Articles by David A. Lieb, Michael Casey and Michelle Minkoff

Scores of U.S. Dams in Poor Condition Pose Danger to Thousands

On a cold morning last March, Kenny Angel got a frantic knock on his door. Two workers from a utility company in northern Nebraska had come with a stark warning: Get out of your house. Just a little over a …

Fix for Missouri River Flood Bottlenecks Sought by Midwest States

After a year of devastating flooding, several Midwestern states are joining together to try to identify bottlenecks along the Missouri River that can cause waters to back up and worsen flooding in certain areas. Officials in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and …

States Brace for Long-Term Flood Fight as Damages Mount

After devastating flooding this year, Iowa put $15 million into a special fund to help local governments recover and guard against future floods. Missouri allotted more money to fight rising waters, including $2 million to help buy a moveable floodwall …

With Damage Costs Soaring, Midwest States Boost Flood Prevention

After devastating flooding this year, Iowa put $15 million into a special fund to help local governments recover and guard against future floods. Missouri allotted more money to fight rising waters, including $2 million to help buy a moveable floodwall …

Tornado, Flood Repairs to Missouri Facilities Could Cost Almost $13M

Repairs to Missouri government facilities damaged by recent tornadoes and flooding could cost almost $13 million, a majority of which would go toward fixing a historic prison that state officials are still trying to decide whether to salvage for tourists. …

Flooding Midwest Rivers Test Fortifications Around Missouri

The flooding Missouri and Mississippi rivers tested sandbag fortifications on June 5 as surging waters making their way downstream rose to some of their highest levels in more than two decades in parts of Missouri. The Missouri River had been …

Recovery Begins in Missouri’s Capital After Tornado Sweeps Area

A tornado tore apart buildings in Missouri’s capital city as part of an outbreak of severe weather across the state overnight that left at least three people dead and dozens injured. The National Weather Service confirmed that the large and …

Cost of Flood-Prone Home Buyouts in Missouri, Elsewhere: $5B and Rising

The residents of the small riverside town of Mosby, Missouri, have become accustomed to watching floods swamp their streets, transform their homes into islands and ruin their floors and furniture. Elmer Sullivan has replaced his couch, bed and television. He’s …

Missouri Proposal Would Limit Local Tax Breaks for Flood Zone Development

With floodwaters again inundating parts of Missouri, the state Senate has backed legislation that could limit local tax breaks offered for new developments in flood plains. A bill given initial approval would prohibit new “tax increment financing” projects in areas …

Missouri Voters Reject Attempt to Weaken Labor Unions

The steady march of new “right-to-work” laws in Republican-led states hit a wall in Missouri, where voters resoundingly rejected a measure that could have weakened union finances after national and local labor groups poured millions of dollars into the campaign …