Happy Halloween (as if we needed more fear) 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.
Head Start Programs Shutter as Shutdown Drags On….In Wisconsin, nine Head Start centers are closing, including one in Richland Center where teacher Stephanie Wallace said goodbye to her students after 13 years. Nationwide, about 140 Head Start programs serving 65,000 children will lose funding starting November 1. These programs don’t just offer education—they provide meals, health screenings, and childcare that allow parents to work. In Richland Center, roughly three-quarters of families also rely on SNAP benefits, which are set to expire Saturday. Local organizers warn hunger could double within days. “We’re doing what we can to make sure kids aren’t going days without eating,” said Chris Frakes of the Southwest Wisconsin Community Action Program.
Common Sense takeaway: Children and families are continually taking the brunt of this government shutdown. It’s devastating and honestly depressing. Children should be enjoying Halloween and trick-or-treating tonight, not worrying about if Halloween candy is the only food they will have for the next few days.
Trump Calls to End Filibuster as Shutdown Drags On….Trump is urging Senate Republicans to “go nuclear” and scrap the filibuster—an unprecedented move that would allow them to reopen the government without Democratic support. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “THE CHOICE IS CLEAR — INITIATE THE ‘NUCLEAR OPTION,’ GET RID OF THE FILIBUSTER,” calling it a decision he made after “a great deal of thought” on his flight home from Asia. The filibuster, a Senate rule that requires 60 votes to end debate and move to a vote, currently gives Democrats leverage over the 53-seat Republican majority. Without it, the GOP could pass a funding bill on a simple majority, effectively sidelining Democrats from negotiations. The Senate has adjourned until Monday—ensuring the shutdown will stretch into at least its 34th day.
Common Sense takeaway: Personally, I would like to see the filibuster go at some point. It’s sidelined a lot of essential legislation for years when Democrats were in power. However, it’s pretty rich that the “art of the deal” president can’t figure out how to make a deal and would rather just skirt the rules when it’s convenient.
Virginia’s Turning Point: Spanberger v. Earle-Sears….This fall’s Virginia governor’s race between Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears could mark either the start of a Democratic comeback or another setback after 2024’s losses. Spanberger will rally with Barack Obama in the final stretch, while Earle-Sears keeps her distance from Trump as she aims to succeed Glenn Youngkin. The race will make history regardless, with Virginia electing its first female governor. But Spanberger’s campaign has faced turbulence after violent text messages from Democratic AG nominee Jay Jones surfaced, giving Republicans an opening to question her leadership. Spanberger has condemned the remarks and refocused her message on protecting Virginia’s economy from Trump-era trade chaos.
Common Sense takeaway: This election is so important. Having a Democratic governor in Virginia is key to advancing legislation, and Glenn Youngkin has stalled that for four year. It’s also the only way to ensure that we keep abortion rights in tact in the state, which is considered one of the last sanctuary states in the south.
School Teacher Shot By 6-Year Old Testifies….Abby Zwerner, the Virginia teacher shot by a 6-year-old student in 2023, testified Thursday that she thought she had died during the attack. Zwerner, who was shot in the hand and chest, spent nearly two weeks in the hospital, underwent six surgeries, and has permanently limited use of her left hand. She is suing a former assistant principal for $40 million, alleging they ignored multiple warnings that the student had a gun. On the stand, Zwerner described the moment as “very fast” and recalled instinctively raising her hand before the shooting. The assistant principal, Ebony Parker, faces a separate criminal trial next month on felony child neglect charges. Meanwhile, the student’s mother was sentenced to nearly four years for child neglect and federal weapons violations, after her son accessed her gun from a dresser.
Common Sense takeaway: This is just a devastating case of negligence and incompetence. Guns should ALWAYS be secure and locked away—but even more so if you have young children in the house. I just can’t grasp how a parent could be so careless. Abby Zwerner is lucky to be alive, but no teacher should have to live in fear of dying at the hands of a student.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back on Monday for more.
Excellent take on important issues!!
They must take out Trump.