White House Blackmail 10.2.25 Ally Sammarco Oct 2 Happy Thursday 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. Trump Freezes $26B Funding to Democratic-Led States Amid Shutdown…In a new escalation of the shutdown standoff, the White House has frozen $26 billion in federal funds destined for states led by Democrats. This includes $18 billion in transit funding for New York (as mentioned in yesterday’s newsletter) and $8 billion in green-energy initiatives across 16 states. JD Vance also warned that if the shutdown persists, further layoffs would follow. Common Sense takeaway: This is blackmail in broad daylight. “If you don’t do this, we will do this” is the White House playbook, except it’s civilians getting hurt, not politicians. Maybe they should try leading, instead of threatening? Economy Takes a Hit: $15B in Weekly Losses Forecasted…..A White House memo warns the shutdown could cost the U.S. $15 billion in GDP each week, with a potential ripple effect of 43,000 new jobless claims in just one month. Federal workers’ lost wages and pullbacks in consumer spending will drive much of the downturn. Common Sense takeaway: Shutting down the government means shutting off paychecks and consumer spending. Hooray! When does the Golden Age of America start again? Common Sense with Ally Sammarco is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Two Funding Bills Blocked Again, Shutdown Deepens…..The Senate failed again to advance two short-term funding bills: a GOP-drafted measure to keep the government open until November 21, which failed 55–45 with three Democrats crossing party lines and Rand Paul as the lone Republican “no”; and a Democratic version, which would have extended funding until the end of October and preserved ACA subsidies, but was rejected 47–53 with all Republicans opposed. Common Sense takeaway: Republicans don’t want to govern, they want chaos. Instead of protecting health care subsidies for millions of Americans, they’d rather hold the economy hostage. Poll Shows Major Concern…..A recent Marist Poll revealed 79% of Americans believe the U.S. has gone too far in restricting free speech, with strong majorities even among Republicans agreeing. Additionally, 30% of Americans now believe that political violence may be necessary to get the country “back on track.” Common Sense takeaway: Nearly 8 in 10 Americans thinking free speech is under attack and almost a third say political violence might be “necessary” is a huge red flag. Republicans have spent years normalizing the idea that disagreeing with them is “censorship” and that Democrats are “the enemy within.” That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.

More Firings and Unemployment! 9.25.25 Ally Sammarco Sep 25 Happy Thursday 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. White House Orders Agencies to Prep for Mass Firings Amid Shutdown Threat….The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has directed federal agencies to draw up plans for permanent cuts and layoffs if a government shutdown occurs, rather than the typical furloughs seen in past shutdowns. This decision raises the stakes intensely in the funding fight and rightfully draws accusations from Democrats that Trump is using federal workers as political leverage. Common Sense takeaway: Turning a shutdown into a game by threatening mass firings is just another despicable move by Donald Trump. And when the workers can’t fight back, it’s even more of an unfair fight. But, it’s clear they don’t care about federal workers and never have. FBI Moves to Indict Comey—Or Does It?….Prosecutors are reportedly preparing to file charges against former FBI Director James Comey in Virginia, possibly for lying to Congress. But at the same time, a memo from within the Justice Department reportedly advises not to file the charges, citing weak evidence and statute of limitations concerns. Common Sense takeaway: Attempting to prosecute James Comey—who is irrelevant in the current political landscape—is certainly a choice. A partisan, dumb choice. Also, we’re pretty sure Kash Patel also lied to Congress multiple times during his hearings over the past few weeks, so. Common Sense with Ally Sammarco is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Turkey Presses for F-35 Access in Trump Meeting….Turkish President Erdoğan is meeting with Trump at the White House this morning, pushing hard to lift U.S. sanctions and regain access to F-35 jet procurement. Their alignment is established by mutual interest in reinforcing strategic ties—although deep disagreements over Israel, Syria, and Turkey’s previous Russia dealings remain. Common Sense takeaway: We already know international diplomacy under this administration operates less on principle and more on leverage. When the deals hinge on pardons, sanctions, and arms, alliances are not exactly strong or legitimate. Labor Market Shows Fragile Strength….Weekly unemployment claims dropped by 14,000 to 218,000, a positive sign—but economists are warning that there isn’t much there to reinforce these numbers. Hiring has slowed dramatically in recent months amid uncertain policy, trade, and tariff wars. The lackluster demand for workers has eroded the labor market’s resilience. Even Starbucks is set to lay off at least 900 employees. Common Sense takeaway: A few numbers going down don’t prove the economy is healthy. They only prove it isn’t completely on fire…yet. What happens over the next few months will be a lot more telling. That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.

