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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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."
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."