Trump claims Biden probe just about rooting out corruption, but cannot name any other corruption probes he's ordered; Trump claims he's investigating corruption, not his rivals; Sources: Trump promised China's president he'd be silent on Hong Kong democracy protests while trade talks continued; House Dems ask VP Pence to turn over Ukraine docs; Trump can't name a corruption investigation he's requested that isn't about a political rival; Sources: Intel IG gave committee documents showing efforts to corroborate whistleblower complaint; WSJ: GOP Sen. learned of potential quid pro quo from U.S. Amb., Trump denies in a phone call with Senator; Trump insists text messages reveal no quid pro quo in Ukraine dealings; Volker: Trump said "corrupt" Ukraine "tried to take me down"; Text messages show how Trump admin tried to pressure Ukraine to investigate Biden; Ukraine to probe owner of company linked to Biden's son;

Trump claims he's investigating corruption, not his rivals; Damning text messages detail Trump admin pressure on Ukraine; Sources: Intel IG gave committee docs showing efforts to corroborate whistlebl

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.

News

Protests are underway across United States colleges and universities after weeks of tension over the Israel-Hamas war. Our reporters report live from campuses where protests continue. House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks at Columbia University amid the protests. 
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Tense Protests Rock major U.S. Colleges Over Israel-Hamas War

Former tabloid publisher David Pecker is under oath and on the record revealing just how far Donald Trump went allegedly to protect his 2016 presidential campaign. But, when it comes to whether Trump committed a felony in the process, how damaging was today’s testimony? Plus, what Pecker said went down in the room in the infamous meeting in August of 2015 that could hurt Donald Trump’s case nearly nine years later. 
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Pecker: Trump, Cohen asked me how I could “help the campaign”

The prosecution and defense sparred in opening statements during Donald Trump's hush money scheme. Did Trump violate a gag order? Crisis on college campuses; are Jewish students safe at School? Calls increase for Columbia University's President to resign over handling of antisemitism. Plus, the Supreme Court is set to decide if cities can punish people who are homeless, and a U.S. animation studio's work has been found on a North Korean server.
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The First Witness Takes the Stand in Trump Hush Money Case

A horrific scene outside of Trump’s New York City courthouse after a man lit himself on fire while inside the courthouse there was a major development in the hush money trial. How long can the prosecution hold out and keep its witness list outside of the hands of Donald Trump and his defense team? Also, in an extraordinary move, some 165 House Democrats came to the aid of Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, drawing the ire of hard-line Republicans. 
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Full jury panel selected for Trump trial

The shocking actions that leads to two jurors in the Trump hush money case suddenly being dismissed in an unusual occurrence. Plus, name calling and fresh threats for House Speaker Mike Johnson by hard-right Republicans demanding he keep his hands off the rule which, as of now, allows just one member of Congress to force a vote to remove him as speaker. 
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Trump claims he's investigating corruption, not his rivals; Damning text messages detail Trump admin pressure on Ukraine; Sources: Intel IG gave committee docs showing efforts to corroborate whistlebl

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