Political articles/news from local authors
In a continuation of troubling public statements and policy maneuvers, Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld has launched a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community. Under the guise of “neutrality” and “good governance,” Bredefeld is seeking to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, target vital public health outreach, and restrict visibility of LGBTQ+ people in […]
Equality California released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision proposal for the 2025–2026 state budget, which would have detrimental impacts on already underserved communities: “We are deeply concerned by the Governor’s revised budget proposal, which would roll back critical support for some of California’s most
A recent 19th News/SurveyMonkey poll conducted April 11-21 found that nearly half of Americans (49%) disapprove of politicians focusing on transgender issues, up from 43% before the November election. This sentiment is shared by a majority of Republicans (57%). The poll also indicates that Democrats and Independent voters are less likely than before the election
House and Senate Democrats reintroduced the Equality Act, landmark legislation aimed at amending the 1964 Civil Rights Act to explicitly add federal anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. This marks the sixth time the bill has been introduced since 2015, underscoring the ongoing push by Democrats to secure these rights at the federal level. Democrats held
Former Republican New York U.S. Representative George Santos was sentenced to 87 months, over 7 years, in federal prison on Friday, April 25, 2025. U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert delivered the sentence in Central Islip, New York, marking a significant legal conclusion for the figure known for his numerous fabrications and fraudulent activities during and
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a significant memo this week targeting access to transgender healthcare for minors across the United States. The directive signals the Justice Department’s intent to increase scrutiny on medical professionals, hospitals, clinics, and even drug manufacturers and distributors involved in providing or facilitating such care. Bondi stated the department would leverage
In a significant move amidst a contentious national landscape, California lawmakers have reaffirmed the state’s commitment to inclusivity by rejecting two bills aimed at restricting the participation of transgender youth in school sports. On Tuesday, April 1st, following hours of impassioned testimony, the state Assembly’s Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism voted down the
Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent pronouncements on transgender athletes, aired on his new podcast “This Is Gavin Newsom,” have thrust him into a contentious national debate, revealing a stark departure from his previously staunch advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. In a conversation with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, Newsom conceded that the participation of transgender athletes in girls’
The Trump administration’s efforts to politicize the Department of Education escalated on Thursday with the unveiling of what critics are calling a “tip line” — an online portal encouraging students, parents, and school staff to report what it describes as “unlawful discriminatory practices” in educational institutions. According to the Department of Education (DOE), the submissions
President Donald Trump clashed with Maine Governor Janet Mills at a White House meeting Friday over his threat to cut federal funding to the state for allowing transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports. “We’ll see you in court,” Mills told Trump, who responded, “Good, I look forward to that. And enjoy your life after
