NewsLinks is a collection of recent news items relating primarily to the California judicial branch. NewsLinks does not verify or endorse the accuracy or fairness of the news items, and the views expressed in opinions, editorials, and commentaries are those of the writers only. Some news articles linked from this page may require a subscription or be behind a paywall.

NewsLinks

  • Judge’s ‘Racist, Sexist’ Jokes Did Not Undermine Death Case

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    May 8, 2026

    The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday affirmed the denial of a death row inmate’s federal petition for habeas corpus based on allegations that the ex-Orange  Superior Court judge presiding over his trial violated due process principles by making what the petitioner characterized as racist and sexist jokes, describing the crime as “horrendous” and involving “dastardly conduct,” and quipping that “everyone should believe in the death penalty.”

  • At 250, the Declaration of Independence Still Sparks Hard Questions in Class

    Associated Press
    May 7, 2026

    As its 250th anniversary nears, teachers like Karalee Wong Nakatsuka face the challenge of bringing the nation’s founding documents and the Revolution alive while presenting an accurate account of what happened — and what it all means today.

  • Newsom pledges to move forward with Delta water tunnel in California

    Los Angeles Times
    May 7, 2026

    The project faces intense opposition from Delta residents and environmental groups who warn it would devastate ecosystems, while supporters argue it would bolster the state’s water system against severe droughts and worsening weather extremes.

  • Judicial mentor program vows to continue beyond Newsom administration

    Daily Journal
    May 8, 2026

    (Subscription required) As Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration nears its end, organizers of California's statewide judicial mentor program are emphasizing that the effort to guide and diversify future judges will continue regardless of political leadership changes. Justice Helen Zukin, one of the program's founders, stressed that the program has always operated independently through volunteer judges and justices rather than the governor's office.

  • Ethics Body Issues Advisory Opinion on Contributions to Judicial Campaigns

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    May 8, 2026

    An ethics committee yesterday issued an expedited advisory opinion concerning contributions to judicial reelection and retention campaigns by California judges and justices, saying that such donors must consider their duties to avoid the appearance of impropriety, as well as any circumstances that may lead to disqualification, in addition to any limitations set by local authorities.

    Related: Daily Journal, California Courts Newsroom

  • Only Observable Statements Support False Advertising Claims

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    May 7, 2026

    A divided Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held yesterday that Igloo Products Corporation was rightly granted summary judgment in a lawsuit filed by a California start-up, run by an ex-convict-turned-entrepreneur who sought to tap into the environmentally-friendly market, accusing the outdoor giant of false advertising in violation of federal and state law relating to statements promoting a biodegradable disposable ice chest as the “first” of its kind.

  • No Error in Denial of Name-Change Petition Seeking to Add ‘Hitler’ as New Surname

    Metropolitan News-Enterprise
    May 7, 2026

    Div. One of the Fourth District Court of Appeal held yesterday that a trial judge did not err in denying an application for court approval to change her name from three monikers to eight based on a finding that the proposal “raises the likelihood of inciting violence” due to the inclusion of “Hitler” as an additional surname.

  • Judicial Profile: Los Angeles County Judge George F. Bird Jr.

    Daily Journal
    May 7, 2026

    (Subscription required) At the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Judge George F. Bird Jr. approaches family law disputes by looking beyond the filings to the lives that shaped them. Drawing on his own history of hardship, military service and decades in practice, Bird says understanding "what happened before that time" is essential to earning trust -- and reaching the right decision.