World News: An 'unsurvivable storm surge'

USA TODAY: An 'unsurvivable storm surge'

Wednesday, August 26

Hurricane Laura spins in the Gulf of Mexico on Aug. 26.

Hurricane Laura could bring a 20-foot storm surge. A fatal shooting at a protest over Jacob Blake. It's Wednesday's news.

Hurricane Laura threatens to bring a deadly storm surge to the Gulf. The Milwaukee Bucks send a historic message on racial injustice. And a 17-year-old was arrested following a Kenosha shooting.

It's Ashley, thinking about Short List readers preparing for Hurricane Laura. Let's jump right into today's news.

But first, it's shaping up to be a ruff week: In honor of National Dog Day, scroll down for a Short List treat.

Hurricane Laura could bring an 'unsurvivable' 20-foot storm surge

Hurricane Laura is expected to be an "extremely powerful Category 4 hurricane" with an "unsurvivable storm surge" of up to 20 feet and 145-mph winds when it reaches the Gulf Coast on Wednesday night and early Thursday, the hurricane center said. A storm surge is the massive mound of water that builds up and comes ashore during a hurricane, created as the storm's powerful winds push water onto the shore. It is often the deadliest and most destructive threat from these storms. Laura's storm surge is expected to be the worst from Johnson Bayou, Louisiana, to the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge.

Laura is now the strongest August hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico since infamous Hurricane Katrina in 2005, meteorologists say. More than half a million people were ordered to evacuate Tuesday, the largest evacuation in the U.S. amid the coronavirus pandemic.

•	Updates: Track Hurricane Laura's path here.
•	Infographic: An inside look at the birth and power of hurricanes.
•	Laura and COVID-19: Hurricane evacuees to shelter in Texas hotels amid COVID-19 pandemic.
•	First Rita, then Ike. Now the "resilient" residents of this Texas town brace for Hurricane Laura.
•	Short List readers: Have you been impacted by Hurricane Laura? Share your story with me at TheShortList@usatoday.com.

Evacuees walk to board a bus as they are evacuated by local and state government officials before the arrival of Hurricane Laura on August 25, 2020 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Joe Raedle, Getty Images

Fatal shooting at a protest over Jacob Blake

A 17-year-old suspected of fatally shooting two people and wounding a third in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has been arrested as protests over police brutality and the shooting of Jacob Blake continue to rock the country. Court records show the juvenile was charged as a fugitive from justice. For three nights, violent protests have torn through Kenosha after a police officer shot Jacob Blake, a Black man, from behind at close range while he was getting in a vehicle. Since then, buildings have been burned, windows smashed out and stores looted. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has "agreed to accept federal assistance," and that federal law enforcement and the National Guard would be sent to the city.

•	Jacob Blake was shot less than 3 minutes after Wisconsin police arrived at the scene, according to dispatch audio.
•	Viral videos show Black Lives Matter protesters confronting diners in Washington, D.C.

A demonstrator stands in the street with a make-shift shield on August 25, 2020 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. As the city declared a state of emergency curfew, a third night of civil unrest occurred after the shooting of Jacob Blake, 29, on August 23.

Brandon Bell, Getty Images

What everyone's talking about

•	Gigi Hadid showed off her baby bump in a dreamy first maternity photoshoot: "Growin an angel."
•	I could use a drink: "Booze Fairies" are leaving baskets of alcohol on doorsteps all over New Jersey.
•	What is QAnon, the far-right conspiracy theory causing controversy at the RNC?
•	A 3,000-pound triceratops skull dubbed "Shady" was unearthed in South Dakota.
•	California ablaze: Striking satellite imagery shows how the fires are unfolding.
•	The body of Sgt. Elder Fernandes, who went missing from Fort Hood base in Texas more than a week ago, was found Tuesday evening.

Bucks boycott NBA playoff game to protest racial injustice

The Milwaukee Bucks have announced they will not play Game 5 of Wednesday's Eastern Conference playoff series against the Orlando Magic in protest of the Jacob Blake shooting. "We're tired of the killings and injustice," Bucks guard George Hill told The Undefeated. Shortly after the Bucks boycotted Wednesday's game, the NBA also postponed the day's remaining two playoff games: Oklahoma City vs. Houston and Portland vs. the Los Angeles Lakers.

•	The Washington Football Team compiled lewd video outtakes of cheerleaders, according to a report.

Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill during Game 1 against the Orlando Magic.

Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports

'This change in policy will kill'

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has changed its COVID-19 testing guidelines and now says people without symptoms "do not necessarily need a test" – even if they've been exposed to COVID-19. The revisions to CDC guidelines have been met with concern by medical experts, who caution that fewer tests may lead to more cases and hinder contact tracing efforts. "This change in policy will kill," tweeted Alison Galvani, director for the Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis at Yale School of Medicine. Before changes were made Monday, the CDC previously said that testing was recommended "for all close contacts of persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection."

•	The CDC is advising businesses to not argue with anti-maskers in an attempt to limit violence toward workers.
•	Should employers force workers to get a COVID-19 vaccine? Some experts say they should.
•	A complete fantasy? College students are moving in, but they're making COVID-19 back-up plans.

