The Daily Journal Brief

A court-appointed monitor found ICE is violating a federal injunction requiring adequate medical care at the California City Detention Facility. Also on today's agenda: the Hollywood Foreign Press Association sues over control of the Golden Globes, and environmental groups challenge federal approval of the Cadiz Water Project. Also: the Los Angeles Times reports federal investigators are examining Mark Walter's insurance business, Bloomberg Law covers the Justice Department's effort to disqualify Susman Godfrey from representing the ABA, and The Wall Street Journal reports FIFA is considering selling a stake in a new commercial entity. Stories mentioned in this episode: Court monitor says ICE violating medical care order https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393300-court-monitor-says-ice-violating-order-to-improve-medical-care-at-california-detention-center HFPA sues Penske over Golden Globes takeover Environmental groups challenge Cadiz Water Project approval (Los Angeles Times) Dodgers owner Mark Walter's insurance business reportedly under investigation https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2026-07-28/dodgers-lakers-owner-mark-walter-companies-probed (Bloomberg Law) Susman fights DOJ bid to remove firm from ABA case https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/susman-blasts-ironic-doj-bid-to-boot-lawyers-from-trump-suit (The Wall Street Journal) FIFA considers selling stake in commercial business https://www.wsj.com/sports/soccer/fifa-exploring-stake-sale-in-new-20-billion-entity-ba135528?mod=hp_lista_pos2

This evening on Less than 1: LAFC wins dismissal in litigation over the fatal stabbing of rapper Drakeo the Ruler, and the California Supreme Court clarifies limits on leave cashouts used to calculate public employee pensions. Also: Johnson & Johnson reaches a proposed $5.5 billion settlement of its remaining talc lawsuits, Paramount Skydance says its Warner Bros. Discovery merger remains on track despite an antitrust challenge, and the Trump administration asks the U.S. Supreme Court to revive restrictions on mail voting. Stories mentioned in this episode: LAFC wins dismissal in Drakeo the Ruler wrongful-death litigation https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393292-stadium-wins-dismissal-in-drakeo-the-ruler-wrongful-death-litigation State high court clarifies limits on leave cashouts in pension calculations https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393293-state-high-court-clarifies-limits-on-leave-cashouts-in-public-pension-calculations (The Wall Street Journal) Johnson & Johnson Agrees to Pay Up to $5.5 Billion to Settle Talc Lawsuits https://www.wsj.com/business/johnson-johnson-agrees-to-pay-up-to-5-5-billion-to-settle-talc-lawsuits-53d6db7f?mod=hp_lead_pos11 (Los Angeles Times) Paramount CEO David Ellison says the Warner merger is still on track https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2026-07-27/paramount-ceo-david-ellison-says-warner-merger-is-still-on-track (The New York Times) Trump Asks Supreme Court to Allow Order Restricting Mail Voting https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/27/us/politics/supreme-court-trump-mail-ballots.html

This morning on Less than 1: California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara gives final approval to a settlement resolving State Farm's disputed homeowner insurance rate requests following the Los Angeles wildfires, and U.S. District Judge Edward M. Chen receives an update on Quinn Emanuel's court-ordered ethics training program. Also: federal prosecutors move to dismiss the criminal case against California labor leader David Huerta, and former Kirkland & Ellis dealmaker David Fox launches an AI-powered law firm aimed at transforming Big Law. Stories mentioned in this episode: State Farm settlement receives final approval Quinn Emanuel to report on court-ordered ethics training (Los Angeles Times) Feds move to dismiss case against California labor leader https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-07-27/government-moves-to-drop-case-against-california-labor-leader (The Wall Street Journal) Former Kirkland leader launches AI-powered law firm https://www.wsj.com/business/david-fox-lawyer-big-law-ai-304ec652?mod=hp_lista_pos1

This evening on Less than 1: Paramount Skydance agreed to delay closing its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery while California and other states pursue their antitrust challenge, California's 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled MICRA's damages cap does not apply to a nursing home's custodial neglect of an elderly resident, and a federal judge denied Visa's bid to sanction plaintiffs' lawyers in the Pornhub trafficking litigation. Also: Two small businesses challenge the Trump administration's latest tariffs, and former Supreme Court advocate Thomas Goldstein is sentenced to six years in prison. Stories mentioned in this episode: Paramount Skydance agrees to delay merger pending antitrust case https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393269-paramount-skydance-agrees-to-delay-merger-pending-court-ruling Court revives $1.837 million elder neglect verdict, rejects MICRA damages cap https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393265-court-revives-1-837m-elder-neglect-verdict-rejects-micra-damages-cap Visa loses bid to sanction plaintiffs' lawyers in Pornhub trafficking suits https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393266-visa-loses-bid-to-sanction-plaintiffs-lawyers-in-pornhub-trafficking-suits (New York Times) Small businesses sue Trump administration over latest tariffs https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/24/business/trump-tariffs-small-businesses-lawsuit.html (Wall Street Journal) Former Supreme Court advocate Thomas Goldstein sentenced to six years in prison https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/former-star-supreme-court-lawyer-gets-six-year-sentence-in-tax-case-6bbd7c07?mod=hp_lead_pos6

A Los Angeles County Superior Court will consider whether a ratepayer challenging Los Angeles sewer rate increases can obtain internal city records outside the administrative record. Also on today's agenda, a federal judge will hear the City of Los Angeles' bid to stay or dismiss the Angels Landing civil rights lawsuit, and a San Francisco Superior Court jury has awarded $20.7 million to a woman injured by falling scaffolding debris. Also: California lawmakers ask the FCC to block AT&T's landline phase-out, Congress opens an antitrust inquiry into Compass's private listing partnership, and the Los Angeles Times reports LeBron James is headed to the Philadelphia 76ers. Stories mentioned in this episode: Dispute over discovery in Los Angeles sewer rate challenge heads to court Los Angeles seeks to halt Angels Landing civil rights suit Jury awards $20.7 million in hotel scaffolding injury case (Sacramento Bee) California lawmakers ask FCC to block AT&T landline phase-out — California lawmakers urge FCC to stop AT&T landline plan (The New York Times) Congress examines Compass private listings partnership — Compass Is Called Before Congress for Antitrust Concerns (Los Angeles Times) Report: LeBron James headed to Philadelphia — LeBron James chooses the Philadelphia 76ers, will sign a two-year deal

This evening on Less than 1: experts say early social media bellwether outcomes reveal strategy, not destiny, public defenders say Racial Justice Act impacts go beyond motion wins, and a federal judge remands a Ventura County dam case to state court. Also: The Justice Department moves to streamline company merger reviews, and the government withdraws subpoenas of three New York Times reporters after admitting legal errors. Stories mentioned in this episode: Experts say early social media bellwether outcomes reveal strategy, not destiny https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393212-experts-say-early-social-media-bellwether-outcomes-reveal-strategy-not-destiny Public defenders say Racial Justice Act impacts go beyond motion wins https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393211-public-defenders-say-racial-justice-act-impacts-go-beyond-motion-wins Carter remands Ventura County dam case to state court https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393203-carter-remands-ventura-county-dam-case-to-state-court (FT) US Department of Justice to streamline company merger reviews https://www.ft.com/content/a5c66044-8999-48a5-b9cc-51341f177930 (Politico) Government withdraws subpoenas of 3 reporters for The New York Times after admitting legal errors https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/23/new-york-times-reporters-subpoenas-withdrawn-01010426

