New variant prompts new concerns
The COVID-19 Omicron variant has sparked an entirely new round of concerns, but how does it compare to the reaction to the Delta variant earlier this fall? Dr. Dyan Hes of Gramercy Pediatrics joined Jim to look at how some elected leaders are handling it so far, and how calls to suspend elective medical procedures may do more harm than good. Plus, they look at the impact vaccination efforts for younger Americans are having so far.
Stephen Kent melds his passions into a new book
Friend of “The Final 5” Stephen Kent returns to the show to talk about his new book “How The Force Can Fix the World,” which adapts his love of the “Star Wars” franchise into ways to address modern-day policy decisions. He joined Jim to talk about what inspired him to write the book.
Small businesses face unique pandemic challenges
While thousands of small businesses were unable to withstand the pandemic, many more are finding ways to adjust to a new pandemic (and eventual post-pandemic) reality. Carissa Reiniger, CEO of Small Biz Silver Lining, joined Jim to take a look at how supply chain and worker shortages are highlighting new priorities as small businesses evolve for the future.
Acrimonious days loom on Capitol Hill as spending debate rages on
Days after President Biden signed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure deal brokered by Democrats and Republicans, the House and Senate now debate the fate of the so-called “Build Back Better” social spending plan. What’s next in the seemingly endless debate? And what message will both sides take after Wednesday’s censure of Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ?) Former White House HHS advisor and JK Strategies founder Jack Kalavritinos joined Jim on The Final 5 to weigh in.
Rumors of Biden/Harris discord underscore problems for female politicians
A report out this week, citing anonymous sources, suggested a rift between President Biden and Vice President Harris. But while anonymous reports are nothing new, the circumstances raise concerns about the motivation behind the whispers. Princeton political science professor Dr. Lauren Wright and Barbara Lee Family Foundation executive director Amanda Hunter joined Jim on The Final 5 to discuss.
Infrastructure battle shows party divide
More than a dozen Republicans who voted for the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill are being threatened by party leaders with committee assignments and chairmanships. That revelation came shortly after the bill’s passage. Now that it’s signed, there’s a new battle head. Rina Shah from the Renew Democracy Initiative joined Jim on The Final 5 to break it all down.
America’s new crop of veterans face new challenges
An entire generation of Americans have seen the nation at war virtually their entire lives. Iraq War veteran Chris Neiweem joins Jim on The Final 5 to take a look at the new challenges today’s veterans are facing.
Book offers glimpse into 'Secret Washington DC'
Everyone knows D.C. landmarks, so author JoAnn Hill set out to find the off-the-beaten-path gems of the city. In her book “Secret Washington D.C., A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure,” she gives readers a look into some of the unknown aspects of the region, some of which are right under our noses. She joined Jim on The Final 5 to give a few of her favorite spots.
Democrats plot path ahead after infrastructure bill victory
Now that a $1.2 trillion infrastructure funding bill passed with bipartisan support – more Republicans voted for it than Democrats who opposed it – the focus turns to that massive social spending proposal. But after a week where Democrats saw major losses at the ballot box, what’s next? Democratic strategist Kevin Walling joined Jim on The Final 5.
How did GOP gains sway infrastructure vote?
While House Democrats had troubles getting everyone on board for the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, Tuesday’s election results may have changed the political calculus for some in getting it passed quickly. Joseph Zeballos-Roig from Business Insider joined Jim during Friday’s intense negotiations from the Capitol with a look at what was at stake.
Comstock: Youngkin win maps path ahead for Virginia GOP
A day after Glenn Youngkin’s win in the Virginia governor’s race, Republicans are celebrating massive wins across the commonwealth and looking ahead to the 2022 midterms. Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA), who lost in the so-called “blue wave” that brought Democrats into power, joined Jim to take a look at what this means for Republicans moving ahead, and whether former President Trump played a role in Youngkin’s victory.
A last look at the Virginia Governor’s Race
With national attention on the race to replace Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, both Democratic candidate Fmr. Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin have been criss-crossing the commonwealth in the final hours of the campaign to lock down support. A FOX 5/Insider Advantage poll has Youngkin up by 2 points, but the race could still go down to the wire. Democratic Strategist Kristal Knight and Republican Congressional candidate John Castorani joined Jim to look at what will draw undecided voters to the polls.
Joe Lieberman on “The Centrist Solution,” gridlock, and common ground
Former Sen. Joe Lieberman made a name for himself as someone willing to straddle the party line, which nearly cost him his Senate seat– a seat he held by running as an independent when Democrats denied him the nomination in 2006. He ran with Al Gore in 2000, but endorsed John McCain in 2008, and then supported Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. Now, as Democrats on Capitol Hill squabble over President Biden’s domestic agenda, he’s talking about his new book, “The Centrist Solution,” with Jim on The Final 5.
New NBA season comes with off-the-court drama
While the new NBA season arrived this week with fans in the stands and (mostly) vaccinated rosters, there’s still plenty of on- and off-the-court headlines to keep track of. Sports expert Eric Mitchell of LifeFlip Media joins Jim to break down what’s to come, and how optimistic (if at all) Washington Wizards fans should be about the upcoming season.
Biden’s energy plan should include nuclear energy, say some
While debate continues as to what President Biden’s final social spending proposal will look like, green energy is set to be a key component. Young Voices contributor Kat Dwyer tells Jim Lokay that she believes the reliance on renewable energy may not be 100% sustainable. She joined Jim on The Final 5 to break it down.
U.S. needs to re-evaluate North Korea policy after missile launch
As North Korea sets off another missile launch, the Biden administration’s approach to the regime has been decidedly different than former President Trump’s handling. Jessica Lee of the Quincy Institute joins Jim on The Final 5 to take a look at how it could be more effective.
Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook on Colin Powell’s life and legacy
As the country mourns the passing of former Secretary of State and ex-Joint Chiefs Chairman General Colin Powell, tributes are pouring in from those who knew him closely. Former Obama-era Ambassador for International Religious Freedom Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook knew Powell from their respective times in the White House, and also as fellow Bronx natives. As she told Jim Lokay on The Final 5, “Sometimes the man was made for the occasion, sometimes the occasion was made for the man. He was one that both happened.”
2022 DC Mayor’s Race shaping up
While D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser hasn’t said if she’ll run for a third term in 2022, the campaign against her got underway today. Two D.C. Councilmembers, Robert White and Trayon White, both announced they’ll run for mayor next year. Political commentator Melik Abdul joined Jim to weigh in on what the issues could be, what challenges they face, and whether he thinks Bowser will run again.
Gruden resigns, but is it the tip of the iceberg for WFT?
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden’s resignation is shining new light on the Washington Football Team. An investigation into the team’s culture unearthed Gruden’s controversial emails to former WFT team executive Bruce Allen, but the glacial pace of the probe may spell future problems for the team. Sports attorney, New York Law School professor, and host of the Conduct Detrimental Sports Law Podcast Dan Lust joined Jim on The Final 5 to break it all down.
How do we solve the border crisis?
General Counsel for the Alliance of Free Citizens Kris Kobach talks to FOX 5’s Jim Lokay about the border crisis.