The Short List

Sat Oct 12 2024

John Riley | Audience Editor

Our hearts are with all those caught in the path of Hurricane Milton this week − and let's not forget about those still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. 🙏

👋Good morning, Short List family. I'm John Riley, here again with some of the best stories of the week from USA TODAY. While Milton may not have been a "worst-case scenario," it was plenty bad enough. Here are some updates as Floridians pick up the pieces:

•	Hidden dangers: Milton's floodwaters contain debris, bacteria and gators
•	Power outage map: 2 million customers still in the dark
•	Travel: If your flight is impacted, where's what to expect from your airline

Milton quite rightly swallowed up much of our news coverage this week, but there were lots of other great stories that may have gotten overlooked. Hope you enjoy these.

Sorting America: Our partisan leanings are getting stronger

Red states are getting redder. Blue states are getting bluer. Is it any surprise that our politics are getting hotter? An exclusive USA TODAY analysis of the nation's 3,113 counties shows a striking realignment since 2012 that has intensified partisan leanings, leaving only a handful of states where the outcome of the Nov. 5 presidential election remains in doubt. 🗳️ Read more

•	Florida: How it went from purple to red
•	Georgia: Former red state is now up for grabs
•	Your county: Search your address to see how it has changed

Retirement: What different generations say about saving

When it comes to retirement savings, expectations differ across generations. Boomers feel unprepared, while Gen Xers worry they're behind schedule, and millennials – who are navigating student loan debt on top of rising housing and child care costs – are feeling the squeeze, according to a Goldman Sachs survey. Meanwhile, Gen Z could be a generation that's "ahead of their time" on savings.💰 Read more

•	Generational divide: Americans of all ages talk sex, climate, and voting

Why 'Saturday Night' movie cast ignored director's request

The young actors picked to play the comedy icons behind one of television's most storied programs, NBC's "Saturday Night Live," faced one daunting obstacle: Director Jason Reitman told them not to talk to Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtain and the rest. So did they honor his request? Of course not.🎥 Read more