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.
The Final 5: May 08, 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 07, 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.
How the media is missing young voters
Wyatt Sharpe is only 17, but he's making headlines for conversations with some of America's most prominent voices. Now, he's turning his focus to speaking with fellow Gen Z'ers in his new streaming show, the Sharpe Exchange. He tells Jim Lokay more about it on The Final 5.
Wyatt Sharpe is only 17, but he's making headlines for conversations with some of America's most prominent voices. Now, he's turning his focus to speaking with fellow Gen Z'ers in his new streaming show, the Sharpe Exchange. He tells Jim Lokay more about it on The Final 5.
J.J. Green fights "The Noise War" in new book
National security expert J.J. Green, known for his work with WTOP Radio, is turning his attention to fighting disinformation in his new book, "The Noise War." He joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to explain where the media and other institutions are falling short, and what can be done to improve media literacy.
National security expert J.J. Green, known for his work with WTOP Radio, is turning his attention to fighting disinformation in his new book, "The Noise War." He joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to explain where the media and other institutions are falling short, and what can be done to improve media literacy.
The Final 5: May 06, 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 05, 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.
Dem on Mifepristone access battle: "far from over"
Democratic strategist Nicole Brener-Schmitz joins The Final 5 with the pro-choice perspective after the Supreme Court struck down a lower court ruling blocking mail-order access to the abortion pill mifepristone.
Democratic strategist Nicole Brener-Schmitz joins The Final 5 with the pro-choice perspective after the Supreme Court struck down a lower court ruling blocking mail-order access to the abortion pill mifepristone.
GOP "trying to sneak in $1 billion" for ballroom, says Dem Rep. Walkinshaw
A new spending fight is brewing over a proposed $1 billion for White House security—raising questions about whether taxpayer dollars could be used for President Trump’s promised privately funded ballroom. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Congressman James Walkinshaw (D-VA), a member of the Oversight Committee, said Congress needs clear answers, warning the funding could be “snuck in” and calling for detailed justification before any money is approved.
A new spending fight is brewing over a proposed $1 billion for White House security—raising questions about whether taxpayer dollars could be used for President Trump’s promised privately funded ballroom. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Congressman James Walkinshaw (D-VA), a member of the Oversight Committee, said Congress needs clear answers, warning the funding could be “snuck in” and calling for detailed justification before any money is approved.
The Final 5: May 04, 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.
Rep. Eugene Vindman weighs in on shutdown deal, Iran conflict
Virginia Congressman Eugene Vindman (D) joined The Final 5 after lawmakers moved to reopen parts of the government following a lengthy shutdown. Vindman criticized the delay as unnecessary and also discussed his questioning of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling for Congress to receive clearer authorization, funding details and accountability over the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Virginia Congressman Eugene Vindman (D) joined The Final 5 after lawmakers moved to reopen parts of the government following a lengthy shutdown. Vindman criticized the delay as unnecessary and also discussed his questioning of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling for Congress to receive clearer authorization, funding details and accountability over the ongoing conflict with Iran.
SCOTUS temporarily restores abortion pill access
Dr. George Delgado, president of the Steno Institute and a board member with the American Association of Pro-Life OB-GYNs, joined The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to discuss the Supreme Court’s temporary action on mifepristone access and what it means for the broader abortion debate. Delgado argued for more medical supervision around abortion pills and discussed his support for what he calls “abortion pill reversal,” while major medical organizations continue to describe mifepristone as safe for most patients.
Dr. George Delgado, president of the Steno Institute and a board member with the American Association of Pro-Life OB-GYNs, joined The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to discuss the Supreme Court’s temporary action on mifepristone access and what it means for the broader abortion debate. Delgado argued for more medical supervision around abortion pills and discussed his support for what he calls “abortion pill reversal,” while major medical organizations continue to describe mifepristone as safe for most patients.