The Lead with Jake Tapper

We have new information about the armed kidnapping of four Americans in Mexico after two were found dead and two survived. We have a live report on how the four friends from South Carolina were apparently mistaken for drug smugglers. Plus, Sen. Dan Sullivan of the Armed Services Committee joins to discuss China’s new foreign minister warning of conflict with the U.S. and defending China's ties to Russia.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Washington D.C. Council is attempting to withdraw a criminal justice bill which is headed for likely failure in the Senate. D.C. Council member Janeese Lewis George joins to discuss the D.C. Home Rule Act and reforming Washington D.C.’s criminal code. Plus, four Americans have been kidnapped in Mexico and now an international rescue effort has been launched to find them. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. deploys another $400 million in military aid to Ukraine ahead of a likely Russian spring offensive. Can President Biden secure even more as Russians encircle the strategic town of Bakhmut? Plus, from prominent attorney to convict, the swift prison sentence for Alex Murdaugh after a jury took only a few hours to find him guilty of killing his wife and son. Also, Tennessee becomes the first in the nation to put new restrictions on drag performances. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer joins to discuss Rupert Murdoch’s admission that Fox News hosts endorsed false stolen election claims. Plus, a plot to kill is foiled in Michigan as authorities arrest a man they say wanted to kill Jewish lawmakers. Also, after six weeks of testimony and more than 70 witnesses, the jury begins deliberation in the double murder trial for Alex Murdaugh.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attorney General Merrick Garland was grilled on Capitol Hill today on a range of topics including classified documents, abortion, fentanyl, and rising crime. Also, a private plane came 565 feet from a JetBlue flight loaded with passengers at Boston Logan. Are these frightening encounters happening more often or just being reported more often? Plus, a deadly disease once thought to be eradicated is being passed from mother to child at alarming rates.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Top Fox executive Rupert Murdoch under oath admitted election lies peddled on his network were simply a business decision saying “it is not red or blue, it is green.” What else did Murdoch admit? Plus, the fate of Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan rests with the Supreme Court. Also, Rep. Mike Gallagher and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi join to discuss decoupling China’s economy with the United States’ economy.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. Department of Energy concludes with “low confidence” that the origins of Covid-19 likely leaked from a lab in Wuhan, China. Plus, in East Palestine, Ohio, a new technique to track contaminated water amid growing concern from other cities who are taking in truckloads of contaminated soil. Also, Rupert Murdoch, the chairman of Fox Corporation, acknowledged in a deposition that some Fox News hosts endorsed false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Disgraced former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, who is on trail for the deaths of his wife and son, testified today in his own defense. Plus, the National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary report on the train derailment in Ohio which caused toxic chemicals to spill into the area. The report said the event was “100% preventable” leaving questions about what solutions could have been made before the disaster.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a train derailment in Ohio spilled toxic chemicals, railway company Norfolk Southern vows to help but critics note how much the company is giving victims versus company investors for stock buybacks. Also, a coast to coast winter storm is hitting the United States with ice and snow and conditions not seen in spots in 30 years. Plus, one year into the invasion of Ukraine, U.S. officials believe Russia is looking to ally with China for military supplies.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices