Unrest in Iran continues amid UN fact-finding mission
Human rights lawyer Gissou Nia joins "The Final 5" to discuss the continued mass protests in the streets of Iran, and the United Nations' fact-finding mission investigation.
Helping Washingtonians read for 60 years
The Washington Literacy Center is marking six decades helping address low literacy in the D.C. region. Jim talks with the head of the center, Jimmie Williams, who gave up a career on Capitol Hill to take over the mission of helping fellow Washingtonians. You can learn more about the center’s upcoming golf outing or anniversary celebrations at washlit.org.
All eyes on SCOTUS for student loan relief
The Supreme Court is poised to rule soon on President Biden’s plan to forgive billions in student loan debt, which has been held up in the courts. But what’s being done to address the skyrocketing cost of higher education? Jack Wallace of Yrefy joins Jim on "The Final 5" to look at what’s next for borrowers and lenders.
China’s alliance with Cuba as Blinken wraps visit
Secretary of State Antony Blinken made headlines when he underscored the U.S. “One China” policy on Chinese soil, suggesting there hasn’t been any change in the U.S. stance towards Taiwanese independence. It comes as we learn new details about China’s alliance with Cuba to house spy operations just 90 miles from the Florida coast. Jamil Jaffer of the National Security Institute at George Mason joins Jim on "The Final 5."
Federal cyberattack raises new concerns on security
A global cyberattack has hit several U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Energy. While Russian cybercriminals are believed to have exploited a widely-used program called MoveIT, what’s at stake? Former CISA spokesperson Anne Cutler, who heads up communications for cybersecurity software maker Keeper Security, joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explain what data has been exposed, and the ramifications for everyday users.
A plea deal for Trump?
The unprecedented indictment of a former president overseen by the DOJ of his successor’s administration, depending on how you view the case, is either legally warranted or an egregious overreach. But Washington Monthly’s Margaret Carlson suggests that a plea deal could avoid further division. But could it even happen? And why should Trump consider it if he’s innocent as he’s maintained? Margaret joins Jim on "The Final 5" to look at the options.
First Lady takes lead on Trump offensive
While the White House has remained tight-lipped about Donald Trump’s indictment, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden has been more vocal about her husband’s predecessor in recent days. Jim discusses the change in tactic with Michael LaRosa, the First Lady’s former press secretary on "The Final 5."
GOP gets bipartisan support on gas stove bill
After delays amid intraparty squabbling, House Republicans finally passed legislation aimed at halting a hypothetical ban on gas stoves. Concerns were raised when one federal regulator suggested legislation was possible amid concerns over indoor pollution danger. Ben Lieberman of the Competitive Enterprise Institute joins Jim to explain why he thinks it’s the right approach to halt regulation.
David Trone makes case for U.S. Senate
The primary is about a year away, but Rep. David Trone (D-MD) is making his case for the Senate seat soon to be vacated by the retiring Sen. Ben Cardin. He joins Jim for a look at the issues that will guide the election, and what he thinks can set him apart in a growing Democratic primary.
Trump’s support among GOP still strong
On the eve of former President Trump’s federal indictment, a new CBS poll suggests he’s still a rock-solid favorite among Republicans within the growing 2024 field. Corinne Clark Barron of FreePressFail.com is Jim’s guest on "The Final 5."
Mental health concerns renewed among LGBTQ+ teens
Pride Month comes amid a renewed effort by social conservatives to clamp down on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly including transgender rights. Some mental health experts say the climate is taking its toll among the most vulnerable, including teens. Dr. Aja Chavez of Mission Prep joins Jim on #TheFinal5 to look at what has changed in recent years – and what has stayed the same.
Trump indictment unsealed amid questions about judge
The federal indictment against former President Donald Trump was unsealed Friday, ahead of Tuesday’s arraignment in a Miami courtroom. While Trump defends his handling of sensitive documents, legal experts paint differences between the cases involving Trump and those involving other politicians, including President Biden. On #TheFinal5, former assistant U.S. attorney David A. Katz breaks down the case, whether there’s validity to claims of malfeasance by prosecutors, and why a Trump-appointed Judge, Aileen Cannon, was appointed to the case.
Kaivan Shroff on Biden, the debt deal, and 2024
As President Biden gears up for 2024, Democrats are making the case for a second term – citing bipartisan legislation like the debt ceiling deal that averted a potential federal default. It comes even as some Republicans openly gripe about Speaker Kevin McCarthy giving up too much for the sake of unity. Democratic Strategist Kaivan Shroff joins Jim to talk about the Dems’ chances in 2024, and how a Trump indictment figures into the political calculus.
Christine Todd Whitman on Christie, Trump, and the GOP
Before Chris Christie, there was Christine Todd Whitman. Both are Republicans who were elected (and re-elected) governor of New Jersey. So what does she think about Christie’s second bid for the White House in the modern-day GOP?
Parkland parent on fight for change
Joaquin Oliver lost his life in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, but Patricia Oliver maintains his legacy as she and her husband Manuel crisscross the country. Mrs. Oliver, who helped found a nonprofit called Change the Ref in the aftermath of Joaquin’s passing, is in D.C. to lobby lawmakers by way of a book: the starkly-titled “Joaquin’s First School Shooting.” Oliver, who says she respects gun rights, says there are ways to prevent further school shootings. She joined Jim on "The Final 5" to talk about her fight.
Breaking down the headlines with Jack Kalavritinos
The Republican presidential field continues to grow as Speaker Kevin McCarthy characterizes the bipartisan debt ceiling bill as a win. After an eventful Memorial Day weekend in Washington, all eyes turn to what’s next. Jack Kalavritinos of JK Strategies joins Jim to look at where GOP priorities stand moving forward, plus a push to censure the FBI director as part of an Oversight Committee investigation into bribery allegations against President Biden.
Should the government regulate AI?
Tech leaders have called upon government agencies to regulate the use of burgeoning artificial intelligence technology. Some are welcoming the idea with open arms, but others are cautious about tech novice legislators stepping into the process. Dr. Muddu Sudhakar, CEO of the AI firm Aisera, joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explain where he thinks regulation could prove useful.
DeSantis’ hard line against Disney
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is using his battle with Disney to burnish his credentials among Republicans as he vies for his party’s presidential nomination in 2024. The company’s stance against his Parental Rights in Education bill, dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” by critics, led DeSantis to strip many legal rights away from Disney. Young Voices contributor Addison Hosner joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explain why he thinks DeSantis may have gone too far.
Republicans take stock after debt ceiling deal
With a bill to avert a national default on the way to President Biden, there’s frustration from both progressives and conservatives over compromises made to raise the debt ceiling. Conservative strategist Armen Kurdian joins Jim to weigh in on "The Final 5."
Concern about default is bipartisan: polls
While Democrats and Republicans quibble over a deal to raise the debt ceiling, Americans have real concerns about the possibility of a default – and how it could affect their own bottom lines. Cliff Young of Ipsos joins Jim on "The Final 5" to break down new research on the matter.