Category: Regional Watch
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Colorado Appeals Court: One Custody Order, Multiple Felonies—Per Child
A Colorado Court of Appeals ruling allows prosecutors to charge separate felonies for each child affected by a custody violation, even under one order. This decision increases legal repercussions for parents, offering prosecutors greater leverage in plea negotiations. Concerns arise regarding potential overreach and the impact on families during custody disputes.
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FBI Tip Leads to Arrest of Ogden Man After Antisemitic Threats and Discovery of Pipe Bombs
A swift FBI tip and coordinated law enforcement response led to the arrest of a 21-year-old Ogden man after antisemitic threats posted online were linked to the discovery of seven operational pipe bombs and a firearm inside a family home, averting what authorities say could have been a deadly attack.
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Utah’s Population Growth Slows—but the Real Story Is What Comes Next
Utah’s population grew by 44,351 from July 2024 to July 2025, signaling a shift to natural increase rather than migration, reflecting challenges like housing unaffordability. Urban growth strains local resources while rural areas decline. Notably, fertility rates drop suggests future economic pressures. Serious policy attention is needed for sustainable growth.
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Idaho Lawmakers Move Toward Sweeping Child Custody Reform—With New Penalties for Violations
Idaho lawmakers are set to overhaul child custody laws, addressing years of concerns about inconsistent rulings and parental rights deprivations. The new proposals, driven by the Child Custody and Domestic Relations Task Force, include a presumption of 50/50 joint custody, stronger enforcement measures, and provisions for child safety, aiming for clearer justice in family courts.
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Oregon Senator Sounds Alarm on Family Courts—Raising Questions Californians Should Not Ignore
Oregon is experiencing increasing scrutiny over family courts, spurred by Senator Suzanne Weber’s concerns about unchecked judicial power and limited transparency. Complaints have emerged from constituents highlighting systemic issues, echoing similar criticisms in California. The lack of accountability and federal funding influences demand nationwide reform, though responses remain sparse.
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When Family Court Fails: What Las Vegas’ “Judging the Judges” Survey Misses — And Why California Should Worry
A new survey of Clark County Family Court judges reveals alarming error rates, low retention scores, and rising secrecy—issues California’s own courts must not ignore.
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Amazon Backs Out of Massive “Project Blue” Data Center Campus in Arizona
Amazon Web Services has withdrawn from a significant data center project in Mesa, Arizona, leading to community concerns about transparency and economic impact. The abrupt exit follows rising construction costs, regulatory scrutiny, and water resource conflicts. Residents are left questioning past commitments and the negotiation process, highlighting broader issues with Big Tech projects.
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Oregon Judge Fines Attorney $2,000 for AI-Generated Errors — A Warning Shot to Courts Nationwide
An Oregon judge fined an attorney $2,000 for submitting an AI-generated legal filing that contained errors like fictitious cases and fabricated quotes. This case underscores growing concerns about lawyers relying on AI without proper verification. The ruling signals stricter enforcement of ethical standards and responsibility for accuracy in legal documents.
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Portland’s Empty ‘Affordable’ Apartments Are a Warning to California
Portland’s housing policy faces criticism as nearly 1,900 subsidized units remain vacant amid a homelessness surge of 60-67% since 2023. Issues include bureaucratic inefficiencies, high rents for low-income families, and competition from market rates. Despite spending over $1.3 billion, the crisis worsens, raising concerns for similar policies in California.
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Border Patrol’s Warrantless Raid on Arizona Aid Camp Sparks Legal and Civil Liberties Questions
By Michael Phillips | CABayNews U.S. Border Patrol agents carried out a rare warrantless raid on a humanitarian aid camp in the Arizona desert last month, triggering new scrutiny over federal enforcement tactics and raising questions about whether the agency exceeded its legal authority. The November 23 operation targeted Byrd Camp, a small network of…