The Freedom Forum's annual survey "Where America Stands,"  regarding awareness, understanding and support of the First Amendment, was the subject of a panel discussion at the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics on April 29  The latest survey showed that while admiration for the First Amendment is widespread, understanding of its five freedoms is uneven. 

Charles Mitchell, an associate professor in the School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi and a member of the Overby Center panel of experts, discussed the U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Louisiana's congressional map.

A federal judge dismissed President Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal. The case involves a published article detailing a birthday note Trump had allegedly written to Jeffrey Epstein. U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles ruled that Trump’s lawsuit didn’t “adequately allege” actual malice. Kevin Goldberg, a vice president and First Amendment expert at Freedom Forum, analyzes the ruling and the First Amendment issues.

Carlos Sanchez, a freelance writer based in McAllen, Texas, and a member of the Overby Center panel of experts, writes that the deification of César Chávez must cease because of his predatory behavior. Sanchez says the Chávez legacy must not be erased but used as a teaching tool.

In a story for The Overby Center, Tony Pederson, managing fellow for The Overby Center, discusses the Senate race in Texas, how expensive it is becoming, some of the competitors in the race, and how impactful it will end up being amongst the MAGA base.

Richard “Dick” Scruggs said that both the news media and the Bill of Rights are under attack in various ways, including by the government. His remarks came in a luncheon on March 25 in the Great Conversations Series by the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics.