The Final 5: May 18, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5: May 15, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
Boafo lands federal workers’ union endorsement in MD 5th race
Maryland Delegate Adrian Boafo says backing from the largest federal employee union is a major boost in the Democratic primary to succeed Steny Hoyer. On The Final 5, Boafo argued Maryland’s 5th District needs someone who can fight the Trump administration, protect federal workers during shutdowns, and build on endorsements from Hoyer, Wes Moore, Angela Alsobrooks, teachers unions, and local leaders.
Maryland Delegate Adrian Boafo says backing from the largest federal employee union is a major boost in the Democratic primary to succeed Steny Hoyer. On The Final 5, Boafo argued Maryland’s 5th District needs someone who can fight the Trump administration, protect federal workers during shutdowns, and build on endorsements from Hoyer, Wes Moore, Angela Alsobrooks, teachers unions, and local leaders.
New Fed chair, same housing headache
Kevin Warsh taking over the Fed likely won’t bring quick relief for homebuyers, according to BiggerPockers CIO Dave Meyer. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, he says inflation, bond market pressure, and a divided housing market mean mortgage rates may stay elevated, with some regions cooling while more affordable Midwest markets remain competitive. His advice to buyers: don’t wait for the Fed — negotiate hard now.
Kevin Warsh taking over the Fed likely won’t bring quick relief for homebuyers, according to BiggerPockers CIO Dave Meyer. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, he says inflation, bond market pressure, and a divided housing market mean mortgage rates may stay elevated, with some regions cooling while more affordable Midwest markets remain competitive. His advice to buyers: don’t wait for the Fed — negotiate hard now.
The Final 5: May 14, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
"The Worst Day" examines trafic day in D.C. history
Author Bruce Goldfarb reflects on the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 crash and Metro derailment that killed 81 people in a single day, and reshaped emergency response in Washington. His book "The Worst Day" highlights the ordinary people and first responders who risked their lives to save strangers amid chaos, poor communication and brutal weather.
Author Bruce Goldfarb reflects on the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 crash and Metro derailment that killed 81 people in a single day, and reshaped emergency response in Washington. His book "The Worst Day" highlights the ordinary people and first responders who risked their lives to save strangers amid chaos, poor communication and brutal weather.
Mark Kelly’s clash with Hegseth fuels 2028 speculation
Sen. Mark Kelly’s fight with Pete Hegseth over military speech and retirement benefits has become an unusually personal battle between two veterans. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, NOTUS reporter Igor Bobic says the clash has boosted Kelly’s national profile and fundraising, while also raising broader questions about Pentagon policy, congressional pushback and Kelly’s possible 2028 ambitions.
Sen. Mark Kelly’s fight with Pete Hegseth over military speech and retirement benefits has become an unusually personal battle between two veterans. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, NOTUS reporter Igor Bobic says the clash has boosted Kelly’s national profile and fundraising, while also raising broader questions about Pentagon policy, congressional pushback and Kelly’s possible 2028 ambitions.
AI, jobs, and the race to stay ahead
AI will disrupt parts of the workforce but also create new demand, according to Patrick Hedger of NetChoice. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, he argues the U.S. needs to invest in training and worker transitions while staying ahead of China in the AI race, warning that falling behind could mean job losses without the broader economic benefits.
AI will disrupt parts of the workforce but also create new demand, according to Patrick Hedger of NetChoice. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, he argues the U.S. needs to invest in training and worker transitions while staying ahead of China in the AI race, warning that falling behind could mean job losses without the broader economic benefits.
States, federal lawmakers consider gas tax holidays
Jim Lokay takes a look at the latest trends involving surging gas prices, a brief respite, and gas tax holidays with Patrick DeHaan from Gasbuddy on The Final 5.
Jim Lokay takes a look at the latest trends involving surging gas prices, a brief respite, and gas tax holidays with Patrick DeHaan from Gasbuddy on The Final 5.
The Final 5: May 13, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5: May 12, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
Reality TV politics takes center stage in LA mayor’s race
Media analyst Kaivan Shroff joins The Final 5 with Jim Lokay o weigh in on Spencer Pratt’s run for Los Angeles mayor, saying his celebrity profile and wildfire frustration reflect a broader anti-establishment mood in politics. The conversation also touched on how media figures like Don Lemon, Stephen A. Smith and Tucker Carlson are using attention and personal platforms to fuel political speculation.