What to Do When Things Feel Bleak 9.23.25 Ally Sammarco Sep 23 Photo by Natalie Pedigo on Unsplash Things feel bad. Very bad. But doomscrolling doesn’t make things any better. If you find yourself wondering how to make a difference when everything feels bleak, here’s the truth: there’s more you can do than you think. I want every Democrat, or just American, to feel like they have power. The power to do something. To make change. Because we do and we can. It’s the most powerful people that want you to feel like you don’t Here’s where I would start. 1. Get involved locally. National politics gets all the airtime, but local politics changes lives. School boards, city councils, and state legislatures are where Republicans have been quietly reshaping policy for years. Show up at a school board meeting. Help register voters at your neighborhood farmers’ market. Volunteer with your local Democratic party. Yes, VOLUNTEER! Knocking on doors and making phone calls is an essential part of mobilizing our voters. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked to a voter who has no idea who’s running in an election—or even that there’s an election at all! You could be the difference between an entire neighborhood getting out to vote or staying home. The truth is change doesn’t always come from Washington—in fact, most of the time, it doesn’t. 2. Donate strategically. Not everyone has time to volunteer, but if you have the means, your money matters. $5 or $10 into a down-ballot race could flip a seat. Republicans know the power of funding obscure positions like secretary of state or county election boards. Democrats need to play the same long game. You may wonder: how do I know where to donate? How do I know where my money is going? The truth is: there are a lot of different avenues including PACs and campaigns. In my experience, donating directly to a campaign is the best way to know exactly where your money is going. PACs can do good work, but they are less transparent. Common Sense with Ally Sammarco is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. 3. Use your voice any way you can. Hopelessness thrives in silence and complacency. Write letters to the editor. Call your representatives (yes, this can actually change how they vote). Share information on social media. One tweet won’t change the world—but your willingness to speak up can inspire so many people who are afraid to do so. Now all of a sudden, you’ve mobilized thousands of people with a tweet or a TikTok (the butterfly effect!) 4. Support the organizers doing the work. Grassroots groups are the backbone of progressive causes. They don’t just come flying in for election season; they’re year-round, embedded in our communities. Whether it’s climate groups, reproductive justice organizations, or voting rights coalitions, amplifying their efforts multiplies their impact and is much easier than trying to start from scratch—and solo. Do the research, find groups that mean the most to you, and then go all in on them. The bottom line is feeling bleak is okay. Giving up is not. Democrats can’t afford to sit in despair and give up. That’s exactly what Republicans want. Empower yourself. Empower your community. There are a lot more people out there that agree with you than you realize and they appreciate what you do. And I’m here for you. Xoxo. We got this.

 

No Peace and More Distractions 8.11.25 Ally Sammarco Aug 11 Happy Monday and welcome back to Common Sense with Ally Sammarco-your one stop shop for all the latest happenings in the U.S. Let’s break down the news from this weekend in politics and entertainment. Trump Floats “Federal Takeover” of D.C.—Again….Donald Trump is talking about a federal takeover of Washington, D.C., claiming the capital has gone “totally out of control”—despite violent crime falling by roughly 26% this year. He’s dispatched hundreds of federal agents from the FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE, and U.S. Marshals to high-traffic areas and is even floating deployment of the National Guard. He’s also suggested revoking the city’s current Home Rule, which hands much of D.C.’s governance to local officials, a move that could upend years of self-governance. Legal experts have pointed out that such maneuvers would require congressional action and could trigger court battles. Common Sense take: Trump’s talk of a federal takeover of D.C. is less about safety and more about showing force. With violent crime down and legal hurdles in place, this move is just political grandstanding that threatens local democracy more than it protects citizens (and is an obvious a distraction from Epstein). EU & NATO Back Zelensky Amid Trump–Putin Summit Plans….Ukrainian President Zelensky won firm support from the EU and NATO as concerns mounted over the upcoming Trump–Putin summit scheduled for August 15—all without Ukraine being present. Zelensky made it clear: “No peace without us.” European leaders are insisting any deal safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty. They warn that excluding Ukraine from the talks risks legitimizing Russian aggression and undermining regional security. Common Sense with Ally Sammarco is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Vance: Peace Deal Won’t Please Anyone—and U.S. Is Now Setting Up Tri-Party Talks….Vice President J.D. Vance cautioned that any negotiated ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine would likely leave both sides unhappy. The U.S. is working to organize talks that include Putin, Zelensky, and Trump—though Putin meeting Ukraine's leader first is off the table. Officials say the effort faces steep diplomatic hurdles but could mark the first direct engagement between all three leaders. Common Sense take: Trying to broker peace without Ukraine at the table is setting the stage for failure. Vance’s tri-party talks sound promising, but leaving out key voices and ignoring diplomatic realities means this deal is more likely to disappoint than deliver. Trump Wants UCLA to Pay $1 Billion to Resume Federal Funding….Trump is demanding $1 billion from UCLA as a ransom to restore $584 million in frozen federal research grants. The administration insists this massive payment will settle alleged civil rights violations tied to antisemitism, affirmative action, and protest policies. The proposed deal also includes policy overhauls—like ending identity-based scholarships and banning overnight encampments. UCLA's leadership calls the number “devastating,” and Governor Gavin Newsom branded it “political extortion” and vowing to take the state to court. Common Sense take: Trump’s $1 billion demand from UCLA isn’t about justice—it’s a political power grab disguised as a settlement. Using federal funding as leverage to force policy changes is extortion that threatens academic freedom and the future of vital research. The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and Jesse McCartney reunited…..At the Jonas Brothers’ tour kickoff last night in New Jersey, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and Jesse McCartney shared the stage yesterday for a nostalgic performance that had fans (including me) feeling like the world was healing. The rare gathering of the artists brought together some of the era’s most iconic voices and sent us straight back to the 2000s—a simpler time. That’s all for today. Thanks for reading! Subscribe now to read tomorrow’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco.

