The Final 5: February 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.
Hundreds laid off in Bezos' cost-cutting at WaPo plan rally
Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos went through with anticipated job cuts on Wednesday, slashing a third of the staff at the venerable newspaper. On Thursday, members of the News Guild will rally outside Post HQ in DC to make their voices heard. Marissa Lang, one of the journalists included in the layoffs, joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to explain what's next.
Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos went through with anticipated job cuts on Wednesday, slashing a third of the staff at the venerable newspaper. On Thursday, members of the News Guild will rally outside Post HQ in DC to make their voices heard. Marissa Lang, one of the journalists included in the layoffs, joins Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to explain what's next.
The Final 5: February 03, 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.
President Trump plans to shutter Kennedy Center for 2 years: why?
There's still much we don't know about President Trump's surprise announcement that he will close the Kennedy Center for two years for "renovations." NOTUS senior editor Dave Levinthal breaks it down on The Final 5 with Jim Lokay.
There's still much we don't know about President Trump's surprise announcement that he will close the Kennedy Center for two years for "renovations." NOTUS senior editor Dave Levinthal breaks it down on The Final 5 with Jim Lokay.
Dems flip Trump +17 seat; what does it say about Texas Senate race?
A Texas district Trump won big just went blue—and Democrats think it means something. TX Dems Party Chair Kendall Scudder joins Jim on The Final 5 to explain why he sees a momentum shift in the Lone Star State, and to break down the brewing clash between James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett in a high-stakes Senate primary.
A Texas district Trump won big just went blue—and Democrats think it means something. TX Dems Party Chair Kendall Scudder joins Jim on The Final 5 to explain why he sees a momentum shift in the Lone Star State, and to break down the brewing clash between James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett in a high-stakes Senate primary.
Dems flip Trump +17 seat; what does it say about Texas Senate race?
A Texas district Trump won big just went blue—and Democrats think it means something. TX Dems Party Chair Kendall Scudder joins Jim on The Final 5 to explain why he sees a momentum shift in the Lone Star State, and to break down the brewing clash between James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett in a high-stakes Senate primary.
A Texas district Trump won big just went blue—and Democrats think it means something. TX Dems Party Chair Kendall Scudder joins Jim on The Final 5 to explain why he sees a momentum shift in the Lone Star State, and to break down the brewing clash between James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett in a high-stakes Senate primary.
The Final 5: January 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.
Maryland redistricting plan draws legal challenge
Maryland Democrats are trying once again to redraw congressional boundaries, targeting the state's sole Republican-led district, currently held by Rep. Andy Harris. Proponents call it a way to counter balance redistricting in Republican-led states, but Judicial Watch attorney Bob Popper says the Maryland plan violates the state constitution. He joins The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to explain.
Maryland Democrats are trying once again to redraw congressional boundaries, targeting the state's sole Republican-led district, currently held by Rep. Andy Harris. Proponents call it a way to counter balance redistricting in Republican-led states, but Judicial Watch attorney Bob Popper says the Maryland plan violates the state constitution. He joins The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to explain.
Looking at the changing media landscape
Wth major cuts expected at the Washington Post and controversy over a new approach at CBS News, the media landscape is changing rapidly. How are journalists of tomorrow approaching the world? James Madison University professor Ryan Parkhurst joins The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to discuss.
Wth major cuts expected at the Washington Post and controversy over a new approach at CBS News, the media landscape is changing rapidly. How are journalists of tomorrow approaching the world? James Madison University professor Ryan Parkhurst joins The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to discuss.
Rep. Vindman on Minnesota, DHS and ICE funding
Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA) joins "The Final 5" with Jim Lokay to talk about the unrest in Minnesota over the increased immigration crackdown and two fatal shootings at the hands of federal agents. He also talks about the stalemate over funding DHS and ICE and lays out potential reforms.
Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA) joins "The Final 5" with Jim Lokay to talk about the unrest in Minnesota over the increased immigration crackdown and two fatal shootings at the hands of federal agents. He also talks about the stalemate over funding DHS and ICE and lays out potential reforms.
Senate Dems, White House strike deal: will it hold?
The potential for a government shutdown remains, but Senate Democrats and the White House are apparently on board with a temporary fix to keep the government open, but punt the question of funding DHS for two weeks. Jim Lokay gets insight from Axios reporter and Hill Leaders author Stephen Neukam on "The Final 5."
The potential for a government shutdown remains, but Senate Democrats and the White House are apparently on board with a temporary fix to keep the government open, but punt the question of funding DHS for two weeks. Jim Lokay gets insight from Axios reporter and Hill Leaders author Stephen Neukam on "The Final 5."
The Final 5: January 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.
FBI raids Ga. election office as Trump pushes disproven 2020 fraud claim
The FBI raided the Fulton County election offices in Atlanta today, as President Trump continues his quest to sow doubt on the 2020 election in the state, an election he lost to then-President Joe Biden by more than 11 thousand votes. Jim Lokay gets reaction from Dr. Allison Gill on "The Final 5."
The FBI raided the Fulton County election offices in Atlanta today, as President Trump continues his quest to sow doubt on the 2020 election in the state, an election he lost to then-President Joe Biden by more than 11 thousand votes. Jim Lokay gets reaction from Dr. Allison Gill on "The Final 5."
The Final 5: January 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.
The Final 5: January 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: January 26, 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.
Norton prepares to ride off into political sunset: NOTUS
A weekend filing by the campaign of longtime D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton signals the end of her re-election campaign, but while many political figures are lauding her trailblazing career, she hasn't said anything yet herself. Taylor Giorno of NOTUS has more on The Final 5 with Jim Lokay.
A weekend filing by the campaign of longtime D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton signals the end of her re-election campaign, but while many political figures are lauding her trailblazing career, she hasn't said anything yet herself. Taylor Giorno of NOTUS has more on The Final 5 with Jim Lokay.
The Final 5: January 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: January 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.
AOC and Paris Hilton team up — and Washington listens
On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, NOTUS reporter Riley Rodgerson breaks down one of the more surprising scenes on Capitol Hill: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appearing alongside Paris Hilton in a bipartisan push to restrict AI deepfakes targeting young women. Rogerson explains how celebrity star power can cut through partisan gridlock, and why lawmakers from both parties are increasingly willing to partner with high-profile figures to drive attention — and action.
On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, NOTUS reporter Riley Rodgerson breaks down one of the more surprising scenes on Capitol Hill: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appearing alongside Paris Hilton in a bipartisan push to restrict AI deepfakes targeting young women. Rogerson explains how celebrity star power can cut through partisan gridlock, and why lawmakers from both parties are increasingly willing to partner with high-profile figures to drive attention — and action.