The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown

Israel strikes inside Qatar, targeting Hamas. How will this latest attack impact the chances of renewed peace talks? ... An alarming education report shows high school seniors' reading and math skills dropping to their lowest levels in more than 20 years. What's behind the drop? ... A major new update on jobs is reveals things are significantly worse than initial reports indicated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six people are killed after two gunmen opened fire in Jerusalem. Israel's president vows, "terror will never defeat us" ... President Trump's decision on sending troops to Chicago could come at any moment, despite that city's mayor forcefully reiterating, "We don't need the National Guard" ... An Epstein survivor who's pushing back against President Trump's "hoax" assertion, joins the show to discuss ... Russia targets Ukraine with more than 800 drones in the biggest aerial assault since the war started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A disappointing jobs report just released this morning shows employers added just 22,000 jobs last month, raising fears that US job growth is stalling out. This report also reveals a rising unemployment rate ticking up to 4.3%, the highest in nearly four years. Our coverage begins with Vanessa Yurkevich in New York and Alayna Treene at the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about to testify before senators, his department roiled in controversy after he canceled millions in vaccine research funding and dismantled a key panel of experts who make vaccination recommendations to the federal government. He also recently ousted the CDC director after just weeks on the job over a dispute on vaccine policy. More than 1,000 current and former employees of the HHS are now calling for his resignation. Our coverage begins with CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta and CNN's Arlette Saenz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein are sharing their stories on Capitol Hill as pressure intensifies for the Justice Department to release all of the files in this case ... President Trump vows to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago to crack down on crime, as local politicians prepare to fight back, accusing him of abusing his power ... More than 1,000 current and former HHS workers are demanding RFK Jr. step down, accusing him of putting the health of all Americans at risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bipartisan lawmakers are meeting with Jeffrey Epstein's victims and their attorneys as they demand the files be released ... Rescuers are digging through the rubble after an earthquake decimated Afghanistan, killing more than 1,000 people ... Why are men and boys falling behind in education and the workforce on social settings? We bring you a Situation Room special report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: The Trump Administration squares off once again against a federal judge, this time over the removal of Guatemalan children. The judge's order forces at least one flight carrying then to turn around. Plus: Nine former CDC leaders slam HHS Secretary RFK Jr., saying his actions "should alarm every American." And: Two small planes crash into each other over Colorado, killing one person and injuring three others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump names a new acting director at the CDC after firing his predecessor. New details emerge on what investigators have found out about the Minneapoliss school shooter. Cracker barrel's 93-year-old co-founder is talking about that attempted rebrand using words like bland and pitiful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two children are dead and 17 people injured following a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. We speak to that city's police chief. Plus, it's reportedly chaos at the CDC after its director is ousted and a mass exodus by other key officials. And we also have new reporting about the apparent emptying of the highly controversial Florida detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A whistleblower says there are serious data security lapses for 300 million Americans. Plus, the parents of a 16-year-old say Chat GPT contributed to their son's death. The family's lawyer joins us live to discuss the matter. And we explore the Ten Commandments legal battle in Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: A dust storm engulfs Arizona, whipping up winds near hurricane force and reducing visibility to near zero. Plus: President Trump says he's firing a top official in the Federal Reserve. We bring you her response. And: The seemingly never-ending saga of Kilmar Abrego Garcia continues. His lawyer joins us to discuss the government's latest deportation attempt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show hit the air, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order over cashless bail as he looks to expand his crime crackdown to other cities. Meanwhile, Kilmar Abrego Garcia is back in ICE custody and being processed for deportation after surrendering just days after he was released from a facility in Tennessee. And wildfires are forcing evacuations in California and Oregon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, the FBI is searching the home and office building of President Trump's former National Security Adviser John Bolton. Also, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is speaking at the central bank's annual gathering. And in Florida, a judge has just ruled that no new detainees can be brought to the facility dubbed Alligator Alcatraz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The sprawling and very dangerous Hurricane Erin is now bringing flooding and 20-foot waves to much of the East Coast. Plus, a US Navy sailor is convicted of espionage for sharing military information with China. And Erik and Lyle Menendez make their case for parole for killing their parents 36 years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: Hurricane Erin hits the US East Coast with destructive waves and dangerous storm surge. The North Carolina governor joins us to discuss the latest. Plus: A ruptured gas line causes a massive explosion, sending scalding debris flying and firefighters to the hospital. And: The border wall is changing color, specifically at the request of President Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: President Trump speaks out about his phone call with Vladimir Putin during yesterday's summit at the White House. Is he any closer to ending Russia's war against