Today's News with Larry Schweikart

TODAY'S NEWS, May 12-13, 2026

Episode Summary

The latest roundup portrays Republicans as continuing to gain structural and electoral momentum through redistricting wins, court rulings, and party defections, while Democrats are described as fragmented and running out of strategic options before the midterms. The commentary also focuses on energy policy, immigration enforcement, inflation concerns, AI infrastructure battles, and cultural flashpoints involving religion, education, and gender politics. Internationally, the tone emphasizes instability in Europe and the Middle East alongside renewed nationalism and economic restructuring abroad.

Episode Notes

Political News

• President Trump had the red carpet rolled out in Beijing.
• Court rulings in Alabama and Mississippi cleared the way for additional Republican-leaning congressional districts.
• Virginia Democrats criticized after failed redistricting strategy and discussions about restructuring the state supreme court.
• Missouri Supreme Court upheld the state’s Republican-favored redistricting plan.
• Seth Keshel argued polling gaps suggest Democrats may be weaker nationally than some surveys indicate.
• Nebraska Secretary of State lost a primary to a Trump-endorsed challenger.
• Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice reportedly left the Democratic Party over concerns about antisemitism.
• Arcadia, California’s mayor resigned amid allegations involving ties to Chinese influence operations.
• Tennessee House removed Democratic lawmakers from committees following legislative protests and disruptions.
• Commentary highlighted the number of assassination threats and attempts involving Trump.
• Tulsi Gabbard reportedly investigating Ukrainian biolab claims.
• U.S. government released 53 million barrels of oil as part of efforts to stabilize prices.
• Treasury Department launched “Economic Fury” sanctions targeting entities linked to Iran.
• Polling suggested political vulnerability for Senator Thomas Massie amid controversy.
• California death row inmates reportedly granted expanded access to media content under state policy changes.

AI News

• Energy analyst David Blackmon warned AI data centers face growing backlash over land and infrastructure demands.
• Georgia utility company reportedly considering eminent domain actions tied to AI-related expansion.
• Anthropic reportedly blocked a Chinese infiltration attempt.

Illegal Immigration News

• Somali grocery store owner charged in a $1.1 million SNAP fraud case.

Cultural News

• Muslim-only waterpark event in Texas sparked backlash and political scrutiny over public access policies.
• Pastor Mark Driscoll criticized over comments involving the Virgin Mary and abortion.
• Viral video from Philadelphia schools reignited concerns about literacy and education standards.

Transgender Issues

• Vatican report reportedly adopted a more accepting stance toward homosexuality.
• Virginia school district faced another controversy involving a transgender-identifying student accused of misconduct in school bathrooms.

Economic News

• Labor force participation among men highlighted as continuing to decline.
• U.S. credit card balances reportedly increasing.
• DOJ finalized a $30 million settlement involving PayPal.
• Producer price inflation rose again, raising renewed inflation concerns.
• Cloudflare reportedly laid off more than 1,100 employees.

International News

• U.S. Department of Energy removed enriched uranium from Venezuela.
• Oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz expected to take weeks to normalize.
• Europe facing potential jet fuel shortages that could impact tourism.
• Newly discussed CIA-related claims revived theories about hidden chambers beneath the Great Sphinx of Giza.
• Sweden highlighted for expanding privatization in healthcare and education.

Entertainment News

• Eric Clapton ended a concert early after being struck by an object thrown from the audience.

Medical News

• Marty Makary departed as FDA chief, drawing mixed reactions regarding drug review policies.

And Finally...

• The fictional KITT received a real speeding ticket in Brooklyn despite reportedly being displayed inside an Illinois museum.