Stories from August 30, 2021

Is your child anxious about going to school during a pandemic? Here’s how to talk about it
As the school year begins, many kids will be returning to in-person learning for the first time in months. Here’s how a children’s mental health expert suggests talking to your child if they’re anxious about going to school during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hospital capacity is strained as the delta variant continues to pick up in Minnesota, and Line 3 gets another win in court as completion of the pipeline nears. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Malcolm next? GOP senators threaten another commissioner’s job
Republicans in the Minnesota Senate are taking aim at another commissioner in the Cabinet of DFL Gov. Tim Walz: Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm. They’ve linked it to what they refer to as medical freedom. 
Under court review: Deadly force law that passed after Floyd's killing
A Minnesota judge heard arguments Monday from police groups seeking to overturn a new use-of-deadly force law while state attorneys asked to have the challenge thrown out. A quick ruling is expected.
Wildfire forces thousands from popular Lake Tahoe resort
Thousands of people rushed to get out of South Lake Tahoe as the entire tourist resort city came under evacuation orders and wildfire raced toward the large freshwater lake of Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada.
With kids in school, demand for COVID-19 testing jumps
Kids across Minnesota are heading back to school in the midst of rising COVID-19 cases. Demand for testing is increasing, too, causing the state and health care providers to expand testing options just months after they started to wind them down. 
Research: Black women at higher risk for preterm births during heat waves than white women
University of Minnesota researchers found that college-educated Black women appeared more susceptible to health risks after heat wave exposure. They were 1.27 times more likely to experience premature labor and birth than white women without a college education. 
Minnesota court deals yet another setback to pipeline foes
The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Monday affirmed a decision by state pollution regulators to issue a water quality certification for Enbridge Energy's Line 3 crude oil pipeline, the latest setback for opponents who are trying to stop the project as it nears completion.
Bessie Smith and 'Hell of a Book'
Two new books about being Black in America debut this summer—one by Jason Mott of North Carolina and one by Jackie Kay, a poet in Scotland. Guest host Euan Kerr talks with each author about the difficulty of reckoning with race.
Bessie Smith and 'Hell of a Book'
Two new books about being Black in America debut this summer—one by Jason Mott of North Carolina and one by Jackie Kay, a poet in Scotland. Guest host Euan Kerr talks with both authors about the difficulty of reckoning with race.
EU takes U.S. off safe travel list; backs travel restrictions
The decision by the European Council to remove the U.S. from a safe list of countries for nonessential travel reverses its advice in June, when the bloc recommended lifting restrictions on U.S. travelers before the summer tourism season.
Seasonable weather prevails in the week ahead, with both temperatures and precipitation chances that are very close to average for this time of year.
Following a foggy start in portions of Minnesota, Monday brings mostly dry weather and seasonably mild temperatures across the state.
APM Reports documentary, 'Fading Beacon: Why America Is Losing International Students'
This hour explores a sea change in the number of foreign students attending U.S. colleges, which have typically attracted more than a million international students a year. The pandemic, visa restrictions, rising tuition, and a perception of safety issues in America have driven new international student enrollment down by a jaw-dropping 72 percent.
The fire near Isabella, Minn. is 14 percent contained, according to the latest numbers on Sunday. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, August 30, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister
Last troops exit Afghanistan, ending America's longest war
The United States has completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, ending America’s longest war and closing a sad two-decade chapter in military history.
Hurricane Ida traps Louisianans, leaves the grid a shambles
One of the most powerful hurricanes ever to hit the U.S. mainland weakened into a tropical storm overnight as it pushed inland over Mississippi with torrential rain and shrieking winds, its danger far from over.
As U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan nears end, Minnesotans weigh in on events in Kabul
The pullout of U.S. troops from Afghanistan is now into its final hours. And among Minnesotans at the State Fair over the weekend, many of those willing to talk about the developments in Kabul expressed dismay over the situation.
Fading beacon: Why America is losing international students
Colleges and universities in the United States attract more than a million international students a year. Higher education is one of America’s top service exports, generating $42 billion in revenue. But the money spigot is closing. The pandemic, visa restrictions, rising tuition and a perception of poor safety in America have driven new international student enrollment down by a jaw-dropping 72 percent.
This sweet, mid-grade story is perfect for budding romance fans
If your kids aren't quite old enough for classic teen love stories, “Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai” is a just-right read with a heroine who still spends Saturday nights playing board games with her family.
Hospitals hit with COVID spike just as staff and beds grow scarce
Coinciding with a spike in COVID-19 cases due to the delta variant, Minnesota hospitals are seeing the number of beds used by patients tick up. Another problem: not enough health care workers on hand.