News For Reasonable People

California lawmakers struck a sweeping last-minute climate and energy deal with Gov. Gavin Newsom — extending the state’s cap-and-trade program to 2045, reauthorizing an $18 billion wildfire liability fund, and paving the way for a regional clean energy market.But the package also includes controversial concessions to oil and gas, including new drilling permits and a revived pipeline, sparking backlash from environmental justice advocates who decried the closed-door negotiations.

A tragic case has shaken Bellevue. Police have charged 28-year-old Samuel Hitchcock, a former Porchlight shelter resident, with murder and robbery after the death of Jason Clark, 54.🔹 The two men were staying near the Eastgate Way shelter before being forced out.🔹 A fight broke out at a makeshift campsite after a vodka spill, leaving Clark beaten to death.🔹 Hitchcock allegedly stole $3,000 and fled the scene.🔹 Authorities say Hitchcock has a history of assault, weapons violations, and harassment in Seattle.🔹 He may have fled Washington and could be in Oregon.

The Valero refinery in Benicia, California — responsible for nearly 9% of the state’s gasoline supply — is set to close by April 2026. This decision comes after mounting regulatory pressure, costly fines, and rising operational expenses.

A Houston imam launched a campaign demanding Muslim-owned stores stop selling alcohol, pork, and gambling products—or face protests. Governor Greg Abbott wasted no time responding, reminding Texans that Sharia law has no place in the state and encouraging citizens to report such efforts to law enforcement.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has launched Operation SAFE (Swift Action for Families Everywhere), sending state troopers to clear homeless encampments from Tulsa’s state-owned property.The plan offers unsheltered individuals two choices: a ride to housing or treatment facilities, or to jail

A new audit reveals shocking mismanagement inside King County’s Department of Community and Human Services. Over $1.5 billion in taxpayer funds were funneled with weak oversight, leading to:- Altered invoices and potential fraud- Payments to unapproved contractors- Nearly half of grantees labeled ‘high risk’- Lax monitoring despite explosive growth in fundingCounty officials call the findings “damning” and a “total disaster.” Lawmakers are now pushing for urgent reforms, new compliance measures, and stricter financial safeguards.

A tragic case out of King County, Washington: 17-year-old Miguel Rivera-Dominguez has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for the murder of 21-year-old Marcel Da’jon Wagner, who was fatally shot while sleeping on a Metro bus in White Center.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has asked the community to step up and support the city’s new homeless shelters. In a citywide email, he urged residents to donate money, goods, and time—emphasizing the urgent need for supplies and volunteers.

Chevron’s Americas Products President Andy Walz isn’t satisfied with California’s latest climate policy direction. In a recent Politico feature, Walz warned that refinery closures, tighter regulations, and policy uncertainty could push gas prices higher and discourage future investment in the state’s energy sector.

California’s housing crisis may be about to get worse. A coalition of over 100 social justice, housing, and business leaders is warning that a new Vehicle-Miles-Traveled (VMT) housing tax could add up to $324,000 to the cost of every new home or apartment — and raise monthly rents by as much as $1,350.

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.