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.
Kevin Walling on the new faces of the Democratic party and why Mamdani attention is outsized
While national media figures have been transfixed on the meteoric rise of self-styled Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race, more moderate figures like New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill and former Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger have clinched statewide nominations. Fox 5 contributor Kevin Walling weighs in with more on "The Final 5" with Jim Lokay.
Virginia's 2025 race heats up as national politics loom large, analyst says
Political analyst Sam Shirazi, host of the Federal Fallout podcast, joined Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to break down why Virginia?s 2025 gubernatorial election is getting national attention?and how federal issues could overshadow local ones in the battle between Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R) and former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D).
The Final 5: July 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.
Senate faces deadline on Trump budget cuts to USAID, NPR, PBS
The Senate is under pressure to finalize a $9.4 billion rescission package that would codify a series of budget cuts, many influenced by Elon Musk. NOTUS reporter Riley Rogerson joined "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to break down the looming July 18 deadline, which could cement reductions to foreign aid, HIV/AIDS programs in Africa, and public broadcasting in rural America. Rogerson explained the political tension surrounding the effort, including GOP efforts to legitimize legacy cuts?even as key Senate Republicans voice concerns over programs they once championed.
The Final 5: July 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.
Trump tariffs may be delayed, but consumers should prepare for impact
President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs have been pushed back to August 1, but for consumers and businesses, the push is on to avert the potential impacts on their wallets and bottom lines. Tax expert Karla Dennis is Jim's guest on "The Final 5."
DC shadow rep on Trump's threat to take over the District
Jim Lokay goes one-on-one with D.C. Shadow Rep. Oye Owolewa, as President Trump renews his suggestions that the federal government may eliminate Home Rule and assume control of the District of Columbia government.
The Final 5: July 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: July 7, 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.
Vindman: GOP tax bill "a billionaire's bonanza"
U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA) spoke with FOX 5 DC’s Jim Lokay, explaining his opposition to the GOP’s latest tax bill. Vindman criticized the legislation for threatening health care coverage for millions, including vulnerable families in his district relying on Medicaid. The passage comes days before new concerns about U.S. support for Ukraine, which was briefly cut off last week before President Trump ordered missile shipments to resume.
COMMENTARY: Georgia GOP candidate calls deadly Texas flooding "fake"
Jim Lokay's commentary on Georgia Republican congressional candidate Kandiss Taylor's comments calling the deadly Texas flooding "fake," who also suggested that anyone challenging her are "brainwashed zombies."
GOP's Ball: what Trump's bill gets right; what it didnt
President Trump's signature bill is now the law of the land, and while Republicans are savoring the legislative victory, lawmakers made some fundamental changes between its first passage in the House and the final product. Jim Lokay discusses that with Luke Ball of Compass Strategies, who also weighs in on the looming battle for outgoing Sen. Thom Tillis' seat, and Elon Musk's newly-minted "America Party" on The Final 5.
The push to bring a John Adams memorial to the Mall
Two of Washington's most prominent monuments celebrate America's first and third presidents, but what about John Adams? Congress already paved the way for a John Adams monument, but the efforts have stalled. Jackie Cushman heads up the Adams Memorial Commission and joins "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to explain why there's a newfound effort to make it happen.
House passes Trump's signature bill, hands POTUS a big win
Was it ever in doubt? President Trump's signature tax legislation, once known as "The Big Beautiful Bill," passed the House with just two Republican defections on July 3rd, meeting the White House's self-imposed deadline and paving the way for a Fourth of July bill signing. The Bulwark's Andrew Egger talks about the last-minute moves to pass the bill on "The Final 5."
The Final 5: July 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: July 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: July 2, 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.
Bondi is turning the DOJ into Trump?s personal law firm, says Justice vet
In an interview on The Final 5, legal analyst Michael J. Stern argued that Attorney General Pam Bondi has transformed the Department of Justice into a tool for Donald Trump, undermining its integrity and mission. Stern discussed Bondi?s long-standing loyalty to Trump, from her time as Florida?s AG to her role in his impeachment defense, and warned about the dangerous erosion of judicial independence under her leadership. He also weighs in on her threats to media outlets for reporting about an anti-ICE app called Ice Block.
Axios? Stephen Neukam unpacks Johnson's push to pass Trump bill
In an interview on The Final 5, Axios reporter Stephen Neukam broke down the tense dynamics playing out in Congress as moderates and conservatives clash ahead of critical votes on President Trump's signature legislation. Neukam explained the uncertainty surrounding the timing of Senate action and how shifting alliances in the House are shaping the debate before the President's July 4th deadline.