Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled a rate hike and a stimulus taper, prompting a positive day on Wall Street. In Washington, Congress may be at a standstill to raise or suspend the debt limit, thus averting a government shutdown, and a debt default. Eric Cantor, former Republican House Majority Leader and CNBC’s Ylan Mui discuss the debt ceiling and the possible economic fallout. The Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer and BioNTech’s Covid-19 booster shots for people 65 and older and other vulnerable Americans six months after receiving the first two doses. Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes continues her trial, and CNBC’s Yasmin Khorram has obtained 600 pages of Holmes’s private texts with her ex-boyfriend Sunny Balwani. Khorram reveals details of their relationship, now in the courtroom spotlight. Plus, The Points Guy Brian Kelly offers his tips for making the most of a credit card, capitalizing on the best ways to leverage Amex and Chase points for travel. In this episode:Eric Cantor, @EricCantorBrian Kelly, @thepointsguyYlan Mui, @ylanmuiYasmin Khorram, @YasminKhorramJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla discusses his company’s donation of 500 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to the U.S. government for distribution among lower income countries. CNBC’s Meg Tirrell and Pfizer’s Bourla discuss equitable vaccine access and the global distribution infrastructure. The group chat app Discord is now valued at $15 billion after a new funding round. Discord CEO Jason Citron shares how he’s built a communication app in a crowded marketplace, the pros and cons of working with Apple’s App Store, and leveraging the gamer community. Plus, Congress works to avert a government shutdown, and Jamie Dimon’s making comments on the Fed.In this episode:Albert Bourla, @AlbertBourlaJason Citron, @jasoncitronMeg Tirrell, @megtirrellJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Uber may be bumping up its timeline for profitability. After years of losses and struggles with surge pricing and labor shortages throughout the pandemic, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says the company is ready to turn its first adjusted profit sooner than expected. Martha Stewart shares her plans to expand Martha.com’s shopping and learning experiences for consumers. A real estate company’s debt crisis in China is rippling through markets around the world; CNBC’s Eunice Yoon reports on Evergrande’s path forward and the role the Chinese Communist Party plays in the global economy. Plus, U.S. Democratic congressional leaders are attempting to prevent a government shutdown and suspend the U.S. debt limit through the end of 2022. In this episode:Dara Khosrowshahi, @dkhosMartha Stewart, @MarthaStewartEunice Yoon, @onlyyoontvJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Pfizer and BioNTech’s Covid vaccine is safe for kids, and appears to generate a robust immune response, according to results from a clinical trial of children 5 to 11. The companies tested a two-dose regimen of 10 micrograms — about a third the dosage used for teens and adults — administered three weeks apart. CNBC’s Senior Health and Science Reporter Meg Tirrell says the company plans to submit the data to the FDA and other health regulators as soon as possible. Democratic mayoral nominee Eric Adams discusses his plans for New York City businesses, it’s police force, and Wall Street. Plus, CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on Washington’s tax debate and the “death tax.”In this episode:Eric Adams, @ericadamsfornycMeg Tirrell, @megtirrellRobert Frank, @robtfrankJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has ordered an internal ethics review after several senior central bank officials disclosed large investments and stock trades in 2020. CNBC’s Steve Liesman reports on the details of the disclosure documents, the existing rules for Fed official holdings. LinkedIn co-founder, venture capitalist, and host of the ‘Masters of Scale’ podcast Reid Hoffman discusses his new book, years of his own interviews with entrepreneurs, and the magic of an entrepreneurial spirit. A key Food and Drug Administration vaccine advisory committee meets to debate and vote on booster shots for the general public, and a former Boeing 737 Max pilot is likely to soon face criminal charges for his role in misleading aviation officials. Plus, American steel is making a comeback. In this episode:Reid Hoffman, @reidhoffmanSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has issued a warning to residents who haven’t received a Covid-19 vaccine, advising them to register for their first doses as hospitalizations and ventilator usage climb across the state. Murphy discusses Covid safety in schools, tax changes for residents, and the fight for infrastructure on Capitol Hill. Apple’s new iPhone 13 promises improvements in camera performance, battery life and general speed; CNBC’s Jon Fortt breaks down industry headwinds ahead of the holiday shopping season. Plus, a fiery headache for the GM Chevy Bolt and a SpaceX liftoff. In this episode:Phil Murphy, @GovMurphyJon Fortt, @jonforttBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

