Today's News with Larry Schweikart
TODAY'S NEWS, June 20-22, 2026
Episode Summary
This commentary argues that Democrats are facing political headwinds, highlights Trump administration initiatives, discusses energy, AI, immigration, cultural trends, economic developments, international affairs, entertainment news, and medical controversies. The piece strongly supports conservative positions, criticizes progressive policies and institutions, and includes numerous claims that would require independent verification. Major themes include election trends, energy abundance, AI costs, immigration enforcement, urban economic struggles, international security concerns, and ongoing debate surrounding COVID-era public health decisions.
Episode Notes
Political News
- Reports claim vandalism of Washington D.C.'s renovated Reflecting Pool has led to arrests and increased security.
- Multiple polls reportedly show warning signs for Democrats ahead of upcoming elections.
- Texas Democrat Jasmine Crockett is reportedly withholding support from Senate candidate James Talarico.
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated the U.S. has abundant hydrocarbon resources remaining.
- Commentary revisits disputes over reporting related to the Trump-Russia investigation.
- Chicago experienced another violent weekend with multiple fatalities and injuries.
- The FBI arrested a Medicare fraud suspect who had fled to the Philippines.
- Polling suggests nearly half of Democrats view socialism favorably.
AI News
- Some companies are facing unexpectedly high AI-related operating costs, including reported large expenditures on Anthropic's Claude models.
- Businesses are increasingly focused on controlling AI infrastructure and computing expenses.
- European policymakers are exploring energy-management approaches related to AI usage.
Immigration & Border News
- Border Patrol has reportedly shifted resources from migrant processing to drug interdiction, resulting in increased drug seizures.
- Fifteen individuals were arrested in Minneapolis in connection with anti-ICE activity.
Cultural News
- Authorities reportedly determined a Chicago cross-burning incident was a hoax.
- Discussion of Inevitable Differences by John Staddon, which examines cultural, historical, and economic explanations for wealth disparities.
Economic News
- Apple plans price increases due to rising memory and storage component costs.
- Minneapolis faces declining property values and a budget deficit.
- General Motors reportedly replaced approximately 1,000 positions with automation at a Detroit facility.
- A second nuclear reactor in Utah is nearing commercial operation.
- Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan died at age 100.
- Seattle residents are expected to face significant electricity rate increases.
International News
- Commercial shipping continues through the Strait of Hormuz despite regional tensions.
- A British zoo incident involving a child thrown into a crocodile enclosure sparked public outrage.
- Continued scrutiny surrounds the UK's handling of historical grooming gang scandals.
- A French sports commentator faced criticism after remarks about an athlete taking parental leave.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a review of U.S. military posture in Europe.
- EV sales rose modestly in Europe but declined in China and the United States.
- Colombia reportedly elected a conservative-leaning president.
- Middle Eastern oil producers are expanding pipeline infrastructure to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.
Entertainment News
- International visitors continue to express amazement at the scale of American retail and restaurant culture.
- Team USA advanced in international soccer competition.
- Commentator Candace Owens has reportedly seen a significant decline in audience size.
- Comedian Carlos Mencia was reportedly arrested on tax-related charges.
- James Burrows, known for his work on Cheers, died at age 85.
Medical News
- The commentary questions the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, citing disputed claims.
- HHS initiatives are focusing on mental health and homelessness.
- Ongoing criticism is directed at public health agencies and former officials over pandemic-era decisions.
- U.S. infant mortality rates have declined.
- Researchers reportedly announced promising advances in lupus treatment.
- Authorities uncovered a scheme involving thousands of fraudulent nursing diplomas.
Final Note
- A newly cited study suggests thawing permafrost may absorb more carbon dioxide than previously understood, contributing another perspective to ongoing climate science discussions.