Updates in Policy and Government
- California, other states sue over Trump administration's latest cuts to HIV programson February 12, 2026
California and three other states sued the Trump administration Wednesday over its plans to slash $600 million from programs designed to prevent and track the spread of HIV, including in the LGBTQ+ community — arguing the move is based on "political animus and disagreements about unrelated topics such as federal immigration enforcement, political protest, and clean energy."
- Gov. Gavin Newsom approves $90 million for Planned Parenthoodon February 11, 2026
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Wednesday to provide $90 million to Planned Parenthood, a move intended to help offset the losses from recent federal cuts targeting abortion providers.
- Bondi clashes with Democrats over Epstein, political retribution claimson February 11, 2026
Bondi's testimony on the Epstein files was mostly punctuated by dramatic clashes with lawmakers — exchanges that happened as eight Epstein survivors attended the hearing.
- Contributor: Mexico's elections are a role model for the U.S.on February 11, 2026
The nation often has voter turnout double or triple the rate in the U.S., and it has led North America in democratic representation.
- Barabak: There's nothing phony about California elections. The same can't be said for Trump and his enablerson February 11, 2026
The state's elections are on the up and up, but you wouldn't know it from Republicans like Mike Johnson, who keeps perpetuating falsehoods. The House speaker knows better. Or should.
- Newsom heads to Munich conference to challenge Trump's vision for U.S.on February 11, 2026
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will speak about jobs, trade and climate change at a security conference in Munich, Germany.
