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Freedom House Announces 2025 Award Recipients

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The honorees were recognized at Freedom House’s annual awards ceremony.

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Freedom House recognized a distinguished slate of advocates for democracy and freedom around the globe at its Annual Awards in Washington, DC, last night. Award recipients included Venezuelan democratic movement leader María Corina Machado, US Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Roger F. Wicker (R-MS), representatives from the government and civil society of Taiwan, and Server Mustafayev, an unjustly imprisoned Crimean Tatar human rights defender.

“The suppression of freedom anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere,” said Freedom House interim Copresidents Gerardo Berthin and Annie Boyajian. “For almost 85 years, Freedom House has worked tirelessly around the world to expand and defend freedom and democracy. Our latest research has shown that we are in the midst of a nearly two-decade decline in global freedom. But there is hope. The courage and commitment of these groups and individuals in their defense of democratic principles are a powerful reminder that democracy only endures through the resolve of those who rise up to protect it. Freedom House is thrilled to honor our 2025 awardees.”

The Freedom Award

María Corina Machado received the Freedom Award, which recognizes outstanding leaders in the cause of freedom and democracy. Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s democratic movement, won more than 92 percent of the vote in an October 2023 presidential primary election. Despite her triumph, the illegitimate regime of Nicolás Maduro disqualified her from running for president in the 2024 general election. Machado unified democratic forces behind Ambassador Edmundo González Urrutia’s candidacy in response, empowering nearly a million volunteers within Venezuela to safeguard the vote. Today, although she and her team remain under intense persecution by the regime, Machado continues to lead efforts alongside Venezuelans and the international community to achieve a democratic transition.

This year’s award was presented by Russian human rights activist and Free Russia Foundation advocacy director Evgenia Kara-Murza, who is married to former political prisoner and 2023 Freedom Award winner Vladimir Kara-Murza. The award was accepted by Rafael de la Cruz, an advisor to María Corina Machado.

Past recipients of the Freedom Award, which was launched in 1943, include the women of Iran; His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama; Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Václav Havel, the playwright, dissident, and first postcommunist president of Czechoslovakia; Saudi activist Hala al-Dosari; journalist Edward R. Murrow; Uyghur activist Ilham Tohti; and Pablo Casals, the musician and opponent of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco.  

The Leadership Award

US Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Roger F. Wicker (R-MS) each received Freedom House’s Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding dedication to principled US leadership on the world stage and support for those on the front lines of the struggle against tyranny, such as in Ukraine, Taiwan, and the prodemocracy movement of Belarus.

The Honorable Jeanne Shaheen has represented New Hampshire in the US Senate since 2009. As current ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Shaheen champions a strong national defense and robust engagement with transatlantic allies, and has been a consistent advocate for democracy movements around the world. The Honorable Roger F. Wicker has represented Mississippi in the US Senate since 2007. He is currently serving as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chairman of the US Helsinki Commission, and is a champion for democratic values and human rights across Europe and Eurasia.

Previous recipients of the Leadership Award include then–Vice President Joe Biden, Senator John McCain, Senator Bob Corker, then–House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Senator Lindsey Graham. This year’s award was presented by the Honorable Jane Harman, cochair emeritus of the Freedom House Board of Trustees.

The Beacon Award

The government and civil society of Taiwan received the inaugural Beacon Award for their steadfast efforts to protect their own vibrant democracy, and to support the global struggle for freedom, in the face of escalating pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. Representative Alexander Tah-Ray Yui, on behalf of the government of Taiwan, and civil society representative Chiang Min-yen accepted the award.

Alexander Tah-Ray Yui has been Taiwan’s representative to the United States since December 2023. He has over 35 years of experience in diplomacy and previously served as Taiwan’s vice minister of foreign affairs from 2021 to 2023. Chiang Min-yen is a nonresident fellow at the Taiwan Economic Democracy Union, where he focuses on Beijing’s economic coercion toward Taiwan, and at the Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology (DSET), where he specializes in economic security and the semiconductor industry. The award was presented by Ambassador Robert Tuttle, a member of the Freedom House Board of Trustees.

The Alfred Moses Liberty Award

Server Mustafayev received the Alfred Moses Liberty Award, which honors exemplary courage by political prisoners or outstanding efforts to secure their release.

Mustafayev, a Crimean Tatar human rights defender, cofounded the Crimean Solidarity movement to support victims of political persecution in Russian-occupied Crimea. He was arrested by Russian authorities seven years ago on May 21, 2018, for alleged involvement with the Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir—such charges are often fabricated by Moscow as a pretext to silence dissent. In 2020, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison alongside six codefendants. His detention is widely recognized as politically motivated and has been condemned by Amnesty International, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and Freedom House’s Fred Hiatt Program to Free Political Prisoners. The award was accepted on Mustafayev’s behalf by Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova and presented by Norman Willox, chairman of the Freedom House Board of Trustees.

Key Supporters

Freedom House is grateful to the Event Chairs Karen and Norman Willox, Co-Chairs Rodger Desai and Dr. Susan Gauthier, The Honorable Jane Harman, Maurice Perkins, Collin and Joanna Roche, and the Event Underwriters of the 2025 Annual Awards, Aegon Transamerica Foundation, Rodger Desai and Dr. Susan Gauthier, William and Sheila Konar Foundation, Collin and Joanna Roche; Freedom Supporters — Eileen Donahoe, Thomas and Susana Kahn, Karen and Norman Willox; and Freedom Advocates — Anonymous in Memory of Former Freedom House Trustee, Congressman Jim Kolbe, The Honorable Goli Ameri, The Honorable Jane Harman, Conrad Kiechel and Nancy Savage, Pan American Energy, Susan and Thomas Staudt, Telecom Argentina SA, Carlotta and Wendell Willkie, and David Willkie.

Freedom House is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to create a world where all are free. We inform the world about threats to freedom, mobilize global action, and support democracy’s defenders.

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SOURCE Freedom House

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CasinoPartiesLLC.com Expands Premier Casino Party Rentals in Manhattan, NY — Authentic Tables, Professional Dealers, Custom Packages for Corporate & Private Events

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Top-rated Manhattan casino party rental company offers fully staffed blackjack, roulette and craps experiences to elevate corporate events, weddings and private parties across New York City

MANHATTAN, N.Y., May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — CasinoPartiesLLC.com, a leading provider of casino party rentals in Manhattan, NY, today announced expanded availability and new customizable event packages for corporate events, private parties, fundraisers and weddings throughout New York City. With authentic casino tables, professional and entertaining dealers, premium play-money chips and signage, CasinoPartiesLLC.com delivers a turnkey casino entertainment experience that brings the excitement of Las Vegas to Manhattan venues.

“CasinoPartiesLLC.com delivers authentic casino table rentals and professional dealers throughout Manhattan, NY — offering turnkey, customizable packages that transform corporate events, weddings and fundraisers into high‑energy, engaging experiences across Midtown, Chelsea and the Upper East Side.”

Focused on delivering safe, legal and memorable experiences, CasinoPartiesLLC.com offers:

Casino table rentals: blackjack, roulette, craps, poker tables sized for intimate and large gatheringsProfessional dealers and croupiers trained in guest interaction and game managementFully customizable packages: themed décor, tournament-style play, prize support, and multi-table setupsPortable, all-inclusive service: setup, teardown, on-site management, and event coordinationService across Manhattan neighborhoods and greater NYC, including Midtown, Upper East Side, Chelsea, and downtown venues

“Our Manhattan clients want authentic casino entertainment without the hassle of sourcing equipment or personnel,” said Ismael Qureshi, CEO of CasinoPartiesLLC.com. “We specialize in seamless casino party rentals in Manhattan, NY, providing professional dealers and tailored packages that fit corporate budgets and private event needs while complying with local regulations.”

Benefits for Manhattan event planners and hosts:

Boost guest engagement with interactive casino entertainmentEasy logistics with single-vendor solutions for gaming, staffing and prize handlingScalable options for small private parties to large corporate galasProven experience executing events in Manhattan hotels, event spaces and private residences

Booking and availability:

CasinoPartiesLLC.com is currently accepting bookings for summer and fall events across Manhattan and greater New York City. Early reservations are recommended to secure preferred dates, table counts and themed packages.

About CasinoPartiesLLC.com:

CasinoPartiesLLC.com is a premier provider of casino party rentals in Manhattan, NY and the New York City area. Specializing in staffed casino tables, custom event packages and professional service, CasinoPartiesLLC.com helps event planners and hosts create high-energy, memorable experiences for corporate functions, weddings, fundraisers and private celebrations. For more information or to request a quote, visit https://www.CasinoPartiesLLC.com.

Media contact:

Ismael Qureshi

President

CasinoPartiesLLC.com

Phone: (917) 829-8481

Email: Sales@casinopartiesLLC.com

Website: https://www.CasinoPartiesLLC.com

Media Contact

Ismael Qureshi, ISH Events LLC, 1 (917) 829-8481, Ismael@CasinoPartiesLLC.com, CasinoPartiesLLC.com

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SOURCE CasinoPartiesLLC.com

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PS Hogan highlights investments from Spring Economic Update 2026: Canada Strong for All to support Canada’s sport system

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CALGARY, AB, May 2, 2026 /CNW/ – In Budget 2025, we outlined our plan to build Canada Strong. Since then, we have moved fast to build the major infrastructure, homes and industries that grow Canada’s economy and create lasting prosperity; empower Canadians with better careers and a more affordable life; and protect our communities, our borders and our way of life.

We delivered concrete savings for Canadians while supporting key national priorities and keeping investments focused on results. We are maintaining a strong fiscal position, with the Spring Economic Update 2026 showing that projected deficits are lower over the fiscal horizon and that we are on track to meet our fiscal anchors.

The Spring Economic Update 2026 is the next step in our plan to build Canada Strong for All. It provides a clear update on the strength of Canada’s economy, giving Canadians confidence in our plan. It delivers targeted relief to make life more affordable, support workers and accelerate the construction of homes and major infrastructure. It also strengthens Canada’s competitiveness and economic growth while investing in strong, safe communities across the country.

Today, Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation, met with athletes at Foothills Athletic Park to highlight key investments in sport from the Spring Economic Update to build stronger and safer communities.

The Government of Canada is investing $755 million to support and expand Canada’s sport system, which will help athletes safely train and perform at the highest levels. This will increase sport participation across the country by strengthening national sport organizations, infrastructure and local sport communities.

Canada’s new government is transforming our economy from reliance to resilience. The Spring Economic Update 2026 ensures all Canadians can participate in building Canada strong and share in its success. Other key measures include:

The Canada Strong Fund — Canada’s first national sovereign wealth fund. This will invest in key, strategic Canadian projects and companies. While Canadians will benefit from these nation building projects through jobs, economic growth and greater security, the government is determined to ensure that Canadians also have a stake in the projects themselves. That’s why a unique and important feature of the Canada Strong Fund will be its new retail investment product. This allows Canadians to receive financial returns as we build Canada strong together.Team Canada Strong — a new nationwide effort to recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new skilled trade workers by 2030–31. This initiative creates new opportunities for Canadians and attracts the workers needed to build more homes and major projects at speed and at scale.Building Stronger Communities — by making communities safer, more connected and more resilient. We are building more homes, getting tougher on crime and fraud and funding essential infrastructure, including small craft harbours that sustain coastal communities and local jobs. We are also investing to build healthier, safer and stronger Indigenous communities.

Our new government is building a Canada that is not just strong, but good; not just prosperous, but fair. A Canada that is not just for some, most of the time, but for all, at all times. We’re building Canada strong, for all.

Quote

“The Spring Economic Update 2026 builds on the momentum of our budget, combining strategic investments with sustained fiscal discipline to keep building Canada Strong for All — delivering prosperity today and strengthening our economy for tomorrow. At this pivotal moment in Canada’s history, we’re charting a course through the fog of uncertainty and global headwinds with strength, determination and ambition — and building one strong Canadian economy, by Canadians, for Canadians.”
— The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue 

“The Government of Canada is building Canada Strong by investing in what brings us together — our people, our communities and our athletes. By strengthening the foundation of Calgary and  Canada’s sport system, we are building a resilient economy and strong communities for all.”
— Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation

Quick Facts

The Spring Economic Update 2026 proposes to provide $755 million over five years, starting in 2026–27, and $118 million ongoing to Canadian Heritage to support Canada’s sport system to: Host and compete with the best: $50 million over five years to bring more world-class sporting events to Canada. Funding will be tied to legacy-building projects that deliver lasting benefits well beyond the events themselves. Facilities built or upgraded for major events will continue to serve communities, support grassroots participation and strengthen local sport systems for years to come. Support our athletes in performing at the highest levels: $45 million over five years and $8 million ongoing to help our athletes train, compete and perform, including support for better mental health and funding that will be linked to robust safe sport measures and frameworks. These actions will strengthen the sport system and respond to some of the findings of the Final Report of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission while the government continues to consider all of its Calls to Action. Get more Canadians involved in sport: $660 million over five years and $110 million ongoing for National Sport Organisations, increasing funding that has remained largely unchanged since 2005, so that they can invest in a strong and safe sport system and grow participation among children and youth nationwide.

Related products

Spring Economic Update 2026: Canada Strong for AllSpring Economic Update 2026: Key MeasuresSpring Economic Update 2026: Address by the Minister of Finance and National Revenue  

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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POVADDO AND PROLEGIS ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND ACCESS TO PUBLIC POLICY PROFESSIONALS FOR OPINION RESEARCH

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Partnership connects policy professionals using Prolegis’ modernized Congressional platform with Povaddo’s exclusive paid research panel, combining forces to serve the policymaking community

ST. LOUIS and WASHINGTON, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Povaddo, a leading provider of public opinion and policy elite research, has announced a strategic partnership with Prolegis, a nonpartisan technology platform serving thousands of policy professionals in Congress and the advocacy community. The partnership will expand the reach of the Povaddo Panel—an exclusive network of nearly 5,000 public policy professionals worldwide—while providing Prolegis users new opportunities to contribute their expertise to policy research.

Prolegis provides nonpartisan technology solutions designed to modernize Congress. Built specifically for the policymaking community, the platform serves as a natural intersection where policy professionals and issue advocacy campaigns meet, making it an ideal environment for connecting researchers with the experts shaping public policy.

Beginning this month, users of the Prolegis platform will be invited to join the Povaddo Panel and become eligible to participate in research studies tailored specifically for public policy professionals.

“There is no shortage of so-called ‘expert network’ firms, but Povaddo is setting the standard when it comes to building the most rigorous and credible network of public policy professionals in the U.S. and beyond,” said William Stewart, President of Povaddo. “What makes Prolegis the right partner is the quality and relevance of their community—these are precisely the professionals our clients most want to hear from. Prolegis users are actively engaged in policy work daily, making them ideal participants for our research studies. This partnership will meaningfully accelerate our efforts.”

“Prolegis exists to serve the policy community with tools that make their work more effective,” said Jim Gianiny, CEO of Prolegis. “Partnering with Povaddo allows our users to contribute their expertise in a new way and take part in rigorous research that helps organizations better understand the policy landscape. It’s a natural extension of what our platform already does: connecting policy professionals with the resources and opportunities that matter to their work.”

Launched in 2018, the Povaddo Panel was built to meet growing demand for research insights from individuals who shape, influence, and analyze public policy as part of their daily work. Over the past eight years, the panel has grown to nearly 5,000 public policy professionals worldwide, including over 2,000 in the United States. Many panelists are former elected officials, including former Members of Congress.

This partnership is part of a broader period of momentum for Povaddo. The company recently announced it is launching a quarterly omnibus survey among public policy professionals in the United States and Europe.

“Companies and other organizations that want to understand what public policy professionals think—whether about their brand or an issue they are facing—now have a new way of doing that. Our new omnibus survey among public policy professionals fills an important need in the research services marketplace,” said Brooke Hayes, Executive Vice President of Povaddo, who oversees the Povaddo Panel and the firm’s new omnibus research service among public policy professionals.

Additionally, Povaddo recently released select findings from its survey of public policy professionals in the U.S. and Europe regarding their attitudes towards AI. In an era when political consensus is elusive, this study finds widespread agreement within policy communities on both sides of the Atlantic that government regulation of AI should be increased.

About Povaddo: Povaddo specializes in public opinion and policy elite research. Founded in 2009, Povaddo is recognized as a trusted advisor to top-tier organizations seeking to navigate complex issues management, strategic communications, corporate reputation, and business transformation challenges. Most of the firm’s clients sit within external affairs, corporate affairs, public affairs, government affairs, regulatory affairs, scientific affairs, corporate communications, business planning and strategy. For more information, please visit www.povaddo.com.

About Prolegis: Prolegis provides nonpartisan technology solutions designed to modernize Congress. Built specifically for the policymaking community, Prolegis delivers innovative solutions, efficient tools, and engaging content, all on one easy-to-use platform. The platform serves Congressional staff, think tank scholars, and public affairs professionals, creating a unique intersection where policy expertise and advocacy meet. For more information, please visit www.prolegis.com.

Media Inquiries: William Stewart, +1 (855) 768-2336, stewart@povaddo.com

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SOURCE POVADDO LLC

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