Hey, Short Listers: I’m jamming out to Dolly Parton as I write this because I enjoy the Queen of Country’s music, even if her husband doesn’t. It’s Kirk Bado in for Ashley Shaffer with today’s most-talked-about stories. 

First, the Grand Canyon: Tourists, employees and children were exposed to unsafe levels of radiation for nearly two decades inside a museum building at the Grand Canyon, according to the park’s safety director.

She called the first lady an ‘ape’. Looks like she committed fraud, too.

In 2016, Pamela Taylor called Michelle Obama an “ape in heels” on Facebook and lost her job at a nonprofit group, but it seems racist words were just the tip of the awful iceberg. Last week, a woman revealed she illegally registered for FEMA disaster benefits after a flood in 2016 that killed more than 20 people in West Virginia. That woman’s name and residences match those of the Pamela Taylor behind the racist post. Taylor defrauded the federal agency of more than $18,000 and could face up to 30 years in prison. 

A foldable iPhone? Apple hints yes

Apple’s “bendgate” controversy last year had everyone stress-testing iPhones, but a new patent filing suggests the tech giant might debut flexible phones – foldable iPhones, that is. Over Valentine’s Day, Apple applied for a patent, including 24 drawings that demonstrate ways in which future devices might be bent, such as a pyramid that suggests that two people sitting opposite each other could each view their own screen while competing in a game (Fortnite, anyone?). It’s unlikely we’ll see a model at the company’s showcase in September, but 2020? Apple might be flexible enough to pencil that in.    

An iconic photo’s sailor dies

George Mendonsa, identified as the sailor kissing a woman in a photo at the end of World War II, died over the weekend at 95. The timeless photo came to represent the soaring spirits of Americans after the war. The woman in the photo, identified as Greta Zimmer Friedman, described the kiss as “something that happened to her,” her son said.

Real quick 

• An 11-year-old was arrested for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
• A vintage Michael Jordan shoe found at a demolition site could fetch more than $20,000.
• A victim in last week’s shooting in Aurora, Ill., sent his wife a heartbreaking final text.

• Men who can do 40 push-ups have lower risk of heart disease, a study says.

• Payless is closing all 2,100 of its stores, and here’s your guide to the best liquidation deals.

Jussie Smollett’s story may be unraveling

“Empire” star Jussie Smollett claimed he was a victim of a racist, homophobic attack nearly one month ago. He said two masked men assaulted him, doused him in a chemical, yelled, “This is MAGA country” and put a rope around his neck. The claim sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, but Smollett’s story seems to be unraveling. Police have questions for the actor after two brothers arrested in the assault said they were paid by the actor to orchestrate the attack. Chicago police may shift their investigation to Smollett within the next week as the baffling story drags on.

Trump’s national emergency may halt a Kentucky middle school

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency last week in an effort to circumvent Congress and fund his border wall. What’s that mean, exactly? We have a quick explainer. Construction of a middle school in Kentucky could be in limbo as a result of reallocated funds.

This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Want The Short List straight to your inbox? Sign up, and tell your friends.