This morning on Less than 1: a judge is set to hear arguments on returning a Santa Clara River dam dispute to state court, an appeals court limits judges' power to dismiss domestic violence restraining order petitions on scheduling grounds, and a judge will hear DraftKings' bid to dismiss a California gambling class action. Also: a federal judge casts doubt on 69,000 cases alleging J&J talc caused cancer, the EU fines Google $1 billion for abusing its search dominance, and LA County's latest report pushes Men's Central Jail's closure beyond 2031. Stories mentioned in this episode: (Reuters) US judge casts doubt on 69,000 cases alleging J&J talc caused cancer https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-judge-casts-doubt-69000-cases-alleging-jj-talc-caused-cancer-2026-07-22/ (The New York Times) Google hit with $1 billion fine for abusing its power in Europe https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/23/business/google-eu-fine-search-competition.html (LAist) Men's Central Jail was supposed to close in 2021. LA County's latest report pushes it beyond 2031 https://laist.com/news/criminal-justice/mens-central-jail-closure-beyond-2031

This evening on Less than 1: a federal judge bars a repeat CIPA filer from filing further suits without court approval, a class action targets Taco Bell and Taylor Farms over the Cyclospora outbreak, Tesla faces a new racial harassment and discrimination suit, and Lathrop GPM plans to combine with a Silicon Valley IP boutique. Also: Holland & Knight faces a legal malpractice suit from a client targeted by state AG lawsuits, and the European Union greenlights Paramount and Warner's mega merger with some conditions. Stories mentioned in this episode: Federal judge bars repeat CIPA filer without court approval https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393179-federal-judge-bars-repeat-cipa-filer-without-court-approval Class action targets Taco Bell, Taylor Farms over Cyclospora outbreak https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393165-class-action-targets-taco-bell-taylor-farms-over-cyclospora-outbreak Tesla faces new racial harassment and discrimination suit https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393183-tesla-faces-new-racial-harassment-and-discrimination-suit Lathrop GPM to combine with Silicon Valley IP boutique https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393185-lathrop-gpm-to-combine-with-silicon-valley-ip-boutique (Reuters) Holland & Knight faces legal malpractice suit from client targeted by state AG lawsuits https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/holland-knight-faces-legal-malpractice-suit-client-targeted-by-state-ag-lawsuits-2026-07-22/ (AP) European Union gives its greenlight to Paramount and Warner's mega merger with some conditions https://apnews.com/article/paramount-warner-bros-europe-approval-87281ccde5b411f87d253e41c43c776e

This morning on Less than 1: a Los Angeles judge is set to hold a status conference in the Eaton fire litigation as parties prepare for January 2027 bellwether trials, and a federal judge grants final approval to Anthropic's $1.5 billion copyright settlement with authors, trimming the requested attorneys' fees by $86 million. Also: a Florida pastor sues OpenAI over allegedly dangerous ChatGPT medical advice, and a Lowell High School group sues SFUSD over its approval of a new ethnic studies curriculum. Stories mentioned in this episode: Anthropic settlement wins final approval; judge reduces lawyers' fee request by $86M https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/PLACEHOLDER-anthropic-settlement (The New York Times) ChatGPT led to a man's near-fatal health crisis, lawsuit claims https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/22/well/openai-chatgpt-health-lawsuit.html (San Francisco Chronicle) Lowell High School group sues SFUSD over ethnic studies curriculum https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/lowell-high-school-group-sues-sfusd-ethnic-studies-22348036.php

This evening on Less than 1: 9th Circuit Judge Lawrence VanDyke warns in dissent that a panel ruling gives schools sweeping power over teachers' speech, a failure to probe alternate juror bias dooms PPP fraud convictions, California's attorney general sues the Trump administration over greenhouse gas regulations, and a Berkeley encampment sweep challenge is cleared for class action. Also: the U.S. pauses $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota, a U.S. attorney chosen by judges challenges Trump's power to fire him, and Democrats demand information from a law firm over its deal with Trump. Stories mentioned in this episode: VanDyke warns 9th Circuit ruling gives schools sweeping power over teachers' speech https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393149-vandyke-warns-9th-circuit-ruling-gives-schools-sweeping-power-over-teachers-speech Failure to probe alternate juror bias dooms PPP fraud convictions https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393148-failure-to-probe-alternate-juror-bias-dooms-ppp-fraud-convictions Attorney general sues Trump administration over greenhouse gas regulations https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393147-attorney-general-sues-trump-administration-over-greenhouse-gas-regulations Berkeley encampment sweep challenge cleared for class action https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393146-berkeley-encampment-sweep-challenge-cleared-for-class-action (Reuters) US pauses $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California, Minnesota https://www.reuters.com/world/us-health-secretary-kennedy-says-cms-is-pausing-medicaid-payments-california-2026-07-21/ (NYT) U.S. Attorney Chosen by Judges Challenges Trump's Power to Fire Him https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/21/us/roger-rogoff-doj-lawsuit.html (NYT) Democrats Demand Information From Law Firm Over Its Deal With Trump https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/21/us/politics

This morning on Less than 1: a judge orders Huntington Beach to adopt ranked-choice voting after a CVRA violation, a judge splits on arbitration in a video game addiction suit, the California privacy agency launches its first audit targeting gig platforms, and a judge names class counsel in the Meta smart glasses privacy suit. Also: a decade-long decline in federal banking enforcement raises questions, and air quality officials step up actions at a Boyle Heights warehouse as odor complaints mount. Stories mentioned in this episode: Judge orders Huntington Beach to adopt ranked-choice voting after CVRA violation https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393126-judge-orders-huntington-beach-to-adopt-ranked-choice-voting-after-cvra-violation (American Banker) Study shows decade-long decline in federal enforcement activity https://www.americanbanker.com/news/study-shows-decade-long-decline-in-federal-enforcement-activity (LAist) Air quality officials step up actions at Boyle Heights warehouse as odor complaints rack up https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/lineage-odor-complaints-aqmd-boyle-heights-warehouse

This evening on Less than 1: a State Bar judge sets a March trial for the Kiesel disciplinary case despite discovery concerns, the FDA's false-positive finding is unlikely to derail the Cyclospora investigation and lawsuits, a widow claims LASD ignored training protocols before a fatal grenade blast, and the DOJ's midtrial exit from the Pangang case raises questions among former prosecutors. Also: Trump moves to impose a 50% tariff on many Canadian goods, Newsom hires litigator Abbe Lowell to fight a DOJ probe, and San Francisco demands Apple and Google delete AI "nudify" apps. Stories mentioned in this episode: State Bar judge sets March trial for Kiesel disciplinary case despite discovery concerns https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393100-state-bar-judge-sets-march-trial-for-kiesel-disciplinary-case-despite-discovery-concerns FDA's false-positive finding unlikely to derail Cyclospora investigation, lawsuits https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393120-fda-s-false-positive-finding-unlikely-to-derail-cyclospora-investigation-lawsuits Widow claims LASD ignored training protocols before fatal grenade blast https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393122-widow-claims-lasd-ignored-training-protocols-before-fatal-grenade-blast DOJ's midtrial exit from Pangang case raises questions, former prosecutors say https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393121-doj-s-midtrial-exit-from-pangang-case-raises-questions-former-prosecutors-say (NYT) Trump to Impose 50% Tariff on Many Canadian Goods https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/20/business/economy/trump-tariffs-canada.html (Politico) Newsom hires prominent litigator Abbe Lowell to fight DOJ probe https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/16/gavin-newsom-hires-abbe-lowell-doj-probe-01001798 (WIRED) San Francisco Demands Apple and Google Delete AI ‘Nudify’ Apps From App Stores https://www.wired.com/story/san-francisco-demands-apple-and-google-delete-ai-nudify-apps-from-app-stores/

This morning on Less than 1: talks may resolve a dispute over overlapping LA abuse settlement claims, and a judge grants a TRO blocking the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. Also: an appeals court decertifies the Boeing shareholder class action over the MAX 9 blowout, Trump calls for a review of a scientific manual used by judges, and a postpartum psychosis defense heads to trial. Stories mentioned in this episode: Talks may resolve dispute over overlapping LA abuse settlement claims https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393097-talks-may-resolve-dispute-over-overlapping-la-abuse-settlement-claims Judge grants TRO blocking Paramount-Warner Bros merger https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393096-judge-grants-tro-blocking-paramount-warner-bros-merger (Reuters) Boeing class action over MAX 9 blowout decertified by US appeals court https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-appeals-court-decertifies-boeing-class-action-stemming-max-9-blowout-2026-07-20/ (Reuters) Trump calls for review related to scientific manual used by judges https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/trump-calls-review-related-scientific-manual-used-by-judges-2026-07-20/ (NYT) A Mother Strangled Her Children. Was It Mental Illness, or Murder? https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/20/us/lindsey-clancy-murder-trial-duxbury-ma.html

This evening on Less than 1: Paramount signals willingness to accept a TRO as the fight shifts to the merger injunction timeline, Quinn Emanuel joins OpenAI's defense in Apple's trade secrets suit, a landlord challenges California's Section 8 requirements, state funding clears the way for the Stanley Mosk Courthouse to become the next priority, and lawyers embrace litigation analytics but still rely on human judgment. Also: SoCal cities stop making landlords pay when rent hikes push out tenants after courts step in, and California and 19 other states back DC's power to punish Trump ally Jeffrey Clark. Stories mentioned in this episode: Paramount signals willingness to accept TRO as fight shifts to merger injunction timeline https://dailyjournal.com/articles/393068-paramount-signals-willingness-to-accept-tro-as-fight-shifts-to-merger-injunction-timeline Quinn Emanuel joins OpenAI defense in Apple trade secrets suit https://dailyjournal.com/articles/393081-quinn-emanuel-joins-openai-defense-in-apple-trade-secrets-suit Landlord challenges California's Section 8 requirements https://dailyjournal.com/articles/393086-landlord-challenges-california-s-section-8-requirements State funding clears way for Stanley Mosk Courthouse to become next priority https://dailyjournal.com/articles/393079-state-funding-clears-way-for-stanley-mosk-courthouse-to-become-next-priority Lawyers embrace litigation analytics but still rely on human judgment https://dailyjournal.com/articles/393080-lawyers-embrace-litigation-analytics-but-still-rely-on-human-judgment (LAist) SoCal cities made landlords pay when rent hikes pushed out tenants. Then courts stepped in https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/los-angeles-pasadena-landlord-tenant-relocation-payment-rent-increase-struck-down-courts (Reuters) California, 19 other states back DC's power to punish Trump ally Clark https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/california-19-other-states-back-dcs-power-punish-trump-ally-clark-2026-07-17/

This morning on Less than 1: a judge hears LA County's bid to dismiss an inmate sexual abuse suit, and 12 states seek a TRO to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal in a Friday hearing. Also: Cooley's startup practice makes it a natural fit for the LA28 Olympics, a court rules being unmarried can mean higher car insurance payments in California, and Trump's media firm plans to sell priority access to Truth Social posts. Stories mentioned in this episode: Why Cooley's startup practice made it a natural fit for LA28 https://dailyjournal.com/articles/393064-why-cooley-s-startup-practice-made-it-a-natural-fit-for-la28 (SF Chronicle) Being unmarried can mean higher car insurance payments in California, court rules https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/unmarried-higher-car-insurance-22348775 (AP News) Trump firm plans to sell priority access to Truth Social posts, possibly his own https://apnews.com/article/truth-social-trump-media-trump-post-conflicts-of-interest-truth-api-759fa71769729a26024914dd681c1953

This evening on Less than 1: Judge VanDyke urges the Supreme Court to "benchslap" the 9th Circuit over gun cases, California gun restrictions face renewed constitutional challenges, and the state Supreme Court upholds a restitution requirement for an attorney's reinstatement. Also: a judge rejects a bid to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, Epic and Google abandon their bid to rewrite the Google Play injunction, the U.S. moves to tighten visa rules for foreign students and journalists, and California sues Costa Mesa and four other cities over their failure to plan for housing. Stories mentioned in this episode: VanDyke urges Supreme Court to 'benchslap' 9th Circuit https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393044-vandyke-urges-supreme-court-to-benchslap-9th-circuit California gun restrictions face renewed constitutional challenges https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393041-california-gun-restrictions-face-renewed-constitutional-challenges California Supreme Court upholds restitution requirement for attorney's reinstatement https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393043-california-supreme-court-upholds-restitution-requirement-for-attorney-s-reinstatement Judge rejects bid to block Paramount-Warner Bros merger https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393047-judge-rejects-bid-to-block-paramount-warner-bros-merger Epic, Google abandon bid to rewrite Google Play injunction https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393046-epic-google-abandon-bid-to-rewrite-google-play-injunction (Reuters) US to tighten visa regulations for foreign students, journalists https://www.reuters.com/world/us-change-visa-regulations-foreign-students-journalists-2026-07-16/ (LAist) In failing to plan for new housing, Costa Mesa finds itself in state’s legal crosshairs https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/costa-mesa-housing-element-lawsuit-california-state-attorney-general-bonta-newsom

This morning on Less than 1: LA County seeks to share confidential DTLA Law Group records with the State Bar, a judge weighs a $75 million Northrop Grumman groundwater settlement, and Epic and Google seek a modified injunction in their Android antitrust case. Also: a federal judge relates the challenges to the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, bond denials grow sharply under Trump, Ohio moves to limit the ABA's role in lawyer admissions, IRS tax liens are on the rise, and New York becomes the first state to impose a data center moratorium. Stories mentioned in this episode: Federal judge relates challenges to Paramount-Warner Bros merger https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392979-federal-judge-relates-challenges-to-paramount-warner-bros-merger (LAist) 'Deportation machine' or long-overdue enforcement? Bond denials grow sharply under Trump https://laist.com/news/adelanto-immigration-bond-denials-2026 (Reuters) State bar, FTC back Ohio proposal to limit ABA role in lawyer admissions https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/state-bar-ftc-back-ohio-proposal-limit-aba-role-lawyer-admissions-2026-07-15/ (CNBC) IRS tax liens can be a ‘kiss of death,’ consumer advocate says — and they’re on the rise https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/16/irs-tax-liens-increasing.html (Reuters) New York becomes the first state to impose a data center moratorium https://www.reuters.com/world/new-york-becomes-first-state-impose-data-center-moratorium-2026-07-14/

This evening on Less than 1: the LA sheriff oversight commission's chair accuses deputies' union of trying to intimidate the panel, Palisades Fire plaintiffs get another chance to amend their complaint, and Meta is sued over alleged AI-driven layoffs targeting protected workers. Also: the attorney general urges the appeals court to uphold the Ferguson murder conviction, the California Supreme Court approves the NextGen bar exam beginning in 2028, and the U.S. weighs a $100,000 bond for some green-card applicants abroad. Stories mentioned in this episode: Oversight chair accuses LA deputies' union of trying to intimidate commission https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393006-oversight-chair-accuses-la-deputies-union-of-trying-to-intimidate-commission Palisades Fire plaintiffs get another chance to amend complaint https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393009-palisades-fire-plaintiffs-get-another-chance-to-amend-complaint Meta sued over alleged AI-driven layoffs targeting protected workers https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393003-meta-sued-over-alleged-ai-driven-layoffs-targeting-protected-workers Attorney general urges appeals court to uphold Ferguson murder conviction https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393002-attorney-general-urges-appeals-court-to-uphold-ferguson-murder-conviction California Supreme Court approves NextGen bar exam beginning in July 2028 https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/393010-california-supreme-court-approves-nextgen-bar-exam-beginning-in-july-2028 (WSJ) U.S. Weighs Bond of $100,000 for Some Green-Card Applicants Abroad https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/u-s-weighs-bond-of-100-000-for-some-green-card-applicants-abroad-a9cd68c8

This morning on Less than 1: the SF police union backs a lawsuit against new parole regulations, and Fresno faces a legal challenge over a cannabis grow fine against an unaware landlord. Also: a new law lets prosecutors combine sex crime cases across county lines, law firm WilmerHale is sued after a data breach, advocacy groups sue over Trump's ICC sanctions, and a court rules an addiction treatment center isn't liable for a fleeing patient's death. Stories mentioned in this episode: New law lets prosecutors combine sex crime cases across county lines https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392967-new-law-lets-prosecutors-combine-sex-crime-cases-across-county-lines (Reuters) Law firm WilmerHale sued in class action after data breach https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/law-firm-wilmerhale-sued-class-action-after-data-breach-2026-07-15/ (Reuters) Trump's ICC order violates free speech, advocacy groups say in lawsuit https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trumps-icc-order-violates-free-speech-advocacy-groups-say-lawsuit-2026-07-15/

This evening on Less than 1: the Writers Guild follows states in a bid to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, the DOJ drops its 15-year economic espionage case against a Chinese steel company, and the 9th Circuit orders a new trial in a $40 million Comet trade secrets case. Also: OpenAI seeks $1 million in fees over xAI's bad-faith trade secrets suit, a towing company pays $160,000 over the sale of servicemembers' vehicles, consumers sue Driscoll's over alleged "forever chemicals" in berries, and ICE halts most traffic stops after a fatal shooting in Maine. Stories mentioned in this episode: Writers Guild follows states in bid to block Paramount-Warner Bros. merger https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392974-writers-guild-follows-states-in-bid-to-block-paramount-warner-bros-merger Consumers sue Driscoll's over alleged 'forever chemicals' in berries https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392959-consumers-sue-driscoll-s-over-alleged-forever-chemicals-in-berries DOJ drops economic espionage case against Chinese steel company after 15 years https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392973-doj-drops-economic-espionage-case-against-chinese-steel-company-after-15-years 9th Circuit orders new trial in $40M Comet trade secrets case https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392972-9th-circuit-orders-new-trial-in-40m-comet-trade-secrets-cas OpenAI seeks $1M in fees, accuses xAI of bad-faith trade secrets suit https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392970-openai-seeks-1m-in-fees-accuses-xai-of-bad-faith-trade-secrets-suit Towing company to pay $160,000 over sale of servicemembers' vehicles https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392969-towing-company-to-pay-160-000-over-sale-of-servicemembers-vehicles (Reuters) ICE suspends traffic stops in wake of Maine fatal shooting, border czar says https://www.reuters.com/world/ice-suspends-vehicle-stops-us-immigration-enforcement-sources-say-2026-07-14/

This morning on Less than 1: a judge disqualifies Quinn Emanuel from representing CREXi in its copyright fight with CoStar, a judge bars Snap's expert report but allows late data ahead of the social media addiction trial, and the Judicial Council weighs a budget overhaul with a $3.2 billion trial court allocation. Also: the DMV forces 11,000 drivers to retake their test over cheating concerns, state lawmakers push back on the new film tax credit cap, Justice Barrett testifies that "the threat level is really high," and the Trump administration drops its bid to cut Medicare and Medicaid funding over transgender care. Stories mentioned in this episode: Judge disqualifies Quinn Emanuel from representing CREXi in CoStar copyright fight https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392958-judge-disqualifies-quinn-emanuel-from-representing-crexi-in-costar-copyright-fight (SF Chronicle) DMV says cheating concerns prompted decision to force 11,000 drivers to retake test https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/california-dmv-cheating-tests-22344010.php (LA Times) State lawmakers cry foul over new cap placed on film tax credits https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2026-07-12/state-legislators-push-exemption-film-tv-tax-credit-program (CNBC) Supreme Court Justice Barrett says ‘the threat level is really high’ in budget testimony https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/14/supreme-court-budget-congress-kagan-barrett.html (NPR) Trump's HHS abandons threat to withhold Medicare and Medicaid funding over trans care https://www.npr.org/2026/07/13/nx-s1-5888586/transgender-gender-affirming-care-medicare-medicaid-hhs

This evening on Less than 1: the State Bar settles its suit against Meazure Learning over the February bar exam for $5.25 million, a State Bar judge sets a rigorous schedule for the sprawling DTLA Law Group discipline trial, an attorney is sanctioned for AI-generated fabrications in an appellate brief, and a judge orders a hearing on a Playboy licensee's $1.5 billion damages claim. Also: the music industry proposes AI labels for songs, and Meta pulls its Muse Image AI feature after privacy backlash. Stories mentioned in this episode: New State Bar judge sets rigorous schedule for sprawling DTLA discipline trial https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392943-new-state-bar-judge-sets-rigorous-schedule-for-sprawling-dtla-discipline-trial Another attorney sanctioned for failing to check AI-generated work https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392937-another-attorney-sanctioned-for-failing-to-check-ai-generated-work Hearing ordered on Playboy licensee's $1.5B damages claim https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392952-hearing-ordered-on-playboy-licensee-s-1-5b-damages-claim State Bar settles suit against Meazure Learning over exam snafu https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392954-state-bar-settles-suit-against-meazure-learning-over-exam-snafu (NYT) Labels for Music Created With A.I. Could Join Explicit Lyrics Warnings https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/arts/music/ai-labels-warnings-riaa.html (The Guardian) Meta ditches Muse Image AI feature because it ‘misses the mark’ on users’ privacy https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jul/11/meta-ditches-muse-image-ai-feature-instagram-privacy

This morning on Less than 1: twelve states sue to block the $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, and the LAPD lets its Flock Safety agreement expire over data concerns. Also: a judge says Trump sued the IRS for an improper purpose and refers his lawyer to the Florida bar, a federal appeals court revives hundreds of lawsuits linking prenatal Tylenol use to autism and ADHD, and the FCC approves a test satellite designed to reflect sunlight to Earth after dark. Stories mentioned in this episode: States sue to block $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. merger https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392930-states-sue-to-block-110-billion-paramount-warner-bros-merger (CNBC) Judge says Trump sued IRS for ‘improper purpose’; refers his lawyer to bar https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/13/trump-irs-doj-lawsuit-blanche.html (NYT) Court Revives Lawsuits Tying Tylenol Use in Pregnancy to Autism and A.D.H.D. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/science/court-lawsuits-tylenol-pregnancy.html (NYT) F.C.C. Approves Test of Space Mirror to Light Night Sky Despite Outcry https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/10/climate/fcc-space-mirror.html

This evening on Less than 1: Apple sues OpenAI alleging a systematic effort to steal trade secrets, a San Diego jury awards $15.5 million in a Hyatt wrongful death case, and a class action claims Google's Nest cameras collect facial recognition data without consent. Also: LA County warns LAUSD risks insolvency, a real estate agent is sentenced in a post-Eaton Fire rent hike case, and a California bill would let insurers use driver tracking data to set rates. Stories mentioned in this episode: Apple accuses OpenAI of trade secrets theft https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392919-apple-accuses-openai-of-trade-secrets-theft San Diego jury awards $15.5 million in Hyatt wrongful death case https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392922-san-diego-jury-awards-15-5-million-in-hyatt-wrongful-death-case Class action claims Google Nest cameras collect facial data without consent https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392924-class-action-claims-google-nest-cameras-collect-facial-data-without-consent (LAist) LA real estate agent sentenced in post-Eaton Fire rent hike case https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/la-real-estate-agent-will-pay-20k-and-face-probation-in-post-eaton-fire-rent-hike-case (Cal Matters) California bill would let insurers use driver tracking data to set rates https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/07/telematics-car-insurance-bill/

This morning on Less than 1: Judge Dolly Gee hears motions to dismiss key claims in Sable's suit against Santa Barbara County over pipeline permit transfers. Also: a new federal rule requires college programs to show graduates out-earn non-college workers or lose financial aid, Chicago Law bans phones and laptops from first-year classes to combat AI, and stablecoin issuer Circle wins federal approval to operate as a trust bank. Stories mentioned in this episode: (NPR) Under a new federal rule, colleges must leave grads better off or lose financial aid https://www.npr.org/2026/06/30/nx-s1-5835631/turner-camhi-do-no-harm-college-loans (Reuters) Chicago Law bans phones and laptops from first-year classes to combat AI https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/chicago-law-bans-phones-laptops-first-year-classes-combat-ai-2026-07-09/ (CNBC) Stablecoin issuer Circle just got the greenlight to operate as a bank. The shares are up 5% https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/10/circle-gets-an-occ-bank-charter-as-stablecoin-competition-heats-up-shares-surge-14percent.html

This evening on Less than 1: a judge keeps MacLaren Hall sex abuse cases on track for trial, a grand jury backs the LA sheriff oversight panel in its records fight, and Gibson Dunn joins the LA28 legal team for the 2028 Olympics. Also: a published ruling says anti-gay harassment is sexual harassment under FEHA, two longtime 2nd District justices retire, and businesses brace for fallout as the Supreme Court strips regulatory independence from federal agencies. Stories mentioned in this episode: Judge keeps MacLaren Hall sex abuse cases on track for trial https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392905-judge-keeps-maclaren-hall-sex-abuse-cases-on-track-for-trial Grand jury backs LA sheriff oversight panel in records fight https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392903-grand-jury-backs-la-sheriff-oversight-panel-in-records-fight Gibson Dunn joins LA28 legal team for 2028 Olympics https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392894-gibson-dunn-joins-la28-legal-team-for-2028-olympics Published ruling says anti-gay harassment is sexual harassment under FEHA https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392888-published-ruling-says-anti-gay-harassment-is-sexual-harassment-under-feha 2nd District Court of Appeal loses two longtime justices to retirement https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392889-2nd-district-court-of-appeal-loses-two-longtime-justices-to-retirement (NYT) Businesses Fear Politicization as Trump Gains More Power Over U.S. Agencies https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/07/technology/scotus-agencies-companies-regulation.html

This morning on Less than 1: the state auditor details failures behind the flawed February bar exam, and a judge allows a class action to proceed testing whether utility billing companies qualify as debt collectors under California law. Also: the California Supreme Court affirms counties' power to oversee sheriff's offices, global deal-making hits a decade high fueled by AI and a permissive regulatory climate, and California soccer fans sue StubHub over failed World Cup ticket deliveries. Stories mentioned in this episode: Court allows class action testing utility billing under debt collection laws https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392884-court-allows-class-action-testing-utility-billing-under-debt-collection-laws (SF Chronicle) California Supreme Court affirms counties' power to oversee sheriff's offices https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/oversight-sheriff-s-offices-allowed-california-22338096.php (NYT) A $3.2 trillion deal-making boom is being fueled by AI and a permissive regulatory climate https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/09/business/ai-boom-corporate-deals.html (LA Times) California soccer fans sue StubHub after it fails to deliver expensive World Cup tickets https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2026-07-09/california-soccer-fans-sue-stubhub-after-it-fails-to-deliver-expensive-world-cup-tickets

This evening on Less than 1: a judge narrows evidence disputes before the second social media addiction trial, and Chief Justice Roberts transfers a misconduct probe of a 9th Circuit judge to the 4th Circuit. Also: ex-pitcher Scott Erickson seeks a $14 million offset from the $198 million Iskander wrongful death judgment, Deere settles the FTC's right-to-repair lawsuit, Florida's OpenAI case lands with Judge Aileen Cannon, and the ABA weighs further rollbacks to law school diversity rules. Stories mentioned in this episode: LA Judge narrows evidence disputes before 2nd social media trial https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392877-la-judge-narrows-evidence-disputes-before-2nd-social-media-trial Roberts sends misconduct probe of 9th Circuit judge to 4th Circuit https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392880-roberts-sends-misconduct-probe-of-9th-circuit-judge-to-4th-circuit Ex-pitcher seeks $14M offset from $198M wrongful death judgment https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392825-ex-pitcher-seeks-14m-offset-from-198m-wrongful-death-judgment (Reuters) Deere settles lawsuit by US FTC, states over equipment repair restrictions https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/deere-settles-lawsuit-by-us-ftc-states-over-equipment-repair-restrictions-2026-07-08/ (Politico) Florida’s OpenAI lawsuit moves to federal court — and gets assigned to Aileen Cannon https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/08/floridas-openai-lawsuit-federal-court-aileen-cannon-00990156 (Reuters) ABA eyes more rollbacks to law school diversity rules https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/aba-eyes-more-rollbacks-law-school-diversity-rules-2026-07-08/

This morning on Less than 1: the DOJ intervenes in California's clean trucks case calling the state's enforcement bid a "stunning act of defiance," a wedding dress shop owner sues OpenAI over ChatGPT business advice, and a former Alignment Healthcare executive alleges accounting irregularities and retaliation. Also: the ABA seeks White House records tied to Trump's law firm executive orders, LA County moves toward giving affordable housing groups first crack at apartment sales, and a New Jersey bill would mandate multiple sensors for autonomous vehicles — effectively blocking Tesla. Stories mentioned in this episode: (Reuters) ABA seeks White House records tied to Trump's law-firm executive orders https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/aba-seeks-white-house-records-tied-trumps-law-firm-executive-orders-2026-07-08/ (LAist) LA County wants to put affordable housing groups first in line to buy apartment buildings https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/los-angeles-county-board-supervisors-community-opportunity-to-purchase-act-vote-apartment-building-sales-renters-landlords (The Verge) The robotaxi law that could ban Tesla https://www.theverge.com/transportation/962309/new-jersey-robotaxi-bill-lidar-tesla

This evening on Less than 1: the 9th Circuit questions California's ban on mandatory workplace meetings, a judge rejects Meta's bid to shield moderation claims under Section 230, and Sable asks the Trump administration to seize California land for its pipeline. Also: a Fresno city council candidate resigns from a legal aid board amid campaign controversy, Yale Law's dean pushes back against a Trump administration settlement, and charges are dropped against the California man who drove his family off a cliff. Stories mentioned in this episode: 9th Circuit questions California's ban on mandatory workplace meetings https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392822-9th-circuit-questions-california-s-ban-on-mandatory-workplace-meetings Judge rejects Meta's bid to shield moderation claims under Section 230 https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392821-judge-rejects-meta-s-bid-to-shield-moderation-claims-under-section-230 Sable asks Trump administration to seize California land for pipeline https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392824-sable-asks-trump-administration-to-seize-california-land-for-pipeline (Fresno Bee) Fresno council candidate resigns from CA legal board. Was he on way out over ICE? https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article316415226.html (NYT) Yale Law School Fights to Stop Trump Deal https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/07/us/yale-law-school-dean-trump-deal.html (AP) Charges dropped against California man who drove family off cliff after mental health diversion https://apnews.com/article/california-driver-car-drove-off-cliff-1863d68448fe091a99817ebc4dc230cd

This morning on Less than 1: investors clear a key hurdle in their fraud suit against Steve Ballmer and Joseph Sanberg over a collapsed carbon-offset startup, and the 9th Circuit hands California a win in the fight over gas appliances. Also: Justices Kagan and Barrett will testify before Congress for the first time since 2019, an AI startup CEO's secret guilty plea in a law firm insider trading scheme is unsealed, and the Supreme Court allows Texas to enforce its app store age-verification law while a First Amendment challenge proceeds. Stories mentioned in this episode: Justices Kagan and Barrett on tap to testify on Capitol Hill next week https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/07/congress/scotus-to-congress-00988557 AI startup CEO pleaded guilty in US to trading on insider tips from lawyers https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/ai-startup-ceo-pleaded-guilty-us-trading-insider-tips-lawyers-2026-07-07/ Supreme Court won’t block Texas from enforcing a law requiring age verification for app downloads https://apnews.com/article/texas-age-mobile-app-verification-law-supreme-court-362137cccb26fc5f5dfbb71fb2b2f3db?

This evening on Less than 1: LA judge Pat Connolly survives a razor-thin reelection race, a Honda fraud verdict may strengthen defect claims in California lemon law cases, and a San Francisco public defender petitions to dismiss a misdemeanor case over a speedy trial violation. Also: the USPTO abandons its Board of Peace trademark applications, and a Central Valley farmer gives away 100,000 pounds of nectarines he can't legally sell. Stories mentioned in this episode: LA Judge Pat Connolly survives razor-thin reelection race https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392803-la-judge-pat-connolly-survives-razor-thin-reelection-race Honda fraud verdict may strengthen defect claims in California lemon law cases https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392794-honda-fraud-verdict-may-strengthen-defect-claims-in-california-lemon-law-cases Public defender seeks dismissal of misdemeanor case over speedy trial claim https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392795-public-defender-seeks-dismissal-of-misdemeanor-case-over-speedy-trial-claim (Reuters) US trademark office abandons 'Board of Peace' branding rights applications https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-trademark-office-abandons-board-peace-branding-rights-applications-2026-07-06/ (AP News) A California farmer is giving away tons of nectarines that he’s not allowed to sell https://apnews.com/article/california-farmer-nectarines-lawsuit-patent-4f7bc8ab185e8b9cbdd6d6ad4f2aabd1

This morning on Less than 1: a judge allows Edison's cross-claims against LA County to proceed in the Eaton Fire litigation. Also: the Supreme Court's next term shapes up with major cases on guns, voting rights and LGBT rights, the SEC proposes its biggest public company reporting overhaul in years, and a professor fired for criticizing Charlie Kirk reaches a $1.9 million settlement. Stories mentioned in this episode: (Reuters) US Supreme Court to hear gun, LGBT, voting rights cases in next term https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-hear-gun-lgbt-voting-rights-cases-next-term-2026-07-05/ (Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance) SEC Proposes Rules Simplifying Filer Status Determinations and Increasing Disclosure Accommodations https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2026/06/04/sec-proposes-rules-simplifying-filer-status-determinations-and-increasing-disclosure-accommodations/?utm_source=chatgpt.com (NYT) Professor Fired for Criticizing Charlie Kirk Reaches $1.9 Million Settlement https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/01/us/tennessee-professor-charlie-kirk-settlement.html

This evening on Less than 1: Netflix moves for $3 million in attorney fees after winning a patent case it says was built on fraud. Also: a Los Angeles judge refuses to lift a discovery stay in the dispute over dozens of child sex abuse plaintiffs caught between two competing probation camp settlements — and wants plaintiffs to identify their legal theory first. And: Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers takes over as chief judge of the Northern District of California. Plus: the EEOC sues 99 Ranch Market over alleged discrimination against non-Chinese employees, and U.S. legal sector jobs hit an all-time high for the third straight month. Stories mentioned in this episode: Netflix seeks $3 million in fees over patent suit it calls fraudulent https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392777-netflix-seeks-3-million-in-fees-over-patent-suit-it-calls-fraudulent Judge seeks legal basis for discovery in abuse settlement dispute https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392776-judge-seeks-legal-basis-for-discovery-in-abuse-settlement-dispute Gonzalez Rogers is named chief judge of Northern District https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392760-gonzalez-rogers-is-named-chief-judge-of-northern-district (LA Times) Feds accuse 99 Ranch of discriminating against non-Chinese employees https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2026-07-01/feds-accuse-99-ranch-of-discriminating-against-non-chinese-employees (Reuters) US legal sector jobs continued to climb in June https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/us-legal-sector-jobs-continued-climb-june-2026-07-02/

This morning on Less than 1: a judge strikes Huntington Beach's CEQA challenge to the state's housing enforcement lawsuit, dealing the city another loss in its yearslong fight against California's housing mandates. Also: a Los Angeles judge will hear arguments over whether to lift a discovery stay for dozens of child sex abuse plaintiffs caught between two competing settlements in the coordinated LA County probation camp cases. Plus: the Supreme Court is quietly building a massive police force — and Congress wants answers on the bill. And: the LA City Council shelves a ballot measure to exempt new apartments from the city's "mansion tax." Stories mentioned in this episode: Judge rejects Huntington Beach CEQA challenge to state housing enforcement suit https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392752-judge-rejects-huntington-beach-ceqa-challenge-to-state-housing-enforcement-suit (Politico) The Supreme Court Is Building Its Own Massive Police Force https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2026/06/28/supreme-court-justices-security-police-00969784 (LAist) LA City Council shelves ballot measure to cancel the ‘mansion tax’ on new apartments https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/los-angeles-city-council-mansion-tax-measure-ula-november-ballot-measure-2026-vote

This evening on Less than 1: a judge denies Consumer Watchdog's bid to invalidate FAIR Plan cost-recovery guidance, a physician sues Sheppard Mullin over allegedly improper settlement discussions, and California's appeals court upholds dismissal of state charges against the Pelosi attacker. Also: a lawsuit alleges a drug-spiked water jug caused teens to overdose at an LA juvenile hall, and a federal judge blocks the Postal Service's proposed restrictions on mail-in voting. Stories mentioned in this episode: Judge denies bid to invalidate FAIR Plan cost-recovery guidance https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392747-judge-denies-bid-to-invalidate-fair-plan-cost-recovery-guidance Physician sues Sheppard Mullin over settlement discussions https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392737-physician-sues-sheppard-mullin-over-settlement-discussions Appeals court upholds dismissal of state charges against Pelosi attacker https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392739-appeals-court-upholds-dismissal-of-state-charges-against-pelosi-attacker (LA Times) Drug-spiked water jug caused teens to overdose in L.A. juvenile hall, lawsuit alleges https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-06-30/los-angeles-juvenile-hall-overdoses-water-jug-lawsuit (Reuters) Judge blocks US Postal Service's proposed restrictions on mail-in voting https://www.reuters.com/world/judge-blocks-us-postal-services-proposed-restrictions-mail-in-voting-2026-07-01/

