CNN Politics

Dan Balz is something of a legend in Washington media. He retired this week from full-time reporting after 47 years at the Washington Post. He shares his insights on the first six months of this second Trump administration and gives some of his best advice for political reporters in an increasingly competitive, rapid-fire industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: A dismal jobs report delivers a gut punch to the White House as it tries to sell the president's new sweeping tariffs. We'll bring you the latest from Wall Street as the double whammy shakes investor confidence.  Plus: Will the real Democratic leader please stand up? Kamala Harris says she is not going back in the system, but does not name a single person leading her party. Is it a political strategy or a sign of growing Democratic chaos?  And: It's one of the marquee matchups of the year, but President Trump still has not endorsed the Republican nominee for Virginia's next governor. Why not? The candidate herself is Ranu's guest.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US reaches a trade deal with Mexico, while dozens of other countries have just 12 hours left to reach an agreement with the Trump Administration or face steep tariff hikes. Will the president's gamble make the US rich, as he claims, or leave American consumers paying the price.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Senate Democrats have a new strategy to keep the Jeffrey Epstein scandal front and center. But will a century-old law actually force the DOJ to release the files?  Plus: We're getting the first look at the Texas GOP's push to redraw the congressional map in their favor. How will this change the midterm math?  And: Wolf speaks with a 26-year-old hoping to unseat a 78-year-old Capitol Hill veteran about the push to infuse fresh energy into their struggling party.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump says he's headed back home to "put out fires all over the world." But will the seemingly never-ending Jeffrey Epstein scandal be the flame that defies all containment?  Plus: According to New York City's mayor, the gunman who opened fire in a busy Manhattan office building had a suicide note expressing grievances with the NFL. We get the latest New York Governor Kathy Hochul.  And: Joe Rogan endorses Democrat James Talarico in ruby-red Texas. Is he a living oxymoron or the future of his party? He joins the show.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: In the rough. As President Trump tees off overseas, he faces urgent questions about a major tariff deadline and deepening starvation in Gaza. Will he make any progress? Plus: No end in sight. As Trump tries to put miles between him and the Epstein saga, could a new tactic by his team backfire? A conservative congressman who's pushing for more information, Eric Burlison joins me live. And: Shake-up. A big win for Democrats as they try to take back Congress. Can they overcome the odds? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin discusses the Epstein controversy with Jake Tapper and what it will take for the Trump administration to move on from the crisis. White House Budget Director Russ Vought tells Jake Tapper about plans for another recissions package and the tools the administration might use to achieve spending cuts. Democratic Senator Mark Kelly discusses what he has been hearing from voters at townhalls about Democratic favorability problems and whether the US bears any blame for the starvation crisis in Gaza.   And the panel weighs in.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The number two at the DOJ, who just happens to be President Trump's former defense attorney, is behind closed doors with Jeffrey Epstein's convicted accomplice for the second day in a row. The president now refuses to rule out a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell.  Plus: Democrats are trying to use the Epstein scandal as political ammunition, accusing Republicans of a coverup while running ads targeted at vulnerable GOP districts.  And: The FCC greenlights SkyDance's acquisition of Paramount just days after it canceled a top Trump critic's popular late night show and weeks after paying a $16 million legal settlement that Democrats say reeks of corruption.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeffrey Epstein talk took over Capitol Hill this week. And while President Donald Trump seems eager to change the subject, some of his closest allies in Congress are calling for answers. Senior White House Correspondent Kristen Holmes and Congressional Correspondent Lauren Fox discuss how this drama played out among House GOP members and why a summer break may not be enough to cool this issue down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN has learned a crucial reason why President Trump has changed his tune on the Jeffrey Epstein case: He now knows his name is in the so-called Epstein Files. While that does not implicate him in any crime, it certainly raises questions of a coverup.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices