tornado

Joplin is preparing to mark the second anniversary of a tornado that killed 161 people and injured hundreds more. The twister hit the southwestern Missouri city on May 22, 2011, destroying thousands of home and businesses. On that date this year, Joplin officials say tents will be set up in Cunningham Park to highlight efforts to restore various elements of the community.

A Joplin woman has admitted defrauding the federal government out of disaster benefits following the May 2011 tornado that devastated the city. Thirty-seven-year-old Pamala Ann Shafer pleaded guilty yesterday. Prosecutors say Shafter applied for federal help by falsely claiming her apartment had been damaged by the twister...