“Sarko the American” is what the French are calling their new president, Nicolas Sarkozy, who has been siding with the U.S. on policy. Lesley Stahl profiles the energetic, sometimes volatile leader. Source

“CBS This Morning” lead national correspondent David Begnaud visited New Orleans, a COVID-19 hotspot where kids are making up a large number of cases. Dr. Ron Elfenbein, the medical director and owner of First Call Medical Center, joined CBSN to discuss the importance of wearing masks and getting vaccinated as the Delta variant spreads. Source

The Cuban regime is cracking down on protesters exercising speech in Cuba. Source

Turkish officials have reported five deaths from widespread wildfires in Manavgat, Turkey. The 60 fires spread over 17 provinces began Wednesday, prompting local officials to call for aid from neighboring towns. CBS News producer Pinar Sevinclidir joined CBSN from Istanbul with on-the-ground insight. Source

President Biden announced federal workers must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or wear masks and get regular testing. Meanwhile, the nationwide ban on evictions expires Saturday, which could force millions of families from their homes as the Delta variant continues to spread across the country. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBSN to discuss. Source

The Treasury should have enough cash to pay the country’s obligations into the fall, experts estimate. Source

More than 70 years after Henrietta Lacks’ death, a lawsuit has been filed on her behalf about the cells that were taken without her consent. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the Lacks family join CBSN with more. Source

Representative Jake Ellzey is officially the next congressman representing Texas’ 6th congressional district, after a surprise victory in the runoff special election against Trump-backed candidate and fellow Republican Susan Wright. He spoke with CBSN’s Tanya Rivero about his plans to serve his district. Source

Health officials say the surge is being spurred by the highly-contagious delta variant. Source

Dr. Leana Wen shares a meal with Major Garrett and talks about her new book, the latest mask guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as President Biden’s new mandates for federal employees and military personnel on this week’s episode of “The Takeout.” Source