The Lead with Jake Tapper

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer plans to announce he will soon retire, leaving President Biden with the opportunity to nominate a replacement. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that he is looking to follow a fast timeframe to confirm Biden's nominee. Scientists are working to develop a universal Covid-19 vaccine according to Dr. Fauci. Is this idea of a universal coronavirus vaccine realistic? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Biden said he is willing to order sanctions directly on Vladimir Putin if Russia enters the Ukraine. CNN teams are witnessing more military arrive in Ukraine as the White House characterizes an invasion as "imminent."  While we have boosters and vaccines, some companies are working on a fourth shot aimed just at the Omicron variant. Pfizer and BioNTech have begun a clinical trial for their Omicron-specific Covid-19 vaccine candidate. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Biden spoke with key U.S. allies to discuss Russia's possible invasion of Ukraine as the Pentagon announced that as many as 8,500 U.S. troops have been put on heightened alert for a possible deployment to Eastern Europe. If necessary, the troops would join NATO forces.  New signs suggest the worst of the Omicron wave could be over while the fight over how schools should respond is heating up. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed into action a ban on mask mandates in schools. Seven Virginia school boards have already filed a lawsuit challenging the ban. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

As Russia continues to make provocative moves near Ukraine's border, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with top Russian officials in the latest rounds of diplomatic talks. Blinken said the meeting was “not a negotiation” as he expressed a deeper understanding of Russia's concerns and their position.  There are new tensions inside the White House over a proposal to vaccinate migrants at the United States border with Mexico. Some officials see this as a way to address public health concerns while critics worry the policy would encourage more people to come to the United States.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Biden has been clarifying some of his comments after his nearly two hour news conference. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki joins to answer some of the lingering questions. The State Department has approved the transfer of United States weapons from allies to Ukraine in order for Ukraine to defend itself from a Russian invasion. Armed Services Committee member Senator Joni Ernst joins to answer what more Biden can do to discourage Russia from invading. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

There is no new episode of the 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

5G was supposed to roll out across the country but several airlines say 5G interferes with the technology planes use to land in bad weather. Now, Verizon and AT&T are delaying the activation of 5G towers near some airport runways. The White House website to request free at-home Covid-19 tests is live as the Omicron variant continues to blaze across America. COVIDtests.gov will allow Americans to receive four tests per household. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

With the U.S. averaging over 776,00 new Covid cases per day, the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy warns the Omicron wave has not yet peaked. Dr. Peter Hotez, from the Texas Children's Hospital, joins to discuss early results from an Israeli study that shows a fourth dose of the Covid vaccine can increase antibodies. The FBI confirms it is investigating the hostage stand-off in which a 44-year-old British national took a rabbi and three others hostage at a Dallas area synagogue on Saturday as a terrorism related incident. Plus, Virginia Governor Youngkin's first actions in office include repealing the school mask mandate, but several large school districts are already pushing back on his executive order. Hosted by Poppy Harlow in for Jake Tapper. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

There's a group of Russian operatives inside Ukraine and according to a U.S. intelligence official, those operatives are looking to create a false pretense for Vladimir Putin to give the orders for Russians to invade. National security adviser Jake Sullivan joins to discuss this awful development for President Biden. In a sign of how overwhelming the Omicron variant is, two of the country's largest pharmacy chains are shutting down some stores because so many of their employees are out sick.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The Department of Justice has filed the most serious charges yet related to the January 6th attack on the Capitol. The DOJ has arrested and charged the head of the far-right Oath Keepers with seditious conspiracy to use force to undermine the election and he is not alone.  The United States Supreme Court has blocked the Biden administration's nationwide vaccine and testing mandate for big businesses this afternoon. However, the court did allow a vaccine mandate for certain health care workers to go into effect nationwide. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The United States may be turning a corner in the pandemic as coronavirus cases could be peaking in parts of the country. Today, Dr. Anthony Fauci and the acting FDA commissioner said Omicron is so efficient at spreading that almost everyone in the United States will at least be exposed to it.  The January 6th select committee is asking top House Republican Kevin McCarthy if he would like to voluntarily cooperate. Rep. Adam Kinzinger joins to give updates on if McCarthy will provide information to the investigation. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Joe Biden delivered a major speech on voting rights while in Atlanta on Tuesday, expressing his frustration at Republicans who blocked voting rights legislation. Rep. Cori Bush joins to discuss Biden's speech and if congress can pass election reform.  CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky and NIH director Dr. Anthony Fauci testified in the Senate today about the Biden administration's pandemic response as Covid-19 hospitalizations in the US reach a new record high. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

More and more hospitals are reaching capacity as the Omicron variant continues to surge across the nation. Some hospitals have even started to staff their facilities with the US military's National Guard.  At least 8 kids are among the 17 killed with dozens more injured after a major fire impacted a Bronx apartment building. The blaze was caused by a malfunctioning electric space heater, the fire commissioner said. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The Supreme Court's conservative majority on Friday appeared ready to reject a vaccine or testing requirement aimed at large businesses. Yet, in a separate challenge, some justices seemed more open to a vaccine mandate aimed at certain health care workers. Fewer jobs were added in December than in any other month in 2021. Sen. Chris Van Hollen joins to discuss the 3.9% unemployment rate and some good news about much Americans are taking home. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

One year ago today, five people lost their lives during or immediately after the Capitol riot and the very democracy of the United States was attacked and shaken. Today, we look back on the events before, during, and after the insurrection to examine the state of far-right extremism in America. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Backlash is growing as the CDC updates its isolation guidance causing only more bewilderment again. Why does this make it so much harder for businesses and schools to open? On the eve of the insurrection anniversary, the January 6th House select committee turns its attention to Trump's former press secretary Stephanie Grisham. On the afternoon of January 6th, Grisham became the first Trump administration official to resign as a result of the insurrection. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Thousands are stuck and stranded on a busy Virginia interstate and some are with babies and dogs, no food or water, and are quickly running out of gas if they haven't already. How did this happen?  The January 6th committee has released new text messages from Sean Hannity about the insurrection. The messages reveal Hannity was concerned about Trump's strategy and conduct before, during, and after the attack on the Capitol. The committee has asked Hannity for his voluntary cooperation with their investigation. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

As kids return to class, there is mass confusion and anxiety from coast to coast about whether schools are going to open. Meanwhile, the number of children being hospitalized for coronavirus has almost tripled in some states since the beginning of December. Further, the FDA announced today they are recommending the Pfizer booster shot for teens ages 12 to 15. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Medical experts are encouraging Americans to stay home tonight for New Years Eve. Hospitals are slammed and schools aren't sure how to reopen safely. Will the new year look too much like the last one?  100-mile-per-hour winds are spreading flames across neighborhoods in Colorado. Hundreds of homes are burning in the blink of an eye. We may now know what started the sudden fires. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Sources tell CNN the FDA will likely sign off on kids as young as 12 to be eligible for the Pfizer booster shot in a few days. This as the United States is quickly nearing a record number of children hospitalized with COVID-19.  Right now President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin are talking on the phone ahead of a key meeting between the United States and Russia. Biden is urging Putin to take steps to de-escalate tensions on Russia's border with Ukraine, warning of dire economic consequences should Putin invade. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

A New York federal court jury has found Ghislaine Maxwell guilty on five of six counts related to her role in Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse of minors. Maxwell, who now faces up to 65 years in prison, showed no reaction when the verdicts were read. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said several areas of science backed their decision to shorten the isolation period for people who come into contact with the coronavirus. She admitted the changes were partially driven by Americans being fed up and refusing to follow the longer guidelines in place. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

In one pediatric hospital, the number of kids testing positive for COVID-19 has increased by 1000% compared to the Delta surge. But does that necessarily mean serious illness for those kids? A pediatrician joins to explain if it means hospitalization or worse. If you are confused by the new CDC isolation guidance, you are hardly alone. Some health experts are bashing the CDC and the Biden administration about what they say is really driving the changes.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Last week saw the highest seven-day average of new Covid-19 cases in the United States since January. President Biden said there is work to be done as he acknowledged what most Americans already know about testing inadequacies. The Omicron variant has now surpassed the Delta variant in daily cases.  At least 300,000 people in Brazil are dealing with flooding which has left entire communities under water and has killed at least 17 people. The floods have already affected nearly 40 cities in the region. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

There is no new episode of the 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

A jury has found Kim Potter, the former Minnesota police officer who shot and killed Daunte Wright, guilty of first- and second-degree manslaughter. The maximum penalty for first-degree manslaughter predicated on reckless handling of a firearm is 15 years in prison. Merck's antiviral pill has become the second pill authorized by the FDA to treat Covid-19 as the Omicron variant is spoiling many holiday gatherings.  New analysis by the United Kingdom's Health Security Agency adds to the growing evidence that the risk of being admitted to the hospital for Covid-19 due to the Omicron variant appears lower than the risk because of Delta. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The White House Coronavirus Task Force just finished meeting as cases surge and Omicron takes over. But, this afternoon, a possible game changing pill has been approved by the FDA. As Democratic Senator Joe Manchin faces criticism from his own party, there is a new, very public push by the country's top Republican lawmaker for Manchin to switch sides. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Biden rolled out a new battle plan against coronavirus as the Omicron variant becomes the dominant strain in the United States. The new initiative will make 500 million at-home tests available through the mail. President Biden further aimed to reassure vaccinated Americans saying they can still proceed with their holiday plans without fear of becoming seriously ill. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The holiday season is looking grim as the nation sees coronavirus cases surge due to the spread of the Omicron variant. Dr. Anthony Fauci warns there will be some tough weeks and months ahead. Democrats are fuming over Senator Joe Manchin's decision to torpedo the Build Back Better bill. Manchin blames staff in the White House while members of his own party continue their disapproval of his choice. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

We now know whose phone sent that message to Mark Meadows suggesting state legislatures ignore the voters of three states while votes were still being counted. It turns out the phone belongs to a former member of Donald Trump's cabinet. Former police officer Kim Potter, who has said she mistook her firearm for her taser when she fatally shot Daunte Wright during a traffic stop near Minneapolis, broke down on the stand Friday. Will her tears impact the jury? To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The CDC vaccine advisers unanimously voted to recommend Americans should get the Moderna or the Pfizer vaccine because they say those two are safer than J&J's. President Biden is set to meet with his coronavirus team to discuss the fast spreading Omicron variant as cases are surging across the United States and disruptions to everyday life are once again becoming reality. In the past week, at least four colleges and universities in the northeastern United States have either shut down, shifted classes from in person to virtual, or moved final exams online. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Biden speaks live about the historic and heartbreaking tornado damage in Kentucky. The devastation is so extensive in some communities that residents still do not know how many lives were lost. The White House reports Biden amended the disaster declaration today for Kentucky, increasing the federal level of funding for emergency work.  A somber milestone is set as 800,000 Americans have now died from COVID-19. But, as the Omicron variant spreads, Dr. Fauci says a third shot will improve efficacy against infection. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Any moment the House of Representatives are expected to vote on holding Mark Meadows, Trump's White House Chief of Staff, in contempt of Congress as they reveal the pain, danger, and hypocrisy happening during the Capitol riots. House select committee member Rep. Liz Cheney released new text messages obtained from Meadows that were sent to him while the Capitol was under siege. Even Fox News hosts were begging then-President Trump to stop the Trump supporters from attacking the Capitol.  Promising data has been released on a pill that treats coronavirus as a new variant takes hold around the globe. President Joe Biden praised Pfizer's report that its experimental treatment for Covid-19 cut the risk of hospitalization or death by 89% if given to high-risk adults within a few days of their first symptoms.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Shocking images from Kentucky show extensive destruction caused by a series of tornadoes. One town was almost entirely demolished after tornadoes ripped through eight states and hundreds of miles as the scope of the devastation is only beginning to emerge. Kentucky's Governor speaks live to provide updates on recovery efforts. Mark Meadows, Trump's former Chief of Staff, allegedly sent an email saying the National Guard would be on standby on January 6th to "protect the pro-Trump people." Meadows has now turned over approximately 6,000 pages worth of documents over to the House January 6th committee.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Consumer prices rose 6.8% in November from the year prior, creating a major roadblock for the rest of President Biden's economic agenda. The Supreme Court keeps the Texas abortion ban in place but gives opponents a small opening to stop it. The CDC reveals new details about the 43 people who contracted the Omicron variant of Covid in the U.S.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The FDA has authorized people ages 16 and 17 to receive a Pfizer/BioNTech booster shot for COVID-19. The jobs numbers are the strongest they have been since the year humans landed on the moon for the first time, but why aren't the hard numbers matching the hard times so many are feeling? Daunte Wright's girlfriend took the stand to testify in the trial of the then-officer who fired the fatal shot during an April traffic stop in Minnesota.    To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

A jury in Chicago is now deliberating the case of Jussie Smollett, the "Empire" actor who was charged with six felony counts for allegedly staging a fake hate crime in January 2019 and falsely reporting it to police. If found guilty, Smollett could face up to three years in prison.  With approximately 72% of Americans vaccinated as the Omicron strain spreads, Pfizer announced new lab research which suggests three doses of their vaccine will provide even greater protection.    To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

U.S. intelligence leaders are growing more concered that Russia is planning another military invasion of Ukraine. According to the White House, Biden told Putin there will be “strong economic measures” if Russia invades Ukraine. Rep. Mike Turner of the House Intelligence Committee joins to discuss today's call between President Biden and Vladimir Putin and what future between the U.S. and Russia will look like if Ukraine is invaded.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

As COVID-19 cases surge, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced anyone who works in the big apple is required to get vaccinated. The parents of the accused Michigan school shooter are now on suicide watch as they face rare charges related to the massacre. The Attorney General of Michigan joins to discuss. Plus, with the U.S. fearing Russia is getting ready to invade Ukraine, a critical phone call is about to happen between President Biden and Vladimir Putin. Can the U.S. get Putin to stand down?    To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

