League champ is in a league of her own. Announcer this is Nbc Nightly News with Lester Holt good evening, everyone the biden Administration Tonight doing the tough math six days to meet the afghanistan Exit Deadline as many as 1,500 american civilians in need of a way out and thousands of u. S. Troops also subject to that Withdrawal Deadline the president unwavering in his determination to abide by that August 31st date, but publicly the administration sending different signals about options for americans who may not make it under the wire in time. The good news, we learned today, there appear to be far fewer americans still in the country than first estimated. Peter alexander with the latest from the white house. Reporter with a desperate rush to leave before the August 31st deadline, the biden Administration Tonight estimates 1,500 americans are still stranded in afghanistan. Secretary of state Antony Blinken saying 6,000 were there when the country fell to the taliban. 4,500 have been evacuated since. And the u. S. Has made contact with at least 500 of those still there. For the remaining roughly 1,000 contacts that we had who may be americans seeking to leave afghanistan, were aggressively reaching out to them multiple times a day. Reporter the new figures a steep drop from the administrations original estimate of 10,000 to 15,000 americans. Blinken making this pledge. There is no deadline on our work to help any remaining american citizens who decide they want to leave to do so along with the many afghans who have stood by us over these many years. Reporter but this response when we asked President Biden what hell do if americans are still in afghanistan after the 31st sir, what will you do if americans are still there after the deadline . Youll be the first person ill Call Reporter top republicans blasting the president for not extending his deadline to get more people out saying hes letting the taliban call the shots. He turned his back on our own citizens stranded in afghanistan. He turned our back on our allies and partners he has turned his back on his duties as a commander in chief. Reporter sharp criticism of the biden administration from the bipartisan pair of congressmen, both veterans, who secretly traveled to kabul. Seth moulton and Peter Meijer saying its obvious because we started the evacuation so late no matter what we do we wont get everyone out on time, even by September 11th but the trip done without authorizatio from Congressional Leadership Or Military Brass is sparking a fierce backlash. Theres a call on our resources diplomatically, militarily, and this is deadly serious. We do not want members to go. Reporter a white House Official telling Nbc News every seat on planes leaving should be for someone trying to get out of afghanistan. Meanwhile among those desperate to get out, 24 california students who had gone there to visit their families and tonight are still stuck. An american whose niece in florida told us the taliban is blocking her aunt from getting through their checkpoints. She is told you dont have a guardian with you you Cant Travel without a male shes told your paperwork is incorrect. Shes given different excuses. Peter, what can you tell us about the u. S. And these missions outside the airport to retrieve people . Reporter lester, the latest operation happened overnight american forces picking up shy of 20 people its the third mission of its kind, all of them inside the Capital City there those Outside Kabul still have to make that perilous trip to the airport on their own. Lester Peter Alexander at the white house, thank you. That Air Bridge Weve been watching carrying people out of afghanistan has certainly quickened its pace the u. S. Military says planes leaving every 39 minutes but will the taliban allow for all americans to leave safely as this deadline looms Richard Engel spoke today with a taliban Official Reporter the taliban is stressing its time for the u. S. And its allies to pack up and get out transport planes and civilian aircraft from around the world are evacuating vulnerable afghans. But theres a huge bottleneck at Transit Hubs at the u. S. Base in doha, qatar, thousands are crowded in holding areas. Temperatures well over 100 degrees. It was hard because it was so hot there. I think everyone thought they were going to die. Reporter in kabul the taliban are helping to speed up the Evacuations Today keeping crowds away from the airport, handing out food and water. But many afghans feel theyre being abandoned. Especially women and girls who were oppressed when the taliban ruled 20 years ago. Now the taliban promised to be different, but have they changed, or are they just playing nice until the americans leave . Tonight, i met zabihullah mujahid, the taliban spokesman. The united states is evacuating and it is taking out americans who worked with u. S. Forces but not everyone is going to be able to make it out. Will you let those people leave in the future can you guarantee their Safety Translator we dont want our countrymen to go to america. Whatever they have done in the past, we have given them amnesty. We need young educated professionals for our nation, but if they want to leave its their choice. Reporter what would you say to women, Afghan Women who are terrified . Translator they are our sisters. We must show them respect. They should not be frightened the taliban are humans and from this country. They have fought for their country. Women should be proud of us, not scared. Reporter there are already reports of taliban fighters taking young women, unmarried women, as brides, forced brides. There have been reports of people going into Homes Translator this is propaganda from the old regime we have no evidence of a single case. Reporter this war started when Osama Bin Laden, the guest of the taliban, organized 9 11 attacks can you guarantee that this country will never again be a base for terrorism . Translator when Osama Bin Laden became an issue for the americans, he was in afghanistan, although there was no proof he was involved now we have given promises that afghan Soil Wont be used against Anyone Reporter you still dont think that Osama Bin Laden carried out 9 11 there is no evidence. Even after 20 years of war, we have no proof he was involved. Reporter so it sounds like even now after all of this youre accepting no Responsibility Translator there was no justification for this war it was excuse for war. Reporter how are you feeling right now after 20 years and the americans are leaving . Translator the withdrawal is almost finished these are our happiest moments. Richard, did this Spokesman Talk about what the future relationship could look like between the u. S. And the taliban reporter he did. He said he wants to open a new chapter of relations with the united states with the taliban exchanging diplomats and even opening embassies. Lester. It was a fascinating interview, richard, thank you. If youre one of the many millions who received the Johnson Johnson Covid vaccine youre probably wondering about now about Booster Shots. Tonight an answer, J J says its booster will offer strong added Protection Tom Costello has the latest reporter tonight, new protection could be on the way for the 14 Million americans who received the one Shot Johnson Johnson vaccine. Last month J J reported its single shot still provides protection against covid. That its strong and stable through eight months after immunization, and now it reports an added Booster Shot increased protection by nine times. This is a fabulous vaccine. It really is the data out this morning suggests a second J J shot six months later gives you a huge increase in your antibody Levels Reporter reassuring news for those who received the J J vaccine but worried they may not have the same level of protection offered by the Twodose Pfizer or moderna vaccines Keith Alberts admits hes been concerned. I feel a whole lot better i feel like this is what ive been waiting for. Ive been waiting to hear this. There was nothing ever mentioned about a booster for johnson. It was all pfizer and moderna. Reporter with the Delta Variant spreading fast, the biden administration is eager to offer boosters six to eight months after americans are fully vaccinated starting next month. But is it safe to mix boosters giving a Pfizer Or Moderna booster to someone who got the J J shot overseas studies suggest, yes the data would suggest that mixing Johnson Johnson and lets say Pfizer Or Moderna would lead to incredibly high effectiveness levels and thats very promising. Reporter its not yet clear how long the Booster Protection will last. Meanwhile, the push to boost comes as more Government Agencies and Employers Issue Vaccine mandates now including the pentagon, the city of chicago, Disney And Delta airlines, which says unvaccinated employees will have to pay an extra 200 a month for health benefits. Lester tom, thanks for weeks weve seen the unvaccinated packing hospitals. The new surge taking an emotional toll on Health Care workers. In partnership with our nbc portland, oregon, Affiliate Kgw Reporter Christine Pitawanich takes us inside the Icu Reporter hospitals in oregon are at their Breaking Point only 7 of icu beds available across the state. Every single patient on this unit right now has a Breathing Tube Reporter here at Ohsu Hospital in portland, more than a dozen critically ill covid patients fill the medical icu. All but one are unvaccinated theres always a Nurse Kind of right here ready to intervene. Reporter people from all over the Pacific Seaboard come here to ohsu to get medical treatment from alaska to idaho to montana. Our physicians are just being called at every opportunity, can you take this patient, can you help us consult on this patient. This patient is 26 and dying. This patient is 21 and dying. This patient is a father of four and dying, and thats when they turn to us and its full. Reporter Health Care workers are exhausted and straining to keep up with the surge of covid patients you see these people, you know its preventable. Yeah. Reporter what goes through your mind . Heartbreaking knowing that people are fighting for their lives and it could have been prevented. I dont think people have an inkling of the amount of suffering that you will experience being sick with covid it is extremely painful. Reporter americans who hesitate to get the vaccine asking nurses and doctors to shoulder the unbelievable weight of death and illnesses. Its really unnecessary. I mean its totally avoidable. I think thats the most heartbreaking part of it i just wish people could hear it, but if youre worried about Side Effects from the vaccine itself, your risks of what can happen to you or your loved one if you do not get vaccinated are astronomically higher. Reporter Christine Pitawanich, Nbc News, portland in just 60 seconds the State Trooper accused of brutally beating a black motorist and hiding his Body Camera Video. Some newly released body cam video, Police Video sparking outrage and legal Action Tonight two years after an officer is shown beating a black motorist the man involved now speaking out Miguel Almaguer reports. Reporter when louisiana State Trooper Jacob Brown arrived on scene, investigators say within two seconds of initial contact he began beating a suspect who was already on the ground. Come here reporter in a flurry of blows the graphic video first obtained by the ap shows the white Trooper Pummeling a black motorist at least 16 times with a flashlight following a Traffic Stop you hit me in the hand with a flashlight. Reporter the disturbing beating happened more than two years ago, but the video has only now surfaced amid a widening federal probe. I didnt do nothing, man well, fine. This aint going to help you im not fighting. You are youre fighting me. Reporter Aaron Bowman charged with battery and resisting arrest was left with a broken jaw, ribs and wrist and required six staples to his head. I just kept thinking i was going to die that night. It was scary reporter Louisiana State police say after a civil lawsuit they discovered the intentionally mislabeled Body Camera Video later saying Trooper Brown engaged in excessive and unjustifiable actions. Hes made no public comment. Just three weeks before the incident behind your back. Reporter louisiana State Troopers punched, stunned and dragged another black man, ronald green, who died in custody both Body Camera Videos were never publicly released by authorities. I wouldnt want nobody to go through this. Reporter tonight disturbing new video for an old problem still plaguing louisiana State Troopers Miguel Almaguer, Nbc News. We are facing more extreme weather with temperatures soaring into the 90s and triple digits in many places 75-million'>75 Million people under Heat Advisories from the southwest to the midwest and northeast. Were also watching another potential tropical threat in the caribbean that could affect the Gulf Coast this weekend a major defeat in the Supreme Court for the biden administration the court ordered the government to resume a trump era Immigration Policy forcing Asylum Applicants to wait outside the u. S. Pete williams now with late Details Reporter its one of the first Things President biden did after taking office ending a Trump Administration Program known as remain in mexico it requires people seeking asylum to wait outside the country while their claims were considered. Tens of thousands lingered in makeshift tent cities. Human rights groups said many were attacked by criminals and drug gangs. People were kidnapped. People were raped. All kinds of terrible things happened to these people while they were trying to get protection under the laws of the united states. Reporter but lower courts ordered the biden administration to reinstate remain in mexico, and late Tuesday Night the Supreme Court refused to intervene the courts three liberals said they would have blocked the program. Texas and missouri had sued to get it going again arguing that when President Biden stopped it, the number of migrants trying to enter the country skyrocketed because migrants know that even though the vast majority of asylum claims are rejected most people are released in the u. S. To wait. It takes that incentive away and i think youll see a reduction in numbers, over 1. 1 Million people have illegally entered the country at least that we know of since january. We have to be able to stem that tide and take control of our Border Reporter but the u. S. Cant simply restart the program on its own. Itll require the cooperation of mexico which isnt happy about this development. Lester. Pete williams at the Supreme Court, thanks still to come tonight, why Insurance Companies are dropping homeowners with longtime policies in some fireravaged areas. Can you see my wall of smiles . When i first started using Genesys Technology i was kind of embarrased at all the Love And Attention i got from my customers. People are so moved by how much i understand about them. They start including me in their lives. Thats helen and her friends. I arranged a Wellness Retreat for them. Look at those ladies. Such wisdom. Mmm. But its really genesys that helps me understand people and what they truly need. Im just glad i can help. Californias massive Caldor Fire is closing in on Lake Tahoe tonight. The blaze has already destroyed hundreds of homes in the state the situation even more dire for families who can no longer get Fire Insurance Jake ward explains reporter the city of novato, california, is looking for fire before it happens. Firefighter Dan Russo goes home to home advising residents on how to keep their properties safe. We dont like to see grass growing in the first five feet. Reporter he took me along on his rounds i look at this and i think beautiful california bungalow. You look at this and say, dripping torch of flame. Potentially reporter but even a welldefended California Home in the wrong place may not be able to afford Fire Insurance or find it at all in 2019 alone Insurance Companies dropped the policies of about 230,000 homeowners in the state. Thats a 31 increase from the year before the traditional math which Judges Homes by Neighborhood Or Zip code tells Insurance Companies not to take on homeowners like Kelly Griest we bought the house 33 years ago. Reporter Griest Couldnt renew her insurance when her coverage lapsed. I was told, oh, well, we have some kind of a Rating System now and where your house is is rated in a higher Fire Danger Area than were willing to write you a new policy, so we wont write for you. Reporter but technology could help. Zesty ai lets Insurance Companies evaluate each home, not just the zip code. Traditional insurance as i understand it looks at something like this on a big scale, but what youre trying to do, look at It House by house. Thats right. What we do is we are able to analyze imagery taken from satellites and then we have trained our models to essentially make sense out of the imagery. Reporter the hope is that zesty ais data will let insurers reward those who make their homes safer rather than writing off entire Zip Codes this technology can be used on other disasters, not just fire but floods, hurricanes, hail, the technology is there to allow Insurance Companies to negotiate with homeowners and maybe bring their prices down. The question now is whether theyll use it that way lester. All right, jacob, thank you with that. When we come back well meet the little League Champ in a league of her own. Y news kids edition. Finally tonight the 12yearold girl making a big splash at the little League World Series and inspiring america. Heres Dasha Burns and frames the ball as good as Anybody Weve seen in this tournament. Reporter a fresh face and a set of pigtails behind Home Plate stealing the spotlight. Meet ella bruning, the 12yearold stands 53, sixth Grade Catcher who also pitches. The star from the lone Star State who loves math and a good taco shes the only female player here, 1 of 20 in tournament history. Theres a lot of changes to how things have been going, but how do you feel about actually getting to play im excited were going to do good no matter what were going to try our best were going to pick Each Other up. Were going to have fun. Reporter and theyre ready to take it all the way i hear that there is a nickname for your Team Ella and the fellas. Reporter and the fellas are ella fans too. She hits well she catches great. She blocks like everything and not all catchers can do that. Reporter the game a family affair. Her brother a teammate, their dad one of the coaches its just a blessing i mean to get to spend that time with your kids developing a passion and being involved in what theyre passionate about, you cant put a Price Tag on it. Reporter a priceless experience for a kid in a league of her own i dont have to try so hard to do what they do. I can just do me and have fun doing what i do reporter after winning today, the team from abilene is one win away from championship weekend Dasha Burns, Nbc News, williamsport, Pennsylvania Ella and the fellas you got to like that thats nightly news. Tomorrow ill have an exclusive interview with the officer who while defending the capitol on January 6 shot and killed one of the rioters. What he says about that moment and the threats hes received. Thank you for watching, everyone im Lester Holt. Please take care of yourself and Each Other. Good night im raj mathai. Next on Nbc Bay Area news tonight, an exclusive interview with dr. Sarah cody. Covid is probably here to stay for a while. So the strategy needs to be how do we live with covid. She was the first Health Officer in the country to take significant action against covid at the beginning of this entire pandemic. She tells us the things shesing to personally because of the Delta Variant and her advice for parents with children too young to get vaccinated. Also yesterday we broke the news. Today more Exclusive Information about the leaning