Only in Seattle - Real Estate Unplugged

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has threatened to send federal law enforcement — and potentially the National Guard — into Washington state and Seattle if leaders don't comply with federal immigration demands.Governor Bob Ferguson and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell are firing back, vowing to defend the state's sanctuary policies in court. But could the federal government legally deploy the Guard? What does history tell us about similar moves under the Posse Comitatus Act and the Insurrection Act?

Playboy Enterprises is making a bold move—exiting Los Angeles and relocating its global headquarters to Miami Beach.The new HQ will be based at The RIVANI on Lincoln Road, complete with a reimagined Playboy Club, restaurant, and exclusive members-only areas. CEO Ben Kohn calls California “anti-business” and praises Miami Beach as the perfect cultural and economic hub for Playboy's next chapter.

Bed Bath & Beyond's comeback is making headlines—but not in California.Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis says the company won't open new stores in the Golden State, citing high taxes, strict regulations, and rising costs.Governor Gavin Newsom wasn't amused. His office fired back with a sarcastic jab, questioning the retailer's relevance after its bankruptcy. Lemonis, in turn, extended an olive branch—offering to meet with Newsom to discuss how to fix California's business climate.

Pierce County is facing a growing homelessness crisis.According to the 2025 Point-in-Time Count, nearly 3,000 people are experiencing homelessness—an 11% increase from last year. Rising housing costs, shrinking shelter capacity, and limited rental assistance are driving the surge.

Two Fred Meyer stores in Washington—Kent (SE 240th St.) and Everett (Evergreen Way)—are set to close in October 2025. Kroger, the parent company, blames a “steady rise in theft” and regulatory costs, despite reportedly doubling its security investments.But union leaders, workers, and local officials push back, arguing that crime has actually declined in these areas. Critics say the closures could create food deserts, especially for vulnerable communities.

California is facing a major fuel crisis as two of its biggest oil refineries prepare to shut down—Phillips 66 in Los Angeles and Valero in Benicia. Experts warn this could cut up to 21% of the state's refining capacity, triggering gasoline shortages and driving prices as high as $8.43 per gallon by 2026.

Oklahoma's education chief Ryan Walters has rolled out a new policy requiring teacher applicants from California and New York to pass a 50-question “America-first” exam developed by PragerU before they can teach in the state.Supporters say the test protects classrooms from “woke indoctrination,” while critics—including education groups and legal experts—argue it's unconstitutional, worsens teacher shortages, and functions as a partisan loyalty test.

Seattle's downtown is at a crossroads. Despite rising foot traffic and renewed energy in the city core, vacancy rates have hit record highs, placing Seattle among the top 3 U.S. cities with the emptiest office space.

Washington State ranks last in the nation for police staffing, according to new FBI data and the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (WASPC). With just 1.36 officers per 1,000 residents—far below the national average of 2.31—the state has held the bottom spot for 15 consecutive years.

Seattle is bracing for a major tourism downturn in 2025, with forecasts showing a 27% drop in international visitors. From the Canadian travel boycott slashing cross-border trips, to struggling duty-free shops and fewer hotel bookings, the Emerald City's visitor economy faces serious challenges.But it's not all bad news—downtown Seattle is rebounding, with rising foot traffic, hotel occupancy, and new development bringing energy back to the city. And with major global events on the horizon, there's hope for long-term growth.

Kansas City invested nearly $18–29 million to keep the Sun Fresh grocery store alive on Prospect Avenue. Despite years of public funding, the store officially closed its doors in August 2025, leaving residents once again in a food desert.

Seattle's Denny Blaine Park—long known as the city's unofficial nude beach—is at the center of controversy again.After a court ruling declared public nudity a nuisance, the city installed a chain-link fence with green mesh to divide the park into clothing-required and clothing-optional areas. But within just 24 hours, the new barrier was vandalized—its tarp ripped down and stuffed into a portable toilet.The city quickly repaired the fence, but critics say it's an eyesore, won't solve deeper issues, and could even make the park more unsafe.

A tragic double homicide at Virgil Flaim Park in Seattle's Lake City neighborhood has sparked urgent action from city officials and community members. Following the shooting, the City of Seattle ordered the immediate closure and cleanup of a homeless encampment located next to a children's playground.

Google just announced a massive $9 billion investment to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure in Oklahoma.This includes:✅ A brand-new data center campus in Stillwater (up to 400 acres, $3B build-out)✅ Expansion of Google's existing Pryor facility✅ Over 700MW of clean energy added to the grid

On August 14, 2025, Washington, D.C. residents took to the streets to protest President Trump's unprecedented move to place the Metropolitan Police under federal control. Demonstrators accused authorities of acting like “fascists” as National Guard troops and federal agents patrolled the city.

San Francisco has seen illegal camping arrests skyrocket after the U.S. Supreme Court's Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling, which gave cities more power to ban street camping—even if shelters are full.

Illinois is losing businesses at an alarming rate — ranking second in the nation per capita, behind only New York. In 2023 alone, 218 companies left the state, marking one of the worst years in Illinois history.

Seattle radio host John Curley voices his support for mayoral candidate Katie Wilson, praising her bold vision for affordable housing, public transit, and climate action. Hear why he believes she's the leader Seattle needs right now.

In a heated decision, the tiny town of Mason, Tennessee (population ~1,300) has voted to approve agreements with private prison operator CoreCivic and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reopen the shuttered West Tennessee Detention Facility as an immigration detention center.Supporters—including Mayor Eddie Noeman—say the move will bring back jobs and revive the struggling local economy. Opponents argue it will tie the town's identity to immigrant detention and potential human rights abuses.

D.C. Councilwoman Christina Henderson says the Metropolitan Police Department has “a lot of vacancies” but hasn't cut positions — the real issue is recruiting and retaining officers. She criticizes President Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard under the Home Rule Act, calling it “disconcerting” to see military personnel guarding American streets. Henderson also points to a 21% court staffing shortage that delays justice and undermines deterrence

A viral claim says Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell will “pay to fix criminals' vandalism instead of throwing them in jail.” But is it true?

President Donald Trump has ordered the immediate removal of homeless individuals from Washington, D.C., vowing to relocate them “far from the capital.” In an unprecedented move, he invoked emergency powers to take temporary control of the city's police, deployed 800 National Guard troops, and brought in federal agents.Mayor Muriel Bowser disputes Trump's claims of rising crime, pointing to a 26% drop in violent crime and a 7% decrease overall in 2025. Advocates warn the plan could harm vulnerable people and strip away local control.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, once a fierce critic of Big Oil, is now taking a more cooperative approach with the petroleum industry. Facing looming refinery closures and potential gas shortages, Newsom is pausing profit-cap penalties, boosting fuel imports, and even supporting in-state drilling — all to keep California's fuel supply stable.

When 34-year-old Erick's hand-built, three-story treehouse in South Central Los Angeles went viral for its creativity — complete with a mezzanine, zipline, and bedroom — city officials tore it down.But Erick isn't giving up. After a decade living on the streets, he's already designing “Tree Mansion 2.0” with wild new features: a fire pole, trampoline net, camouflaged exterior, and even an “eject-o-seat” for quick escapes.

Tensions escalate in Texas as Senator John Cornyn reveals the FBI is assisting the state in tracking down Democratic lawmakers who fled to avoid a redistricting vote. This controversial move comes as Republicans push for a plan that could reshape Texas' congressional districts in their favor, sparking a heated debate over gerrymandering and the limits of political dissent. Watch as we dive into the latest developments in this high-stakes political battle, the legal questions surrounding the FBI's involvement, and the broader implications for Texas politics.

Landlords in Seattle are facing hefty fines—up to $500 per day—for homeless encampments that appear on their private property without authorization. In this report from Capitol Hill, a property on Melrose Avenue became a hotspot for tents, trash, and drug paraphernalia, prompting action from city inspectors.

Seattle is rethinking its Business & Occupation (B&O) tax—and it's a game changer for small businesses. Under the new Seattle Shield Initiative, nearly 90% of small and mid-sized businesses could see reduced or eliminated B&O taxes, while large corporations may pay more.

Downtown Portland is facing a historic downturn. As fire sales sweep through the city's commercial real estate market, property values are plummeting — and so are tax revenues. In this video, we break down why buildings like the iconic U.S. Bancorp Tower are selling at a fraction of their former value and what this means for Portland's budget, public services, and future.

Amid growing concerns over crime and business closures in downtown Portland, Nordstrom has publicly reassured customers that it has no plans to close any of its Portland locations. This statement comes after Portland Mayor Keith Wilson cited a private conversation with Nordstrom's CEO that sparked fear of a potential exit.

Political Showdown in Texas!Over 50 Democratic lawmakers have fled Texas to stop a controversial Republican redistricting plan that could reshape the U.S. House map. The GOP response? Arrest warrants, fines, and accusations of abandoning duty.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has issued a stark warning: the city has reached a “point of no return” financially. With a looming $1.1 billion budget shortfall and growing pressure on public services like education, healthcare, and transportation, Johnson says urgent and creative solutions are needed.

Washington state just saw the biggest drop in construction jobs in the entire U.S. — losing 11,300 positions from June 2024 to June 2025.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has signed a powerful executive order in response to President Trump's new restrictions on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs tied to federal funding.

$7.5 BILLION for EV Chargers... but only 400 built?!A new GAO report exposes how the U.S. federal infrastructure program—aimed at building 500,000 public EV charging stations by 2030—has delivered just 384 operational chargers so far under the $7.5B plan. In this video, we break down:

San José Mayor Matt Mahan is making headlines for supporting a Trump-era approach to homelessness—one that prioritizes clearing encampments and pushing treatment over permanent housing. In this video, we break down:The “Responsibility to Shelter” law and what it meansHow San José's policy mirrors Trump's executive orderThe drop in unsheltered homelessness—and what's behind itWhy critics call it “criminalizing poverty”The growing tension between city and county officialsIs this a bold step toward public safety, or a setback for housing justice? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is floating a controversial plan to bring back the corporate head tax to help close a massive $1.1 billion budget deficit for 2026. The proposed $4-per-employee monthly tax targets large corporations and is part of a broader push for progressive revenue options—including a digital ad tax and potential corporate income tax.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is sounding the alarm after Texas Republicans unveiled a controversial redistricting plan that could eliminate five Democratic congressional seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. Newsom calls it election rigging—and warns California will fight back, possibly by redrawing its own districts mid-cycle.

The D.C. Council has passed its $22 billion 2026 budget with a controversial amendment rolling back key parts of Initiative 82, which voters approved to phase out the tipped minimum wage by 2027. The compromise delays full wage parity until 2034 and freezes the tipped base wage at $10/hour until 2026. The decision triggered heated protests, with demonstrators forcibly removed from the council chambers.

Sydney Sweeney's new American Eagle ad campaign, “Great Jeans,” is causing a social media firestorm. What started as a cheeky play on words—"Sydney Sweeney has great jeans"—has now been accused of promoting eugenics and white supremacy due to its use of the word “genes” and the visual presentation of a blonde, blue-eyed model.Critics say the ad is tone-deaf and lacks cultural awareness, while supporters argue it's a bold move against corporate “woke-washing.” Meanwhile, American Eagle's stock surged, raising questions about whether controversy sells.

The $500 million dream behind Portland's most luxurious tower has hit a major roadblock. The 35-story Block 216, home to the Ritz-Carlton Portland, has been surrendered to lender Ready Capital amid slow condo sales, weak office leasing, and financial strain.

Portland, Oregon is facing a massive construction slump — and things have gotten so dire that Governor Tina Kotek and Mayor Keith Wilson are stepping in personally to court housing investors.

Major retailers like Kroger's Pick 'n Save, Walgreens, and CVS are closing multiple stores in predominantly Black neighborhoods of Milwaukee — and it's sparking outrage.Community leaders call it “food apartheid.” Retailers say it's about theft, safety, and sustainability. Who's telling the truth? What does this mean for access to food, medicine, and essentials in underserved communities?

Mayor Brandon Johnson says no to a property tax hike as Chicago faces a massive $1.2 billion budget shortfall for 2026. Instead, he's turning to “progressive revenue” — targeting corporate loopholes and wealthier residents to help balance the books.

A proposed California bill—SB 549—aimed to help wildfire victims rebuild in Pacific Palisades, but public backlash over misinformation caused the legislation to be paused until 2026. Many residents feared their land would be seized for low-income housing, but what does the bill actually say?

A major victory for gun rights advocates: California's controversial 2016 ammunition law has just been ruled unconstitutional by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Effective immediately, millions of Californians can buy ammunition without background checks or extra fees.Passed as Proposition 63, the law required a background check for every ammo purchase—until now. This landmark decision could have massive implications for gun legislation nationwide.

President Trump has signed a new executive order aiming to address homelessness, public disorder, and addiction. Titled "Ending Crime and Disorder on America's Streets," this order seeks to make it easier for states and cities to remove homeless individuals from public spaces and direct them into treatment programs, potentially including involuntary commitment.But what are the true implications of this new policy? We break down the key provisions, including the redirection of federal funding away from "Housing First" models, efforts to reverse judicial precedents, and the administration's focus on public safety. We also explore the significant backlash from homeless advocates and civil liberties groups who argue the order criminalizes homelessness and mental illness.

Is California's population truly shrinking? U-Haul's latest data paints a clear picture: for the fifth year in a row, California ranks 50th in outbound moves, meaning more people are leaving the Golden State than any other!In this video, we dive deep into the numbers behind what some are calling "The Gavin Newsom Effect." We explore the top reasons Californians are packing their bags, from the state's sky-high cost of living and burdensome taxes to concerns about public schools and quality of life.Discover where Californians are heading – find out which states like South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida are seeing a boom in new residents. We'll also break down the factors attracting people to these new destinations, including lower living costs and more job opportunities.If you're curious about the real story behind California's population trends and what's driving this mass exodus, you won't want to miss this!

Illinois homeowners are facing a massive 27% increase in insurance premiums as State Farm announces one of the largest rate hikes in state history. The company blames extreme weather and rising costs, but lawmakers—and residents—are calling foul.

DHS says Portland-based antifa groups have doxxed ICE officers—exposing names, photos, home addresses, and even family details online and in local flyers. The fallout? A shocking 830% increase in assaults on officers nationwide.

California officials are in crisis mode after Valero announced the shutdown of its Benicia oil refinery by 2026—one of the state's key fuel suppliers. The twist? Lawmakers are now urgently trying to find a new buyer to prevent a supply collapse… just years after regulatory pressure helped drive Valero out.

California is facing a surprising twist in its real estate market—a massive pile-up of unsold homes.