Happy Thursday and welcome back to Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news.
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.
Hi Ally Great article as usual! The power of COMMON SENSE!!