All eyes are on Ukraine as Russia stocks up on medical supplies and fuel along its border. Is Vladimir Putin planning to invade Ukraine? Biden speaks out to position how the United States would respond. The parents of the 15-year-old Michigan school shooting suspect, Ethan Crumbley, are missing after prosecutors announced charges against them. The Oakland County Sheriff telling CNN that all available resources are now looking for the parents including the US Marshals and the FBI. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Senate Democrats may not yet have the votes to pass one of the party's top legislative priorities: the Build Back Better Act. Senator Kyrsten Sinema sits down with CNN to share her plans for negotiating the social spending bill and why her vote remains uncertain. President Biden announced a new strategy at combating Covid-19 this winter that does not involve lockdowns. The new approach includes expanding vaccinations to the remaining Americans who have resisted getting shots, providing booster shots, changing rules on international travel, and requiring insurance companies to pay for at-home tests. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in a case to determine the fate of Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision in which the Supreme Court protected a pregnant woman's liberty to choose to have an abortion. This week, the nine justices will sit alone in a conference room and go over the case.  The United States' first confirmed case of the Omicron coronavirus variant has been identified in California. Senator Tim Kaine joins to discuss the new covid variant as it slows down global markets with holidays fast approaching.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

20 nations have have now identified cases of the new coronavirus variant, “Omicron," which is already having an impact on the global economy. Top US public health experts lay out what we do and still do not know about this new strain as we learn details from the very first patients.  Former President Donald Trump's Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, is now cooperating with House insurrection investigators. What does he know?   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Americans are paying higher prices on everything from groceries to gasoline as inflation continues to rise. President Biden hosted a group of CEOs at the White House to discuss ways to make sure shelves are fully stocked and prices are reasonable as holiday shopping ramps up. Earlier today the President addressed the new coronavirus variant, "Omicron", saying this new strain first detected in South Africa is “cause for concern, not a cause for panic.” Chief Medical Advisor to the President Anthony Fauci joins to address the United States plan to fight the new variant.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The jury has arrived at their verdict for the three men involved in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery: guilty. Crowds gathered outside the courthouse chanting Arbery's name, saying, "We've got justice." There were screams of relief and yelling when the first verdict was read.  A survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation states holiday meals will cost 14% more this year due to more Americans expected to cook at home as well as economic disruptions.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

A jury has awarded more than $26 million in damages after finding the White nationalists who organized and participated in a violent 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, liable on a state conspiracy claim and other claims. The jury in the murder trial of Ahmaud Arbery began deliberating today on the charges facing Travis McMichael, his father Gregory McMichael and their co-defendant William "Roddie" Bryan Jr.    To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The defense delivered their final arguments today in the trial of Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael and William "Roddie" Bryan Jr., the three men charged with murder in the death of Ahmaud Arbery. Defense attorney Jason Sheffield filed for a mistrial over protests outside the courthouse.  The suspect in Sunday's fatal parade incident in Waukesha, Wisconsin has been identified at Darrell Brooks. Five people were killed and more than 40 were injured when a vehicle drove into a Christmas parade Sunday afternoon, city officials said.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The jury handed in their verdict today in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial: not guilty on all five counts. President Biden later commented that he stands by the verdict and that he believes the United States jury system works.  The House passed President Biden's $1.9 trillion Build Back Better Act which would expand social services for Americans, work to mitigate the climate crisis, and increase access to health care and aid to families and children. Today's House vote marks a major victory for Democrats even as the legislation faces a tough road in the Senate.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The man who shot unarmed black jogger Ahmaud Arbery took the stand today as prosecutors tried to punch holes in his story. Travis McMichael, his father Gregory McMichael and their neighbor William Bryan Jr. face charges including malice and felony murder in the death of Arbery. New revelations are sparking scrutiny over a controversial document known as the Steele Dossier nearly five years after it first made headlines. Written by a retired British spy, the dossier claimed Donald Trump and his campaign had ties to Russia. Now, we know the dossier got a lot wrong.   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill passed a censure resolution largely along party lines for Republican congressman Paul Gosar of Arizona after he posted an anime video depicting him kill Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and attack President Biden. This will be the first time in more than ten years the House has taken this most severe form of punishment. Now, Gosar will be removed of his committee assignments.    To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Biden wraps up the first stop of his infrastructure bill road tour in New Hampshire selling his legislative accomplishment. Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Rep. Pramila Jayapal joins to discuss how the infrastructure law will impact public transit and how Biden's Build Back Better act will affect childcare, drug costs, and more. With the independent Congressional Budget Office yet to provide an official scoring of the bill, some moderate votes are still uncertain.    To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

CNN airs the closing arguments of the Kyle Rittenhouse trial live on the final day before the jury begins deliberations. The defense argued Kyle acted in self-defense, was not looking for trouble, and that his actions are protected under Wisconsin law.  President Biden signs his $1.2 trillion infrastructure package at the South Lawn of the White House with congressional members of both parties in attendance.      To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy