Today's News with Larry Schweikart

TODAY'S NEWS, October 6-7, 2026

Episode Summary

Early voting trends and congressional race projections suggest Republicans may be inching toward a House majority, while questions over DOJ conduct, border security, criminal investigations, and political strategy remain prominent. The roundup also examines immigration and assimilation debates, California regulations, stubborn fuel prices, labor and consumer issues, and economic weakness in China. International developments include intensifying unrest in France, espionage allegations in Germany, security concerns involving Iran, and financial trouble in the solar industry. Entertainment headlines feature Paramount’s deal with Warner Bros., celebrity news, and strong video-game adaptations, while medical coverage raises questions about ADHD and dementia research. Finally, the S.S. United States is nearing its planned transformation into an artificial reef.

Episode Notes

IN POLITICAL NEWS

• 1) Early absentee voting in Wisconsin is reportedly down 18%, especially in major Democratic cities. The source cites Republican-favorable projections in Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Arizona, suggesting Republicans could be approaching the 218 seats needed for a House majority. It also accuses Apple News of suppressing stories about Democratic fundraising difficulties.
• 2) Trump reportedly canceled a campaign event intended to reach Black voters and has been absent from public view for more than 11 days, according to the source.
• 3) The source agrees with Shipwreckedcrew’s argument that Gavin Newsom wants Kamala Harris out of the presidential race early, potentially leaving her as the fallback candidate.
• 4) Several Justice Department officials reportedly opposed Merrick Garland’s “anti-MAGA task force” but went along with it.
• 5) Border protection has reportedly processed more than one billion people using facial recognition.
• 6) Trump approved a firing-squad execution for Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 people and wounded dozens in 2009. Separately, Christa Pike has reportedly regained consciousness after a botched execution, while a landmark case establishes that men can be victims of sexual harassment.
• 7) Authorities arrested multiple suspects in the ShinyHunters hacking case involving the FBI. Separately, hackers who breached Arizona’s court system reportedly obtained personal information belonging to more than one million people.

IN ILLEGAL CRIMINAL ALIEN NEWS

- 8) The DOJ plans to strip citizenship from 40 people accused of various crimes. The source also points to a California couple allegedly operating a surrogacy business under the guise of farming.

IN CULTURAL NEWS

• 9) Economic historian Joel Mokyr’s new book, The Grim Old Days, challenges romanticized views of the past by examining how difficult historical life actually was.
• 10) Christopher Rufo examines debate over Indian immigration. The source argues that immigration should involve assimilation, protections against foreign labor undercutting American workers, and limits on the concentration of unassimilated immigrant communities. It also discusses religious accommodations, mosques, and opposition to Sharia law.
• 11) The author recommends A Patriot’s History of the United States, 15th Anniversary Edition, and Allan Nevins’s eight-volume historical series for their depth of research and characterization.

IN ECONOMIC NEWS

• 12) California is criticized for imposing regulations on seats for 16-year-olds and banning quartz-countertop production. The source says businesses in North Carolina and Arkansas stand to benefit from displaced orders.
• 13) Fuel prices remain high despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with the source attributing much of the problem to depleted reserves.
• 14) The United Auto Workers reportedly has more members attending college than working at General Motors.
• 15) Starbucks faces renewed criticism over the sugar content of its drinks, with a protein beverage reportedly containing more sugar than a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

IN INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• 16) Riots in France have intensified, and authorities are reportedly increasing citizenship-removal orders for Islamic terrorists. Around 500 schools were reportedly closed amid the unrest.
• 17) Germany’s former top intelligence official was arrested on treason and espionage charges.
• 18) China’s construction output, fixed-asset investment, and property investment are reportedly weakening, with property investment down 19%. The source also cites concerns about AI-assisted hacking of foreign banking systems, including in South Korea.
• 19) A suspected Muslim terrorist linked to FlyDubai allegedly planned to hijack a flight to Israel and crash it into Tel Aviv airport. United Airlines has also reportedly removed a pilot who praised Hamas attackers from service.
• 20) The withdrawal of U.S. B-1 bombers from Britain reportedly followed intelligence about a potential Iranian drone attack. Separately, a UK Home Secretary claimed that almost all female migrants are raped before reaching Britain.
• 21) Russian authorities are facing concerns after an employee died at a plague research facility, while denying that the disease escaped.
• 22) Portugal’s largest solar company, owned by British interests, has filed for insolvency, raising questions about the profitability of the solar industry.

IN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

• 23) Paramount has completed its deal with Warner Bros.
• 24) Oscar-winning actress Eva Marie Saint, known for On the Waterfront, has died at 102.
• 25) Miley Cyrus’s latest album reportedly suffered the largest one-week collapse in Billboard chart history, dropping 157 positions.
• 26) The Resident Evil film adaptation has reportedly earned nearly $250 million against a $75 million budget, bringing it close to profitability.

IN MEDICAL NEWS

- 27) A study reportedly found that people with ADHD are three times more likely to develop dementia. The source questions the reliability of ADHD diagnoses and uses dismissive language about the condition.

AND FINALLY . . .

- 28) The S.S. United States is nearing its planned sinking off Florida to become the world’s largest artificial reef. The source jokes that the project could eventually be eclipsed by the number of Iranian ships sunk during the conflict.