It's been six years since then-mayor Ed Murray declared a homeless crisis. More than two years since King County and the City of Seattle announced the creation of the Regional Homeless Authority. Since then, close to a billion dollars have been spent on the homeless issue. But by nearly every visible measure, homelessness has gotten worse. Now, the agency may have to spend a billion more just to get out of the crisis. Jeff Pohjola and Matt Markovich break down where the money is coming from and how it's being spent. PLUS: Analysis of the mayoral debate between Bruce Harrell and Lorena Gonzales. AND: A local school cancels Halloween. Guests include Paul Queary of the Washington Observer and ABC's Alex Presha. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola

Nearly $1B spent on homelessness with nothing to show for it

In another non-binding move, the Seattle City Council expresses its support for the legalization of psychedelics. PLUS: We're joined by the co-author of 'Peril' which chronicles President Trump's chaotic final days in office. AND: Getting fired for refusing to get the COVID vaccine means you could be ineligible for unemployment benefits. Guests include author Robert Costa, reporter Matt Markovich, ABC's Andy Field, and Politico's Josh Gerstein. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

Seattle City Council wants to legalize psychedelics

Having referred to Seattle Police officers as Nazis, pigs, losers, and stains on humanity, Seattle city attorney candidate Nicole Thomas-Kennedy says she regrets some of the things she posted on Twitter. But in an interview with the KOMO Politicast, she stops short of apologizing. PLUS: We're joined by Thomas-Kennedy's opponent Ann Davison who says she will crack down on misdemeanor crime if elected. AND: Getting a religious exemption for the COVID vaccine doesn't guarantee that you'll be able to keep your job. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

Thomas-Kennedy regrets some tweets, refuses to apologize

If elected mayor, Seattle City Council President Lorena Gonzales vows not to clear homeless encampments. The promise is part of her overall plan to deal with the homeless crisis that she released late this week. PLUS: Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) threatens to torpedo the Biden infrastructure plan unless she gets a vote on a host of progressive priorities. AND: We talk with Sarah Augustine, chair of the Washington State Redistricting Commission about how the political map is about to change. Other guests include KOMO's Matt Markovich and ABC's Andy Field. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

Gonzales vows not to clear homeless encampments

A lot can change and there are still a lot of undecideds, but incumbents or those who represent the status quo aren't doing so well in the latest Crosscut/Elway poll. We talk with legendary pollster Stuart Elway. PLUS: Could Carmen Best return as Seattle Police Chief? AND: A northwest town names a bridge after America's favorite evangelical. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

Poll shows Seattle voters want change at City Hall

The Recall Sawant campaign turns in their petitions to have the city councilwoman removed from office, but do they risk martyring a progressive activist? We get analysis from democratic strategist Cathy Allen and republican strategist Randy Pepple. PLUS: How the new Texas law banning nearly all abortions affects women in Washington. AND: Remembering 9/11, twenty years later. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

Sawant recall appears headed for the ballot

Bruce Harrell adopts 'Compassion Seattle' as part of his platform, while Lorena Gonzales wants to tax businesses to pay for homeless services. Jeff and Matt take a look at the differences between the candidates. PLUS: We get some legal analysis on Texas' new law banning nearly all abortions. AND: The feds investigate the McFlurry. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

How to handle homeless crisis clearest division yet in race for Seattle mayor

Franklin County Commissioner Clint Didier again stirs controversy by refusing to wear a mask at a government meeting and encouraging others to do the same in violation of the law. KONA's Robb Francis brings us the details and what may be behind Didier's moves. PLUS: Seattle is facing two potential lawsuits over safety in and around the King County Courthouse. AND: Why the federal government feels compelled to remind you that you are not a horse. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

County commissioners' meeting descends into chaos over a mask

The Seattle City Council approved restrictions on police use of less-lethal weapons this past week, coming far short of previous plans. It also appears they've backed off proposals to severely cut the department's budget. Matt Markovich brings us the latest. PLUS: Washington Congressman Adam Smith, who is also the chair of the House Armed Services Committee, is critical of the Biden Administration's withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. AND: Governor Inslee responds to critics of his vaccine and mask mandates. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

Seattle City Council appears to back off efforts to 'defund police'

Federal judge James Robart says, while referring to the City Council, there has been "too much knee-jerk and not enough forethought" in their efforts to reform the police department. PLUS: Vaccine resistance in Republican-controlled states has led to the deaths of thousands, according to a new study. This while the state considers a vaccine mandate for teachers. AND: Even in Washington, some state lawmakers still believe in the Big Lie. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

Federal judge not happy with Seattle police reforms

Three-term incumbent Pete Holmes as conceded the race for Seattle City Attorney. The general election will now be between moderate Ann Davison and progressive Nicole Thomas-Kennedy. KOMO's Charlie Harger and the Washington Observer's Paul Queary examine exactly how this happened. PLUS: King County wants to take over City Hall Park in Seattle because the city refuses to clear a dangerous homeless encampment. AND: Some interesting thoughts on the state's primary from the woman in charge of administering it. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

Political shocker in race for Seattle City Attorney

Political analyst Ron Dotzauer says Seattle will likely remain ultra-left after next week's primary. PLUS: Republican Secretary of State Kim Wyman takes her own party to task over false claims of election fraud and the partisan recount in Arizona. ABC's Andy Field has the latest on emotional testimony about January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. AND: Political ideology could be a predicter of COVID risk. For more of the KOMO Politicast click here. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

Seattle unlikely to change direction with new leadership

Reporting from KOMO's Matt Markovich leads to questions and the subsequent removal of two Seattle homeless encampments thought to be connected with recent attacks on drivers along Interstate 90. Matt joins the podcast to explain exactly how it happened. PLUS: The Biden Administration completes a purge of Trump loyalists within the Pentagon as Republicans continue to block investigations into the attack on the Capitol. AND: Brian Calvert has some tips on how to keep your kids safe from the coronavirus. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

Questions from KOMO News lead to removal of I-90 encampments

The former city council president pulled in 20% in the wide-open field according to a new poll from the Northwest Progressive Institute and Change Research. Current council president Lorena Gonzales was in second place with 12 percent. Charlie Harger and Jeff Pohjola break down the numbers, but here are the top line results: Bruce Harrell - 20% Lorena Gonzales - 12% Colleen Echohawk - 10% Jessyn Farrell - 6% Andrew Grant Houston - 6% Undecided - 32% Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

Bruce Harrell leads race for Seattle mayor, according to new poll

The Office of Police Accountability recommends the firing of two SPD officers for their involvement in the January 6th attack on the US Capitol. PLUS: It's the end of the road for Barronelle Stutzman and Arlene's Flowers after the US Supreme Court refuses to hear her case. AND: At least one industry still wants you to mask up. Guests include KOMO's Matt Markovich and ABC's Andy Field. Subscribe at komonews.com/podcasts or your favorite podcast app. The KOMO Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola will explore the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.

Firing recommended for SPD officers seen at Capitol insurrection

From this Washington to that one, KOM?s Jeff Pohjola explores the issues and politics of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to heart of what matters most.