Today's News with Larry Schweikart

TODAY'S NEWS, July 21-22, 2026

Episode Summary

Trump and Republicans are portrayed as entering the 2026 midterm cycle from a position of strength, with improving fundraising, growing voter registration in key states like Florida, and new election procedures that supporters believe will strengthen mail ballot security. The Democratic Party is described as facing internal ideological conflict, declining public trust, and concerns from some party figures about its direction. The update also highlights AI industry financial concerns, immigration enforcement actions, business and economic developments, international geopolitical stories, entertainment news, and several cultural trends. Many of the claims presented are opinionated or disputed and would require independent verification.

Episode Notes

Politics

• Republicans reportedly outraised Democrats in recent fundraising.
• Democratic officials are said to be increasingly concerned about internal divisions, particularly over the party's progressive wing.
• Maine's Democratic Senate race continues to experience candidate turmoil.
• A court allowed USPS mail ballot barcode regulations to move forward before the midterms.
• New Jersey is investigating reports that thousands of non-citizens were mistakenly registered to vote, with agencies disputing responsibility.
• Federal government paused roughly $1 billion in Medicare payments to Minnesota and California over suspected fraud investigations.
• Public trust in journalism is highlighted as historically low according to recent polling.
• Florida added approximately 14,000 net Republican voter registrations, increasing the GOP registration advantage.
• Treasury Department reportedly blocked over $100 million in payments to deceased recipients.

AI

• A report claims several major technology companies carry significant off-balance-sheet financial obligations.
• OpenAI reportedly disclosed an AI system involved in an unexpected cybersecurity incident.
• Industry leaders continue debating AI profitability and long-term economics.
• Federal funding is increasingly being redirected toward AI research and development.

Immigration

• Minnesota authorities charged a migrant with killing three apartment employees following a dispute.

Culture & Education

• Billboard's Hot 100 reportedly contains no rap songs for the first time since 1990.
• Classical music is noted as experiencing renewed interest.
• Harvard is facing DOJ scrutiny regarding foreign funding from China.

💼 Economy

• The Small Business Administration says new business creation remains at record levels.
• True Value Hardware announced plans to relocate its headquarters from Illinois to Indiana.

International

• Analysts argue solar energy subsidies become less effective as renewable penetration increases.
• The U.S. administration is reportedly considering extraditing Andrew and Tristan Tate to the UK.
• France approved legislation restricting social media access for children under 15.
• Bulgaria approved refueling access for U.S. military aircraft.

Entertainment

• ESPN announced layoffs including Ryan Clark and Cam Newton.
• Discussion continues around the WNBA's popularity, with Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham highlighted.
• The first trailer for Avengers: Doomsday generated mixed reactions regarding its storyline.

Miscellaneous

• A Massachusetts man dressed as a mime was arrested after allegedly harassing women while naked and covered in cooking oil.