progressive Party
Party Member Perspective I’m a member of the Vermont Progressive Party because, in addition to advancing issues of economic and social equity and justice, the Party identifies with issues that affect everyday working people (like me). Choosing to live in Vermont seemed like a natural choice, given the proximity to family and community whom I care deeply about being near. In my adult life, I’ve lived in very rural areas of the country and major, bustling cities.
Fix the Property Tax; Leave Schools alone! — The Vermont Progressive Party
By David Zuckerman David Zuckerman of Hinesburg is an organic farmer and former Vermont lieutenant governor who served from 2017 to 2021 and again from 2023 to 2025. He previously served in the Vermont Senate (2013–2017) and House of Representatives (1997–2011). Vermonters want the Property Tax System to be fair and reasonable. We also want a solid education system for our kids, not closed local schools and long bus rides.
Run for Coordinating Committee — The Vermont Progressive Party
The Vermont Progressive Party is preparing information on individuals seeking candidacy for the Coordinating Committee to share with Party members. Party members will have an opportunity to vote for Coordinating Committee members at the State Convention on Sunday, November 9 at the Old Labor Hall in Barre, Vermont from 10am - 3pm. All prospective candidates should plan to attend the State Convention.
Vermont Progressive Party Condemns Hate-Fueled Actions of State Senator Samuel Douglass — The Vermont Progressive Party
Montpelier, Vermont – The Vermont Progressive Party condemns in the strongest possible terms the hateful, racist, antisemitic, and misogynistic messages revealed today in a year-long Telegram chat among members of the national Young Republicans, including Samuel Douglass, Chair of the Vermont Young Republicans and a sitting Vermont State Senator. This should serve as a warning to us all: these are the future leaders of the Republican Party.
Scott Undermines Privacy of Most Vulnerable — The Vermont Progressive Party
First came ICE, now comes the food police. And yet again, Governor Phil Scott has proven his willingness to disregard the most vulnerable Vermonters. This time he chose to send the Trump Administration sensitive personal data of Vermonters on SNAP food assistance. This includes the names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and even the addresses of 65,000 Vermonters who are, or have been, enrolled in the SNAP program over the last five years.
Farewell to our dedicated party leader and executive director — The Vermont Progressive Party
After nine years, Josh Wronski, the longest standing Executive Director for the Vermont Progressive Party (VPP), is moving on to work with the Vermont State Employees’ Association (VSEA). It is with gratitude and excitement that we say farewell! During Josh’s time working with VPP, he was instrumental in creating positive, transformational change for the Party. Updating the old database and transitioning to a system designed to support movement campaigns in the 21st century.
‘Why is my trash so heavy?’
The Lamoille Regional Solid Waste Management District currently operates a commercial composting center, Lamoille Soil, and five transfer stations across its 12 district towns, including the Stowe Transfer Station on Dump Road. While the district has the ability to tax residents, it is funded entirely through hauler surcharges and user fees. When opportunities arise, the district does apply for available grant funding to support programs and activities as well as cost-share on equipment.
Evaluation of Palestinian Refugee Women’s Attitudes Towards and Persistence in Exclusive Breastfeeding for Six Months
Keywords Palestine, refugees, Iraq, Lebanon, exclusive breastfeeding, Iraqi refugee women Department Health Science Abstract In the wake of the Iraq war, the Israel/ Lebanon conflict and the ongoing violence in Palestine, Jordan has become a country overburdened with refugees. The UNHCR estimates that over 3 million refugees are living in Jordan, with the majority being from Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon (UNRWA, 2005). Many of these refugees don’t have access to health services.
Mountain Valley Meat: Meeting Local Needs
Up until about 60 years ago, local butcher shops were common in nearly every town in America, but as supermarkets replaced small grocers, local butchers disappeared. Shoppers lost an awareness of where their food was actually coming from. But that’s not so in the Hood River Valley of Oregon. Founded in 1951, Mountain Valley Meat is still a family-owned and […] A subscription is required to access this content. Please login or Subscribe today!