This morning on Less than 1: a judge overturns the $8.8 million Carson odor verdict and grants a new trial, SB 690 heads to committee to clarify California's wiretapping law's reach online, and a judge rules Yelp need not re-prove Google's monopoly in its antitrust suit. Also: the LA City Council pulls its noncitizen voting proposal at the last minute, and LA County takes control of its homeless spending from LAHSA. Stories mentioned in this episode: Judge overturns $8.8M Carson odor verdict and grants new trial https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392726-judge-overturns-8-8m-carson-odor-verdict-and-grants-new-trial (LAist) LA County takes control of its homeless spending from LAHSA https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/la-county-homeless-spending-lahsa-hsh (LAist) LA City Council pulls noncitizen voting proposal at the last minute https://laist.com/news/politics/la-city-council-pulls-noncitizen-voting-proposal-at-the-last-minute

This evening on Less than 1: a California appeals court voids a law firm's arbitration clauses over undisclosed client conflicts, a San Francisco judge rules the state DOJ exceeded its authority with cardroom regulations, and a judge dismisses the Visa investor suit over the DOJ antitrust probe. Also: veteran LA judge Stephen Czuleger announces his retirement, the DOJ settles an egg price-fixing probe for $3.3 million and 53 million eggs, and the UK signals it will challenge the $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. Stories mentioned in this episode: Appeals court voids law firm's arbitration clauses over undisclosed client conflicts https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392704-appeals-court-voids-law-firm-s-arbitration-clauses-over-undisclosed-client-conflicts Judge says state cardroom rules exceeded state DOJ authority https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392711-judge-says-state-cardroom-rules-exceeded-state-doj-authority Judge dismisses Visa investor suit over DOJ antitrust probe https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392707-judge-dismisses-visa-investor-suit-over-doj-antitrust-probe Veteran LA Judge Stephen Czuleger to retire after nearly 40 years on the bench https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392695-veteran-la-judge-stephen-czuleger-to-retire-after-nearly-40-years-on-the-bench (CNBC) Big egg producers settle price inflation probe with DOJ for 53 million eggs — and $3.3M https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/30/egg-producers-settle-price-inflation-probe-for-3point3-million.html (CNN) UK government says it’s likely to challenge $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. merger https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/30/media/uk-discovery-wbd-merger-intl

This morning on Less than 1: a judge finds Meta violated child privacy law but leaves a key COPPA question for the jury, TikTok settles the second social media bellwether case weeks before trial, and SB 574 heads to committee to regulate AI use by judges and neutrals. Also: the Supreme Court hands down three major rulings on transgender athletes in sports, campaign finance limits and birthright citizenship. Plus: a judge denies a state worker union's bid to block Newsom's return-to-office order. Stories mentioned in this episode: Judge finds Meta violated child privacy law but leaves key COPPA question for jury https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392687-judge-finds-meta-violated-child-privacy-law-but-leaves-key-coppa-question-for-jury TikTok settles second social media bellwether case weeks before trial https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392686-tiktok-settles-2nd-social-media-bellwether-case-weeks-before-trial (Sacramento Bee) Judge denies CA state worker union’s request to block Newsom’s RTO order https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article316320801.html

This evening on Less than 1: the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority sues the Trump administration over HUD's suspension of more than $200 million in federal homelessness funding. Also: the Archdiocese of San Francisco agrees to a $395 million clergy abuse settlement — what plaintiffs' attorneys are calling the largest per-survivor settlement in any clerical bankruptcy. And: the fight over San Francisco Public Defender Manohar Raju's contempt ruling heats up at the First District Court of Appeal. Plus: lawmakers move to ban AI companies from selling your health data, and Supreme Court justices disclose millions in book earnings. Stories mentioned in this episode: LAHSA sues Trump administration over HUD funding suspension https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392575-lahsa-sues-trump-administration-over-hud-funding-suspension San Francisco archdiocese agrees to $395 million abuse settlement https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392509-san-francisco-archdiocese-agrees-to-395-million-abuse-settlement Appeal heats up over San Francisco public defender contempt ruling https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392571-appeal-heats-up-over-san-francisco-public-defender-contempt-ruling (The Verge) Lawmakers want to ban AI companies from selling your health data https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/959033/health-location-data-protection-act-ai-warren-scanlon (Reuters) Supreme Court justices disclose millions in book earnings, teaching income https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-justices-disclose-millions-book-earnings-teaching-income-2026-06-29/

This morning on Less than 1: the U.S. Supreme Court shields Bayer and Monsanto from state-law failure-to-warn claims over Roundup's alleged cancer risks — and plaintiffs' attorneys warn the ruling could threaten California's Proposition 65 warning regime. Also: a status conference is set in the coordinated social media addiction litigation as the second bellwether trial takes shape. And: the Supreme Court issues four significant rulings, expanding presidential removal authority over independent agencies, blocking Trump's firing of a Federal Reserve governor, upholding states' absentee ballot grace periods, and ruling that geofence warrants constitute a Fourth Amendment search. Plus: Gov. Gavin Newsom strikes a deal with Anthropic to make Claude the first AI tool available to all California state agencies and local governments. Stories mentioned in this episode: Roundup ruling fuels fears of broader shield for manufacturers https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392507-roundup-ruling-fuels-fears-of-broader-shield-for-manufacturers (Politico) Newsom, Anthropic ink deal to expand government use https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/29/exclusive-newsom-anthropic-ink-deal-to-expand-government-use-00979584

This evening on Less than 1: nine bail bond insurers agree to a $66 million antitrust settlement over allegations they fixed the price of a nonrefundable fee charged to Californians who post bail. Also: a federal judge signals she will deny Meta's bid to exclude internal documents from an August trial brought by state attorneys general over alleged adolescent social media addiction. And: a Los Angeles judge says untangling the record from the Carson odor bellwether trial is a "Gordian knot" — and has drafted two possible rulings on the defense's new trial motions. Plus: the Trump administration launches a formal review of the California Coastal Commission. Stories mentioned in this episode: Bail bond insurers agree to $66 million antitrust settlement https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392480-bail-bond-insurers-agree-to-66-million-antitrust-settlement Meta loses bid to exclude internal evidence before August trial https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392479-meta-loses-bid-to-exclude-internal-evidence-before-august-trial Judge says record from retired colleague's trial is a 'Gordian knot' https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392478-judge-says-record-from-retired-colleague-s-trial-is-a-gordian-knot (NYT) Trump Administration to Investigate California’s Powerful Coastal Agency https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/26/us/trump-california-coastal-commission.html

This morning on Less than 1: a federal judge declares a mistrial in the Palisades Fire arson case — prosecutors say they will retry. Also: a Santa Barbara attorney unseats one of California's longest-serving trial judges in a rare contested judicial election. And: Governor Newsom signs the rideshare compromise bill, keeping dueling Uber and CAOC ballot measures off the November ballot. Plus: OpenAI pumps the brakes on its IPO, John Bolton pleads guilty to mishandling classified documents, and the FDIC proposes to ease resolution planning requirements for large banks. Stories mentioned in this episode: (NYT) OpenAI Leans Toward Waiting Until Next Year for I.P.O. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/25/technology/openai-ipo-artificial-intelligence.html (ABA Banking Journal) FDIC seeks to ease large bank resolution planning requirements https://bankingjournal.aba.com/2026/06/fdic-seeks-to-ease-large-bank-resolution-planning-requirements/ (Reuters) Trump adviser-turned-critic John Bolton pleads guilty to mishandling classified documents https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-adviser-turned-critic-john-bolton-plead-guilty-classified-info-case-2026-06-26/