In an extended interview, founder of Bridgewater Associates Ray Dalio outlines his strategy for diversifying his portfolio, from the stock market to gold and cryptocurrencies. Dalio discusses the global and domestic market risks, warns investors away from cash, and considers a conflicted future for capitalism. At the Skybridge Alternatives Conference in New York, Andrew Ross Sorkin sits down with Ray Dalio and, later, former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb. Dr. Gottlieb considers a future of low-Covid-risk conferences like SALT, and a timeline for child vaccines. Plus, Microsoft is buying back $60 billion in MSFT stock

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual gala returned to New York City on Sunday, and hundreds of celebrities walked the red carpet to celebrate the Costume Institute’s “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” Exhibit. Making a splash among entertainment’s wealthiest elite, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez donned an Aurora James gown with a loud message: “Tax the Rich.” Robinhood’s payment-for-order-flow business model has long been the focus of the platform’s biggest critics, but Robinhood chief legal officer Dan Gallagher defends the back-end payment system as benefit to retail investors. Gallagher, a former SEC commissioner, maps the market’s road to the Reddit Rebellion and the rise of retail investors. Plus, update your iPhones! In light of security concerns, Apple is recommending that users update all of their iOS devices. In this episode: Dan Gallagher, @DanGallagherDCBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

House Democrats outlined a bevy of tax hikes on corporations and wealthy people to fund an investment in the social safety net and climate policy that could reach $3.5 trillion. CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on the possible impact for high-earners and considers possible timeline for implementation, and Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein says there is “no doubt we will have a tax increase” by the end of the year. Rubenstein weighs in on China’s regulatory crackdown and global risks to the market. The TSA will double the fine for passengers who refuse to comply with the federal mask mandate for air travel. Sara Nelson, international president for the Association of Flight Attendants, discusses her colleagues’ support for passenger vaccination mandates. A federal judge has ruled Apple can’t force developers to use in-app purchases, the latest development in Apple’s battle with Epic Games. Plus, U.S. Open Champion Daniil Medvedev defeated #1-ranked Novak Djokovic, and vaccines may be on the horizon for kids ages 5-11.News Stories:House Democrats propose new tax hikes to pay for their $3.5 trillion bill: Here are the detailsTSA to double minimum fines for travelers who refuse to wear masks to $500Apple can no longer force developers to use in-app purchasing, judge rules in Epic Games caseIn this episode:David Rubenstein, @DM_RubensteinSara Nelson, @FlyingWithSaraRobert Frank, @robtfrankBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

In remembrance of September 11, 2001, New York Times foreign affairs columnist Tom Friedman, Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Partners CEO and chairman Howard Lutnick, and CNBC’s Contessa Brewer reflect on that tragic day, how the world was shaped by it, and what’s next, at home and abroad. Lutnick remembers over two thirds of the Cantor Fitzgerald employees lost in the 9/11 attacks, and speaks to the Cantor Fitzgerald-BGC Partners annual Charity Day, in support of their families. CNBC’s Contessa Brewer reports on the physical, emotional, and financial impact, far beyond Ground Zero and far beyond 2001. Tom Friedman, author of ‘From Beruit to Jerusalem’ reflects on how 9/11 changed the players and the moves on the international, geopolitical stage. Plus, in light of today’s Covid-19 crisis, President Joe Biden has outlined a broad plan to increase Covid vaccination rates in the U.S. He announced a mandate that federal employees get a Covid vaccine, with no option for regular testing, and for health-care facilities that get Medicare and Medicaid funding to have staff fully vaccinated.News Stories:Biden to mandate Covid vaccine for federal workers, removing option to get tested insteadIn this episode:Tom Friedman, @tomfriedmanContessa Brewer, @contessabrewerJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

