{"issues":[{"id":"news","name":"News","slug":"news","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false,"follower_count":48},{"id":"legislation","name":"Legislation","slug":"legislation","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false,"follower_count":50}],"legislators":[{"id":3,"chamber":"house","country":"US","first_name":"Pete","last_name":"Aguilar","nickname":null,"party":"D","gender":"M","district":"33","state":"CA","state_name":"California","state_rank":"","birthday":"1979-06-19","senate_class":null,"term_start":"2023-01-03","term_end":"2025-01-03","title":"Rep","twitter_id":"reppeteaguilar","facebook_id":"reppeteaguilar","youtube_id":null,"website":"https://aguilar.house.gov","phone":"+1-202-225-3201","fax":null,"photos":{"small":"https://assets.hosted-assets.com/public/legislator/photo/A000371/small_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg","medium":"https://assets.hosted-assets.com/public/legislator/photo/A000371/medium_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg"},"represented_district_name":"California 33rd Congressional District","ocd_id":"ocd-division/country:us/state:ca/cd:33","upper":false,"lower":true,"legislative_body_id":3}],"legislative_bodies":[{"name":"United States House","id":3,"district_id":null}],"districts":[],"articles":[{"action_count":7,"allow_advocacy":true,"comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"created_at":"2023-04-25T22:40:54.011Z","cta_prompt":"Donate to the International Rescue Committee to help provide relief and resources to the civilians of Sudan","cta_text":"Donate Now","cta_type":"share","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"4.25.23","html_content":"

\nThe two main factions of Sudan’s military regime are fighting for power after a failed effort to transition to a democratic civilian-led government. \n
The paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is battling against the Sudanese Army. The conflict highlights a longstanding, complex rivalry between the country’s two top generals who have been battling for leadership.
The clashes started over the weekend, killing at least 185 civilians, wounding 1,800, and nearly turning Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, into a war zone.

Background

Civilians have been attempting to establish a democratic government since 2019 when mass protests erupted in the country. Sudanese protesters and the military successfully unseated President Omar Hassan al-Bashir four years ago — a despised leader who plagued the country with famine and war for 30 years.
After civilians and the military signed a power-sharing agreement, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan became the chairman of the Sovereignty Council, a body to oversee the transition to democratic rule. However, al-Burhan refused to give up his power and carried out a coup in 2021 with other military leaders.
Today, al-Burhan is the country’s de facto ruler and leader of the Sudanese armed forces. Al-Bashir founded the RSF to defeat a rebellion in Darfur around 20 years ago, and the group currently follows his appointee Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.
While al-Burhan and Hemedti united to seize the power of the coup in 2021, they have publicly fallen out in recent months, deploying military camps across the country.

Why now?

Tensions are increasing due to civilians demanding oversight of the military and integration of the RSF into the rest of the armed forces. The people also want the military to hand over lucrative holdings in industries such as agriculture and trade, which represent a crucial power source.
Additionally, the Sudanese are seeking justice over the war crimes committed by the military in Darfur, specifically pursuing trials for al-Bashir.

What’s at stake?

An attempted 24-hour cease-fire failed in Khartoum, keeping residents trapped in their homes. Many are running low on food, water, and other necessities. A United Nations spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, called on the warring factions to pause the fighting so civilians could safely evacuate.
Several of Sudan’s neighbors, including Ethiopia, Chad, and South Sudan, have been impacted by the political upheavals, especially since the nation’s location gives it an agricultural advantage.
Geopolitical tensions are also at play as Russia, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries are attempting to gain the upper hand in Sudan.
A variety of foreign officials, from the UN, the African Union, the Arab League, the U.S., and the European Union, have been attempting to negotiate an agreement between the two factions and have urged them to allow a smooth transition to a civilian-led government. Because the negotiations were unsuccessful, world leaders fear that neighboring countries will be pulled into the conflict, the war zone will grow, and the death toll will rise.

The civilians of Sudan are facing a humanitarian crisis. Donate to the International Rescue Committee to help provide relief and resources to the Sudanese.

—Jamie Epstein & Emma Kansiz

","id":718,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/569374/569374-f637c3-TurkeySyriaQuake-2.13.231.png","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/569374/569374-f637c3-TurkeySyriaQuake-2.13.231.png","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/569374/569374-f637c3-TurkeySyriaQuake-2.13.231.png","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/569374/569374-f637c3-TurkeySyriaQuake-2.13.231.png","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/569374/569374-f637c3-TurkeySyriaQuake-2.13.231.png"},"issue_slugs":[],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/718-democracy-threat-s-happening-sudan-help","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=718","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/718/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":11,"published_at":"2023-04-25T22:40:53.982Z","reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":3,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"718-democracy-threat-s-happening-sudan-help","snippet":"The two main factions of Sudan’s military regime are fighting for power after a failed effort to transition to a democratic","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Democracy Under Threat: What’s Happening in Sudan and How You Can Help ","cta_prompt":"Donate to the International Rescue Committee to help provide relief and resources to the civilians of Sudan","html_content":"

\nThe two main factions of Sudan’s military regime are fighting for power after a failed effort to transition to a democratic civilian-led government. \n
The paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is battling against the Sudanese Army. The conflict highlights a longstanding, complex rivalry between the country’s two top generals who have been battling for leadership.
The clashes started over the weekend, killing at least 185 civilians, wounding 1,800, and nearly turning Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, into a war zone.

Background

Civilians have been attempting to establish a democratic government since 2019 when mass protests erupted in the country. Sudanese protesters and the military successfully unseated President Omar Hassan al-Bashir four years ago — a despised leader who plagued the country with famine and war for 30 years.
After civilians and the military signed a power-sharing agreement, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan became the chairman of the Sovereignty Council, a body to oversee the transition to democratic rule. However, al-Burhan refused to give up his power and carried out a coup in 2021 with other military leaders.
Today, al-Burhan is the country’s de facto ruler and leader of the Sudanese armed forces. Al-Bashir founded the RSF to defeat a rebellion in Darfur around 20 years ago, and the group currently follows his appointee Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.
While al-Burhan and Hemedti united to seize the power of the coup in 2021, they have publicly fallen out in recent months, deploying military camps across the country.

Why now?

Tensions are increasing due to civilians demanding oversight of the military and integration of the RSF into the rest of the armed forces. The people also want the military to hand over lucrative holdings in industries such as agriculture and trade, which represent a crucial power source.
Additionally, the Sudanese are seeking justice over the war crimes committed by the military in Darfur, specifically pursuing trials for al-Bashir.

What’s at stake?

