Milton Approaches, NYC Scandal Fallout, and Beer Can Art

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Florida Braces for Milton

Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area this evening as a Category 3 storm with winds of 111-129 mph, the first major hurricane to hit the area in over 100 years. See a time-lapse video of Milton from space here (via X).

The region's west-facing geographic location and typical weather patterns make direct hurricane landfalls less common but not impossible. The prevailing east-to-west trade winds often push storms originating in the Gulf of Mexico westward. The shallow continental shelf off the coast—up to 90 miles offshore with depths less than 300 feet—creates ideal conditions for large storm surges, essentially acting as a ramp allowing the water to build up as it approaches the shore.

The last major hurricane to directly hit the region was in 1921 when a Category 3 storm brought 110 mph winds and an 11-foot storm surge that caused severe damage, costing roughly $180M in 2024 dollars. Milton is expected to move across central Florida before entering the Atlantic Ocean. 

US Lead Pipe Removal

US regulators finalized rules yesterday requiring water utility operators to replace all lead pipes used in water lines within 10 years. The regulation, first announced in November, also requires utilities to test all water systems used by elementary schools, the first-ever national requirement. 

Lead replaced iron as the preferred metal for drinking water pipes in the US in the late 1800s due to its durability, malleability, and resistance to corrosion. However, the health effects of lead poisoning—which include developmental issues in children and heart disease in adults—have long been known (see background). By 1900, roughly 70% of large cities used lead in water pipes, as well as in gasoline, paint, and more. Its usage in pipes in new construction was federally banned in 1986, but communities continued to be affected, particularly in Flint, Michigan's water crisis a decade ago. 

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates more than 9 million US homes are serviced water via lead pipes. Analysts say the cost of replacement could exceed $45B.

NYC Scandal Fallout

A former New York City official was arrested yesterday and charged with witness tampering and destroying evidence tied to an ongoing federal probe surrounding Mayor Eric Adams (D) and his administration. 

Mohamed Bahi, who served as a senior community affairs liaison and resigned Monday, is the latest person in a growing number of Adams administration officials who have resigned or either been fired, charged, or investigated (see visual guide). Bahi's federal charges stem from illegal contributions to Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign as well as allegedly deleting an encrypted messaging app (used to communicate with Adams and others) hours before federal authorities searched Bahi's home. 

New York City's First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright also resigned yesterday, following the resignations of her husband, Schools Chancellor David Banks, and her brother-in-law, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks. 

The latest developments come after Adams was indicted last month on charges including bribery and wire fraud. Adams has vowed to continue his term. 

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