The Benefits of Regenerative Grazing: Part I
Dan Rasmussen is part of a multi-family operation, the 33 Ranch, in south-central South Dakota, on the eastern edge of the Badlands. Their cattle graze the same native western wheat grass, big bluestem, and buffalo grass and take shelter in the same cedar-filled canyons, coulees, draws, and badlands that were here a century ago when Dan’s grandparents came from Nebraska. […] A subscription is required to access this content. Please login or Subscribe today!
The Power of Our Core Values
At Life After Hate, our core values are the driving force behind our mission to build a safer society by helping people break free from lives of violent hate and extremism through evidence-based interventions. These values are more than just words on paper—they are embodied in every aspect of our organization, from our dedicated staff and board members to the clients we serve and the communities we impact.
Oregon Cattlewomen Promote Agriculture at Annual Team BEEF Event
In order to promote beef and continue to educate the public about agriculture, the Oregon Cattlewomen are preparing for their second annual Ranch Run, which will take place in Madras, Oregon, on March 30, 2024. This family-inclusive event isn’t just your average run; it’s a celebration of fitness, community, and education about the journey from pasture to plate. Along the […] A subscription is required to access this content. Please login or Subscribe today!
God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America
Review by Angela King God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America (A Council on Foreign Relations book), authored by Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware, succinctly captures a picture of Violent Far-Right Extremism dating back at least four decades in America while concomitantly connecting significant far-right themes and activity in other countries.
IDA Report on Extremism in the Military
The Pentagon quietly released their investigation into extremist views among their ranks about a month ago, over the holidays–more than a year and a half late. Seeing headlines reporting the release of the IDA report like The Military’s Phantom ‘Extremists’, you would think that the report found no ties between extremist views and military members. But that does not tell the whole story.
Drones: Another Tool for Ranchers
Small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), often called unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, have rapidly improved. New technology in the past five years has made them more affordable and useful. They have many applications for crop monitoring and management and for livestock. They can locate missing cattle or check fences, and they have the ability to monitor water sources in […] A subscription is required to access this content. Please login or Subscribe today!
December Newsletter
This is our December 2023 Newsletter that went out to our email subscribers. Sign up to receive updates here. It has been quite a year for Life After Hate. Early in 2023, we strengthened our commitment to our clients. This commitment is seen in the thousands of client sessions the Life After Hate team conducted. It is present in the psychoeducational services we provide and the supports we offer to the family and loved ones of violent extremists.
How To Offer or Seek Support for Extremism
During this time of gathering with loved ones, we wanted to compile and share resources for those looking to exit lives of hate and extremism and those who care about someone in a hate group. Keeping an open line of communication between loved ones and those involved in extremist groups maximizes the likelihood that the individual will consider pathways to exit. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone in this. We have a trove of resources to support you through this.
ABC Legal Integrations: Litify, Legal Software
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ABC Legal & Litify: How It Works
Get the ABC Legal connected app for Litify!
Granite Construction Signs Lease for New Suburban Chicago Office
Watch the video to learn how you can access industry leading CRE news and the data analytics you need to drive success. This news story is available exclusively to CoStar subscribers.
Expert Provides Calving Season Shift Advice
There are many factors involved when making a decision about when to calve, whether that’s January-February, March-April, May-June, or in the fall; that preference often hinges on region and climate, marketing goals, feed costs and availability, breeding season considerations, constraints of management, and other factors. There is no perfect time to calve, and each producer must weigh the pros and […] A subscription is required to access this content. Please login or Subscribe today!
ABC Legal Integrations: Clio, Legal Software
In celebration of the release of ABC Legal’s app for Clio Matters, we’ll be publishing a 3-part series explaining the integration including an overview that explains why legal professionals will love this integration, how the ABC Legal app for Clio works, and more about Clio, a cloud-based case management system. Today in part three, we’re going to explore Clio, for anyone who is unfamiliar with the platform, and how to get started with the ABC Legal app integration for Clio.
ABC Legal For Clio: How It Works
In celebration of the release of ABC Legal’s app for Clio Matters, we’ll be publishing a 3-part series explaining the integration including an overview that explains why legal professionals will love this integration, how the ABC Legal app for Clio works, and more about Clio, a cloud-based case management system. Today, in part 2, we’re diving into how the app works and what you can expect to see in Clio after adding the app.
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