A growing number of calls to the CPS hotline prompt a referral to a food bank or homeless shelter — instead of a social worker investigation. Public hospitals no longer report new moms for using drugs. And parents accused of abuse or neglect receive legal assistance well before their cases land in dependency court.

Closing arguments wrapped up Wednesday in the federal case that will determine whether California uses its new Proposition 50 redistricting map in the 2026 midterms. Republicans argue the map constitutes racial gerrymandering that illegally favors Latino voters. Democrats say their motivation is purely partisan. If approved for 2026, the new map could give Democrats up to five additional House seats and reshape the national congressional balance of power.

Div. One of the Fourth District Court of Appeal held yesterday that a trial judge erred in granting a partial judgment notwithstanding the verdict motion as to a whistleblower cause of action, based on a finding that the plaintiff had wrongly complained about legal wage disparities at work, declaring that the man’s misunderstanding of the Equal Pay Act as barring any compensation variance for those doing the same job was not unreasonable as a matter of law.

See photos and videos from the awards presentation to honor this year’s recipients recognized for their extraordinary leadership, contributions to court administration, and increasing access to justice in California.