GameStop’s latest quarterly report did little to answer Wall Street’s--and Reddit’s--concerns about the company’s turnaround plan and sky-high stock price. Ben Mezrich, author of “The Anti-Social Network,” joined to discuss his book about the Gamestop saga and how it continues to shake up Wall Street. Lululemon shares hit a fresh, all-time high after the retailer blew past Wall Street’s expectations in its latest fiscal quarter. Famous for its women’s leggings and “ABC” jogger pants for men (Joe’s & Andrew’s favorite), Lululemon sales have outperformed other retailers during the Covid pandemic. Calvin McDonald, CEO of Lululemon, discusses the company’s Q2 results, employee pay, and what’s next for the brand. Ukraine is the latest country to legalize bitcoin, a sign the currency could be here to stay. United Airlines’ employees who are granted exemptions to a company vaccine mandate for religious reasons will be put on temporary unpaid leave starting next month, citing the recent rise in Covid cases. Plus, day one of the blockbuster Theranos trial is complete as prosecutors called Holmes a liar and a cheat during opening statements.In this episode:Ben Mezrich, @benmezrichCalvin McDonald, @calvinmcdonaldBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Private venture- and private equity-backed companies have a homogeneity problem: Black directors have consistently held only 1 percent of board seats at these companies, and Latinx directors have held even less. Gabrielle Sulzberger of Two Sigma and Ursula Burns, former Xerox CEO, founded the Board Diversity Action Alliance, and they have data to prove that now is the time to make a change. CNBC’s Steve Liesman reports on Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan’s portfolio holdings after Kaplan made multiple million-dollar-plus stock trades in 2020. Coinbase had planned to release an interest-earning product in the coming weeks, but the SEC might take legal action against it. A jury of seven men and five women has been chosen to determine the fate of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. Holmes faces a dozen counts of wire fraud and conspiracy in connection with defrauding investors and patients, but she’s waiting for trial in the Silicon Valley suburbs. Plus, Apple sent out invitations to the media for its annual September event, where the company is expected to launch new iPhones. In this episode: Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Microsoft President Brad Smith discusses cyber risks in the digital age, and explains his company’s effort to support federal, state, and local governments in building safe online infrastructure. He details Microsoft’s pledge to invest $20 billion in cybersecurity over the next 5 years and the chip shortage hitting global markets. Disney and Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” broke box office records in the U.S., garnering an estimated $71.4 over the holiday weekend. While celebrated stateside, the film has not yet been released in China. CNBC’s Eunice Yoon reports on the CCP’s relationship with entertainment and media, on the ground in Beijing. SoftBank has struck a $7 billion share-swap deal with Deutsche Telekom to increase its stake in U.S. unit T-Mobile; Softbank Group International CEO (and WeWork Executive Chairman) Marcelo Claure discusses the telecom shakeup and the implications for his own business. Plus, booster shots for Covid vaccinations are on the horizon, and high tech mattresses are in vogue. In this episode: Brad Smith, @BradSmi Marcelo Claure, @marceloclaure Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontv Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC

In August, the US economy added only 235,000 jobs, much less than economists were expecting. The hiring blitz at bars and restaurants came to an abrupt halt in August as more Covid-19 cases and a scarcity of willing workers kept employers from adding to payrolls. CNBC’s analysis of the August 2021 jobs report shows a loss of 42,000 jobs in food services and drinking places last month. Nela Richardson of ADP, Jason Furman of Harvard, and CNBC’s Steve Liesman and Rick Santelli discuss the disappointing August jobs report. Former FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, predicts that Northeastern states, including New York and Connecticut, will experience another jump in Covid cases tied to the highly transmissible delta variant. Dr. Gottlieb recommends that schools that have brought kids back for in-person learning should increase coronavirus testing, in addition to masking and improving ventilation. Plus, Cathie Wood says auto buyers are abandoning gas-powered vehicles, but CNBC’s Phil LeBeau reports on the reality of car sales, electric and otherwise.

At least 22 people were killed as the remnants of Hurricane Ida battered New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. NBC meteorologist Bill Karins reports on Ida’s path and the record rain and flooding that deluged the region and triggered states of emergency on Thursday. CNBC’s Ylan Mui and Walter Isaacson, history professor at Tulane and renowned author, discuss how the extreme weather may impact priorities for Washington’s infrastructure deal. CNBC’s Meg Tirrell reports that new data from GoodRx reveals more doctor-patient visits unrelated to the pandemic, both for cosmetic and mental health reasons. Plus, Axios reporter Sara Fischer talks TV and film as release dates for major pictures are pushed to 2022

As students return to physical classrooms, cases of Covid-19 are ticking up among children. The Academy of American Pediatrics President Dr. Lee Savio Beers discusses classroom safety and a timeline for a kids’ vaccine. In a survey of 400 U.S. CEOs, KPMG found that American executives are optimistic about the economy, despite more and more delays to the return to office. Paul Knopp, KPMG U.S. CEO and chair, discusses the c-suite outlook on inflation, hybrid work, and taxation. Plus, August was a big month for the markets.

America’s 20-year war in Afghanistan came to an end as the Americans stationed there finished their evacuation. CNBC’s Eamon Javers details the military’s next steps for extracting the remaining group of Americans in the country, as well as the Biden administration’s strategy to monitor the Taliban. CNBC’s Frank Holland reports on how residents of New Orleans are planning for the days ahead as the city remains without power and with limited access to other resources in the wake of Hurricane Ida. After the storm shut down at least six Gulf Coast refineries, RBC Capital Markets head of global commodity strategy Helima Croft discusses energy production as the region gets back on its feet. Croft considers other headlines in oil, including the Taliban’s new role in global energy politics and the upcoming OPEC meeting. The Federal Reserve is looking for signals from the labor market to gauge when it should tighten monetary policy. CNBC’s Steve Liesman and Mohamed El-Erian, Allianz and Gramercy advisor, discuss the upcoming August jobs report, Fed Chair Powell’s comments at Jackson Hole, and the Delta variant’s impact on inflation and the U.S. economic recovery. Plus, PayPal is exploring adding a new stock-trading feature to its platform, and China is cracking down on gamers.

Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana on Sunday as a Category 4 storm with winds of 150 miles per hour, one of the strongest storms to hit the region since Hurricane Katrina. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) discusses the damage caused by Hurricane Ida as over one million people in the region--including his own family--are without power. The United States is a day away from ending its evacuation mission in Kabul, marking the apparent end of a 20-year engagement in Afghanistan. AEI President Emeritus, contributing writer for The Atlantic, Harvard professor, and host of “The Art of Happiness” podcast Arthur Brooks discusses President Biden’s agenda, including the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Covid-19 vaccines for kids may be closer than experts originally expected, and countries in the EU are set to restrict American travelers due to variant outbreaks stateside. Plus, Elizabeth Holmes, founder and former CEO of Theranos, begins her trial this week, and her defense claims that her ex-boyfriend and Theranos partner subjected her to a “decade-long campaign of psychological abuse.” Unsealed filings also reveal Holmes plans to testify in her own defense.

The U.S. and its allies have warned that more terrorist attacks in Kabul are likely, as the deadline for military withdrawal from Afghanistan draws near. CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on the latest information gathered after the twin suicide bombings in Kabul. Children are now being hospitalized in record numbers across the United States, and doctors are warning that it could get worse as physical classrooms welcome students back. Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, vice provost of global initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania and former Coronavirus Advisory Board Member for President Biden, discusses delta variant concerns and the need for higher vaccination numbers among adults to stop the spread. United States Tennis Association CEO Michael Dowse discusses a safe and successful U.S. Open just days before the tournament’s first day in New York, detailing the protocols and the players that fans can expect. Plus, supply chain issues that may impact retail margins and the holiday shopping season.

Delta Air Lines is the first company to raise health insurance premiums for employees that are not vaccinated against Covid-19. Shellye Archambeau, board member of Verizon, Okta and Nordstrom, discusses whether this move is the beginning of a movement from employers, and shares how executives are weighing vaccine incentives and ultimatums in the boardroom. J.M. Smucker CEO Mark Smucker says inflation and supply chain issues are hitting the jelly business, but Smucker’s is still expanding its portfolio--from coffee brands to dog food. CNBC’s Eunice Yoon reports on China’s marketplace for fake Covid-19 vaccination cards, and she shares which U.S. states are receiving the biggest shipments. Plus, happy National Dog Day!

