Happy Monday and welcome back to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco—your daily briefing on U.S. politics. Let’s break it down.
Food Banks Brace as Shutdown Threatens SNAP, WIC Benefits…..The USDA just released a statement that funding allocated for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to run out on November 1st due to the government shutdown—actually, they blamed it on Democrats (more violations of the Hatch Act) but nevertheless. More than 41 million Americans depend on SNAP and about 7 million on WIC (Women, Infants & Children), with 67% of recipients of SNAP being families with children and 39% being elderly or disabled people. Food banks and pantries—already stretched by rising food costs—are rationing staples in order to provide for the millions of people that depend on these programs.
Common Sense takeaway: In the richest country on earth, no one should EVER go hungry. If the president is able to re-allocate funds to pay the military, why can’t he re-allocate funds for hungry children? These are literal lives being leveraged for a political battle.
Zohran Rally Draws Thousands in Queens…..Zohran Mamdani held a major rally in Queens this weekend, drawing roughly 13,000 supporters and featuring appearances from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez. He outlined his progressive platform calling for rent freezes, free buses, universal childcare, and thousands of new teachers, framing the race as a battle between working-class New Yorkers and billionaire donors. Governor Kathy Hochul gave remarks at the rally, signaling increasing establishment support. Andrew Cuomo, who was credibly accused by 13 women of sexual assault, criticized the platform as “idealistic” and “economically reckless.”
Common Sense takeaway: This kind of energy is not an accident. This rally was a true representation to the campaign that Mamdani has run, and he deserves the full support of the Democratic party. Early voting numbers are already much higher than the last mayoral election, and I don’t think it’s Andrew Cuomo who is bringing out the masses.
Hurricane Melissa Approaches Jamaica…..Hurricane Melissa, a rare Category 5 storm, is rapidly intensifying as it nears Jamaica. Currently, it has sustained winds of 160 mph and is expected to make landfall on tonight. The National Hurricane Center warns that this could be the strongest direct landfall in Jamaica’s recorded history. Residents are being urged to complete preparations immediately, as life-threatening conditions—such as severe flooding, mudslides, and widespread power outages—are expected. Authorities are recommending Jamaicans evacuate low-lying areas and secure all loose objects.
Common Sense takeaway: Category 5 storms are extremely intense and the damage can be irreversible. I’m praying for all those who are in Jamaica now to evacuate safely or have the necessary tools to keep themselves safe.
Trump Denies FEMA Aid to Blue States Amidst Ongoing Disasters….President Donald Trump has approved federal disaster aid for several states, including Alaska, Nebraska, and North Dakota, following severe weather events. However, requests from Democratic-led states such as Vermont, Illinois, and Maryland have been denied, despite meeting the necessary damage thresholds for assistance. Democrats are arguing that these decisions are politically motivated and places higher value the lives of those who reside in Republican-led states. In Vermont, towns affected by July flooding are still facing significant financial challenges without federal support.
Common Sense takeaway: This is despicable and impeachable. He needs to be held to the highest account for atrocious decisions like this that will negatively impact Americans across the country and political spectrum. He’s too dumb to even realize that thousands of his supporters live in Democratic-led states—or he just simply doesn’t care because he likes the optics.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.
We will never be great until the Grand Ol’ Pedophiles are replaced by a Conservative Party and until big money is completely banned from politics. Billionaires must stop being oligarchs and start paying taxes. They must also stimulate rather than stagnate our economy. They need to reward their employees with better pay and benefits.
Message to Trumpster's, esp DJT There are 50 states which comprise the United States of America, not just Alaska<No Dak, and other Red States you favor with Disaster Relief funds which are funded from taxes from all 50 states Who are you? First name should be "Violation" not Donald