Rep. Walkinshaw weighs in on federal shutdown
With a government shutdown looming, Virginia Congressman James Walkinshaw told The Final 5 that Republicans are refusing to engage in last-minute negotiations, unlike past shutdowns. He criticized GOP leadership for skipping talks with Democrats on a bipartisan funding plan that would prevent health care cuts and stabilize Affordable Care Act premiums. Walkinshaw dismissed Speaker Johnson?s claim that Democrats are holding funding hostage, calling it ?rich? given Republican-backed cuts to food assistance. He warned that while federal workers may face furloughs, mass layoffs during a shutdown would be illegal under the Antideficiency Act and likely challenged in court.
The Final 5: September 29, 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.
John Reid talks government shutdown & more in Va. Lt. Gov race
Republican nominee for Virginia Lieutenant Governor John Reid joined The Final 5 to discuss the key issues on the campaign trail, from concerns about a potential federal shutdown to debates over parental rights in schools. Reid addressed the unique dynamic of running separately from the governor?s race, a high-profile recent interaction with Democrat Abigail Spanberger - even as he supports GOP nominee Winsome Earle-Sears, and the role of early voting in shaping turnout.
Shutdown Looms as Democrats and GOP Fail to Reach Last-Minute Deal
Joe Perticone of The Bulwark joined The Final 5 to discuss the high-stakes budget standoff on Capitol Hill. With just hours until a potential shutdown, Democrats face political pressure over health care subsidies while Republicans remain dug in. Perticone noted the lack of trust between parties, the risk of federal worker furloughs or layoffs, and the uncertainty of whether Congress can act in time to avoid disruption.
Federal Budget Standoff: Bobby Cogan on Potential Government Shutdown and Policy Impacts
Bobby Cogan, former OMB official and senior director of federal budget policy at the Center for American Progress, discussed the ongoing budget negotiations and potential government shutdown. He highlighted the political nature of shutdowns, concerns over federal workforce reductions, and the stakes for programs like Affordable Care Act subsidies. Cogan also noted past issues with the Trump administration?s enforcement of spending laws, emphasizing Democrats? push for assurances that allocated funds will actually be spent.
Trump Addresses UNGA Amid Global Tensions; Climate, Immigration, and Ukraine in Focus
President Trump wrapped up his United Nations General Assembly address, drawing attention for blunt remarks on climate change and immigration, and signaling disappointment with Russia over the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Violet Jira, NOTUS reporter, discussed the U.S.?s increasingly isolated stance on key issues, the evolving dynamics with allies, and the president?s shifting approach toward Vladimir Putin.
The Final 5: September 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: September 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: September 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: September 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.
Friends from Alabama use cooking and comedy to tackle mental health on new show
Two friends who grew up in Alabama are turnin a desire to destigmatize mental-health conversations into a new YouTube series. The men behind "Eat Your Feelings," Sam Nathews and Cory Brown, blend candid conversations with cooking and humor, aiming to make hard topics easier to discuss while sharing recipes (including French dishes like beef bourguignon and coq au vin). They joined Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to explain. Learn more at eatyourfeelingsshow.com
Ipsos? Cliff Young breaks down America?s top concerns
On The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Ipsos president Cliff Young said Americans remain sharply divided on issues like immigration and tariffs, but share broad worries about political extremism. He noted that while Trump?s approval ratings have stayed steady, public concern about extremism now rivals the economy as a top national issue, reflecting growing unease across both parties.
Polumbo: Social media and politicians are making a national tragedy worse
In the wake of Charlie Kirk?s assassination, political commentator Brad Polumbo argued that while most leaders condemned the violence, extremes online are fueling toxic reactions?some on the far left celebrating Kirk?s death, and some on the far right calling for civil war. On "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay," he said calmer voices, like Utah Governor Spencer Cox urging Americans to ?touch grass,? are needed to counter the toxicity. Polumbo warned that internet radicalization?especially among young men?remains a growing threat, and criticized lawmakers such as Nancy Mace and Jasmine Crockett for clout-chasing instead of leading responsibly.
The Final 5: September 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.
Walling on Charlie Kirk, civility, and encouraging new leaders
Jim sits down with FOX 5 contributor Kevin Walling on "The Final 5" to discuss his past debates with the late Charlie Kirk, how Kirk's murder changes the political conversation, and how political violence will shape a new generation of American leaders.
Rep. Subramanyum on recent threats
Jim Lokay is joined by U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyum (D-VA) to talk about a recent threat made against his district office, and what it says about the heightened political climate for both Democratic and Republican lawmakers -- plus new efforts in place to better protect federal officeholders.
The Final 5: September 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.
U.S.-EU clash over tech, tariffs, and free speech heats up
The U.S. and European Union are at odds over social media regulation, digital trade, and the power of Silicon Valley as the spectre of China looms large. Former Lithuanian Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Egle Markeviciute and Yael Ossowski of the Consumer Choice Center join "The Final 5" with Jim Lokay to discuss how tariffs, regulatory frameworks, and differing approaches to innovation are straining transatlantic relations. With competition from China looming, experts say finding common ground on intellectual property, economic security, and supply chains is critical for both sides.
Middle East tensions and U.S. security on 9/11 anniversary
Foreign policy analyst Laurie Watson joins The Final 5 as new flare-ups in Qatar highlight the fragile state of Middle East diplomacy. On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, she reflects on shifting U.S. alliances, the rising threat of domestic extremism after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and why Americans should balance vigilance with gratitude for the freedoms that remain protected at home.
Trump camp pushes back on Epstein birthday book
A newly released page from Jeffrey Epstein?s birthday book reportedly bearing Donald Trump?s signature is sparking fierce debate. While the White House dismisses it as fake, Trump?s base has rallied to his defense?framing it as another media attack. Axios? Tal Axelrod joins The Final 5 to break down the political fallout and why the MAGA movement remains steadfast behind Trump despite resurfaced ties to Epstein.