The Final 5: December 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.
John Reid's take on state of Virginia GOP
Republicans are regrouping after major losses in Virginia's election last month, and as the party's state leader Mark Peake announces plans to step aside. John Reid, runner-up in the race for lieutenant governor, joins "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to look back on his campaign, plus he weighs in on whether current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who lost by 15 points to Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, was the right nominee.
Republicans are regrouping after major losses in Virginia's election last month, and as the party's state leader Mark Peake announces plans to step aside. John Reid, runner-up in the race for lieutenant governor, joins "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to look back on his campaign, plus he weighs in on whether current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who lost by 15 points to Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, was the right nominee.
"Save America Movement" aims to reset progressive messaging in 2nd Trump term
A series of provocative ads with images of Trump adviser Stephen Miller and Attorney General Pam Bondi emblazoned with phrases like "Creep" and "Epstein Queen" are popping up across D.C. The brainchild of the Save America Movement, it's an effort to match messaging efforts from the right. Michael DeFeo explains more on "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay."
A series of provocative ads with images of Trump adviser Stephen Miller and Attorney General Pam Bondi emblazoned with phrases like "Creep" and "Epstein Queen" are popping up across D.C. The brainchild of the Save America Movement, it's an effort to match messaging efforts from the right. Michael DeFeo explains more on "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay."
GOP notches win in Tennessee, but loses ground in heavy Trump district
Republican Matt Van Epps won a special congressional election in Tennessee this week, keeping the seat in GOP hands. Still, Van Epps' 9-point win over Democrat Aftyn Behn is being seen as a warning sign because one year ago, President Trump won the district by 22 points. Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff joins "The Final 5" with what lessons he wants political observers to take away.
Republican Matt Van Epps won a special congressional election in Tennessee this week, keeping the seat in GOP hands. Still, Van Epps' 9-point win over Democrat Aftyn Behn is being seen as a warning sign because one year ago, President Trump won the district by 22 points. Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff joins "The Final 5" with what lessons he wants political observers to take away.
The Final 5: December 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.
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: December 1, 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 stands by Hegseth over military strikes in Venezuela
Daniel DiMartino of the Manhattan Institute joined "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to discuss growing scrutiny over U.S. military strikes targeting alleged narco-traffickers in Venezuela. DiMartino, who fled the Maduro regime, defended the operations and argued that the Venezuelan government itself functions as a drug-trafficking organization that threatens U.S. national security . DiMartino also acknowledged criticism of President Trump’s expected pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, calling the move troubling unless tied to undisclosed diplomatic considerations.
Daniel DiMartino of the Manhattan Institute joined "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to discuss growing scrutiny over U.S. military strikes targeting alleged narco-traffickers in Venezuela. DiMartino, who fled the Maduro regime, defended the operations and argued that the Venezuelan government itself functions as a drug-trafficking organization that threatens U.S. national security . DiMartino also acknowledged criticism of President Trump’s expected pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, calling the move troubling unless tied to undisclosed diplomatic considerations.
Reese Gorman goes "On NOTUS"
Skipping past the soundbites and delving into long-form conversations with America's top newsmakers is the focus of a new podcast hosted by a regular guest of "The Final 5." NOTUS reporter Reese Gorman hosts "On NOTUS," which made its debut on Monday with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Reese joins Jim to discuss what will make his podcast different and other guests on tap.
Skipping past the soundbites and delving into long-form conversations with America's top newsmakers is the focus of a new podcast hosted by a regular guest of "The Final 5." NOTUS reporter Reese Gorman hosts "On NOTUS," which made its debut on Monday with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Reese joins Jim to discuss what will make his podcast different and other guests on tap.
The Final 5: November 26, 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: November 25, 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.
Expert says Ukraine peace deal is closer than ever but key obstacles remain
George Beebe of the Quincy Institute told The Final 5 with Jim Lokay that negotiations to end the Ukraine war are at their closest point yet. He warned that major hurdles still stand in the way — including territorial demands, Ukraine’s manpower and air-defense shortages, and limits on potential U.S. security guarantees.
