Reaction to landmark SCOTUS ruling on LGBTQ equality

Millions of Americans woke up Monday to a surprising 6-3 Supreme Court ruling that protected sexual orientation and gender identity when it comes to employment discrimination. Writer and LGBTQ advocate Charlotte Clymer joined Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to talk about the ruling and the potential political ramifications.

CHAZ, Seattle, and a place for us

As protesters stake their claim to a four-block area of downtown Seattle, creating what they are calling the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, or CHAZ, what would life look like if Jim Lokay or Tim Young had their own autonomous zone? They broke down the week’s events and talked about their own dream zone on The Final 5.

Looming changes on immigration could have profound impact on students, work visas

The Trump administration is said to be considering major changes to immigration programs, including work visas, resulting in thousands finding themselves unable to work. Daniel DiMartino from Young Voices, who’s met with President Trump on immigration issues in the past, may find himself affected by those changes. He joined Jim on The Final 5 to explain why he believes it could have an unexpected impact on the economy.

Riots and protests draw similarities, differences to 60s

Recent demonstrations over the police-involved death of George Floyd have, in some cases, turned into violent riots and episodes of looting. While that’s the exception, not the rule, there are some interesting parallels between episodes of civil unrest following other seminal moments in U.S. History. Jonathan Bean, is a research fellow at the Independent Institute and professor of history at Southern Illinois University, and the editor of "Race & Liberty in America: The Essential Reader." He joined Jim Lokay on The Final 5. LINK: https://fxn.ws/2UC7SLb

Trump admin looking at its “law and order” approach for policing

As lawmakers look at ways to reform police procedures across the country, there’s been a change in how the federal government deals with reports of systemic abuse. Jess Bidgood co-wrote a piece about the new approach for the Boston Globe. She joined Jim on The Final 5 to break it down and what it means for cities like Baltimore. MORE: https://bit.ly/2XSzQVe

How should POTUS address race relations, NFL protests?

As national demonstrations continue after the police-involved death of George Floyd, there’s increasing pressure on the White House to deliver a national address on racial reconciliation and unity. Former NFL player Jack Brewer, CEO of the Brewer Group, joined Jim on The Final 5 to talk about what he’d like to see Americans discuss, and how the renewed threat of anthem protests in the NFL is re-igniting a key issue the President has campaign upon.

Learning from the George Floyd protests

The national conversation over the death of George Floyd has led to passionate protests, many peaceful, some of which have led to violence. Still, there are lessons to be learned through respectful conversation. University of Maryland senior lecturer Dr. Jason Nichols and Washington Examiner’s Siraj Hashmi, who co-host the podcast “The Balance,” join Jim on The Final 5 to break it all down. MORE ON THE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-balance/id1513059563

Checking in on Minneapolis with Tim Young

As protests continue over the killing of George Floyd, and violence rages across the country, Jim Lokay checks in with FOX 5 contributor Tim Young in Minneapolis for a frank conversation about race, police brutality, and media coverage of a case that has gripped the nation.

Houses of faith need to fully reopen, say religious leaders

As the country begins to reopen after the series of shutdowns and closures across the country brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, some houses of worship remain closed. Father Robert Sirico from the Acton Institute joined Jim on The Final 5 to explain why he believes churches, synagogues, mosques, and houses of worship should always be considered essential.

Maryland and DC gear up for first mail-in primaries

After delaying primaries due to the pandemic, both Maryland and D.C. voters will head to the polls next Tuesday in the first-ever round of widespread mail-in balloting. Washington Monthly digital editor Eric Cortellessa joined The Final 5 to explain lessons learned from other mail-in elections, and whether concerns over their viability will come into play.

As 2020 race gears up, Biden and Trump’s campaign plans differ

Memorial Day usually signifies the unofficial run-up to the general election, but the pandemic has kept President Trump to White House events and his likely rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, campaigning from home. As that begins to slowly evolve, the attention also turns to some key Congressional races. Political strategist Dave Brown joined Jim on The Final 5 to look at some of the numbers.

President draws fire for Scarborough tweets

President Trump drew the ire of familiar critics as he renewed his attacks on MSNBC host Joe Scarborough after the death of a legislative aide back in 2001 when he was a Florida congressman. But as he claims Scarborough was complicit in her death, a charge the official autopsy report debunked, many people who usually support the President have come out to challenge him. Washington Examiner columnist Brad Polumbo joined Jim on The Final 5 to explain.

Reflections on Memorial Day

On a Memorial Day unlike any other, it is time to reflect on our nation’s fallen heroes and how we can properly honor them for years to come. Army combat vet and Bronze Star recipient Cody Mills joined Jim on The Final 5 to talk about the honor of serving his country and how we can pay it forward.

Politics at home with Tracy and Kelly

With the 2020 presidential election season underway, we’re already in a campaign cycle unlike any other. President Trump is relying on White House photo ops to get out of D.C., while former Vice President and presumptive Democratic candidate Joe Biden is running his campaign from home. Political analysts Tracy Dietz and Kelly Gibson join Jim to break down what it’s like to work from home, and toast his 40th birthday on The Final 5.

When will Montgomery County re-open?

Even though Maryland’s stay at home orders ended last week, some counties remain in a lockdown situation. That includes Montgomery County, where the thriving bar and restaurant scene has ground to a halt. Alex Tsironis from MoCoShow.com joined Jim on The Fina l5 to talk about what the next steps should be.

Dr. Fauci goes before Senate while economic concerns continue

As the nation’s top infectious diseases expert testifies before a Senate committee, experts are looking at ways to balance the public’s health with concerns over how to best re-open the economy. Dr. Joel Zinberg, a medical doctor and lawyer, as well as senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, joined Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to explain what's been going right, how lawmakers can make the right decisions, and whether the President is getting the best advice on re-opening America.

Candidates must craft plans to attract votes, trust of black voters

President Trump boasts that criminal justice reform and low unemployment numbers should bolster his case with black voters. Former Vice President Joe Biden relied on large turnout among black voters to capacity himself to the Democratic nomination. But that’s not enough, according to University of Maryland senior lecturer Dr. Jason Nichols, who joined Jim on The Final 5 to talk about how candidates should approach 2020.

As sales peak, gun restrictions come under fire during pandemic

Gun and ammunition sales are hitting records during the pandemic, even as states attempt to taper back sales. Matt Larosiere, senior contributor at Young Voices and director of legal policy at the Firearm Policy Coalition, joined Jim on The Final 5 to look at the numbers and break down the trends.