The Taliban has formed a new caretaker government in Afghanistan, but President Biden says reconizing it diplomatically is ‘a long way off’. The Secretary of State Antony Blinken is relying on assurances from former enemies that it's bureaucracy, not a hostage drama delaying flights for Americans waiting to get out of Afghanistan. The Taliban says Americans with travel documents can leave the country.

President Biden arrived in New Jersey today to tour hurricane Ida storm damage. There have been at least 52 storm related deaths across six northeast states. The President said the losses he witnessed today are profound, adding, “global warming is real, we must act now”.

As kids head back to school the U.S. surpasses 40 million confirmed Covid-19 cases. 1 in 8 Americans have had the virus with the 7-day average nearly 4 times higher than a year ago. Thousands of students are in quarantine amid a surge in the delta variant with roughly 75 million Americans remaining unvaccinated.

Texas races to the right as Governor Greg Abbot signs the voting restrictions bill into law. Along with the abortion ban, it is anticipated the new Texas Laws will serve as a model for other Red States.

On today’s panel: Margaret Talev, Paul Kane and Ayesha Rascoe.

Plus: CNN’s Athena Jones, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, George Latimer, Rep. Markwayne Mullin and Dr Asha Jha.

Hosted by John King.

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