promoearn: A methed-up squirrel?

Wednesday, July 3

FILE - In this June 2019 file photo released by the Limestone County Sheriff's Office, a squirrel is shown in a cage, in Ala. An Alabama man who denied feeding methamphetamine to a so-called â€œattack squirrelâ€ he considered a pet has been arrested. The Limestone County Sheriffâ€™s Office said on Twitter that 35-year-old Mickey Paulk was caught Thursday night, June 27, 2019, following a chase in which he rammed an investigatorâ€™s vehicle. (Limestone County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)

Iguanas are on Florida's hit list, and Trump's tanks are on full display: Wednesday's news

Trump's tanks arrive in D.C. and iguanas are in danger. And Facebook and Instagram went down, so you might have some free time. Let's get to today's news.

But first, a squirrel named Deeznuts: An Alabama man accused of feeding meth his so-called "attack squirrel" is being charged with a state wildlife offense. The squirrel was, I repeat, named "Deeznutz."

Trump puts the 'extra' in extravaganza

This year's July Fourth extravaganza in Washington D.C., will be quite a show, thanks to President Donald Trump's big-time changes to the celebration this year. There are already tanks posted up at the Lincoln Memorial, for America's sake. So what can you expect? An address from the president (aka the "Salute to America"), flyovers of the Blue Angels and Air Force One, a lineup of military vehicles and (of course) plenty of fireworks. The event is expected to draw ardent Trump supporters, but there will also be protests (yes, the "Trump Baby" balloon will be there). Some question whether the event will be the "show of a lifetime" or a waste of taxpayer dollars.

A Bradley Fighting Vehicle is parked near the Lincoln Memorial on July 3, 2019.

Yehyun Kim, USA TODAY

Killing iguanas 'whenever possible'

Pardon the American iguanas residing in Florida for not feeling very patriotic this Fourth of July: The scaly creatures are on a hit list. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is encouraging homeowners to "kill green iguanas on their own property whenever possible." Homeowners need no permission to kill them. The commission issued a directive describing American iguanas as an invasive species, citing damage they wreak on seawalls, sidewalks and plants. The iguanas are protected only by anti-cruelty law, the commission added.

Florida's conservation commission is encouraging homeowners to kill green iguanas "whenever possible" because of the damage they cause.

STORYBLOCKS

Real quick

•	Ohio's 'heartbeat bill' abortion ban was blocked by a federal judge.
•	A dad sent up his drone to get photos of his kids at the beach. He saw a shark swimming near them.
•	Highway patrol pulled over hearse in the high-occupancy vehicle lane. Does a dead body count as a passenger?
•	Justice Department reversed course and is looking for way to include citizenship question in census despite Supreme Court ruling.
•	Tyler Skaggs, the Angels pitcher who died, touched countless lives with his big heart and sense of humor.
•	'He had won this battle': Hundreds said goodbye to Luis Alvarez, 9/11 first responder.

This 6-11 dude pulled off a stunning upset at Wimbledon

First a 15-year-old, now a 6-foot-11 American. Unseeded Reilly Opelka entered his second-round match at Wimbledon against Stan Wawrinka with an 11-inch height advantage on the three-time major champion. He now has a Wimbledon victory, defeating the Wawrinka in the second round of the tournament. Opelka is the tallest Association of Tennis Professionals player in history, tied with Croatian Ivo Karlic. The size gives him a strong advantage in the service aspect of his game — his serves can reach the low-140 mph range.

July 3: Reilly Opelka celebrates match point against Stan Wawrinka on Day 3 at WImbledon.

Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports

Her fetus died after she was shot. She won't face manslaughter charges.

After days of public outcry sparked by an arrest last month, a district attorney will not pursue manslaughter charges against 27-year-old Marshae Jones whose fetus died after she was shot during a December 2018 fight. A Jefferson County grand jury had indicted Jones for manslaughter after another woman, Ebony Jemison, shot Jones last year. Investigators had argued Jones was the aggressor in the fight and therefore knowingly endangered her fetus, which is given full rights under Alabama homicide law.

What I'm reading: Mary Nahorniak, USA TODAY director of audience

Once a week, we'll feature some 🔥 story picks from my USA TODAY colleagues. Today's guest: Mary, our audience pro.

•	Update on migrants in detention centers: These new images are compelling and important.
•	The USWNT has been unstoppable. So who should they play in the World Cup final?
•	It's a dilemma without a lot of satisfying solutions: Should you change your name when you get married? Janna Harron says her married name is driving her crazy.
•	An 18th-century American flag is making 2019 headlines. Is the Betsy Ross flag a symbol for hate groups? It depends on whom you ask.
•	There's a public safety emergency in Alaska. AG William Barr declared it after Lindsay Schnell's reporting on pervasive violence against women in the remote state.
•	E. Jean Carroll says she's been "in a cocoon of love and support" since she accused Donald Trump of sexual assault. Charisse Jones spoke to Carroll and built a rich profile of her career and impact.

A lot of whiskey goes to waste

We're gathered here today to mourn the loss of up to 45,000 barrels of Jim Beam bourbon. A massive fire broke out Tuesday night at a warehouse in Kentucky, sending bourbon pouring into a nearby creek and river and leaving thousands of Jim Beam barrels burned and broken. That's tough to read, but just look at the numbers: A standard bourbon barrel typically contains around 53 gallons of Kentucky's signature spirit. That fills up 150 to 200 750-milliliter bottles. If every single barrel in the fire contained bourbon — we don't know for sure that they all did — that could turn into a loss of at least 6 million bottles.

A massive Jim Beam warehouse filled with 45,000 barrels of bourbon was destroyed by a fire that sent flames shooting into the night sky and generated so much heat that firetruck lights melted, authorities said Wednesday. (July 3)

BRB, doing American things

The Short List is taking the day off Thursday to celebrate America, so we'll see you all back here next week. Before we go, here are some 🇺🇸 tips:

Give your dog(s!) extra cuddles and care (fireworks are terrifying to them).

You're probably grilling your burgers wrong (it could kill you).

Please don't fire your gun into the air (parents and police are begging you).

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

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