The Final 5: May 01, 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: April 30, 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.
Trone says Dems need “more fight” as he challenges Delaney
Former Congressman David Trone is launching another run for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, arguing Democrats need to take a tougher approach in confronting President Donald Trump. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Trone criticized current Rep. April McClain Delaney, taking issue with her support of the Laken Riley Act and accusing her of siding too often with Republicans. He also pointed to the impact of federal workforce cuts in the region, while acknowledging that rising costs for gas, groceries and housing remain top concerns for voters as the race heads toward a competitive Democratic primary in June.
Former Congressman David Trone is launching another run for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, arguing Democrats need to take a tougher approach in confronting President Donald Trump. On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Trone criticized current Rep. April McClain Delaney, taking issue with her support of the Laken Riley Act and accusing her of siding too often with Republicans. He also pointed to the impact of federal workforce cuts in the region, while acknowledging that rising costs for gas, groceries and housing remain top concerns for voters as the race heads toward a competitive Democratic primary in June.
The Final 5: April 29, 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.
Gas prices continue to rise as Iran war drags on
As the Pentagon makes its case to Congress for more funding, the pain at the pump continues for American consumers. Anna Kramer of NOTUS joins The Final 5 to talk about how long gas prices could remain in high territory, and how long it may take to get them back to pre-war levels.
As the Pentagon makes its case to Congress for more funding, the pain at the pump continues for American consumers. Anna Kramer of NOTUS joins The Final 5 to talk about how long gas prices could remain in high territory, and how long it may take to get them back to pre-war levels.
Legal expert: Comey's new charges might have legs
Former FBI Director James Comey is facing a new indictment over his "86-47" seashell photo that the DOJ maintains was a threat against President Trump. Jim Lokay talks with constitutional law attorney Chris Murray on The Final 5 about what it means, and why a North Carolina grand jury could make the difference in whether this case sticks against Comey.
Former FBI Director James Comey is facing a new indictment over his "86-47" seashell photo that the DOJ maintains was a threat against President Trump. Jim Lokay talks with constitutional law attorney Chris Murray on The Final 5 about what it means, and why a North Carolina grand jury could make the difference in whether this case sticks against Comey.
The Final 5: April 28, 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.
Redistricting just 'fighting fire with fire,' says author
As Virginia's new vote-approved Democratic-leaning maps hang in the balance of a court battle, Florida is already plotting its own gerrymander that would effectively favor Republicans. Gerrymandering expert and co-author of the forthcoming "Draw the Line in Ohio," Josh Rultenberg explains why he thinks both parties have it wrong on The Final 5 with Jim Lokay.
As Virginia's new vote-approved Democratic-leaning maps hang in the balance of a court battle, Florida is already plotting its own gerrymander that would effectively favor Republicans. Gerrymandering expert and co-author of the forthcoming "Draw the Line in Ohio," Josh Rultenberg explains why he thinks both parties have it wrong on The Final 5 with Jim Lokay.
The Final 5: April 27, 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: April 24, 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: April 23, 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.
Jamil Jaffer on the Iran ceasefire
National security expert Jamil Jaffer joins The Final 5's Jim Lokay to weigh in on President Trump's decision to postpone a deadline to strike a deal with Iran.
National security expert Jamil Jaffer joins The Final 5's Jim Lokay to weigh in on President Trump's decision to postpone a deadline to strike a deal with Iran.
RFK's HHS reign prompts more doctors to run for office
As HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues testimony on Capitol Hill, there's a groundswell of physicians, scientists, and STEM professionals seeking public office. Jim Lokay speaks with Shaughnessy Naughton of 3.14 Action on The Final 5.
As HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues testimony on Capitol Hill, there's a groundswell of physicians, scientists, and STEM professionals seeking public office. Jim Lokay speaks with Shaughnessy Naughton of 3.14 Action on The Final 5.
The Final 5: April 22, 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.
Helmer: Virginia voters tell Trump "no more hiding from accountability"
On The Final 5, Virginia Delegate Dan Helmer (D) casts Virginia’s referendum victory as a direct rebuke of President Trump and the broader MAGA movement, arguing voters chose to preserve “democratic accountability” rather than let Republicans redraw districts to shield unpopular policies. Helmer dismisses GOP claims of a rigged process as sour-grapes election denial, says he expects the Virginia Supreme Court to uphold the result, and frames the fight as bigger than one state. He also uses the moment to position himself as a battle-ready candidate for Virginia’s new 7th District, saying Democrats need fighters in Congress, not caution.
On The Final 5, Virginia Delegate Dan Helmer (D) casts Virginia’s referendum victory as a direct rebuke of President Trump and the broader MAGA movement, arguing voters chose to preserve “democratic accountability” rather than let Republicans redraw districts to shield unpopular policies. Helmer dismisses GOP claims of a rigged process as sour-grapes election denial, says he expects the Virginia Supreme Court to uphold the result, and frames the fight as bigger than one state. He also uses the moment to position himself as a battle-ready candidate for Virginia’s new 7th District, saying Democrats need fighters in Congress, not caution.
Virginia’s New Maps Ignite GOP Fury
On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Republican strategist Luke Ball argues that Virginia’s new redistricting vote is less a fair update than a raw power play. Ball says Democrats used a confusing ballot measure and slim statewide support to sideline the independent redistricting model voters backed just a few years ago, leaving nearly half the state feeling shut out. He frames the new maps as a long-term effort to lock in Democratic dominance.
On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Republican strategist Luke Ball argues that Virginia’s new redistricting vote is less a fair update than a raw power play. Ball says Democrats used a confusing ballot measure and slim statewide support to sideline the independent redistricting model voters backed just a few years ago, leaving nearly half the state feeling shut out. He frames the new maps as a long-term effort to lock in Democratic dominance.
The Final 5: April 21, 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 last-minute push ahead of Virginia's redistricting vote
Axios Richmond reporter Sabrina Moreno joins The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to talk about the last-minute maneuvering from camps supporting and opposing Virginia's congressional redistricting referendum.
Axios Richmond reporter Sabrina Moreno joins The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to talk about the last-minute maneuvering from camps supporting and opposing Virginia's congressional redistricting referendum.
The Final 5: April 20, 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.
VA Speaker Scott's "vote yes" push on redistricting
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" ahead of Tuesday's referendum on redistricting, which has seen nearly 1.4 million early votes ahead of Election Day. Scott answers charges that the Democratic-led effort "rigs" future elections, as Republicans like former Gov. Glenn Youngkin and former Attorney General Jason Miyares have alleged.
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" ahead of Tuesday's referendum on redistricting, which has seen nearly 1.4 million early votes ahead of Election Day. Scott answers charges that the Democratic-led effort "rigs" future elections, as Republicans like former Gov. Glenn Youngkin and former Attorney General Jason Miyares have alleged.