News For Reasonable People

Seattle is suffering another economic blow to its downtown core with the announcement that Lululemon will be leaving Pacific Place later this month. The clothier is not seeing the level of sales that’s needed at this location, according to one of the employees who spoke to KOMO News. About 20 people work at the business.

The Democratic-run city of Denver, Colorado, plans to defund its police department to pay for illegal immigrants. Denver, which is commonly referred to as a “sanctuary city,” announced on Wednesday that it will spend $89.9 million on services for incoming illegal migrants, pulling some of the funding from roughly $45 million in public programs and services. Denver’s police department will be hit with an $8.4 million reduction — about 1.9% of its total operating budget, the city confirmed to the Daily Caller News Foundation. (RELATED: Illegal Migrants Are Double Timing It Over US-Canada Border As 2024 Election Looms) Denver became the top destination per capita for incoming migrants in 2023, having had more than 40,000 arrive that year alone — putting the total migrant population at roughly 710,000, according to NBC News. Denver already spent over $42 million in 2023 in housing and medical services for migrants and plans to spend over $100 million on similar costs in 2024.

A man who claimed to identify as a woman to use the female locker room at Planet Fitness was arrested after fellow members called the police. In a recent incident at a Planet Fitness gym in Gastonia, North Carolina, Christopher Allan Miller, aged 38, was arrested after he stripped naked in the women's locker room. Members of the gym who believed Miller was abusing the policy which states transgender members can use the locker room of their "gender identity" promptly called the police for assistance. According to reports from WSOC Channel 9, a local news outlet, Miller was allegedly harassing women in the gym before his arrest. A female caller described the situation to the dispatcher, stating, “It’s a man but he says he identifies as a woman, and he won’t leave the restroom. But he is just walking around showing us his --- and he won’t leave.”

In a move that reads more like a political thriller than reality, the village of Dolton has enlisted former Chicago mayor, Lori Lightfoot, to spearhead an investigation into current Mayor Tiffany Henyard's alleged misuse of taxpayer funds. Lightfoot, once ousted from office herself, is set to earn $400 an hour for delving into Henyard's financial dealings, including a questionable trip to Las Vegas and irregularities in hiring and payment practices. Critics are skeptical, questioning Lightfoot's effectiveness given her own turbulent tenure in Chicago. Yet, the village board asserts the necessity of this "fact-finding mission" to ensure government accountability and transparency. This episode unfolds against a backdrop of local governance gone awry, with Henyard accused of not just fiscal mismanagement but also curiously autocratic behavior. The saga encapsulates concerns around political accountability and the effective stewardship of public resources, resonating with broader debates on governance and ethical leadership.

In an eye-opening development, Venezuelan migrant influencer Leon Moreno, renowned for his audacious advocacy of squatting on social media, finds himself ensnared by the very system he sought to exploit. Moreno, who amassed a considerable following by mocking American policies and encouraging illegal immigration practices, now faces the irony of yearning for the freedoms he once scorned. From his cell in Geauga County Jail, Ohio, Moreno cries foul, claiming persecution akin to that which he fled in Venezuela. Yet, his past actions—skipping a crucial hearing in 2022, spreading misinformation, and leveraging his family in questionable schemes—underscore a blatant disregard for the legal processes and societal norms he now desperately misses. This saga shines a harsh light on the exploitation of America's liberties by those who, under the guise of seeking refuge, flout the law to further their interests, sparking a debate on the effectiveness and ethics of sanctuary policies and the broader implications for immigration reform.

In a bold move highlighting the contentious immigration debate, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has escalated tensions with the Biden administration and New York City Mayor Eric Adams by transporting thousands of immigrants to the sanctuary city of New York. Abbott accuses President Biden of leveraging migrants as political tools to appease far-left factions within the Democratic Party, endangering national security and overwhelming local resources. Amidst a backdrop of national scrutiny, Abbott's actions spotlight the broader crisis at the southern border, igniting discussions on federal responsibilities and the tangible impact of sanctuary city policies. As cities like New York and Denver grapple with the influx, the debate underscores the political, social, and economic dimensions of immigration, challenging leaders to confront the complexities of governance, public safety, and human dignity.

