Happy Friday! Welcome back to Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news.
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 fund would be used to pay claims from individuals who say they were harmed by actions taken during the Biden administration, with an independent commission overseeing payouts. The plan, which could face legal and ethical scrutiny, would give the commission broad authority over how funds are distributed, with limited transparency. Final terms are still being negotiated ahead of a court deadline, and the agreement would also resolve several related legal claims Trump has filed against the federal government.
Common Sense Takeaway: Stealing $1.7 billion taxpayer funds to use—with very little oversight—on people who claim “damages” from the Biden Administration is the most corrupt thing I have heard in a long time. This is not only an unethical deal to make between government offices, but also highway robbery of the American people.
Redistricting Battles Put Black Representation in Congress at Risk….ABC reports, “Almost a third of the membership of the Congressional Black Caucus — 19 of its 62 members — are at risk of losing their seats through the 2028 election cycle as Republicans in southern states where they control the legislature move swiftly to redraw congressional maps less than two weeks after the Supreme Court dealt a blow to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The mid-decade redistricting push is a continuation of an effort that began in 2025 and that President Donald Trump has encouraged in hopes of increasing the likelihood that the GOP will retain control of the House of Representatives in November's midterm elections.”
Common Sense Takeaway: This is the whole point! Reducing minority voices, whom are often the most powerful Democrats, is exactly what Republicans have been aiming for all along. It’s racism, and we should be unequivocal in saying that. Now, we need to make sure this backfires on them, meaning we need to take bold, decisive action.
Spanberger Signs Sweeping Package, Including Assault Weapons Ban….Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed a wide-ranging package of legislation from the 2026 General Assembly, including a ban on the future sale and manufacture of assault-style firearms, new restrictions on weapons in hospitals, marijuana sentencing reforms, updates to voter roll maintenance, and protections for immigrant workers. The firearms measure, one of the most debated bills of the session, passed in its original form after lawmakers rejected proposed changes. Spanberger said the law is aimed at improving public safety and supporting law enforcement.
Common Sense Takeaway: As a Virginian, this is exactly what I voted for. I’m grateful for Governor Spanberger’s bold leadership on these issues. Banning the sale of assault-style weapons should never have become controversial, and this will save many lives. Now, let’s get this passed everywhere. (What, am I too optimistic?)
Races To Watch 👀
Today’s Race: IA-03. A must-flip seat.
Ally’s choice: State Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott. Trone Garriott is running in the Des Moines-area district against Republican Rep. Zach Nunn. She is the only Democrat in Iowa to flip two Republican-held state senate seats, including one in a district Governor Kim Reynolds carried by seven points, proving her crossover appeal in exactly the kind of swing territory this race will be decided.
Sarah’s website: sarahforiowa.com
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back on Monday for more.
