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Published by CNN Podcasts
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.
On the charts
Every published chart this podcast appears in, in the snapshot behind this page. Each one links to the chart it came off.
From the feed
The latest episodes published to this podcast’s own RSS feed. Titles and descriptions are the publisher’s.
CNN has learned that Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis privately met with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche this afternoon as his nomination for the permanent attorney general job hangs in the balance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A new CNN poll shows President Trump is under water on inflation, Iran, the economy, and even his job performance. Plus, a CNN special report on what is fueling harassment, intimidation, and attacks on Christians in Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It’s been five months since the start of Trump’s war with Iran. This as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House today. Plus, the Senate votes on President Trump’s pick to lead the US intelligence community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
President Trump today asked the Supreme Court to allow his administration to implement an executive order aimed at curbing mail-in voting. Plus, wildfires spread out of control across multiple countries in Europe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Two preventable outbreaks spread and infect thousands of Americans. Measles cases in the United States just reached a 35-year high just as the massive cyclosporiasis outbreak is linked to four more states. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A brand new tariff rollout happens at the White House after the US Supreme Court kicked their old plan to the curb. Plus, the Iran war widens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A CNN exclusive on the Renee Good and Alex Pretti killings, a look into what happened behind the scenes, how lying about violence committed by federal agents became standard, and more. Plus, CNN is tracking Tropical Storm Bertha which made landfall hours ago in Louisiana. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A fiery hearing wraps up on Capitol Hill where lawmakers had tough questions for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine as they seek additional funding for the Iran war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A new warning from the president after the first U.S. death since the early days of the Iran war. A look at what could come next as the United States pumps more American ships into a combat zone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Trump administration pushes new narratives about election security, alleged foreign interference, and what could happen if states don’t use Trump’s way to secure your vote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A new update from the White House about Trump’s address tonight. Plus, many Epstein survivors finally got to meet with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Two men audition for permanent top level roles in the Trump administration. Could enough wavering Republicans deny the nominations? Plus, the mayor of Philadelphia accuses the Trump administration of trying to erase history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
No more traffic stops with ICE for now after agents shot and killed an unarmed man in Houston last week and now another one in Maine this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Another fatal shooting involving ICE agents occurred today in Maine. The shooting comes just days after an ICE agent fatally shot a Mexican immigrant during a traffic stop in Houston. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
New questions about what really happened in the moments before ICE agents killed a Mexican national in Texas, and now local officials are calling for a formal investigation into the death. President Trump is again today declaring the ceasefire with Iran over, but images exclusively obtained by CNN show that Iran may have used the break in fighting to rebuild and fortify some of its nuclear sites. So what does that mean for the war? Plus, a famous actress and comedian and talk show host continuing to draw Donald Trump's ire even after she moved out of the country. And now Rosie O'Donnell is back in the United States and talking with The Lead. All that and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tensions escalate as the US-Iran border heats up. Get the latest updates on this volatile situation, featuring exclusive insights and on-ground reporting from the heart of the conflict. Also, the political landscape in Maine is heating up. As Graham Platner exits the race amidst serious allegations, Maine Democrats face a race against time to find a new contender. Dive into the drama and what's next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The United States military is again striking Iran as the remains of the ceasefire appear to be crumbling. US Central Command is saying these strikes were at the direction of President Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Two women speak with CNN to allege violent experiences with Maine’s Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner. Planter denies the allegations and shows no signs of heeding calls from Democrats to step down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
President Trump gets FIFA to reverse a decision that banned a player from team USA, igniting questions about integrity of the tournament. Plus, new disturbing claims about Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Cancelled parades, delayed fireworks, and even the Great American State Fair put on hold all because of dangerous heat not letting up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 20, 2026.
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