Editor's Note: This editorial was originally published in the U-T San Diego

It's non-political, although @Sweden's Twitter does have some views on Julian Assange this week.

Read more about the @Sweden social media experiment.

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.

Your Independent News Tips of the day.

Politico – Jamie Dimon Fields Softballs