Airport chaos, Iran tensions and gas prices fuel frustrations at home
In this Final 5 interview, Marly Hornik of RealAmerica.Vote says President Trump’s move to deploy ICE personnel at airports was politically smart because it cast the agency in a more helpful, public-facing role while easing long lines. On Iran, she acknowledges Americans are feeling the squeeze from higher gas prices, but argues the broader threat posed by Iran and its proxy networks outweighs short-term pain at the pump. The overall message: Washington needs to move faster on funding, even as the public weighs domestic strain against national security concerns abroad.
In this Final 5 interview, Marly Hornik of RealAmerica.Vote says President Trump’s move to deploy ICE personnel at airports was politically smart because it cast the agency in a more helpful, public-facing role while easing long lines. On Iran, she acknowledges Americans are feeling the squeeze from higher gas prices, but argues the broader threat posed by Iran and its proxy networks outweighs short-term pain at the pump. The overall message: Washington needs to move faster on funding, even as the public weighs domestic strain against national security concerns abroad.
Pressure to fund DHS grows as airport chaos unfolds
Max Cohen of Punchbowl News joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 as there's still no firm agreement to end the partial government shutdown. He explains that Democrats and Republicans remain split over ICE funding and broader policy demands tied to the SAVE America Act, while Senate Republicans still do not appear to have the votes to eliminate the filibuster. Cohen says the airport disruptions have added pressure on both parties and helped push negotiations forward, but the public frustration is aimed less at one side than at Washington as a whole. His bottom line: there is still no clear end in sight, though the upcoming congressional recess could force action in the next few days.
Max Cohen of Punchbowl News joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 as there's still no firm agreement to end the partial government shutdown. He explains that Democrats and Republicans remain split over ICE funding and broader policy demands tied to the SAVE America Act, while Senate Republicans still do not appear to have the votes to eliminate the filibuster. Cohen says the airport disruptions have added pressure on both parties and helped push negotiations forward, but the public frustration is aimed less at one side than at Washington as a whole. His bottom line: there is still no clear end in sight, though the upcoming congressional recess could force action in the next few days.
The Final 5: March 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.
Analyst: Ground Troops Unlikely, But Iran Conflict Still Escalating
Guest host Sydney Persing spoke with Middle East analyst and Young Voices contributor Abdullah Hayek about whether the war with Iran is truly winding down, despite mixed signals from President Trump. He argued a full ground invasion of Iran is highly unlikely because of the country’s size, terrain, and military complexity, though he said targeted troop deployments and strategic moves around key waterways remain possible. Hayek also said Americans should prepare for a longer conflict, with potential impacts on gas prices and markets, and said the next key signs to watch are Iran’s military posture, leadership signals, and whether long-range missile threats reappear.
Guest host Sydney Persing spoke with Middle East analyst and Young Voices contributor Abdullah Hayek about whether the war with Iran is truly winding down, despite mixed signals from President Trump. He argued a full ground invasion of Iran is highly unlikely because of the country’s size, terrain, and military complexity, though he said targeted troop deployments and strategic moves around key waterways remain possible. Hayek also said Americans should prepare for a longer conflict, with potential impacts on gas prices and markets, and said the next key signs to watch are Iran’s military posture, leadership signals, and whether long-range missile threats reappear.
The Final 5: March 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.
The Final 5: March 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.
The Final 5: March 19, 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.
Adrian Boafo makes bid for Congress in Maryland's 5th
The retirement of longtime Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer is opening up a seat across the sprawling 5th District, and Prince George's County-area Del. Adrian Boafo is seeking to succeed his former boss, who has endorsed his campaign. He joins The Final 5 ahead of the June Democratic primary to explain why he's in the race and what the major issues will be for voters.
The retirement of longtime Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer is opening up a seat across the sprawling 5th District, and Prince George's County-area Del. Adrian Boafo is seeking to succeed his former boss, who has endorsed his campaign. He joins The Final 5 ahead of the June Democratic primary to explain why he's in the race and what the major issues will be for voters.
Scammers using AI to prey on tax filers
Tax day is less than a month away, but there are some things that taxpayers should be aware of when it comes to filing their returns as scammers use more sophisticated A.I. Jim Lokay discusses that with Anne Cutler of Keeper Security on The Final 5.
Tax day is less than a month away, but there are some things that taxpayers should be aware of when it comes to filing their returns as scammers use more sophisticated A.I. Jim Lokay discusses that with Anne Cutler of Keeper Security on The Final 5.