Dems won't budge on health care demand in shutdown fight
A tenth vote to re-open the federal government failed in the U.S. Senate on Thursday, as the GOP fails to rally enough Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster. Jim talks about the progress, or lack thereof, with Riley Rogerson of NOTUS on "The Final 5."
The Final 5: October 15th, 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.
"No Kings" movement plans weekend rallies in DC, across US
Organizers of the "No Kings" movement, aimed at protesting President Trump's policies, are planning another round of marches and gatherings nationwide on Saturday -- even as Republicans like Speaker Mike Johnson deride them as "Hate America" rallies. Brandon Wolf of the Human Rights Campaign explains why his organization is taking part on "The Final 5."
The Final 5: October 14th, 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’s Middle East peace deal marks major shift, but lasting stability remains uncertain
The Hill's Niall Stanage joined The Final 5 to discuss Donald Trump’s surprise peace deal in the Middle East. He noted the unpredictability of Trump’s foreign policy, as some from the prior administration try to shape the narrative around the agreement. While the deal halts fighting, Stanage cautioned that achieving durable peace will be far more complex, hinging on aid access, Gaza’s future governance, and international involvement in reconstruction.
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Glenn Youngkin talks with FOX 5 as end of term nears
As Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin nears the end of his term, he's talking about the state of education across the Commonwealth, and major issues facing local school systems in an exclusive one-on-one with FOX 5's Jim Lokay — plus his take on the race for governor, why he's supporting Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, and the Jay Jones text message controversy.
The Final 5: October 13th, 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.
Walkinshaw Slams Federal Shutdown, Calls Layoffs “Illegal”
Congressman James Walkinshaw (D-VA) joined "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to address the ongoing federal government shutdown, criticizing the Trump administration’s mass layoffs as illegal under the Anti-Deficiency Act. He highlighted the human impact, noting that critical opioid prevention programs and other essential services are being cut, particularly affecting communities in Northern Virginia and rural America. Walkinshaw also condemned efforts to dismantle the nonpartisan civil service, calling for compromise on healthcare and budget negotiations while pointing out the GOP’s reluctance to return to the Capitol.
Hostages Return Home, Trump Declares “Peace in the Middle East”
Two years after the October 7 attacks, a historic peace agreement has ended the war between Israel Defense Forces and Hamas. All remaining hostages were released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. President Trump announced the ceasefire alongside world leaders, calling it a new era for the region. Jim gets reaction from Democratic strategist and author of "The Land of AND" on Substack, Jenna Arnold on "The Final 5."
Mariela Roca makes bid for GOP nod in MD-6
The 2024 election is a long way off, but the domino effect of the retirement of Sen. Ben Cardin is opening up Maryland's 6th Congressional district. With Rep. David Trone (D) running for Senate, the race to succeed him is heating up, with Mariela Roca seeking the Republican nomination. Roca, who waged an unsuccessful primary campaign for the seat in 2022, joins Jim to explain why she's running again, and what may be different this time around.
AI threatens to upend campaign season
The impact of artificial intelligence on the upcoming campaign cycle threatens to upend politics as we know it, effectively dispensing with the old adage of "what you see is what you get." Oma Seddiq from Bloomberg Government joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explain where it's already being used, why it won't be going away anytime soon, and what Washington lawmakers are doing (and not doing) to put guiderails on the use of AI.
Miles Taylor on Facing 'Blowback'
Miles Taylor was once "Anonymous," the former Trump DHS official who wrote a controversial op-ed about concerns within the administration. Now, he's the author of "Blowback: A Warning to Save Democracy from the Next Trump." He joins Jim with his take on 2024, the Republicans he thinks could make a difference, and more.
Rumblings of "No Labels" third-party bid roils 2024
Talk of a potential third-party presidential candidacy by the likes of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) in 2024 was only ignited further this week when the group "No Labels" held a forum with Manchin and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman (R). Journalist Kevin Cirilli moderated the event at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire, and joins Jim on "The Final 5" with some insight.
Trump pulling ahead in polls, fundraising in 2024 race
New numbers suggest that former President Donald Trump is holding steady when it comes to polling and fundraising for his 2024 re-election bid, even as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis racks up millions of his own. Luke Ball of Masonboro Strategies joins Jim on "The Final 5" to take a look at the race and the issues that Republicans are watching as the 2024 race unfolds ahead of the first debate next month.
Who's switching to Threads over Twitter?
Meta's Twitter competitor Threads has racked up well over 100 million new users in its first full week. But who exactly is making the switch? New research from Ipsos suggests the motivations for Threads users differ from Twitter. Cliff Young breaks down the numbers with Jim, plus has insight on whom Americans are pulling for in the rumored MMA fight between Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Elon Musk.
VA GOP focuses on absentee, early voting ahead of Election Day
With control of both Virginia's House of Delegates and Senate up for grabs in November, expect both Democrats and Republicans to focus on an all-effort to get out the vote. On "The Final 5," Virginia House of Delegates Republican Leader Terry Kilgore details the Virginia Republican Party's new "Secure Your Vote Virginia" campaign.
Biden's cursing, RFK's merch controversy
All eyes have been on the large GOP field for 2024, but Axios broke two stories about President Biden and his top challenger this week. Alex Thompson reported on both concerns about President Biden's apparent love of cursing, and what those around him say it actually indicates about the commander-in-chief. He also has more on a controversy involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign merchandise that bucks Democratic tradition for union-made goods. Alex joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explain.
Looking at the '24 race
Jim takes a look at the news of the day from the White House, and the shaping 2024 election, with political strategists Jack Kalavritinos and Kevin Walling.
Final 5 Theater presents: The RFK Jr. Fart Story
If you've ever wanted to see Jim Lokay slur the words "beer-fueled sex rocket," well, your dreams have come true.
Spanberger takes aim at Tuberville's military blockade
Senator Tommy Tuberville's blockage of more than 260 military nominees in protest over a Pentagon abortion policy is drawing fire from Virginia Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, whose 7th district includes Marine Corps Base Quantico.