showcast
The Lead with Jake Tapper
CNN's lead DC anchor and chief Washington correspondent, Jake Tapper, hosts this two-hour long weekday afternoon program, with headlines from around the country and the world, the top stories in national and international news, politics, health, money, the environment, sports and popular culture. The Lead also concentrates on bringing stories that aren't found on front pages—buried leads—to the forefront.

There is just one day left until Title 42, the Trump-era pandemic policy, expires. Introduced by Trump and adopted by Biden, the policy allows border officials to expel nearly all migrants without giving them a chance to seek asylum. Then, Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) George Santos pleads not guilty to 13 federal charges, including fraud and money laundering. Also, Republicans flag what they call shady deals as they lay out their case against President Biden’s family. Is there evidence behind these allegations?
May 10, 2023
A jury in New York has found Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The jury awarded the former magazine columnist nearly $5 million in damages to be paid by Mr. Trump. CNN’s Chief Legal Analyst Laura Coates joins to break down the unprecedented trial. Plus, Rep. George Santos has been charged by the Justice Department according to sources familiar with the matter.
May 9, 2023
The gunman behind the Texas mall massacre had been removed from the U.S. military for mental health issues as we learn more about the gunman’s extremist background. Plus, just in time for summer travel, a new proposed rule would give you a refund if you’re bumped from your next flight. Also, Russian air strikes blanket Ukraine as the war-torn country prepares for a spring offensive.
May 8, 2023
Rather interesting comments are revealed today from the former president of the United States as the world finally gets to see what Mr. Trump had to say about E. Jean Carroll’s rape allegations. Plus, the Russian mercenary Wagner Group says they will leave the war-torn city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily halts the execution date of Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip.
May 5, 2023
Four Proud Boys were convicted of seditious conspiracy for their roles in the January 6th insurrection making this the third time federal prosecutors have successfully gotten guilty verdict on these serious charges. Plus, a homeless man was held in a deadly chokehold by a stranger in New York subway car. Why this incident sparked a homicide investigation and important conversations about mental health and vigilantism. Also, a fight gets underway to overturn an abortion ban in one state, a ban dating back to 1849.
May 4, 2023
At least one person is dead and at least four others were injured, three critically, after a shooting in Atlanta. All the victims were female, the police said. According to law enforcement, the shooting happened after a man, who was accompanied by his mother, became enraged during a visit to a Midtown medical facility and opened fire. The suspect, Deion Patterson, is still at large. Also, former secretary of defense and former CIA director Leon Panetta joins to discuss Russian allegations that Ukraine attempted to assassinate Putin.
May 3, 2023
A border surge is expected as a key immigration policy is set to expire. Now, the Biden administration is deploying even more American troops to the U.S. Mexico border. CNN is on the ground there as some border towns declare state of emergency. Plus, some are warning of a recession and major job losses if Congress and the White House cannot strike a debt deal soon. Also, Jake speaks with artificial intelligence pioneer Geoffrey Hinton about the looming dangers of artificial intelligence.
May 2, 2023
The man who was previously deported four times killed his neighbors execution style after they complained about noise from his Friday night gunfire. Now agents on the border are being told to be on alert as authorities admit they have no idea where he is. Plus, E. Jean Carroll is back on the stand under aggressive cross-examination from Trump’s attorneys. Also, the second largest bank collapse in U.S. history. First Republic Bank has been taken over by JP Morgan Chase. Are more banks in jeopardy of going down and how secure is the U.S. economy?
May 1, 2023
Attempts to restrict abortions in two separate states were shut down. We speak with a group of women who pulled off a legislative maneuver to stop one ban from moving forward. Plus, a new wave of Russian attacks across Ukraine including an apartment building hit by a missile. Also, as more people turn to weight loss drugs, its taking a toll on household names in the weight loss industry.
Apr 28, 2023
The member of the Air National Guard who is accused of stealing and sharing classified documents appears in court and the government says he has a history of threatening to kill people. Plus, dozens of Americans are trapped in Sudan, begging the U.S. government to help get them out. Why do U.S. officials say they can’t help even though other countries are carrying out evacuations? Also, Brittney Griner holds her first news conference since her release from a Russian prison.
Apr 27, 2023