Economic issues at forefront for Black Americans ahead of midterms
Civil rights attorney Areva Martin joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 as thousands converge upon D.C. for the Congressional Black Caucus' annual Leadership Conference. Martin says Black voters are keeping a close watch on civil rights and economic issues as the midterms loom, and talks about what it will take to overcome apathy from the 2024 elections.
Civil rights attorney Areva Martin joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 as thousands converge upon D.C. for the Congressional Black Caucus' annual Leadership Conference. Martin says Black voters are keeping a close watch on civil rights and economic issues as the midterms loom, and talks about what it will take to overcome apathy from the 2024 elections.
GOP analyst weighs in on midterm chances
With less than 7 weeks to the midterms, Brian Maloney of RealAmerica.vote joins Jim on The Final 5 to weigh in on the issues facing voters, where he thinks Democrats will show some weakness, and why some may pay a price for moving to the extremes.
With less than 7 weeks to the midterms, Brian Maloney of RealAmerica.vote joins Jim on The Final 5 to weigh in on the issues facing voters, where he thinks Democrats will show some weakness, and why some may pay a price for moving to the extremes.
Virginia 2026 voter guide: Key races and amendments on your ballot
Key Virginia midterm races include a U.S. Senate seat and several congressional districts. Voters will also decide whether to adopt key constitutional amendments into the state constitution.
Key Virginia midterm races include a U.S. Senate seat and several congressional districts. Voters will also decide whether to adopt key constitutional amendments into the state constitution.
Kaine: ‘The last thing Americans need right now is more wars’
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to discuss efforts to limit President Trump’s war powers in Iran, prevent a wider conflict involving Oman and accelerate long-delayed safety changes at Reagan National Airport.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to discuss efforts to limit President Trump’s war powers in Iran, prevent a wider conflict involving Oman and accelerate long-delayed safety changes at Reagan National Airport.
Trump’s Ireland trip highlights tensions over tariffs
The Hill’s Niall Stanage joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to discuss President Trump’s trip to Ireland, his remarks about Irish unification and the potential impact of his tariff policies on the country’s economy.
The Hill’s Niall Stanage joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to discuss President Trump’s trip to Ireland, his remarks about Irish unification and the potential impact of his tariff policies on the country’s economy.
Democrats gaining advantage ahead of midterms as Trump's ratings sink: poll
A new poll from The New York Times and Siena College shows Democrats opening up a significant advantage over Republicans ahead of the November midterms, fueled largely by voter frustration with President Donald Trump's handling of the economy.
A new poll from The New York Times and Siena College shows Democrats opening up a significant advantage over Republicans ahead of the November midterms, fueled largely by voter frustration with President Donald Trump's handling of the economy.
Rep. Thomas Massie moves to impeach Pete Hegseth over Iran war
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced a resolution to impeach Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the House floor Tuesday.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced a resolution to impeach Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the House floor Tuesday.
How to register to vote
National Voter Registration Day falls on Sept. 15 this year and serves as a reminder to check your registration status ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3.
National Voter Registration Day falls on Sept. 15 this year and serves as a reminder to check your registration status ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3.
Jury hears evidence in DC Councilmember Trayon White’s federal bribery trial
D.C. Councilmember Trayon White was back in court Tuesday as opening statements began, and the jury heard evidence in his federal bribery trial.
D.C. Councilmember Trayon White was back in court Tuesday as opening statements began, and the jury heard evidence in his federal bribery trial.
Environment group urges data center pause as power demands surge
A Virginia environmental advocacy group is calling for a moratorium on new data-center development, arguing the state lacks a comprehensive plan for the massive new power demand, transmission buildout and potential effects on water, air quality and nearby communities. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Chris Miller of the Piedmont Environmental Council says voluntary promises from major tech companies are not enough to protect ratepayers from infrastructure costs.
A Virginia environmental advocacy group is calling for a moratorium on new data-center development, arguing the state lacks a comprehensive plan for the massive new power demand, transmission buildout and potential effects on water, air quality and nearby communities. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Chris Miller of the Piedmont Environmental Council says voluntary promises from major tech companies are not enough to protect ratepayers from infrastructure costs.
Redistricting fights leaves election officials racing to adjust
Missouri’s congressional map is reverting to its previous version after voters rejected a Republican-backed redraw, creating the unusual prospect of candidates running a primary under one map and a general election under another. Votebeat's Jessica Huseman joins The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to share more on how mid-decade redistricting fights are putting added pressure on election administrators nationwide as the midterms approach.
Missouri’s congressional map is reverting to its previous version after voters rejected a Republican-backed redraw, creating the unusual prospect of candidates running a primary under one map and a general election under another. Votebeat's Jessica Huseman joins The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to share more on how mid-decade redistricting fights are putting added pressure on election administrators nationwide as the midterms approach.
Gavin Newsom says he won’t run for president if Kamala Harris runs in 2028
Gavin Newsom said he would not run for president in 2028 if Kamala Harris decides to run.
Gavin Newsom said he would not run for president in 2028 if Kamala Harris decides to run.
Supreme Court rejects Trump's mail-in ballot restrictions for now
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected President Donald Trump’s mail ballot restrictions for now.
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected President Donald Trump’s mail ballot restrictions for now.
Sen. Mitch McConnell returns to Senate for 1st time since June hospitalization
Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky returned to the Senate on Monday for the first time since June 14.
Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky returned to the Senate on Monday for the first time since June 14.
On The Hill: September 13, 2026
On The Hill, a weekly politics show featuring FOX 5's Tom Fitzgerald, is a staple of Sunday morning political talk in Washington, D.C.
On The Hill, a weekly politics show featuring FOX 5's Tom Fitzgerald, is a staple of Sunday morning political talk in Washington, D.C.
Federal budget deficit hits $2T in first 11 months of fiscal year 2026, CBO reports
The federal government's annual budget deficit reached $2 trillion after the first 11 months of fiscal year 2026, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported.
The federal government's annual budget deficit reached $2 trillion after the first 11 months of fiscal year 2026, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported.
Is Mitch McConnell returning to the Senate? What we know
Sen. Mitch McConnell could be returning to the Senate soon, according to reports.
Sen. Mitch McConnell could be returning to the Senate soon, according to reports.
Axios co-founder Mike Allen on how to "Simplify" our lives
Axios co-founder Mike Allen says people are overwhelmed with more decisions than ever. He shares more about his new book, "Simplify: Do 50% More with 50% Less," on "The Final 5," telling host Jim Lokay that the solution isn't working harder—it's working smarter. They also talk about the growing role of AI in our lives and in the news media.
Axios co-founder Mike Allen says people are overwhelmed with more decisions than ever. He shares more about his new book, "Simplify: Do 50% More with 50% Less," on "The Final 5," telling host Jim Lokay that the solution isn't working harder—it's working smarter. They also talk about the growing role of AI in our lives and in the news media.
Self-funded candidates are spending millions — many are still losing
Wealthy candidates are pouring millions of their own dollars into campaigns this election cycle, but Washington Sun senior editor Dave Levinthal says self-funding is proving to be a poor substitute for grassroots support, as evidenced by David Trone's recent losses in Maryland. On "The Final 5," Jim Lokay also talks with Levinthal about the newly-minted Washington Sun newsroom.
Wealthy candidates are pouring millions of their own dollars into campaigns this election cycle, but Washington Sun senior editor Dave Levinthal says self-funding is proving to be a poor substitute for grassroots support, as evidenced by David Trone's recent losses in Maryland. On "The Final 5," Jim Lokay also talks with Levinthal about the newly-minted Washington Sun newsroom.
Cost-of-living concerns create tough headwinds for GOP, says Ipsos' Cliff Young
With 54 days until the midterms, Ipsos' Cliff Young says Republicans are entering a difficult political environment, arguing President Trump's approval rating has slipped to 38.6%—a level he says has historically made it harder for a president to advance an agenda and help allies win elections. On "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay," Young contends that while issues like crime remain relevant, voters are overwhelmingly focused on the cost of living, which he believes will drive the election. He also points to Democrats' roughly 6.5-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot and notes that midterm history typically favors the party out of power, making Republican control of Congress increasingly vulnerable if current trends hold.
With 54 days until the midterms, Ipsos' Cliff Young says Republicans are entering a difficult political environment, arguing President Trump's approval rating has slipped to 38.6%—a level he says has historically made it harder for a president to advance an agenda and help allies win elections. On "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay," Young contends that while issues like crime remain relevant, voters are overwhelmingly focused on the cost of living, which he believes will drive the election. He also points to Democrats' roughly 6.5-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot and notes that midterm history typically favors the party out of power, making Republican control of Congress increasingly vulnerable if current trends hold.