Biden’s big budget bet
As President Biden rolls out a massive $6 trillion budget proposal, fiscal hawks are expressing concern about the deficit it could leave behind. Kat Dwyer from Young Voices joins Jim on The Final 5 to look at the early numbers, and how concerns about the deficit now compare to former President Trump’s tax cut plan, which also paved the way for massive deficits.
Book uncovers the Secret Washington DC
As tourists and school groups flock back to Washington, D.C., they’ll be visiting the landmarks and familiar places everyone associates with the nation’s capital. But author JoAnn Hill says there’s a secret Washington D.C. that even residents can discover. She joined Jim on The Final 5 to talk about her book, Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, as they exchange some of their favorite sights off the beaten path.
Progress and setbacks on the anniversary of the killing of George Floyd
As George Floyd’s family visited D.C. to continue lobbying federal leaders for action, a year after his death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, many are reflecting on the national conversation of race and policing. Dr. Jason Nichols, senior lecturer of African-American Studies at the University of Maryland, joined Jim on The Final 5 to talk about progress and setbacks, and what work still needs to be done.
January 6 Commission has a slim chances in Senate
As the Senate prepares to take up the House’s recently-passed bill to create a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 Capitol riots, its chances of passing the evenly-split chamber seem to be nil. Business Insider’s senior Washington correspondent Dave Levinthal joins Jim on The Final 5 to talk about the political maneuvering underway, the Republicans that could side with Democrats, and the potential for last-minute surprises among the Senate.
Glenn Youngkin on the VA Governor Race
The last time a Republican won the Virginia governorship, then-President Obama was a year into his first time, and national sentiment had shifted away from Democrats. Now, newly-minted Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin will try to repeat history. On The Final 5, he told Jim Lokay he believes he has an edge in the campaign so far, because Democrats have yet to nominate their candidate. The former CEO of the Carlyle Group, won the nomination after a contentious convention process that state Republicans opted for over a primary. Now, with his former rivals coalescing behind his campaign, Democrats are turning their sights on Youngkin.
Plans for fulltime National Guard presence at Capitol draw opposition
While National Guard members stationed at the Capitol since the Jan. 6 riots are finally set to see their mission wrap up on May 23, there are calls to keep a full-time Guard presence at the Capitol in the event of future violence. Steve Beynon from Military.com joins Jim to explain where the idea came from, how it could be implemented, and why its drawing some fierce opposition.
What will it take to bring back workers post pandemic
With many businesses claiming enhanced unemployment benefits are incentivizing people to stay at home rather than fill jobs, how can employers change the tide. Quincy McKnight, CEO of Covenant Pay Partners and a Republican candidate for Congress from Tennessee, joins Jim on The Final 5 to discuss what will be next.
How U.S.-Israel relationship has evolved
As military attacks between Israel and Hamas forces in Gaza intensify, the Biden administration continues to face intense political pressure on all sides. Kelley Vlahos from the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft joined Jim on The Final 5 to take a look at what’s changed through the years, what has stayed the same, and the forces calling for a chance in the approach to the relationship with one of America’s most steadfast allies.
SCOTUS agrees to take up Roe v Wade challenge
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in a Mississippi case that could result in the overturning of the landmark Roe v Wade decision. Katie Barlow from SCOTUSBlog joins Jim to talk about why this is the case abortion opponents have been waiting for, plus other controversies surrounding the high court.
Biden pressured to intervene in Middle East conflict
As rockets dot the skies over Gaza while Israelis and Palestinians continue to clash, calls are growing louder for President Biden to step in and mediate the situation. Mark Perry from the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft joined Jim on The Final 5 to look at the complicated involvement of the U.S. in Middle East affairs, and where the President may be able to make an impact.
The man of many voices after Trump
John Di Domenico is a man of many voices, but he’s perhaps best known for his imitation of former President Donald Trump. Tonight on The Final 5, Di Domenico talks about the impression that earned him a regular gig.
Former GOP Representative Inglis on GOP Cheney Rift
As House Republicans gear up for a vote on whether to oust Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) from leadership as punishment for her condemnation of former President Trump, reaction has been swift from both sides. Former Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC) joined Jim on The Final 5 to talk about the optics of a public leadership battle, and where he believes his fellow Republicans should put their focus moving forward.
Colonial Pipeline hack underscores need for more security
As a massive cyberattack plagues one of the nation’s most important pipelines, there are fresh concerns about cybersecurity and how to protect American infrastructure. Jamil Jaffer from the National Security Institute at George Mason joined Jim to discuss what should be done to prevent this from happening again.
McAuliffe weighs in as GOP makes moves in Virginia governor race
In a weekend convention, Virginia Republicans chose former Carlyle Group CEO Glenn Youngkin as their nominee for Governor. Meanwhile, the 5 Democrats in the race continue to crisscross the commonwealth as early voting gets underway ahead of the June 8th primary. Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who’s seeking his old job back, joined Jim on The Final 5 to talk about what’s changed since his last run, and how he’s working to convince undecided voters, even as polls show him with a large lead in the Democratic race.
New podcast merges pot with pop culture and history
The public perception of marijuana use has changed drastically over the last two decades, as more states have embraced legalization, both medical and recreational. Now, comedian Alex Gettlin hosts a new podcast called 'Highly Unlikely,' and he explained his motivation for it with Jim on The Final 5.
Apple app store goes on trial
Apple is making headlines right now for a trial over its app store – and it all stems from the popular game Fortnite. But does the game studio have a case. James Czerniawski of Young Voices joins Jim on the Final 5 to break it all down.
John Cox leading poll in California Recall
While polls show California voters are not yet ready to make the call on whether to oust Gov. Gavin Newsom, a new poll puts businessman and 2018 GOP nominee John Cox in the lead. He joins Jim on The Final 5 to talk about the race, the celebrity factor, and why he decided to bring in a bear to launch his campaign.
The complicated relationship between Facebook and Trump
While an independent oversight board decided that Facebook’s temporary ban of former President Donald Trump was appropriate, it kept the door open to revisit the decision later this year. Politicians are railing against big tech - and some are questioning whether these corporations have too much power. Jim talks about it with Will Rinehart, senior fellow at the Center for Growth and Opportunity on The Final 5
Chauvin wants a new trial in death of George Floyd
Just weeks after his conviction on murder charges in the death of George Floyd, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s defense filed motions seeking a new trial. Criminal defense attorney Brian E. Watkins joined Jim on The Final 5 to take a look at the case, how new developments on the jury may change things, and if Chauvin stands a chance.
Trump influence still strong within GOP
The Republican Party refashioned itself as The Party of Trump after initially resisting then-candidate Trump in 2016. Now, even as the former President, allegiance to Trump is becoming a must within the party. Princeton University scholar Dr. Lauren Wright joined Jim on The Final 5 to break down what this could mean for the future of the party.