The Final 5: September 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 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.
U.S.-EU clash over tech, tariffs, and free speech heats up
The U.S. and European Union are at odds over social media regulation, digital trade, and the power of Silicon Valley as the spectre of China looms large. Former Lithuanian Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Egle Markeviciute and Yael Ossowski of the Consumer Choice Center join "The Final 5" with Jim Lokay to discuss how tariffs, regulatory frameworks, and differing approaches to innovation are straining transatlantic relations. With competition from China looming, experts say finding common ground on intellectual property, economic security, and supply chains is critical for both sides.
The U.S. and European Union are at odds over social media regulation, digital trade, and the power of Silicon Valley as the spectre of China looms large. Former Lithuanian Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Egle Markeviciute and Yael Ossowski of the Consumer Choice Center join "The Final 5" with Jim Lokay to discuss how tariffs, regulatory frameworks, and differing approaches to innovation are straining transatlantic relations. With competition from China looming, experts say finding common ground on intellectual property, economic security, and supply chains is critical for both sides.
Middle East tensions and U.S. security on 9/11 anniversary
Foreign policy analyst Laurie Watson joins The Final 5 as new flare-ups in Qatar highlight the fragile state of Middle East diplomacy. On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, she reflects on shifting U.S. alliances, the rising threat of domestic extremism after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and why Americans should balance vigilance with gratitude for the freedoms that remain protected at home.
Foreign policy analyst Laurie Watson joins The Final 5 as new flare-ups in Qatar highlight the fragile state of Middle East diplomacy. On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, she reflects on shifting U.S. alliances, the rising threat of domestic extremism after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and why Americans should balance vigilance with gratitude for the freedoms that remain protected at home.
Trump camp pushes back on Epstein birthday book
A newly released page from Jeffrey Epstein?s birthday book reportedly bearing Donald Trump?s signature is sparking fierce debate. While the White House dismisses it as fake, Trump?s base has rallied to his defense?framing it as another media attack. Axios? Tal Axelrod joins The Final 5 to break down the political fallout and why the MAGA movement remains steadfast behind Trump despite resurfaced ties to Epstein.
A newly released page from Jeffrey Epstein?s birthday book reportedly bearing Donald Trump?s signature is sparking fierce debate. While the White House dismisses it as fake, Trump?s base has rallied to his defense?framing it as another media attack. Axios? Tal Axelrod joins The Final 5 to break down the political fallout and why the MAGA movement remains steadfast behind Trump despite resurfaced ties to Epstein.
DC's shadow rep set to make Council bid
DC's shadow representative, Oye Owolewa, announced this week his bid for DC's at-large Council seat. He joins "The Final 5" with Jim Lokay to explain why he's running, and how DC leadership has fared during President Trump's unprecedented intervention into city politics and policing matters.
DC's shadow representative, Oye Owolewa, announced this week his bid for DC's at-large Council seat. He joins "The Final 5" with Jim Lokay to explain why he's running, and how DC leadership has fared during President Trump's unprecedented intervention into city politics and policing matters.
Can America bring the temperature down after Kirk killing?
The assassination of Charlie Kirk is the latest in a string of violent political attacks?including the murder of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman just weeks earlier?that have shaken the nation. These events are raising urgent questions about rising extremism, the culture of division, and the safety of public figures. Andrew Donaldson of Ordinary Times joins Jim Lokay o "The Final 5" to reflect on what this moment reveals about America?and where we go from here.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk is the latest in a string of violent political attacks?including the murder of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman just weeks earlier?that have shaken the nation. These events are raising urgent questions about rising extremism, the culture of division, and the safety of public figures. Andrew Donaldson of Ordinary Times joins Jim Lokay o "The Final 5" to reflect on what this moment reveals about America?and where we go from here.
Former Congressman Joe Walsh reflects on Charlie Kirk after assassination
Former Congressman Joe Walsh joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" as he reflects on his personal bond with Charlie Kirk, recalling how he mentored him as a teenager and helped launch Turning Point USA?before politics split them apart. Walsh opens up about the shock and grief following Kirk?s assassination at an Utah campus event.
Former Congressman Joe Walsh joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" as he reflects on his personal bond with Charlie Kirk, recalling how he mentored him as a teenager and helped launch Turning Point USA?before politics split them apart. Walsh opens up about the shock and grief following Kirk?s assassination at an Utah campus event.
