FTC prepares to take on Amazon
The Federal Trade Commission is reportedly considering action against Amazon amid concerns it has grown into a monopoly. Stephen Kent of the Consumer Choice Center joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explain why he thinks it's a losing proposition of FTC chair Lina Khan.
A year later, Biden says Inflation Reduction Act a 'success'
As he trumpets "Bidenomics" as part of his re-election bid, President Biden is marking a year since signing his so-called "Inflation Reduction Act," which focused largely on reducing health care costs and offering tax incentives. Republicans have called it a green energy wishlist, but Rhett Buttle of Public Private Strategies tells Jim Lokay where he thinks it can bolster Biden in 2024.
The Final 5 with Jim Lokay
Following an Atlanta grand jury's decision to indict former President Trump and 18 others on racketeering and other charges related to the 2020 election, many top defenders say the charges are baseless. That includes Mike Davis of the Article III Project, who calls it a "Democratic law-fare" campaign against the GOP 2024 frontrunner, telling Jim Lokay: "The point of that is is that the American people, not Democrat prosecutors and Democrat judges and Democrat juries, and Democrat hellholes like New York, D.C. and Atlanta get to pick the next President of the United States."
Walling: Trump defending himself through media campaign, not 'smart legal strategy'
Democratic strategist Kevin Walling weighs in on former President Trump's indictment in Georgia, including his decision to focus attacks on Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. He joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to talk about the case, and efforts by Republicans to redirect focus on the investigations into President Biden and his son, Hunter.
Will Hurd on 2024 run, debates, Trump
Republicans are preparing for their first debate of the 2024 primary season on August 23rd, but the scramble is on for candidates to meet donor and polling thresholds to make the stage. That includes former U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX), who's also making headlines for declining a mandatory "loyalty pledge" requiring participants to endorse the eventual nominee. He joins Jim to lay out his case, the state of play for the race, and the impact of another Trump indictment on the current frontrunner.
Helping veterans in need find homes
An ambitious effort to provide housing for veterans in need is making its mark across the country. The VBC Giving Foundation leverages modern building techniques and partnerships with manufacturers to create affordable homes in so-called Veterans' Villages. Retired SSgt. John Jones heads the foundation and joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explain what they're doing to make it a reality. (MORE INFO: https://vbcgivingfoundation.org/)
What will Congress tackle post-recess?
Congress is out on recess until September 12, but lawmakers have their priorities when they return to Capitol Hill, including spending bills and the prospect of investigations into President Biden. Plus, will Speaker Kevin McCarthy keep the House Republican caucus in line? Mica Soellner, Punchbowl News congressional reporter, joins Jim on "The Final 5."
Shakespeare? Raunchy? Never!
Florida's new laws governing what can and cannot be taught in schools may have another casualty: William Shakespeare. Concerns over the content of some of his works mean some of them may not be used in classrooms. Thanks to the Royal Shakespeare Company, we may finally have an idea why.
Tracy & Kelly return to talk aging politicos, abortion votes, and more
Political strategists Tracy Dietz and Kelly Gibson are longtime friends, even if their politics are vastly different. They're back on "The Final 5" to discuss concerns over aging politicians plus why Democrats and Republicans have had issues with messaging on key issues like abortion and the economy.
Trump awaits decision on Georgia charges as nation watches
As a grand jury in Atlanta considers evidence against former President Trump in a case where he allegedly pressured Georgia election officials to sway the 2020 election his way, legal maneuvers continue to play out in the two federal indictments he's facing in Florida and here in D.C. Legal expert and attorney Richard Roth joins Jim on 'The Final 5" to look at what's next in the multiple cases.
SCOTUS could determine fate of NYC rent control law
Rent stabilization aims to make housing more affordable, but a legal effort to change New York City's long-standing rent control system may have national implications. Andrew Pincus, the lead attorney in a suit challenging the law, joins Jim on "The Final 5" to talk about the case, and what he says could change the game for affordable housing.
Rep. Glenn Ivey on 'Begin Again Act,' SCOTUS on Affirmative Action
A new bipartisan push to expand the ability for certain non-violent offenders to have crimes expunged is gaining ground in the House. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) is one of the cosponsors. He joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explain why it has momentum, plus how he says the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action in college admissions may have an unexpected impact on commerce.
DC's 'ugliest' building debate...turns ugly
Dan Diamond of the Washington Post set off a fierce debate with a recent piece in search of D.C.'s "ugliest" building. That led one of the candidates, the Hubert Humphrey HHS building, to somehow become sentient and argue its case on social media. The Final 5's Chief Ugly Correspondent (and producer) Loreto Cruz joins Jim with more, plus a special FOX 5 Instapoll that turned out to be good news for the HHS HQ.
Looking through Trump's new indictment
FOX 5's chief legal correspondent Katie Barlow spent the evening sifting through former President Trump's latest indictment related to the Jan. 6 riots. She joins Jim with her take and what's next.
Angela Alsobrooks looks towards 2024 Senate run
Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks is moving full steam ahead with a 2024 bid for the U.S. Senate seat set to be vacated by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD.) Alsobrooks, a former two-term State's Attorney, is not just seeking to become the first African American to represent Maryland in the Senate, she could potentially become only the third African American woman in history to serve in the upper chamber. But as she tells Jim on "The Final 5," she believes her accomplishments will make the difference statewide.
Marianne Williamson joins 'The Final 5'
She was the first candidate to jump into the 2024 Democratic presidential race, even before President Biden, but Marianne Williamson knows knocking off an incumbent is a herculean task. She joins Jim on "The Final 5" to talk about the issues in the 2024 race, why she's running, the difference between her and fellow challenger Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and more in this FOX 5 exclusive.
DCA expansion left in holding pattern
A Congressional effort to increase long-haul flights out of Reagan National Airport failed last week. Young Voices commentator Gabriella Hoffman says that's a mistake. She joined Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to explain how revisiting the push could still benefit the D.C. region, even as it attracted opposition from local elected officials.
Cross on the GOP and Black voters
Democratic commentator Ameshia Cross says the GOP is consistently bungling efforts to attract Black voters. In a new piece in Newsweek, she points to controversial efforts in Florida to rewrite curriculum that have pitted Republicans like Gov. Ron DeSantis against prominent Black conservatives like Rep. Byron Donalds. She joins Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to explain more.
Conservatives say climate change solution is possible
Addressing climate change can be controversial -- but finding common ground has been tricky. With the nation in the throes of a heat wave with triple-digit temperatures and high humidity, climate advocates are renewing their call for action. Former U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC), who now heads up RepublicEn, and the American Conservation Coalition's Chris Barnard join Jim to explain why climate action doesn't have to be a one-party solution.
A Congressional "Catfight?"
Tensions allegedly boiled over on the House floor between California Congressman Eric Swalwell and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, according to The Daily Beast. Punches weren't thrown, but thanks to The Final 5 sound effects team, we have a good idea of how it went down.