Cuomo's Career is Over 6.25.25 Ally Sammarco Jun 25 Happy Tuesday! Welcome back to Common Sense—your no-BS guide to politics, chaos, and whatever else caught fire today. Trump’s ceasefire didn’t last…Trump walked himself onto the world stage Monday night and declared, “the war is done”—apparently mistaking a 48-hour pause in airstrikes for a peace deal. In reality, Iran launched missiles at Beersheba, killing around five civilians—prompting immediate Israeli defense alerts. Israel responded within hours, targeting Iranian radar and nuclear installations in Tehran. Both sides accused each other of violating the truce. At the NATO summit, Zelensky met with Trump behind closed doors, likely pushing for more air defense systems since Ukraine’s power grid keeps getting pounded. When discussing ending the war, Trump said "it's more difficult than people wouldn't have any idea…Vladimir Putin has been more difficult. Frankly, I had some problems with Zelenskyy. You may have read about him, and it's been more difficult than other wars." Common Sense takeaway: If this is peace, what does war look like? Zohran wins NYC mayoral primary…Zohran Mamdani, a 33‑year‑old Democratic socialist and Queens assemblyman, crushed Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary—winning ~43.5% to Cuomo’s ~36.4% in first‑round votes. Cuomo, the former governor, spent a ton on ads and name recognition. Mamdani, on the other hand, knocked on 1.5 million doors, mobilized a multiracial, multi‑generational coalition, and emphasized economic instability—rent freezes, 200,000 affordable units, and free buses and childcare. MAGA pundits are screaming labels like “Muslim communist,” because of course they are. Common Sense takeaway: A socialist just crushed an establishment guy—and that’s a signal. NYC voters are done with centrist attitudes and platitudes. They want affordability, not self-serving career politicians. If Mamdani wins in November, this could be the blueprint for national progressive insurgencies. Common Sense with Ally Sammarco is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Markets somewhat rebound…Wall Street did its usual thing: panic and then reverse course. Stocks rebounded on news of a “ceasefire,” even though nobody knows how long it’ll last. Oil dipped below $70/barrel, crypto bros are still riding high with Bitcoin holding above $107K, and the Fed is talking about a possible rate cut in September if inflation keeps cooling and nothing else explodes. Tesla’s car sales in Europe fell off a cliff — down 37.1% this year. Turns out Europeans aren’t rushing to buy tech from the guy who spends his weekends cosplaying as a free speech martyr on Twitter. Common Sense takeaway: The economy’s not booming, it’s just relieved we didn’t nuke anyone today! Photo by Yashowardhan Singh on Unsplash Heatwaves take over the world…It’s not even July and temperatures are already breaking records across the country. Montreal, Boston, and parts of Europe are all sweltering through heatwaves that scientists say are “unprecedented” but not unpredictable, given how fast our climate is warming. Of course, Republicans are pretending it’s not a big deal. “It’s just summer,” they say as ER visits spike, power grids strain, and wildfires ignite across dry terrain. No plans, no policies—just lies per usual. Common Sense takeaway: It’s not global warming. It’s just the Earth slowly evicting us. Photo by Scott Goodwill on Unsplash Today’s Buzz Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial is entering closing arguments this week. He faces a slew of charges that range from disturbing to jaw-dropping. Diddy marks yet another celebrity fall from grace in a year that’s been stacked with them. Still wild that we’re living in a world where Diddy’s legal team and Trump’s criminal defense attorneys have both worked overtime in the court room. That’s all for today. Thanks for reading. Check back tomorrow for the next edition of Common Sense.

