Today's News with Larry Schweikart
TODAY'S NEWS, May 7-8, 2026
Episode Summary
Republicans are gaining major structural advantages through court victories, expanding redistricting efforts, and large-scale voter roll cleanups, while Democrats are portrayed as politically collapsing, financially weakened, and increasingly unpopular. Conservative momentum is also building around investigations into election integrity, immigration enforcement, and alleged government fraud, while economic indicators continue pointing toward steady private-sector growth and strong markets. Internationally, pressure on Iran and tightening European immigration policies dominate the discussion, alongside skepticism toward EU competitiveness and continued fascination with UFO disclosures and institutional distrust.
Episode Notes
IN POLITICAL NEWS
- Virginia Supreme Court struck down Democratic redistricting map, preserving several GOP seats.
- Tennessee and Alabama approved new GOP-favored redistricting maps, with South Carolina advancing similar efforts.
- Republicans projected to hold 218–222 House seats before competitive races.
- Growing commentary from conservative figures argues Democrats face long-term structural decline.
- Large voter roll removals reported in Colorado, Oregon, North Carolina, and California.
- Susie Wiles hinted at future revelations tied to the 2020 election.
- DOJ investigating alleged Somali-related fraud in Minnesota.
- Missing ballots reportedly surfaced in Detroit amid renewed election-integrity scrutiny.
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott won access to CAIR donor records in an ongoing legal fight.
- Disney cruise employees arrested in a child exploitation sting.
- Polling reportedly shows many voters blaming mainstream media for the latest Trump assassination attempt.
- Wealthy investors and business leaders continue expanding operations outside New York City.
- Government-released UFO materials reportedly included unusual aerial footage and astronaut observations.
IN EPSTEIN FILES NEWS
- A document described as Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged suicide note surfaced publicly.
IN ILLEGAL CRIMINAL ALIEN NEWS
- DOJ investigating Virginia officials and counties accused of shielding undocumented immigrants from deportation.
- California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter acknowledged immigration as a key driver of state population growth.
- Los Angeles moving toward restrictions on traffic stops to reduce immigration-related enforcement concerns.
IN CULTURAL NEWS
- “Polycrisis” increasingly used to describe overlapping social and economic anxieties affecting birth rates and public morale.
- Palmer Luckey publicly endorsed homeschooling.
IN ECONOMIC NEWS
- Data center expansion compared to the early shale-energy boom.
- Eli Lilly and Company announced another $4.5 billion investment in Indiana manufacturing.
- Court of International Trade struck down Trump’s blanket tariff policy, with appeals expected.
- Used EV prices continue rising alongside broader vehicle costs.
- Jobless claims came in lower than expected, with reported gains concentrated in the private sector.
- Federal workforce reductions under Trump administration reportedly surpassed 345,000 jobs.
- Stock market reached another all-time high.
- New home sales and data center construction spending increased.
IN INTERNATIONAL NEWS
- Iranian official warned refinery infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable amid economic pressure.
- Iranian forces reportedly struck a Chinese cargo ship during tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
- European Union tightening immigration controls amid deportation challenges.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer facing mounting political pressure after election setbacks.
- European aerospace sector nearing launch of a reusable space vehicle.
- Reports suggest a cockpit altercation may have contributed to the 2022 China Eastern Airlines Flight 5735 crash disaster.
IN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
- Ted Turner remembered for helping revive large-scale historical and war dramas.
- Joni Lamb died at age 65.
AND FINALLY...
- Alcohol consumption reportedly fell to its lowest level in 85 years.