Only in Seattle - Real Estate Unplugged

Seattle has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against Glock, accusing the gunmaker of enabling the use of illegal “Glock switches”—tiny devices that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons.City Attorney Ann Davison claims Glock has known for decades that its handguns can be easily modified and failed to redesign them, fueling rising gun violence. The lawsuit also targets three local dealers.

San Francisco's busiest Muni line — the 14/14R Mission — has earned an unfortunate nickname: the city's most “pooped-on” bus. With nearly a quarter of all feces-related complaints coming from this single route, riders say they're dealing with filthy conditions on a regular basis.Now, with the SFMTA facing a $322 million budget deficit and forced to cut cleaning services, the problem may soon get even worse.

Portland city councilors are under fire for flying to Vienna, Austria, to “study” social housing — with taxpayers footing the bill. About 20 people, including three councilors, chiefs of staff, and housing bureau staff, are making the trip.Supporters say Vienna is the global “gold standard” for social housing and that seeing it in person will help Portland craft long-term solutions for affordable housing. Critics argue the trip is unnecessary, too expensive, and could have been done virtually.

A volunteer dive team, Chaos Divers, uncovered nearly 100 submerged vehicles in the Chicago River system while searching for clues in a 1970 cold case involving Edward and Stephania Andrews.Using sonar scans between Diversey Parkway and Cicero Avenue, the divers located piles of vehicles — some stacked 12–19 cars deep — along the North Branch and Sanitary & Ship Canal.

Seattle Parks and Recreation has fenced off Lake City Mini Park, Seven Hills Park, and Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park for 60 days, citing “negative park activity” linked to crime, drug use, and homeless encampments.City officials say the closures will allow time to plan amenity upgrades—including new lighting, fences, and landscaping—to ensure parks remain safe and welcoming. But many residents are frustrated, questioning the vague term “negative activity” and pointing out that the changes may be designed more to deter homeless residents than to improve community use.

The Mexican men's national soccer team was the victim of a burglary in downtown Oakland over Labor Day weekend. Thieves broke into a team truck and stole training equipment — including a cleat steamer worth $2,500 — just days before Mexico's friendly match against Japan at the Oakland Coliseum.

Seattle has landed near the top of U.S. crime rankings, with total crime rates more than 170% above the national average and property crime ranked 3rd highest among major cities. But there's more to the story.

One of downtown Los Angeles' most iconic towers, One California Plaza, has officially gone into receivership after defaulting on a $300 million debt. Once valued at nearly $459 million, the 42-story Bunker Hill skyscraper is now appraised at just $121 million—a staggering 74% drop.

In Westchester, Los Angeles, a business has installed a speaker system called the Blue Chirper that plays loud insect noises—like crickets and cicadas—to deter homeless encampments.Local tenants say the sounds often exceed 90 decibels, disturbing nearby businesses and residents. Unhoused people in RVs report sleep disruption and stress, while business owners argue it's a legal way to protect their property.This tactic is part of a growing trend in Southern California, where property owners have used everything from children's songs like “Baby Shark” to classical music in attempts to push encampments away.

A shocking stabbing outside Portland's Central Library has reignited concerns about public safety downtown. Just weeks after a fatal shooting near the same location, community leaders are demanding stronger security measures and questioning police response times.

In Portland's Pearl District, ORO Apartments owner Paul Rudinsky staged a dramatic protest outside City Hall by pitching a tent just steps from the doors. He was protesting the city's plan to open a low-barrier overnight shelter next to his building — sparking concerns about safety, loitering, and tenant loss.Rudinsky was arrested for second-degree trespassing after refusing to remove his tent. The shelter, set to open soon, is part of Portland's broader initiative to add 1,500 shelter beds by December, with the Pearl District site offering 40 beds initially, expandable to 200.

President Trump has vowed to "solve Chicago's crime problem fast" by sending in the National Guard after a violent Labor Day weekend. But Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson are refusing to cooperate, calling the move unconstitutional and politically motivated.Thousands of protesters flooded downtown Chicago, warning federal intervention could escalate tensions. Meanwhile, crime statistics show violent crime in the city is actually on the decline, raising questions about Trump's narrative.

Spokane is at the center of a heated debate over homelessness and the future of the Housing First model. Advocates point to strong results—stable housing, better health outcomes, and reduced emergency costs—while critics argue for shifting toward treatment-first policies in line with new federal directives.

A deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike has sparked national outrage after investigators revealed that the semi-truck driver, Harjinder Singh, was given a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Washington state despite not being legally eligible. Singh, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2018, later obtained another CDL in California.''

Washington State Ferries' newly converted MV Wenatchee, the first hybrid-electric ferry in the fleet, has been pulled from service only weeks after its much-anticipated return.

A Seattle hotel is suing the City of Seattle and King County after claiming its property was left contaminated with fentanyl and methamphetamine following use as a low-barrier homeless shelter.

Nordstrom is shutting down key locations in St. Louis (Missouri) and Santa Monica (California) in August 2025, impacting hundreds of employees. CEO Erik Nordstrom also raised concerns about the company's Portland, Oregon stores, citing theft and operational challenges.

Meals on Wheels People (MOWP) has closed its longtime downtown Portland Elm Court site after years of escalating safety concerns—including threats, drug activity, and fires—paired with major funding cuts following the loss of federal pandemic relief. Another site in Hillsboro has also been shuttered due to low usage.

Chicago is facing a serious business decline. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, the city had just 44,840 active business licenses in 2024 — its lowest in a decade and down 17% from 2015.The famous Magnificent Mile has been hit especially hard, losing over 50% of its businesses in the past 10 years. Meanwhile, some neighborhoods like New City have seen growth, but overall, the city continues to struggle.

An Ontario man is facing aggravated assault charges after allegedly stabbing a home intruder during a break-in in Lindsay, Ontario. His lawyer says he was acting within his rights to defend himself and his home, but police argue that self-defence has legal limits.

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.