News For Reasonable People

Thurston County is considering a new ordinance that would require homeowners to obtain an energy score before listing their homes for sale. This proposal is raising concerns about additional costs and potential burdens on homeowners. Critics argue that the mandate could negatively impact housing prices and create unnecessary hurdles for sellers. This move is part of a broader trend towards energy efficiency regulations, but its impact on the Thurston County housing market remains to be seen. Stay tuned as we delve into the details of this controversial proposal and its potential consequences for homeowners in the region.

Portland is offering homeowners $1,000 to rent out spare rooms for 12 months at no more than $800 a month through PadSplit or the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. Mayor Keith Wilson claims this 'home sharing' program is a fast and cost-effective way to increase housing stock and solve homelessness. However, critics argue that $800 is unaffordable for many homeless individuals, questioning who this program truly benefits. Past efforts, like Multnomah County's 'Housing Multnomah Now,' housed only 311 households, raising concerns about the effectiveness of incentivizing landlords. Asking homeowners to rent rooms cheaply in their own homes poses a greater challenge than renting out...

Indiana has thrown down the gauntlet in the race to secure the Chicago Bears, swiftly signing a $1 billion stadium bill while Illinois stalls. Governor J.B. Pritzker's reluctance to 'be shaken down' may cost Illinois its iconic football team, as Indiana's proactive approach has earned high praise from the Bears organization. Senate Bill 27, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, positions Indiana as a serious contender for the Bears' future home. This move highlights a stark contrast between Indiana's 'open for business' attitude and Illinois's cautious approach, potentially reshaping the NFL landscape and leaving Illinois fans in dismay. The future of...

The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront hotel sold at a staggering 63% discount, signaling deeper economic troubles for the city. Once acquired for $82.7 million, the distressed property was purchased for a mere $30 million after the previous owner defaulted on a $71 million loan from Bank of America. This sale reflects the difficult and distressed period the Portland hotel market has experienced, particularly in the downtown area, following the pandemic. While the hotel's financial performance exceeded budget expectations with room revenue 4% above projections, newer market supply has hindered recovery. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges facing Portland's economy and the potential for further...

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is relocating its U.S. headquarters from Cypress, California, to Kennesaw, Georgia, between the end of 2026 and the end of 2028. This move, prompted by changes in the company’s U.S. business focus, follows the earlier relocations of the Marine and Motorsports businesses to Kennesaw. The Cypress facility, which has served as the headquarters for approximately 50 years, primarily houses corporate functions and the Financial Services business. Yamaha is also selling its Cypress fixed assets, including land, offices, and warehouses, using a sale-and-leaseback arrangement for business continuity. The relocation aims to improve asset efficiency and enhance pr...

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is facing scrutiny over its Cap-and-Investment program, with PBF Energy warning that proposed amendments could decimate in-state refining capacity. Assembly Bill 1207, championed by Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, aims to extend the cap and trade program to 2045, but critics argue it will skyrocket costs and force refineries to close. PBF Energy, which supplies a significant portion of California's fuel including 33% of the state's gasoline production, warns of dire consequences. The potential loss of refineries threatens job losses, disrupts fuel supplies, and endangers California's energy independence. The proposed changes could disproportionately affect California's economy and residents...

Mustang, Oklahoma, is facing controversy after Mustang Public Schools issued in-school suspensions to students who participated in an ICE walkout. The student-led protest aimed to raise awareness about immigration policies, but school officials deemed the absences unexcused, leading to disciplinary action. This decision has sparked debate about the balance between student activism and school regulations. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has yet to release a statement regarding the matter. Critics argue that the suspensions infringe upon students' rights to express their political views, while supporters maintain that schools have a responsibility to enforce attendance policies and maintain order. This situation...

Public Storage, the nation's largest self-storage company, is relocating its corporate headquarters from Glendale, California, to Frisco, Texas. This move highlights the ongoing trend of companies leaving California for states with more favorable business environments. CEO Thomas Boyle cited the depth of talent and innovation in the Dallas area as a key factor. Public Storage, a member of the S&P 500, reported nearly $3.8 billion in revenue in 2025. This relocation underscores California's struggles to retain major corporations amid rising costs and regulatory challenges, further fueling the debate over economic policies and business climates in different states. The move could impact...

