The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer

The Department of Homeland Security warns of potential violence at an upcoming pro-January 6 rally in DC on Saturday. Former President Donald Trump says "hearts and minds" are with "persecuted" January 6 rioters ahead of the far-right rally at the Capitol. The National Guard has recruited additional people to help secure the United States Capitol building. The DC-area airports are also adding TSA agents ahead of the September 18 rally. Fencing around the Capitol building is back up as security has been tightened ahead of the rally.  Republican lawmakers are trying to distance themselves from the far-right rally, but the GOP leadership hasn't condemned the rally as of yet. The January 6 committee is seeking records on General Milley's reported actions surrounding Jan 6. America's top general denies wrongdoing amid calls for his resignation over reported moves to protect the United States from Trump. The committee says they will "carefully evaluate" the facts.  There has been booster confusion hours before the FDA vaccine advisers meet.  Murdaugh lawyer says Murdaugh "has fallen from grace" as Murdaugh's bail is set at $20,000. The South Carolina lawyer admits to arranging his own murder for an insurance payout as the killing of his wife and son remains unsolved.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

America's Top general denies wrongdoing amid calls for his resignation over reported moves to protect United States from Trump; Biden says he has "Complete confidence" in general Milley as new book details calls to China amid fears about Trump; Trump accusing general Milley of "Treason" over reported calls to China amid fears Trump might spark war; Pentagon says it;s "Not uncommon" for joint chiefs chairman to review security protocols; To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Final hours of voting in high-stakes California recall. CNN investigates Trump's lies and attempt to overturn election. Trump tried to pressure election and DOJ officials to intervene in election. GOP rewriting voting rules in multiple states based on Trump's “stolen election” lies. Milwaukee election official threatened more than 150 times. Trump lies about voter fraud could destabilize system. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

A man was arrested with a machete, bayonet, swastika and White supremacist symbols near the DNC, as the Capitol police declare emergency ahead of a right-wing 9/18 demonstration. Capitol fencing returns this week ahead of the 9/18 rally. The defense secretary's "biggest concern is that someone will try to export terror to the Untied States again."  Pelosi and Schumer say that the Capitol is "much better" prepared than it was on January 6, as police step up security ahead of the 9/18 rally.  The House panel grills Blinken on the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal. Blinken says that there is "no evidence" to support continuing the war would have helped Afghanistan and says "even the most pessimistic scenarios" did not predict the collapse of the Afghan army. Blinken also says that he is in touch with "about 100" Americans in Afghanistan.  President Joe Biden is to rally with the California governor ahead of the recall vote tomorrow.  Former President Donald Trump slams Former President George Bush for comparing domestic extremists to 9/11 terrorists: "He shouldn't be lecturing anybody." Bush calls out "violent extremists at home" during 9/11 remarks in apparent reference to January 6 riot.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Email reveals preps for "Mass Casualty Event" ahead of January 6; Assessing the terror threat 20 years after 9/11; Biden dares GOP to sue over vaccine mandate: "Have at it";  Biden defends sweeping vaccine mandates for millions of Americans as republicans accuse him of "Overreach" More Americans very worried about pandemic now than last year; White House open to potentially requiring vaccines or testing for domestic flights "Not taking any measures off the table; To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

According to President Joe Biden announces major new pandemic response. According to Biden, sweeping new vaccine rules could cover 100 million Americans. Biden warns unvaccinated people that "our patience is wearing thin... what more is there to wait for?" He also says that a "distinct minority of Americans" are holding back the pandemic progress. Biden is going to mandate the covid vaccine for 17 million health care workers, 300,000 educators in Federal Head Start program.  Biden is going to double fines for mask violators on transportation. "Show some respect," Biden said about unruly, unmasked passengers.  "Pandemic politics" is making people sick, said Biden.  The Department of Labor is going to require businesses with more than 100 people to ensure workers are vaccinated or tested for covid-19.  The Justice Department is suing Texas over "unconstitutional" abortion law. The attorney general says that the Texas abortion ban is a "scheme" to evade judicial review.  The United States Capitol building is on alert ahead of the rally that is in support of the January 6 insurrectionists. Capitol building fencing is expected to return amid fears of 9/18 rally violence. Capitol police has also briefed lawmakers on security preparations ahead of the rally. .  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Joe Biden meets with covid-19 response team ahead of major speech on the pandemic. Biden's covid-19 speech will include announcements on mandates, testing and a six-pronged strategy to fight the delta variant.  The United States surgeon general speaks about the rising covid cases among children. The United States surgeon general talks about slowing vaccinations and a surging variant and how vaccinated people are overestimating their risk. According to the CDC, the pace of covid-19 vaccinations is ticking down again. According to a study, severe breakthrough cases tend to be in older and sicker people. Kentucky sees a record number of new covid cases in one week. Covid hospitalizations in the United States are holdings at around 100,000.  13 Miami-Dade school staffers die of covid over the past few weeks. The United States is averaging nearly 1,5000 covid-19 deaths a day. A Florida judge allows for mask mandates to continue in schools, ruling against an appeal by GOP Gov. Desantis.  New video of the suspect who plants the pipe bombs ahead of the Jan 6 riot. A Capitol police memo warns of growing online talk of violence surrounding the September 18 rally supporting insurrectionists.  More than 12 million are under a flood watch in the storm-battered Northeast.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Joe Biden tours "profound" storm damage in the Northeast. Biden sees devastation from historic floods that killed at least 52 people. "This is a code red," said Biden about climate change. Biden also pushes his infrastructure deal after touring the Hurricane Ida destruction in New York and New Jersey; White House asks congress for $24 billion for Hurricane Ida and other disasters.  The number of confirmed covid-19 cases in the United States surpasses 40 million; more than four million in the past four weeks. Biden is to deliver a major speech on Thursday about the pandemic response. According to a pediatrician group, more than 1 in 4 of the weekly United States covid-19 cases are now in children.  "I don't think it's smart," said Dr. Anthony Fauci about packed football stadiums as the Delta variant surges. Fauci also says that three vaccine doses are likely needed for full protection against covid-19.  The Taliban forms a hardline government for Afghanistan, including senior figures in the United States designated terror group, as Americans are still trying to leave Afghanistan. The Taliban has fire weapons to break up street protests in Kabul. The secretary of state is denying GOP claims that the Taliban is blocking Americans from leaving Afghanistan.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

New warnings Labor day crowds worsen COVID-19 surge; United States helps 4 Americans escape Afghanistan by crossing border; video shows failed rescue of 2-year-old and parents from flooded basement 7-day average of new COVID-19 cases up 300% sine last Labor day; Fauci: Pfizer booster likely ready by September 20 roll out: Monderna boosters may be delayed; Fauci: Three vaccine doses likely needed for full protection; To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

At least 50 killed in catastrophic flooding in the Northeast. Biden pledges to support communities ravaged by Hurricane Ida. Biden's September 20 booster rollout may be scaled back to just Pfizer. Biden asks Justice Dept. to explore ways to limit Texas abortion law.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Deadly floods have paralyzed New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Record rainfall, from Hurricane Ida, floods homes and strands drivers across the Northeast. The death toll is now up to 45 after the historic Northeast flooding.  New York City had its first ever flash flood emergency after record amount of rain. Rescues are still under way in the flood disaster zone. New York City is working to restore service in the flooded subway system. New York officials warn that the flood disaster is a "wake-up call" on climate change. 35 billion gallons of rain fell on New York City overnight, according to CNN. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says, "People are going through hell... They need help."  Tornadoes also destroy homes and cause extensive damage in Northeast. More than two dozen New Jersey homes have been damaged or destroyed by a tornado.  Passaic mayor declares an emergency in his city as bodies are recovered from the floodwaters. The Passaic mayor says there is up to eight feet of water in parts of Passaic, New Jersey.  More than 900,000 customers are still without power in Louisiana. President Biden is to visit the hurricane devastation in Louisiana tomorrow.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Half of gas stations in New Orleans & Baton Rouge out of fuel. FDA calls meeting of its advisers to discuss Covid vaccine boosters. Moderna submits data supporting a third dose of its Covid vaccine. WH: Biden has “multiple” responsibilities besides Afghanistan. Pentagon: U.S. and allies evacuated 6,000 Americans, more than 124,000 civilians from Afghanistan. Most extreme abortion law in U.S. takes effect in Texas. Former GOP mayor selling skill over spectacle in bid to unseat Governor. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Biden warns ISIS-K terrorists: “we are not done with you yet”. Biden: Afghanistan evacuation an “extraordinary success”. Biden: believe 100-200 Americans remain in Afghanistan, 90 percent of Americans who wanted to leave got out. Al Qaeda praises Taliban for taking control of Kabul. Pediatric Dr.'s: about 204,000 Covid cases among children last week, five times higher than a month earlier. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Biden announces plans to address the nation as the U.S. military completes it's withdrawal of forces in Afghanistan, effectively ending America's longest military conflict. Taliban marks U.S. withdrawal with celebratory gunfire. Hurricane Ida leaves catastrophic damage across Louisiana, mostly from wind and rain.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Biden vows U.S. will complete "dangerous" and "worthy" Afghanistan mission amid worries of more attacks. Crowds at the airport are smaller but more desperate as time runs out for evacuations. White House considers whether COVID booster should be given sooner than 8 months after second dose.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Joe Biden honors the 13 United States service members who were killed, and the 14 service members who were wounded, in the Kabul attack as "heroes." More than 60 Afghans are dead and 140 Afghans wounded in the same attack, according to the Health Ministry. Biden says that the American lives that were lost today, were given "in the service of liberty."  Isis-K claims responsibility for the deadly Kabul attack.  "We will hunt you down and make you pay," said Biden to terrorists. Biden also said that the United States will "respond with force and precision" to the deadly attack. "America will not be intimidated," said Biden. Biden said that if the military needs any additional force, he "will grant it." Biden will continue the evacuation and won't be deterred by terrorists.  The White House gives a briefing after the Kabul airport attack.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

WH: “closely following” terror threats from ISIS-K. “No deadline” to help any American or ally who wants to leave Afghanistan. Jan. 6 committee demands documents from agencies on Capitol attack, signaling huge investigative effort. U.S. official: intel suggests ISIS-K may attack Kabul Airport. HHS: 100,000+ U.S. Covid-19 hospitalizations now, nearly three times higher than in the past month. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Biden declares U.S. “on pace” to finish Afghan operations one week from today, Biden: Aug 31 withdrawal depends on Taliban cooperating with evacuation, allowing access to Kabul airport. Biden: we've helped evacuate 70,000+ people since August 14th. Fauci: U.S. could have pandemic under control by Spring 2022 if most eligible people get vaccinated. New vaccine mandates now that Pfizer shot has full FDA approval. Biden cites “growing” risk of terror attack in defending Afghanistan withdrawal timetable. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

According to an official in the Department of Defense, the U.S. military needs a decision from the Biden administration on an extension by Tuesday. FDA fully approves Pfizer COVID vaccine. Catastrophic flooding in Tennessee kills 21, including twin babies.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

According to the Pentagon, evacuation flights have resumed in Kabul after a brief pause, with nearly 5,700 people evacuated in the last 24 hours. Biden denies allies are now questioning U.S. credibility. Full FDA approval of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is expected as early as Monday.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The Taliban is moving quickly to crush any opposition as the race to escape Afghanistan intensifies. The Pentagon is ramping up Kabul evacuation efforts as many struggle to reach the airport amid chaos and Taliban crackdown. The State Department says that 6,000 people at the Kabul airport are awaiting planes. 20 evacuation flights are expected to leave Afghanistan tonight. The Taliban is cracking down on protests and Afghans trying to leave the country. Armed jets are flying over Kabul to ensure people's security, according to the Pentagon.  The State Department says "We take very seriously" reports of people being blocked by the Taliban from getting to the airport.  The White House is struggling to contain the fallout from President Joe Biden's defiant denial of mistakes in the Afghanistan exit. U.S. diplomats warned, last month, of a potential catastrophe in Afghanistan to happen and a need for quick evacuations, according to CNN. Biden says that there was "no consensus" that the Taliban would take over quickly, while he spoke about intel.  After a bomb threat at Capitol Hill, a source says that the bomb threat suspect didn't have a viable explosive, but did possess suspected bomb making material.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Biden says no way for U.S. to withdraw “without chaos ensuing”. Biden suggests U.S. troops may stay until all Americans are out of Afghanistan, even if past the Aug. 31st deadline. Biden: booster shots “best way” to protect from Delta variant as U.S. to begin third dose for most Americans next month. Biden ordering Education Secretary to fight back against Governors prohibiting mask mandates. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

WH says 11,000 Americans on the ground after Taliban takeover. White House trying to contain fallout over Afghanistan as one official admits “our competence is being questioned”. WH: Biden “taking responsibility for every decision” the U.S. government took with respect to Afghanistan. Taliban reassurances met with skepticism, as they vow not to become terror haven and to uphold women's rights. Taliban pledge of “blanket amnesty” met with skepticism. Texas GOP Governor Greg Abbott tests positive for Covid-19. WH expected to share first U.S. data on waning immunity during tomorrow's announcement on Covid booster shots. Death toll in Haiti earthquake rises to almost 2,000 people as Tropical Storm Hampers recovery. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Biden: Americans should not be fighting and dying in a way the Afghan military isn't willing to fight. Taliban fighters swarm Kabul streets after government collapses.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

According to the Pentagon, U.S. troops are moving to Afghanistan in rapid speed "as we speak," in in response to "deeply concerning" Taliban takeover. The Taliban is trying to isolate Kabul, but the city is "not in an imminent threat environment," according to the Pentagon. U.S. troops could possibly be "going into harm's way" in Afghanistan and will have the right of self-defense. The Pentagon will not say if moving troops into Afghanistan is a combat mission or not. However, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul is instructing personnel to destroy sensitive materials. The Pentagon will adjust the deadline for drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan if necessary.  The Pentagon is concerned about Kabul's "lack of resistance" against the Taliban.  Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby gives a one-on-one interview with Situation Room.  Afghanistan is near collapse ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.  The CDC endorses an additional covid vaccine does for immune compromised people. Florida is reporting more than 150,000 new covid cases in the last week. The education secretary tells Florida educators that they can use covid funds for salaries if the government withholds money over masks mandates.  CDC data says that more than 1 million people have received unauthorized extra vaccine doses ahead of the FDA's decision on boosters.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

FDA Expected To Authorize COVID Booster Shots For Immunocompromised. California becomes the first state to require teachers be vaccinated or regularly tested. Texas judge rules against governor, allowing mask mandates. Broward County schools plan to keep mask mandate, defying Florida Governor DeSantis' order. Former U.S. attorney tells investigators he quit because Trump was considering firing him.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Joe Biden says, "I respect" New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's decision to resign amid sexual harassment and an impeachment probe.  On Tuesday, Cuomo said his resignation will take effect in two weeks. He also said in part, "I'm a fighter" but my resignation will "let the government get back to governing."   President Biden is looking into whether he has the authority to intervene in states where governors are trying to ban mask mandates. Those states include Florida and Texas.  The American Academy of Pediatrics is urging the FDA to speed up vaccine authorization for children under 12 years of age.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Dallas schools issue mandate, defying Governor Abbott's order, Ex-DOJ officials detail Trump efforts to undermine election, Democrats unveil $3.5 trillion budget resolution that priorities education, health and climate To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The United States hits a vaccination milestone as covid still rages. The CDC says that half of the United States population is fully vaccinated. President Joe Biden touts a strong job report, but warns that the surging delta variant could set back economic recovery. Biden could withhold federal funds from nursing homes and other institutions if employees don't get vaccinated. Florida breaks high hospitalization record as its governor ​remains defiant about covid.  Los Angeles is stepping up their vaccination push as hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise. Louisiana is also stepping up their vaccination push. Officials fear that a motorcycle rally will be a super spreader event. A study is showing that getting the vaccine cuts the risk of reinfection by more than half. The FDA is developing a booster shot strategy for September and guidance for immunocompromised could come sooner. FDA researchers are suggesting that the vaccine booster might be a one-time shot.  New evidence of former President Donald Trump's attempted coup becomes known. Sources are saying that a Trump ally in the Justice Department claimed that China used special thermometers to change the results in machines tallying votes.  New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's Attorneys are fighting back after a criminal complaint has been made.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Texas and Florida lead the way in new COVID cases, with both states accounting for one third of new cases. CDC Director: "we could go up to several hundred thousand cases a day". Biden and Harris honor police who defended Capitol on January 6. Former DOJ official who aided Trump-attempted coup facing new scrutiny from House investigation.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

U.S. seeing highest number of daily Covid cases since February. Defense secretary expected to mandate Covid vaccines for all active duty troops. Top DOJ official prepped resignation letter over Trump's “direct instructions” to support his election fraud claims. At least four district attorneys seek Cuomo probe documents. Residents under strict lockdown as China sees Covid-19 surge. Freshman congresswoman Cori Bush gets Bidne's attention To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Biden calls for governor Cuomo to resign after damning report; Biden "Encouraging signs" in states with low vaccination rates;  Biden: CDC to announce new effort to limit evictions New York attorney general finds governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and "Violated multiple state and federal laws" Special investigator: Gov Cuomo grabbed "Breast and Butt" of one employee, sexually touched a state trooper and others; To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

CDC warns “the war has changed”. Fauci: new evidence shows Delta variant “is so transmissable” even a vaccinated person with a breakthrough infection can spread it. Florida Governor signs executive order making masks in schools optional, defying new CDC guidelines. CNN: Trump pressured Justice Department to “say the election was corrupt” in December and “leave the rest to me”. Many Republicans mock and defy mask and vaccine rules as Covid hits unvaccinated GOP areas hardest. U.S. finally begins welcoming Afghan interpreters who helped American troops during war. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Biden asks Pentagon to explore "how and when" to require COVID-19 vaccine for U.S. troops. Florida reports highest number of daily cases since January. Republicans stage mask-free walk in revolt against House rules. American Sunisa Lee wins gold medal in all-around gymnastics.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Biden begs"Please, Please, Please" get vaccinated ahead of expected vaccine mandate for federal workers; Biden announced expected tomorrow on mandate for federal workers to get vaccinated or tested; Biden and CDC responding to Covid emergency with expected vaccine mandate for federal workers, updated guidance;  United States averaging 61,000+ new cases a day a 65% increase from the previous week; CDC: Every county in LA, AR, FL has "High" transmission rate; To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Select committee shows never before seen video of January 6 attack. Officer testifies rioters were saying "Trump sent us," another alludes to former President as a "hit man." GOP's McConnell, McCarthy say they didn't watch January 6 hearing. CDC Director warns a few COVID mutations could potentially evade our vaccines. Simone Biles cites mental health struggles after pulling out of Olympic team gymnastics final.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Sources: White House and health officials discuss revising mask guidance as delta variant rages, vaccinations lag; Biden: Covid becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated; White House targets rural United States for new vaccine push; Daily pace of people becoming fully vaccinated against COVID hits lowest point since January. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

CDC Chief: Delta variant now to blame for 83 percent of new COVID cases, "A dramatic increase" Since early July; Poll: majority of unvaccinated Americans say they're unlikely to get a COVID-19 shot, regardless of outreach efforts; At least 9 States block mask requirements in schools as pediatric group urges all students to mask up; Fauci: Schools may need to mandate vaccines for kids;  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Biden: "Can't let up" in fight against "dangerous" Delta variant. Dow sinks 725 points as Delta variant fears hit Wall Street. Two more U.S. athletes test positive ahead of Olympics. First Capitol riot felon sentenced, gets 8 month sentence for breaching Senate during January 6 attack. McCarthy names five Republicans to January 6 committee. U.S. and allies accuse China of "pervasive pattern of hacking".  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

White House extends outreach as states struggle to boost vaccination rates. GOP rep Greene seeks seat on special January 6th committee to “defend Trump”. Biden: platforms like Facebook “killing people” with Covid misinformation. Federal Judge rules DACA program illegal, blocks new applications. New Yorker: Milley warned Trump against Iran missile strike: “if you do this you're gonna have a f***king war”. Experts warn Japan is dangerously unprepared for Olympics. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Trump denies plotting coup: "One of the last people I would want to do it with is General Mark Milley." As the number of new COVID cases trends upwards, Los Angeles County reinstates mask mandate. Source: Governor Cuomo of New York is expected to be questioned by the New York Attorney General on Saturday about sexual harassment allegations.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Unvaccinated Americans filling hospital as dangerous COVID surge takes hold; Pop Star Olivia Rodrigo promotes vaccine at white house; Tennessee stops all vaccine outreach to children, including COVID-19 shots; CDC: Delta variant rises to 58 percent of United States cases; United States COVID cases surging in 47 states; White House: Confronting disinformation about vaccines is "Literally a matter of life and death"   To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The U.S. COVID surge has now reached 46 states. Officials say unvaccinated Americans are driving the rapid rise in new cases and now face a tidal wave of danger from the virus.  President Biden delivers urgent warning on growing threats to democracy as he pushes for voting rights bill. New U.S. COVID case rate nearly doubles in just one week.  New books paint Trump as unhinged, obsessive and dangerous following his election loss. New details of shootout following assassination of Haitian President.  France tells its citizens to leave Afghanistan as Taliban gain ground ahead of withdrawal of final U.S. forces.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Arkansas and Missouri lead the way in cases per capita as overall new COVID cases climb in at least 36 states. Pfizer briefs U.S. officials on potential booster shot. Justice Dept. releases new video of Capitol riot as Trump spins new conspiracies about January 6. Biden holds meeting on gun violence after at least 125 people were killed in 360 weekend shootings across the U.S. Texas House Democrats leave state, blocking GOP efforts to pass new voting restriction bills. Trump Organization CFO removed from key positions.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

CDC & FDA say boosters aren't needed yet. Updated CDC schools guidance prioritizes in-person learning, even if all Covid-19 safety measures aren't in place. Justice Department releases new video from Capitol riot. WH: Biden confronted Putin about cyberattacks in call today, urged Russian action against ransomware criminals. Soon: officials give update on condo collapse search. Miami-Dade Mayor: The death toll could be as high as 140. WH: FBI, DHS officials will travel to Haiti “as soon as possible” in aftermath of President's assassination. Billionaire Richard Branson to launch into space aboard Virgin Galactic rocket plane on Sunday. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

President Joe Biden is defending his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan despite the dangerous gains the Taliban would get from it. "I will not send another generation of Americans to Afghanistan." Biden says that the military mission in Afghanistan will end on August 31. Biden also says that the U.S. has achieved its objectives in America's longest war.  Biden spoke about the Taliban saying that a Taliban takeover of Afghanistan "is not inevitable," but it is highly unlikely that it will ever be a unified country. Biden says "I do not trust the Taliban," and calls the reporter's question about Biden's trust "silly." Biden says that it's up to the Afghan people to decide their future as the U.S. military withdraws and the Taliban makes gains. "There is a home for you in the United States," Biden says to Afghan interpreters whose lives are in danger.  According to the White House no "mission accomplished" moment has happened to mark the U.S. exit from Afghanistan because the war "has not been won militarily."  However, Biden says that the withdrawal from Afghanistan is "the right decision and, quite frankly, overdue." Biden says that the U.S. is not responsible for civilian deaths if the Taliban takes over Afghanistan.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy