Unemployment Claims Tick Up…..New unemployment claims ticked up slightly last week, rising to 229,000, but layoffs remain historically low even as the economy faces new pressures from the ongoing war with Iran. Despite concerns about rising inflation, higher gas prices, and global instability, employers added a stronger-than-expected 172,000 jobs in May, while job openings climbed to their highest level in nearly a year. Still, inflation has surged to 4.2%, the highest level in three years, and major companies including Amazon, UPS, Disney, Walmart, and Verizon have announced job cuts.

Common Sense takeaway: For now, the labor market is holding up better than expected. But when inflation is higher than ever, gas prices are STILL climbing, and household-name companies are laying thousands of people off (some I know personally), it's hard to call this economy “booming.”

Iran Ceasefire Appears to Unravel as Conflict Escalates…..Tensions between the United States and Iran are rising again after President Trump signaled a major escalation in the conflict. Following months of military strikes, an extended ceasefire, and stalled peace talks, Trump announced plans for additional attacks targeting Iranian oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island, a critical hub for the country’s energy exports. Meanwhile, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely closed” and said overnight U.S. strikes have rendered the ceasefire meaningless. U.S. officials reported no major damage to American bases following recent Iranian retaliation, but the risk of a regional conflict continues to grow.

Common Sense takeaway: The war in Iran is looking more and more like a never-ending war. The Strait of Hormuz is completely closed and now we’re launching more strikes AKA gas prices are not going down anytime soon and the ceasefire is all but over (if it ever started).

Florida Supreme Court Allows DeSantis Congressional Maps to Stand….The Florida Supreme Court has rejected an effort by voting rights groups to block Gov. Ron DeSantis’ congressional maps from being used in the 2026 midterm elections. Challengers argued that the maps violate Florida’s Fair Districts constitutional amendments, which were designed to limit partisan gerrymandering. While the broader legal battle over the maps’ constitutionality will continue, the court ruled that the new district lines will remain in place for now. The maps are expected to heavily favor Republicans, with 24 of Florida’s 28 congressional districts leaning GOP.

Common Sense takeaway: This is simply bullshit. Ron DeSantis personally drew up these rigged maps without a single vote from the people of Florida, and they are allowed to proceed no problem. Meanwhile, we got completely ripped off in Virginia after a state-wide referendum. Everything feels rigged and not in our favor.

That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.

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Nancy Mace Falls Short in South Carolina Governor’s Race….Rep. Nancy Mace’s bid for South Carolina governor came to an abrupt end Tuesday after she landed in 5th place and didn’t make it into the Republican runoff election. Once viewed as a leading contender and a rising star in the parrt, Mace saw her campaign flail after breaking with President Trump on the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, costing her crucial support within the GOP. Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson will now face off in a June 23 runoff.

Common Sense Takeaway: Thoughts and prayers. No, not even going to waste time on that. Nancy Mace went from being a level-headed moderate member to a batshit crazy far-right extremist and then criticized Trump and lost her House seat and the Governor’s race. So sad, too bad. Maybe if she had spent more time meeting voters instead of attacking Rep. Sarah McBride, she would have gotten 4th place.

Inflation Climbs as Energy Costs Squeeze Consumers….Inflation rose to 4.2% in May, its highest level since early 2023, driven largely by rising energy costs linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran. Higher fuel prices accounted for more than 60% of the monthly increase in consumer prices, while Americans also saw costs rise for essentials like food, electricity, medical care, and travel. At the same time, wage growth has slowed, meaning many workers are effectively losing purchasing power as prices outpace paychecks.

Common Sense Takeaway: Inflation is high, prices are high thanks to tariffs, gas prices are high because of the war in Iran, and wages are completely stagnant. This can only go on for so long before something has to give. Trump has no plan and frankly, here’s more focused on his America 250 event than anything related to the economy.

Judges Weigh Blocking Trump’s $1.8 billion Slush Fund….Two federal judges are set to hear challenges this week to the Trump administration’s proposed $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” despite the Justice Department’s claim that the plan has been abandoned. The fund, which critics say could have been used to compensate Jan. 6 defendants and other Trump allies, sparked bipartisan backlash over the potential use of taxpayer dollars. Watchdog groups and plaintiffs are asking courts to formally block the fund, arguing that the legal framework creating it remains in place and could be revived at any time. Meanwhile, a separate federal judge is scrutinizing the settlement that led to the proposal, after former judges alleged the agreement may have involved improper collusion.

