Epstein Files, Job Jitters, and a Sheriff Showdown

The Washington state Employment Security Department. (Photo courtesy KOMO News)
Another fiery hearing on Capitol Hill—this time with Attorney General Pam Bondi sparring with Democrats (and catching heat from at least one Republican) over the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files. ABC’s Steven Portnoy and Rachel Scott recap the blowups, and ABC News law enforcement reporter Luke Barr explains what, if anything, actually comes next.
PLUS: What’s the state of the economy? Washington’s job market is flashing warning signs after the state has shed roughly 20,000 jobs since the start of the year. State labor economist Paul Turek breaks down why layoffs are rising—especially in tech—how AI is reshaping the workforce, and why we’re settling into a “low hire, low fire” labor market.
AND: The fight involving Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank reaches the state capitol as a bill aimed at removing elected sheriffs who lose certification advances—while lawmakers also keep the Seahawks Super Bowl glow going with a “Day of the Twelves” proposal (groans included).
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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The Washington state Employment Security Department. (Photo courtesy KOMO News)