The 2020 census results are in, and the United States is diversifying at a rate never seen before. Britney Spears’ father has agreed to step down from his guardianship. And does the delta variant make children sicker?

👋 It’s Laura. Like the census, I too keep track of the numbers. How many days before the weekend? Take a look at Thursday’s news while I do the math – we could be here a while.

But first, don’t let them eat this cake! 🎂 A slice of Princess Diana’s cake from her wedding to Prince Charles – 40 years ago – has just sold for over $2,000.

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Census figures are in

The United States has seen unprecedented multiracial population growth and a decline in the white population for the first time in the country’s history, according to U.S. Census officials who released data on Thursday, revealing the most drastic picture. of America’s racial and ethnic makeup in a decade. The non-Hispanic white population, which remains the largest ethnic group in the United States, has shrunk 8.6% since 2010. The release bolstered forecasts and expert estimates in recent years that showed an expansion continued Hispanic, Black, and Asian American populations; and growing numbers of multiracial residents — only a fraction in previous surveys. Statistics from the decennial census are used to distribute hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding each year and for everything from delineating school districts to measuring the diversity of police forces.

“Victory for Britney”

Is Britney free? Just days after claiming in court papers that there was ‘no reason’ to fire him as Britney Spears curator, her father, Jamie Spears, has agreed to quit in his ‘best interests’, according to a document obtained by USA TODAY. Even if his 13-year role in controlling his daughter’s finances and intimate life choices comes to an end, he will still be her father, Jamie Spears claims in the document. “He will always love her unconditionally and always look out for her best interest,” the document reads. If upheld, the decision is a “major victory and another step towards justice” for Britney, according to her new lawyer, Mathew Rosengart.

What is everyone talking about

Does the delta variant make children sicker?

Delta is clearly more contagious than previous variants, and it’s making its way across the South, said Dr. James Versalovic, acting chief pediatrician at Texas Children’s. What is unclear is whether children get sicker with the delta variant than with the others. Versalovic said the children he sees seem to have more fever and congestion than those treated during surges last summer and winter. Others were less convinced that delta is different from its predecessors. But the handful of public health experts USA TODAY spoke with said they believe it’s crucial that everyone who can be vaccinated against COVID-19 gets vaccinated. Masks are also helpful, experts said, especially in children too young to be vaccinated. Unmasked children in close contact with each other – such as in a classroom – could transmit the virus. Experts say the longer the virus can be slowed down, the fewer children will catch it.

Vaccine required for HHS healthcare workers; FDA may accept 3rd dose for immunocompromised. The United States has recorded more than 36.1 million confirmed cases and 618,000 deaths. 👉 Catch up on the latest COVID-19 news.

US embassy in Kabul evacuated

As security rapidly deteriorates in Afghanistan, the United States sends additional troops into the country to help evacuate the embassy in Kabul. The Pentagon dispatched 3,000 troops on Thursday to evacuate embassy staff as a Taliban attack threatened to topple the government. Taliban militants captured a number of provincial capitals with little resistance from American-trained Afghan troops. The militant group’s offensive moved with surprising speed and closed within 100 miles of the Afghan capital. On Thursday, the State Department warned all Americans to leave Afghanistan immediately, warning that the embassy had extremely limited ability to help.

Really fast

“Lucifer” to blame for European time records

Residents of the Italian island of Sicily are facing scorching temperatures that could have broken a 40-year-old record in Europe. Local authorities recorded a high of 119.85 degrees on Wednesday afternoon as the country experiences a heat wave and an anticyclone, a system of strong winds that circulates clockwise in the northern hemisphere . Called “Lucifer”, the high started in Africa and moved towards Europe, adding to a heat wave that led to wildfires in the Mediterranean and North Africa. The temperature in Sicily from Wednesday is to be checked by the World Meteorological Organization. The highest temperature ever recorded in Europe is 118.4 degrees, set on October 7, 1977 in Athens, Greece.

• Climate anxiety afflicts young people: What is that? And how can you fight it?
• Dry, hot, windy: Explosive wildfires in northern California could burn well into winter. Here’s why.

Direction the “Field of Dreams”

They built it. And people are coming. Major League Baseball and moviegoers will have plenty to rejoice on Thursday, when the New York Yankees take on the Chicago White Sox in Dyersville, Iowa, near the filming of the 1989 hit movie “Field of Dreams.” both teams will play in an 8,000-seat park adjacent to where the film was shot. And just like the movie, players will spawn from a cornfield – the park is surrounded by approximately 159 acres of corn that are around 10-12 feet tall. In addition to a cinematic environment, the game “Field of Dreams” has importance in the race for the playoffs. The Yankees are chasing the Boston Red Sox for the last American League Wild Card spot, while the White Sox are less than two games behind Tampa Bay. Rays for the AL’s best record The first pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

• How a trip to the site “Field of Dreams” convinced MLB to hold a game there.
• The MLB Field of Dreams baseball stadium about to debut. What you should know.
• I did not receive a ticket Gambling? Here’s where you can watch it on TV.
• Kevin Costner introduced himself play catch at the Field of Dreams. See the pictures here!

A break in the news

• 🏡 Looking for a new home? Here are the top 10 places to buy in the United States this year.
• 🤔 Demand for larger homes is strong and house prices are high. Is it time to sell and downsize?
• 🤑 Drop balance, save money: Why carrying a credit card balance is a dangerous habit – and how it hurts your score.

This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Want that news digest in your inbox every night? Sign up for The Short List newsletter here.