Media analyst Kaivan Shroff joins The Final 5 with Jim Lokay o weigh in on Spencer Pratt’s run for Los Angeles mayor, saying his celebrity profile and wildfire frustration reflect a broader anti-establishment mood in politics. The conversation also touched on how media figures like Don Lemon, Stephen A. Smith and Tucker Carlson are using attention and personal platforms to fuel political speculation.
"The Mission Generation" explores how workers are redefining purpose
Tech investor and author Arun Gupta discussed his book The Mission Generation, arguing that workers are moving away from one-track careers and toward purpose-driven paths across public and private sectors. On The Final 5 with host Jim Lokay, Gupta said AI, instability and longer working lives are forcing people to rethink success, experiment with new roles and find work that matters.
Tech investor and author Arun Gupta discussed his book The Mission Generation, arguing that workers are moving away from one-track careers and toward purpose-driven paths across public and private sectors. On The Final 5 with host Jim Lokay, Gupta said AI, instability and longer working lives are forcing people to rethink success, experiment with new roles and find work that matters.
Rep. Glenn Ivey weighs in on Key Bridge charges, Abrego Garcia case
On The Final 5, Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD) discussed new DOJ charges tied to the Key Bridge collapse, saying settlements, potential fines and federal funding could help rebuild the bridge by 2030. He also criticized the Trump administration’s handling of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s deportation case, calling it retaliatory and raising due process concerns.
On The Final 5, Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD) discussed new DOJ charges tied to the Key Bridge collapse, saying settlements, potential fines and federal funding could help rebuild the bridge by 2030. He also criticized the Trump administration’s handling of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s deportation case, calling it retaliatory and raising due process concerns.
Reeves to Jeffries on redistricting loss: "Pound sand"
Virginia Sen. Bryce Reeves (R) praised the state Supreme Court’s decision blocking a Democratic-backed redistricting push, calling it a win for the rule of law. On The Final 5, Reeves rejected arguments that the court undermined voters, saying Democrats violated constitutional limits and “got caught in a pickle.” He defended Virginia’s bipartisan redistricting commission model as a better way forward.
Virginia Sen. Bryce Reeves (R) praised the state Supreme Court’s decision blocking a Democratic-backed redistricting push, calling it a win for the rule of law. On The Final 5, Reeves rejected arguments that the court undermined voters, saying Democrats violated constitutional limits and “got caught in a pickle.” He defended Virginia’s bipartisan redistricting commission model as a better way forward.
Raskin pushes fix for retirees missing pension payments amid shutdown
Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin (D) is introducing new legislation to ensure retirees from NOAA and the U.S. Public Health Service continue receiving pension payments during government shutdowns. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, he explains why the effort started, and how it is a “statutory glitch” similar to one previously addressed for Coast Guard members.
Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin (D) is introducing new legislation to ensure retirees from NOAA and the U.S. Public Health Service continue receiving pension payments during government shutdowns. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, he explains why the effort started, and how it is a “statutory glitch” similar to one previously addressed for Coast Guard members.
The Final 5: May 11, 2026
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
When is the Iran war, not a war?
Ordinary Times Editor-in-Chief Andrew Donaldson joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to discuss the U.S. role in Iran, as President Trump has at times described the conflict as both a war and not a war. Donaldson argues the mixed messaging underscores the need for clearer strategy, legal footing, and a defined endgame.
Ordinary Times Editor-in-Chief Andrew Donaldson joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to discuss the U.S. role in Iran, as President Trump has at times described the conflict as both a war and not a war. Donaldson argues the mixed messaging underscores the need for clearer strategy, legal footing, and a defined endgame.
Conservative group warns of ‘dangerous’ redistricting fights nationwide
Principles First Executive Director Brittany Martinez joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to break down the intensifying redistricting battles nationwide, warning the escalating, tit-for-tat tactics by both parties are eroding voter trust and threatening fair representation ahead of the midterms.
Principles First Executive Director Brittany Martinez joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to break down the intensifying redistricting battles nationwide, warning the escalating, tit-for-tat tactics by both parties are eroding voter trust and threatening fair representation ahead of the midterms.
Helmer reacts to court striking down new Va. maps
Virginia Del. Dan Helmer, who helped drive major Democratic gains in the 2025 legislative elections, joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to react to Friday's state Supreme Court ruling striking down newly approved congressional maps. Helmer weighs in on what the decision means for voters, political power in the commonwealth, and the fight ahead over redistricting.
Virginia Del. Dan Helmer, who helped drive major Democratic gains in the 2025 legislative elections, joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to react to Friday's state Supreme Court ruling striking down newly approved congressional maps. Helmer weighs in on what the decision means for voters, political power in the commonwealth, and the fight ahead over redistricting.