Source: The American Prospect
by David Dayen
“Hurricane Milton, the Category 5 hurricane scheduled to barrel into Florida early tomorrow, may have tilted just far enough to the south to avoid a direct hit on Tampa Bay, which would have been catastrophic. But the danger remains sufficiently clear and present to trigger mandatory evacuations in more than 50 counties, where damage is likely to be widespread. Plus, it comes just two weeks after the deadly force of Hurricane Helene; some areas will see uncleared debris from Helene scattered again by Milton. The other common thread in the aftermath of Helene, and the prelude to Milton, is allegations of price-gouging. In western North Carolina, there have been 196 reports of spiking prices for fuel, groceries, hotels, and water, according to the attorney general’s office. South Carolina and Georgia are also receiving complaints.” (10/09/24)