In Louisiana reported more than 5,000 new COVID cases yesterday, nearing record levels as healthcare leaders keep pushing for higher vaccination rates. CBS News David Begnaud spoke to a grieving mother who organized a vaccine clinic at the memorial of her son who died of COVID. Source

The tech giant joins Facebook and Twitter, which have also taken down posts by Brazil’s president. Source

Some New Yorkers woke up to hazy skies and a bright orange sun. Source

Chain cites “transportation delays happening throughout most of the industry” as reason why its eateries are out of some items. Source

It’s the latest in a series of high-profile firings and resignations of officials involved in the Tokyo Games and comes on the eve of the ceremony. Source

Bejing says WHO’s intention to take a closer look at the possibility that the virus leaked from a Chinese lab is particularly objectionable and needless. Source

President Biden marked six months in office by holding a town hall in Cincinnati on Wednesday night. Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason and Dana Peterson, chief economist for the Conference Board, joins CBSN’s Lana Zak on “Red & Blue” with their analysis. Source

As CBS News’ David Begnaud reports, the Centers for Disease Control is predicting coronavirus deaths will increase over the next month. The Delta variant has already begun fueling a surge in cases and in some places, hospitalizations. Dr. Brittani James, a family medicine physician and co-founder of the Institute for Antiracism in Medicine, joins CBSN’s Lana Zak to discuss more of the day’s coronavirus headlines. Source

The fires are blanketing much of the United States with noxious smoke affecting air quality and triggering health alerts. Source

The art shows allow the president’s son to meet potential collectors of his art, seemingly defying the spirit of a White House ethics agreement. Source