This evening on Less than 1: a judge denies the DA's bid to pause $4 billion in juvenile abuse settlement payouts, a federal judge limits California's call-recording law to traditional phones, and Judge Chhabria picks Bursor and Edelson to lead Flock license plate reader privacy litigation. Also: the California Legislature unanimously passes SB 623 to avert the Uber-attorney ballot fight, and a judge allows a Metro bus project to proceed without bike lanes for now. Stories mentioned in this episode: Judge denies DA's bid to pause $4B abuse settlement payouts https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392456-judge-denies-da-s-bid-to-pause-4b-abuse-settlement-payouts Federal judge limits California call-recording law to traditional phones https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392452-federal-judge-limits-california-call-recording-law-to-traditional-phones Judge picks Bursor, Edelson to lead Flock privacy litigation https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392455-judge-picks-bursor-edelson-to-lead-flock-privacy-litigation Legislature approves bill to avert Uber-attorney ballot fight https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392435-legislature-approves-bill-to-avert-uber-attorney-ballot-fight (LAist) HLA lawsuit https://laist.com/brief/news/transportation/vermont-transit-corridor-measure-hla

This morning on Less than 1: the Supreme Court rules federal law preempts Roundup failure-to-warn claims, and a judge tentatively orders Huntington Beach to adopt ranked choice voting. Also: the Supreme Court clears the way for deportation of TPS holders and allows border turn-backs, strikes down a Hawaii gun law, and SB 623 passes the Assembly and heads to the Senate with a deadline looming. Plus: an OC grand jury calls for allowing elected officials to be ousted for misconduct. Stories mentioned in this episode: Bayer hails Supreme Court victory as major blow to Roundup lawsuits https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392431-bayer-hails-supreme-court-victory-as-major-blow-to-roundup-lawsuits Huntington Beach tentatively ordered to adopt ranked choice voting https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392432-huntington-beach-tentatively-ordered-to-adopt-ranked-choice-voting (NYT) Supreme Court Expands Trump’s Power Over Immigration https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/25/us/politics/supreme-court-temporary-protected-status.html (Politico) Supreme Court strikes down law limiting guns in businesses https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/25/supreme-court-hawaii-gun-control-00975590 (LAist) OC grand jury calls for allowing elected officials to be ousted for misconduct https://laist.com/news/politics/oc-grand-jury-officials-misconduct

This evening on Less than 1: the First Amendment Coalition sues San Jose State over a World Cup records request, and a warehouse owner loses its bid to erase an $8.8 million Carson odor verdict. Also: a federal appeals court deals the Trump administration its biggest setback yet in the voter roll fight, senators introduce a bipartisan AI labeling bill, and judges jockey for a potential Trump Supreme Court appointment. Plus: a new episode of Bench & Bar is out now. Stories mentioned in this episode: First Amendment Coalition sues San Jose State over World Cup records request https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392419 Warehouse owner loses bid to erase Carson odor verdict https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392424 (NYT) Warehouse owner loses bid to erase Carson odor verdict https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/us/politics/trump-voter-rolls-data-ruling.html (Politico) Senators revive push for AI labels https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/06/24/congress/senate-revives-push-for-ai-labels-00974818? (Bloomberg Law) Judges Jockey for Potential Trump Supreme Court Appointment https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/judges-jockey-for-potential-trump-supreme-court-appointment

This morning on Less than 1: a federal judge hears motions to dismiss in Uber's RICO suit against LA personal injury attorneys, a judge upholds Inglewood's 20-year kiosk advertising deal over SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome objections, and Yolo County appoints a new district attorney. Also: an NLRB judge orders Amazon to bargain with the Teamsters, and a federal judge vacates Trump's immigration courthouse arrest policies. Stories mentioned in this episode: (Reuters) Amazon ordered to bargain with union, teeing up review of US labor board ruling https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/amazon-ordered-bargain-with-union-teeing-up-review-us-labor-board-ruling-2026-06-23/ (Reuters) US judge vacates Trump immigration courthouse arrest policies https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-judge-vacates-trump-immigration-courthouse-arrest-policies-2026-06-24/

This evening on Less than 1: the Supreme Court bars a Falun Gong lawsuit against Cisco under the Alien Tort Statute — plus YouTube settles before the second social media addiction bellwether trial, the 9th Circuit blocks key parts of California's school gender identity law, and Uber and trial attorneys advance a compromise bill to avoid a November ballot fight. Also: Southern California law enforcement turns to drones to crack down on illegal fireworks, and the CFTC sues its first Republican-led state over prediction market regulation. Stories mentioned in this episode: Supreme Court bars Falun Gong suit against Cisco under Alien Tort Statute https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392387-supreme-court-bars-falun-gong-suit-against-cisco-under-alien-tort-statute YouTube settles before second social media addiction bellwether trial https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392387-supreme-court-bars-falun-gong-suit-against-cisco-under-alien-tort-statute 9th Circuit blocks parts of California school gender identity law https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392394-9th-circuit-blocks-parts-of-california-school-gender-identity-law Uber, trial attorneys advance bill to avoid ballot fight https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/392389-uber-trial-attorneys-advance-bill-to-avoid-ballot-fight CFTC sues Kentucky over actions against prediction markets, making it first red state to face federal scrutiny https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/23/cftc-sues-kentucky-over-actions-against-prediction-markets.html Drones will be used to crack down on illegal fireworks this Fourth of July https://laist.com/news/politics/drones-will-be-used-to-crack-down-on-illegal-fireworks-this-4th-of-july

This morning on Less than 1: a lawsuit claims an AI algorithm helps major gas retailers illegally coordinate pump prices, and a judge orders Riverside to refund $40.8 million to water customers over unlawful rate transfers. Also: a bipartisan data center energy bill advances in Congress amid mixed reactions, and the Supreme Court bars a lawsuit after prison guards forcibly shaved a Rastafarian inmate's dreadlocks. Plus: a special episode of Kabateck & Karnikian on FIFA's World Cup ticket pricing and California's unfair competition law. Stories mentioned in this episode: (NYT) Supreme Court Bars Lawsuit After Prison Guards Shaved Inmate’s Dreadlocks https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/23/us/politics/supreme-court-inmates-dreadlocks.html (Politico) Lawmakers, companies tread carefully on data center energy bill https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/23/lawmakers-companies-tread-carefully-data-center-energy-bill-00971158

This evening on Less than 1: shareholders sue Uber's board, alleging directors ignored years of passenger safety and compliance failures that have now exposed the company to potentially billions in liability from pending sexual assault claims. Also: Carson residents push to consolidate the next bellwether trial with Los Angeles County's Prologis case as post-trial motions challenging February's $8.8 million verdict head to court. And: a federal judge blocks states from using a Trump administration citizenship database to screen voter rolls. Plus: the Supreme Court allows an excessive force lawsuit against a former LAPD officer to proceed — and we note the passing of Justice Joan K. Irion of the 4th District Court of Appeal. Stories mentioned in this episode: Shareholders sue Uber board over sexual assault liability and compliance failures https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392336-uber-board-sued-by-shareholders-over-sexual-assault-liability-and-compliance-risks Carson residents push to consolidate next bellwether trial with county's Prologis casehttps://dailyjournal.com/articles/392337-carson-residents-push-for-new-bellwether-trial-in-warehouse-fire-litigation BMW seeks to block startup's ITC trade secrets case over German forum clause https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392328-bmw-seeks-to-block-zync-s-itc-trade-secrets-case-despite-mandatory-laws-exception Justice Joan K. Irion, 1953–2026 https://dailyjournal.com/articles/392338-justice-joan-k-irion-1953-2026 (NYT) Judge bars states from using federal citizenship database to screen voters https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/us/politics/federal-citizenship-database-voting.html (LA Times) Supreme Court allows excessive force lawsuit against former LAPD officer to proceed https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-06-22/supreme-court-says-ex-lapd-officer-may-be-sued-for-excessive-force-in-street-shooting