Johnson & Johnson announced that it has enough data to support administering a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Following the announcement, the CDC tweeted that they need more data and information before recommending a booster dose from J&J. CNBC’s Meg Tirrell reports on the new research supporting the booster. Tim Cook was named CEO of Apple 10 years ago. He took over Apple at a turbulent time when Jobs was battling pancreatic cancer and the company's future seemed uncertain. Toni Sacconaghi, Bernstein senior research analyst and longtime Apple watcher, discusses Apple’s last decade under CEO Tim Cook’s leadership and the company’s legacy. As more and more companies institute a variation of vaccine mandates, former EY Chairman and CEO Mark Weinberger discusses the risks and nuances of requiring vaccinations for employees. Plus, Democrats compromise for Biden’s economic agenda, and meme stock mania is back!

The House has once again delayed a planned vote to advance two key proposals that make up President Joe Biden’s economic agenda. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) and Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) discuss the path forward for an infrastructure deal and a budget resolution. Major companies – from Walt Disney to Walmart – have already mandated Covid-19 vaccines for some or all of their employees, and now that the FDA has granted the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine full approval, more businesses are poised to follow suit. John Ho, co-chair of the OSHA-workplace safety practice at Cozen O’Connor, discusses whether employers can mandate coronavirus vaccines and if they had the legal authority to do so. Plus, an NFT of a rock just sold for 400 ether, or about $1.3 million, and CNBC’s Eamon Javers swaps movie recommendations--and quotes--with Joe Kernen.

The FDA has fully approved Pfizer and BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine. Director of the National Institutes of Health Dr. Francis Collins explains what this approval might mean for vaccine hesitancy across the country. He also answers questions about vaccine safety for children, as young people prepare to return to school amid an uptick in cases of the Delta variant. Beloved game show Jeopardy! is host-less as the show still searches for Alex Trebek’s successor. Variety’s business editor Cynthia Littleton discusses the money at stake and the show’s long run. Plus, cryptocurrencies are back on the rise, Tropical Storm Henri took out power for thousands along the east coast, and Governor Cuomo has reached his last day on the job.

In an extended interview, sports icon and 39-time Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King discusses the 2021 U.S. Open Tennis Championship amid pandemic and her autobiography, “All In.” As more and more professional athletes speak out about mental health in sports, King considers her own experience with mental health, the media, and activism. In a conversation exclusive to Squawk Pod, Joe Kernen shares why he finds her journey so inspirational and emotional, and underlines her role in pushing all of society forward. Plus, once again, a dance on Tesla’s stage is making headlines.

Social media giants Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube each have differing policies on how the Taliban can interact with their platforms. As the group gains control in Afghanistan, investor Kevin O’Leary and Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt debate social media’s responsibility to censor the Taliban, or not. A third vaccine shot in the U.S. has prompted a global debate about vaccine access and public health, but the Biden administration is moving forward with a plan to boost eligible populations as early as this fall. Joe, Andrew and Steve Liesman break down consumer spending, consumer worries, and the indicators of economic recovery in the face of the Delta variant. Plus, as retailers continue to report strong financial results, the team considers a return to the office “peacocking” trend.

After Target delivered second quarter financials topping all analyst expectations, CEO Brian Cornell sits down with Becky Quick to discuss his business investment strategies. The two talk omnichannel growth, employee support, and consumer tastes. The U.S. government is recommending vaccinated adults take a booster Covid-19 vaccine, and former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb explains who, when, and why a booster is necessary for a safe public. Plus, Chinese tech giants are under scrutiny, and TikTok is back in the spotlight on Capitol Hill--this time, for its data.

New York is not dead, according to Jerry Seinfeld, New Yorkers, and real estate mogul Jeff Blau, CEO of Related Companies. Blau discusses the real estate rebounds in NY-based rentals and sales, and shares his outlook for Hudson Yards tenants and Covid safety. CNBC’s Robert Frank shares statistics on the city’s rebound, but flags low subway ridership and office presence as potential obstacles to recovery. Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel talks Hollywood talent and entertainment’s own recovery, from live sporting events to movies and gaming. China’s crackdown on internet companies continues, the markets deliver a stunning bounce back, and the American public may soon be signing up for Covid booster vaccines. Plus, online gambling is breaking new ground--and so is Joe Kernen.

