Today's News with Larry Schweikart

TODAY'S NEWS, May 26-27, 2026

Episode Summary

The political landscape is increasingly being framed as a decisive MAGA consolidation moment, with major establishment Republicans losing primaries, Democratic fundraising and messaging struggles continuing, and Trump-backed candidates dramatically outperforming expectations in key races. Immigration enforcement, AI disruption, cultural polarization, and energy/resource battles remain dominant themes, while internationally the focus stays on Iran, China, rare earth alliances, and growing instability across Western cities. Underneath it all runs a broader narrative of institutional distrust, technological upheaval, and political realignment heading into the next election cycle. ⚡

Episode Notes

Political News

• Texas AG Ken Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn in a massive GOP primary upset, while Rep. Chip Roy also lost decisively.
• Several high-profile incumbents and establishment Republicans are exiting politics, accelerating a MAGA-aligned Senate restructuring.
• Republicans are building a massive midterm fundraising advantage, while Democrats reportedly struggle with national infrastructure and donor coordination.
• Latino voting trends in Texas counties were highlighted as encouraging signs for Republicans.
• Democratic internal fractures reportedly continue following additional progressive election losses in Illinois.
• Trump endorsement record was cited as reaching 41-0.
• Spencer Pratt is reportedly running a heavily social-media-driven mayoral campaign in Los Angeles focused on homelessness and urban decline.
• Trump voiced interest in expanding the Abraham Accords to include Iran and Gulf states.
• Commentary criticized modern impeachment politics despite historically low conviction rates.
• Federal authorities reportedly foiled an assassination attempt targeting Ivanka Trump.
• DOJ is moving to dismiss remaining “seditious conspiracy” charges against some Oath Keepers members.
• Former AG Pam Bondi revealed a thyroid cancer diagnosis.
• Seattle continues facing controversy over anti-homeless barriers and urban crime policies.
• Trump reportedly received a strong health evaluation during a recent medical checkup.
• Michael Wolff lost a lawsuit involving Melania Trump, potentially opening the door to major defamation litigation.
• New allegations surfaced claiming Democratic officials planned broader unrest surrounding January 6 events.

AI News

• Foreign-backed activism may be influencing resistance to U.S. data center expansion.
• Energy analysts argue air conditioning demand exceeds current data center energy pressures.
• Agricultural operations and golf courses reportedly consume more water than data centers in some regions.
• Joi AI announced a controversial program paying users monthly for explicit engagement.
• ClickUp reportedly replaced thousands of workers with AI agents, though AI customer support quality remains heavily criticized.

Illegal Criminal Alien News

• Biden-era DHS parole policies reportedly released large numbers of undocumented migrants into the U.S.
• California faced criticism for programs allegedly benefiting undocumented residents through solar incentives.
• The administration is reportedly considering restrictions on international flights tied to sanctuary-city airports.
• DHS guidance may allow increased asylum fraud enforcement against activist attorneys.

Cultural News

• Christian and classical academies have reportedly expanded rapidly over the past 16 years.
• States are increasing legal protections against disruptions of religious services.
• Commentary linked declining birth rates to excessive digital scrolling and social media habits.
• Several recent criminal cases involving wealthy or high-profile families drew comparisons to earlier infamous family murder cases.
• New York enacted policies requiring repeat reckless drivers to install speed-limiting technology in vehicles.

Economic News

• Rising sulfur costs may increase EV battery prices despite recent declines.
• Cognizant plans major global layoffs, particularly impacting India.

International News

• Canadian authorities arrested multiple suspects tied to extortion and contract shootings near Toronto.
• Israel reportedly eliminated Hamas’s newest leader in Gaza.
• The U.S., India, Australia, and Japan strengthened cooperation on rare earth mineral supply chains.

Entertainment News

• Mortal Kombat II received praise for action and entertainment value but criticism for overly dark visuals.
• Karl Urban’s performance, updated franchise characters, and “fatalities” were highlighted positively.
• Commentary noted the decline of traditional martial arts film stars, with Keanu Reeves and Jason Statham cited among the few remaining major action figures.
• Equalizer 4 anticipation was mentioned alongside aging action stars.

Medical News

• A new study reportedly claimed COVID-19 vaccines increased cancer risk, though the conclusions remain highly controversial and disputed within mainstream medicine.

And Finally…

• An Australian drone light show collapsed into chaos after roughly 90 drones fell directly into the water.