News For Reasonable People

Another major company is leaving California, highlighting the ongoing trend of businesses relocating from the state. This departure represents a loss of $3.7 billion and raises concerns about California's business climate under Governor Gavin Newsom's leadership. Critics point to high taxes, stringent regulations, and increasing costs of living as key factors driving companies away. The ex...

A recent audit has revealed millions in improper Medicaid charges within Washington State, highlighting major oversight failures at the Health Care Authority. This comes on the heels of other financial missteps, including failures by the state budget office to properly report finances. The consistent errors and lack of accountability raise serious concerns about the management of taxpayer dollars...

California's ongoing war on the oil and gas industry has led to a potential fuel crisis, prompting seven draft Executive Orders to be sent to President Donald J. Trump. These orders aim to ensure the United States has the necessary fuels from California for national security. USC Professor Michael Mische and his co-authors argue that California's Governor and Legislature have proven incapa...

The Sinking Ship parking garage in Seattle's Pioneer Square has been shuttered due to escalating violence, including a deadly shooting. This closure highlights the ongoing safety concerns in the historic neighborhood. Residents and business owners, including Robin Wilkerson, whose son was killed in the garage, are demanding permanent closure and improved safety measures. The Seattle Police Dep...

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced plans to open the city's first city-run grocery store in East Harlem. This initiative, slated for La Marqueta, aims to combat corporate control over the food supply chain, which Mamdani claims drives up prices and stagnates wages. The Mamdani administration intends to establish similar stores in each of the five boroughs by the end of his term,...

Seattle is grappling with the complex issue of homeless encampments. With rising concerns from residents and businesses, the city faces mounting pressure to address the problem. The article highlights the challenges of balancing compassion with the need to maintain public safety and order. Sweeping encampments raises questions about where displaced individuals will go and the long-term effectivene...

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is under scrutiny after admitting that fraudsters targeted its $100 million small business grant program, the Minnesota Promise Act. Commissioner Matt Varilek acknowledged that safeguards, while in place, aren't foolproof. An investigation revealed that some grant recipients may not have met eligibility requirements, raisin...

Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood is dealing with a wave of early-morning burglaries that hit multiple small businesses within hours, leaving owners shaken and calling for more police presence. Thieves broke into several locations, including a jewelry store and local cafés, causing damage, stealing merchandise, and even taking a delivery van that was later recovered. Business owners say the crimes a...

An economic iron curtain is descending across America as wealth flees to the 'Boom Belt' states in the Southeast. Florida, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Texas are at the forefront of this surge, attracting trillions in wealth, population, and capital investment. DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott attribute this shift to lower taxes, business-friendly regulations, and policies that champio...

Energy Secretary Chris Wright is sounding the alarm on California's energy policies under Governor Gavin Newsom, warning they could pose a significant threat to national security. Newsom's administration is criticized for reducing in-state energy production and relying on foreign imports. This dependence creates vulnerabilities that could be exploited. The potential for blackouts and insta...

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is pushing forward with an ambitious plan to rapidly expand access to homeless shelters across the city. However, this plan is not without its critics. Concerns are being raised about the 'service resistant' population and whether simply providing tiny homes will address the underlying issues. The question remains: what assurances are there that this new approach...

California drivers are paying over $6 per gallon for gasoline, the highest prices in the nation. Despite accusations of price gouging against oil companies, a CBS News California investigation revealed the real culprits: state policies, refinery closures, and global supply risks. California's environmental regulations and unique fuel blend drive up baseline prices. Two refinery closures have r...

Another business is shuttering its Portland location, laying off 106 employees. Direct Marketing Solutions is closing its production facility but keeping its headquarters open. CEO Luke Teboul cites 'operational needs and industry dynamics' as the reason. This comes as Oregon struggles to retain businesses, ranking poorly in national business climate surveys. Business bankruptcies are at a...

Minneapolis is considering a city income tax to address its lower per capita tax revenue compared to similar metropolitan areas. A recent report suggests diversifying the city's revenue base, which currently relies heavily on property taxes, which have declined recently. The Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation will review the report, which proposes 12 revenue-generating strategies. The...

California's ambitious high-speed rail project is under fire after a '60 Minutes' exposé revealed massive cost overruns and delays. Originally projected at $33 billion, the project's cost has ballooned to over $125 billion, with no functional rail line connecting major cities. Critics like Rep. Vince Fong are calling it a 'bait and switch,' as voters were promised a system...

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson is asking neighboring Washington and Clackamas counties for a combined $10 million to help cover a $15 million shortfall in funding for homeless shelters across the city. The request aims to keep several key shelters and services operating, with the argument that homelessness is a regional issue affecting people across county lines. However, leaders and service provider...

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has issued layoff notices to city employees, a move he describes as 'painful but necessary.' This decision comes as San Francisco grapples with ongoing budget challenges and the need to streamline city services. The layoffs impact various departments, raising concerns about the future of public services and the local economy. Critics argue that these cuts w...

Washington state recently passed a new law banning law enforcement officers from wearing masks during operations, aiming to increase transparency and public accountability. However, just days after the law went into effect, ICE agents were still seen covering their faces, raising questions about whether the rule applies to federal authorities. This situation highlights a growing conflict between s...

Washington state's unemployment rate has reached 5% in January, marking the highest level since 2021. This increase signals a potential weakening of the labor market, outpacing the national rate of 4.3%. While the state added around 2,800 jobs, primarily in education and health services, mass layoffs in the tech industry continue to exert downward pressure. Economist Anneliese Vance-Sherman ca...

Washington lawmakers are pushing back after funding for a program targeting organized retail crime was vetoed. The state reportedly faces billions in retail theft losses, with officials claiming it ranks among the worst in the nation. A pilot program aimed at cracking down on theft showed promising results—boosting prosecutions, improving coordination between law enforcement and retailers, and off...

Grocery Outlet is slated to close its East Portland location due to safety concerns and an alleged unwillingness to compromise on solutions. This closure leaves residents of East Portland with fewer affordable grocery options and raises questions about the safety and economic health of the neighborhood. The owner previously hinted at the possibility of closing the store, and now the decision has b...

Portland city leaders are exploring a new “vacancy fee” aimed at tackling the growing number of empty storefronts downtown. With high vacancy rates hurting foot traffic and economic recovery, the proposed policy would charge property owners who leave retail or commercial spaces unused for extended periods, encouraging them to lower rents or find tenants faster. The idea is still in early stages, w...

T-Mobile has announced another round of layoffs, impacting its IT organization and resulting in the loss of 393 jobs in Washington state. This move, described by the company as 'further aligning,' raises concerns about the telecom giant's commitment to its workforce and the economic stability of the region. These layoffs follow previous cuts, signaling a potential trend within the comp...

Expedia Group recently laid off over 100 employees in the Seattle-area, impacting its technology staff. The company claims these layoffs are part of a restructuring effort to streamline operations and focus on future skills. However, a WARN notice indicates 162 employees received permanent layoff notices. Roles affected include Data Engineers, Software Development Engineers, and Product Managers,...

Washington state has passed a new law, championed by Governor Bob Ferguson, that removes barriers for homeless shelters and permanent supportive housing in residential areas. This legislation aims to address the growing homelessness crisis by increasing access to shelter. Critics argue this will decrease property values and increase crime. Supporters say this is a compassionate measure, and local...