Today's News with Larry Schweikart

TODAY'S NEWS, June 27-29, 2026

Episode Summary

The Trump administration is portrayed as aggressively expanding efforts to combat government fraud, strengthen immigration enforcement, boost domestic energy production, and accelerate AI infrastructure while the Democratic Party is depicted as becoming increasingly divided by the rise of its socialist wing. Republican political momentum is presented as growing through endorsements, polling, and election outcomes, alongside continued investigations into healthcare fraud, election integrity, and child exploitation. The U.S. economy is described as benefiting from tariffs, renewed drilling, and investor confidence, while international coverage focuses on European migration and energy challenges, China's economic struggles, Middle East developments, and broader geopolitical shifts. The update also highlights AI's growing economic impact, entertainment industry trends, audiobook market growth, and ongoing criticism of COVID-19 vaccines and public health institutions.

Episode Notes

Political

• Claims a $10B Obamacare fraud scheme was uncovered, with over 3 million removed from enrollment.
• Additional fraud cases include COVID tax fraud, "Feed Our Future," and New Jersey budget investigations.
• Suggests Democratic fundraising has shifted after USAID and other funding crackdowns.
• Notes continued discussion surrounding the 2020 election and voting machine allegations.
• FBI reportedly rescued over 7,000 children and arrested over 1,700 alleged predators.
• Highlights Democratic divisions between establishment figures and socialist organizers.
• Mentions James Carville, Van Jones, David Paterson, and other Democrats criticizing their party's direction.
• Trump-endorsed Julia Letlow won her primary.
• Poll cited showing 76% of Black voters support voter ID.
• Federal drug enforcement operation reportedly seized over 300 metric tons of cocaine.
• Reports Supreme Court ruling allowing late-arriving ballots if postmarked by Election Day.
• Mentions investigation into an alleged animal abuse case at a California shelter.

AI

• Claims China is increasingly concerned about U.S. AI leadership.
• Notes AI companies are hiring philosophers and ethics experts.
• GE Vernova turbines are highlighted as powering AI data centers.
• Argues AI represents the next major economic transformation.

Immigration

• Texas congressman claims many Temporary Protected Status recipients receive welfare.
• European Parliament reportedly backed stronger deportation policies.
• Criticizes prior U.S. handling of migrant children.

Culture

• Religious Liberty Commission recommends revisiting restrictions on political endorsements by clergy.
• Notes a TikTok creator converting to Christianity.
• Mentions local controversies involving patriotic displays and school officials.

Gender Issues

• FTC lawsuit targets medical advertising related to gender transition treatments.

Economy

• Reports ongoing tariff negotiations with Europe.
• Notes modest increase in U.S. drilling activity.
• Claims investors continue favoring U.S. markets over Europe.

International

• States oceans produce roughly half of Earth's oxygen.
• Covers murder of a French teenager and ongoing migration issues across Europe.
• Reports a small aircraft striking a building in Beijing.
• Notes continued European emigration and immigration debates.
• Discusses Hamas, Middle East tensions, and Baghdad anti-corruption actions.
• Highlights Europe's struggles with heat, air conditioning, and electricity infrastructure.
• Mentions China's economic slowdown and rising AC manufacturing.

Entertainment

• Praises Citizen Vigilante while criticizing Supergirl's box office performance.
• Reports Toy Story 5 performing strongly and Disclosure Day underperforming.
• Notes declining arena attendance for many legacy music acts.
• Audiobook sales continue rising while physical book sales decline.

Medical

• Cites New Zealand data alleging higher all-cause mortality following COVID-19 vaccination and criticizes government response.

Miscellaneous

• Ends with a lighthearted discussion of New Mexico chile varieties and a preference for very hot red chiles.