The Final 5: October 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: October 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.
The Final 5: October 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.
Final 5 Panel, Pt. 2: Virginia's role in national politics
Host Jim Lokay moderates a discussion between Kevin Walling and Christopher Johnson on Virginia's bellwether status in an off-cycle election year, and how Democratic AG nominee Jay Jones' text message scandal has threatened to upend the race for governor.
Host Jim Lokay moderates a discussion between Kevin Walling and Christopher Johnson on Virginia's bellwether status in an off-cycle election year, and how Democratic AG nominee Jay Jones' text message scandal has threatened to upend the race for governor.
Final 5 Panel, Pt. 1: No Kings protest, shutdown underscore fraught political environment
In this panel discussion from "The Final 5," Kevin Walling and Christopher Johnson tackle the after effects of this weekend's "No Kings" protests across the nation, and how the ongoing government shutdown is fueling partisan tensions on Capitol Hill.
In this panel discussion from "The Final 5," Kevin Walling and Christopher Johnson tackle the after effects of this weekend's "No Kings" protests across the nation, and how the ongoing government shutdown is fueling partisan tensions on Capitol Hill.
Hashmi on Lt. Gov. bid
Jim Lokay is joined by Virginia State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in next month's election.
Jim Lokay is joined by Virginia State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in next month's election.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.