George Beebe of the Quincy Institute told The Final 5 with Jim Lokay that negotiations to end the Ukraine war are at their closest point yet. He warned that major hurdles still stand in the way — including territorial demands, Ukraine’s manpower and air-defense shortages, and limits on potential U.S. security guarantees.
Hemp ban re-instated, putting $28B industry at risk
A little-noticed provision tucked inside the newly signed government funding bill has ignited controversy: a reversal of the 2018 Farm Bill that effectively bans nearly all hemp-derived consumer products nationwide. James Whitcomb, CEO of Frontier Risk, tells The Final 5's Jim Lokay that the move threatens to wipe out a $28 billion industry supporting roughly half a million American jobs — a sector larger than metals and mining or even movie production.
A little-noticed provision tucked inside the newly signed government funding bill has ignited controversy: a reversal of the 2018 Farm Bill that effectively bans nearly all hemp-derived consumer products nationwide. James Whitcomb, CEO of Frontier Risk, tells The Final 5's Jim Lokay that the move threatens to wipe out a $28 billion industry supporting roughly half a million American jobs — a sector larger than metals and mining or even movie production.
The Final 5: November 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.
Pentagon targets Sen. Kelly after controversial video
A video featuring six Democratic members of Congress urging members of the U.S. military to resist "illegal orders" has raised the ire of the White House, with President Trump calling it "seditious" and the Pentagon seeking to investigate one of them, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona. Jim gets reaction from veteran and journalist Andrew Donaldson on "The Final 5."
A video featuring six Democratic members of Congress urging members of the U.S. military to resist "illegal orders" has raised the ire of the White House, with President Trump calling it "seditious" and the Pentagon seeking to investigate one of them, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona. Jim gets reaction from veteran and journalist Andrew Donaldson on "The Final 5."
The Sham-Wow guy wants to clean up Congress
You may know him as the "Sham-Wow Guy," but Offer Vince Shlomi wants to parlay his infomercial infamy into a congressional run. Jim Lokay looks at his past on "The Final 5."
You may know him as the "Sham-Wow Guy," but Offer Vince Shlomi wants to parlay his infomercial infamy into a congressional run. Jim Lokay looks at his past on "The Final 5."
Is MTG's resignation a sign of things to come?
Young Voices contributor Victoria Churchill, who also reports for the Daily Mail, joins "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to offer perspective on the surprising resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and what it may portend for Republicans moving into a midterm election year.
Young Voices contributor Victoria Churchill, who also reports for the Daily Mail, joins "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to offer perspective on the surprising resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and what it may portend for Republicans moving into a midterm election year.
The Final 5: November 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.
The Final 5: November 20, 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.
"Standby:" Beth McDonough's journey from success to downfall and redemption
Acclaimed television journalist Beth McDonough's career included covering some of the most pivotal moments in American history, but her fight for sobriety and redemption may be her biggest achievement. She joined Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to explain how she went from sharing stories to becoming one herself, and her message to those facing similar life challenges.
Acclaimed television journalist Beth McDonough's career included covering some of the most pivotal moments in American history, but her fight for sobriety and redemption may be her biggest achievement. She joined Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to explain how she went from sharing stories to becoming one herself, and her message to those facing similar life challenges.
Gen Z could change politics for the better: Palmer
As Americans' trust in their political institutions continues to reach new lows, groups are aiming to engage young Americans in the civic process. Jason Palmer, founder of TOGETHER!, joins "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to explain why he think an often-maligned generation may have more of a chance at changing the system.
As Americans' trust in their political institutions continues to reach new lows, groups are aiming to engage young Americans in the civic process. Jason Palmer, founder of TOGETHER!, joins "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to explain why he think an often-maligned generation may have more of a chance at changing the system.