Seattle may be forced to cut city services next year, according to the new budget office director. This comes as a potential blow to residents who rely on these services, raising concerns about the city's financial management and future stability. The potential cuts highlight the challenges Seattle faces in balancing its budget while maintaining essential services for its citizens. The possible reduction in services could have a significant impact on the quality of life for many in the city, prompting a closer examination of Seattle's spending priorities and fiscal policies. This situation warrants careful consideration by city officials and...

Washington state residents are feeling the pinch at the pump as gas prices skyrocket, reaching the second-highest in the nation at an average of $4.23 per gallon. This surge, a 40-cent increase in just one month, is largely attributed to the state's gas tax and Climate Commitment Act (CCA), which adds approximately 40-50 cents per gallon. Critics, including KIRO host Gee Scott, point out that working families are disproportionately affected, facing tough choices between essential trips and getting to work. Despite billions raised by the CCA since 2021, the state has yet to provide concrete data on its environmental impact, raising...

Amazon is moving out of its longtime office building near its Seattle headquarters, a seven-story, 251,000-square-foot space that the tech giant has occupied since 2014. This move raises questions about Amazon's commitment to Seattle and the city's economic future, especially given the current climate of tech companies re-evaluating their office space needs. What impact will this have on Seattle's real estate market and the overall economy? Some see it as a worrying sign, while others view it as an opportunity for new businesses and development. The departure is a major shift for the city. How will Seattle adapt to this...

Washington State is considering a new 'Millionaires Tax,' and a hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. The proposed tax has raised concerns about its potential impact on professional sports teams like the Seattle Seahawks and the possibility of losing the NBA's SuperSonics again. Supporters argue it will generate revenue for essential services, while critics fear it could drive high-income earners and businesses out of the state, ultimately harming the economy. Chris Daniels from KOMO News reports on the debate and the potential consequences for Washington's economy and sports scene. Will this tax help the state, or will it send...

A controversial petition in Oregon aims to ban hunting, fishing, and pest control, spearheaded by the group 'People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions'. This measure, if successful, would criminalize these activities, sparking outrage among hunters, anglers, and those reliant on pest control for their livelihoods. Supporters argue it's a necessary step towards animal rights, while opponents claim it infringes on personal freedoms and sound wildlife management practices. The debate is heating up as the group seeks to get the measure on the November 2026 ballot, setting the stage for a major showdown over Oregon's natural resources and the...

Consumer Watchdog is calling out the California Energy Commission for failing to use its power to prevent yet another gas price spike in the state. California's average gas price is now a staggering $4.58 per gallon, significantly higher than the national average. The watchdog group argues that the CEC isn't enforcing agreements with refineries, particularly Valero, to maintain production and ensure adequate fuel supplies. They're demanding legislative hearings to investigate the CEC's inaction and to implement rules for minimum inventory and resupply arrangements. Critics argue that Newsom's policies are directly contributing to the higher costs, impacting consumers across the state...

San Francisco's recent policy changes aimed at curbing public substance use are sparking controversy and potentially shifting the addiction crisis northward. The city's stricter approach, involving arrests for public substance use, may drive individuals to cities like Seattle with more lenient policies. However, critics question the effectiveness of Seattle's existing support systems, suggesting they may not adequately address long-term recovery. The migration from San Francisco could strain Seattle's resources. Addiction professionals, like Michael Johnkowski, emphasize the importance of evidence-based support after treatment. This situation highlights the complex challenges in addressing addiction and the need for comprehensive, long-term solutions. The...

Chicago's office market is facing a severe crisis, with downtown office buildings trading at massive discounts. A century-old building in Printing House Row district plummeted from $68.1 million to a mere $4.2 million. Even newer properties are suffering, impacting the city's tax base, which funds essential services like schools and public safety. Remote work and higher interest rates are reshaping demand, but questionable city policy is fueling the fire. Other cities like Dallas and St. Louis are experiencing similar declines, indicating a nationwide trend. Is Chicago’s leadership, under Mayor Brandon Johnson, steering the city towards financial disaster? We break down th...

The Chicago Bears are considering a move to Hammond, Indiana, and this could drastically change the landscape of professional sports in the region. Indiana lawmakers have approved an amendment that would facilitate the construction of a new stadium near Wolf Lake, with the Bears committing $2 billion to the project. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott is enthusiastic about the prospect, calling it a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity.' This move could bring significant economic benefits to Northwest Indiana, but it also raises questions about the future of the Bears in Chicago. The team has expressed a vision to build a 'world-class stadium' in...

Oregon's small businesses are facing their toughest times in over a decade, with Portland at the epicenter. Bankruptcies have surged to a 12-year high, impacting storefronts, suppliers, and nonprofits alike. The situation is mirrored nationally, with increasing commercial Chapter 11 filings driven by higher interest rates and rising costs, according to Amy Quackenboss of the American Bankruptcy Institute. Layoffs from major employers like Intel and Nike exacerbate the problem, shrinking demand and pushing marginal businesses into insolvency. The fallout includes unpaid invoices, disrupted supply chains, and shuttered businesses, leaving nonprofits owed significant amounts like the $766,000 collectively owed to Oregon Nonprofits...

The village of Dolton, Illinois, is suing a bank, alleging that it improperly released $1.8 million in taxpayer funds, potentially enabling a spending spree by Tiffany Henyard. The lawsuit claims the bank should have stopped the transactions, raising questions about financial oversight and accountability within the village. This legal action seeks to recover the funds and prevent future misuse of taxpayer money. The case highlights concerns about the management of public finances and the responsibilities of financial institutions in safeguarding taxpayer dollars. We'll break down the details of the lawsuit, the implications for Dolton residents, and what this means for...

California's High-Speed Rail Authority is under fire as a new bill, AB 1608, seeks to allow the agency to withhold investigative records from the public. Authored by Assemblywoman Lori Wilson, the bill claims it's to protect the state, but critics argue it shields vital information about the project's ballooning costs, now estimated at over $100 billion. This move raises transparency concerns, especially given the project's history of delays and financial mismanagement. The inspector general, created to monitor the project, would gain the power to keep internal discussions and personal correspondence private, potentially limiting public oversight of this controversial infrastructure project. With...

A new report reveals Portland's economy is in crisis, marked by a sharp decline in exports, job losses, and stalled population growth. The Portland Metro Chamber points to structural policy decisions as the root cause, with President Andrew Hoan urging a competitive mindset and learning from past mistakes. The report highlights a significant drop in exports to $6.4 billion and job losses ranking among the worst in the nation. Voters express deep uncertainty about the economic outlook, reflecting the challenges facing the city. The time for decisive action is now to reverse these troubling trends and restore Portland's economic vitality...

The Washington State Senate has passed a bill imposing a 9.9% tax on income exceeding $1 million, a move sparking heated debate across the state. Proponents argue the tax will generate crucial revenue for public services like education and infrastructure, while opponents decry it as a disincentive for wealth creation and investment. This legislation now heads to the House, where its fate remains uncertain. This new tax has the potential to drive high-income earners and businesses out of Washington, impacting the state's overall economic health. Will this tax solve budget issues, or will it cripple the Washington economy? We delve into...

Seattle faces a stark warning from history: avoid the fate of Cleveland. Once a thriving industrial hub, Cleveland experienced a dramatic decline, losing 60% of its population and economic prominence. The article, penned by Charles Fitzgerald, highlights parallels between Seattle's current tech-driven economy and Cleveland's past dominance. Concerns are rising as entrepreneurs and technologists leave Seattle, fearing a deteriorating business environment and a lack of competitiveness in the AI era. Even tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft may be past peak employment. Can Seattle learn from Cleveland's mistakes and avoid a similar downfall, or is it already too late? Is...

Dr. Mehmet Oz has raised serious concerns about the 'weaponization of fraud' within Minnesota's Medicaid system, estimating a staggering $100 billion in nationwide Medicaid fraud. Speaking on 'The Katie Miller Podcast,' Oz highlighted how political patronage and a lack of oversight contribute to the problem. He argues that the state's emphasis on enrolling more people in Medicaid, without proper vetting, diminishes resources for those truly deserving of assistance. Oz pointed to a purposeful lack of scrutiny within Minnesota's Department of Health and Human Services, alongside a gutted Medicaid audit program, as major contributors to this crisis. The implications of...

California, once a powerhouse of domestic energy production, now finds itself increasingly reliant on foreign fuel sources. Driven by stringent environmental regulations and policies that have led to the closure of numerous refineries, the state is now importing fuel to meet its energy demands. This shift raises critical questions about energy independence and the true cost of California's climate initiatives. Is this a sustainable path forward, or are these policies undermining the state's energy security and driving up costs for consumers? We explore the implications of California's energy policies and their impact on the state's economy and its citizens...

A new study confirms Seattle's 2024 'Gig Worker' law has been a miserable failure. The National Bureau of Economic Research study showed higher per-delivery pay was offset by fewer deliveries and lower tips. Active drivers saw no net gain in monthly earnings. DoorDash reported a decline of 30,000 orders, while UberEats saw a 30 percent drop in order volume. Drivers earned less than half of what they had prior to the ordinance’s passage. While per-task base pay doubled, driver tips decreased, and fewer tasks were completed. The law, intended to help gig workers, has backfired, leading to increased wait times and mo...

A judge has cleared the way for a mega-lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and California, alleging negligence in extinguishing the Lachman Fire, which led to the devastating Palisades Fire. The lawsuit claims the city failed to provide water and properly address smoldering hotspots, leading to 12 deaths and billions in damages. Lead attorney Alex "Trey" Robertson accuses Mayor Karen Bass's office of manipulating the Palisades After-Action Fire Report to downplay the city's failures. This comes at a critical time as Mayor Bass seeks re-election and the city faces budget deficits. The potential liability of tens of billions of...

Portland's economic woes continue as the city's 20 largest office buildings have collectively lost a staggering $2 billion in market value since 2019. This significant decline raises serious concerns about the city's financial stability and the future of its downtown core. The exodus of businesses, coupled with rising crime rates and persistent social unrest, has created a perfect storm, driving down property values and jeopardizing the city's tax base. The consequences of this economic downturn could be far-reaching, impacting essential city services and further eroding the quality of life for Portland residents. Is this a sign of a larger economic crisis, or...

A Minnesota man, Caesar Munir Wilson, is facing serious charges after allegedly receiving nearly $20 million in undeserved tax refunds from the U.S. Treasury. Federal prosecutors claim Wilson filed false claims requesting over $210 million in refunds and conspired to file false tax returns totaling over $350 million. He reportedly used the ill-gotten gains to purchase a $2.6 million home, invest in cryptocurrency, and cover personal expenses. Wilson also allegedly advised sovereign citizens on tax matters, even providing them with tax filings, despite their belief that certain laws don't apply to them. This case highlights potential vulnerabilities in the U.S. Treasury's...

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into a development project in Kaufman, Texas, linked to a Dubai-based company, over concerns it may become a 'sharia city.' Paxton stated that while on American soil, everyone must obey American laws, and his office will thoroughly investigate the matter. The probe was initiated after reports suggested that up to 20,000 foreign nationals could be moving to the area. Representative Lance Gooden expressed concerns about the development, particularly regarding the inclusion of mosques or religious buildings. This investigation follows a similar case where Paxton sued to stop the construction of...

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold experienced a bittersweet Super Bowl victory. Despite winning the championship, he lost approximately $249,000 due to California's 'jock tax.' This tax, calculated based on duty days spent in the state, disproportionately affects athletes playing in California. Former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason has criticized the tax and urged the NFL Players Association to avoid holding future Super Bowls in California until the policy changes. Several other states also impose a jock tax, but California's rate is the highest. This financial hit raises questions about fairness and the impact of state taxes on professional athletes, and...

Los Angeles renters are finally seeing some relief as median asking prices have plunged to a four-year low, reaching $2,167 in December. This shift marks a significant change from the pandemic era, where rents peaked at $2,262 in August 2022. The confluence of falling prices and new local rent control rules is giving tenants a rare moment of leverage. Multiple analyses confirm this trend, indicating a meaningful shift in the city's housing market. While this is welcome news for renters, the long-term implications for landlords and the overall Los Angeles economy remain to be seen. Could this be a sign of a...

