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.
The Final 5: December 3, 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.
John Reid's take on state of Virginia GOP
Republicans are regrouping after major losses in Virginia's election last month, and as the party's state leader Mark Peake announces plans to step aside. John Reid, runner-up in the race for lieutenant governor, joins "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to look back on his campaign, plus he weighs in on whether current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who lost by 15 points to Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, was the right nominee.
"Save America Movement" aims to reset progressive messaging in 2nd Trump term
A series of provocative ads with images of Trump adviser Stephen Miller and Attorney General Pam Bondi emblazoned with phrases like "Creep" and "Epstein Queen" are popping up across D.C. The brainchild of the Save America Movement, it's an effort to match messaging efforts from the right. Michael DeFeo explains more on "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay."
GOP notches win in Tennessee, but loses ground in heavy Trump district
Republican Matt Van Epps won a special congressional election in Tennessee this week, keeping the seat in GOP hands. Still, Van Epps' 9-point win over Democrat Aftyn Behn is being seen as a warning sign because one year ago, President Trump won the district by 22 points. Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff joins "The Final 5" with what lessons he wants political observers to take away.