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

Across the country, communities are pushing back on data centers. 💽🗳️ ASP spoke to State Rep. Mark Schreiber (R-KS) and Delegate Michelle Maldonado (D-VA) about regulating data centers. Watch the full interview here: shorturl.at/Jly7W ➡️

The ongoing redistricting battle could determine which party controls Congress after the midterms. @RepKiley now wants to ban “mid-decade redistricting” and move map drawing to independent commissions instead. Watch: shorturl.at/Nrs2T

The ASP Homeroom newsletter is out today, with resources on this month's major headlines: ➡️ Who Pays For a Data Center's Power? ➡️ Inflation Outpaces Wage Growth ➡️ Primary Elections Get Underway ➡️ New Fed Chair Takes Over Read & Sign Up: shorturl.at/vOZaI

Music fans have Bad Blood with ticket prices. 🎶💰 We spoke to State Sen. James Skoufis (D-NY) & State Rep. Mark Hiner (R-OH) about what's making it so costly to see your favorite artists. Watch exclusively on ASP or @NCSLorg: shorturl.at/IJsQv

A recent poll found an overwhelming majority support age and term limits for members of Congress. 🧓🏛️ @RepAdamSmith & @repKatCammack debate the pros/cons. Watch the full Counterpoint: shorturl.at/Id2RC ➡️

Find out what's really going on with Hantavirus. ASP spoke with Rep. Raul Ruiz, MD, about Hantavirus and what people need to know. Watch the full interview: shorturl.at/eAhTf

This week’s top headlines, explained: ➡️ Senate Debates E15 Gas to Lower Fuel Costs💰⛽ ➡️Congress Weighs ICE & Ballroom Funding ➡️ Cuba Runs Out of Oil ➡️ Housing Bill Seeks to Solve Costs & Supply ➡️Colorado River Dispute Read & Sign up: newsletter.astartingpoint.com

Record-high gas prices are causing lawmakers to look for solutions. One option just cleared the House: diluting gas with ethanol. ASP spoke to Ag Committee Member Rep. @ZachNunn about why some lawmakers think it's the best way to lower gas prices: shorturl.at/MRoZB ➡️

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. ➡️