Governor Jerry Brown has proposed tough budget cuts in an effort to close California's $15.7 billion deficit, including to health and human services. Ongoing talks this week between Democratic leaders and Gov. Brown have continued as they seek consensus before the retooled budget goes for a floor vote this Friday.

Not one to be left out of the conversation, California's powerful union interests have organized mass protests against Gov. Brown's proposed cuts. Here's a look at scenes on the ground:

Thinking of having a child? Better have some serious cash.

The Department of Agriculture released their annual "Expenditures on Children by Families" on Thursday, detailing the cost of raising a child through age 17.

Both Mitt Romney and President Obama are giving campaign speeches in Ohio today. President Obama's speech has been touted as a major statement on the economy.

UPDATE:

David Axelrod, President Obama's campaign advisor, will now be taking questions submitted to @BarackObama with the hashtag #Obama2012

--

Allan Hoffenblum, from Fox and Hounds, wrote a great piece on the effect of the Top-Two Primary. While much of his analysis is tongue-in-cheek, the article does a serious job of highlighting why the California Open Primary has a big effect on politics and election game that is played by those in power.