

The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown
CNN Podcasts
The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown: The command center for breaking news, politics and extraordinary reports from around the world. The Situation Room airs weekdays 10am-12pm Eastern, Monday through Friday on CNN.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 27, 2020 • 47min
The United States Coronavirus Death Toll Is Now Nearing 99,000
The CDC is now saying that coronavirus antibody testing might be wrong half the time. As of now, the rate for new coronavirus cases are trending up in 17 states, down in 20 states and steady in 13 states. The World Health Organization is warming of a second surge in coronavirus. However, ten vaccine candidates are now in human trails.
After Trump has refused to wear a mask in front of media, Biden calls Trump "a fool" for mocking masks and then Biden accuses Trump of "stoking death" amid pandemic. Trump then mock Biden with a retweeted post of Biden wearing a mask on Twitter. The White House press secretary says it is "peculiar" that Biden would wear a mask outdoors but "not in his basement, right next to his wife." Trump is claiming that economic recovery and reopening is "ahead of schedule" as the United States coronavirus death toll climbs. Trump is also claiming, without evidence, that mail-in-voting is filled with fraud.
CNN reports that Trump is threatening to pull the GOP from North Carolina and
NYSE floors have recently reopened with changes after its 8 weeks showdown due to coronavirus concerns. A New York suburb reopens after prolonged coronavirus lockdown.
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May 26, 2020 • 37min
Americans Flock to Public Places Without Social Distancing With Climbing Coronavirus Death Toll
For Memorial Day weekend, Trump spends majority of the holiday weekend tweeting political attacks and golfing. Trump also visits Fort McHenry on Memorial Day, despite Baltimore mayor's plea to abide by the stay-at-home order. Trump is also threatening to pull the GOP convention from North Carolina if not allowed "full attendance" in an arena.
Recently, crowds across the United States are ignoring coronavirus social distancing guidelines as the coronavirus death toll nears 100,000. The gathering are escalating new fears of a new coronavirus spread. A World Health Organization says it's dangerous to assume that the next real "danger point" for the coronavirus isn't until October or November. After a large number of people gathered in Arkansas amid the coronavirus pandemic, the gathering is now linked to a high school swim party. Arkansas is now experiencing a second peak of coronavirus cases. Dr. Birx says its critically important that people wear masks as states reopen and the coronavirus death tolls climb. FDA commissioner warns that coronavirus is not yet contained.
The current rate of new coronavirus cases are trending up in 18 states, down in 10 states and steady in 22 states. Novavax is now set to begin its human trails of the experimental coronavirus vaccine.
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May 23, 2020 • 38min
Hydroxychloroquine linked to higher death risk in coronavirus patients
A study finds the drug Trump has touted and taken has been linked to higher death risk in coronavirus patients. The CDC issues new guidance for houses of worship as Trump orders them to open and threatens to “override” governors who refuse to do so. States face critical reopening test as holiday weekend begins. NY, NJ, CT, DE reopen their beaches for Memorial Day weekend. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo states that: “A mask could make the difference between life and death“. The rate of new cases is trending up in 17 states, down in 9, and holding steady in 24 others. The new CDC guidelines state that: Houses of worship should provide soap & hand sanitizer, encourage the use of masks and clean their facilities daily. The holiday weekend is raising fears of the virus spreading across the U.S.. Brazil reported a single day record for number of virus deaths. Trump has decided to remove the watchdog investigating of a key cabinet member. Schools are struggling to decide how and when students should return to campus. Duke University is planning for students to return in person this Fall. The NCAA is allowing voluntary division 1 sports starting on June 1.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 22, 2020 • 38min
Trump Chooses Not To Wear Mask During Ford Tour
A new model is predicting case spikes in some states that reopened early, especially states in the south, as the current United States coronavirus death toll surpasses 93,000. Alongside the death rate, the rate of new coronavirus cases are up in 17 states, down in 12 states and steady in 21 states. Physician Anthony Fauci warns "now is not the time to tempt fate" concerning coronavirus. Another model suggests that the United States would have prevented 36,000 deaths if officials had acted a week earlier.
The Census Bureau reports that 47 percent of households lost employment income amid coronavirus pandemic.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel discusses with Wolf Blitzer how Trump is breaking state law after he refuses to wear a mask during public Ford plant tour. Nessel says that Trump shows that he doesn't care about state residents by not wearing a mask. Trump says the reason he refused to wear a mask is because he didn't want to give the press "the pleasure" of seeing him in one. However, Trump says he wore a mask during an off-camera tour.
Amid some speculation, Trump says he won't replace CDC Director Robert Redfield. Redfield warns of second wave of coronavirus.