The Final 5: September 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 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 led to the deadly shooting of Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist that was shot dead while at an outdoor Turning Point USA event at a university in Utah.
Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist that was shot dead while at an outdoor Turning Point USA event at a university in Utah.
The Final 5: September 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.
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: September 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.
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.
Jobs, Debt, and Trump?s New Savings Accounts
Marc Cadin of Finseca joined The Final 5 to break down the state of the economy, from shaky jobs numbers to long-term debt concerns. He noted that tariffs, trade policy, and demographic shifts will shape markets more than short-term reports, warning that America?s mounting debt could trigger a future crisis like 2008. Cadin also weighed in on Trump?s newly-created savings accounts for newborns, as part of the "Big Beautiful Bill," seeded with $1,000 and designed to grow over decades. With compounding, he said, even modest contributions could turn into hundreds of thousands?or even millions?by retirement.
Marc Cadin of Finseca joined The Final 5 to break down the state of the economy, from shaky jobs numbers to long-term debt concerns. He noted that tariffs, trade policy, and demographic shifts will shape markets more than short-term reports, warning that America?s mounting debt could trigger a future crisis like 2008. Cadin also weighed in on Trump?s newly-created savings accounts for newborns, as part of the "Big Beautiful Bill," seeded with $1,000 and designed to grow over decades. With compounding, he said, even modest contributions could turn into hundreds of thousands?or even millions?by retirement.
Trump?s ?Department of War? Rebrand Sparks a Bigger Debate
Historian and author Ivan Eland joined The Final 5 to discuss President Trump?s push to rename the Department of Defense back to the ?Department of War.? Eland argued that the shift could actually bring more honesty about America?s military actions, noting that since the name change in 1947, U.S. leaders have avoided declaring formal wars while engaging in questionable overseas conflicts. He said presidents now act unilaterally, sidestepping Congress?s constitutional authority, and believes reviving the old name could highlight the true nature of America?s military power. Eland also previewed his new book, "Domestic Causes of American Wars: Economic and Political Triggers."
Historian and author Ivan Eland joined The Final 5 to discuss President Trump?s push to rename the Department of Defense back to the ?Department of War.? Eland argued that the shift could actually bring more honesty about America?s military actions, noting that since the name change in 1947, U.S. leaders have avoided declaring formal wars while engaging in questionable overseas conflicts. He said presidents now act unilaterally, sidestepping Congress?s constitutional authority, and believes reviving the old name could highlight the true nature of America?s military power. Eland also previewed his new book, "Domestic Causes of American Wars: Economic and Political Triggers."
The Final 5: September 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 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: September 5, 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 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: September 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.
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.
National Guard extends stay in DC, as Bowser walks fine line with Trump
DC's National Guard will remain on patrol until at least November as part of President Trump's federal intervention, but many district leaders think the time has come for them to go home. That includes DC's Democratic Party leader Charles Wilson, who joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to weigh in, plus respond to concerns by some that Mayor Muriel Bowser isn't taking a tougher tone with the White House.
DC's National Guard will remain on patrol until at least November as part of President Trump's federal intervention, but many district leaders think the time has come for them to go home. That includes DC's Democratic Party leader Charles Wilson, who joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to weigh in, plus respond to concerns by some that Mayor Muriel Bowser isn't taking a tougher tone with the White House.
Kash Patel's Krispy Kreme Conundrum
FBI Director Kash Patel's investment in doughnut chain Krispy Kreme could be creating a conflict of interest, as the company faces an FBI investigation after a high-profile data breach. NOTUS contributing editor Dave Levinthal broke the story, and explains more on "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay."
FBI Director Kash Patel's investment in doughnut chain Krispy Kreme could be creating a conflict of interest, as the company faces an FBI investigation after a high-profile data breach. NOTUS contributing editor Dave Levinthal broke the story, and explains more on "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay."
Why Virginia?s special election could shape control of Congress in 2025
Early voting for a special election in Virginia's 11th Congressional District is underway, with candidates looking to fill the vacant seat left by the late Gerry Connolly. Plus, the upcoming Virginia governor election -- which could serve as a bellwether for the midterm elections in 2026.
Early voting for a special election in Virginia's 11th Congressional District is underway, with candidates looking to fill the vacant seat left by the late Gerry Connolly. Plus, the upcoming Virginia governor election -- which could serve as a bellwether for the midterm elections in 2026.
The Final 5: September 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.
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.