The Final 5: August 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.
D.C. nonprofit leader raises concerns over plan for Commanders' return
Darius Baxter, Chief Engagement Officer of the nonprofit GOODProjects, joined The Final 5 to share his concerns about D.C.’s proposed $1 billion public funding package to bring the Washington Commanders back to the RFK site. While acknowledging the excitement of the team’s return, Baxter warned that the plan may deepen existing economic disparities, especially in historically underserved communities. He questioned whether past stadium projects like Nationals Park and Audi Field have truly delivered economic benefits to nearby residents, pointing out a lack of affordable housing and a growing divide even for middle-income families. Baxter urged clearer definitions of "affordable" in development conversations and called for long-term planning that prioritizes sustainability and equity.
Firing of labor stats chief sparks blowback
Tom LoBianco of 24Sight News joined "The Final 5" to discuss the backlash following President Trump's firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief, calling it a move that undermines trust in key economic data. LoBianco also broke a developing story out of Indiana, where two staffers in the lieutenant governor’s office were allegedly caught watching a deepfake porn video of a lawmaker’s wife.
The Final 5: August 1, 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.
UK internet law could impact what Americans see online
James Czerniawski of the Consumer Choice Center joined The Final 5 to break down the UK?s newly enacted Online Safety Act, which imposes strict content regulations on tech platforms ? including American-based companies. Czerniawski says the law, aimed at curbing harmful material like self-harm and suicide content, is leading platforms to require user IDs for access, even to music or videos, suggesting it is a case of government overreach with global consequences.
Madison Mills breaks down market jitters as Trump tariffs take effect
As Trump-era tariffs begin to roll out, Axios Senior Markets Reporter Madison Mills joins The Final 5 with Jim Lokay to explain how a disappointing jobs report ? not just trade policy ? sparked a new wave of stock market volatility. Mills says while the selloff is real, it's smaller than the drop seen in April and reflects growing investor anxiety about the economy?s direction. She also notes that big tech, though under pressure, remains key to market resilience.
Red Cross: Gaza is a 'battlefield' in as starvation crisis grows
In an interview with Jim Lokay on The Final 5, Fabrizio Carboni, head of the ICRC delegation to the U.S. and Canada, described the dire conditions civilians face in Gaza after 10 months of war. Carboni detailed daily uncertainty, widespread hunger, lack of medical supplies, and psychological trauma among families. With field hospitals overwhelmed and surgeons forced to choose who lives, he emphasized that the humanitarian crisis is worsening ? and that the world?s focus on politics over people is costing lives.
The Final 5: July 31,2025
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.
Impact of Texas redistricting will be felt nationwide
A GOP-led push to redistrict Texas' congressional map may set off a domino effect across the country, as both Republicans and Democrats look to off-set potential losses in a year where control of the House is at stake. Jim Lokay discusses that, plus "the pettiest fight" in Washington with NOTUS reporter Riley Rogerson on "The Final 5."
How the US can win the AI race
Jim Lokay is joined by NetChoice's Patrick Hedger, who says the key to U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence won't come from regulation, but from encouraging more innovation.
The Final 5: July 30, 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.
For Dems, 2026 brings opportunity and crossroads
Historically, Democrats should be favored to make gains in the 2026 midterms, but the party remains split on how to message to conflicted voters after massive losses in 2024. Jim Lokay discusses that and more with Democratic strategist and Fox 5 contributor Kevin Wallign on "The Final 5."
The Final 5: July 29, 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: July 28, 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: July 25, 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: July 24, 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.
What happens if Israel allows humanitarian crisis to worsen
Global affairs analyst Laura Ballman joined The Final 5 to break down the U.S. and Israel cutting off ceasefire talks with Hamas and France?s surprise decision to recognize a Palestinian state. Ballman says Israel must address the humanitarian crisis to avoid losing global support?and blasts Macron?s move as ?unconscionable? political pandering.
House may have shut down over Epstein flap, but Senate still at work
NOTUS reporter Riley Rogerson joined The Final 5 to explain why the Jeffrey Epstein files have consumed Washington and how a bipartisan push to force a vote is putting House Republicans?and Speaker Johnson?in a tough spot. Rogerson also breaks down why the maneuvering isn?t over and why this could come back even stronger after the August recess.
Tariffs, trust, and Trump: What voters care about now
Cliff Young of Ipsos joined The Final 5 to break down new polling on the biggest issues for Americans. Political extremism and threats to democracy top the list at 25%, while the economy remains a key concern. Young says tariffs are gaining attention as voters worry about inflation, and consumer confidence among younger Americans has dipped amid student debt and economic uncertainty. Despite that, Trump maintains approval in the mid-40s and strong support from Republicans, though only 38% of Americans overall believe his economic policies will pay off long term.
What's next for Mexico as Trump's USMCA turns 5
Karthik Sankaran of the Quincy Institute joined The Final 5 to discuss the U.S.?s evolving trade policy with Mexico as the USMCA review approaches in 2026. He highlighted how Trump?s first term reshaped NAFTA into USMCA, adding labor protections and wage requirements, and explained why Mexico?s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, could provide a key opportunity for deeper cooperation despite ongoing global trade uncertainty.