Prop 8 May Be Same-Sex Couples’ Least Worry
A family law professor explains why differences between states over gay marriage may lead to a deluge of court cases.
Triumph of the Cyborg Composer
David Cope's software creates beautiful, original music. Why are people so angry about that?
Letting Your Good Intentions Backfill My Budget
Researchers investigate whether that dollar of foreign aid just frees up money for the recipient to spend elsewhere.
Before the Flood
The U.S. spends billions on levees, but river flooding still causes havoc across the country. Vermont has a better way.
The Inside Dope on Snitching
A law professor explains how to keep criminal informants from duping prosecutors, police and the rest of us.
Fumbling FEMA Wants Back in the Game
A political scientist argues that while FEMA has pulled up its socks since Hurricane Katrina, it's still not ready for primetime.
California Floods of 1995
DATE: January and March 1995 LOCATION: California DEATHS: 27 ESTIMATED COST: $4 billion* WHAT HAPPENED: “El Niño” conditions…
Midwestern Floods of 2008
DATE: June 2008 LOCATION: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin DEATHS: 24 ESTIMATED COST: $15 billion* WHAT HAPPENED: Despite…
Great Flood of 1951
DATE: July 1951 LOCATION: Kansas and Missouri DEATHS: 28 ESTIMATED COST: $21 billion* WHAT HAPPENED: Intense rainfall from…
Great Flood of 1993
DATE: May through September 1993 LOCATION: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin DEATHS:…