The Northwest Politicast

(SEATTLE, Wash.) – Shon Barnes takes over SPD at a time of great turmoil. From a serious staffing shortage to expanded civilian oversight and a crisis of leadership, morale has never been so low and trust in the department has never been more absent. Plus, the department has been dealing with a crisis of leadership with multiple high-profile scandals from previous chiefs. We talk with Mr. Barnes about his ideas on how to turn things around. PLUS: The Seattle City Council has another law-and-order moderate joining its ranks. AND: Some of the highlights from this week’s cabinet confirmation hearings. Guests include Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes, Seattle City Council Member Mark Solomon, Former FBI Agent Brad Garrett, as well as ABC’s Allie Pecorin and Perry Russom. 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, Wash.) – Shon Barnes takes over SPD at a time of great turmoil. From a serious staffing shortage to expanded civilian oversight and a crisis of leadership, morale has never been so low and trust in the department has never been more absent. Plus, the department has been dealing with a crisis of leadership with multiple high-profile scandals from previous chiefs. We talk with Mr. Barnes about his ideas on how to turn things around. PLUS: The Seattle City Council has another law-and-order moderate joining its ranks. AND: Some of the highlights from this week’s cabinet confirmation hearings. Guests include Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes, Seattle City Council Member Mark Solomon, Former FBI Agent Brad Garrett, as well as ABC’s Allie Pecorin and Perry Russom. 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.

(WASHINGTON, DC.) – President Trump hit the ground running to start his second term, issuing a flurry of executive orders. But his administration is already running into trouble with the courts. On Thursday, a federal judge in Seattle blocked his effort to end birthright citizenship, calling the move 'blatantly unconstitutional.' We'll hear from Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and the head of the the state GOP. PLUS: What are the legal ramifications of President Trump pardoning hundreds of violent offenders who took part in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol? AND: The challenges of deporting millions of undocumented immigrants. Guests include Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, Chairman of the Washington State GOP Jim Walsh, legal analyst Royal Oakes, ABC's Shannon Kingston from the State Department, and law enforcement reporter Luke Barr. 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.

(WASHINGTON, DC.) – President Trump hit the ground running to start his second term, issuing a flurry of executive orders. But his administration is already running into trouble with the courts. On Thursday, a federal judge in Seattle blocked his effort to end birthright citizenship, calling the move 'blatantly unconstitutional.' We'll hear from Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and the head of the the state GOP. PLUS: What are the legal ramifications of President Trump pardoning hundreds of violent offenders who took part in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol? AND: The challenges of deporting millions of undocumented immigrants. Guests include Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, Chairman of the Washington State GOP Jim Walsh, legal analyst Royal Oakes, ABC's Shannon Kingston from the State Department, and law enforcement reporter Luke Barr. 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.

(OLYMPIA, Wa) – Meet the new boss, quite different from the old boss. In his inaugural address, Governor Bob Ferguson went out of his way to appeal to conservatives, touching on everything from limiting executive powers to hiring more police. Republicans were shocked, but remain cautiously optimistic that he will follow through with his pledge to lead from the middle. We’ll hear from both sides. PLUS: What are some of the biggest issues facing state lawmakers this session? AND: Washingtonians doing what they can to help those who lost everything in southern California. Guests include Senate Minority Leader John Braun (R-Centralia), Senator Marko Liias (D-Mukilteo), House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary (R-Auburn), former Governor Gary Locke, legal analyst Royal Oakes, and ABC’s Allie Pecorin from Capitol Hill. 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.

(OLYMPIA, Wa) – As state lawmakers convene in Olympia their first task will be to balance the state budget. Washington is estimated to be anywhere from seven to sixteen-million dollars in the hole, and that means cuts. But a new survey from Cascade/PBS shows how voters want their representatives in the State Capitol to bring Washington out of the red. PLUS: Some big court cases were in the news this week, including a potential ban on TikTok and the criminal sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump. AND: What the youngest Americans think of the country ahead of its 250th anniversary. Guests include pollster Stuart Elway, legal analyst Royal Oakes, and ABC’s Allie Pecorin from Capitol Hill. 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.

(WASHINGTON, DC) – In his annual report on the federal judiciary, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, “Every Administration suffers defeats in the court system […] Nevertheless, for the past several decades, the decisions of the courts, popular or not, have been followed.” But he continued, “Within the past few years, however, elected officials from across the political spectrum have raised the specter of open disregard for federal court rulings. These dangerous suggestions, however sporadic, must be soundly rejected.” This as a wave of litigation is expected once Mr. Trump takes office, and his incoming VP has suggested ignoring rulings he doesn’t like. PLUS: The biggest challenge facing Seattle’s new police chief. AND: Remembering Jimmy Carter. Guests include Politico’s Josh Gerstein, former Secret Service Agent Don Mihalek, and ABC News Chief Investigative Reporter Josh Margolin. 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, Wa) – Names, images, likenesses, the transfer portal and the chase of big money. WSU football Coach Jake Dickert’s departure for Wake Forest is just the lates in an NCAA shakeup that is leaving smaller schools behind and turning college athletics into nothing more than minor leagues for the pros. Bill Swartz takes a look at how things have changed, and not for the better. PLUS: How Seattle City Hall is grappling with yet another heinous crime. AND: The possibility of big changes to public education when Donald Trump takes office. Guests include Seattle City Council member Bob Kettle and Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. 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, Wa) – The governing body for high school sports in Washington State is looking at two possible rule changes for transgender athletes. One would create a third classification aside from boys and girls, and another would make boys sports ‘open’ to all. This as conservatives push for change in transgender policy across the country. PLUS: A preview of the upcoming legislative session and how the political calculus has changed in Olympia. AND: The east coast drone scare spreads to the skies above Oregon. Guests include ABC’s Alex Stone; Mick Hoffman, Executive Director of the WIAA; and 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.   Subscribe at nwnewsradio.com or on your favorite podcast app.

(SEATTLE, Wa) – In a move no one saw coming, Socialist Seattle City Councilmember Tammy Morales abruptly announced her resignation this week, effective January 6th, 2025. Since last year’s elections, Morales has found herself in the minority at City Hall and her ultra-progressive agenda has been largely sidelined. In her resignation letter, she accuses her fellow council members of everything from undermining her work to stifling free speech. We’ll get reaction. PLUS: It’s the economy, stupid. How American business is likely to change under a second Trump Administration. AND: A heartfelt farewell from one of Washington state’s longtime members of Congress. Guests include Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson, Business and Economics Correspondent Alexis Christoforous, former Secret Service Agent Don Mihalek, and ABC’s Allie Pecorin. 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.