Today's News with Larry Schweikart

TODAY'S NEWS, June 2-3, 2026

Episode Summary

A strongly conservative political commentary argued that Republicans remain well-positioned electorally while Democrats face voter-registration declines, internal divisions, and weak polling. The roundup focused on election developments, immigration enforcement, education reforms, AI infrastructure growth, economic indicators, and criticism of progressive policies, while mixing political analysis with cultural, entertainment, and medical stories.

Episode Notes

Political News

• Republican candidates backed by President Trump continued to perform well in primary elections, though one endorsed candidate in Iowa lost.
• Commentary suggested Democrats could struggle to gain congressional seats if current polling trends persist.
• California election developments included a competitive gubernatorial primary and a Los Angeles mayoral runoff.
• Additional lawsuits were filed seeking removal of inactive or deceased voters from California voter rolls.
• The Supreme Court reportedly allowed Alabama's congressional map to remain in place.
• The Department of Defense reorganized part of its communications operations into a classified information facility.
• A major autism-related fraud case was announced, centered in Minnesota.
• Maine Democrats were described as facing internal divisions over their Senate race.
• Migration from high-cost states such as California was cited as a factor increasing housing prices in some traditionally lower-cost states.
• Investigations were launched into several environmental nonprofits over alleged misuse of grant funding.

AI News

• A study found that frequent AI users worry they may be judged negatively by others for relying on AI tools.
• AI company Anthropic was reported to be pursuing a valuation that could eventually support a trillion-dollar public offering.
• A Texas data center was highlighted for generating its own power and recycling water rather than relying heavily on local resources.

Immigration & Border Issues

• The administration issued new banking guidance related to illegal immigration and human-smuggling networks.

Cultural & Education News

• New York teachers strongly supported school cellphone restrictions, citing better student attention and fewer disruptions.
• Harvard University was reported to be exploring measures to address grade inflation.
• Several states promoted "Nuclear Family Month" as an alternative to Pride Month celebrations.
• Corporate support for Pride-related events was described as declining.

Sports & Gender Policy

• The Senate was reportedly investigating claims involving women's hockey and compliance with policies regarding transgender athletes.
• Team USA Hockey policies were mentioned as part of the broader inquiry.

Economic News

• The FBI completed what was described as the largest cryptocurrency seizure in its history.
• Labor-market indicators showed increased job openings and lower layoffs.
• Manufacturing activity and new orders were reported to be rising.
• Two counties in New Mexico were said to account for the majority of U.S. onshore oil production.
• Home prices showed signs of softening after years of rapid growth.
• The Minneapolis Star Tribune faced layoffs amid ongoing media-industry challenges.

International News

• A British performing-arts controversy involved a cancelled production over casting disputes.
• Canadian media revisited claims regarding unmarked Indigenous graves after investigations failed to substantiate earlier allegations.
• Commentary criticized media coverage and institutional responses surrounding the issue.

Entertainment News

• Veteran broadcaster Scott Pelley reportedly departed from CBS.
• Peabo Bryson was reported dead at age 75 following a stroke.
• Sonny Rollins was reported dead at age 95.
• NPR reportedly closed its dedicated climate reporting desk.
• A climate-themed British film project failed to complete production due to financial difficulties.

Medical & Health News

• Reduced recess time in schools was cited as one possible contributor to rising childhood obesity.
• Federal authorities charged foreign nationals working at the NIH with alleged monkeypox-related smuggling offenses.
• Mehmet Oz announced proposed Medicaid reforms, including work requirements and eligibility reviews.

Miscellaneous

• Conservationists reported the highest number of North Atlantic right whale calves born since 2009, a positive sign for the endangered species' recovery.