Today's News with Larry Schweikart

TODAY'S NEWS, July 26-27, 2026

Episode Summary

Republicans are portrayed as entering the midterm cycle with stronger fundraising, voter engagement, and immigration enforcement, while Democrats are described as facing financial and organizational challenges. The update also covers AI hiring trends, economic indicators, education, international developments, entertainment news, and medical studies. Several political and medical claims are opinionated or disputed and would require independent verification.

Episode Notes

Politics

• Reports claim the Democratic National Committee is facing financial difficulties, including using its headquarters as collateral for a loan ahead of the midterms.
• Commentary suggests Democratic leadership is experiencing internal disagreements over strategy and leadership.
• The National Republican Congressional Committee expressed confidence about retaining control of the House.
• Florida's Republican vote-by-mail participation is reportedly exceeding 2022 midterm levels.
• A poll cited in the commentary shows JD Vance leading potential Republican 2028 presidential contenders, though the author notes skepticism of polling.
• Los Angeles reportedly has about 8,550 police officers despite estimates that 12,000 are needed.
• Acting DNI Director Bill Pulte reportedly continued workforce reductions within the intelligence community.
• The House passed legislation proposing to rename the Department of Defense as the "Department of War."
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly shifted fellowship programs from Ivy League universities to the University of North Carolina and Virginia Tech.

AI

• Apple and Google were accused of suppressing negative search results involving a Michigan Senate candidate, though such claims remain contested.
• Large companies are reportedly resuming hiring despite earlier predictions that AI would significantly reduce employment.

Immigration

• ICE reportedly recorded a monthly high of 43,000 arrests.
• Following a favorable Supreme Court ruling, ICE is reportedly preparing expanded enforcement actions involving Haitian migrants.

Culture

• A study suggests excessive screen time may contribute to lasting cognitive or developmental effects.
• School choice programs continue to gain support, with Florida Catholic schools reportedly seeing double-digit enrollment growth.

Gender & Education

• Minnesota schools were reported to be introducing anatomical educational dolls in early childhood classrooms.
• A transgender individual who relocated to the Netherlands reportedly expressed regret after being placed in an asylum facility.

Economy

• The U.S. government reportedly recorded its first June budget surplus since 2015, aided by tariff revenue.
• China's export restrictions on rare earth minerals are reportedly accelerating domestic U.S. manufacturing.
• Aging solar panels and wind turbine blades are becoming a growing infrastructure challenge.
• A Netflix executive was dismissed after disclosing prescribed ketamine use during an internal company event.
• Cracker Barrel's CEO announced plans to step down following criticism of the company's rebranding efforts.

International

• German police reportedly shot and killed a suspect following a vehicle attack at an LGBTQ event.
• Morocco announced plans to name a highway after President Trump.
• Ukraine reportedly carried out drone strikes against Iranian targets believed to support Russian logistics.

Entertainment

• Seven-time Jeopardy! champion Courtney Shah died at age 52 from a brain tumor.
• A circus performer was hospitalized after being struck in the neck by an arrow during a performance.
• The wife of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was reportedly shot by her son and remains hospitalized.

Medical

• Czech health data reportedly suggested differences in adverse outcomes between COVID-19 vaccine brands, though broader scientific evaluation is needed.
• Commentary cited a study claiming higher rates of myocarditis and heart disease among vaccinated children, a topic that remains scientifically debated.
• Newly released materials attributed to Dr. Anthony Fauci were presented as evidence of inconsistencies between his private assessments and public testimony during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Miscellaneous

• A senior citizen who had recently learned to swim rescued a younger woman from drowning.