Regional Watch

News and reporting about our neighboring states.

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Arizona’s 2026 Governor’s Race Tightens as Polls Show a True Toss-Up

The 2026 Arizona gubernatorial election is highly competitive, with polls showing a tight race between incumbent Democrat Katie Hobbs and various Republican contenders. Early polling indicates a divided electorate, with key voter issues shifting towards the economy, housing, and education. Both parties are gearing up for highly strategic campaigns amid significant undecided voter numbers.

Idaho Lawmakers Move to Modernize Child Custody Laws After Years of Family Court Complaints

Idaho lawmakers are initiating significant reforms to the state’s outdated child custody and family court laws, responding to long-standing concerns about inefficiencies and negative impacts on children. A bipartisan task force is drafting legislation aimed at modernizing statutes, improving law enforcement involvement, and ensuring that children’s voices are heard in custody matters.

Oregon Lawmaker Revives Foster Youth Rights Bill After Gov. Kotek’s Veto

An Oregon lawmaker reintroduces legislation aiming to expand rights for foster children, previously vetoed by Governor Kotek due to cost and legal concerns. The bill seeks to enhance care standards, but critics argue existing system failures must be addressed first. The renewed push reflects ongoing public pressure for meaningful reform in Oregon’s foster care system.

A Tragic Mistake in Oregon Highlights the Real Risks of Domestic Violence Calls

A domestic violence call in Albany, Oregon ended in tragedy when police responding to a reported kidnapping mistakenly shot the victim rather than the aggressor. The incident highlights the extreme dangers of armed domestic calls, the need for accountability without political theater, and the hard realities officers face when violent suspects exploit chaos and split-second…

Washington Democrats Move to Shield Child Care Providers From Public Scrutiny

A proposed bill in Washington, Senate Bill 5926, aims to expand privacy exemptions under the Public Records Act for all licensed child care providers. Critics argue it could reduce transparency and accountability, especially during heightened scrutiny of child care subsidies. The debate highlights tensions between privacy protection and taxpayer oversight.

Idaho’s Child Welfare Debate: Protection, Profit, and the Limits of State Power

A heated debate in Idaho raises questions about the effectiveness of child welfare, with critics claiming it prioritizes family separation over protection. The child welfare system is influenced by federal funding that rewards removals. Recent legal challenges and high-profile cases like Baby Cyrus emphasize tensions between parental rights and state intervention, revealing systemic flaws.

Utah Court Releases Transcript in Tyler Robinson Case, Reigniting Debate Over Transparency, Security, and Fair Trial Rights

A Utah judge has released a lightly redacted transcript from a closed pretrial hearing in the capital murder case against Tyler James Robinson, the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision reignites debate over court transparency, media influence, and how the justice system balances public access with a defendant’s right to a…

Utah Mother Allegedly Flees to Europe With Four Children, Igniting Renewed Fears Over Parental Abduction and System Failures

A Utah parental abduction case involves Elleshia Anne Seymour, who allegedly took her four children overseas, violating custody agreements. As they remain missing, the case highlights failures in family court enforcement and passport systems. Advocates stress the importance of safeguarding parental rights and preventing unlawful international travel in custody disputes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.