Politics

The informal U.S.-Iran ceasefire appears to have collapsed amid renewed disputes over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Dr. Annelle Sheline of the Quincy Institute tells Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" that  the renewed tensions risk higher energy and food prices, warns the conflict could continue escalating.

Author and radio host Thom Hartmann argues the modern expansion of corporate power stems from an 1886 Supreme Court case, claiming a court headnote—not the ruling itself—helped lay the groundwork for treating corporations as constitutional "persons." In his new book, "Who Killed the American Dream," Hartmann tells The Final 5 with Jim Lokay the legacy of that interpretation shaped decisions like Citizens United and contends Congress or a constitutional amendment could curb corporate influence in politics.

Iranian-American human rights activist Dr. Majid Sadeghpour says ordinary Iranians are trapped between ongoing conflict and what he describes as decades of repression by the country's ruling regime. On "The Final 5," Dr. Sadeghpour, who serves as political director of the Organization of Iranian-American Communities tells host Jim Lokay he believes lasting change must come from the Iranian people themselves and urges the international community to keep its focus on human rights and accountability.

Conservative strategist Luke Ball argues Republicans are increasingly framing the Democratic Party as embracing democratic socialism ahead of the midterm elections, pointing to the rise of progressive candidates and recent intraparty battles. Ball contends that Democratic leaders have struggled to push back against the party's leftward momentum, while also criticizing Democrats' handling of the Graham Platner controversy in Maine as evidence of inconsistent standards for candidates facing ethical questions.

Democrats are developing a "Project 2029" blueprint to provide future presidential candidates with a shared governing agenda, taking inspiration from the influence Project 2025 had on the Trump administration. NOTUS congressional reporter Daniella Diaz tells The Final 5 with Jim Lokay that the effort is focused on creating a broad policy framework on issues including health care, child care, border security and government reform, while attempting to bridge ideological divides within the Democratic Party ahead of the 2028 presidential race.

Despite a wave of public backlash and fierce opposition from protesters who argue it defaces a sacred landscape, a controversial 250-foot memorial arch backed by President Donald Trump has secured preliminary approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.

The Maine Democratic Party has voted to hold a nominating convention to select a new candidate to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins, following Graham Platner's abrupt exit from the race amid sexual assault allegations.