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12 PM ET: ‘New era’ of Israel's war, nuclear fusion race, Trump's $2B decision & more
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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.

Lebanon: Second Strike On Hezbollah Kills 14, Injures 450 The Lead with Jake Tapper
A second straight day of explosions hit Lebanon, apparently targeting members of Hezbollah. Yesterday it was their pagers that blew up and today it was their walkie-talkies. Plus, markets are closing on the heels of the highly anticipated decision by the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in the United States by a half point.
Sep 19, 2024
Sean “Diddy” Combs Charged With Sex Trafficking, Racketeering The Lead with Jake Tapper
Once a celebrated hip-hop mogul, now a criminal defendant. Sean “Diddy” Combs is charged in a sweeping federal sex crimes case and is accused of sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, and even arson. Plus, nine people are reportedly killed and nearly 3,000 people are injured when pagers exploded in Lebanon.
Sep 18, 2024
Trump Defends Association With Conspiracy Theorist The Lead with Jake Tapper
From his close ties to a far-right firebrand to his repeated racist debunked conspiracy theories about migrants, Donald Trump was pressed on it all. But, his responses won’t likely silence his critics. Plus, the Pope weighs in on the presidential election, sharing his opinion on both Trump and Harris. Also, CNN’s rare interview with Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Sep 14, 2024
Harris, Trump Campaign In Battlegrounds After Debate The Lead with Jake Tapper
Donald Trump says there will be no second debate but that’s not what Kamala Harris just said. This as Harris is in battleground North Carolina right now trying to pull ahead in the close race. Plus, a split in the Republican Party spills into the public view with people close to Trump worrying about his close connection with a controversial right-wing activist.
Sep 13, 2024
Looking Ahead: Will Taylor Swift’s Endorsement Help Harris? The Lead with Jake Tapper
Will there be a debate rematch? The attack lines landed but there is quite a bit that voters did not hear last night as both candidates leave questions unanswered. We run down the list. Senator Bernie Sanders joins for reaction as well as longtime Democratic congressman Rep. Jim Clyburn.
Sep 12, 2024
Debate Night in America: Harris - Trump Pre-Show Part 2 The Lead with Jake Tapper
It is a momentous night for America as we await for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump meet face-to-face and debate. This will be the first time a sitting vice president and former president will go head-to-head in a presidential debate. Our political team breaks down the strategies and stakes for each campaign.
Sep 11, 2024
Debate Night in America: Harris - Trump Pre-Show Part 1 The Lead with Jake Tapper
It is a momentous night for America as we await for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump to meet face-to-face and debate. This will be the first time a sitting vice president and former president will go head-to-head in a presidential debate. Our political team breaks down the strategies and stakes for each campaign.
Sep 11, 2024
Trump In 2028: I Have The “Absolute Right” To Pardon Myself The Lead with Jake Tapper
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are preparing for tomorrow’s high-stakes debate in very different ways — Harris is calling on two people who have debated Trump in the past while Trump himself is getting ready for a public appearance today. In yet another investigation of the tragic withdrawal of Afghanistan, is it a coincidence that the committee report is coming out right before the debate?
Sep 10, 2024
Judge Delays Trump’s Hush Money Sentencing Until After Election The Lead with Jake Tapper
Donald Trump will not be sentenced in his New York criminal case until after the election. Plus, today’s striking scene in Georgia as the 14-year-old suspect appears in court after this week’s high school killings. We look at why even more charges could be coming. Also, a 26-year-old American woman was shot and killed in the West Bank by the Israel Defense Forces according to witnesses.
Sep 7, 2024
Judge Chutkan Says She Is Not Considering “Electoral Schedule” The Lead with Jake Tapper
A dramatic day in court as Donald Trump tries to get the federal election interference case thrown out. Plus, a different election interference case involves prominent right-wing social media figures alleged by the Justice Department to be used by the Kremlin to influence American votes.
Sep 6, 2024
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