Author

Elinor Epperson

Elinor Epperson is a state policy reporter for Heartland Signal. She earned her master’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University in 2024. Based in southeast Michigan, Elinor likes to write about the environment, energy, health, and LGBTQ issues. She has written for Michigan Public, Michigan Advance, and Planet Detroit. In her free time, Elinor plays roller derby. Read Elinor’s Reporting.

Elinor's Latest Articles

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden speaks to reporters while arriving for a Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol.

Cooke calls Van Orden’s AI deepfake videos defamatory, threatens legal action

By Elinor Epperson

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Voting & Elections

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October 2, 2026

Incumbent Derrick Van Orden (R) has posted numerous AI-generated deepfake videos of Rebecca Cooke on his X account. Cooke and her lawyers have issued a cease-and-desist letter to Van Orden, arguing that his conduct meets the legal standards for defamation.