Today's News with Larry Schweikart

TODAY'S NEWS, July 13, 2026

Episode Summary

The update focuses on U.S. political developments, including Senate leadership changes following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, ongoing voter registration trends, election-related investigations, and internal Democratic Party divisions. It also covers AI surveillance concerns, cultural and religious trends, economic indicators, international developments, and several entertainment and miscellaneous stories.

Episode Notes

Politics

• Senator Lindsey Graham died at age 71 from a ruptured aorta, prompting renewed discussion about the age of U.S. senators and possible term limits.
• Senator Ted Cruz is expected to assume leadership of the Senate Rules Committee.
• Maine Democrats continued facing political turmoil following the withdrawal of a Senate candidate amid misconduct allegations.
• The Senate's limited number of working days drew criticism.
• Republican voter registration advantages remained strong in Florida, while voter trends in Pennsylvania, Iowa, and North Carolina remained mixed.
• The FBI reportedly expanded investigations into election-related matters in Georgia.
• President Trump removed Democratic members of the Election Assistance Commission following a Supreme Court ruling that expanded presidential authority over certain executive appointments.
• Evidence was presented during the preliminary hearing of the suspect accused of killing Charlie Kirk.
• President Trump reportedly chose to use the older Air Force One over the newer Qatari aircraft because of security concerns.
• Several reporters received subpoenas related to alleged leaks about aircraft security.
• Eight suspects were indicted in connection with an alleged assassination plot involving a White House/UFC event.
• Commentary highlighted continuing concern over the influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
• The FBI reportedly arrested 113 individuals accused of espionage.
• The U.S. was described as advancing its drone capabilities.

AI & Surveillance

• Debate continued over Flock AI camera systems, with concerns raised about surveillance, privacy, and misuse by law enforcement.
• Several cities are reconsidering or removing the surveillance technology.
• Seattle reportedly declared a civil emergency related to an influx of transgender refugees.

Culture

• Church attendance continued declining in several Christian denominations despite local population growth.
• California's special education enrollment has increased significantly.
• Commentary claimed some Jewish authors face publishing challenges unless they publicly oppose Israel.

Economy

• Analysts forecast that the U.S. housing shortage may eventually become a housing surplus.
• Jersey Mike's ranked highest in the American Customer Satisfaction Index among fast-food chains.
• The U.S. remains the world's largest crude oil producer.
• The administration expanded investigations into alleged H-1B visa fraud.
• Louisiana became a focal point for disputes over energy development.
• The Small Business Administration suspended thousands of Wisconsin borrowers over suspected fraud.

International

• Germany charged several Chinese nationals in connection with an online group promoting sexual violence.
• China is adjusting internal residency policies amid population decline and slowing consumer spending.
• Uruguay announced new offshore oil drilling projects.
• Europe's recent heatwave was associated with thousands of excess deaths and disruptions to infrastructure.
• President Trump proposed charging ships using the Strait of Hormuz.
• Turkey denied docking permission to a cruise ship.
• Mexico blamed the previous U.S. administration for rising cartel violence.
• Reports highlighted separate criminal incidents in the UK and Germany involving migrants.
• President Trump announced plans to suspend trade with Spain.

Space

• A new batch of UFO-related files, photographs, and data was reportedly released.

Entertainment

• Reports stated that singer Bonnie Tyler and actor Sam Neill had died.

Closing Note

• A Circle K clerk who claimed a forgotten $12.8 million lottery ticket argued he had done nothing wrong by cashing it in, prompting discussion about ownership and possession.