A Starting Point

Thanks for being part of this community for the last 5 years. Take a stroll down memory lane with us. We can't wait to show you what we're working on next. Stay tuned. —Chris, Mark, Joe newsletter.astartingpoint.com/subscribe

The surge in partisan redistricting happening across states could have troubling results for U.S. democracy. That's the message @RepKiley gave ASP when we talked to him about the current gerrymandering wave. See the whole interview: shorturl.at/Nrs2T

Sec. Pete Hegseth joked that the U.S. may or may not have “kamikaze dolphins.” 🪖🐬 As strange as it sounds, the military has a long history of experimenting with animals for warfare, surveillance, and defense. Some of the real examples are wilder than the joke. 👀

Hantavirus cases have raised concerns about a new pandemic. @RepRaulRuizMD spoke with ASP about the severity of the situation and the steps the government is taking to contain the virus. Watch: shorturl.at/eAhTf

This month's top election headlines, explained: ➡️ Voting Rights Ruling Shakes Up Redistricting Fight ➡️ Rising Gas Prices Anger Voters ➡️ Voters Push Back on Data Centers Read & Sign up: civics.astartingpoint.com

This week’s top headlines, explained: ➡️ Pentagon Releases UFO Files 👽🛸 ➡️ Trump Rejects Iran's Peace Terms ➡️ Voting Rights Ruling Shakes Up Redistricting Fight Read & Sign up: newsletter.astartingpoint.com

The FDA recently approved some flavored vape products, despite concerns that they could appeal to kids. Watch to find out why the government thinks these specific mango, blueberry, and menthol vapes are OK. 🥭🫐

The 60-day War Powers deadline for the Iran conflict has passed, with more than 50,000 troops remaining deployed in the region. ASP talked to @RepGaramendi about how Congress should respond. Check out the full video: shorturl.at/jh33k ➡️

Airlines are increasing fares and cutting routes due to rising jet fuel prices, just in time for summer vacations. 🛫🏖️ Find out why the costs have gone up and when travelers can expect to see some relief.

This week’s top headlines, explained: ➡️ Trump: War Powers Timeline "Paused" ➡️ Senators (kind of) Banned from Prediction Markets ➡️ Congress to Use Reconciliation for Immigration Enforcement Funds Read & Sign up: newsletter.astartingpoint.com

It's been more than 60 days since the start of the Iran war, and Congress hasn't officially weighed in. 🪖🏛️ @RepGaramendi argues that the U.S. military buildup in Iran affects the global readiness posture. Watch ➡️ shorturl.at/Z6HYb

It’s been 60 days since the Iran war started. Under the War Powers Act, that’s when military action is supposed to stop unless Congress approves it. They haven't. So what now? @jahimes points to rising costs as a possible driver. ▶️ Watch shorturl.at/1gSyt

Some states are trying to change the way we decide presidential races. 🗳️ There's a growing movement to have states award their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the national popular vote, bypassing the Electoral College. Find out why states think they can do this. ➡️

This week’s top headlines, explained: ➡️ White House press dinner shooter in court ➡️ FISA deadline forces Congress into spy fight ➡️ Reconciliation for Homeland Security Read & Sign up: newsletter.astartingpoint.com

Virginia has joined a multistate effort to change how presidential elections work in the U.S. The plan now has 18 states plus D.C. — totaling 222 electoral votes — but it only activates if it reaches 270. Here’s how it works.

The ASP Homeroom newsletter is out today, with resources on this month's major headlines: ➡️ Trump order on mail voting heads to court ➡️ Businesses begin claiming $166B in tariff refunds ➡️ Resignations put congressional ethics in focus Read & Sign up: shorturl.at/jwHgl

Absentee and mail-in voting remain a key part of U.S. elections. State Rep. Ashley Carrick (D-AK) and State Sen. Jeremy England (R-MS) discuss how these systems work and ongoing questions around access and security. Watch exclusively on @NCSLorg or here: shorturl.at/BjeZz

Virginians are voting on a redistricting measure that could tip the balance of power in Congress after the midterm election. Find out what it is, how it relates to similar efforts in other states, and which party has the most to gain. ➡️

This week’s top headlines, explained: ➡️ Court allows White House ballroom construction ➡️ U.S.-Iran tensions cast doubt on peace talks ➡️ Trump orders psychedelic research Read & Sign up: newsletter.astartingpoint.com

What’s the current state of affairs in Cuba? 🇨🇺 We asked Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), who pointed to worsening humanitarian conditions and called current U.S. policy a Cold War relic. Watch the full conversation here: shorturl.at/2hG4R

Two members of Congress resigned this week amid efforts to expel them over misconduct allegations. Expulsion is rare and requires a two-thirds vote — but Congress has the power to police its own. ➡️