Free Republic

....Obama returns to an outwardly thriving New Orleans Thursday to mark strides 10 years after Hurricane Katrina. But underneath the visible recovery lie persistent racial and economic inequities that haven't receded.... ...according to one analysis, African-American households in the city earn more than 50% less than their white counterparts -- well above the national average. Those barometers of racial inequality aren't unique to New Orleans, and haven't dampened the city's enthusiasm for what has otherwise been a steady recovery that includes new construction, jobs and visitors. But the now-chronic gaps between rich and poor, and whites and blacks, were poised...

Florida governor Bush admits Wilma relief effort weak Wed Oct 26, 7:20 PM ET MIAMI (AFP) - Victims of Hurricane Wilma's wrath in Florida pressured officials for relief as they suffered a third day without electricity and scant basic supplies, while Governor Jeb Bush admitted the emergency relief effort "didn't work as it should."AFP/Getty Images Photo: A mother and daughter leave with relief supplies at the Orange Bowl Stadium after Hurricane... The White House, meanwhile, announced that President George W. Bush, the governor's brother, would visit the hurricane-damaged region Thursday. In Mexico, officials estimated damage from the ferocious storm was...

CAPTIVA - The ritzy barrier islands that Hurricane Charley pummeled first before raging across the state appear to have survived far better than their neighbors farther inland. Although damage assessments had yet to be completed for the islands Sunday night, Lee County officials said they were confident that damage could be repaired and the islands could recover their identity as an idyllic vacation getaway. "Nearly all (buildings) had some damage, but it was varying degrees, because these are big homes and well-put-together homes," said Pat O'Rourke, spokeswoman for the Lee County Emergency Operations Center. "It's a matter of the integrity...