Commentary: The hypocrisy of "family values" politicians
A rumored affair by a prominent governor, public embarrassment from a sitting member of Congress, and more hypocrisy from another: when politicians tell you they care about "family values," they have a responsibility to start at home.
UAW strike and the consumer impact
Thousands of union members represented by the United Auto Workers are off the job, striking against Ford, GM, and Stellantis. Calls for better pay, pensions, and a 32-hour work week are among the demands, but the strike could have some major impacts for consumers. Nathan Bomey of Axios joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to explain
In politics, is age just a number?
Utah Sen. Mitt Romney's retirement announcement, prompted by his own calls for a younger generation of leaders, is bringing into the focus the debate over age in the political world. Bradley Schurman, demographic change expert and author of "The Super Age" is Jim Lokay's guest on "The Final 5" to explain why older politicians are facing pushback against their age now more than ever.
GOP White House hopeful Ryan Binkley joins "The Final 5"
Businessman Ryan Binkley is one of the lesser-known candidates for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, but he's hoping his message strikes a chord with conservative voters on issues like the economy and immigration. He joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explain why he's in the race and what it will take for his message to reach a wider audience.
Hunter Biden indictment and the legal perspective
The indictment of President Biden's son Hunter on gun charges signals a major shift in the 2024 race, with Republicans eager to attach his legal woes to his father's campaign. But newer legal precedent may play a major role in the case. Kaivan Shroff joins Jim on "The Final 5."
Rep. George Santos' former staffer speaks out
Naysa Woomer says she came to D.C., attracted by the opportunity to work for upstart Rep. George Santos (R-NY) -- but the controversies and his eventual indictment led to her departure five months later. She joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to explain why she left, the concerns she has for the GOP, and whether going public will have negative impacts on the people who voted for Santos by a wide margin in 2022.
Why McCarthy is backing impeachment inquiry
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is moving ahead with an impeachment inquiry into President Biden without calling for a vote, a tactic he derided when former Speaker Nancy Pelosi took the same tack against former President Donald Trump. Punchbowl News congressional reporter Max Cohen has more on "The Final 5" with Jim Lokay.
GOP field gears up for second debate
Many of the 2024 Republican presidential candidates will debate at the Reagan Library on Sept. 27. While former President Trump remains the front-runner, the other hopefuls are working to earn votes, especially among younger conservatives. Chris Barnard weighs in on "The Final 5" with Jim Lokay.
Feds take on Google over mobile search dominance
A high-profile trial between the DOJ and Google could reshape the mobile phone market. At issue: Google's willingness to cut deals to become the default search engine on most mobile devices, which the government believes gives it an unfair advantage. Yael Ossowski from the Consumer Choice Center is Jim's guest on "The Final 5."
Trump leads, DeSantis falters, Haley surges in new GOP pol
The 2024 GOP nomination appears to be Donald Trump's to lose, as poll after poll shows the former POTUS with significant double-digit leads. Jim breaks down the state of the Republican race with conservative strategist Luke Ball.
Biden's standing among Dems grows despite worries over age, impeachment
New numbers from Morning Consult show President Biden's support among Democrats is at an all-time high in the 2024 race, despite spirited opposition from the likes of RFK Jr. But with renewed concerns over his age and the potential of an impeachment inquiry, will that support stick? Kevin Walling weighs in with Jim on "The Final 5."
New OT rules and the state of the American workforce
The Biden administration is proposing a sweeping change to the nation's overtime rules, which could lower the income threshold needed for some three million Americans to become eligible for OT pay. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su joins "The Final 5" to explain what that means, what the next steps are, and the state of the American labor force. She also talks about her pending nomination to the job on a permanent basis.
New polling showing some shifts on GOP field, Biden support
One week after the first Republican Presidential debate, new numbers are painting different pictures on the state of the 2024 race, both in the GOP primary field, and among general election voters when it comes to issues driving their vote. Cliff Young from Ipsos Public Affairs is Jim's guest on The Final 5.
HHS calls to 'reschedule' marijuana. What does it mean?
A new federal study is calling for a major change in how the government classifies marijuana. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is now asking the Drug Enforcement Agency to "reschedule" cannabis, citing its widely-accepted medicinal use. James Whitcomb of Frontier Risk, a cannabis-focused insurer, joins Jim to explain what "rescheduling" means and its potential impact here and across the nation.
What's next in Medicare drug negotiations?
On Tuesday, the White House unveiled a list of prescription drugs that Medicare will start negotiating prices with manufacturers. Part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the move isn't without controversy and legal challenges. Bloomberg Law's Nyah Phengsitthy joins Jim to explain why it's a long way from a done deal.
Tom Royals makes his case for Maryland's 6th District
An open House seat in Maryland's 6th Congressional district is attracting major interest among both Democrats and Republicans ahead of 2024. One of them is Navy combat vet and lifelong Marylander Tom Royals, who is seeking the GOP nomination. He joins Jim to make his case, and why matters of the economy and education are taking center stage in his campaign.
Key takeaways from GOP's first 2024 Presidential Debate
Donald Trump skipped the first Republican Presidential Debate on Wednesday, but each of the participants are way behind the former president in support from likely GOP voters. Republican strategist Jack Kalavritinos and Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff share their reactions to the big night with Shirin.
ACC pushing GOP on conservation issues ahead of debate
As Republicans prepare to debate in Milwaukee, matters of the environment are top of mind for many young voters, including conservatives watching the field shape up. Stephen Perkins of the American Conservation Coalition joins Jim to explain how the group is working on the ground in Milwaukee to engage the candidates as they work to win over a new generation of voters.
With no Trump in debate, how will GOP adapt?
Former President Donald Trump says he won't take part in Wednesday's Republican presidential debate. With the frontrunner opting to spend the evening with Tucker Carlson, the attention shifts to the remaining candidates and who has the most (and the least) to lose. Axios political reporter Stef Kight is Jim's guest on "The Final 5."
New book 'Kabul' revisits botched Afghan withdrawal
Two years after the U.S. completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, an operation that included the deaths of 13 troops and more than 170 Afghans trying to flee the country, a new book profiles the decision-making and the heroics of many on the ground. "Kabul: The Untold Story of Biden’s Fiasco and the American Warriors Who Fought to the End" co-author Jerry Dunleavy joins Jim on "The Final 5."