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RandySF's JournalCA-GOV: Tom Steyer (D): 'We need single-payer health care'
Billionaire and California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer (D) on Tuesday said the United States needs a single-payer health care system.
“Bernie Sanders was right. We need single-payer health care,” Steyer said in a video shared on social media. “In 2019, I didn’t think we needed single-payer health care.”
Steyer said he thought the U.S. could “bend the curve of health care inflation by using more inflation technology, more private sector expertise that these smarty-pants from the business world would bring down the cost.” He added that the U.S. needs a system that will cut out the expenses and “profit for middlemen supplying health care.”
The California Democrat joined a crowded field for the governorship last month, four years after he said he had “no plans” to run for public office again. Other Democratic candidates include former Rep. Katie Porter (Calif.), Rep. Eric Swalwell (Calif.), former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5668579-tom-steyer-single-payer-health/
Montana Supreme Court declines to suspend Attorney General Knudsen for misconduct
In a lengthy decision Wednesday, the Montana Supreme Court rejected a recommendation Attorney General Austin Knudsen should be suspended from practice for 90 days in a professional misconduct case.
The order cleared Knudsen of three professional misconduct allegations, but it found he violated two other codes of conduct.
However, the order said Knudsen’s due process rights had been violated in the case in multiple instances, as he had alleged, and the justices declined to take additional action.
“Due to the (Commission on Practice’s) violation of Knudsen’s due process guarantees, we dismiss this case without further action,” the order said.
https://dailymontanan.com/2025/12/31/montana-supreme-court-declines-to-suspend-attorney-general-knudsen-for-misconduct/
As the calendar flips to 2026, battle for control of the Georgia House cranks up
Most legislative races are pretty anti-climatic by the time general election voters cast a ballot in the fall, and that is by design.
The state Legislature has power to determine the boundaries of its own districts, and they tend to do it in a way that protects the party in power. That leads to a lot of races where only the incumbent runs or a long-shot candidate from the other party steps up and gets a small slice of the total vote.
But when a state gets closer to 50-50, like Georgia is getting, districts that were mostly safe become less safe.
That’s what happened around the turn of the century in Georgia, when Democrats ruled the roost and Republicans were hot on their heels.
https://georgiarecorder.com/2026/01/01/as-the-calendar-flips-to-2026-battle-for-control-of-the-georgia-house-cranks-up/
'Several' people killed after explosion in Swiss ski resort bar, police say
A Swiss police representative we spoke to said there would be another update coming from the Valais Cantonal Police shortly.
When asked by the BBC how many people had been killed, the spokesman said: "We can’t say yet. Several."
We’ll bring you that police update as soon as we get it.
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c8xdxvj2qjdt?post=asset%3A6a18c268-241c-4cc0-bfc3-de3496d40d7e#post
Dawn Staley gives Ta'Niya Latson injury update for South Carolina vs Alabama
COLUMBIA — South Carolina women's basketball will be without starting guard Ta'Niya Latson in its SEC opener.
The No. 3 Gamecocks (13-1) host Alabama (14-0) on Jan. 1 (2 p.m., SEC Network+). Latson went down with an apparent ankle injury in the second quarter of the 96-55 win over Providence on Dec. 28.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley ruled her out on Dec. 31. An official SEC injury report will publish every night before each conference game.
"Take it day by day," Staley said when asked if she'll play on Jan. 4 at Florida. "I'm hoping, we're praying. If not, we got to keep going."
Latson had to be helped off the court, and didn't put any pressure on her left foot when walking into the locker room. According to Staley after the game, Latson got treatment during the second half which is why she didn't return to the bench.
https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/usc/2025/12/31/taniya-latson-injury-update-south-carolina-womens-basketball-dawn-staley/87926459007/
Metro Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright enters Louisville mayoral race
OUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Councilwoman Shameka Parrish-Wright, D-3, announced she's running for mayor.
The Democrat will run against current Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, her second bid to become mayor.
Parrish-Wright, a prominent voice for racial justice in Louisville, was first elected to Metro Council in November 2023.
"Leadership isn't about titles — it's about responsibility," she said in a news release Wednesday. "I'm ready to lead with courage, character, and community."
https://www.wdrb.com/news/politics/metro-councilwoman-shameka-parrish-wright-enters-louisville-mayoral-race/article_911cb1b0-1c95-4835-9cef-1357431d3dde.html
NJ-GOV: New Jersey governor's race shattered spending records as independent groups poured in $158 million
Candidates running for New Jersey governor this year spent more than a quarter-billion dollars, according to a newly released study.
Not only was the race between Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli the most expensive in New Jersey history, it was also the sixth costliest in U.S. history, as independent groups spent record amounts on the 2025 election.
The study, released Dec. 22 by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, was based on the most recent campaign finance filings and includes spending for both the primary and general election.
“It is now evident that this year’s gubernatorial election was the most expensive New Jersey election in state history by a large margin. It was also one of the top 10 costliest gubernatorial elections ever in the nation,” said Joe Donohue, the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission deputy director.
https://jerseyvindicator.org/2025/12/31/new-jersey-governors-race-shattered-spending-records-as-independent-groups-poured-in-158-million/
Oklahoma will begin streamlining election dates in 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY – A new law modernizing Oklahoma’s election calendar will affect elections beginning Jan. 1, 2026, bringing greater clarity, consistency and efficiency to when elections are held across the state.
Senate Bill 652 consolidates Oklahoma’s election dates into five standard election days each year, held in February, April, June, August and November. Previously, Oklahoma law allowed for up to 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and up to seven in even-numbered years. Frequent, low-profile elections often draw a small fraction of registered voters while requiring significant time and resources from county election boards and poll workers.
The legislation was authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and was carried in the House by Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond.
“Senate Bill 652 brings much needed clarity and consistency to Oklahoma’s election calendar,” Paxton said. “By streamlining our elections to five set dates each year, we create a more predictable system for voters, election officials and local governments. Fewer, clearly defined election days will reduce confusion, improve administration and help boost voter turnout by making it easier for Oklahomans to know when elections are happening and plan to participate.”
https://sapulpatimes.com/oklahoma-will-begin-streamlining-election-dates-in-2026/
Lynnfield sets election dates
LYNNFIELD — The Town has announced the key dates for its 2026 elections.
Lynnfield’s annual town election will take place on April 14. Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. The sole polling location is Lynnfield High School, at 275 Essex St., in the gym.
Nomination papers can be pulled as early as Jan. 8 at 8:30 a.m. and must be submitted no later than Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. The last day to object or withdraw from the election is March 12, with a 5 p.m. deadline. The deadline to post warrant articles is April 7.
Individuals who are interested in running for office in Lynnfield should visit the Town’s resource page linked here for key information, dates, and procedural guidance: lynnfieldma.gov/280/Running-for-Office-in-Lynnfield.
https://itemlive.com/2025/12/31/lynnfield-sets-election-dates/
Petition to repeal Alaska's election reform law will go in front of voters
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A ballot initiative petition that would eliminate the top-four primaries and ranked-choice voting in general elections in Alaska was properly filed, according to Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom.
The ballot initiative has three components to it.
The first component would be the repeal of the state’s open primary system. Instead of all candidates, running in the same race, the political parties themselves would be able to determine which candidate would advance to the November general election.
The second component is the elimination of rank-choice voting in general elections.
https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2025/12/31/petition-repeal-alaskas-election-reform-law-will-go-front-voters/
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