Connecticut's judicial watchdog received nearly 2,000 complaints against judges for alleged wrongdoing, including bias and personal misconduct, from 2006 to 2023. However, 98.5% of these complaints were dismissed, often without public disclosure of the details. Only a few cases led to disciplinary actions such as suspensions or censures. Critics argue for more transparency to ensure accountability and a fairer judicial system, while defenders of the current process cite the need to protect judges from frivolous complaints and maintain the integrity of the judiciary. The Judicial Review Council, which handles these complaints, operates under state law that mandates confidentiality, only making cases public if they reach a probable cause stage. The council consists of judges, attorneys, and public members appointed by the governor and approved by the state legislature.

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones of Georgia, known for his MAGA alignment, has been making overtures to Black Democrats, including sponsoring Black History Month events and advocating for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Despite his controversial role as a 'fake elector' and election denier, Jones has shown support for HBCU-related initiatives, such as the HBCU Innovation and Economic Prosperity Planning Districts Act and funding for a veterinary school feasibility study. This behavior may represent a Republican strategy to attract Black voters in battleground states. National election data indicates a slight increase in minority support for Trump between 2016 and 2020, with cultural figures from the hip-hop community also showing support. The article suggests that Black and minority legislators should work with Republicans on intersecting interests, like HBCU initiatives, to achieve gains for their constituencies, despite potential ideological differences.

Milwaukee County, with one of the nation's highest overdose fatality rates, is using over $100 million from opioid settlements to fund diverse prevention and treatment programs. The county's Black population has seen a 75% increase in fatal overdoses from 2020 to 2022, largely due to fentanyl and its mix with other drugs. The county's approach includes naloxone distribution, education, and interventions for incarcerated individuals. Milwaukee County also aims to address systemic racism and poverty as underlying factors of substance abuse. An overdose dashboard provides real-time data on overdoses, and future plans may include postvention strategies for those bereaved by overdoses. The National Association of Counties has launched an Opioid Solutions Center to support counties in managing settlement funds and changing the trajectory of the opioid crisis.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, has called for pardoning all misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions, a decision pending approval by the Governor's Council. The article discusses the use of pardon power by governors, highlighting the increase in pardons in recent years and the political risks involved. It mentions several governors, including Missouri's Mike Parson and Wisconsin's Tony Evers, who have issued a significant number of pardons. The article also touches on the controversy surrounding pardons, such as those issued by former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, and the historical context of pardons in the criminal justice system.

Anti-tax groups and state leaders are pushing to eliminate personal and corporate income taxes, which would disproportionately benefit the wealthy and lead to severe cuts in public services. Income taxes are crucial for funding education, infrastructure, and other state services. Proposals in states like Mississippi, Iowa, and Oklahoma ignore the significant revenue loss and inevitable negative impacts on residents. The authors, policy directors at tax and budget policy organizations, argue that such tax cuts are a step too far and call for a focus on equitable policies.

Four years after the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic, New Jersey released an independent, comprehensive state-level review of its response, highlighting successes and areas of unpreparedness. The report, over 900 pages, was released by Governor Phil Murphy and includes nearly 70 pages of recommendations. It acknowledges past failures to utilize existing emergency plans and calls for improved training, staffing, and resources. The review also emphasizes the need for better coordination and communication among government agencies and local health departments. The report's findings and recommendations aim to strengthen future public health responses.

Eight Kansas House Republicans introduced a bill to ban clinical abortions and distribution of abortion drugs, with exceptions only for medical emergencies. The bill allows lawsuits against those assisting in abortions. Despite a similar bill's failure and the Kansas Supreme Court's 2019 ruling upholding abortion rights, the bill reflects ongoing legislative efforts to restrict abortion. Kansas voters previously rejected a constitutional amendment to restrict abortion rights. Advocacy groups like Trust Women oppose the bill, while Kansans for Life focuses on alternative policies. The number of abortions in Kansas has increased, particularly for out-of-state residents, due to restrictive laws in neighboring states.

The article discusses the shifting political landscape in the United States, highlighting the challenges faced by President Biden and the Democratic Party as they lose ground among key demographic groups. Former President Donald Trump is gaining support among non-white working-class voters, a trend that Republican pollster Patrick Ruffini attributes to the GOP's appeal to these groups. The article also covers the ongoing redistricting battles in various states, with both parties seeking to gain advantages through court rulings. The GOP is expected to benefit from these changes, while Democrats face challenges in maintaining their traditional voter base.

Ohio Republicans voted to override Governor Mike DeWine's veto of a bill restricting medical care for trans youth and transgender athletes in school sports. The Ohio House passed the override with a 65-28 vote amid public protests. The Ohio Senate is expected to follow suit, making Ohio the 23rd state to restrict trans-related care and the 25th to limit transgender athletes' rights. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Gary Click, argued it protects children, while opponents like Rep. Anita Somani emphasized trusting medical experts and families. Governor DeWine's veto was based on the belief that medical decisions should be made by parents and doctors.

New Jersey lawmakers concluded a two-year legislative session with mixed results, passing pay raises for themselves and other public officials while failing to advance significant policy bills on casino smoking bans, affordable housing, and liquor license reforms. Governor Phil Murphy has until January 16 to sign or veto the measures. The session saw the approval of laws enhancing consumer protections, expanding school meals, and allowing 17-year-olds to vote in primaries. Despite some progress, key issues like affordable housing and expanded paid family leave remain unresolved, set to be revisited in the new legislative session.