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.

The latest on the war with Iran. How stranded Americans can get out of the Middle East. As Trump pushes ahead in Iran, MAGA backlash grows. Homeland Secretary Noem defends Minneapolis ICE actions in combative Senate hearing. Voters in AR, NC and TX kick off high-stakes Midterm primaries. Plus, what we learned from the Clinton deposition videos and more.
Mar 4, 2026
As the United States continues to carry out strikes against Iran, the war appears to be expanding with the United Kingdom confirming that its base in Cyprus was hit.
Mar 3, 2026
Former President Bill Clinton sat for a closed door deposition with the House Oversight Committee in regard to the panel’s investigation into dead pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The former president today said he only had a brief acquaintance with Epstein that ended years before his crimes came to light.
Feb 28, 2026
The two leaked photos that broke the rules. A Republican congresswoman snapped images during the closed door deposition of Hillary Clinton. Plus, a look at the Pentagon’s ultimatum for the AI company Anthropic.
Feb 27, 2026
More botched redactions, a high-profile name stepping back from his job, and depositions with the Clintons set to begin tomorrow. A look at the continuing steady stream of fallout from the release of the Epstein files.
Feb 26, 2026
President Trump heads to the Capitol for his State of the Union address where he is expected to speak on his plans for the economy and for Iran. Plus, an emotional plea in the search for Nancy Guthrie.
Feb 25, 2026
Tens of millions of Americans are under storm warnings with some towns getting more than 30 inches of snow. Plus, United States citizens are urged to shelter in place in Mexico after the killing of a cartel kingpin led to widespread violence.
Feb 24, 2026
One day after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, police in the United Kingdom say the search of his former home will likely continue until Monday. Plus, the Supreme Court deals a major blow to Trump’s economic agenda.
Feb 21, 2026
New images of former Prince Andrew appear to show him duck from cameras. The journalist who conducted the damning 2019 interview with Andrew about his alleged ties with dead pedophile Jeffrey Epstein joins. Plus, more revelations in the Epstein files this time entangling two Harvard University researchers.
Feb 20, 2026
Les Wexner, the billionaire behind Victoria’s Secret, once named as a secondary unindicted co-conspirator in the Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case with notes that there was limited evidence of his involvement, testified today in a congressional deposition.
Feb 19, 2026






