The Short List

Thu Oct 10 2024

Julius Lasin | Audience Editor

Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc across Florida, killing at least 11 people. Inflation cooled again in September. And tennis legend Rafael Nadal is calling it a career.

👋 Hi there, it's Julius with Thursday's news.

But first: A doughnut with your McDonald's. 🍩 Krispy Kreme is giving the burger chain's customers free doughnuts. Here's how you can get the deal.

Hurricane Milton rips through Florida

Hurricane Milton howled across the Florida Peninsula on Thursday, tearing a path of destruction from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic, killing at least 11 people and knocking out power to millions yet averting the "worst-case scenario" many had feared.

Milton's impact: Milton flooded neighborhoods, destroyed homes, and ripped the roof off the Tampa Bay Rays' baseball stadium. Power outages climbed during the day as the storm exited Florida, and more than 3.2 million homes and businesses were in the dark, according to poweroutage.us.

Avoiding the worst: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Milton weakened before landfall, and the storm surge "as initially reported has not been as significant overall as what was observed for Hurricane Helene." 👉 Here's the latest.

•	Photos show aftermath after Hurricane Milton tears path of damage through Florida
•	Tampa Bay was spared catastrophic storm surge. Here's why.
•	Watch drone video: Hurricane Milton creates massive wave in the Gulf of Mexico
•	Where is damage, flooding in Florida? A look at Milton's route of destruction.
•	How big was Hurricane Milton? Comparing its size, wind speed to other storms.
•	'It's gone': Milton blows away retirement dreams in Punta Gorda

A drone image taken Thursday shows the dome of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, which was torn open during Hurricane Milton.

Bryan R. Smith/AFPvia Getty Images

Inflation slows again in September

Inflation hit a three-year low in September as another drop in gasoline prices offset a rise in used car and auto insurance costs. Overall consumer prices increased 2.4% from a year ago, down from 2.5% in August, according to the Labor Department's consumer price index. On a monthly basis, costs edged up 0.2%, in line with the previous month. The latest pullback likely should still keep the Federal Reserve on track to lower interest rates by a more measured quarter percentage point next month after its initial half-point reduction in September juiced the stock market. 💲 See what else was in the latest CPI report.

•	What's it mean for what's next? Here's what the Chicago Fed president said.

Real quick

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Human rights advocate Ethel Kennedy dies

Ethel Kennedy, a human rights advocate, widow of Democratic icon Robert F. Kennedy and matriarch of America's most famous political family, died Thursday after complications from a stroke. She was 96. Ethel Kennedy sought to carry on her husband's work with the founding of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights center in Washington, D.C. Her work surrounded many charitable causes, including raising money for ALS research, fighting poverty and supporting social justice and environmentalism. In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 👉 Learn more about Kennedy's life.

Ethel Kennedy at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Awards Ceremony on Nov. 21, 2013, in Washington, DC. Kennedy died Thursday at age 96.

Drew Angerer, Getty Images

Tennis' 'King of Clay' is retiring

Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players ever, is saying goodbye to the game. The 38-year-old announced Wednesday that he will end his professional career next month after playing for Spain in the Davis Cup. A virtuoso on clay surfaces, Nadal won 14 French Open titles, including his final major tournament victory in 2022. The Spanish legend carved out one of the most decorated careers ever – his 22 wins at men's majors is only second to Novak Djokovic – despite battling myriad physical injuries and problems over his time as a pro. 🎾 USA TODAY's Dan Wolken reflects on Nadal's illustrious career.

Rafael Nadal reacts during the 2022 men's singles final at the French Open in Paris. Nadal compiled a jaw-dropping 112-4 career win-loss record at the event.

Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports

A break from the news

•	🚢 Don't get off the cruise when at port: 'You have the ship all to yourself'
•	🧺 Easily decipher dashboard lights, laundry symbols with this hack
•	📦 Final call! Save on Apple, Renpho, DeWalt and more on Amazon before it is too late.