Boeing is moving 787 engineering jobs from Washington state to South Carolina. This decision raises questions about the company's commitment to its Washington workforce and the economic implications for the region. Some speculate this is due to Washington's policies while others claim it's simply cheaper to operate in South Carolina. What does this portend for the future of manufacturing and engineering jobs in the United States? We will examine the potential consequences of this shift and discuss the broader implications for workers and communities affected by similar decisions. Is this an isolated incident, or a sign of a larger trend?<...

Milwaukee is grappling with a growing food desert crisis as seven full-service grocery stores have closed in Milwaukee County over the past year. Mayor Cavalier Johnson has addressed the issue, outlining his administration's efforts to improve healthy food access. However, many residents are concerned about the impact of these closures on their communities. The situation raises questions about the city's role in supporting local grocers and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all residents. The closures are sparking debate about potential solutions, including incentivizing new grocery store development and addressing underlying economic factors that contribute to food insecurity...

Portland's Housing Bureau has revealed a shocking discovery: roughly $106 million in unspent housing funds. This revelation, more than five times the initial amount identified in November, has sparked outrage among the public and elected officials. Newly appointed city administrator Raymond Lee attributes this issue to the city's old governmental system, where bureaus operated independently without proper financial oversight. These funds, originating from various sources like rental registration fees and vacation rental taxes, are earmarked for specific housing programs and can't be used to alleviate the city's $67 million budget shortfall. The transition to a unified administrative branch aims to prevent...

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing intense scrutiny following reports that she allegedly altered an after-action report on the devastating wildfires that claimed 31 lives. The LA Times, citing sources, claims Bass softened language implicating the city's lack of preparedness to avoid legal liability. Key changes allegedly involved understaffing and resource deployment failures. Reality TV star and mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt has accused Bass of 'criminal negligence,' while Rick Caruso, former mayoral candidate, called the report an 'outrage.' The controversy raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in Los Angeles city leadership and could have lasting political...

Major automakers like General Motors and Ford are facing massive losses in the electric vehicle market, totaling a staggering $114 billion. GM, under CEO Mary Barra, initially championed an all-electric future but has since faced significant setbacks, including billions in write-downs due to its failed EV strategy. Ford has also suffered substantial losses, raising questions about the leadership of its CEO, Jim Farley. While global EV sales are increasing, the majority of these sales are concentrated in China, with North American sales lagging significantly. Tesla, Rivian, and Kia have all experienced sales declines, further highlighting the challenges in the US...

California just closed a functioning World War II-era refinery that nobody on planet Earth wanted to buy, and gas prices are already spiking 3.2% in one week. Welcome to the green energy dream where virtue signaling costs you $8.43 per gallon by summer. The Valero Benicia refinery—processing 8% of California's refining capacity—shut down in January, months ahead of schedule, because operating in California's regulatory nightmare became impossible. Meanwhile, Gavin Newsom's response reads like it was written by a 10-year-old screaming "look at me!" while claiming California is "doing the actual work." With two major refineries now gone (22% of production capacity), Cali...

Washington state Democrats want to slap a 9.9% income tax on millionaires, and they swear—pinky promise—it won't trickle down to everyone else. Where have we heard that before? This breakdown exposes the proposed Senate Bill 6346 that Republicans say violates the state constitution and contradicts a 2024 voter initiative prohibiting income tax. The kicker? It hits married couples earning $500K each combined, and as usual, the threshold will inevitably drop. Meanwhile, tech companies are hemorrhaging thousands of jobs, wealthy residents are eyeing Florida real estate, and working families will ultimately foot the bill when high earners flee. Democrats claim it's abou...

Amazon just axed over 2,200 workers in Washington State—software engineers, product managers, the whole tech bro army—and guess what? More cuts are coming. Seattle and Bellevue are hemorrhaging jobs while their socialist leadership proposes millionaire taxes, new payroll taxes, and every anti-business policy imaginable. What did they expect? Companies like Amazon, T-Mobile, and Expedia are slashing positions as Washington State screams "businesses get out!" from the mountaintops. Meanwhile, local politicians want employers to "responsibly support workers" while actively chasing those same employers out of the state. The billionaires have already fled to Florida and Texas—Jeff Bezos said see ya...