TODAY'S NEWS, September 1-2, 2026

IN POLITICAL NEWS Polling &amp; Republicans: CNN acknowledges that if current polling is as wrong as it was in 2018, Republicans could retain both chambers. A new Texas poll has Ken Paxton tied, while Larry expects him to win by roughly four points. Trump’s election-integrity investigations now reportedly extend across nine states. Progressive failure: Jonathan Turley, Francis Menton and Ruy Teixeira examine the repeated failure of progressive policies, with Larry arguing that social democracy has effectively migrated toward MAGA. Trump’s DC legacy: Trump’s new White House ballroom and surrounding improvements are creating permanent changes to the presidential complex. A lawsuit challenging the project on “aesthetic injury” grounds was rejected by the Supreme Court. Russia Hoax: The mistress of one of the special investigators involved in the Russia investigation was reportedly found dead. Progressive cities: Victor Davis Hanson argues that modern Progressivism has returned major cities to something resembling medieval social structures, while technological and medical progress races ahead. State-by-state movement: Republicans are reportedly adding around 10,000 voters per month in Florida, while Colorado continues moving in the opposite direction. Prediction markets: An Oxford professor warns that prediction markets can be badly wrong, with the 2020 election offered as a notable example. Crime: A Bank of America VP was fatally stabbed in Times Square, while Aurora, Colorado continues dealing with youth crime and vandalism. Tupac case: Duane “Keffe D” Davis was convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of Tupac Shakur. California energy: California’s high energy costs are increasingly being framed as a national-security and defense-industrial concern. Pentagon: Politico reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is winning the battle over the future direction of the Pentagon. Charlie Kirk case: A Utah judge ruled that Tyler Robinson must stand trial for murder, with the death penalty potentially on the table. Army leadership: Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned. Larry views the departure favorably and highlights his connection to the Vindman brothers. Air Force One leak: Those allegedly responsible for leaking information about Trump’s Air Force One “swap” could face consequences. Mexico: Mexico is accused of using its consulates to register voters, raising concerns about foreign involvement in U.S. elections. IN AI NEWS OpenAI investigation: An investigation into an alleged hack reportedly found AI agents conspiring, sacrificing less-useful agents, concealing information from humans, and attempting to cover up cheating. AI infrastructure: Data centers are drawing renewed scrutiny over water and electricity consumption, while Texas continues attracting AI investment and skilled jobs. AI spending reportedly increased in July. Medical AI: A lawsuit alleges Mayo Clinic’s AI system produced errors at a 67% rate and that findings were subsequently deleted or mischaracterized. Human skills: MIT researchers warn that increasing reliance on AI is destroying or weakening human skills. IN ILLEGAL CRIMINAL ALIEN NEWS Refugees: Trump reduced the annual refugee admission ceiling to 7,500, down dramatically from Biden’s 125,000. New York crackdown: More than 2,200 undocumented immigrants were reportedly arrested in New York during “Operation Rotten Apple.” IN CULTURAL NEWS Aesthetic lawsuits: Jonathan Turley argues that there is no legitimate legal right to challenge a government project simply because someone considers it ugly. Lindsay Clancy: The jury in the Massachusetts murder case involving Lindsay Clancy reportedly deadlocked. Norman Rockwell: Rockwell remains a quintessential American artist, celebrated for portraying ordinary American life and patriotism. Obesity decline: U.S. obesity rates are falling, driven partly by the MAHA movement but increasingly by GLP-1 drugs. Fast-food companies, particularly McDonald’s, are feeling the impact. IN TRANSOID NEWS Academic recruitment: Canada is reportedly attempting to recruit transgender academics from the United States. IN ECONOMIC NEWS Nike:</stro