In Bellevue, Washington, taxpayers are reeling from the revelation that over $88,000 in public funds have been used to support a serial squatter, Sang Kim, allowing him and his family to reside rent-free in a $2 million home. This misuse of a program initially designed for COVID-19 hardship cases has sparked outrage and calls for scrutiny. King County's taxpayer-funded program, criticized for enabling serial squatters rather than assisting genuine hardship cases, is under the microscope. Council Vice Chairman Reagan Dunn has highlighted this egregious example of system exploitation, questioning the allocation of taxpayer dollars and the integrity of tenant support mechanisms. The community's frustration is palpable, with rallies supporting homeowner Jaron Singh and demands for legislative reform growing louder. This incident not only underscores the challenges of balancing tenant rights with property ownership but also raises serious concerns about the prioritization and management of public funds.

San Francisco Public Library workers plan to rally Tuesday, demanding the city provide security guards at all branches to protect staff and patrons amid a rise in dangerous incidents. Most of the city's 28 library locations lack dedicated security officers, and librarians and other workers say they've been forced to intervene in dangerous situations that sometimes turn physical, according to a Monday press release from Service Employees International Union Local 1021, which represents library workers at the city's public branches. The workers are demanding the change as they negotiate with officials for new contracts. "There's tension in the air when there is no trained security around to de-escalate situations," said Jessica Choy, a part-time librarian, in the press release. She said at one branch, she recently approached a man who swore at other patrons and then kicked in a glass door. Choy said having guards at every site "would be a better solution than hoping librarians are able to handle potentially dangerous situations alone."

A rowdy mob at the Randall’s Island migrant shelter was busted early Monday after a brawl that injured four security guards and left one migrant suffering a stab wound, police and sources said. Five men, believed to be migrants housed at the massive tent city, were charged with assault after jumping the 24-year-old victim while he was eating on his bunk around 1:45 a.m., cops said. The guards tried to step in but they were also attacked, sources said. The accused thugs — Howard Ochoa Olivero, 27, Jose Manuel Maza, 29, Jose Squera, 20, Xavier Pacheco, 32, and Carlos Maiz Betancourt, 23 — were all charged with third-degree assault.

In a striking display of law enforcement at a Seattle City Council meeting, six individuals were arrested for criminal trespass and obstruction, marking a notable departure from the city's previous leniency towards protest actions. Council President Sarah Nelson played a pivotal role, having the meeting halted thrice before authorizing the arrests. This incident illuminates the growing frustration with disruptive protests and the city's shifting stance on handling such disturbances. Activists, charged with trespassing, symbolize the broader debates surrounding civic order, free speech, and the responsibilities of local government. With Seattle grappling with the balance between accommodating activism and maintaining public order, this event underscores the complexities of governance in a city known for its vibrant protest culture. The involvement of legal representatives and the subsequent court proceedings further highlight the legal and societal implications of the city's evolving approach to protest actions.

In a revealing report, health officials in Chicago have confirmed a "small number" of tuberculosis (TB) cases among migrants in city shelters, raising eyebrows amid memories of pandemic-era measures and debates over public health policy. The disclosure comes with a hint of déjà vu, as it recalls the stringent COVID-19 vaccination mandates that were not applied to incoming migrants. Critics argue this double standard highlights a broader inconsistency in public health policies, especially considering the recent measles outbreaks and the historical struggle against diseases like smallpox. The situation in Chicago underscores ongoing concerns about infectious diseases in densely populated migrant shelters and the potential implications for community health. Officials are ramping up contact tracing efforts, reminiscent of early pandemic responses, yet the exact number of TB cases and the affected shelters remain undisclosed, fueling skepticism and calls for transparency.

The influx of Chinese nationals crossing the U.S. southern border has sparked significant concern among security analysts and policymakers, marking a stark shift in the demographics of illegal immigration into the United States. In just the first few months of 2024, nearly 19,000 Chinese nationals have been apprehended, a figure that is on pace to dwarf the total from the previous year. This surge is notable not only for its sheer volume but also for the potential national security implications it carries, given the tense relations between the U.S. and China. With a history of espionage and the theft of military and economic secrets, the increase in Chinese nationals entering the U.S. illegally poses a multifaceted challenge. This situation highlights the complexity of immigration issues and underscores the need for a balanced approach that ensures national security while addressing the humanitarian aspects of migration.

Angelenos are used to seeing fees for gratuity and even healthcare on the restaurant bill, but a downtown Los Angeles rooftop eatery is now charging a fee for security. Considered an essential experience in rooftop dining, diners at Perch, which is on the 15th floor of the Pershing Square Building at Hill and 5th streets, may soon notice the 4.5% surcharge on their receipt. “In L.A. it’s like the gratuity law, so all these extra fees on DoorDash, it’s kind of normal,” Simone Dill, who dined at Perch, told KTLA’s Samantha Cortese. What’s a little less normal, though, is that the security fee is not about protection from people outside the restaurant, rather it’s protection from other patrons.

In San Francisco, a baffling proposal by local lawmakers now allows residents to sue grocery stores that decide to close, adding another layer of absurdity to the city's already contentious relationship with its business community. This measure comes in response to a series of store closures due to safety concerns and rampant shoplifting, including a notable Whole Foods shutdown after a mere year of operation. The proposed legislation, aimed at combating the consequences of the city's drug and homelessness crises, demands a six-month notice before a store can close, under the guise of preserving local access to food. Critics argue this will only exacerbate the city's challenges with maintaining a vibrant retail environment, potentially leading to "food deserts" and discouraging new businesses from setting up shop. The city's struggle with crime, homelessness, and its impact on local businesses continues to spark debate over the effectiveness of progressive policies in addressing urban issues.

Squatters turned a Texas woman’s home into a “drug den” and sold her possessions at a yard sale — but police told her they couldn’t do anything about it. Terri Boyette was in Florida caring for her sick mother when a friend called to tell her someone had squatted her Dallas-area home. She had previously hired workers to renovate her house, but after she left a painter had broken in and wrecked the place, leaving crack pipes in her oven and needles in a drawer, Boyette told The Post.

Immigrants to the US can now decide they are not female or male, but a third unspecified gender when applying for citizenship. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services revised its N-400 Application for Naturalization form to provide applicants with the option of selecting “another gender identity” labeled “X,” it announced on Monday. “Historically USCIS forms and associated documents have only offered two gender options, ‘Male (M) and Female (F).’ This has created significant barriers for requesters who do not identify with either of those options,” immigration officials said in a news release. “Limiting benefit requesters to two gender options also creates administrative challenges for USCIS when we receive birth certificates or other official government-issued documents with a gender other than M or F.”

A video from inside a migrant shelter in Denver shows a city leader begging families to move on to other cities and warning of a bleak future if they stay. In the clip obtained by 9NEWS, Denver’s Newcomer Communications Liaison Andres Carrera, who also serves as Mayor Mike Johnston's political director, tells newly arrived migrants that Denver cannot support them. “The opportunities are over,” Carrera says to the group in Spanish. “New York gives you more. Chicago gives you more. So I suggest you go there where there is longer-term shelter. There are also more job opportunities there.” Denver is offering to pay for migrants' onward bus fare to destinations of their choice, a decision decried by other cities also struggling with the migrant crisis.

Recent data from the Center for Immigration Studies suggests that about 90% of the roughly 386,000 illegal immigrants that have been flown into the United States under the Biden administration’s parole program for illegal immigrants from certain countries have been admitted to the country at ports of entry in Florida and Texas. The data provided by the Center for Immigration Studies shows that a large majority of the 386,000 illegal immigrants documented as part of the Biden administration’s parole program have scheduled appointments to be arrested, to apply for asylum in the United States, and to be granted entrance to the country in Florida and Texas. Both states have strongly opposed the Biden administration’s border policies and have taken measures to reduce illegal immigration.

Hundreds of high-tech surveillance cameras are being installed in the city of Oakland and surrounding freeways to battle crime, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday. Newsom, a Democrat, said in a news release that the California Highway Patrol has contracted with Flock Safety to install 480 cameras that can identify and track vehicles by license plate, type, color and even decals and bumper stickers. The cameras will provide authorities with real-time alerts of suspect vehicles. Opponents say the technology infringes on privacy and will lead to further police abuse of already marginalized communities. But Newsom, who has deployed state attorneys and CHP officers to assist Oakland in its crackdown on crime, said the surveillance network will give law enforcement tools "to effectively combat criminal activity and hold perpetrators accountable — building safer, stronger communities for all Californians.” Public safety remains a concern statewide, especially retail theft, forcing even liberal leaders of Democratic cities to embrace increased policing.

Republican lawmakers in Georgia are taking aim at the ongoing squatting problem in Atlanta, proposing a bill that would make it a criminal offense. According to the National Rental Home Council trade group, 1,200 homes have been taken over by squatters in the city. With law enforcement bound by tenant right laws, homeowners are left with limited options to reclaim their property, but the new law could make it easier. The proposed bill, named the Georgia Squatter Reform Act, expands criminal trespassing to include persons who enter property without the consent of the owner for any period of time. The new law means that anyone caught squatting in a home without consent or legal authority will be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor and hit with a fine.

Oregon has legislatively completed its U-turn on a short-lived liberal policy that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of certain drugs. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, on Monday signed into law a bill that reverses Measure 110, a 2020 law that voters approved to decriminalize most illegal possession of controlled substance offenses and redirect much of the state's marijuana tax revenue to fund grants for addiction services. Around 58% of Oregon residents approved the initial measure but since then, addiction and overdose deaths have skyrocketed in Oregon and nationwide as fentanyl swept across the country. In August, 56% of Oregonians said they disapproved of the pioneering drug law and both Republicans and Democrats introduced legislation to roll back the controversial measure.

Seven people have died at a hotel-turned-shelter for Denver’s homeless people since it opened in December, according to the city's medical examiner. The former DoubleTree by Hilton hotel serves hundreds of homeless people under a campaign by Mayor Mike Johnston to move 2,000 individuals out of the city's streets by the end of this year. That figure counts the 1,000-plus homeless individuals who moved into temporary shelters, including at the former DoubleTree hotel, last year. The hotel, located at 4040 Quebec St., came under scrutiny following a double homicide on March 16, when police said two victims were found dead inside a room. The medical examiner’s office later determined they were shot to death. In addition, five other deaths occurred at 4040 Quebec St. since Jan. 19, according to the data obtained by The Denver Gazette via a public records request.

A new, 2,000-person migrant caravan is making its way north to the US border — and is expected to reach El Paso, Texas, in just the next few days. Videos posted online show a swarm of people walking through the streets of southern Mexico on Monday. In one clip, an apparent leader could be seen encouraging the group through a bullhorn to chant “A la frontera” — meaning “To the border.” The group proclaimed in Spanish, “We are not criminals, we are international workers.” Church-run border shelters are preparing for the group’s arrival, as they run out of space to house the thousands of migrants trying to make their way into the United States, according to Border Report.

Gov. Ron DeSantis says "squatting" is a scam that violates private property rights and signed a bill intended to help protect homeowners in Orlando on Wednesday. According to a video Florida's governor posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), squatters commandeering homes have become an issue nationwide. However, he says the state will be putting an end to this scam. "We are in the state of Florida ending this squatters scam once and for all. And momentarily I'll be signing HB 621, which will give the homeowner the ability to quickly and legally remove a squatter from a property and which will increase criminal penalties for squatting," shared DeSantis during Wednesday's press conference at the Orange County State Attorney's Office. HB 621 will take effect on July 1, 2024. It creates a new way for property owners to remove squatters from their homes.

New rules are coming to strip clubs that could make work conditions safer for dancers and eventually allow alcohol sales at these businesses. Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 6105 into law on Monday. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldana (D-Seattle) and it requires a series of worker protections for dancers, eliminates lewd conduct rules for establishments that serve alcohol, and creates a path for adult entertainment businesses to get liquor licenses. “It's pretty simple why we are passing this bill. These are working folks and working people deserve safety in the environment in which they work,” the governor said.