tornadoes

On June 8, 1966, an F5 twister touched down in Topeka, Kansas, killing 17 people and injuring hundreds. All of these years later, some locals still wonder if it happened because the city ignored an urban legend.

A local weather phenomenon holds that the 6,100-person town of Tonganoxie, Kansas, can weaken and divide thunderstorms and tornadoes. Experts are mixed on its existence — and what causes it — but locals say otherwise.

Rep. Sam Graves of Tarkio is trying to pass a major overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including taking it out of the purview of the Department of Homeland Security.

In the wake of the May 16 tornado, applications for demolition permits on private property doubled. Property owners are making tough decisions to raze their homes, and whether to stay or leave the city.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer's office said FEMA is providing a lump sum and will cover 75% of eligible debris removal costs, with the state covering the remaining 25%.

NPR fans will recognize Bill Kurtis from the weekend game show “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” But his nearly six-decade career in journalism launched in Topeka, Kansas, when he warned viewers about an incoming tornado.

Kansas City has seen a lot of storms this year, but the metro has avoided a devastating tornado. Some locals say there’s a reason for that: the Tonganoxie Split. But is there any scientific evidence backing up this long-standing legend?

Missouri state Reps. Marty Joe Murray and Colin Wellenkamp are part of the bipartisan "Missouri Future Caucus," which is looking into bills about the proliferation of artificial intelligence and disaster preparedness.

Destructive tornadoes have hit states such as Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana this season as activity shifts east. Meanwhile, scientists say dry and hot weather in the Great Plains brought on by climate change could be slowing the number of tornadoes there.

Trump's decision opens up individual aid for people affected by the deadly tornado that devastated parts of the St. Louis region.

Tornadoes are more likely to destroy property in counties with more Black residents than any other area, which exacerbates racial segregation and poverty, according to a recent journal article.

Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley said he will push to make sure President Donald Trump approves Gov. Mike Kehoe's request for tornado relief funds.