Why a judicial race in Wisconsin is attracting major attention and money
Next week, voters in Wisconsin head to the polls to elect a new state Supreme Court justice in a race that will determine the ideological balance of the body. It's a race that's attracting national attention, with Elon Musk dumping millions into electing Republican-backed Brad Schimel, while George Soros is among those funding the campaign of Democratic-backed Susan Crawford. Some are seeing it as a bellwether on national sentiment for the early days of the Trump administration. Jim discusses the race with FOX 6 Milwaukee reporter Jason Calvi.
Voters' top concern shifting from economy to political extremism: Ipsos
In his interview on The Final 5 with Jim Lokay, Cliff Young from Ipsos discussed shifting public concerns in Trump’s second term, with political extremism and threats to democracy (28%) now surpassing the economy (20%) as the top issue. While unemployment remains low, inflation continues to burden Americans, with 70% struggling to pay bills. Trump’s approval has declined slightly, particularly on economic issues, where he holds a net negative rating among the general public but retains strong Republican support.
Margaret Heckler: “A Woman of Firsts”
Margaret Heckler shattered barriers as a Congresswoman, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. Now, her incredible life and legacy are the focus of A Woman of Firsts, a new book written by her daughter-in-law, Kimberly Heckler. From her pioneering role in politics to her impact on healthcare and women’s rights, Margaret Heckler’s story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking through the glass ceiling. She joined Jim Lokay on “The Final 5” to talk about Margaret’s life and times.
Final 5: March 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.
White House signal flap "a distraction" from Trump record, some Republicans say
As the leaked Pentagon Signal chat continues to make headlines, some are calling for the White House and others to acknowledge mistakes were made as the adminstration works to message its early victories. Jim discusses more with Y. David Scharf on "The Final 5."
Final 5: March 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.
Poll says vast public support for childhood vaccines, in spite of outbreaks
A bipartisan survey reveals strong public support for FDA-approved vaccines and concern over declining childhood vaccination rates. It also highlights the importance of U.S. leadership in vaccine development and the trust Americans place in their doctors over other information sources. But with ongoing mixed messaging and a measles outbreak, including cases reported in DC and Maryland, how can we maintain confidence in vaccines? Candace DeMatties, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease, breaks down the findings on "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay."
Pentagon's Signal chat flap takes center state on Capitol Hill
One day after The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg revealed he had been mistakenly added to a group text by top intel officials detailing military attack plans in Yemen, the issue became the topic of a previously scheduled Senate committee hearing. Jim Lokay gets the scoop on what happened with Stephen Neukam from Axios on "The Final 5."
The Final 5: March 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.
Progressives eye primaries as Dems seek course correction
Over 30,000 people turned out at a weekend rally in Colorado, headlined by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as progressives express anger at the Trump administration and at moderate Democrats for supporting a GOP-backed spending bill. Now, many are looking at the 2026 midterms as a way to make their voices heard -- but why now? Jim Lokay talks about that and more with Santiago Mayer of Voters of Tomorrow on "The Final 5."
What the Pentagon's Signal app flap says about national security
After top national security officials mistakenly sent war plans targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen to The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg, the main question has been "how?" But what does this say about the state of national security policy, and will there be repercussions? Jim Lokay discusses that and more with Jamil Jaffer of the National Security Institute on "The Final 5."
The Final 5: March 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.
Local distillery marks Women's History Month
On Sunday, March 23, DC's first female-owned distillery, Republic Restoratives, in Ivy City is marking Women's History Month with a celebration of female artists. Co-owner Pia Carusone joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to explain why she says the political moment is right to make a statement about art and empowering women.
GOP looks to buck precedent in '26 midterms
With Republicans holding the majorities in the House and Senate, their slim leads might complicate efforts to maintain control after the 2026 midterms. After all, the President's party often loses seats during midterm elections. The GOP is already gearing up to change that, as NOTUS reporter Riley Rogerson shares on "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay."
The Final 5: March 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.
What is an "abundance liberal?"
The new buzzword for some on the left? "Abundance," as evidenced by a new best-selling book, suggesting liberals advocate for policies that increase overall wealth, technological progress, and access to goods and services. Jim talks about what that means for the future of the Democratic movement with Paul Glastris from Washington Monthly on "The Final 5."
VA Governor's Race: Amanda Chase
Virginia voters are preparing to head to the polls later this year to elect a new governor, and the Republican primary field is growing. Former Virginia State Senator Amanda Chase joined Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to discuss her campaign, the push to collect signatures, and the key issues she believes will drive voters in November.
The Final 5: March 19, 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.
Final 5 Panel: Walling & Ball on Dems' leadership void, Trump vs. judiciary
On "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay." Kevin Walling and Luke Ball talk about the backlash that Democratic leaders are facing after last week's bruising CR battle, plus how President Trump's battle with federal judges blocking parts of his agenda might play out.
Trump admin weighing cuts, changes to HIV protection programs
The Trump administration is considering cuts to the CDC’s domestic HIV program, including funding for prevention, according to two former HHS officials. Advocates warn that cutting this funding could disrupt vital services and reverse progress in the fight against HIV. Jim discuss this and more on the health watch with Dr. Adam Brown of ABIG Health on "The Final 5."