The Afghan government has fallen to the Taliban, and global politics are shifting in response. CNBC’s Dan Murphy in Abu Dhabi considers the global and regional ramifications of the Taliban’s movements, as well as what’s at stake for President Biden, as he weighs an American response. Former State Department Official Evelyn Farkas, a longtime proponent of withdrawing U.S. forces from Afghanistan, considers what’s next for actors across the international stage. As the United States continues to grapple with new Covid-19 cases, companies across the country are delaying their return to in-person work. Harvard Business School Professor Tsedal Neeley discusses the permanence of a hybrid workplace. Plus, the Federal Reserve is avoiding a “taper tantrum” as it considers a response to the recovering U.S. economy, and Tesla’s autopilot feature is under investigation, officially.

Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the FDA’s approval of a booster Covid-19 vaccine for immunocompromised Americans. In an extended interview, he discusses cases of the Delta variant, longevity of vaccine efficacy, and what’s to come in the fall. Plus, CNBC’s Kate Rogers explains what all this means for small businesses and restaurants. In a conversation exclusive to Squawk Pod, Rogers reveals entrepreneurial optimism and service industry innovation in the face of an ongoing pandemic.

Bitcoin, ethereum, blockchain, the Senate, and a whole lot of volatility. Andrew Ross Sorkin explains why so many people are talking about the cryptoeconomy, in a conversation exclusive to Squawk Pod. Capitol Hill, the SEC, and the global public are grappling with what these tokens are--securities, maybe--and how to regulate them. Alesia Haas, CFO of Coinbase, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, discusses the company’s recent financial results, the volatility that’s supported its success, and ways to keep investors safe.

In an extended interview, legendary short-seller Jim Chanos discusses AMC’s meme stock journey, movie theaters, apes, Reddit, and all. Short interest in AMC is rising in the wake of AMC’s quarterly financial report, but Wall Street is warning retail investors that the “Mother of All Short Squeezes” that they’re waiting for, may not be as fun a play as they’re expecting.

While President Biden and leaders across corporate America have been encouraging, incentivizing, and even requiring that employees get vaccinated, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has vocally opposed mask mandates, vaccine mandates, and Covid-19 passports. In a lively interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin and Becky Quick, Senator Cruz defends his stance on masks in schools and weighs in on employer rights to require behaviors from their workers. Plus, CNBC’s Senior Economics Reporter Steve Liesman shares data from CNBC’s All-America Economic Survey, which reveals American openness to vaccination and vaccination requirements. In a conversation exclusive to Squawk Pod, Liesman explains where most Americans find mandates reasonable, and where they don’t.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo are teaming up to expand and prepare America’s workforce. The bipartisan infrastructure bill working through Congress aims to invest $100 billion in job creation, supporting small businesses as they recover from and power through the pandemic. In an extended interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin, the two secretaries discuss the infrastructure bill, diversifying the private sector’s talent pipeline, and the future of the American workforce.

The economy added 943,000 jobs in July, the best pace in nearly a year and nearly 100,000 more than economists expected. Kate Moore, head of thematic strategy for BlackRock’s global allocation team, Austan Goolsbee, former Council of Economic Advisers chairman, break down the numbers. CNN has terminated three of its employees for lying about their Covid-19 vaccination statuses and coming to the office, according to a memo sent to staff internally. Tom Gimbel, founder and CEO of staffing firm LaSalle Network, and Kate Kelly, reporter at The New York Times, discuss return to work policies and corporate America’s role in leading the next wave of vaccinations. United Airlines will require its 67,000 U.S. employees to get vaccinated against Covid by no later than Oct. 25th; those unwilling to comply will risk termination. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau says this move will likely ramp up pressure on other major U.S. carriers to follow suit. CNBC’s Kate Rogers reports on the teacher shortage ahead of a new school year. Plus, Virgin Galactic announced it will sell seats for space tourism flights, starting at $450,000.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi is prioritizing his customers’ experiences, investing in driver acquisition to alleviate price surging and wait times as ride hailing gets back on track. Khosrowshahi also defends his decision not to mandate vaccines for all riders and drivers. The meme stock mania continues with the company that started it all: Robinhood. Now a meme stock itself, Robinhood has announced a stock sale as the retail “apes” push its price higher. In an effort to combat climate change, the White House announced a target for the country’s cars: by 2030, half of all American vehicle sales will be electric. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg explains the collaboration between the Biden administration and automakers, including voluntary corporate commitments and corresponding federal funding expectations. Plus, an Elon Musk biography is underway, and earnings season is sending issuer stock prices on the market’s roller coaster.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler shares his plan for taming the “Wild West” that is the cryptocurrency ecosystem. After years of leadership in finance regulation and teaching blockchain technology at MIT, Gensler praises innovation, but calls for “guard rails.” China is aiming to curb new Covid cases, and New York City has a new access pass for its social scene: proof of vaccination. Plus, CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports that the CDC is stepping in to extend the eviction moratorium.

