Today on Velshi, we're going to take you to Kabul for the very latest in the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan,

where the Taliban is retaking territory at an alarming pace.

Plus, new details are emerging about the man being called the most dangerous Trump official you've never heard of.

What we're learning about his role in trying to get the election overturned and why the danger to democracy is not over. And I'll be joined by two Texas lawmakers who fled the state to block a Republican

voter suppression bill and who are now subject to arrest thanks to an escalating fight with their

Republican governor and colleagues. And then you are not going to believe how much a handful

of mega-rich families benefited

from some very specific, almost bespoke tax cuts that were larded into the former failed president's tax bill in 2017.

There's a paper trail of formerly secret documents that tell the shocking story,

and I'll talk to the reporter who unearthed them later in the show.

Velshi starts now.

Well, good morning. It is Saturday, August, and 17th. I'm Ali Velshi, and we begin with breaking news.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban has undertaken an extreme offensive and has regained control of the vast

majority of the country with surprising speed, taking over virtually every major city. Take a look

at these orange outlines. That's area that the Taliban now controls. They're also moving in on

Kabul, which is here. You can see there's Taliban control outside of Kabul,

but not in the capital city. There is now anticipation that Kabul could fall in the next

couple of weeks or perhaps even days. Joining me now from Kabul, Afghanistan, NBC News,

foreign correspondent, Kelly Kovia. Kelly, what's the latest there? Well, Allie, the fighting is moving closer to Kabul.

Today, there are reports of heavy fighting in Wardak province.

That's to the south.

It's about 20 miles away the fighting is.

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