Several autocratic regimes the United States has tense relations with — including China, Turkey, North Korea and Russia — have directed their state-controlled outlets not to criticize President Donald Trump by name, POLITICO reports. These outlets instead find scapegoats other than Trump, including his advisers, the “Deep State" and former President Barack Obama, or they simply complain about U.S. policy in the abstract. That strategy represents an understanding that one bad headline on the president’s desk could challenge his ego and have real policy implications. [POLITICO]
-> A panel of lawmakers met for five hours on Monday to discuss Proposition 2 and the medical marijuana compromise bill, which House Speaker Greg Hughes said will not nullify the ballot initiative.