An attempted 24-hour cease-fire failed in Khartoum, keeping residents trapped in their homes. Many are running low on food, water, and other necessities. A United Nations spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, called on the warring factions to pause the fighting so civilians could safely evacuate.
Several of Sudan’s neighbors, including Ethiopia, Chad, and South Sudan, have been impacted by the political upheavals, especially since the nation’s location gives it an agricultural advantage.
Geopolitical tensions are also at play as Russia, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries are attempting to gain the upper hand in Sudan.
A variety of foreign officials, from the UN, the African Union, the Arab League, the U.S., and the European Union, have been attempting to negotiate an agreement between the two factions and have urged them to allow a smooth transition to a civilian-led government. Because the negotiations were unsuccessful, world leaders fear that neighboring countries will be pulled into the conflict, the war zone will grow, and the death toll will rise.

The civilians of Sudan are facing a humanitarian crisis. Donate to the International Rescue Committee to help provide relief and resources to the Sudanese.

—Jamie Epstein & Emma Kansiz

","custom_cta_text":"Donate Now","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":3291,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"Democracy Under Threat: What’s Happening in Sudan and How You Can Help ","issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":85,"allow_advocacy":false,"comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"created_at":"2022-12-08T20:24:05.331Z","cta_prompt":"Join the event!","cta_text":"RSVP here!","cta_type":"custom","cta_url":"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conversations-with-secretary-mark-esper-tickets-469303478337","current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.8.22","html_content":"

Please join us for our next installment of Conversations with Secretary Mark Esper featuring Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė.

As a NATO member state, Lithuania is on the frontline for the alliance against Russia and is one of the most vocal advocates for a united effort to counter the Kremlin’s foreign aggression. Lithuania also hosts one of NATO’s multinational battlegroups which helps to provide strong deterrence and defense for the whole alliance. These types of actions demonstrate Lithuania’s solidarity, determination, and ability to defend NATO members’ territory and populations.

To further the conversation on this issue, the McCain Institute seeks to convene experts to discuss the United States’ strategic security partnerships and how they address some of the most pressing challenges of our time – an increasingly aggressive Russian state, mounting international authoritarianism, the global plague of disinformation, and strategic competition. This event is part of a public conversation series between Dr. Mark T. Esper, the John McCain distinguished fellow and former U.S. secretary of defense, and experts on various issues related to challenges and threats to U.S. national security.

MODERATOR:

Dr. Mark T. Esper, John McCain Distinguished Fellow and Former US Secretary of Defense

@MarkTEsper

PANELISTS:

Ingrida Šimonytė, Prime Minister of Lithuania

@IngridaSimonyte

","id":698,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/267c6d/267c6d-Esper-Convo-Twitter-Graphic--1024x576.jpg.webp","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/267c6d/267c6d-Esper-Convo-Twitter-Graphic--1024x576.jpg.webp","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/267c6d/267c6d-Esper-Convo-Twitter-Graphic--1024x576.jpg.webp","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/267c6d/267c6d-Esper-Convo-Twitter-Graphic--1024x576.jpg.webp","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/267c6d/267c6d-Esper-Convo-Twitter-Graphic--1024x576.jpg.webp"},"issue_slugs":[],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/698-event-conversations-secretary-mark-esper-lithuanian-prime-minister-ingrida-simonyte","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=698","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/698/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":4,"published_at":"2022-12-08T20:24:05.316Z","reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":83,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"698-event-conversations-secretary-mark-esper-lithuanian-prime-minister-ingrida-simonyte","snippet":"Please join us for our next installment of Conversations with Secretary Mark Esper featuring Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"EVENT || Conversations with Secretary Mark Esper: Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė","cta_prompt":"Join the event!","html_content":"

Please join us for our next installment of Conversations with Secretary Mark Esper featuring Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė.

MODERATOR:

Dr. Mark T. Esper, John McCain Distinguished Fellow and Former US Secretary of Defense

@MarkTEsper

PANELISTS:

Ingrida Šimonytė, Prime Minister of Lithuania

@IngridaSimonyte

","custom_cta_text":"RSVP here!","cta_url":"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conversations-with-secretary-mark-esper-tickets-469303478337"}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":3264,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"EVENT || Conversations with Secretary Mark Esper: Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė","issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":19,"allow_advocacy":true,"comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"created_at":"2022-06-21T13:35:01.128Z","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_text":"Share","cta_type":"share","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"6.21.22","html_content":"

Tune in to hear Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Bill Gates, discuss the infamous Eastman Memos and how they were used by President Donald Trump to attempt to seize election materials and tools following the 2020 election. Bill was re-elected to another four-year term on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in 2020. Maricopa County is the fourth largest county in the United States with a population of over 4.5 million people. Bill represents over 900,000 residents as a Maricopa County Supervisor. He was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2016. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board, a position he held in 2019 when, among other things, Bill negotiated a re-organization of the Maricopa County Elections Department with then-Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes. Prior to joining the Board of Supervisors, Bill served on the Phoenix City Council from 2009-2016, including a stint as Vice Mayor in 2013.

We Hold These Truth’s Ask the Expert Series brings you answers from a diverse group of leaders in their fields of study and practice on issues affecting American democracy. These short videos are part of a broader panel conversation which are hosted by the McCain Institute’s Defending American Democracy Series – an event series focused on restoring faith in fact-based journalism and countering mis- and disinformation.

This panel is part of the Defending American Democracy series with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

","id":634,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/D0PIgeTFE_Y/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/D0PIgeTFE_Y/0.jpg","small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/D0PIgeTFE_Y/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/D0PIgeTFE_Y/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/D0PIgeTFE_Y/0.jpg"},"issue_slugs":[],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/634-ask-experts-eastman-memos","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=634","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/634/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":9,"published_at":"2022-06-21T13:35:01.115Z","reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":19,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"634-ask-experts-eastman-memos","snippet":"Tune in to hear Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Bill Gates, discuss the infamous Eastman Memos and how","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Experts: What were the Eastman Memos?","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

This panel is part of the Defending American Democracy series with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":3229,"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","video_dimensions":"200,113","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/D0PIgeTFE_Y","title":"Ask the Experts: What were the Eastman Memos?","issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":48,"allow_advocacy":true,"comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":3,"created_at":"2020-05-04T17:58:39.126Z","cta_prompt":"Will your vote challenge the status quo; defend the dignity of all people; and support causes greater than one’s self?","cta_text":"Record Video","cta_type":"record_video","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"5.4.20","html_content":"

Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of all; and people who work in service of a cause greater than oneself. Thousands, maybe millions, have answered the call.

As the 2020 Election approaches, we need mavericks more than ever before. Like the original maverick, Senator John McCain, we ask you to use your vote to challenge the status quo, defend the dignity of all people and support causes greater than one’s self.

Watch the video and let us know how you plan on Maverick Voting. Post your responses and videos here and/or on Twitter and Facebook pages and take the pledge if you haven’t already at https://www.mavericksneeded.org/.

","id":219,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QlNPLoI-F1o/0.jpg"},"issue_slugs":[],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/219-do-plan-practicing-maverick-voting","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=219","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/219/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":8,"published_at":"2020-05-04T17:58:39.123Z","reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":31,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"219-do-plan-practicing-maverick-voting","snippet":"Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"How do you plan on practicing Maverick voting?","cta_prompt":"Will your vote challenge the status quo; defend the dignity of all people; and support causes greater than one’s self?","html_content":"

","custom_cta_text":"Record Video","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":641,"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","video_dimensions":"480,270","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/QlNPLoI-F1o","title":"How do you plan on practicing Maverick voting?","issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":49,"allow_advocacy":true,"comments_count":2,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":2,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:43.123Z","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_text":"Share","cta_type":"share","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","html_content":"

Arizona - AZ AZCentral

New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal

Oregon - OR The Oregonian

Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal

California – CA Los Angeles Times

Washington - WA The Seattle Times

Utah - UT Deseret News

Colorado - CO The Denver Post

Hawaii - HI Honolulu Star Advertiser

Alaska - AK Anchorage Daily News

","id":395,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg"},"issue_slugs":[],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/395-local-news-source-guide-western-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=395","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/395/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":10,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:43.121Z","reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":44,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"395-local-news-source-guide-western-region","snippet":"Arizona - AZ AZCentral New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal Oregon - OR The Oregonian Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - Western Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Arizona - AZ AZCentral

New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal

Oregon - OR The Oregonian

Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal

California – CA Los Angeles Times

Washington - WA The Seattle Times

Utah - UT Deseret News

Colorado - CO The Denver Post

Hawaii - HI Honolulu Star Advertiser

Alaska - AK Anchorage Daily News

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":1095,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"Local News Source Guide - Western Region","issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":15,"allow_advocacy":false,"comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":3,"created_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.848Z","cta_prompt":"Second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership and Public Service awarded to people of Hong Kong","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"11.25.19","html_content":"

The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition of their fight for democracy. The award, which was presented to the people of Lesbos, Greece, last year was presented this year to former lawmaker Emily Lau Wai-hing and activist Figo Chan Ho-wun on Saturday, November 23rd. The two accepted the award from Cindy McCain, the wife of late Senator John McCain, alongside the Halifax Security Forum, on behalf of all protesters in Hong Kong.

Giving this award to the people of Hong Kong makes the Halifax Security Forum—a network of international experts, academics, military officials, entrepreneurs and authors—the first international organization to recognize the struggles of the city’s people. This certainly comes at a delicate time: last week, the US Congress almost unanimously voted to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. This act would impose stricter monitoring of Hong Kong and, should any action be taken by the government to erode at the city’s freedoms, sanctions against China. President Trump, who has been in the process of working out a new trade deal with Beijing as a focal point of his re-election campaign, has yet to comment on whether he will sign the act into law or not.

In this context, the Halifax Forum’s recognition of the Hong Kongese could be seen as a challenge to Beijing itself. However, the Forum stands firm in its decision. Cindy McCain, who is also a board member of the Forum, said that she hopes “this tribute to those who are struggling for their rights in Hong Kong will encourage more people around the world to raise their voices in support of their cause, especially in my country’s government. They are fighting for something larger than themselves.”

Article: People of Hong Kong awarded 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service – an honour that comes at delicate time in US-China relations

","id":114,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/84e01a/Screen%20Shot%202019-11-25%20at%2010.25.39%20AM.png"},"issue_slugs":["news"],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/114-people-hong-kong-receive-leadership-award","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=114","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/114/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":5,"published_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.846Z","reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":{"state":"","region":"country","geolocate":true,"select_path":"Contact Reps : Federal : Geolocate","lower_chamber":"house","upper_chamber":"senate","chamber_choice":"all","state_required":false,"default_message":"This issue is important to me.","chosen_legislators":["3"],"lower_chamber_name":"House","upper_chamber_name":"Senate"},"share_count":3,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"114-people-hong-kong-receive-leadership-award","snippet":"The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"People of Hong Kong Receive Leadership Award","cta_prompt":"Second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership and Public Service awarded to people of Hong Kong","html_content":"

Article: People of Hong Kong awarded 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service – an honour that comes at delicate time in US-China relations

","custom_cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":898,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"People of Hong Kong Receive Leadership Award","issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[3]},{"action_count":7,"allow_advocacy":true,"comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"created_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.919Z","cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","cta_text":"Share","cta_type":"share","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.19","html_content":"

The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s foreign service as U.S. diplomats have been caught up in the partisan crossfire. To remedy this, four members of congress, two Republicans and two Democrats, have announced the creation of the Diplomacy Caucus. The caucus will bring together lawmakers of both parties in the interest of strengthening the U.S. diplomatic corps through legislation. Do you feel that America’s public servants are being protected enough by Congress, or is the creation of this caucus a necessity?

Article: With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus

","id":119,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg"},"issue_slugs":["news"],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=119","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/119/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":6,"published_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.917Z","reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":3,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","snippet":"The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","html_content":"

Article: With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":898,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":7,"allow_advocacy":true,"comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"created_at":"2023-04-18T17:57:33.263Z","cta_prompt":"Is the leak a threat to our security or is it essential to democracy?","cta_text":"Leaked Pentagon Documents","cta_type":"reactions","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"4.18.23","html_content":"

Jack Teixeira, the 21-year-old U.S. airman who was charged with leaking confidential Pentagon documents, has been charged and faces up to fifteen years for unauthorized transmission of intelligence information and the unauthorized removal of classified documents.
Some observers consider whistleblowing and leaking documents that are of interest to the public to be an act that ensures transparency in government. However, Teixeira has denied that he is a whistleblower and has not provided a public motive for leaking the documents.\n
The leak has exposed vulnerabilities in America's security protocols.

What's the backstory?

The first appearance of the leaked documents was in December 2022 in a right-wing Discord chat room called Thug Shaker Central where discussions centered around guns, politics, and racist memes. Teixeira is alleged to have been an administrator of the Discord chat room.\n
The leaks began as paragraphs of text but in January Teixeira began posting photographs of the documents. The documents were then shared across Twitter, 4chan, and Telegram.
Teixeira worked as an IT specialist in the intelligence wing of the Massachusetts National Guard. He held the junior position of Airman 1st Class and had a \"top secret\" security clearance.
In order to receive this clearance he would have had to \"[sign] a lifetime binding non-disclosure agreement.\"\n

What do the documents reveal?

The intelligence revealed U.S. assessments of the war in Ukraine, which paint a concerning picture.
The intelligence describes the Ukrainian position in the besieged city of Bakhmut as \"catastrophic\" and that over 120,000 civilians and soldiers have been wounded or killed in the conflict.
The assessment describes Ukraine's missile defense system as likely to run out by May.
The leaks demonstrate how much Ukraine is relying on U.S. support in its war effort.
\nA leaked February 22 briefing slide predicts the war “is likely heading toward a stalemate\" and that it will result in “a protracted war beyond 2023.”
One of the key concerns is that the sources of American intelligence that are embedded in the Russian security and military apparatus will be discovered and that America's inside perspective will be compromised.\n

What are people saying?

Oleksiy Honcharenko, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament said:

“From many points of view, this leak is really useful and good, even I can say good for Ukraine.\"

Ukraine has not amended its plans and strategies in light of the leak. Samuel Charap, a Russia analyst at the RAND Corporation said:\n

“It’s hard for me to believe this will dramatically change Ukraine’s short-term plans for its counteroffensive. There’s been discussion in open sources about the likely direction being south. Whether it affects the timing, perhaps.”

Joe Biden thanked law enforcement for their \"rapid action\" in investigating and apprehending Teixeira.

Are whistleblowers a threat or essential to our democracy?

—Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: Twitter)

","id":717,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/4075ef/4075ef-Screenshot2023-04-17182759.png","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/4075ef/4075ef-Screenshot2023-04-17182759.png","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/4075ef/4075ef-Screenshot2023-04-17182759.png","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/4075ef/4075ef-Screenshot2023-04-17182759.png","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/4075ef/4075ef-Screenshot2023-04-17182759.png"},"issue_slugs":["news"],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/717-jack-teixeira-charged-pentagon-leak","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=717","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/717/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":11,"published_at":"2023-04-18T17:57:33.207Z","reaction_config":[{"icon":"excited","text":"Excited","color":"#333174","stance":"excited"},{"icon":"happy","text":"Happy","color":"#58275E","stance":"happy"},{"icon":"apathetic","text":"Apathetic","color":"#6B2152","stance":"apathetic"},{"icon":"sad","text":"Sad","color":"#96143A","stance":"sad"},{"icon":"angry","text":"Angry","color":"#B60924","stance":"angry"}],"reaction_config_id":5,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":2,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"717-jack-teixeira-charged-pentagon-leak","snippet":"Jack Teixeira, the 21-year-old U.S. airman who was charged with leaking confidential Pentagon documents, has been charged and","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Jack Teixeira Charged In Pentagon Leak","cta_prompt":"Is the leak a threat to our security or is it essential to democracy?","html_content":"

Jack Teixeira, the 21-year-old U.S. airman who was charged with leaking confidential Pentagon documents, has been charged and faces up to fifteen years for unauthorized transmission of intelligence information and the unauthorized removal of classified documents.
Some observers consider whistleblowing and leaking documents that are of interest to the public to be an act that ensures transparency in government. However, Teixeira has denied that he is a whistleblower and has not provided a public motive for leaking the documents.\n
The leak has exposed vulnerabilities in America's security protocols.

What's the backstory?

The first appearance of the leaked documents was in December 2022 in a right-wing Discord chat room called Thug Shaker Central where discussions centered around guns, politics, and racist memes. Teixeira is alleged to have been an administrator of the Discord chat room.\n
The leaks began as paragraphs of text but in January Teixeira began posting photographs of the documents. The documents were then shared across Twitter, 4chan, and Telegram.
Teixeira worked as an IT specialist in the intelligence wing of the Massachusetts National Guard. He held the junior position of Airman 1st Class and had a \"top secret\" security clearance.
In order to receive this clearance he would have had to \"[sign] a lifetime binding non-disclosure agreement.\"\n

What do the documents reveal?

The intelligence revealed U.S. assessments of the war in Ukraine, which paint a concerning picture.
The intelligence describes the Ukrainian position in the besieged city of Bakhmut as \"catastrophic\" and that over 120,000 civilians and soldiers have been wounded or killed in the conflict.
The assessment describes Ukraine's missile defense system as likely to run out by May.
The leaks demonstrate how much Ukraine is relying on U.S. support in its war effort.
\nA leaked February 22 briefing slide predicts the war “is likely heading toward a stalemate\" and that it will result in “a protracted war beyond 2023.”
One of the key concerns is that the sources of American intelligence that are embedded in the Russian security and military apparatus will be discovered and that America's inside perspective will be compromised.\n

What are people saying?

Oleksiy Honcharenko, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament said:

“From many points of view, this leak is really useful and good, even I can say good for Ukraine.\"

Ukraine has not amended its plans and strategies in light of the leak. Samuel Charap, a Russia analyst at the RAND Corporation said:\n

“It’s hard for me to believe this will dramatically change Ukraine’s short-term plans for its counteroffensive. There’s been discussion in open sources about the likely direction being south. Whether it affects the timing, perhaps.”

Joe Biden thanked law enforcement for their \"rapid action\" in investigating and apprehending Teixeira.

Are whistleblowers a threat or essential to our democracy?

—Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: Twitter)

","custom_cta_text":"Leaked Pentagon Documents","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":3291,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"Jack Teixeira Charged In Pentagon Leak","issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":25,"allow_advocacy":false,"comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":3,"created_at":"2022-12-07T20:44:51.774Z","cta_prompt":"Ukraine has attacked a series of Russian bases and airfields with drone strikes","cta_text":"Share your thoughts!","cta_type":"comment","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.7.22","html_content":"

A series of unprecedented Ukrainian drone strikes hit three targets deep inside Russian territory this week, nine months into the war that has upended regional and global geopolitics.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes

\nThe latest drone strike hit an oil facility near an airfield 80 miles from the Ukrainian border, in the Kursk region of Russia. There were no fatalities.\n
\nThe two attacks on Monday, however, left three dead and four wounded at the Dyagilevo base, 300 miles from the border. Dyagilevo lies only 100 miles from the Russian capital, Moscow, creating what some commentators have called a “psychological blow”. \n
Engels base, 370 miles from the border, was also attacked on Monday. The base is used to store the nuclear-capable strategic bombers that have been responsible for many of the air strikes on Ukraine.
\nThe drones were launched from Ukrainian territory, but an anonymous source has also claimed that special forces close to the base helped guide the drones to their final target.\n
Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the strikes, nor have they denied involvement.

Russia’s Reaction

According to Russian security forces, the drones were intercepted and were found to be Soviet-era jet drones.
\nThe attack was followed by a barrage of cruise missile attacks by Russian forces on Ukrainian targets, which included civilians, and led to multiple fatalities. The Russian attacks have left half of Kyiv without electricity. \n
\nVladimir Putin made a cryptic comment following the attack, threatening to take drastic measures to protect Russian territory, prompting fears of a nuclear retaliation. \n
Statements aside, the attack has led analysts to speculate about the vulnerability and geographical insecurity of Russia’s strategic military bases.

Global Reaction

\nUkraine’s supporters have avoided supplying the besieged country with weapons so as to avoid escalating the war, but these attacks demonstrate Ukraine’s willingness to take bold offensive measures. \n
\nThe global communities resistance to supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons has not deterred them. Ukroboronprom, the state-owned weapons manufacturer is completing the development of a new drone equipped with a 165-pound warhead and a range of 600 miles.\n

—Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: Twitter)

","id":697,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/34d8ae/34d8ae-e8056d-twitter.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/34d8ae/34d8ae-e8056d-twitter.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/34d8ae/34d8ae-e8056d-twitter.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/34d8ae/34d8ae-e8056d-twitter.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/34d8ae/34d8ae-e8056d-twitter.jpg"},"issue_slugs":[],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/697-three-ukrainian-drone-strikes-hit-russia-week","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=697","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/697/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":4,"published_at":"2022-12-07T20:44:51.743Z","reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":22,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"697-three-ukrainian-drone-strikes-hit-russia-week","snippet":"A series of unprecedented Ukrainian drone strikes hit three targets deep inside Russian territory this week, nine months into","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Three Ukrainian Drone Strikes Hit Russia This Week","cta_prompt":"Ukraine has attacked a series of Russian bases and airfields with drone strikes","html_content":"

A series of unprecedented Ukrainian drone strikes hit three targets deep inside Russian territory this week, nine months into the war that has upended regional and global geopolitics.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes

\nThe latest drone strike hit an oil facility near an airfield 80 miles from the Ukrainian border, in the Kursk region of Russia. There were no fatalities.\n
\nThe two attacks on Monday, however, left three dead and four wounded at the Dyagilevo base, 300 miles from the border. Dyagilevo lies only 100 miles from the Russian capital, Moscow, creating what some commentators have called a “psychological blow”. \n
Engels base, 370 miles from the border, was also attacked on Monday. The base is used to store the nuclear-capable strategic bombers that have been responsible for many of the air strikes on Ukraine.
\nThe drones were launched from Ukrainian territory, but an anonymous source has also claimed that special forces close to the base helped guide the drones to their final target.\n
Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the strikes, nor have they denied involvement.

Russia’s Reaction

According to Russian security forces, the drones were intercepted and were found to be Soviet-era jet drones.
\nThe attack was followed by a barrage of cruise missile attacks by Russian forces on Ukrainian targets, which included civilians, and led to multiple fatalities. The Russian attacks have left half of Kyiv without electricity. \n
\nVladimir Putin made a cryptic comment following the attack, threatening to take drastic measures to protect Russian territory, prompting fears of a nuclear retaliation. \n
Statements aside, the attack has led analysts to speculate about the vulnerability and geographical insecurity of Russia’s strategic military bases.

Global Reaction

\nUkraine’s supporters have avoided supplying the besieged country with weapons so as to avoid escalating the war, but these attacks demonstrate Ukraine’s willingness to take bold offensive measures. \n
\nThe global communities resistance to supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons has not deterred them. Ukroboronprom, the state-owned weapons manufacturer is completing the development of a new drone equipped with a 165-pound warhead and a range of 600 miles.\n

—Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: Twitter)

","custom_cta_text":"Share your thoughts!","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":3264,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"Three Ukrainian Drone Strikes Hit Russia This Week","issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":0,"allow_advocacy":true,"comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"created_at":"2022-06-16T13:26:18.198Z","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_text":"Share","cta_type":"share","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"6.16.22","html_content":"

Tune in to hear Brian Corley discuss the difference between Russia’s attempts to manipulate the 2016 Presidential election and mis-, dis-, and mal-information (\"MDM\") used in the 2020 election. Corley has served as the Supervisor of Elections for Pasco County, FL since 2007 and in that time has presided over 70 elections with more than 2 million votes cast. During his tenure, the Pasco County Election’s office continues to be recognized for innovation, efficiency, and transparency in serving the voters. He previously served in senior managerial positions with the Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court, as well as the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

He is a state-certified election administrator by the Florida Department of State and is the past president of the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections. He has testified numerous times before Florida Legislative Senate and House committees on election and voting related issues.

Nationally, Corley has been a featured speaker and panelist with such organizations as The Bi-Partisan Policy Center, The Elections Assistance Commission, The International Association of Government Officials, The Center for Internet Security, The Pew Charitable Trusts “Voting Information Project” Committee, The National Election Center (Election Cybersecurity Taskforce), the “Vote at Home” Advisory Council, the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Government Operations and is an instructor with the Florida Certified Election Professional Program.

This panel is part of the Defending American Democracy series with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

","id":631,"image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/GVxPcldEhyE/0.jpg"},"issue_slugs":[],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/631-ask-experts-2016-russian-election-interference-vs-2020-electoral-disinformation","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=631","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/631/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":9,"published_at":"2022-06-16T13:26:18.186Z","reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":0,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"631-ask-experts-2016-russian-election-interference-vs-2020-electoral-disinformation","snippet":"Tune in to hear Brian Corley discuss the difference between Russia’s attempts to manipulate the 2016 Presidential election and","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Experts: 2016 Russian election interference vs. 2020 electoral disinformation","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

This panel is part of the Defending American Democracy series with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":3229,"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","video_dimensions":[200,113],"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/GVxPcldEhyE","title":"Ask the Experts: 2016 Russian election interference vs. 2020 electoral disinformation","issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":44,"allow_advocacy":false,"comments_count":4,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"created_at":"2019-10-08T16:57:59.427Z","cta_prompt":"Should protesters have to pay for police? Tell your Rep. how you feel.","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.8.19","html_content":"

Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested protestors to pay for police overtime.

Rep. Banks (R-Ind.) said \"Hoosier taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.”

Despite Banks’ statements, such a bill would erode First Amendment protections and make citizens less likely to protest.

\nArticle: GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime\n

Banks claims that this bill would not prohibit other demonstrations or protests, but historically speaking, many of our nation’s most important civil rights victories have come from protests that led to arrests. It seems likely that adding financial responsibility on top of the threat of arrest may prevent would-be-activists from participating in future protests.

Is this an intimidation tactic? If so, is it a violation of our First Amendment rights?

What do you think? Should activists ever be on the hook for police overtime?

","id":89,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg"},"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=89","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/89/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":5,"published_at":"2019-10-08T17:09:45.576Z","reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":13,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","snippet":"Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","cta_prompt":"Should protesters have to pay for police? Tell your Rep. how you feel.","html_content":"

Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested protestors to pay for police overtime.

Rep. Banks (R-Ind.) said \"Hoosier taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.”

Despite Banks’ statements, such a bill would erode First Amendment protections and make citizens less likely to protest.

\nArticle: GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime\n

Is this an intimidation tactic? If so, is it a violation of our First Amendment rights?

What do you think? Should activists ever be on the hook for police overtime?

","custom_cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":27,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","issue_ids":["news","legislation"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":15,"allow_advocacy":true,"comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"created_at":"2019-10-22T14:57:04.556Z","cta_prompt":"Should deepfake videos be considered protected speech?","cta_text":"React","cta_type":"reactions","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.22.19","html_content":"

California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false information about political candidates.

Specifically, the bill applies to instances where deepfake technology is used to intentionally spread false information about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

The bill includes exceptions for parody and satire, as well as cases where the broadcaster or publisher makes it clear that the media has been manipulated.

Article: California Becomes The Second State To Restrict Political “Deepfakes”

The bill has already drawn harsh criticism from free speech advocates, including the ACLU, who claimed \"this bill will not solve the problem of deceptive political videos; it will only result in voter confusion, malicious litigation, and repression of free speech.”

It’s worth noting that libel and defamation have never been protected by the first amendment, and many deepfake videos could be classified as libel or defamation.

Do you think outlawing deepfake videos is an attack on the first amendment? Can we stop the spread of misinformation without relying on censorship? Let us know in the comments below.

","id":100,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg"},"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=100","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/100/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":6,"published_at":"2019-10-22T15:29:37.361Z","reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":2,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","snippet":"California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","cta_prompt":"Should deepfake videos be considered protected speech?","html_content":"

California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false information about political candidates.

Specifically, the bill applies to instances where deepfake technology is used to intentionally spread false information about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

The bill includes exceptions for parody and satire, as well as cases where the broadcaster or publisher makes it clear that the media has been manipulated.

Article: California Becomes The Second State To Restrict Political “Deepfakes”

It’s worth noting that libel and defamation have never been protected by the first amendment, and many deepfake videos could be classified as libel or defamation.

Do you think outlawing deepfake videos is an attack on the first amendment? Can we stop the spread of misinformation without relying on censorship? Let us know in the comments below.

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":27,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","issue_ids":["news","legislation"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":1,"allow_advocacy":true,"comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:00.175Z","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_text":"Share","cta_type":"share","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","html_content":"

Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune

Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman

Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star

Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register

Kansas - KS Wichita Eagle

Michigan - MI Detroit News

Minnesota - MN Duluth News Tribune

Montana - MT Billings Gazette

Missouri - MO St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska - NE Lincoln Journal Star

Wyoming - WY Casper Star-Tribune

Ohio - OH Cincinnati Enquirer

Wisconsin - WI Wisconsin State Journal

North Dakota - ND Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota - SD Rapid City Journal

","id":394,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg"},"issue_slugs":[],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/394-local-news-source-guide-midwest-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=394","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/394/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":10,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:00.169Z","reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":1,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"394-local-news-source-guide-midwest-region","snippet":"Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register Kansas","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - Midwest Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune

Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman

Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star

Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register

Kansas - KS Wichita Eagle

Michigan - MI Detroit News

Minnesota - MN Duluth News Tribune

Montana - MT Billings Gazette

Missouri - MO St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska - NE Lincoln Journal Star

Wyoming - WY Casper Star-Tribune

Ohio - OH Cincinnati Enquirer

Wisconsin - WI Wisconsin State Journal

North Dakota - ND Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota - SD Rapid City Journal

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":1095,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"Local News Source Guide - Midwest Region","issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":5,"allow_advocacy":true,"comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"created_at":"2023-04-11T22:10:15.128Z","cta_prompt":"How do you feel about Russia's move to increase military presence in Ukraine?","cta_text":"React","cta_type":"reactions","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"4.11.23","html_content":"

In light of Russia's ongoing and protracted invasion of Ukraine, the country is planning on introducing electronic draft papers to help crack down on the large number of \"draft dodgers\" who have fled to neighboring countries to avoid enlistment.
One year of military service in Russia is compulsory for all men aged from 18-27 but the Kremlin wants to expand it to 21-30.
Russia has mobilized over 300,000 men for its \"special military operation\" and has been seeking volunteers in addition to the standard draft.
Tens of thousands of military-age men have left the country for a variety of reasons, ranging from ideological opposition to the war or trepidation about entering a war that has seen tens of thousands of Russian casualties.

The old system

The current system is fraught with loopholes from the Kremlin's perspective, whereby military recruiters must hand-deliver summons to an individual's registered address or place of work, and the draftee is required to sign it personally.
The papers inform them of the enlistment office they are expected to report to and when.

The new system

The proposed system will involve electronic summons which will be sent to a draftee's government account and will be considered delivered as soon as it hits their portal, whether they see it or not. It will apply to both conscripts and one-off mobilization campaigns. \n
\nThe public services portal where they will receive the summons is called \"Gosuslugi\", a service that also allows users to book medical appointments and oversee their state pensions.\n
If the summons cannot be delivered electronically it will be published in a new \"register of summonses\" and will be considered seen seven days after its publication.
Any men who do not show up at the military enlistment office after receiving the electronic summons will be banned from traveling abroad.
\nThe identities of draft dodgers will be listed in a \"unified register of military records\" and border guards will have access to the list.\n
The ban may extend to a driving ban, a ban on government assistance and benefits, and a moratorium on the draftee's ability to take out bank loans and mortgages.\n
\nRussian citizens currently face a two-year prison sentence for dodging military service and this penalty will remain in place.\n

Who supports the legislation?

The move was backed by the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, in a near-unanimous vote.
The legislation will be voted on in the upper house and by President Vladimir Putin this week where it is also expected to pass.\n

How do you feel about Russia's commitment to military strength in Ukraine?

—Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: Nara)

","id":716,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/71d0f9/71d0f9-russian-soldiers-with-the-13th-tactical-group-and-american-soldiers-with-the-b65093-1600.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/71d0f9/71d0f9-russian-soldiers-with-the-13th-tactical-group-and-american-soldiers-with-the-b65093-1600.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/71d0f9/71d0f9-russian-soldiers-with-the-13th-tactical-group-and-american-soldiers-with-the-b65093-1600.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/71d0f9/71d0f9-russian-soldiers-with-the-13th-tactical-group-and-american-soldiers-with-the-b65093-1600.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9XlzgEOA/71d0f9/71d0f9-russian-soldiers-with-the-13th-tactical-group-and-american-soldiers-with-the-b65093-1600.jpg"},"issue_slugs":["news"],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/716-russia-looks-crack-draft-dodgers","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=716","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/716/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":11,"published_at":"2023-04-11T22:39:38.104Z","reaction_config":[{"icon":"apathetic","text":"Apathetic","color":"#6B2152","stance":"apathetic"},{"icon":"sad","text":"Sad","color":"#96143A","stance":"sad"},{"icon":"angry","text":"Angry","color":"#B60924","stance":"angry"}],"reaction_config_id":3,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":0,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"716-russia-looks-crack-draft-dodgers","snippet":"In light of Russia's ongoing and protracted invasion of Ukraine, the country is planning on introducing electronic draft papers","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Russia Looks to Crack Down on Draft Dodgers","cta_prompt":"How do you feel about Russia's move to increase military presence in Ukraine?","html_content":"

In light of Russia's ongoing and protracted invasion of Ukraine, the country is planning on introducing electronic draft papers to help crack down on the large number of \"draft dodgers\" who have fled to neighboring countries to avoid enlistment.
One year of military service in Russia is compulsory for all men aged from 18-27 but the Kremlin wants to expand it to 21-30.
Russia has mobilized over 300,000 men for its \"special military operation\" and has been seeking volunteers in addition to the standard draft.
Tens of thousands of military-age men have left the country for a variety of reasons, ranging from ideological opposition to the war or trepidation about entering a war that has seen tens of thousands of Russian casualties.

The old system

The current system is fraught with loopholes from the Kremlin's perspective, whereby military recruiters must hand-deliver summons to an individual's registered address or place of work, and the draftee is required to sign it personally.
The papers inform them of the enlistment office they are expected to report to and when.

The new system

The proposed system will involve electronic summons which will be sent to a draftee's government account and will be considered delivered as soon as it hits their portal, whether they see it or not. It will apply to both conscripts and one-off mobilization campaigns. \n
\nThe public services portal where they will receive the summons is called \"Gosuslugi\", a service that also allows users to book medical appointments and oversee their state pensions.\n
If the summons cannot be delivered electronically it will be published in a new \"register of summonses\" and will be considered seen seven days after its publication.
Any men who do not show up at the military enlistment office after receiving the electronic summons will be banned from traveling abroad.
\nThe identities of draft dodgers will be listed in a \"unified register of military records\" and border guards will have access to the list.\n
The ban may extend to a driving ban, a ban on government assistance and benefits, and a moratorium on the draftee's ability to take out bank loans and mortgages.\n
\nRussian citizens currently face a two-year prison sentence for dodging military service and this penalty will remain in place.\n

Who supports the legislation?

The move was backed by the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, in a near-unanimous vote.
The legislation will be voted on in the upper house and by President Vladimir Putin this week where it is also expected to pass.\n

How do you feel about Russia's commitment to military strength in Ukraine?

—Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: Nara)

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":3291,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"Russia Looks to Crack Down on Draft Dodgers","issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":10,"allow_advocacy":false,"comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"created_at":"2022-12-06T21:28:03.087Z","cta_prompt":"Take the poll!","cta_text":"React","cta_type":"reactions","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.6.22","html_content":"

What is it?

\nToday, December 6th, 2022, is the Georgia runoff election between Republican Herschel Walker and Democrat Raphael Warnock for a seat in the US Senate. The race for this seat is particularly consequential as a Warnock win would grant Democrats a 51-49 majority in the Senate, allowing them a greater ability to control bills. On the other hand, a Walker win would maintain the current 50-50 split between parties. Polls will remain open until 7 pm today; at that time, all mail-in ballots must also be dropped off. \n
Among the current Democrats in the Senate, two Senators, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, are known to vote against their party from time to time. If the Democrats secure the Georgia seat, the party will have a better chance of passing bills even with the opposition of Manchin or Sinema.
\nThe party that wins the seat will strongly influence the Biden administration’s ability to confirm judicial nominees. This will have strong ramifications for the judiciary far beyond the end of the Administration’s first term in January 2025. \n

Why is it important?

If you are a Georgia voter, this is your opportunity to determine whether Warnock or Walker represents you in the Senate. Voting is an individual action that helps maintain and promote American democracy.
The outcome of the Georgia midterm election will be instrumental in determining the extent to which the Biden Administration’s agenda is successfully pursued. Georgia’s second senator will fundamentally determine the legislative course of the 118th Congress.

What can you do?

\nIf you are a Georgia voter, find your polling place here. \n
\nRead about the runoff elections and its implications using live news feeds. \n
\nEnsure that you are consuming verified election media and check your sources for mis-, dis-, and mal-information (MDM.) \n

Authored by Anna Cohen

","id":695,"image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/c67776/c67776-pexels-element-digital-1550334.jpg","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/c67776/c67776-pexels-element-digital-1550334.jpg","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/c67776/c67776-pexels-element-digital-1550334.jpg","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/c67776/c67776-pexels-element-digital-1550334.jpg","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/9Xla8g07/c67776/c67776-pexels-element-digital-1550334.jpg"},"issue_slugs":[],"lawmaker_default_message":null,"links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/695-do-know-happening-georgia-senate-runoff","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=695","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/695/signatures?include=user"},"og_description":null,"og_title":null,"private":false,"profile_id":4,"published_at":"2022-12-06T21:28:03.043Z","reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"share_count":5,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"signable_progress":0,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signed":false,"slug":"695-do-know-happening-georgia-senate-runoff","snippet":"What is it? Today , December 6th, 2022, is the Georgia runoff election between Republican Herschel Walker and Democrat Raphael","status":"published","translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Do you know what is happening in the Georgia Senate runoff? ","cta_prompt":"Take the poll!","html_content":"

What is it?

\nToday, December 6th, 2022, is the Georgia runoff election between Republican Herschel Walker and Democrat Raphael Warnock for a seat in the US Senate. The race for this seat is particularly consequential as a Warnock win would grant Democrats a 51-49 majority in the Senate, allowing them a greater ability to control bills. On the other hand, a Walker win would maintain the current 50-50 split between parties. Polls will remain open until 7 pm today; at that time, all mail-in ballots must also be dropped off. \n
Among the current Democrats in the Senate, two Senators, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, are known to vote against their party from time to time. If the Democrats secure the Georgia seat, the party will have a better chance of passing bills even with the opposition of Manchin or Sinema.
\nThe party that wins the seat will strongly influence the Biden administration’s ability to confirm judicial nominees. This will have strong ramifications for the judiciary far beyond the end of the Administration’s first term in January 2025. \n

Why is it important?

If you are a Georgia voter, this is your opportunity to determine whether Warnock or Walker represents you in the Senate. Voting is an individual action that helps maintain and promote American democracy.
The outcome of the Georgia midterm election will be instrumental in determining the extent to which the Biden Administration’s agenda is successfully pursued. Georgia’s second senator will fundamentally determine the legislative course of the 118th Congress.

What can you do?

\nIf you are a Georgia voter, find your polling place here. \n
\nRead about the runoff elections and its implications using live news feeds. \n
\nEnsure that you are consuming verified election media and check your sources for mis-, dis-, and mal-information (MDM.) \n

Authored by Anna Cohen

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":3264,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"Do you know what is happening in the Georgia Senate runoff? ","issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"action_count":0,"allow_advocacy":true,"comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"created_at":"2022-06-14T16:28:11.724Z","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_text":"Share","cta_type":"share","cta_url":null,"current_cta_is_disabled":false,"email_share_body":null,"email_share_subject":null,"formatted_publish_date":"6.14.22","html_content":"

Tune in to hear Secretary of State of Michigan Jocelyn Benson discuss the ways to combat electoral Mis-, Dis-, and Mal-information (\"MDM\"). Secretary Benson is Michigan’s 43rd Secretary of State. In this role, she is focused on ensuring elections are secure and accessible and dramatically improving customer experiences for all who interact with her offices. A graduate of Harvard Law School and expert on civil rights law, education law and election law, Benson served as dean of Wayne State University Law School in Detroit. When she was appointed dean at age 36, she became the youngest woman in U.S. history to lead a top-100, accredited law school. She continues to serve as vice chair of the advisory board for the Levin Center at Wayne Law, which she founded with former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin. Previously, Benson was an associate professor and associate director of Wayne Law’s Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights.

