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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.

Of the 50 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza, the proposal calls for the release of 10 living hostages and 18 deceased during the ceasefire. On the first day of the ceasefire, Hamas would release eight living hostages in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Following the release, Israel would withdraw from parts of northern Gaza, and the two sides would begin negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire.
Jul 4, 2025
After hours of debate and last minute deals, House Republicans pass their massive agenda bill. What did GOP leaders promise holdouts to get this across the finish line? Plus, a report on the intersection between artificial intelligence and reality.
Jul 4, 2025
Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music mogul, will remain behind bars until his sentencing, a judge ruled today. This after a jury found Combs not guilty on the three most serious charges against him. The jury did convict Combs on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Jul 3, 2025
A partial verdict is reached as jurors are in agreement in four of the five charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Both the defense and the prosecution tell the judge they want the jury to continue to deliberate on that charge.
Jul 2, 2025
We are closely following Capitol Hill where Senate Republicans are trying to make various deals in order to get Trump’s domestic policy bill past the finish line. Plus, is there truly a deal to save TikTok in the United States?
Jul 1, 2025
In a major win for President Trump, the Supreme Court limits the power of lower courts to block Trump’s agenda. That wasn’t the only controversial decision made by the court today. Plus, Senate Republicans say they will vote on Trump’s massive policy bill in the next 24 hours.
Jun 28, 2025
CNN has new reprint on efforts to bring Iran to the negotiating table for nuclear talks. Plus, Republicans are forced to go back to the drawing board, to a degree, on Trump’s agenda bill.
Jun 27, 2025
President Trump continues to insist the United States destroyed Iran’s nuclear sites. Also, President Trump attacks journalists, and singled out CNN, for reporting the news. Plus, Democratic socialist Zohran Mamadani is poised to win the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor. The formal outcome won’t be known until at least July 1, when New York City releases the initial ranked-choice results.
Jun 26, 2025
According to an early US intelligence assessment, the United States strikes on Iran did not destroy their nuclear sites. Instead, only setting back their program by months. The White House is strongly pushing back tonight. What does this all mean for the next steps in the region?
Jun 25, 2025
President Trump has just weighed in on Truth Social regarding Iran’s attempted retaliation for the U.S. strike on its nuclear facilities this weekend. The Israeli military has issued a new evacuation warning for Tehran. Plus, oil prices have dropped and stocks have risen following Iran’s intercepted strike on a U.S. base.
Jun 24, 2025