After 17 months and three vaccines, Covid cases continue to tick up, even in the U.S. Senate. Operation Hope Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant offers a progress report of his nonprofit’s efforts to alleviate financial strain on American workers amid the pandemic; he’s partnered with various U.S. corporations to provide financial coaching to employees. Delta CEO Ed Bastian attests to the impact this initiative has had for his own employees. Bastian also discusses maintaining Delta workers’ physical wellbeing with vaccination policies for passengers. Plus, China is cracking down on video games, and Pepsico is shelving its juices.

Jack Dorsey’s Square is acquiring Australian buy-now-pay-later company Afterpay in a $29 billion deal that deepens its foothold in digital payments. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses potential booster vaccines to curb continuing illness, and he considers the CDC’s data delivery and transparency. Plus, Disney's latest box office debut is straight out of the jungle, and an infrastructure package could mean a smoother ride for road trippers in the years to come.

The Covid Delta variant is likely infecting more people than are being recorded, according to former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb. He discusses transmission and hospitalization rates and responds to concerning data from an internal CDC presentation obtained by The Washington Post. Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie considers what the variant data means for leisure travel, and explains why he hasn’t required vaccinations for his own employees or passengers. Scarlett Johansson and Disney are at odds after “Black Widow'' was released in theatres and on Disney+ on the same day. The actor claims the simultaneous push breached her contract, and Disney has fired back at the lawsuit. Plus, in the wake of Robinhood’s public debut, the stock hasn’t quite lived up to its promise--at least, not yet.

Vlad Tenev, Robinhood CEO, says meme investing is no joke, “it’s a real thing.” Free stock trading app Robinhood surged in popularity among retail investors through the Covid-19 pandemic and the meme stock mania of 2021. The company sold shares in its Nasdaq launch at $38 a piece, valuing it over $30 billion. Tenev celebrates Robinhood’s IPO, the role of ‘payment for order flow’ in the next generation of investing, cryptocurrencies, and what the road to the public market means to him personally. Andrew Ross Sorkin, Joe Kernen and Morgan Brennan look for lessons for Robinhood in the legends of IPOs-past and …. Kernen on cruise control.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren says she’s skeptical that Bitcoin will prove to be a reliable hedge against inflation over the long run, a key reason some investors choose to own it -- and why she’s warning for tighter regulation, suggesting it will help root out “snake oil salesmen” and may shore up the confidence of investors in the nascent asset class. And, Warren’s tax proposal on the wealth of ultra-millionaires and billionaires garnered a lot of attention from Wall Street during the early days of the 2020 Presidential campaign. In a striking - and at times fiery - exchange, billionaire and Home Depot founder Ken Langone joins the Squawk Box gang to discuss the possible policy’s impact on the richest of rich Americans.

Beijing’s sweeping regulatory crackdown on technology, education, food delivery and property sectors has sent shockwaves across global markets, driving Chinese markets down. Kyle Bass of Hayman Capital Management says it's 'unconscionable' for global fund managers to invest in China. CNBC’s Eunice Yoon reports from a tutoring company in China as new rules in that once under-the-radar industry shed light on the demographic and industrial changes in the world’s second-largest economy. Tesla releases a better-than-expected second-quarter earnings report, and the electric vehicle maker passed $1 billion in quarterly net income for the first time, but Elon Musk is leaving the chat. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau breaks down the headlines with Joe Kernen, Andrew Ross Sorkin and Morgan Brennan. Plus, Bitcoin levels off after Amazon denied a rumor that it would start accepting the token as payment.

Luxury electric vehicle maker, Lucid Motors, debuts today under the ticker LCID. Lucid’s first electric vehicle, the $77,000 Lucid Air, is expected to be delivered to customers in the second half of 2021. Peter Rawlinson, chief executive officer at Lucid Motors, discusses the trading debut and the future of electric vehicles. Ratings for the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony were down 36% compared to 2016. Axios Media Reporter, Sara Fischer, and CNBC’s Jabari Young weigh in on the ratings, logistical challenges, and the latest news from Tokyo. Bitcoin surged to its highest level since mid-June today, trading as high as nearly $40,000, after a recruitment ad suggested that Amazon may start accepting the cryptocurrency for payment. Plus, CNBC’s Eunice Yoon reports on the tensions between the U.S. and China …. and Joe Kernen is taking his bets.

Everybody’s online. Twitter’s second-quarter earnings came in stronger than analysts had anticipated as revenue grew 74% year over year in the quarter due to “a broad increase in advertiser demand.” Twitter’s Chief Financial Officer Ned Segal breaks down the earnings results, Bitcoin, and fighting misinformation on the platform. The Covid-19 Delta variant is highly-contagious. Former FDA Commissioner and Pfizer board member Dr. Scott Gottlieb says he expects businesses and organizations to take a more authoritative position on vaccination requirements once full regulatory approval is given. He also weighs in on the virus, variants and vaccines at the Tokyo Olympics. NBC’s Stephanie Gosk checks in from the much-delayed start of the 2020 Games.. Plus, China is stepping up restrictions on the private education industry, which is hitting some U.S. companies and the hard seltzer market may be oversaturated.

A failed Senate test vote dealt a blow to the bipartisan infrastructure framework, but the plan could have a chance to move forward again as soon as Monday. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg believes there will be an infrastructure deal and said the Biden Administration’s “not trying to get gold-plated water pipes, just ones without lead.” AT&T beat analysts’ estimates for monthly phone bill paying subscriber additions in the second quarter, fueled by more Americans converting to 5G phones. Axios media reporter Sara Fischer discusses AT&T’s earnings report and what investors should know about the company’s outlook. Plus, Elon Musk speaks at a Bitcoin conference and PG&E’s decision to bury around 10,000 miles of power lines in an effort to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Verizon reported better-than-expected revenue and subscriber growth, raising its full-year outlook. Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg breaks down the results and how much our smartphones show about post-pandemic consumers. Famed visual artist Damien Hirst says he believes in the staying power of nonfungible tokens, or NFTs. He discusses his NFT project where the buyer eventually chooses whether to keep - or destroy - digital or physical art, aptly named “The Currency.” The Opening Ceremonies are still a couple of days away, but the Tokyo Olympics are getting underway. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke to the International Olympic Committee members in Tokyo, and said the global failure to share vaccines, tests and treatments is fueling a “two-track pandemic.” Plus, Chipotle earnings are hot, AMC’s board names Redditor-approved CEO Adam Aron as chairman and the Milwaukee Bucks win the club's 1st NBA title since 1971. And, breaking in the Squawk Terrace, high above Times Square!

World’s richest man leaves Earth. Jeff Bezos’ space company, Blue Origin, launched him into spaceflight history, riding in the inaugural human crew of the New Shepard rocket. Adam Jones, Morgan Stanley Head of Global Autos and Share Mobility discusses the investment implications of the Blue Origin launch and the road ahead for space tourism. New Covid-19 cases are up in the U.S., as the highly-contagious Delta variant spreads among unvaccinated Americans. Former Obama administration official Dr. Kavita Patel warns that this resurgence of infection could impact economic and workplace re-opening. Plus, Comcast and ViacomCBS are exploring ways to work together and it could mean more SpongeBob SquarePants for all.

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman’s blank-check company Pershing Square Tontine Holdings has dropped a deal to buy 10% of Vivendi’s flagship Universal Music Group, following regulator concerns. Ackman discusses why he decided to pull his SPAC deal -- but is still investing in Universal Music -- the markets and his thoughts on Covid. He says the spread of the Delta variant doesn’t pose a significant threat to the economic reopening, and he sees interest rates rising on the back of the big comeback. Plus, CNBC’s Brian Sullivan reports on the new OPEC agreement to increase production by 400,000 barrels each month beginning in August. The output hike will continue through September 2022, at which point the entirety of the nearly 6 million barrels per day the group is still withholding will be back on the market. Plus, Happy Birthday to a few folks in the Squawk Box family.