CHICAGO (NewsNation Now) — The race is on against time and the Taliban to get Americans trapped in Afghanistan home before U.S. troops leave.  For the first time, the secretary of state gave a hard number for the Americans wanting to get out before the Aug. 31 deadline to withdraw troops.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who served in the military for over 23 years, joins “On Balance” to talk about welcoming Afghan refugees.

Hollie McKay continues her reporting on the situation in Kabul during this hour and tells us about the new fighters trying to take on the Taliban.

Jason Beardsley spent decades as a Green Beret. He will tell us about secret CIA and U.S. military operations to rescue some Americans.         

Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.) join the show to talk about the chaotic withdrawal.

And the push to force the unvaccinated to get the shot now dips into people’s wallet.

Delta Airlines announced a $200 monthly surcharge to insurance premiums for unvaccinated employees. The company also plans to limit sick time for those who do not get the vaccine.

But the pressure to favor the vaccinated is also on smaller employers. Tyler Hollinger is the owner of Festival Cafe in New York City. He talks to us about being forced to police vaccine compliance.

In Northern California, police say a father assaulted a teacher who stepped in during a dispute with a principal over mask rules at an elementary school. The teacher reportedly had lacerations, bruising and was even taken to the hospital. The parent is now reportedly facing misdemeanor charges.

Torie Gibson, superintendent of the Amador County, California school district where this happened, joins the show.

Plus, The mayor of Nogales, Arizona, Arturo Garino, discusses the non-essential travel ban extended again at the border.

Watch On Balance with Leland Vittert weeknights at 8/7c.