The delta variant, the case against Trump Org and the first octogenarian astronaut

Friday, July 2, 2021 Good morning, NBC News readers.     This morning we are taking a deep dive into the delta variant of Covid-19, the legal case against the Trump Organization and the latest on the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Plus, one joyful 82-year-old female pilot is finally going to get the chance to reach her lifelong goal and fly to space.    Here's what we're watching this Friday morning. The delta variant: Everything you need to know A more contagious variant of the coronavirus, known as delta, is spreading in the United States and around the world, causing a surge of cases in some countries and prompting several nations to introduce new lockdowns.   First identified in India, delta now accounts for 25 percent of new Covid-19 cases in the U.S., and is on track to become the dominant version of the virus circulating in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During a news briefing last week, the nation's leading infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci called the delta variant the "greatest threat" to eliminating Covid-19 in the U.S.   Here's everything we know so far. Friday's top stories 'There's just no legal defense': Trump Organization in jeopardy, experts say By Dareh Gregorian and Gretchen Morgenson | Read more While lawyers for the Trump organization dismissed the criminal charges against the company as prosecutorial overreach Thursday, legal analysts warned that the firm and a top aide face serious allegations. U.S. military leaves Bagram Airfield, hands it to Afghans after nearly 20 years   By The Associated Press | Read more  After nearly 20 years, the U.S. military left Bagram Airfield, the epicenter of its war in Afghanistan, a senior U.S. military official with direct knowledge of the withdrawal confirmed to NBC News.    Exclusive: 'We don't get it ... It's not even happening': Teachers say critical race theory isn't being taught in classrooms By Phil McCausland | Read more  Despite a roiling culture war that has blown up at school board meetings and led to new legislation in statehouses across the country, teachers nationwide said K-12 schools are not requiring or pushing them to teach critical race theory, according to a survey obtained by NBC News. Trymaine Lee digs into the conservative uproar surrounding critical race theory on this weeks' "Into America" podcast. Challenging new GOP election limits just got harder, voting rights advocates say By Sahil Kapur and Jane C. Timm | Read more The Supreme Court decision to uphold two laws in Arizona has put fresh pressure on the Democratic-controlled Congress to pass federal voting legislation. OPINION Why the new indictments suggest Weisselberg isn't ready to flip on Trump — yet By Dennis Aftergut | Read more   The Trump Organization executive has apparently calculated that he has little to lose by deferring a decision about cooperating. BETTER How to stop mindless snacking and other bad habits keeping you from weight loss  By A. Pawlowski | Read more   That habit of eating candy every afternoon is really hard to break. Here's how to do it.  Want to receive the Morning Rundown in your inbox? Sign up here. Also in the news ... Boy Scouts reach $850 million settlement with tens of thousands of sexual abuse victims Britney Spears' professional co-conservator files to resign after explosive testimony Space race: Virgin Galactic to launch Richard Branson into space July 11, aiming to beat Jeff Bezos 72 units of Central Florida condo complex deemed unsafe, residents relocated  Former Fox News host Ed Henry sues network, CEO for defamation  Awful scenes of Miami condo collapse trigger pain for 9/11 victims' loved ones SHOPPING Gas grills are excellent for barbecues, but they are an investment. We consulted experts on the best ones to check out before you buy.  One fun thing Sometimes good things come to those who wait.   Blue Origin's Jeff Bezos announced Thursday that he had chosen an early female aerospace pioneer to rocket into space with him later this month.    Wally Funk, an 82-year-old pilot went through astronaut training in the 1960s, but never made it to space — or even NASA's astronaut corps — because she was female.    "No one has waited longer," Bezos said via Instagram. "It's time. Welcome to the crew, Wally. We're excited to have you fly with us on July 20th as our honored guest."   Wally was speechless when she got the news, but her exuberant reaction says it all. If this video doesn't bring a smile to your face, I don't know what will! Thanks for reading the Morning Rundown. Have a great 4th of July weekend! Be safe, but have fun!    If you have any comments — likes, dislikes — send me an email at: petra@nbcuni.com   If you're a fan, please forward it to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.    Thanks, Petra Cahill Download the NBC News App Follow NBC News Privacy | Unsubscribe | More NBC Newsletters | Contact View in browser