Common Sense Takeaway: The administration says the fund is dead, but Trump is still publicly defending the idea of compensating Jan. 6 defendants. That contradiction is exactly why opponents want a court order. Additionally, “improper collusion” is the byline of the Trump Administration—of course they did! There is not a world where one cent of this fund should be paid out.

That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.

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Bolton to Plead Guilty in Classified Documents Case….Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton is expected to plead guilty to one count of illegally retaining sensitive documents and pay a fine of more than $2 million. Bolton was indicted in 2025 on charges related to the transmission and retention of classified information, allegations he has long denied. If finalized, the plea would mark the first successful prosecution in Trump’s broader effort to target former officials he views as political adversaries.

Common Sense Takeaway: Good Lord. Way to drop the ball, John. This is like handing a giant win in the lap of Trump—who by the way, illegally retained classified documents himself. If only the law actually applied to him. Unfortunately for Bolton, he committed genuine wrongdoing and then became the subject of Trump’s retribution after daring to vocally criticize him. What a mess.

Screwworm Detected in Texas Cattle….Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed that New World screwworm larvae were found in a three-week-old calf in South Texas, marking the first livestock detection in the U.S. since the parasite’s recent spread north from Central America and Mexico. Officials say there have been no additional cases, and federal and state agencies have launched containment efforts, including quarantines and the release of millions of sterile flies to stop the outbreak. While health officials stress the risk to humans and the food supply remains low, a wider spread could pose a serious threat to the U.S. cattle industry.

Common Sense Takeaway: Thanks to DOGE, cuts to some international prevention and aid programs have weakened early containment efforts as the parasite has spread north through Central America and Mexico. Screwworm is extremely invasive and could cause SERIOUS problems to cattle and other livestock thanks to Elon’s incompetency.

House Passes Iran War Powers Resolution…In a bipartisan rebuke of President Trump’s handling of the war with Iran, the House voted 215-208 to approve a resolution directing an end to U.S. military involvement in the conflict. Four Republicans joined Democrats in support, signaling growing concerns within the GOP as the war stretches beyond 90 days with no clear end in sight. While the measure is unlikely to become law due to Senate opposition and a likely presidential veto, supporters argue Congress must reassert its constitutional authority over war powers.

Common Sense Takeaway: This is a good show of force that Republicans are pushing back against Trump’s war in Iran. However, it doesn’t make sense that Trump can promptly veto something that is supposed to be a check and balance on his power, and unfortunately we are nowhere near getting 2/3 of the votes in the House and Senate. It may be time to find another method of holding him accountable.

That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.

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Los Angeles Mayor’s Race Heads to a Runoff….Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has officially advanced to a November runoff as she seeks a second term, but her opponent has yet to be determined. Bass, who has faced criticism over her handling of last year’s devastating wildfires and the city’s ongoing homelessness crisis, finished among the top candidates in the crowded all-party primary. The second runoff spot remains a close contest between Republican and former reality TV star Spencer Pratt and Democratic City Council member Nithya Raman.

Common Sense Takeaway: Clearly many Angelenos have not learned anything from Trump. Or maybe they like Spencer Pratt because he’s like Trump. He likely won’t be the next mayor of LA., but we should be wary of people like him who continue to copy Trump’s playbook of appealing to people’s rage/hate and figure out a way to shut these types of candidates down earlier.

Scott Pelley Fired Amid Growing Turmoil at 60 Minutes…CBS News abruptly fired veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley after a heated confrontation with the show’s new executive producer, Nick Bilton. Pelley, a nearly 40-year CBS News veteran, accused new leadership of undermining the program’s journalistic standards and claimed management had pushed reporters to include unverified information in politically sensitive stories. His firing comes amid a broader shakeup at 60 Minutes following Paramount Skydance’s takeover of CBS, with multiple high-profile departures and escalating tensions over the show’s editorial direction.

Common Sense Takeaway: CBS has fallen way off a cliff. They’ve taken a hard-right turn ever since Bari Weiss became editor-in-chief, and it seems like there’s no going back now. I know there are some good people left at CBS, but to salvage their careers, they should seriously consider jumping ship to another program before they recieve the same fate as Scott.

California Governor’s Race Also Heads to Runoff…..California’s open gubernatorial primary appears headed for a November showdown between Republican commentator Steve Hilton and former Biden administration Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. With most ballots counted, Hilton held a narrow lead over Becerra, while billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer trailed in third place. If the results hold, voters will see a traditional Democrat-versus-Republican matchup to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom. The winner will inherit leadership of the world’s fourth-largest economy while facing major challenges including housing affordability, homelessness, and water management. Republicans are hoping to win their first statewide office in California since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011.

Common Sense Takeaway: As I mentioned yesterday, I would have voted for Tom Steyer in the general election. Now, we need to swiftly rally around Xavier Becerra and make sure that he’s the next Governor of California. We simply can’t afford any other option.

That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.

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Primary Day Shapes Key Midterm Battlegrounds….Voters across California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota head to the polls today in a slate of primaries that could help determine control of Congress and the future direction of both parties. California’s crowded race to replace term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom tops the ticket, while competitive House races across the state could reshape the balance of power in Washington. Democrats are also watching closely in Iowa, where open races for governor and Senate are testing whether the party can regain ground in a state that has trended Republican. Meanwhile, pivotal congressional contests in New Jersey, Montana, and New Mexico are setting up key November battlegrounds.

Common Sense Takeaway: Today marks the end of California's long-awaited primaries for the governor's race. If I lived in California, I'd probably be voting for Tom Steyer. Iowa's Senate race to replace Joni Ernst is another key race on the ballot, and if I were an Iowa voter, Josh Turek would likely have my vote.

Trump Taps Bill Pulte for Acting Intelligence Role….President Trump has named Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard when she steps down later this month. The decision immediately drew criticism from Democrats, who argue Pulte lacks national security experience and has used his government role to target Trump’s political opponents through a series of high-profile criminal referrals. Pulte also played a key role in amplifying allegations surrounding the Federal Reserve’s headquarters renovation project and efforts to investigate former Fed Chair Jerome Powell, despite multiple reviews finding no wrongdoing. Because the position is temporary, Trump can install Pulte without Senate confirmation.

Common Sense Takeaway: Shocker. Another installation of a corrupt Trump loyalist who has no experience for the role they’re assuming. Democrats should absolutely refuse to confirm any more of Trump’s nominees. Period.

Judge Rules “86 47” Flag Is Protected Speech…A federal judge has ruled that a progressive group’s “86 47” flag can remain on display during anti-Trump protests in Washington, D.C., finding that a reasonable observer would not view it as a true threat against President Trump. The decision undercuts a key argument being advanced by the Justice Department in its criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey, who was indicted over a social media post featuring the same phrase. Judge Randolph Moss concluded that, in context, the slogan was political speech advocating Trump’s removal from office rather than a call for violence, citing First Amendment protections and the lack of evidence that the demonstrators intended to threaten the president. Comey’s trial is scheduled to begin in October.

Common Sense Takeaway: Finally some common sense. Republicans used “86 46” repeatedly when Joe Biden was in office (see: Jack Posobiec’s tweets) but only had an issue with it when it related to Trump. To "86" something is slang that means to throw out, cancel, refuse service, or get rid of it entirely. So let’s celebrate by saying “86 47” as much as we want today.

That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.

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Iran Suspends U.S. Talks as Middle East Tensions Escalate…..Iran suspended negotiations with the United States this week, blaming Israel’s escalating military offensive in Lebanon and warning that continued attacks could trigger broader regional conflict. Iranian officials threatened new retaliatory measures, including potential disruptions to key global shipping routes, causing oil prices to spike. The decision further complicates efforts to end the three-month conflict, which has already killed thousands, strained U.S.-Iran relations, and raised a lot of concern about a wider war across the Middle East.

Common Sense Takeaway: The Art of the Deal! Not. This war was only supposed to be two weeks long—now it’s been three months with no resolution in sight. Donald says he doesn’t care about American’s financial situations while the war plays out—well, Americans do! No one asked for this, and we are getting absolutely destroyed at the pump waiting for you to decide what “winning” looks like.

New Scandal Surrounds Democrats’ Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner…..Democrats are facing new concerns about Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after reports surfaced that his wife alerted campaign staff last year about sexually explicit messages he allegedly exchanged with multiple women. Platner got married in 2023. The messages add to a growing list of controversies surrounding Platner, including scrutiny over a tattoo he later covered after learning it resembled a Nazi symbol and past online comments he has since disavowed. While some Democratic lawmakers have said Platner has questions to answer, others like Sen. Cory Booker continue to back his candidacy as the party tries to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of the most important Senate races of 2026.

Common Sense Takeaway: I have a strong opinion about this so prepare. We need to STOP electing problematic men into positions of power. On both sides of the aisle. The fact that people are going ten toes down for Graham Platner, who was not well-known until this past year, is extremely concerning. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And if Eric Swalwell was any indication, you may feel like you know this person, but the reality is you don't. I support his ability to change and receive help, but the Senate is not a rehab center. Period.

Judge Blocks Trump Effort to Rename Kennedy Center….A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration cannot add President Donald Trump’s name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, finding that only Congress has the authority to change the institution’s official name. The ruling orders Trump-appointed board members to remove signage and official materials bearing the revised name within 14 days. The decision marks another legal setback for the administration, coming just hours after a separate judge temporarily blocked Trump’s controversial $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”

Common Sense Takeaway: Another blow to Trump. In addition to the downfall of his Anti-Weaponization Fund, musical acts are quickly dropping out of the Freedom 250 concert because of his politicization of the event. Embarrassing! This was the correct decision, and quite frankly, his name never should have been up there to begin with.

That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.

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Federal Judge Freezes Trump’s Controversial ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’…..Per ABC, a federal judge in Virginia temporarily froze the Trump administration’s controversial $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” which was created to compensate people claimin…

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DOJ Launches Criminal Probe Into E. Jean Carroll….The Department of Justice has reportedly launched a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, the writer who successfully sued Donald Trump for sexual abuse and defamation. The probe is focused on whet…

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Happy Tuesday! Welcome back to Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news.

Texans Head to the Polls Today….Voters in Texas head to the polls Tuesday for a high-stakes set of primary runoffs that could shape control of the U.S. Senate—and test Donald Trump’s grip on the GOP. His late endorsement of Attorney General Ken Paxton over i…

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Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as DNI…Tulsi Gabbard is resigning from her role as Director of National Intelligence, announcing she will step down effective June 30 to support her husband, Abraham, following his diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer. Gabbard infor…

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Donald Says He Might Not Make It to His Son’s Wedding….Donald Trump says he’ll “try” to attend Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding to Bettina Anderson this weekend in the Bahamas. “He’d like me to go. I’m going to try. I said, this is not good timing for me. I ha…

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Happy Tuesday and welcome back to Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news.

Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in GOP Senate Race….In a move that is less strategic and more impulsive, Donald Trump jumped into Texas’s Senate GOP runoff at the eleventh hour—backing ethically challenged Attorney General Ken Paxton over establishment incumben…

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Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa Triggers Global Health Emergency…Global health officials are raising alarms over a growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, which the World Health Organization has now declared a public health emergency of international co…

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Trump IRS Lawsuit Could End with $1.7B Compensation Fund…President Donald Trump is expected to drop his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS as part of a potential settlement that would create a $1.7 billion taxpayer-funded compensation program. The proposed f…

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Heated Exchange Erupts at Senate Hearing Between Kash Patel and Van Hollen….A Senate hearing on the FBI’s budget turned heated as FBI Director Kash Patel and Sen. Chris Van Hollen traded personal accusations, including claims of excessive drinking and mi…

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Happy Wednesday and welcome back to Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news.

U.S. Raises Iran in Talks with China as Ceasefire Efforts Continue….The U.S. is expected to raise Iran during upcoming talks with China, with a focus on encouraging Beijing to use its influence to support a ceasefire and help stabilize the Strait of Hor…

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Happy Tuesday and welcome back to Common Sense with Ally Sammarco.

I took a short break due to some personal circumstances—and if you’ve been watching the news, you may have seen why involving a certain predatory politician.

Thank you to everyone who stuck with me during this time. We’re back and ready to break down the latest in politics.

Let’s do this.

Ga…

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Happy Tuesday and welcome to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news in politics.

Thom Tillis Calls for Kristi Noem’s Resignation….A Senate hearing today exposed deep Republican infighting as Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) publicly called on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign over her handling of a d…

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Happy Monday and welcome to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news in politics.

U.S.–Iran Conflict Begins After Major Strikes….President Trump announced “major combat operations” against Iran this weekend, launching daytime U.S.–Israel strikes targeting Iranian military and government sites. Iranian state tel…

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Happy Wednesday and welcome to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news in politics.

Donald Delivers the SOTU….In a combative State of the Union address, Donald Trump declared a new American “golden age” while taunting Democrats and doubling down on his existing agenda despite slipping approval ratings and grow…

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