‘People are going crazy;“ Inside the 90-day blackout panic

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Shopping carts loaded with bottled water, dehydrated meals and batteries are rolling out of big-box and specialty stores across parts of the Southeast.What’s fueling this? Viral “doomsday” posts about a supposed 90‑day nationwide imposed blackout.It’s happening even though experts say the rumor is based on a misunderstanding of a military readiness plan, not any plan to cut power to Americans.Fears fuel gun sales in South CarolinaAt a tactical supply shop in Laurens County, the aisles don’t look the way they used to.Where there were once neat rows of gear and ammunition, there are now gaps and empty hooks. “People are going crazy. They think the world is going to end in one day,” said John “JC” Castillo, who owns Stock Pile Tactical. “We had a full rack of everything here and it’s been selling out, same for pistols.”Castillo estimates his sales are up roughly 60% to 70%. He says customers aren’t just buying one type of item – they’re buying like they’re preparing for a l