Only in Seattle - Real Estate Unplugged

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.

Seattle is now the most inflation-impacted metro area in the U.S., with prices rising faster than anywhere else. In this video, we break down what's driving the surge in living costs—groceries, energy, housing—and how it's impacting everyday life.

San Francisco has just passed a controversial new law banning long-term RV parking citywide. Under the ordinance, oversized vehicles like RVs can only park for 2 hours unless owners obtain a strict six-month "refuge" permit.City officials say the move is aimed at clearing streets and improving safety. But critics warn the policy could displace hundreds of homeless families living in their vehicles—with limited housing alternatives and no safe parking zones left.

In-N-Out President Lynsi Snyder is moving her family and part of the company east as the beloved burger chain expands into Tennessee. In this video, we break down her reasons for leaving California, what it means for In-N-Out's future, and the public's mixed reaction.

In July 2025, devastating floods swept through Central Texas—just days after a California company, Rainmaker, conducted a short cloud-seeding mission. Social media exploded with conspiracy theories blaming weather modification for the disaster.But what really happened?

A Los Angeles man is suing the city over what he calls “rampant drug use,” open-air dealing, and multiple overdoses occurring just outside the Stuart Hotel—used as a homeless housing site under Mayor Karen Bass's “Inside Safe” initiative.In this video, we break down the lawsuit, show disturbing footage captured outside the hotel, and explore what this means for LA's homelessness strategy. Are these programs helping, or creating dangerous conditions for surrounding communities?

An eerie viral clip shows a delivery robot cruising past lifelike mannequins staged as human casualties on the streets of Los Angeles. Is this dystopian tech or just practical testing in a city grappling with crime and homelessness?In this video, we break down the context behind the so-called "Orwellian" footage, explore Serve Robotics' role, and ask: is this the future of urban life? Are we normalizing the unthinkable?

Fred Meyer is officially closing its Gateway location in East Portland this September, citing financial challenges, safety concerns, and shrinking profitability. This decision affects nearly 250 jobs and raises concerns about access to groceries and pharmacy services for local residents.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faced tough questions on ABC's This Week about whether all illegal immigrants in LA should be allowed to stay. With federal troops and ICE raids sparking outrage across the city, Mayor Bass avoided giving a clear "yes or no" answer—highlighting the vital role undocumented immigrants play in LA's economy and the need for federal immigration reform.

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.

A shocking incident in Portland has left a community reeling. Authorities say 40-year-old Shaun Szwarz allegedly yelled racial slurs before igniting a massive fire in an East Burnside apartment building, forcing an 82-year-old woman to jump from her balcony to escape the flames.

Portland city officials dismantled a month-long protest encampment outside the South Waterfront ICE facility just days after a local resident filed a lawsuit demanding enforcement of noise ordinances. The lawsuit, filed by Cloud Elvengrail, details intense 24/7 noise that allegedly caused physical harm and mental distress, particularly impacting low-income, disabled tenants nearby.

California Governor Gavin Newsom just announced $101 million in state funding to accelerate low-income housing construction in areas impacted by recent wildfires — including Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has launched an emergency cash assistance program for immigrant families impacted by recent ICE raids. The initiative, funded entirely by private donors, provides direct financial relief through prepaid cash cards distributed by local immigrant-rights groups.

DHS has confirmed that ICE officers in Portland were doxed by Antifa-linked groups, exposing personal info like names, home addresses, and family details. Flyers with messages like “NO PEACE FOR ICE” were posted in neighborhoods, leading to real-world harassment and a shocking 830% spike in assaults on ICE personnel.DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has condemned the doxing and vowed to prosecute those responsible. Here's what you need to know about this growing threat to law enforcement.

Illinois homeowners are facing a major insurance rate hike — State Farm is increasing homeowners insurance premiums by 27.2% starting August 15, 2025, one of the largest increases in state history. This change will impact 1.5 million policyholders, adding an estimated $746 per year to the average premium.

A disabled Portland resident is taking the city to court, saying relentless protest noise outside the ICE facility is making her apartment unlivable. In this powerful legal battle, Cloud Elvengrail—a Black woman living in low-income housing—claims 24/7 sirens, bullhorns, and “sound weapons” are causing her physical and mental harm. Her lawsuit demands the city enforce noise ordinances to protect vulnerable residents caught in the crossfire.

Think your summer river float is safe from red tape? Think again. Starting January 1, 2026, Oregon's new law (House Bill 2982) says two inner tubes tied together count as a boat — and yes, that means you'll need a Water Access Permit or face a $115 fine.

When Amelia McDonald lost her home and ranch in the devastating Eaton Fire, she thought help had finally come in the form of a nearly $900,000 check from State Farm. But when her bank said the check couldn't clear due to insufficient funds, shockwaves rippled through California's insurance world.

Portland could lose nearly $400 million in federal grant funding due to a growing conflict between its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and new federal mandates under Executive Order 14159.City officials say the stakes are high: housing, transportation, gun violence prevention, and other essential services are on the line. Mayor Keith Wilson and City Administrator Michael Jordan are warning of serious fallout — including delayed projects, canceled contracts, and cuts to community programs.Find out what's causing the conflict, what Executive Order 14159 says, and what this means for the future of progressive city policies in a changing political climate.

Portland has become the epicenter of a strange and unsettling urban saga. Riots, late-night chaos, and violent confrontations have overwhelmed a city once known for quirky charm and blooming flower baskets. In this video, we dive into the surreal encounter between federal agents and a machete-wielding activist, the outburst of a local hero neighbor who finally had enough, and how a simple act of beauty—a basket of flowers—somehow still stands in defiance of the madness.

One of Portland's most recognizable skyscrapers, the U.S. Bancorp Tower — better known as “Big Pink” — has been sold for just $45 million, a massive drop from its $372 million price tag in 2015. The buyer? Auto dealership magnate Jeff Swickard, who says this investment is about more than just real estate — it's about rebuilding belief in Portland.With U.S. Bank moving out and vacancy rates climbing to nearly 60%, the building had been struggling post-pandemic. Now, city officials and the new owner hope this bold move will jumpstart a downtown revival.