Trump's America: Gun Violence, Epstein, and Stagflation

12.10.25

Happy Wednesday and welcome back to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco—your daily briefing on politics. Let’s break it down.

Judge Orders Release of Epstein Grand Jury Materials….A federal judge in New York has become the third—and final—judge to grant the Justice Department’s request to unseal grand jury materials and other previously hidden evidence from the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. Judge Richard Berman ruled that Congress made clear in the newly passed Epstein Files Transparency Act that these records should be made public, overriding traditional grand jury secrecy rules. Similar rulings came this week from Judges Paul Engelmayer and Rodney Smith, covering both the Maxwell case and Epstein’s earlier Florida investigation. Berman emphasized that, when released, the DOJ must protect the identities and safety of Epstein’s victims. Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.

Common Sense takeaway: Let’s get on with it! The public has been waiting long enough for these files to be made public. We know Pam is dragging her feet. At this rate, they’ll probably release the most damning files on Christmas eve in an attempt to make them blow over. But I will be paying attention, don’t worry.

Fed Poised for Another Rate Cut Amid Stagflation Fears….The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates for the third time this year as it tries to counter sluggish hiring—even as inflation ticks back up. Fed officials have been unusually split over the move, warning that the economy is flirting with “stagflation,” where rising prices meet a weakening job market. Markets now see an 87% chance of a quarter-point cut, driven by a murky September jobs report and public support from key Fed leaders. A cut would bring rates down to 3.5%–3.75%, offering some relief for borrowers but reducing returns for savers.

Common Sense takeaway: Stagflation = stagnant economic growth (slow or no GDP growth), high inflation (rising prices), and high unemployment. Not only is the market super confusing right now, but the lack of jobs reports being made public right now makes decision-making even harder. Good job, Trump—but honestly I think this is how he likes it.

Deadly Shooting at Kentucky State University….One student was killed and another critically injured after a shooting Tuesday at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. Police say the suspect—48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard of Indiana, who is not a student—is in custody and the incident stemmed from a personal dispute, not a random attack. Gov. Andy Beshear said there is no ongoing threat to the community. Classes and campus activities have been canceled for the rest of the week as the university and law enforcement continue their investigation.

Common Sense takeaway: Kids should be able to learn in school (whether elementary school or college) without worrying about being shot in their classrooms or on campus. This is a uniquely American problem, or what I personally call a Republican problem—because let’s be honest, that’s what it is.

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