Brazil sees its biggest single-day spike in new cases.
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May 21, 2020 • 39min
All 50 states partially reopen as United States death toll tops 92,000
Trump threatens to withhold federal funding for Michigan and Nevada over their mail-in push to voters for upcoming elections. He is falsely claiming the states illegally sent absentee ballot applications to voters. Trump is also blaming China's "incompetence" for "mass worldwide killing" after he praised the country earlier in the pandemic.
Sources say that the fate of the CDC director is in question as Trump and the White House are looking for someone to blame for the United States coronavirus breakout. CDC has released detailed guidance on reopening states and removes reopening guidance for religious institutions.The guidance had been shelved by the White House.
All 49 states partially open, Connecticut becomes the 50th state to start reopening(. Rate of new coronavirus cases trending up in 18 states , down in 17 and steady in 15 states. Public data on Covid-19 cases in Florida and Georgia are under scrutiny. Delaware's stores and beaches are reopening as governor extends the states stay-at-home order until May 31.
Pence travels for the first time since press secretary recently tested positive.
Animals are having positive test results for Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Nursing home workers are saying that a lack of personal protective equipment is contributing to nursing home coronavirus cases.
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May 20, 2020 • 38min
United States Coronavirus Death Toll Surpasses 91,000
United States deaths caused by the coronavirus reaches 91,000, as New York study shows higher death rates among Black and Latino people. Meanwhile, all states will have reopening plans underway by the end of the week. However, the United States-Canadian border will remain closed to non-essential travel and Hawaii extends its 14 day quarantine for arriving visitors. Southwest Airlines reports an improvement in its bookings. A key model has slightly lowered its projected death toll, as rates of new coronavirus cases are up in 17 states, down in 16 and steady in 17. Massachusetts now has 87,000+ coronavirus cases and 5,800 coronavirus deaths. Offices, stores and barbers are cleared to reopen June 1 in Boston.
Wolf Blitzer discusses Trump defending his use of unproven drug while defying warning about the drug's risks. Trump has defended his use of the drug three times in 24 hours. Trump says it gives him an "additional level of security." With Memorial Day approaching, New York will allow ceremonies with up to 10 people in attendance. Meanwhile, Oklahoma packs hundreds into graduation ceremony.
Wolf Blitzer discusses colleges ending in-person classes after Thanksgiving 2020. The NFL plans to reopen its facilities with restrictions as its upcoming season looms. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 19, 2020 • 38min
U.S. coronavirus death toll surpasses 90,000, 1.5 million cases
Trump says he’s taking now hydroxychloroquine even though the FDA has warned against taking the drug. Trump is also saying that it was secretary Pompeo that asked for the inspector general to be fired. California moves to next phase of re-opening. Texas also reopening despite biggest one day jump in new cases. Drug company is saying vaccine shows promise in stopping coronavirus. The rate of cases is trending down in 18 states, up in 17, and steady in 15. The University of South Carolina will end in-person classes after Thanksgiving. Big automakers resuming production at U.S. plants today. Trump says reopening “moving quickly but safely”. Pompeo refused to be interviewed by IG office investigating his role in fast-tracking Saudi arms sales. CNN is reporting that the fired inspector general was investigating Pompeo’s role in Saudi arms sale. Schools face decisions on reopening for Fall term. The University of Arizona plans to test faculty, staff & students, reduce class sizes and plan to elevate dorm cleaning. Trump says his administrations response “negates” restaurant CEO’s suggestion that industry’s recovery will be difficult. Trump says restaurants will be “back into business like you had it” despite restriction on customer limits.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 16, 2020 • 37min
U.S. Coronavirus death toll surpasses 87,000; Trump claims fully approved vaccine available to public by years end; White House defends scrapping of Obama pandemic playbook.
Trump: "Vaccine or no vaccine, we're back"; rate of new cases down in 28 states, up in 7, steady in 15; the number of new coronavirus cases is going down in more than half of states amid reopening moves; 48 states partially reopened or easing restrictions by this weekend; U.S. retail sales plunge a record 16.4% in April; Texas reports highest one day death toll 2 weeks after reopening; protesters demand Michigan Gov speed up reopening; some NC sheriffs pushing to allow indoor church services; some parts of New York eligible to reopen today, but millions remain under stay-at-home orders; beaches in NY, CT, DE and NJ to open Memorial Day weekend; DeBlasio says NYC beaches "Not ready" to reopen; Maryland stay-at-home order just ended, but Baltimore & some counties still closed; New vaccine chief: early data suggests doses by end of year; Trump: working to manufacture multiple vaccines; Trump defends rapid coronavirus tests used by WH as FDA warns they may be infections; WH: Trump "streamlined" the national security council; China softens tone towards U.S. after weeks of growing tension; China stresses need for stable relations with U.S.; CNN: DOJ officials were at odds before deciding to drop Flynn case; tracking the pandemic's impact on communities of color.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 15, 2020 • 38min
U.S. coronavirus death toll surpasses 85,000; Ousted vaccine chief: 12 to 18 months for a vaccine an "aggressive schedule," will likely take longer;New York Stock Exchange to partially reopen trading floor in late May
Ousted vaccine chief: "Time is running out," virus is "everywhere"; rate of new coronavirus cases, deaths in U.S. trending down; Los Angeles requires face coverings outdoors; Ousted chief warns of "darkest winter" without planning; Wisconsin Governor: "Wild West" after state's stay-at-home order struck down; Florida's Miami-Dade & Broward Counties to reopen Monday; 18 states reporting mysterious illness in children; Louisiana to reopen gyms, barbers, casinos at reduced capacity; NYC Mayor: "Good day" as virus tracking indicators go down; Parts of New York State to begin reopening tomorrow; Trump's Mar-A-Lago Resort to partially reopen Saturday; Trump calls ousted vaccine chief a "disgruntled employee" after damning testimony about ignored coronavirus warnings; Trump again fails to wear a mask while touring a mask facility; Trump: I "totally" disagree with Fauci on reopening schools; Ousted vaccine chief: Was met with "indifference" when I warned about a lack of protective equipment; Ousted vaccine chief: Americans "need to be told the truth"...There are "not enough tests"; GOP's Burr to step down as Senate Intel Chair as FBI probes his stock trades after coronavirus briefings; More than 36 million Americans filed new jobless claims in past 2 months; Number of new coronavirus cases going down in 24 states, rising in 9 states and holding steady in 17 states; Delaware slowly reopens as new cases rise; NJ plans to open beaches Memorial Day weekend;Wisconsin Governor: "Wild West" after state's stay-at-home order struck down; Wisconsin Supreme Court calls Democratic Governor's stay-at-home order unlawful and unenforceable; Some in Wisconsin pack bars after court overturns Governor's stay-at-home order; Global coronavirus deaths surpass 300,000; Questions about accuracy of Russia's coronavirus numbers; Russia second to U.S. in total coronavirus cases; Russians manipulating numbers to lower death count; China intensifies widespread testing and screening; Wuhan plans to test all 11 million residents over 10 days; Study: Young children not getting enough to eat in nearly 20% of American householdsTo learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 14, 2020 • 43min
United States coronavirus death toll surpasses 83,000; Sources: Administration officials are questioning if the United States coronavirus death toll is inflated; DC extends stay-at-home order to June 8; Businessman: Government ignored offer to make masks;
At least 48 states will be partially reopen by Sunday as some areas extend stay-at-home orders; Sources: Trump questioning if United States coronavirus death toll is inflated as Fauci says it's likely too low; Ousted vaccine chief to warn of "darkest winter in modern history"; Kushner says he's unaware of any talks on altering election day after suggestion Nov 3 might not be firm; Federal chief: Burden of this crisis has "Fallen most heavily on those least able to bear it"; Leaders named for "warp speed" vaccine effort; L.A. County reopens beaches as stay-at-home orders likely to last three more months; Grocery prices soaring at highest rate in 46 years; Goldman Sachs warns 1-in-4 Americans could be unemployed; Key model projects 147,000 United States deaths by early August; Cases on the rise in South Dakota, Delaware and Arkansas amid push to reopen United States; DC extends stay-at-home order to June 8; CNN poll: 13% rise in visits with friends or family; Multiple states reporting mysterious reactions in children; Nation's largest University system won't bring students back in fall; Trump comments on Dr. Fauci: "He wants to play all sides of the equation"; Whistleblower to testify Trump administration unprepared for pandemic; Michigan governor on protests: "When people congregate they take it back to their communities"; Michigan governor on protests: "When people congregate they take it back to their communities"; New York Times: Michigan has biggest weekly jump in number of people leaving their homes; Michigan governor says she has not talked to Biden about Vice President role; Trump says Fauci's answer on schools reopening "not acceptable"; Russia's reported cases surge, second only to United States; Putin's spokesman hospitalized with coronavirus; Russian-made ventilators linked to spare of hospital fires; Britain allowing people to return to work; London subway station: 60 percent of normal during rush hour; Confusion over UK government's coronavirus messaging; Trump slams Fauci on opening schools;To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


