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.

A sixth officer in the Tyre Nichols case has been received of duty. We examine this officer’s role in the death of Tyre Nichols and what his body camera shows. Plus, new calls for calm in the Middle East as America’s top diplomat visits the region amid an outbreak of violence in Israel and Palestine.
Jan 30, 2023
Tyre Nichols’ mother calls for justice ahead of the release of the video which is being described as horrific and even sickening. This hour, what the public can expect and what the Nichols’ parents call the most telling part. Plus, a consequential vote for RNC chair is setting the tone for the future of the Republican Party. Also, at least 7 people have been killed in shooting at a Jerusalem synagogue. Israeli officials have described the event as a terrorist attack.
Jan 27, 2023
Tyre Nichols is the latest high-profile case of police brutality to result in murder charges. Five former officers have now been indicted. The victim’s family says he was beaten like a human piñata. Also, the first witness has been called to testify in the murder trial for Alex Murdaugh who is accused of killing his wife and son. Plus, democratic Congressman Adam Schiff is running in what’s shaping up to be a contested Senate race.
Jan 26, 2023
There is no new episode of The Lead showcast. If you haven’t already, please check out CNN’s other podcasts and showcasts at cnn.com/audio.
Jan 25, 2023
A lawyer for Mike Pence found approximately a dozen classified documents at the former VP's Indiana home, according to CNN sources. Will the DOJ have to appoint yet another special counsel to investigate? Plus: California suffers three mass shootings in as many days. The latest is a case of workplace violence. And: Sources tell CNN the US is now ready to send its Abrams tanks to Ukraine as Germany also softens its opposition. What changed?
Jan 24, 2023
36 mass shootings already in 2023 in the United States and we are not even a full month into the year. 11 victims are now dead in the latest update from the hospital from the massacre in Monterey Park, California. Plus, a high ranking FBI official is now in federal custody and is facing money laundering charges as well as questions about his connections to a sanctioned Russian billionaire.
Jan 23, 2023
The U.S. tries to push Germany to give some Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine while holding back the American-made Abrams model. Plus, a new investigation has opened in New Mexico into a Republican candidate’s campaign possibly being laced with money from fentanyl sales just days after the candidate's arrest in which he was accused of plotting to shoot the homes of his democratic rivals. Also, Erin Brockovich joins to discuss taking on cases of water contamination at a Marine Corps bases.
Jan 21, 2023
The fight over the debt ceiling could cause a global economic crisis including higher mortgage and credit card payments, 401(k) declines, delayed payments for veterans, delayed Social Security, and more. Plus, actor Alec Baldwin is going to be charged with involuntary manslaughter in the tragic deadly shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Also, the U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is in Germany trying to get top officials in Germany to send talks to Ukraine.
Jan 20, 2023
A helicopter crashes outside of a kindergarten in the suburbs of Kyiv and a Ukrainian cabinet minister and a child are among the 14 killed. What caused this tragedy? Plus, Rep. Nancy Mace of the House Oversight Committee joins to discuss the differences in the classified documents investigations of Biden and his predecessor. As well, Rep. Mace answers why she believes the GOP approach to abortion is incautious.
Jan 19, 2023
One city, four homes, each one shot at. Police say a candidate who lost his election in New Mexico tried to have his rival office holders killed. Plus, House Republicans are ready to investigate presidential son Hunter and presidential brothers James and Frank Biden for trying to use their access to the now president to make money. Also, Ukrainian troops arrive in Oklahoma for training on the Patriot missile defense system.
Jan 17, 2023