The Delta variant is exploding across the U.S., with the CDC warning it now makes up 83% of COVID-19 cases nationwide. As CBS News’ Manuel Bojorquez reports, its quick spread follows a decline in vaccinations. Then, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, chief medical officer at Verywell Health, joins CBSN’s Elaine Quijano to discuss the latest on fighting the pandemic. Source

The 32-year-old telescope also captured images of a galaxy that has an “unusual” number of arms. Source

Tuesday marks six months since President Biden’s inauguration. The president marked the occasion by meeting with his Cabinet members where he touted his administration’s response to the pandemic, noting deaths from COVID are down 90% compared to six months ago. CDC data also shows more than half of Americans have received at least one dose of the vaccine. But Mr. Biden also acknowledged his administration has some work to do on other issues. CBS News political contributor and Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright and CBS News political analyst and Republican strategist Leslie Sanchez join CBSN’s Elaine Quijano with their insight. Source

Several Asian American athletes will represent the U.S. during the summer Olympics in Tokyo. However, several of them say they have been experiencing anti-Asian hate here at home. Russell Contreras, a race and justice reporter for Axios, joins CBSN’s Elaine Quijano with more on his reporting. Source

Doug Heye, former communications director for the Republican National Committee, joins CBSN’s “Red & Blue” anchor Elaine Quijano with more on what’s fueling the party’s massive fundraising. He also weighs in on how key issues like rising inflation and the “culture wars” will shape the 2022 midterms. Source

Billionaire Jeff Bezos along with his brother and two others were launched into space on Tuesday inside his company’s Blue Origin rocket. Former NASA astronaut Ron Garan joins CBSN’s Elaine Quijano to discuss the historic flight. Source

“I have spoken to Republican senators — both elected Republicans and Republican leaders,” Harris told CBS News. Source

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced five Republicans to join a Democratic-led investigation of the Capitol riot, setting the stage for a partisan battle. The Washington Post’s congressional reporter Marianna Sotomayor joins “Red and Blue” anchor Elaine Quijano with the details, and more on how Senator Chuck Schumer’s push for a procedural vote is threatening the bipartisan infrastructure deal. Source

Enormous wildfires are burning across several Western states, and winds are carrying the smoke as far as New York and Toronto, Canada. Source

Parents and students shopping for school supplies are facing rising prices for school items. Omar Villafranca explains. Source