Delay routine exams because of the pandemic. we certainly wish the senator the best. this quick programming note. join jake tapper as he asked the tough questions about america s longest war. the cnn special begins sunday at 9:00 p.m. appreciate your time. hope to see you here tomorrow. ana cabrera picks up right now. hello. thanks for being with me. a six-pillar plan, one goal. and the pandemic. the president set to lay out his strategy just hours from now with a speech that comes just nine weeks after he declared independence from covid-19. on july 4th the u.s. was averaging 12,000 new cases and 200 deaths a day. then delta. and this is where we are now. an average of 150,000 new cases a day.
here is the biggest question. what ever happened to the theme song? you know, it s a good it s a good question. i will give you a hint about mine. moving on up that s all i will share. that s all i will share. the cnn special begins sunday at 8:00 p.m. i hope you will tune in. you know, it may seem like cutting grass is a chore many kids would prefer to avoid but one man has convinced hundreds of young people across the u.s. to volunteer to mow lawns for people who could use the help. this week s cnn hero salutes rodney smith, jr. rodney smith, jr., created the 50-yard challenge, and made a name for himself traveling the country mowing lawns, and inspiring people, one yard at a time. our 50-yard challenge is a challenge we have issued to kids nationwide and worldwide to mow 50 free lawns in their community. make a sign saying i accept the 50-yard challenge and in return, we will send them a t-shirt, along with safety glasses and