The global run on food that has led to shortages and riots in Egypt, Haiti and other nations has made its way to U.S. shores. Concerned about rising prices and limited supplies of staples such as rice and flour, customers across the country have been cleaning out the shelves at big-box retailers, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Sam's Club and Costco Wholesale Corp. stores. (Los Angeles Times, Thursday)
The pressure on the corn market via ethanol has broad consequences.
FEE Timely Classic
Ethanol versus the Poor by P. Gardner Goldsmith