Ukraine? And what about a meeting between Putin and Zelensky? Plus: Hurricane Erin creates life-threatening rip currents from Florida to Massachusetts. Waves in some states could be as high as 20 feet. And: Home Depot says it will raise some prices because of the cost of tariffs. What could be affected? And when the price hikes will happen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Washington, DC to meet with President Trump. He'll later be joined by several of Europe's most important leaders. We have new reporting from inside the White House. Plus, we have the latest on Hurricane Erin, a powerful and dangerous storm that's already forcing evacuations this morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The presidents of the US and Russia meet in Alaska with peace in Ukraine on the line. Plus, US AG Pam Bondi doubles down, appointing an emergency police commissioner for DC and ending the city's "sanctuary city" policy. Meanwhile, the District's AG sues the Trump Administration and joins our show to explain why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: New reporting on the final preparations and escalating rhetoric ahead of President Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer this morning. Plus: Outrage in DC as protesters confront federal law enforcement. What prompted US Attorney Jeanine Pirro to say, "Stick your Subway sandwich somewhere else? And: Taylor Swift gets candid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukrainian President Zelensky joins an 11th-hour call with President Trump. Plus, deadly flash flooding swamps Tennessee, stranding vehicles are forcing people to be rescued. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

E.J. Antoni, chief economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation and a longtime critic of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is President Trump's pick to lead the agency. Antoni's background and previous comments about the BLS is fueling concerns about the legitimacy of future jobs reports under his stewardship. Also on today's show: The largest wildfire in California this year is now at 120,000 acres ... and growing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today show begins we're expecting President Trump to address the critically important issue of crime here in the nation's capital as he threatens a federal takeover of Washington, DC. Federal agents have already fanned out across the city. And a source tells CNN that as many as 130 FBI agents could soon patrol side by side with local law enforcement. We have our correspondents covering all the angles of this important story as it unfolds and begin with CNN's Alayna Treene at the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Israeli security cabinet greenlights a plan to occupy Gaza City. It puts Israel one step closer to fully occupying the entire Gaza strip. Plus, an exploding wildfire north of Los Angeles is burning more than a football field every two seconds. We take you there live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's sweeping tariffs are now in effect, and they raise taxes on imported goods to their highest levels since the Great Depression. Most products coming into the US now face an average effective tariff rate of 16%-17%, and they include some of the country's largest trading partners. We get specific and assess the potential impact these new tariffs could have on your wallet. Also on today's show: A first-on-CNN interview with two of the hero soldiers who subdued yesterday's shooter at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Plus, ICE agents spring a raid dubbed Trojan Horse at a Los Angeles Home Depot. What the city's mayor has to say about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Top White House officials are meeting today to hash out how to deal with the escalating fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein case. Plus, Diddy's lawyers say the convicted music mogul deserves a pardon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A big name takes his name out of the running for Federal Reserve chair. Also, Texas Democrats are speaking out as the fight over redistricting crosses state lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Texas Democrats flee the state over redistricting, the state's GOP Governor Greg Abbott threatens to charge them with felonies. Plus, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries joins us in the Situation Room to respond to Abbott's threats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's tariff plan, which is scheduled to go into effect today: What they it mean for the US economy and for you. Also, US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee head to a food distribution area in Gaza as a starvation crisis grips the enclave. Palestinians react with hope, skepticism and anger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today show begins we're tracking the flurry of 11th-hour activity amid President Trump's trade war. Plus, terrifying turbulence on a Delta flight, with two dozen people taken to the hospital as passengers who weren't wearing their seat belts hit the ceiling and carts bounced around the cabin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we come on the air today, multiple countries - including the US - are on high alert for tsunamis after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia. Plus, the latest GDP numbers show the economy rebounding sharply in the second quarter. But a major company that makes items you use every day says its products could soon cost more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Investigators are piecing together why a gunman opened fire in a Manhattan high-rise, killing four people - one a 36-year-old NYPD officer - before turning the gun on himself. We bring you all the latest developments. Plus, new video shows Palestinians swarming aid trucks as the food crisis in Gaza grows more dire by the day. Two leading Israeli human rights groups are now accusing Israel of genocide. Israel's ambassador to the United States joins the show live to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, we've been listening to President Trump speaking to reporters just before leaving for a trip to Scotland. What did he say? We begin our coverage with CNN's senior White House reporter Kevin Liptak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once again, the Jeffrey Epstein controversy dominates the news ... and today's show. The big headline: US Attorney General Pam Bondi has reportedly told President Donald Trump that his name is in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Meanwhile, sources tell CNN that US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will meet today with Epstein's accomplice, convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lawmakers in Texas are holding their first public hearing into this month's deadly floods. Both Democrats and Republicans are promising to look for answers after the disaster killed at least 135 people. But divisions are already emerging. Plus, sentencing day. The man who admitted to killing four University of Idaho students in their home will soon learn his fate. Today, will the victims' families finally get some answers to a very simple question, why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Justice Department is in talks with Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's longtime girlfriend and accomplice. And it's coming as calls for transparency over the Trump Administration's handling of the Epstein files grow louder in the halls of Congress. Plus, we have cell phone video of Florida officers pulling a man from his car and punching him in the face during a traffic stop. How are authorities are defending their actions? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, Department of Homeland Security Kristi Hoem is providing an update on an off-duty border patrol agent who was shot during an apparent botched armed robbery over the weekend in New York City. The 42-year-old officer is in stable condition and is expected to survive. Police say there is no evidence that he was targeted because of his employment. A suspect is in custody. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is firing back over a note reportedly bearing his name to Jeffrey Epstein. He says it's fake and vows to sue a close ally. Plus: A mother of a Camp Mystic victim shares her story and the letters from her eight-year-old daughter after her death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First: We speak exclusively with the owners of Camp La Junta about the moment they jumped into action to save every camper from the rising waters of the Guadalupe river. Then: Maureen Comey prosecuted Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Now she’s been fired from the DOJ. Does it have anything to do with the fact she’s the daughter of the former FBI Director James Comey? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Powerful airstrikes rock the Syrian capital of Damascus. State media there is blaming Israel. We have late reporting coming into the Situation Room. Plus, there are growing calls for an investigation into the death of a Palestinian American beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, including a new push this morning from the US Ambassador to Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok became infamous for posting antisemitic rants and praising Hitler. Now it's landed a $200 million contract with the Defense Department. Plus, underwater divers were left stranded in subway stations filled with water as flash floods hammered parts of the Northeast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Central Texas is dealing with a new, dangerous threat as flash flood warnings hamper the search for more than 150 people still missing after the flooding on July 4th. Officials in Kerr County met for the first time to discuss how to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Plus: Nine people are dead after a fast-moving fire at an assisted-living facility in Massachusetts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The bureau is looking for a man they say appeared to fire a pistol at law enforcement during an intense standoff between ICE agents and protesters at a California farm. Plus, new dispatch audio from Texas obtained by CNN reveals a firefighter asking for an emergency alert hours before some residents were notified. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rescue crews are working tirelessly through challenging conditions looking for at least 160 missing people in central Texas. We're on the ground in Kerrville with the latest. Plus, investigators are on the scene in Los Angeles after a tunnel collapses, trapping 31 workers underground. Miraculously, everyone got out alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rescue teams are scouring through debris, desperately looking for more than 170 people still missing after flood waters tore through Texas. Plus, we bring you new CNN reporting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not inform the White House before authorizing a pause on weapons shipments to Ukraine, setting off a scramble inside the Trump Administration. And later in the show, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries joins the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the death toll in Texas continues to rise, officials face increasing scrutiny about whether they were prepared for the devastating flood. Plus, President Trump ups the pressure on trading partners and says he will send new weapons systems to Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At least 82 people are killed as waters rage in Texas, including dozens at a girls summer camp. Rescuers are still desperately searching for survivors. Plus, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with President Trump in just a few hours at the White House. This comes as we're learning ceasefire talks have now restarted in Doha, Qatar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is celebrating this 4th of July with a major legislative victory, signing into law his so-called big beautiful bill. Plus, the FBI and DHS issue a warning about potential "lone wolf" attacks today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As today's show begins, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is at five hours and counting in his marathon speech delaying a vote on President Trump's big beautiful bill. But is it too little too late? Plus, we examine today's stronger-than-expected jobs report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show gets underway just moments before the jury reaches a verdict in the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial. Plus, we anaylze the showdown in the House over President Trump's "big beautiful bill." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump visits the massive Florida detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." The temporary tent city is already facing escalating backlash. Plus: The "Porky Pig Party." That's what former first bro Elon Musk is calling the GOP as it debates the "big, beautiful bill." Does Trump have the votes to pass it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices