The Short List

Mon Jun 24 2024

Laura L. Davis | Audience Editor

@lauradavis

More people in public places are loudly sharing their lives with everyone. But why? Millions threatened by bad weather, from extreme heat to devastating floods. And meet 16-year-old track phenom Quincy Wilson.

👋Hey! Laura Davis here. It's Monday, so that must mean we're here for Monday's news! Let's go.

But first: Elk games! 🦌 I don't normally condone playing with wildlife, but this video of an elk kicking a ball around with some kids is pretty awesome.

Headphones off, volume up

I've side-eyed someone doing this more than a few times – and once you notice it, you'll see it everywhere: People on their phones, headphones off, volume on full blast. FaceTime. Reels. A new song. An old song. A work meeting. A real treat to everyone within a 20-foot radius. Why am I hearing about your mom's doctor's appointment right now? We are in Target. And yes, if the story is interesting, I might try to eavesdrop a little. I might even stand there a little longer to make sure I get the whole story! 🤨 So what is the deal?

In a word: Smartphones. But it's not that simple. Someone might choose to watch a super loud video in a dentist's waiting room because they aren't thinking about those around them – but they might not be doing it to be rude on purpose. 📣 Ring, ring! Put your headphones in and answer. There's more to read about here.

Dam on verge of failure; heat bakes everything and everyone

Heat advisories warning of potentially record-breaking temperatures were active Monday across much the U.S. as parts of the Plains region were still reeling from historic floods that triggered hundreds of rescues, widespread damage and pushed Minnesota's Rapidan Dam to the brink of failure.

What we're looking at: Tens of million of people across the country, from South Dakota to Texas to parts of northern Florida and Georgia, face heat indices – temperatures that take humidity into account – in the high 90s and up to 110 degrees.

Devastating flooding: Across the northern and central Plains, communities remained under threat of rising rivers as floodwaters headed downstream and forecasts project more rain this week. 🌦️👉 See our full coverage + the forecast.

•	What's the best temperature to set the AC?

A drone view shows a flooded area following heavy rainfall in Rock Valley in this still image obtained from a social media video.

Chris VB via REUTERS

📸 Photos: Summer heat waves, scorching temperatures.

Real quick

•	Surprise! Mindy Kaling had a secret baby. 🥰
•	Junk from space crashed into their home. They want accountability.
•	Oh boy. Are Taylor Swift and Dave Grohl feuding over playing live?
•	Why are people making fun of Justin Timberlake? Kinda icky.
•	Math can ruin college careers. They found a workaround.
•	The ACT's new ties to a private equity firm are raising eyebrows.

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Two years removed from the end of Roe

Two years after the Supreme Court eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, the United States has some of the worst rates of maternal mortality among high-income countries – particularly for Black women and in states where abortion is banned or restricted.

In Texas, the problem is particularly acute. Dozens of abortion clinics closed permanently or moved out of states that banned the procedure. Those that remain are often fighting to stay open. 👉 See how an ex-abortion clinic became a lifeline for Black moms.

•	Are bans on gender-affirming care for minors constitutional? Supreme Court to decide.

🏳️‍🌈 Hey, you! Snap any photos of your Pride Month celebrations? We'd love to see! ⁠Go here to submit your Pride Month photos, and be sure to let us know what Pride means to you. You might see your picture in an upcoming newsletter!

Teen track phenom is one run away from Paris

Sixteen-year-old sensation Quincy Wilson is running against competitors nearly twice his age at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials, and has quickly become a fan favorite as he races into Monday night's 400-meter final. The top three finishers will go to the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Wilson will be the youngest male ever on a U.S. Olympic track team if he makes the cut.

Breaking records left and right: On Friday, Wilson broke the under-18 world record in the first round of the 400 meters. Then on Sunday, he broke the record again while advancing to Monday night's final, which is scheduled for 9:59 p.m. EDT on NBC and Peacock. 💨 Meet Quincy Wilson.

•	Keeping up with Quincy Wilson is really hard. But keeping up with all things Olympics is really easy: Sign up for our Chasing Gold newsletter.
•	U.S. Olympic team will bring their own AC units to Paris Games.

Quincy Wilson looks on after competing in the men's 400 meter semifinal during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Christian Petersen, Getty Images

A break from the news

•	Girl name? Boy name? Who cares? Top gender-neutral names.
•	Is potato salad healthy? No, not really, but there is hope.
•	If you don't really understand your 401(k), you aren't alone.

Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at USA TODAY. Say hi: laura@usatoday.com. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to USA TODAY here.