Email from Vote Smart Research: Last Week Today   We’ve had a great initial response to our new Vote Smart Education Ambassador program—but we’re still looking for more passionate educators to join us! As we build classroom-ready civic education tools, we want to partner with teachers and education professionals like you to help shape them. Whether you're eager to offer feedback, spread the word, or bring our resources directly into your classroom, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon! (Est. completion time ~ 2 minutes). Vote Smart Education Ambassador Inquiry Form Research Highlights Lawmakers Call for Full Release of Epstein-Related Government Records A group of lawmakers from both major parties renewed efforts to obtain the full release of federal records related to Jeffrey Epstein. The push comes amid ongoing public concern over transparency and accountability in government institutions. Supporters of the effort argue that making the documents public is essential to restoring trust and addressing unanswered questions about the extent of Epstein’s connections. A formal proposal is expected to be introduced in the coming weeks.  Source 1: The Hill, Source 2: Breitbart   U.S. Sets New Deadline for Russia to Reach Ukraine Peace Deal President Trump has moved up the deadline for Russia to make demonstrable progress toward ending the war in Ukraine, reducing the prior 50-day timeline to just 10–12 days, or by August 8, and warned of punitive measures—including tariffs and sanctions—if no resolution is reached. This shift reflects mounting frustration over continued attacks on Ukrainian cities, and the window presents pressure on both Moscow and international partners. Source 1: Reuters, Source 2: CBS News   Deadly Midtown Manhattan Shooting Raises Concerns About Workplace Security A mass shooting occurred inside 345 Park Avenue, a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper housing NFL and financial firm offices. The gunman, reportedly upset over traumatic brain injuries tied to football, killed four people—including an off‑duty NYPD officer—before taking his own life. The incident has prompted discussions about building security, mental health screening, and the influence of grievances on workplace violence. Source 1: CNN, Source 2: Fox News     Vote Smart provides easy access to congressional and state voting records and maintains a collection of key votes grouped by issue. Vote Smart uses the following criteria to select key votes: The vote should be helpful in portraying how a member stands on a particular issue. The vote should be clear for any person to understand. The vote has received media attention. The vote was passed or defeated by a very close margin.   Congress Senate Nomination Confirmed PN 22-15 – Nomination of Matthew Lohmeier to be Under Secretary of the Air Force. Senate Nomination Confirmed PN 345-20 – Nomination of David Wright to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Senate Nomination Confirmed PN 25-27 – Nomination of Joseph Kent to be Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Office of the Director of National Intelligence. State Delaware (DE) – Governor Matt Meyer Signed HB 205 - Prohibits the Board from Imposing any Sanction for the Performance, Recommendation, or Provision of any Healthcare Service that is Lawful in Delaware even if such Performance, Recommendation, or Provision is for a Person who Resides in a State where it is Illegal. Connecticut (CT) – House Bill Passed HB 6857 - Requires Social Media Platforms to Implement Protections for Minors. Oregon (OR) – Governor Tina Kotek Signed SB 952 - Requires the Governor to Appoint a United States Senator When a Vacancy in the Office Occurs.       Democrat Dale Caldwell and Republican Jim Gannon are the nominees for Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey for their respective parties (in New Jersey, the gubernatorial nominee chooses their running mate). Caldwell, who is running alongside U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill, is President of Centenary University and former President of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey. If elected, he’d be the third consecutive black lieutenant governor as well as the first man to hold the position. Gannon, who is running alongside former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, is the Sheriff of Morris County, a position he’s held since 2017. Next week, there will be a series of elections all across the country, from Washington State to Mississippi. Click on the links below to view the candidates running:  Delaware Special State House General Election, District 20 Mississippi Special State Legislative Primary Elections Rhode Island Special State Senate General Election, District 4 Washington Special State Legislative Primary Elections   Weekly Civics Quiz Here!   Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Vote Smart | 1153 24TH ST | DES MOINES, IA 50311-4308 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice