“Heated Rivalry”, “Bridgerton” and 8 More Shows You Might Have to Watch Behind Closed Doors

Sabrina Lantos/Crave/HBO Max; Netflix; Josh Stringer/Hulu

These shows are turning up the heat, but they might need you to turn down your volume.

It's the dead of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, but you'd never know it to see all the windows fogging up as people stream these heartwarming yet raunchy romances. Whether it's the riveting rivalry-turned-relationship between Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov inHeated Rivalryor the toxic situation you can't look away from inTell Me Lies,these series will hook you and never let go.

PEOPLE staffers shared their favorite steamy romantic comedy and drama shows, and for your easy browsing, rated them based on spiciness, from "okay to watch with your parents" to "maybe don't put it on in your family living room."

'Heated Rivalry'

Courtesy Bell Media

Will you come to my cottage? Ever since the first season ofBridgerton, it feels like there hasn't been a show that's reached the same level of hushed-buzziness asHeated Rivalry.The show proves why enemies-to-lovers might be the steamiest trope, with two super star hockey players, Canada's Shane Hollander and Russia's Ilya Rozanov, going face-to-face on and off the ice.

But it's more than just an exploration of each other. The show grapples with what it means to be closeted gay athletes in a historically highly masculine sport, and why that tension leads to some of the best musical cues and high-"skates" drama.

Viewer beware: When your sports-loving family asks you if you've heard about that "new hockey show" on HBO, you have to be prepared to feign ignorance. There isn't enough actual hockey for plausible deniability if anyone walks past the screen. Listen: The ice may be cold, but the show is hot, hot, hot.—Meredith Wilshere,Writer-Reporter

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

'Bridgerton'

Dear Gentle Reader … I do believe that there's one fact that every member of the virtual ton can agree on: All of the Bridgerton siblings are experts in the act ofyearning.The popular Netflix series follows Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) and her eight children as they navigate society duringEngland's Regency era. Starring an ensemble cast that includes PEOPLE's 2025 Sexiest Man AliveJonathan Bailey,Phoebe Dynevor,Luke Newton,Nicola Coughlan,Luke Thompsonand more, each season spotlights a different Bridgerton sibling's journey to finding true love.With some of the storylines structured around well-known fairy tales or popular romance tropes, there's no shortage of passionate moments and declarations of love within the series that are certain to fill anyone's stomach with butterflies. But, let's be completely honest: AvidBridgertonwatchers aren't simply there for the love, especially with all the of the intense moments of passion displayed on-screen. The period drama offers the perfect mix of romance and spice, and trust me, every episode will leave you wanting more.—Kayla Grant,Writer-Reporter

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

'The Hunting Wives'

Steve Dietl/Netflix

While the main plot revolves around a murder mystery (R.I.P. Abby, you seemed nice, albeit kind of dim), as many others have said, that's not why we're here. We're here for the sex. There's so much of it between as many duos (and trios!) and scenes likethatone with Callie and her husband will have you wondering if you really just saw what you think you saw (you did).

The sex is so graphic and raunchy that I had to laugh when I readan interview with Akermanwhere she said that the show is "reminiscent ofDynastyorDallas," two soapy '80s drama about rich people behaving badly. Even the most scandalous moments on those shows — which my parents would occasionally let me watch with them because that's how parents were in the '80s — would be too tame for the opening credits ofThe Hunting Wives.

Trust me, the last thing you want is your kids to wander into the room while you're watching Margot and Sophie "hang out" and ask why the ladies on the television are wrestling in bed without any clothes on.—Andrea Lavinthal,Executive Director of Special Integrated Projects

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

'Euphoria'

Courtesy of HBO

If you are looking for bold and oftentimes shocking depictions of sex, drugs and nudity,Euphoriais the show to watch. The HBO drama revolves aroundZendaya's Rue Bennett as she grapples with being a recovering addict in the midst of her life, which I can only describe as chaotic.Euphoriapushes the boundaries of a typical high school drama. The popular series, which sees Zendaya acting alongside an all-star cast that includesJacob Elordi,Sydney SweeneyandHunter Schafer, portrays the dark, unfiltered reality of toxic relationships, drug abuse and emotional trauma. While there are remnants of love and hope intertwined with the show, it tends to get overshadowed by all of the raw, shocking and intense moments in Rue and her friends' lives.—K.G.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️.5

'Forever'

Elizabeth Morris/Netflix

Mara Brock Akil'sForeverbrings viewers back to one of their earliest and sweetest memories: their first love. FollowingLovie Simone's Keisha Clark andMichael Cooper Jr.'s Justin Edwards, the series spotlights all of the twists and turns typically associated with the growing pains of young love and being a teenager.The show, based on Judy Blume's popularyoung adult novel, is sure to make you reminisce on your own experiences, transporting you back to the sweeping, all-consuming feeling of a first love. Simone and Cooper Jr.'s chemistry radiates through the screen, highlighting all of the vulnerability, passion and heightened emotions laced within each moment. Every episode is a breath of fresh air that will have you kicking your feet up in the air and reminiscing about that special time in your life.—K.G.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

'The Summer I Turned Pretty'

Amazon Prime

Although it may rank low on the spice scale,The Summer I Turned Prettyhas enough swoonworthy romance to keep you constantly kicking your feet and giggling. The series centers the complex love triangle betweenLola Tung's Isabel "Belly" Conklin and the Fisher brothers (Christopher Brineyas Conrad andGavin Casalegnoas Jeremiah) as they navigate the ups and downs of life, trauma and, of course, love.The young adult series is filled with everyone's favorite thing in romance: endless amounts of yearning! Between the longing looks to Belly from both Fisher brothers to the back-and-forth drama surrounding their love stories, the show highlighted all of the glorious ebbs and flows of teenage love. After three seasons, the seemingly endless summers based in the fictional town of Cousins came to a temporary end withthe series finale.A moment that was supposed to mark the end of an era for devoted fans became a new beginning as it was announced a few hours after the finale that the saga will return for a film with Tung and Briney reprising their roles. If the upcoming film is anything like the series, then we are certainly in for a wild ride filled with passionate moments.—K.G.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

'I Love LA'

From the first scene,I Love LAmakes it clear that sex plays an important role in its story.

For a show set in Los Angeles, a city where transplants are often infamous for their superficiality,Rachel Sennott'sI Love LAuses sexual dynamics between its characters in a rather thought-provoking way. When Maia (Sennott) sleeps with her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hutcherson), it's clear that there's a disconnect in chemistry between the two — compared to when she fantasizes about her former boss Ben (Colin Woodell). Meanwhile, Jordan Firstman's Charlie attempts to overcome his aversion to emotional intimacy in order to declare his love for a friend with benefits.

Although it's not the sexiest show on the streaming service, the HBO series — renewed for season 2 — will surprise you with its choices, connect you to its eclectic cast and certainly make you laugh.—Brendan Le,Writer-Reporter

Spice Level: 🌶️.5

'Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire'

Larry Horricks/AMC

Is there truly anything better than watching two people continuously find their way back to each other for eternity? InAnne Rice's Interview with the Vampire,Jacob Anderson's Louis de Pointe du Lac sits down with journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) to tell the epic story of his immortal life. Etched into every part, from the moments before he became a vampire to nearly two centuries later, is the dominating presence of his creator-turned-lover Lestat de Lioncourt, portrayed by Sam Reid.Despite their love for each other being mostly toxic and complicated, their bond and deep connection is everlasting and passionate. No matter where they are, how long they've been apart or how much they've hurt each other, they always seem to find a way back into each other's arms. The more Louis tells his story, the more viewers are pulled deeper into their messy, chaotic love, waiting with bated breath to discover what happens next.—K.G.

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

'Tell Me Lies'

It makes sense thathalf the main cast began dating in real lifeafter season 1, becauseTell Me Liesis undeniably steamy. I wasn't surprised to learn that there were designated "sex days" on set — in some episodes, you quite literally watch the lead move from one explicit sex scene straight into another.Following a group of messy, toxic college students in the mid-2000s over the span of several years, the show is fueled by bad decisions, lies, emotional chaos anda lotof sex. It's entertaining — if you can stomach the cheating — but don't expect a sweet, romantic candle-lit dinner orBridgerton-esque love declaration to go along with it. The intimacy is often dark, uncomfortable and hard to watch (even the lead has described it as "tragic"). Maybe watch it with your college friends if you're brave, but under no circumstances is this a family TV night pick.—Jordana Comiter,Associate Editor

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

'The Hitwoman'

AnythingReelShortmakes starring Seth Edeen, I'm pretty much game for, and this series is no different. It's very much like all their other content — short, dramatic andverysteamy — but this version ups the ante because we have a case of ex-lovers reuniting and the stakes are so high. Nicole Mattox stars as Madeline Archer, a hitwoman who's on a mission to find her lost sister. She's then contracted to kill Hayden Kent and that presents a conundrum because he's not only the District Attorney, but also her ex!—Stephanie Sengwe,Features Editor

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Read the original article onPeople

byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

“Heated Rivalry”, “Bridgerton” and 8 More Shows You Might Have to Watch Behind Closed Doors

Sabrina Lantos/Crave/HBO Max; Netflix; Josh Stringer/Hulu These shows are turning up the heat, but they might need you to turn down your ...

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Noel Clarke arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, reports say

Actor Noel Clarke has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, exposure and sexual assault by touching, according to reports.

The Doctor Who and Kidulthood star was questioned by detectives on Tuesday and bailed pending further inquiries.

The Metropolitan Police said the arrest related to a sexual offence which is alleged to have taken place in 2007 in London against a woman in her 20s.

According to the Sun newspaper, Clarke, 50, arrived at Islington police station in north London shortly after midday by appointment, accompanied by his wife and lawyer.

BBC News has approached Clarke's representatives for a response.

The Sun said the actor was arrested and questioned by detectives from the Met's Central Specialist Crime Command.

A Met spokesperson said: "A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, exposure and sexual assault by touching on Tuesday, 10 February. He was interviewed by detectives.

"This arrest relates to a sexual offence, which is alleged to have taken place in 2007 in London against a woman in her 20s.

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"The man was also interviewed in relation to a voyeurism allegation, for which he was previously arrested in September 2025. This relates to an offence allegedly committed in 2013 at an address in London against a woman in her 20s.

"The man was bailed pending further enquiries and the Met's investigation continues."

Career collapse

Clarke found fame playing Mickey Smith in Doctor Who between 2005 and 2010, and went on to become a successful actor, writer, producer and director.

But his screen career collapsed in 2021 after the Guardian published accounts from several women who had worked with him, alleging sexual misconduct, which he denied.

In August, Clarke lost his libel case against the Guardian, after he sued the newspaper's publisher.

In September, a High Court judge ruled that Clarke must pay at least £3m of the Guardian publisher's legal costs.

Clarke, who represented himself at the hearing, told the court he thought the Guardian's legal costs were excessive and should be reduced.

But he is likely to have to pay even more in total after the Guardian told the court that a conservative estimate of its total costs was £6m.

byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

Noel Clarke arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, reports say

Actor Noel Clarke has been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, exposure and sexual assault by touching, according t...

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John Travolta's 15-Year-Old Son Is Already Taller Than Him in "Belated Christmas Card" Reveal

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The Gist

• John Travolta uploaded a rare photo of himself with his children, Benjamin and Ella.

• "My beautiful babies in my belated Christmas card 2025. Hope all is going well," the actor captioned a new Instagram post shared this week.

• Travolta shared his son and daughter with his late wife, Kelly Preston.
  

John Travolta's son clearly got the tall gene from his dad. This week, the actor uploaded a "belated Christmas card" on Instagram,sharinga rare photo of himself with his two children, 15-year-old Benjamin and25-year-old Ella.

In the new portrait, Benjamin appears slightly taller than his dad, who wraps his arms around his two children and leans his head on his son's shoulder.

View this post on Instagram

"My beautiful babies in my belated Christmas card 2025. Hope all is going well," Travolta wrote in the caption.

"❤️❤️❤️," Ella replied in the comments.

Travolta shared his son and daughter with his late wife, Kelly Preston. They also had an older son named Jett, who died at the age of 16 in 2009. Preston passed away after a battle with breast cancer in 2020.

Ella has previously referred to herself as her dad's "biggest fan."

"I say he's my biggest fan, and I'm his biggest fan," she toldParadein 2023. "So there's a lot of support going on, which is—it's amazing. I learned so much from him."

Aissaoui Nacer / SplashNews.com

Ella, who has followed in her parents' footsteps as an actor and singer, lost her mother at just 20 years old.

"I grew up very much so in the public eye," she later explained toPeoplewhile promoting her single "Little Bird," which served as an ode to her late mother. "And with that comes a lot of attention, especially when you lose someone."

"She is her own person," Travolta once toldPeopleof his only daughter. "She is gracious, generous, poised, graceful, and gorgeous. I don't know how she came to be, and I don't take any credit other than just adoring her. And maybe that's a valid contribution."

Getty Images

Read the original article onInStyle

byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

John Travolta's 15-Year-Old Son Is Already Taller Than Him in "Belated Christmas Card" Reveal

Getty Images The Gist John Travolta uploaded a rare photo of himself with his children, Benjamin and Ella. "My beautiful babies in ...

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Irishman with American wife lands in ICE detention. He immigrated in 2009.

EL PASO, Texas – An Irishman married to a U.S. citizen has been held in an immigration detention camp for five months, despite a pending green card application, according to court records.

Seamus Culleton's detention is part of a pattern in the Trump administration's increasingly tough enforcement effort, which has swept up not only people who crossed the border illegally but also thosewho overstayed their visaor legal entrance documents.

Culleton is being held inCamp East Montana, a detention facility erected on the Fort Bliss Army base with a projected capacity of 5,000 people.

After the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal immigration agents (ICE), communities across the U.S. are protesting against Trump's surge of immigration enforcement actions.

Pictured here, Demonstrators gather for a protest calling for the removal of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 30, 2026 in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Protests were held across the United States in response to ICE enforcement activity.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Hundreds of people gather to protest ICE at the corner of Palafox and Garden Streets in downtown Pensacola, Florida, on Jan. 30, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

'ICE Out' protests spark marches, confrontations across US

After the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal immigration agents (ICE), communities across the U.S. areprotestingagainst Trump's surge of immigration enforcement actions.Pictured here, Demonstrators gather for a protest calling for the removal of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 30, 2026 in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Protests were held across the United States in response to ICE enforcement activity.

While in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Culleton has missed at least two scheduled interviews with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to confirm his green card, his attorney, Ogor Okoye, told USA TODAY.

USCIS and ICE are sister agencies under the Department of Homeland Security.

"ICE, you have the power to allow him to attend the interview," Okoye said. "The interview that will confirm the status you say he doesn't have."

In an emailed response to questions, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Culleton "received full due process" and has been ordered removed by a judge.

"A pending green card application and work authorization does not give someone legal status to be in our country," she said.

Irish citizens don't require a visa to travel to the United States. Culleton, who arrived in 2009, stayed beyond the 90 days allowed and has lived here for 15 years, his attorney said. He started a plastering business and met his wife, Tiffany Smyth; they married in 2025.

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Anyone who comes to the United States on the Visa Waiver Program, as Culleton did, legally gives up their right to contest their removal if they violate the terms of the agreement.

Buta longstanding policy, dating to 2013, made an exception for the "immediate relatives" of a U.S. citizen. As long as applicants don't have a deportation order or a criminal record, they can apply for an immigration benefit, like legal permanent residency.

Culleton applied. He has no criminal record, his attorney says, not even a traffic ticket. In court documents, Culleton refutes the government's claim that he has received a final order of removal. He said he's never received or signed the order.

Immigration authorities picked up Culleton in September after running his license plate in a Home Depot parking lot in Massachusetts, court records show. He was briefly held in New York, then moved to the Texas facility.

The Trump administration has been flying detainees from Democrat-friendly jurisdictions such as Massachusetts to ICE detention centers that fall within the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals – including Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi – where it is harder for immigrants to win bond or release.

Culleton's wife, Smythe, paid a $4,000 bond to secure his release, Okoye said, but ICE appealed the judge's decision and it was overturned.

A federal judge rejected his "habeas corpus" petition to be released due to his prolonged detention, ruling the petition was premature. Immigrant detainees can petition for their release after being held in detention for six months beyond a judge's order for removal or release.

Detainees and immigrant advocateshave raised alarms over the conditionsin Camp East Montana. Three detainees in custody there have died since December; onewas ruled a homicide.

Lauren Villagran covers immigration for USA TODAY and can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Irishman detained by ICE despite American wife, pending green card

byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

Irishman with American wife lands in ICE detention. He immigrated in 2009.

EL PASO, Texas – An Irishman married to a U.S. citizen has been held in an immigration detention camp for five months, d...

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Former federal prosecutor who quit amid Trump administration dispute now representing Don Lemon

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A former federal prosecutor who quit amid a dispute with the Trump administration is now representing former CNN host Don Lemon, who was one of nine people indicted for their alleged roles indisrupting a serviceat a Minnesota church where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official was a pastor.

A court filing Tuesday shows that Lemon has hired former interim U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, who had beenleading the sprawling investigationand prosecution of major fraud cases for the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Officeuntil he resignedlast month.

Several prosecutors have now leftthe office at a time of growing frustration with the administration'simmigration enforcement crackdownand the Justice Department's response to fatal shootings of two people by federal officers in Minneapolis.

Lemon had previously said through another attorney thathe planned to plead not guiltytofederal civil rights chargesover his coverage of the church protest. He has said he was not affiliated with the group that disrupted the church service, and that he was there in his capacity as an independent journalist. The indictment alleges various actions by the group that entered the church, including what Lemon said as he reported on the event for his livestream show.

