The Northwest Politicast

A new poll shows a majority of Seattle voters want to change the direction of City Hall. But those same voters are split on the direction the City Council should take. PLUS: Bremerton’s praying coach returns for just one game before quitting and heading back to Florida. AND: One of Donald Trump’s lawyers could become a star witness for the prosecution. Guests include pollster Stuart Elway, ABC’s Steven Portnoy, Meagan Vazquez of the Washington Post, and conservative talk show host Ari Hoffman. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

Due to a lack of affordable housing and many other factors, Seattle has been overrun with a crisis of homelessness. At the same time, downtown has a glut of empty office space post-pandemic. So why can’t that space be used for shelters, apartments, and condos? An expert will explain why. PLUS: Some Oregon Republicans argue that a new state law shouldn’t apply to them, at least not yet. AND: Vivek Ramaswamy tries to rap his way into Donald Trump’s heart. Guests include political strategist Amy Ruiz, ABC’s Steven Portnoy, and Cat Zakrzewski of the Washington Post. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

After surrendering to law enforcement for the fourth time, former President Donald Trump poses for the world’s most famous mugshot. Already, both Republicans and Democrats are fundraising off the image. PLUS: Breaking down the first Republican Presidential Primary Debate, even though there was a noticeable absence in the room AND: The difficulties of sending military hardware to Ukraine. Guests include conservative talk show host Ari Hoffman, ABC's Andy Field, Geoffrey Skelly of FiveThirtyEight.com, and Delvin Barrett of the Washington Post. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

The Washington State Republican Party chooses a staunch conservative in State Representative Jim Walsh as its new chairman. But after years of losses in statewide elections, can Walsh reverse the trend? PLUS: Former President Donald Trump is indicted for a fourth time AND: Why Special Counsel Jack Smith wants to see the former president’s phone. Guests include State Representative Jim Walsh, ABC's Steve Portnoy, and Republican strategist Randy Pepple. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

As every level of government appears to spin its wheels on homelessness, the problem is just getting worse. We visit one of the more dangerous encampments in Seattle and speak with neighbors who complain that leaders are doing nothing. PLUS: The Iowa State Fair is this weekend. We’ll take a look at the Republican presidential contenders looking to impress some of the country’s most influential rural voters. AND: An eastern Washington county may decide books just aren’t for them. Guests include FiveThirtyEight’s Nathanial Rakich as well as ABC’s Ann Flaherty, Steven Portnoy, and Andy Field. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

Seattle voters have spoken, and significant change is coming to Seattle City Hall. Regardless of who wins, there will be at least 4 and as many as 8 new City Council members come January 1. We’ll break down the results of Tuesday’s primary and preview the general election. PLUS: Former President Donald Trump is indicted once again. This time for his alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. AND: An update on the Richland School Board recall. Guests include State Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, political strategist Ron Dotzauer, as well as ABC’s Andy Field and Isaac Arndorf of the Washington Post. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

During the waning days of COVID the Richland School Board voted to ignore the state’s mask mandate and directed teachers and staff to make face coverings optional. But vote put the district in legal jeopardy, with teachers licenses at risk and the potentially liable if student were to contract the coronavirus. On the advice of attorneys, the vote was rescinded two days later. Now, the three members of the School Board who voted to ignore state law are subject to a Tuesday recall. We’ll speak with the parents who are leading the effort remove them from office, and one of the board members who could lose her job in this week’s election. PLUS: The Hunter Biden plea deal falls apart. AND: Congress heads home for the summer but faces a potential government shutdown when lawmakers return. Richland School Board member Kari Williams, ABC’s Andy Field, and Crime and Terrorism Analyst Brad Garrett. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-Seattle) makes some controversial, if not anti-Semitic remarks about Israel. The bipartisan response has been swift, and now there’s discussion of a possible censure. We’ll get the latest. PLUS: Another possible indictment of former President Donald Trump is looming. But some of his supporters have already been charged in a ‘fake electors’ scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 election. AND: The federal government now has a UFO czar. Guests include conservative commentator Ari Hoffman, Aaron Blake of the Washington Port, and ABC’s Alex Stone. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

The election is more than a year away, but three lawyers have already said they want to be the next Attorney General. Former US Attorney Nick Brown, State Senator Manka Dhingra, and private attorney Liz Hallock have all filed with Public Disclosure Commission. This week, both Brown and Dhingra join us to discuss the campaign. PLUS: It wasn’t just the IRS. Some FBI agents have also expressed concern over how the Hunter Biden investigation was handled. AND: More chaos at Seattle City Hall. Guests include Nick Brown, Manka Dhingra, ABC’s Andy Field, and Delvin Barrett of the Washington Post. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most.

In something of a slow rollout, former Congressman Dave Reichert has jumped into the race for governor. He filed with the state’s public disclosure commission last week, and on Friday made his first public comments in a brief video posted online. Now, analysts from both parties say he has the best chance of winning of any Republican in recent memory. PLUS: The Secretary of Transportation experiences Seattle’s commuting woes first-hand. AND: Meta launches a direct attack on Twitter with the new app known as “Threads.” Guests include political strategists Randy Pepple and Cathy Allen, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and ABC News Technology Reporter Mike Dobuski. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most.

The U.S. Supreme Court gives conservatives big victories on Affirmative Action, federal student loans, and anti-discrimination laws. Looking at the docket next term, this could just be the beginning. We’ll break down the rulings with ABC News Legal Analyst Royal Oakes. PLUS: Millennials and Gen-Z are far more likely to believe ‘fake news’ and disinformation, according to a new study. AND: Remembering the fiasco that was the CHOP, three years later. Guests include ABC’s Andy Field and Dr. Rakoen Martens of the University of Cambridge. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

Forty-five candidates are seeking seven seats on the Seattle City Council in this year’s elections. But has public sentiment changed since progressives secured surprise victories in 2019? We’ll talk to a former candidate and examine the mood of the electorate heading into this summer’s primary. PLUS: Fewer and fewer Americans are going to church. This, despite Evangelical victories such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Walter Ratliff of the Associated Press reports. AND: The fall of Roe. Vs. Wade, one year later. Guests include conservative talk show host Ari Hoffman, ABC's Andy Field, and legal analyst Royal Oakes. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

Caleb Heimlich, the long-time head of the Washington Republican Party, announced he is stepping down to spend more time with family. However, he’s not done with politics. Heimlich joins us to explain why he’s stepping aside. PLUS: Donald Trump was arrested again in Florida, this time of federal charges related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents from his presidency. We’ll look at the legal and political jeopardy the former president now faces. AND: How trans issues became a favorite issue of the far right. Guests include Legal Analyst Royal Oakes, ABC's Ike Ejiochi, and Josh Gerstein of Politico. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

State Senator Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah) is jumping into the race for governor. Focusing his campaign on tax policy, Mullet is attempting to position himself as more of a centrist than some of the other Democrats in the race. PLUS: Congress reaches a deal to avoid a default, but Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Seattle) and other progressives, as well as some conservatives, oppose the measure. AND: Remembering Congressman Don Bonker. Guests include State Senator Mark Mullet, ABC's Andy Field, and Dan Diamond of the Washington Post. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

State lawmakers finally come to an agreement on drug laws. Possession of a controlled substance will soon be a gross misdemeanor, and the legislature created the new crime of public drug use. Both are punishable by up to 180 days in jail. While the governor and most lawmakers are celebrating passage of the bill as a bipartisan success, some are deriding the move as a significant step backward. PLUS: A new children’s book entitled “Joaquin’s First School Shooting” is causing quite a stir. AND: Montana moves to ban teenagers, and everyone else, from using TikTok. Guests include State Senator Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), Senate Republican Leader John Braun (R-Centralia), State Representative Lauren Davis (D-Shoreline), as well as ABC's Alex Stone and Kyle Melnick of the Washington Post. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

Whether it's fake images or computer-generated voices made to sound like real people, 'deep fakes' and artificial intelligence have become a major concern for lawmakers and lawyers. Is it truly free speech if you are using a computer to put words into someone else's mouth? National security is also an issue. We know our adversaries are using AI against us, so some argue that we should be deploying our own versions to fight back. We'll explore a few scenarios and use some eerily accurate examples of AI media to illustrate the problem. PLUS: President Biden's approval rating has hit a new low, and that's not even the worst of it for the White House. AND: The latest on Title 42 and the situation at the southern border. Guests include former Microsoft Chief Technology Officer Alex Gounares; legal analyst Royal Oakes; and Scott Clement, poling director for the Washington Post. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

Governor Jay Inslee announced this week he would not seek re-election. Less than 24 hours later, Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced an 'exploratory campaign' for governor. State Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz has been somewhat cryptic about her intentions, and there's talk of other Democrats jumping into the race. But what about the Republicans? After two cycles of having less-than-stellar candidates, can GOP even hope to compete? We'll have an in-depth look at how the races is shaping up. PLUS: State lawmakers will convene in a special session to deal with the issue of drug possession. AND: Just how safe are Washington's banks? Guests include House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary, political analysts Randy Pepple and Cathy Allen, and conservative talk show host Ari Hoffman of 570 KVI. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

After state lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on how to handle drug addiction local governments are scrambling to pass their own laws, as Washington's ban on possessing controlled substances will expire on July 1st. Each party is blaming the other for the legislature's inability to act, while the public is caught in the middle. We'll hear from both sides. PLUS: The 2024 presidential race is shaping up to be the geriatric campaign AND: Remembering the political impact of Harry Belafonte. Guests include Speaker of the State House of Representatives Laurie Jinkins, King County Councilman Reagan Dunn, and ABC's Andy Field. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most.

With just hours remaining in the legislative session, lawmakers must wrap up a whirlwind debate on how to handle drug possession. Central to the dispute is whether it should be a felony, a misdemeanor, or even a crime at all. But even more urgently, the House and Senate must also agree on a budget to avoid being called back to Olympia. We'll break down the 2023 term. PLUS: Fox News has to pay a hefty settlement after the conservative media giant gave a platform to false claims about election fraud. AND: The US Supreme Court issues another late-Friday ruling on abortion. Guests include Northwest Newsradio's ABC's Andy Field and legal analyst Paul Queary of the Washington Observer. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most.

Late Friday, two federal judges issued conflicting rulings on mifepristone, a drug commonly used in abortions. One judge ruled FDA approval should be rescinded, though he stayed his ruling pending appeal. Another judge ruled access to the drug should be expanded. We'll take a look at the rulings, plus examine Washington state's contingency plan that was just announced this week. PLUS: We examine the political and legal implications of the indictment and arrest of former President Donald Trump. AND: Democrats accuse Republicans of blatant racism after the GOP majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives expels two Black lawmakers. Guests include Northwest Newsradio's Ryan Harris, ABC's Andy Field, and legal analyst Royal Oakes. The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most. Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.