Schools, as one Board Meeting spirals into a shouting Match Homeland securitys new national terrorism and the threat of violence leading up to the 20th Anniversary of 9 11. News on new York Governor Andrew Cuomo. What is now happening with the Impeachment Probe now that he is stepping down. Tropical Storm Warnings up in florida as fred takes aim, and 78 Million under a brutal heatwave, and the dire record. July the hottest month ever Murder Hornets are back where the first live one was spotted in the u. S. This Year And Music legend Tony Bennett his farewell to the stage. Announcer this is nbc Nightly News with Lester Holt good evening, everyone an america that became weary of war is tonight witnessing from afar the raw and ugly reality of what the u. S. Has left behind in the wake of its withdrawal from afghanistan, a vacuum filled by a resurgent taliban. Its fighters have now ensnared the countrys most important cities except the capital of kabul, grabbing territory, and now a high profile afghan commander. The speed of the militant advance adding urgency to efforts to put thousands of american boots back on the ground to oversee the departure of u. S. Embassy staffers Nbcs Kelly Cobiella remains in Kabul Tonight and starts our Coverage Reporter Tonight the taliban is firmly in control of afghanistans second largest city, kandahar the militants consolidating their territory in the south, the north, and the west where they seized the historic city of herat and its famed Military Commander mohammed ismail khan. In this taliban propaganda video, khan, who fought the taliban in 2001, says he hopes the militants will bring peace, security, and stability. The lightningfast Taliban Takeover has shocked the world. The militant group took its first provincial capital one week ago today now their territory looks like this, closing in on kabul. The pentagon now scrambling to send 3,000 troops to the kabul airport, most arriving by The End of this weekend, a temporary mission to get Embassy Staff out safely the deteriorating conditions are a factor, a big factor in why the president has approved this mission. Reporter as the u. S. Embassy is ordering staff to destroy sensitive documents and computers, according to a memo obtained by npr. Panicked afghans are rushing to the capital with aid Agencies Warning of a humanitarian crisis. This is my house. Reporter this mans house was bombed its completely destroyed. Completely destroyed. No future. Reporter these men all worked for nato as construction workers, cooks, interpreters. Weve tried for more than past six years in a long line. Reporter many here feel abandoned an betrayed Fazia Koofi is a womens Rights Activist and envoy to taliban peace talks. She survived two Assassination Attempts given the situation right now, how do you see the future for women in afghanistan everyone i have spoken to about this has gotten emotional, everyone theyre not afraid of the b56 or the b52 theyre afraid of the women. Kelly, good to have you with us. The taliban advances are getting closer and closer to kabul. How much pressure does the capital appear to be under Nbc News has confirmed half of afghanistans 34 provincial capitals are under taliban control, and there are reports of heavy fighting on Kabuls Doorstep in logar province, just 50 miles away lester all right, kelly, continue to stay safe. The stunning advance of the taliban has the president under pressure to do more to stop it. Peter alexander has that Reporter President Biden tonight publicly silent about the talibans accelerating takeover of afghanistan. Privately consulting with his secretaries of State And Defense as well as his national security adviser. The rapidly deteriorating situation following the president s decision to withdraw u. S. Troops for a war he believes has lasted too long and cost too many lives sparking fierce criticism. Well, its a disgrace and its a national humiliation this didnt have to be this way. Reporter the president s Aides Today standing by his comments from just 72 hours ago. Were going continue to keep our commitment but i do not regret my decision. Reporter but now many are questioning the execution of that plan he owns this now completely it isnt Donald Trumps afghan policy. Its joe bidens reporter the rush to remove americans now drawing comparisons to the chaotic u. S. Evacuation from vi otherwise. There is going to be no circumstance you see people being lifted off united states from afghanistan. Reporter still, for those who served and sacrificed, disbelief and sadness. Im really upset. Im angry with whats going on right now reporter retired Army Ranger Tom amenta served two tours there and lost one of his close friends. Why did we spend the past decade there . What was the purpose what was the goal . Reporter haunting questions as americas longest War Abruptly ends peter alexander, Nbc News the Unraveling Security Situation in afghanistan is particularly painful for those who have worked for womens rights in that country, including an american mother who calls kabul her second home do they have a passport yet reporter Kim Motley Is Fighting for the future of many afghans from 6700 miles away and i think its whats happening in afghanistan is a humanitarian nuclear bomb, and we helped light that match but we dont have to leave. We dont have to abandon afghanistan. Reporter motley is a mom and an american lawyer who has lived and worked in afghanistan on and off since 2008 youve spent 13 years going in and out of afghanistan. For you, this has to be somewhat personal its extremely personal. Reporter you know these people. Yes, i know these people and i feel a great responsibility to afghanistan. Reporter we first met Kim Motley in kabul in 2010, where she was working as a lawyer, navigating the complex afghan Justice System, defending foreigners accused of crimes she is spending her days now on the phone, trying to help afghans flee ive been in contact with many afghans that are terrified. The people who cant get out right now, what are they doing . Hiding i think a lot of people are hiding. I think there is a lot of men growing their beards out i think there is a lot of burqas being bought i think there is a lot of books being burned. Reporter and its the Plig Afghanistan that troubles motley the most theyre physically turning girls into slaves right now theyre closing girls schools. What the taliban is doing right now is way worse than when we first went in 20 years ago. What do you say to those who say we can spend another 20 years, another 40 years, but once we leave, the exact same thing would happen 20 years is not necessarily enough to stabilize a country, but it was really on a good path. It really was turning a corner i dont understand why now, because we have to leave, because we said so . Thats why were leaving . Because we said so its a huge its against Human Rights Kim Motley, who vows to one Day Return to afghanistan you heard her talk about the threat to women. And for more on that, i want to bring in chief foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell andrea, what are you hearing . Lester, the u. S. Withdrawal is fast becoming a nightmare for afghan women and girls. Were getting reports that the taliban is targeting them at alarming rates kidnapping and raping, taking girls as Child Brides theyre being targeted for doing what the u. S. Encouraged them to do for the last 20 years, get an education, find jobs, often in defiance of their fathers and village Elders State Department Spokesman Ned Price told me today the answer is not to relocate everyone who faces danger, but as he was speaking, a colleague was getting desperate pleas, emails from girls begging to be saved from what they say is a humanitarian disaster lester andrea, thank you in just 60 seconds, what could be a gamechanger for millions of americans trying to protect themselves against covid. The cdc has cleared the way for a third Covid Vaccine Dose for those with compromised Immune Systems. It comes as 143,000 new cases were reported, and more than One Thousand deaths in a single day for the first time since late april, according to an Nbc News count still only about half are fully vaccinated our national Correspondent Miguel Almaguer has more. Reporter as early as tonight, a third shot could start going into the arms of some of the Seven Million americans who are immunocompromised. The Cdc Director giving the signoff late today nationwide, less than 3 of all americans qualify, but for those with weakened Immune Systems like certain cancer patients, Organ Transplant recipients, and those with severe immune deficiencies, a third dose could be a lifesaver. The action is about ensuring our most vulnerable who may need an additional dose to enhance their biological responses. Reporter because the immunocompromised may not get the same level of protection from two doses of pfizer or moderna, they would be eligible for a third dose of either vaccine, though its recommended they stay with the same manufacturer there was no decision for those given Johnson Johnson because there is not enough data. The cdc pointing to studies that show 40 of hospitalized breakthrough cases involve those with weak Immune Systems. But the agency is not calling the third dose a booster. Very clear the cdc is labeling this a third dose as appropriate because the first two doses were not adequate enough to get the full potential of immunity. Very different from a Booster Dose as hospitals face a Crushing Wave of new covid cases, experts say boosters for the fully vaccinated are likely a matter of when, not if in louisiana, critical Care Nurse and Cancer Patient Mary lambrano went from saving lives to nearly losing her own after becoming infected you dont want to end up this way. Scared as ive ever been in my whole life. You take breathing for granted. Reporter Tonight A Shot to protect the vulnerable as the risk rises for all. Miguel almaguer, Nbc News im Morgan Chesky tracking a different Front Line in the covid fight. You will never be allowed in public again reporter in tennessee, angry parents taking on schools over Mask Mandates as the Safety Measures for classrooms play out in courtrooms. This is going to be heard on an expedited emergency basis. In texas and Florida Id rather wear it because i dont want to get covid. I have two, actually in school, and neither one will wear Masks Reporter in one florida school district, more than 400 students are in quarantine after at least 30 tested positive the superintendent there says the district just implemented a Mask Policy despite the Governors Threat to withhold certain administrators salaries we believe that the price of a Human Life and the price of a salary, theyre not equivalent in any way, shape or form. Reporter in california, where the state supports Masking Up in schools, a superintendent says one of her teachers ended up in a hospital after a parent attacked during an argument over masks. And we just dont know from day to day what is going to happen next. Reporter schools and families now caught in the middle it should not be a choice between education or somebodys life. Thats not acceptable. Reporter Morgan Chesky, Nbc News a new Terror Alert has been issued by homeland security tonight. Pete williams is here. Pete, what do we know about this well, dhs says this new Terrorism Advisory is not based on any actual threats or plots, but says there is a rise in antigovernment rhetoric some of it is opposition to covid Public Health rules like Mask And Vaccine measures some calls for violent action are based on claims of Election Fraud or belief that Donald Trump can be reinstated, and dhs says the coming 20th Anniversary of the 9 11 attacks and religious holidays later this year could be catalyst for violence the last Terror Advisory was issued in may. It expired today this new one says domestic extremism remains a Threat Priority Lester all right, pete, thank you. Three days after new York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation over Sexual Harassment allegations, State Assembly leaders say they will suspend their investigation. They concluded they did not have the authority to impeach cuomo once he leaves office now to our Series Justice for all. The dramatic Move Today by a prosecutor known for trying to right the wrongs of the criminal Justice System reporter in philadelphia today, a first. District Attorney Larry Krasner announcing charges against three former homicide detectives. And the charges in this case relate directly to words that they stated, things that they said in and out of court. Reporter the charges, multiple counts of perjury, which is a thirddegree felony, stem from the 2016 retrial of anthony wright, a man who spent nearly 25 years in prison wrongfully convicted for a 1991 rape and murder. Eventually mr. Wrights innocence was proven by Dna Evidence that also identified the actual perpetrator of the Crime Reporter among the three detectives charged, it was Martin Devlin who claimed to have taken verbatim dictation of anthony wrights confession. But Wrights Attorney Amelia green says thats a lie she filed a civil lawsuit that led to a deposition with devlin and at that deposition, we put his story to the test. We ready . Are you ready, mr. Devlin i am. As another writes detective writes wrights confession, devlin was asked to transcribe it, just as he says it happened in the Interrogation Room its way too fast its way too fast. He could barely keep up. He couldnt keep pace at all and at a certain point, he just gave up it just corroborates that The Confession was completely fabricated Reporter Philadelphia prosecutors agree and say all three former detectives charged today lied under oath about the case, including in devlins testimony during that Deposition A Lawyer for devlin telling Nbc News Marty Devlin spent 50 years of his life fighting for justice for victims of crime and that these good men are innocent of all charges. Detective devlin worked several cases where false statements sent innocent people to prison. You can see more about this ill be there for a special dateline at 10 00 eastern tonight. Up next, new uncertainty about travel how to protect your trip back now with two Weather Threats were watching Dylan Dreyer is tracking it all. Dylan, whats the latest good evening, lester lots to get to lets start with the tropics. Tropical depression fred will likely strengthen back into a tropical storm as it moves to the west of florida, bringing up to 10 inches of rain also i want to point out potential tropical Cyclone Number 7 this has the potential to be stronger than fred and also looks like its going to take the same path so thats why we are going to focus on that one. Also, i want to point out that July 2021 officially the hottest month on record on earth. And we still have Heat Advisories in effect on the West Coast and the east coast, although the east will start to cool down going into the weekend. Lester all right, dylan, thank you. Those giant socalled Murder Hornets are back this Week Someone in northwest Washington State spotted the first live Murder Hornet in the u. S. This year. The invasive pests are known to attack honeybees and other insects. There is growing outrage after the humane society says a Beloved Lion named mopane was lured from ixears after Cecil The Lion was killed near the same park by an american dentist here at home, just as Summer Travel was bouncing back, there are signs that Delta Variant is slowing it down again Tom Costello now with the price you pay. Reporter it may be the travel season winddown, the covid surge or both, but the tsa is starting to screen fewer Airline Passengers on tuesday, the lowest Checkpoint Volume since midjune meanwhile, with the Delta Variant spreading fast, less interest in international travel, more interest in u. S. Destinations, and a 33 increase in passengers booking fully flexible tickets. A lot of People Cant get vaccinated like children. So for families, you know, there is a lot of different calculations you have to take when leaving home a lot of people simply arent comfortable with that risk. Reporter with covid still upending travel plans, more americans are buying Travel Insurance insure my trip reports a 20 increase in cancel for any reason insurance, which would include covid. However, its a time sensitive benefit, meaning you have to purchase it within 14 days of your first Dollar Deposit on your trip in order to be eligible for that Benefit Reporter Travel Insurance is usually best for Big Nonrefundable items, certain hotels and excursions, some Cruise Lines and countries now require it the insurance is expensive, averaging 250 for a partial reimbursement. Instead experts advise making refundable reservations whenever possible lester Tom Costello, thanks Music Legend Tony Bennett is retiring from performing on doctors orders, his son says last Week Bennett appeared with Lady Gaga at Radio City Music hall for what may have been his final time on stage. The 95yearold was diagnosed with alzheimers in 2016. We wish tony all the best up next, the thrilling Reallife Sequel The Field Of Dreams well, hollywood could not have written a better script for the Baseball Game in iowa Last Night. Here is harry smith. Reporter even if you dont give a hoot about major league baseball, what happened Last Night in dyersville, iowa was really cool. As the players emerged from a Corn Field Mirroring the magic of the Movie Field of dreams, there was nary a dry Eye Look at those Special Kicks hes got going. Reporter and what would follow in the first ever major league Baseball Game played in iowa was truly special under a persimmoncolored sky. The yankees and the White Sox. Reporter in a specially built field crowned with corn, it was a Home Run Derby mixed with blazing Strikeouts Huffing and puffing. Reporter and a finish that if scripted would have been rejected as impossible the incredible Yankee Comeback in the ninth inning anderson, hits into the air right, back at the wall and lights out. Followed by an even more magnificent White Sox walkoff triumph the feeling among players and fans, lets do this again with baseball announcing a game will be played there again next year. Harry smith, Nbc News, New York boy, it would have been so fun to be there in person. Thats Nightly News for this friday. Thank you for watching, everyone im Lester Holt. Take care of yourself and each other good night right now at 6 00, San Francisco moving forward with the strongest Vaccine Mandate in the country. Could the rest of the Bay Area be far behind . Well look into it. Whats next . A to hospital is offering up a promising prediction. The city may have hit the peak of the fourth surge. The news at 6 00 starts right now. Good friday. Thanks so much for joining us, im janelle wang. Im jessica aguirre. It is a hopeful Message And One that could bring relief to those who work, live and play in San Francisco. Reporter this is the fourth wave of the pandemic, but for sf general it hasnt been the worst wave. In fact, the Hospital Ceo told us today shes cautiously optimistic that were on the other side of the peak. Based on what were seeing in the data, it look like hospitalizations are leveling off and the peak of cases have started coming down. Reporter tonight the ceo of Zuckerberg Hospital says we may have just crossed the peak. Perhaps we are on on the other side of it . You know, it appears that way, based on the trends were seeing in the data right now,