The Final 5: December 20, 2025
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.
Many GOP lawmakers unsure about re-election: NOTUS
The House is officially out of session for 2025, but when they return, so will DC's favorite parlor game of wondering who will seek re-election and who will ride off into the sunset? NOTUS delved into the subject this week, and reporter Riley Rogerson joined Jim on "The Final 5" to break down what she and her colleagues have learned.
Final 5: December 18, 2025
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.
Tech industry group shows support for Trump AI EO
President Trump's push to block state-level guiderails for artificial intelligence is being met with support from tech industry groups, who say it could stifle innovation. Pat Hedger from NetChoice joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explain why.
The Final 5: December 16, 2025
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.
Brown student from Alexandria describes fear, confusion after campus shooting
A Brown University student from Northern Virginia says the hours after reports of a shooting on campus were marked by disbelief and fear.
Brown student from Virginia describes fear after campus shooting
Luca Gwathmey, a graduate of Alexandria City High School and an economics major at Brown University, spoke with “The Final 5 with Jim Lokay” about what unfolded as students scrambled for information.
The Final 5: December 17, 2025
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: December 15, 2025
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: December 12, 2025
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: December 11, 2025
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: December 10, 2025
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.
Kaine urges vote on Venezuela military actions, presses for ACA subsidy extension
Appearing on The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Senator Tim Kaine criticized the Trump administration’s escalating military operations against Venezuela, including the seizure of an oil tanker and multiple strikes he says have occurred without congressional authorization. Kaine called for a formal vote on whether the U.S. should be engaged in hostilities and urged public release of video footage from a controversial strike the administration has partially showcased.
The Final 5: December 9, 2025
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.
GW dean: federal move threatens nursing pipeline
Susan Kelly-Weeder, dean of the George Washington University School of Nursing, appeared on The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to explain the potential impact of the Department of Education’s move to remove nursing from its recognized degree programs—a change she says could devastate graduate-level training. Kelly-Wieder warned that eliminating access to Grad PLUS loans would hinder the pipeline of nurse educators and advanced practice nurses at a time of severe national shortages. She said schools were blindsided by the decision and urged policymakers to reconsider.
UNHCR leader details Syria’s recovery one year after Assad’s fall
Suzanne Ehlers, CEO of USA for UNHCR, appeared on The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to share a rare, firsthand look at conditions in Syria one year after the Assad regime collapsed. Fresh from visits to Damascus and Dara, she described widespread destruction, slow rebuilding, and the determination of millions of Syrians returning home despite limited infrastructure and lingering hardship.
The Final 5: December 8, 2025
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: December 4, 2025
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.
Johnny Carson’s enduring legacy recapped in new book
Mark Malkoff joined The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to discuss his new book, "Love, Johnny Carson" and what made the late-night icon unmatched for three decades. Malkoff explained why Carson’s curiosity, humility, and focus on elevating guests defined the format and why today’s celebrity-driven landscape can’t replicate his style. He also shared insights from interviews with Carson’s closest friends, painting a fuller picture of a private but deeply engaged legend.
SCORE Act aims to protect student-athletes and non-revenue sports
Former University of Utah lacrosse player Brendan Belz joined The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to explain why he’s publicly supporting the SCORE Act, a House-bound proposal aimed at strengthening the student-athlete experience. Belz said the bill would protect athletes from being classified as employees, preserve non-revenue and Olympic sports, and expand development programs, academic support, and financial literacy training.