Former Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) has officially launched a U.S. Senate bid for the seat currently held by Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK). “My name is Mary Peltola, and I’m running for U.S. Senate to fight for fish, family, and freedom – and that begins with fixing the rigged system in DC that’s shutting down Alaska,” Peltola wrote on X. “We need systemic change if we’re going to fill our homes with abundance again,” she added. “Growing up, Alaska was a place of abundance. Now, we have scarcity,” Peltola said in her campaign announcement video. “The salmon, large game, and migratory birds that used to fill our freezers are harder to find. So we buy more groceries, with crushing prices,” Peltola continued. “It’s not just that politicians in DC don’t care that we’re paying $17 a gallon for milk in rural Alaska, they don’t even believe us,” she added. Check it out: My name is Mary Peltola, and I'm running for U.S. Senate to fight for fish, family, and freedom – and that begins with fixing the rigged system in DC that’s shutting down Alaska. We need systemic change if we're going to fill our homes with abundance again. pic.twitter.com/pLnr4GLd9k — Mary Peltola (@MaryPeltola) January 12, 2026 NBC News has more: Peltola enters the race after having represented Alaska in Congress as its lone House member, with a record of performing better than the average Democrat in the red state. Peltola, a former state legislator, first won a special election in 2022 and a full term later that year, becoming the first Alaska Native elected to Congress. But Peltola lost her 2024 re-election bid by 3 points, as President Donald Trump carried Alaska by 13 points. The path to the Senate majority is an uphill climb for the Democratic Party, which must hold on to several Senate seats in battleground states as well as flipping at least four states held by Republicans. Because of the mix of seats on the ballot in 2026, that would mean winning at least two states Trump won by double digits. The party does not currently have any senators from Trump double-digit states. But Democrats think former Sen. Sherrod Brown could make Ohio competitive, they’re looking at Iowa and Texas as possible opportunities for underdog upsets, and they believe Peltola could put the Alaska race in play, leveraging her name recognition, fundraising and bipartisan bona fides. As she works to appeal to GOP-leaning voters in the state, Peltola, in her launch video, pointed to two late Alaska Republicans, including her predecessor in the House, as examples for the state’s congressional delegation. Recent polls showed a tight contest between Peltola and the incumbent Republican senator. “After voters rejected Mary Peltola’s record pushing radical transgender policies and protecting Joe Biden’s relentless attacks on Alaska energy, she immediately cashed out to lobby for special interests. Voters trust Dan Sullivan to keep fighting for the Alaskan comeback and will reject Peltola again,” National Republican Senatorial Committee Regional Press Secretary Nick Puglia said in a statement, according to Newsweek. Alaska Research Survey poll | 10/10-10/15 Alaska Senate Mary Peltola 48%Dan Sullivan 46% (incumbent)Undecided 6% pic.twitter.com/lbIK5YHzZF — Politics & Poll Tracker (@PollTracker2024) October 21, 2025 Newsweek noted: Following her entry into the race, two major elections forecasters, the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball, shifted the race toward Democrats. Both reclassified the race as either solid or safe for Republicans to “Lean Republican.” “Peltola’s entrance is yet another major recruiting coup for national Democrats, who now have their most plausible path yet to a once out-of-reach Senate majority,” Jessica Taylor of the Cook Political Report wrote on Monday.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced on Monday he will run for governor in hopes of succeeding term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis appointed Collins to serve as lieutenant governor in August. “I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites. I served over 23 years in the United States military, mainly as a Green Beret, where accountability is real, decisions have consequences, and service comes before self,” Collins said. “That experience shaped how I lead and why I believe public office is a public trust,” he added. I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites. I served over 23 years in the United States military, mainly as a Green Beret, where accountability is real, decisions have consequences, and service comes before self. That experience shaped… — Jay Collins (@JayCollinsFL) January 12, 2026 Fox News has more: The lieutenant governor, who previously served as a state senator, is jumping into a GOP gubernatorial primary that also features contenders including Trump-backed candidate U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and James Fishback. Collins name-dropped the current governor in his statement on Monday. “We chose to make Florida home for my family because it stands for freedom, opportunity, and personal responsibility. In the Legislature and as Lieutenant Governor, I’ve worked alongside Governor Ron DeSantis to deliver results and advance a bold, conservative agenda. I did not come to chase headlines. I came to deliver results. Standing with law enforcement. Protecting communities. And to keep Florida strong,” he noted. Collins indicated that as governor he would be a “strong partner” for President Donald Trump. With Trump’s endorsement, Donalds is the overwhelming favorite to win the GOP primary. The House Republican has dominated early polls. Lmao Trump-endorsed @ByronDonalds is crushing the competition. It’s not even close. https://t.co/2IN47tBL91 pic.twitter.com/UfuKD6cKrb — Alex Bruesewitz (@alexbruesewitz) November 14, 2025 CBS News shared further: In a response to Collins entering the race, Ryan Smith, the chief campaign strategist for Donalds, said “anyone running against Byron is an anti-Trump RINO and will be soundly defeated in the Republican primary.” Smith also contended that Donalds is the only candidate who will be able to unite Republicans, as Gov. Ron DeSantis is barred by term limits from running again in November. Collins represented a Hillsborough County district in the state Senate before he was named lieutenant governor in August by DeSantis. Earlier Monday, DeSantis indicated he was unaware of Collins’ plans. “Jay’s a good guy. He served this country admirably as a Green Beret. He has a great conservative record in the Florida Senate,” DeSantis said during an appearance in Davie. “I don’t know what he’s going to announce or not announce. You know, my role, obviously, I’m focused on the State of the State (address, which will be given Tuesday) and some other things. If I get involved in the primary, you know, you’ll know it. It’ll be at a time and place of my choosing, and so we’ll see.” When he made the lieutenant governor appointment, DeSantis praised Collins for supporting issues such as combating illegal immigration and revamping election laws, while also calling him a “warrior” for assisting rescue workers in areas of the state hit by hurricanes and participating in efforts to rescue Floridians in Israel. “I think he’s been one of the most productive senators we have had in modern Florida history,” DeSantis said in August. “And on all the big issues, he not only was an ally of mine, he was standing up for you.” The lieutenant governor position had been vacant since February when Jeanette Nuñez — DeSantis’ 2018 and 2022 running mate — was named interim president of Florida International University. She was later named president.

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) filed a civil lawsuit against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, alleging the Pentagon’s retaliation against him for his involvement in a video message to U.S. service members is unconstitutional. Kelly was one of six members of Congress to appear in a controversial video urging U.S. service members to “refuse illegal orders.” Hegseth announced “administrative action” against Kelly earlier this month, calling the video “reckless and seditious.” “Therefore, in response to Senator Mark Kelly’s seditious statements — and his pattern of reckless misconduct — the Department of War is taking administrative action against Captain Mark E. Kelly, USN (Ret). The department has initiated retirement grade determination proceedings under 10 U.S.C. § 1370(f), with reduction in his retired grade resulting in a corresponding reduction in retired pay,” Hegseth said. “To ensure this action, the Secretary of War has also issued a formal Letter of Censure, which outlines the totality of Captain (for now) Kelly’s reckless misconduct. This Censure is a necessary process step, and will be placed in Captain Kelly’s official and permanent military personnel file,” he added. Department Of War Takes “Administrative Action” Against Sen. Mark Kelly Over “Reckless And Seditious Video” – Pete Hegseth Announces According to CBS News, the 46-page complaint argued the Democratic senator was the target of "extreme rhetoric and punitive retribution" by the Trump administration. Fox News shared a breaking alert: ? JUST IN: Traitorous Sen. Mark Kelly is now frantically SUING SecWar Pete Hegseth because Hegseth is punishing him for betraying America Kelly told the ENTIRE military to disobey the Commander-in-Chief and is now FAFOing HE MUST LOSE! Court-martial Mark Kelly! pic.twitter.com/VqdYNXHz6F — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 12, 2026 CBS News shared further: The Arizona Democratic senator alleged that he was punished for protected speech and said administration officials retaliated against him in violation of the First Amendment. Kelly also argued that his criticisms of Hegseth are at the core of the Constitution's Speech or Debate Clause, which provides immunity to lawmakers from criminal prosecutions or civil lawsuits that stem from legislative acts. "It appears that never in our nation's history has the Executive Branch imposed military sanctions on a Member of Congress for engaging in disfavored political speech," Kelly's legal team wrote in the complaint. "Allowing that unprecedented step here would invert the constitutional structure by subordinating the Legislative Branch to executive discipline and chilling congressional oversight of the armed forces." They said Kelly's public statements and legislative acts in response to the Trump administration's actions regarding the military are "significant matters of public concern" that fit within the First Amendment's protections and his oversight responsibilities as a senator. The senator's lawyers added that they believe there is no legal basis to take action against him