Inside a lab for COVID-19 vaccine study on Aug. 13, 2020, in Hollywood, Florida.

Chandan Khanna/ AFP via Getty Images

Real quick

•	The first monument honoring real women in Central Park was unveiled — commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the 19th Amendment's ratification.
•	Top House Democrats called for an investigation into the retaliation against the Vindman brothers.
•	71 people were arrested in Louisville in a day of demonstration over the death of Breonna Taylor.
•	With Jerry Falwell Jr. out at Liberty, what now for the school's grand athletics plans?
•	Women of the Century: Madeleine Albright talks about how she became secretary of state and the importance of calling out wrongs.

This is your big moment, veep!

Vice President Mike Pence is expected to formally accept his nomination for vice president tonight at the Republican National Convention, and we're expecting him to use his speech to (you guessed it) praise Trump and denounce his rival Joe Biden. Second lady Karen Pence, senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, and Trump's daughter-in-law Lara Trump are also scheduled to address the convention.

Did you catch Day 2 of the RNC? The night was spent portraying a softer Trump, one who cares about the little guy: the lobsterman in Maine, the dairy farmer from Wisconsin, the police officer from New Mexico. First lady Melania Trump described her husband as an "authentic person" who loves the country. Notably, she remarked on racial divisions and spoke on the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are other key takeaways.

•	Fact check: Melania Trump did not remove cherry trees and historic roses from the Rose Garden.
•	Herschel Walker, the former star running back who spoke during the RNC, on supporting President Trump: "Losing friends has been a big cost."

First Lady Melania Trump speaks from the Rose Garden at the White House during the Republican National Convention in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020.

Republican National Convention

Can I pet that dog?

It's National Dog Day, and obviously an excellent excuse for me to give a few of your adorable pups the Short List fame they deserve. I put an SOS out yesterday for you all to send in pictures of your dogs for the occasion, and I was not disappointed.

Here are a few (of the many!) good boys and girls of The Short List:

Jack, who definitely has more Instagram followers than all of us, says "Not all who wander are lost, man."

Lindsay Oliver

This is Gunner, in addition to chasing balls at the park he works "pot" time at home in Eastern Massachusetts.

Julia Condon

"Between a rock and a hard place? Try two couch cushions!" — Lil' Jack, who does not approve this message.

Shannon Burton

Samuel and her big sister Sydney want you to vote in the upcoming election. Specifically, for unlimited dog treats and more belly rubs.

Denise Rocawich

Stella, a one-year-old Aussiedoodle, sees that Pumpkin Spice Latte in your hand and is wondering where the heck her Puppuccino is?

Chelsea Hofacker

This is Maddon, not to be confused with the NFL video game franchise. However, this 100-pound pup could probably be confused with a linebacker.

Hillary Hess

Meet Lola, a spunky 2-year-old Havanese who — wait, is that a squirrel?!

Kim Makowski

This is Chip, a 3.5-pound long-haired chihuahua. Like his namesake, he's a total snack!

Sasha Tocio

Jax the Maltese may have a resting cute face, but he's a little annoyed you are taking a photo instead of throwing that ball right now.

Sandy Baker

Thank you to everyone who sent pictures of your pups in! A special Dog Day *boop* to:

Mitch, the "Best Dog in the Whole World." Bogart the "most awesome boy" from Charleston, SC. Bruce and his big bro Roscoe. Stocia the Bernadoodle and Ziti the mini Golden Doodle. Theodore Longfellow the Dachshund. Izzy the Shiba Inu and her brother (from another mother) Zeus. Sadie from Florida. Luke in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Momo from San Diego, CA. Buddy the Beagle from Bettendorf, Iowa. Yorkies Bella and Laci. Winnie, Hannah and Baxter from Indianapolis. Maggie the lab shepherd mix and Ralphie Amadeus Frankenstein Dexter. Foxxy and Zara. Peanut and Kahlo are the beloved Chihauhaus. Luci and Foxi. Lola the 3-month-old Maltipoo. Scooter from the Jersey Shore. Butter Koch the shoelace connoisseur. Duffy the adorable 10-year-old furball. Moshie the 5-year-old rescue from Belvidere, TN. Steva Campbell's pugs. Riley from Lake Michigan. Caleb schnoodle. Lola the 10-year-old rescue Shitzu. Oliver who loves a good Chicago joyride. Jake from Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. Benji from Thousand Oaks, CA. Rocket the skunk magnet. Josie from the Gulf Coast. Princess Cici. Francis the Border Collie. Gracie the Morkie. Sam bear and Polly. Lucy from Jonesboro. Ginger the soon-to-be-fifteen-year-old. Rusty the rescue. Miles the Golden and Hubbard the Shepherd. Oscar McChung the cheese lover. Missy from The Villages, FL. Tucker from Noblesville, Indiana. Wrigley keeping safe from COVID-19. Clyde and Oliver. Ginger, Sass, Reni, Rusty, and last but not least: Jack.

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