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Tribal advocates keep up legal pressure for fair political maps; 12-member jury sworn in for Trump's historic criminal trial; the importance of healthcare decision planning; and a debt dilemma: poll shows how many people wrestle with college costs.

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Civil rights activists say a court ruling could end the right to protest in three southern states, a federal judge lets January 6th lawsuits proceed against former President Trump, and police arrest dozens at a Columbia University Gaza protest.

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Rural Wyoming needs more vocational teachers to sustain its workforce pipeline, Ohio environmental advocates fear harm from a proposal to open 40-thousand forest acres to fracking and rural communities build bike trail systems to promote nature, boost the economy.

Democracy in Action: Congressional Community Conversation

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Tuesday, August 9, 2016   

ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida has more congressional seats open for new candidates than any other state this election, and voters have a unique opportunity to become part of what's billed as "democracy in action." A community conversation on August 16 will feature candidates for Congressional races in Districts 7, 9 and 10.

AARP Florida advocacy manager Jack McRay, said candidates will answer questions related to domestic issues from moderators and residents and are encouraged to respond to each other's comments. He added that it's a forum that is very civil in nature.

"We're not going to allow candidate-bashing, we're going to keep people focused on the issues," he said. "It's one of the greater opportunities for the voters to educate themselves and make an informed judgment when they go into the voting booth. This is democracy in action."

He noted a similar forum was held in 2012 and it was very well received. Fox35 News anchor Ryan Elijah and Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell will moderate. AARP Florida, the Florida League of Women Voters, the Orlando Sentinel and Fox35 are sponsoring the event at the Orlando Science Center.

McRay said the state's newly elected representatives will have a crucial impact on national decisions, so it's important voters know where they stand on key issues. Given the rapidly growing 50-plus population in the state he expects to hear questions related to the future of Social Security.

"Over $5 billion a month come to Florida from social security payments and those payments are spent by the Social Security recipients, they churn the economy, they generate further tax revenue, they also provide business incentives," he said.

McRay also anticipates healthcare, caregiving, government operations and a slew of other issues will be discussed.

"Domestic security issues including gun control issues will probably arise, the environment and climate issues for Florida that are important, transportation issues are a big issue, all those things that relate to your domestic environment are on the table," he added.

Members of the public may submit questions online and attend the forum, although seating is limited. Both the Orlando Sentinel and FOX35 are covering the event.


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