The Final 5: July 23, 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 22, 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 21, 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.
Rural public broadcasters prepare for funding cuts
The $9 billion recission package that cleared Congress effectively claws back at least a billion dollars previously approved for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. While supporters cite the ideological tilt of NPR and PBS as a major reason, many local and rural broadcasters are caught in the crossfire. How will they adapt? Jim Lokay discusses that and more with Julie Newman of PBS Appalachia in southwestern Virginia.
Fmr. Rep. Garret Graves discusses energy, climate, and the future of U.S. policy
Former GOP Congressman Garret Graves joined The Final 5 to talk about key issues shaping the country?s future, from energy independence and climate strategy to government spending and economic growth. He explained why he believes the U.S. needs a comprehensive energy plan that balances traditional resources with renewables, while avoiding reliance on China for critical minerals. Graves also shared his perspective on the Congressional Budget Office and life after Congress.
EPSTEIN FILES: What’s driving the renewed focus in Epstein case?
Investigative journalist Dave Levinthal joined The Final 5 to discuss why Jeffrey Epstein’s name is back in the headlines nearly six years after his death. With calls to release grand jury transcripts and growing scrutiny over government transparency, Levinthal explained how the case intersects with politics, conspiracy theories, and the 2024 election landscape. He also highlighted the bipartisan nature of Epstein’s connections—and the lingering question of whether any new revelations will actually emerge.
The Final 5: July 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.
The Final 5: July 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.
EPSTEIN FILES: Democrats need to ?fight, not fold? says expert
On The Final 5, Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff criticized former Speaker Nancy Pelosi?s recent remarks downplaying the Epstein scandal, calling them ?out of touch? and a missed opportunity for Democrats. Shroff argued the issue is a ?major wedge? for Republicans and could divide Trump?s base, urging Democrats to seize the narrative. He also addressed concerns over party messaging, slammed what he called GOP hypocrisy, and weighed in on the New York City mayoral race, warning against the party falling ?in lockstep? with a Democratic Socialist agenda.
House has final say in codifying DOGE cuts
Now that the Senate has passed a recissions bill that claws back $9 billion in funding to foreign aid and public broadcasting, the House gets the final word. Jim Lokay discusses what led up to the vote with NOTUS reporter Riley Rogerson, plus her new reporting on the waning influence of the Freedom Caucus.
The Final 5: July 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.
Pete Snyder weighs in on VA governor's race
A new VCU poll out Wednesday shows former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger up 12 points over Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the race to be Virginia's next governor, which follows news that Spanberger has a 2-to-1 fundraising edge over her rival. Pete Snyder, who was the runner-up to then-candidate Glenn Youngkin in the 2021 race, joins "The Final 5" to explain what the GOP should be doing to recapture their historic performance from four years ago.
The Final 5: July 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.
Trump Backs Weapons for NATO to Aid Ukraine, Signaling Major Policy Shift
President Trump is now supporting a plan to send advanced weapons ? including Patriot missiles ? to NATO for delivery to Ukraine, marking a dramatic reversal after months of uncertainty about U.S. support. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joel Rubin told The Final 5 the move mirrors Biden?s Ukraine approach but comes after what he called a costly six-month delay
Will we ever see Bondi's "Epstein file?"
Months after Attorney General Pam Bondi said the so-called Jeffrey Epstein list was on her desk, the chances of the government's case against the deceased sex offender seeing the light of day effectively ended when the FBI and DOJ said there was no list after all. Now, many Trump allies are now dismissing a case that played a major role in the President's 2024 election efforts. Jim Lokay discusses the situation with national trial attorney Donte Mills on "The Final 5."
MAGA coalition splits with White House on Epstein "list"
Attorney General Pam Bondi's about-face on the existence of a list detailing Jeffrey Epstein's potential blackmail targets has roiled loyal members of the President's base. Jim Lokay gets the pulse of the people from Axios reporter Tal Axelrod on "The Final 5," including the backlash the White House is facing.
Trump's change of heart on Ukraine, but when will the war end?
President Trump announced this week a new plan to arm Ukraine with help from NATO, while pressuring Vladimir Putin to reach a ceasefire with a 50-day deadline to face new sanctions. Jim Lokay discusses the plan and Trump's handling of the war with retired Navy Captain Armen Kurdian on "The Final 5."
The Final 5: July 14, 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 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.
D.C. Council poised to consider Initiative 82 repeal
On Monday, D.C. Council will take the first vote in a potential repeal of Initative 82, the voter-supported referendum that sought to eliminate the tipped wages credit for service workers. While backers called it vital for workers to keep up with the cost of living in D.C., restaurants say it has been disastrous to their bottom lines. Jim Lokay speaks with Shawn Townsend from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, who says keeping I-82 on the books could result in the closure of more than 40% of D.C. restaurants.