based on "post-retirement political speech." Kelly said in a statement that Hegseth's efforts to punish him leave military veterans at risk of seeing their rank and pay downgraded years after they retire for making comments that he or other defense secretaries dislike. "Pete Hegseth is coming after what I earned through my twenty-five years of military service, in violation of my rights as an American, as a retired veteran, and as a United States Senator whose job is to hold him—and this or any administration—accountable. His unconstitutional crusade against me sends a chilling message to every retired member of the military: if you speak out and say something that the President or Secretary of Defense doesn’t like, you will be censured, threatened with demotion, or even prosecuted," Kelly said. "Every servicemember knows military rank is earned, not given. It's earned through the risks you take, the sacrifices you and your family make, the leadership you display, and the respect you earn from the superiors who recommend you for promotion. From the moment I drove through the gates of Naval Air Station Pensacola, to when I was shot at over Iraq and Kuwait, to when I landed Space Shuttle Endeavour on its last mission, I gave everything I had to this country and I earned my rank of Captain, United States Navy. Now, Pete Hegseth wants our longest-serving military veterans to live with the constant threat that they could be deprived of their rank and pay years or even decades after they leave the military just because he or another Secretary of Defense doesn’t like what they’ve said. That’s not the way things work in the United States of America, and I won’t stand for it," he continued. "In 1986, at just 22 years old, I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. I have fulfilled that oath every day since, but I never expected that I would have to defend it against a Secretary of Defense or President. But I’ve never shied away from a fight for our country, and I won’t shy away from this one. Because our freedom of speech, the separation of powers, and due process are not just words on a page, they are bedrock principles of our democracy that has lasted 250 years and will last 250 more as long as patriotic Americans are willing to stand up for our rights. So today, I filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of Defense because there are few things as important as standing up for the rights of the very Americans who fought to defend our freedoms," Kelly concluded. Pete Hegseth is coming after what I earned through my twenty-five years of military service, in violation of my rights as an American, as a retired veteran, and as a United States Senator whose job is to hold him—and this or any administration—accountable. His unconstitutional… — Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) January 12, 2026 POLITICO has more: Kelly’s lawyers argue in the filing that the attacks from Hegseth “violate numerous constitutional guarantees and have no basis in statute” and “should proceed no further.” Kelly contends Hegseth and Trump’s attacks on him pointed toward a preordained outcome that deprived him of a legitimate opportunity to rebut the allegations against him. “If permitted to stand, the Secretary’s censure and the grade-determination proceedings that he has directed will inflict immediate and irreparable harm,” his lawyers wrote. “The Constitution does not permit the government to announce the verdict in advance and then subject Senator Kelly or anyone else to a nominal process designed only to fulfill it.” Kelly said he’s being targeted over commentary on issues that are central to his role as a lawmaker: the management of the military by Hegseth, legislation related to war crimes and the military justice system.

  JUST IN – Trump says that if, “for any reason,” the Supreme Court rules against his tariffs: “WE’RE SCREWED!” pic.twitter.com/kbjezDyGZd — Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 12, 2026 FULL TEXT: The actual numbers that we would have to pay back if, for any reason, the Supreme Court were to rule against the United States of America on Tariffs, would be many Hundreds of Billions of Dollars, and that doesn’t include the amount of “payback” that Countries and Companies would require for the Investments they are making on building Plants, Factories, and Equipment, for the purpose of being able to avoid the payment of Tariffs. When these Investments are added, we are talking about Trillions of Dollars! It would be a complete mess, and almost impossible for our Country to pay. Anybody who says that it can be quickly and easily done would be making a false, inaccurate, or totally misunderstood answer to this very large and complex question. It may not be possible but, if it were, it would be Dollars that would be so large that it would take many years to figure out what number we are talking about and even, who, when, and where, to pay. Remember, when America shines brightly, the World shines brightly. In other words, if the Supreme Court rules against the United States of America on this National Security bonanza, WE’RE SCREWED! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP The ruling is largely expected to come out in two days, this coming Wednesday, January 14th — after already being postponed once. MAJOR UPDATE ON SUPREME COURT TARIFF RULING Yesterday, I brought you this report: BREAKING: Supreme Court Set To NUKE President Trump’s Tariffs As Early As Tomorrow Morning Today I have an update for you, and so far I think it's good news or at least moving in the right direction. While the prevailing wisdom yesterday was that the Supreme Court was going to issue their ruling this morning at 7am and that it would strike down the tariffs, that did not happen -- seemingly due to some last minute shuffling. https://x.com/polymarket/status/2009648773472108813?s=46&t=fQPc05aE4Kkb738_xetJBg Meanwhile, current reports are that the ruling has been pushed to next Wednesday, January 14th: JUST IN: ?? Supreme Court to issue ruling on President Trump's tariffs next Wednesday. — Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) January 9, 2026 Most are taking this as a good sign for President Trump. Kind of like in a criminal case where the longer the jury deliberates it means you're more likely to get a Not Guilty or hung jury. Quick rulings are usually never good for the defendant and would likely have not been good for tariffs in this case. The fact that the Court seems to have uncertainty or for some reason is delaying means there is likely not enough support to strike down the tariffs. At least that's what the betting markets seem to be responding to today: BREAKING: The US Supreme Court decides to NOT release a highly anticipated ruling on the legality of President Trump's tariffs today. The odds of President Trump's tariffs being ruled as LEGAL surge to 31%. pic.twitter.com/gkBi5e3TLP — The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) January 9, 2026 Still though, the betting markets have Trump's success at far less than 50% which is not encouraging. My thoughts on all of this is it has the feeling of when we had those leaks at the Supreme Court a few months back.  Do you remember that?  Remember how the leaks came out attempting to sway public opinion right before the overturning of Roe v. Wade? I get that same vibe here, but time will tell. In any event, the Trump Administration has confirmed they have many backup plans if needed: "We really believe that we have a very strong legal footing... but we've got a backup plan and a backup plan for the backup plan." — NEC Director Kevin Hassett on the pending Supreme Court ruling on tariffs pic.twitter.com/oB2806j1UJ — Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 9, 2026 Either way, we will find out soon. Let's hope SCOTUS will finally do the right thing!

Leonardo DiCaprio is going viral today after he was caught on camera at the Golden Globes last night “acting gay”. At least that’s how it looks to me. See here: DEVELOPING: Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio is going viral after fans started accusing him of ‘acting gay’ at the Golden Globes Awards. pic.twitter.com/S2QY9heCDR — Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) January 12, 2026 Backup video here if needed: Leonardo DiCaprio is so intriguing pic.twitter.com/kW7JHr9KAm — mel (@simplemellie) January 12, 2026 Ok, so now the biggest question: What was he saying?  Or what was he mouthing? I asked ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok to use lip-reading analysis to tell me what he was saying. ChatGPT and Gemini failed miserably, didn’t even seem remotely close. Grok did the best, and while I can’t confirm 100% this is accurate, it does line up perfectly to me as I watch the video.  Here’s what Grok thinks he was saying: Analysis of Leonardo DiCaprio and Infiniti at the Golden Globes 2026 This is a lipreading and facial expression analysis of the 24-second commercial break clip based on visible mouth movements, timing, and gestures. Key Visible Sequences and Likely Dialogue 0–4 seconds Leo leans in smiling, points gently toward her, mouth opens moderately wide, forms a round shape, and then closes. Likely phrase: “I was watching you…” 5–9 seconds He makes an exaggerated pouty lip, a playful eyebrow raise, and a small head tilt. He performs a quick hand gesture mimicking dancing or a shoulder shimmy. His mouth forms a clear “oo–ah–ih” shape with visible tongue movement on the last syllable. Likest match: “…with the K-pop thing” Context: The pout and shoulder movement sync with imitations of K-pop fan excitement. 10–15 seconds He laughs and nods enthusiastically. His mouth forms a quick “yeah” or “yep” shape where the lips barely part and teeth are visible, accompanied by a quick up-down nod. Most probable: “Yeah” or “Right?” 16–21 seconds He displays a big grin and a slight head shake side-to-side in amused disbelief. His mouth opens wider in a laugh shape, closes, and follows with a quick “ha-ha” motion. Likely: “Oh my god…” or laughing without clear words. Last 3 seconds He keeps smiling and gives a little wave or gesture with his fingers. His mouth barely moves. Likely: A non-verbal wrap-up. Summary of Findings Most confident transcription of the main line: “I was watching you with the K-pop thing” This fits the mouth opening/closing pattern and timing. It matches reports of Leo playfully calling back to a K-pop fangirling moment earlier in the show. Technical Note: Lipreading is not 100% reliable due to camera angles, speech speed, and facial hair. However, the exaggerated theatrical facial expressions used in this interaction make this particular phrase distinct. If slowed-down versions or higher-resolution stills of specific mouth shapes become available, confidence levels could increase.