\nArticle: Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training After Unlawful Arrest of Journalist\n

The right to record police officers have been repeatedly upheld by the courts as an essential element of free speech and free press.

After a 7 month internal investigation, the Denver Police Department agreed to provide First Amendment training for their officers, specifically conceding the right to photograph and record in public.

Is this a win for free speech? Let us know in the comments below.

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\nArticle: Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training After Unlawful Arrest of Journalist\n

The right to record police officers have been repeatedly upheld by the courts as an essential element of free speech and free press.

Is this a win for free speech? Let us know in the comments below.

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Region: North East

New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor

New York - NY New York Times

Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe

Connecticut - CT Hartford Courant

Delaware - DE The News Journal

Maine - ME Portland Press Herald

Maryland - MD Maryland Independent

Pennsylvania - PA York Dispatch

Rhode Island - RI The Providence Journal

Vermont - VT Burlington Free Press

West Virginia - WV The Herald-Dispatch

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Region: North East

New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor

New York - NY New York Times

Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe

Connecticut - CT Hartford Courant

Delaware - DE The News Journal

Maine - ME Portland Press Herald

Maryland - MD Maryland Independent

Pennsylvania - PA York Dispatch

Rhode Island - RI The Providence Journal

Vermont - VT Burlington Free Press

West Virginia - WV The Herald-Dispatch

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Espionage charges

\nU.S. citizen and reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Evan Gershkovich, has been detained on espionage charges in Russia. \n
Russian security services alleged that Gershkovich was trying to obtain classified information “about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military industrial complex” during a trip to Ekaterinburg.
Local media reported that a Russian court ordered him to be held in pre-trial detention until at least May 29. If Gershkovich is charged with espionage, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
The journalist has lived in Moscow for six years and worked for the Moscow Times and Agence France-Presse before the Wall Street Journal. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed he was “acting on instructions from the American side.”
Gershkovich is the first U.S. reporter to be accused of espionage in Russia since the end of the cold war. The hope of his release may rely on a prisoner swap, just like the swap of Russia’s Viktor Bout, an arms dealer nicknamed the Merchant of Death, for U.S. basketball play Brittney Griner.

What they’re saying

Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, said Gershkovich was using his journalistic accreditation as a cover for other illegal activities.

“What the Wall Street Journal employee was doing in Ekaterinburg had nothing to do with journalism.”

Gershokovich’s friends and colleagues said the accusations were ridiculous. His employer said:

“The Wall Street Journal vehemently denies the allegations from the FSB and seeks the immediate release of our trusted and dedicated reporter, Evan Gershkovich. We stand in solidarity with Evan and his family.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. is “deeply concerned” about the detention. He said in a statement:

“In the strongest possible terms, we condemn the Kremlin’s continued attempts to intimidate, repress, and punish journalists and civil society voices.”

Blinken repeated the government’s “strong warnings about the danger posed to U.S. citizens” in Russia and urged them to leave the country immediately.
Ivan Pavlov, Russia’s leading defense lawyer in espionage cases, believes Gershkovich was arrested as a negotiation tactic. He said:

“It’s clear that they’ve taken a hostage. They’ve chosen a well-known journalist from an authoritative media outlet. The idea is to have an ace up their sleeve for negotiations.”

Reporting in Russia

Since President Vladimir Putin launched the Russian invasion of Ukraine, reporting from inside Russia has been challenging and dangerous. Many journalists have left the country for this reason.
Russia introduced restrictive media, reporting, and information laws amid the war. Dozens of journalists have been blacklisted, barred from entry, and stripped of their accreditations.
The Wall Street Journal is one of the small handful of Western media outlets that continue to report in Moscow.

Should the U.S. and Russia do another prisoner swap?

-Jamie Epstein

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Espionage charges

\nU.S. citizen and reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Evan Gershkovich, has been detained on espionage charges in Russia. \n
Russian security services alleged that Gershkovich was trying to obtain classified information “about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military industrial complex” during a trip to Ekaterinburg.
Local media reported that a Russian court ordered him to be held in pre-trial detention until at least May 29. If Gershkovich is charged with espionage, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
The journalist has lived in Moscow for six years and worked for the Moscow Times and Agence France-Presse before the Wall Street Journal. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed he was “acting on instructions from the American side.”
Gershkovich is the first U.S. reporter to be accused of espionage in Russia since the end of the cold war. The hope of his release may rely on a prisoner swap, just like the swap of Russia’s Viktor Bout, an arms dealer nicknamed the Merchant of Death, for U.S. basketball play Brittney Griner.

What they’re saying

Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, said Gershkovich was using his journalistic accreditation as a cover for other illegal activities.

“What the Wall Street Journal employee was doing in Ekaterinburg had nothing to do with journalism.”

Gershokovich’s friends and colleagues said the accusations were ridiculous. His employer said:

“The Wall Street Journal vehemently denies the allegations from the FSB and seeks the immediate release of our trusted and dedicated reporter, Evan Gershkovich. We stand in solidarity with Evan and his family.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. is “deeply concerned” about the detention. He said in a statement:

“In the strongest possible terms, we condemn the Kremlin’s continued attempts to intimidate, repress, and punish journalists and civil society voices.”

Blinken repeated the government’s “strong warnings about the danger posed to U.S. citizens” in Russia and urged them to leave the country immediately.
Ivan Pavlov, Russia’s leading defense lawyer in espionage cases, believes Gershkovich was arrested as a negotiation tactic. He said:

“It’s clear that they’ve taken a hostage. They’ve chosen a well-known journalist from an authoritative media outlet. The idea is to have an ace up their sleeve for negotiations.”

Reporting in Russia

Since President Vladimir Putin launched the Russian invasion of Ukraine, reporting from inside Russia has been challenging and dangerous. Many journalists have left the country for this reason.
Russia introduced restrictive media, reporting, and information laws amid the war. Dozens of journalists have been blacklisted, barred from entry, and stripped of their accreditations.
The Wall Street Journal is one of the small handful of Western media outlets that continue to report in Moscow.

Should the U.S. and Russia do another prisoner swap?

-Jamie Epstein

","custom_cta_text":"Prisoner Swap?","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"user_id":3291,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_url":null,"title":"U.S. Reporter Detained in Russia, Accused of Espionage","issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]}],"meta":{"pagination":{"current_page":1,"total_pages":31,"total_count":614}}}

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