Artemis II has safely splashed down after carrying astronauts around the moon and back, marking a major milestone for NASA’s return to deep space. Jeff talks with Orion Program Manager Howard Hu, a University of Washington graduate, about what the mission accomplished, how the Orion spacecraft differs from Apollo and why this test flight matters for future missions that aim to put Americans back on the lunar surface. Jeff also looks at how technology developed for Artemis could shape life back on Earth, from construction to medical diagnostics and robotics.
PLUS: Big changes are coming to the Selective Service system. Jeff breaks down a new federal law that will automatically register young men for the draft, ending the long-standing requirement that they sign up themselves before age 26. ABC’s Steven Portnoy explains why the change was backed by both parties, why it has nothing to do with the war in Iran, and why the government says it will streamline the process while reducing the risk that young men could miss out on loans, jobs or other benefits.
AND: An unusual speech from first lady Melania Trump catches even the White House off guard as she publicly denies any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. Jeff also recaps a new Idaho fight over the Pride flag, and a Washington Supreme Court ruling removing a King County judge pro tem for what the justices called a serious breach of judicial ethics.
The Northwest Politicast with Jeff Pohjola: From this Washington to that one, Jeff Pohjola explores the politics and issues of the week. Frequent guests and top analysts break down the news to get to the heart of what matters most.
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