Lemon is scheduled to be arraigned on Feb. 13 in federal court in St. Paul.

The Trump administration has cited theMinnesota fraud cases,in which most defendants have come from the state's large Somali community,as justificationfor its immigration crackdown in the state. Thompson estimated in December that the losses to taxpayers from several fraud cases being prosecuted in Minnesotacould total $9 billion.

Thompson recently formed his own law firm with Harry Jacobs, another former federal prosecutor who resigned amid the upheaval in the office. Jacobs had beenlead prosecutor in the caseof Vance Boelter, who has pleaded not guilty in last year's assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the nonfatal shootings of a state senator and his wife.

The firm's website describes them as "battle tested and seasoned" trial lawyers.

Thompson did not immediately reply to messages seeking comment Tuesday.

byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

Former federal prosecutor who quit amid Trump administration dispute now representing Don Lemon

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A former federal prosecutor who quit amid a dispute with the Trump administration is now representing...

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California Health Department warns of growing measles cases

Measles cases are on the rise across California, according to thestate's Department of Public Health, which is urging residents to check their immunization status and get vaccinated against the disease.

On Feb. 9, the department announced that 17 measles cases had been reported throughout California, with the state's first outbreak since 2020 occurring in Shasta County. As of Tuesday, Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency officials had reported eight cases andidentified six locations where people may have been exposed to the disease.

"All of these individuals were either unvaccinated or had an unknown history of vaccination," the California Department of Public Health said in its announcement.

This news comes a week after the department released a health alert ot all healthcare professionals on Feb. 4, recommending they consider measles as a possible diagnosis if a person presents with a fever, rash, and other symptoms consistent with measles.

"As a pediatrician and parent, I encourage families to make sure everyone gets up to date on their MMR vaccine, if they haven't already," said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer in the press release. "CDPH continues to coordinate with, and support, local health departments in their responses to stop measles from spreading further in our communities."

The health department notes that Californiareportedmore than 95% measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) coverage among kindergarteners for the2024-2025 school year– the level of immunity needed to reduce the risk of community spread.

Where have cases been reported?

As of Feb. 10, 2026, local public health departments have identified measles cases in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Shasta counties.

Nine cases were linked to exposure in Southern California, possibly at Disneyland in Anaheim and at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as people were traveling on Jan. 22 and 28, California Department of Public Health officials said on Feb. 3.

In Northern California, cases have increased recently after local officials announced eight cases.

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Health agencies identified several locations asplaces the patient went while being infectious:

• Highland Neighborhood Park, 555 Mill Valley Parkway in Redding, during a "capture the flag" game from noon to 4 p.m. on Jan. 23

• Ninja Coalition, 900 Dana Drive, Redding, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. on Jan. 23

• Osaka Sushi, 1340 Churn Creek Road in Redding, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Jan. 23

• The former CrossPointe Church, 2960 Hartnell Ave. in Redding during a gym basketball game from 1:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 24

• Costco in Redding from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 24

• Churn Creek HealthCare clinic from 1:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 28

As California has been able to keep its measles outbreak within double-digits, the disease is breaking out across the nation, as South Carolina is experiencing one of the largest outbreaks in over 30 years, with nearly 920 associated cases reported.

"The United States is experiencing the highest numbers of measles cases, outbreaks, hospitalizations and deaths in more than 30 years, driven by populations with low vaccination rates," Pan said in the press release. "We all need to work together to share the medical evidence, benefits, and safety of vaccines to provide families the information they need to protect children and our communities."

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, usually about 7 to 14 days after exposure but can occur up to 21 days after contact with an infected person, according to the California Department of Public Health. The fever can reach 105 degrees.

Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin, according to the California Department of Public Health. A rash can form on the hairline and face two to four days after symptoms first appear.

The rash then spreads down the back and torso and extends into the arms, hands, legs, and feet, according to the California Department of Public Health. After about five days, the rash fades in the same order in which it appeared.

"The MMR vaccine provides the best protection against disease and serious illness," according to the California Department of Public Health.

If an individual believes they or a family member may have been exposed to the disease, they should contact their family's health care provider or thelocal health department.

Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him atnpadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadillaor on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.Sign up for theTODAY Californian newsletteror follow us on Facebook atTODAY Californian.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Measles cases grow in California, health department urges vaccinations

byAlex Wise

in

February 11, 2026

California Health Department warns of growing measles cases

Measles cases are on the rise across California, according to thestate's Department of Public Health, which is urgin...

Read More