 

No Kings and No New Wars

6.16.25

Ally Sammarco Jun 17

Happy Monday! I think we need another weekend after last weekend because this one gave us no rest. Nevertheless, welcome back to Common Sense—your source for news and analysis on the circus that is American politics and entertainment.

No Kings protests overshadow Trump’s military spectacle….On Saturday, while Washington D.C. hosted a costly military parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday, millions marched nationwide in the “No Kings” protests demanding resistance to authoritarianism. The event featured over 7,000 troops, 100+ tanks, historical reenactments, fireworks, and a Blue Heeler dog—yet turnout and on‑site atmosphere were subdued to say the least. On the other hand, coordinated by the 50501 movement, the No Kings protests drew participants in 2,000+ cities, totaling an estimated 5 million across the U.S.—from Philly (80,000 marchers) to the Bay Area (tens of thousands).

Minnesota political assassination shocks the nation....Early Saturday, Vance Luther Boelter, impersonating a police officer, carried out a politically motivated attack in suburban Minneapolis. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot at their home in Champlin around 2 a.m.; both sustained multiple gunshot wounds but survived—"incredibly lucky to be alive," their family said. Police then proactively checked on former House Speaker Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in Brooklyn Park (~3:35 a.m.). Boelter shot Mark through the door and killed Melissa inside; he then fled amid an exchange with responding officers. This spurred Minnesota’s largest manhunt ever, involving hundreds of officers, SWAT teams, and helicopters. Boelter was found hiding in woods near his home and surrendered on Sunday. Boelter has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder (Hortman and Mark) and two counts of attempted murder (the Hoffmans); federal charges are also expected. Authorities recovered a list of ~70 potential targets—mostly pro–choice Democrats and abortion providers—from his vehicle, along with “No Kings” protest flyers, triggering temporary shelter-in-place orders across Minnesota.

Common Sense with Ally Sammarco is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Escalation in the Middle East…..The conflict between Israel and Iran has officially gone from “tense” to terrifying. We’re now five days in, and the violence is only escalating. Israel hit Tehran hard again today, prompting Iran to activate its air defenses. Meanwhile, Israel says it intercepted more incoming missiles from Iran. Trump took a break from the G7 to post a warning (on Truth Social of course) to Iranians to evacuate Tehran—because nothing says diplomacy like a caps-locked post in the middle of a war. Netanyahu claims the strikes have "set back" Iran’s nuclear program “a very, very long time.” No word on what that means strategically—but it definitely means things are about to get worse before they get better. So far, 24 people have been killed in Israel. In Iran, the death toll is 224 and rising. Trump is cutting his G7 trip short to return to the U.S. “because of what’s going on in the Middle East,” according to the White House. Translation: it’s bad, and the ripple effects will reach far beyond the region.

Trump Snubs Tucker Carlson….While confronting questions about Tucker Carlson’s recent criticism—where Carlson accused Trump of being “complicit” in Israel’s actions against Iran—Trump responded sharply: “I don’t know what Tucker Carlson is saying. Let him go get a television network and say it so that people listen.” Shortly after on Truth Social, he doubled down: “Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!” Carlson—who is no longer on Fox after 2023—criticized Trump for supporting Israel’s military response, saying it betrays his "America First" base and makes the president complicit. We don’t agree with Tucker Carlson on much, but he may be right here.

Today’s Buzz: “The Naked Gun” Reboot Confirmed for August Release….The beloved slapstick comedy franchise is back. The Naked Gun reboot, set to premiere on August 1, 2025, is directed by Akiva Schaffer and produced by Seth MacFarlane. Liam Neeson steps into the iconic role as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. alongside Pamela Anderson as Beth, Paul Walter Hauser as Ed Hocken Jr., Danny Huston as the villain, plus Liza Koshy, Kevin Durand, CCH Pounder, and WWE star Cody Rhodes. The film will follow Drebin Jr. as he teams up with Beth to solve her brother's murder and rescue the Police Squad from being shut down.

That’s all for today. Thanks for reading. Check back tomorrow for the next edition of Common Sense.