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Opinion: After Mississippi floods and Joplin tornado, some hard-hitting geography lessons
Amid a spate of natural disasters, the latest crisis on the Mississippi has reminded Americans that the river is not merely a Twain-era historical footnote, but a vital instrument of modern commerce and a powerful force in draining, nourishing – and sometimes flooding – a large swath of the US.
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Louisiana's Cajun country braces for historic flooding
Residents in Louisiana's Cajun country are preparing for what's expected to be the worst flooding in more than 80 years as the Mississippi surges toward seven rural parishes along the Atchafalaya River Basin.
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Opinion: Letting Mississippi run its natural course could save New Orleans from hurricanes
The full diversion of the Mississippi River back down the Atchafalaya basin would flood millions of acres, permanently submerge entire communities, destroy oil refineries and farms, and leave the port of New Orleans without its river. But it could also save Louisiana from the next hurricane.
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How Mississippi River floods could save Louisiana's sinking coasts
Before the current levee system was built, Mississippi River floods helped replenish Louisiana coastal wetlands with silt. Now that silt goes into the Gulf and the coastline is disappearing. But scientists have a plan, and the great flood of 2011 could help them bring it about.
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Oil futures fall: good news for drivers
Oil futures drop below $98 a barrel. Gasoline futures decline even more. Oil futures now down 15 percent this month.
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Five of the costliest US river floods
The 2011 Mississippi River flood, which has broken records in some places, is creating steady destruction in America's midsection. Hurricanes tend to cause more financial damage, and flash floods typically take more lives. But overflowing rivers deliver a long, slow economic punch. Arkansas farmers have lost an estimated $500 million in crops to this year's flood. Mississippi homes and catfish farms – a leading industry – are threatened. In Louisiana, the diversion of water through a spillway to spare Baton Rouge and New Orleans still puts hundreds of homes, businesses, and chemical plants and oil refineries at risk. Total damages could run into the billions. Here's a look at five of the most expensive river floods in the US, according to estimates from the National Weather Service and historical accounts (reported in 2011 dollars):
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Morganza spillway: Flooding farmland to save New Orleans
The US Army of Corps of Engineers has opened the Morganza spillway to prevent the surging Mississippi from endangering New Orleans. But farms and natural habitat will be flooded as a result.
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Life along the Mississippi: Waiting and watching as the river rises
The US Army Corps of Engineers may open the Morganza Floodway to divert the surging Mississippi away from larger metropolitan areas. The clock is ticking for Stephensville, like most small towns located along backwater tributaries.
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Mississippi flooding drowns crops and casinos: What's the economic toll?
The economic toll of the Mississippi River flooding has yet to be calculated, as the crest pushes past Memphis towards New Orleans, but is expected to run in the billions.
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Memphis and Baton Rouge brace for record-breaking Mississippi flood
Residents of the Mississippi River floodplain are sandbagging or evacuating as the flood crest pushes south. It will pass Memphis on Tuesday and hit southern Louisiana on May 23.
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Watery week ahead as Mississippi floodwaters hit Memphis, move downriver
Mississippi River at record level in Memphis, Tenn., where some areas are already underwater. It's expected to get higher, with floodwaters to linger for days. Evacuations are under way.
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In Pictures: Mississippi River floods
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First deep-water oil drilling permit since Gulf oil spill plays it safe
The Obama administration lifted its post-Gulf oil spill moratorium on oil drilling in deep water Oct. 12, but it didn't issue its first new permit until Monday. Some experts think rising oil prices forced the administration's hand.
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Oscar winners no one expected: mothers everywhere
Oscar winners dispensed morsels of wisdom in their thank-you speeches Sunday night. 'Listen to your mother' was the advice of Best Director Tom Hooper, who won for the 'The King's Speech.'
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The Oscars 2011: How real are the reality-based Best Picture nominees?
Oscar has always loved films based on true stories – 100 out of 485 Best Picture nominees since 1927 would qualify – but never more than this year. Four of the 10 features on the Best Picture slate are based on real characters and events: “The King’s Speech,” “The Fighter,” “The Social Network,” and “127 Hours.” Eavesdrop on departing moviegoers and you will inevitably hear, “I’d love to know what really happened.” Here are some facts behind the “true-life” stories contending for this year’s Best Picture Academy Award.
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Gallery: Will these Republicans run in 2012?
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Medicare fraud: Jail time for doctor, equipment provider
Medicare scheme was to submit some $775,000 in bogus claims.
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In Pictures: NFL draft 2011 prospects
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New Orleans makeover: economic boost or loss of a historical legacy?
Post-Katrina, New Orleans looks to diversify its economy beyond tourism. But plans for a mammoth biomedical facility mean historic homes will be relocated, or razed.
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Tuition at public colleges jumps 8 percent, College Board reports
Tuition at four-year public universities rose again this year, outpacing inflation, according to a report released Thursday by The College Board. Federal aid to states and students softens the bite.
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In Pictures: Kiddie costumes
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Deep-water drilling moratorium lifted: why neither side is happy
To environmentalists, the lifting of the deep-water drilling moratorium Tuesday comes too soon. To the industry, it is seen as the beginning of a new era of uncertainty.
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Gulf oil spill aftermath: Will region regain lost jobs?
A federal moratorium on deepwater drilling imposed after the Gulf oil spill is expiring this fall, but economists warn that oil companies may not be prepared to restore the thousands of jobs that were lost.
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'Tea party' and diversity: bad rap from liberals or a genuine need?
Tea party group FreedomWorks this week launched a 'Diverse Tea' website aimed at promoting diversity within the movement. Local tea party officials across the US speak about their views of diversity.
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In Pictures: Hurricane Katrina: 5 years later
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