The Palisades community in Lawrence went through quite a scare this morning as a grass fire immediately turned into what fire officials called a full structural response, that also threatened the Langston Hughes Elementary School.

It was a little like the old days without electricity Wednesday, as the nation's capital region celebrated Independence Day the better part of a week into a widespread blackout.

Jeanne Campbell, who has broken bones in her legs, was sitting in her Lewisburg, West Virginia, home when a massive storm barreled through late last week and a tree came crashing through her roof.

Fire-plagued Western states should brace for more in the future, so says the study from the University of California at Berkeley. Weather is a big factor, though a combination of factors can also be cited.

The updates listed here include all 105 counties either in an emergency, warning or watch status.

Projection for Independence Day holiday travel is tying a record for the highest auto travel volume in the past decade. Local AAA offices are busy Tuesday, making last minute plans for customers.

All of the state's 105 counties are included in a drought declaration issued Tuesday by Gov. Sam Brownback.

About 1.7 million people are still without power in ten states and Washington, DC. More than 20 people are dead from storms fueled in part by the heat. (Photo from WJZ-TV, CBS Baltimore)

Kansas City authorities are probing 3 deaths that may be heat-related. One-third of the U.S. population was under some kind of heat warning Friday. The scorching conditions are expected to stretch into next week in some places.

The flood relief bill amendment provides financial relief to citizens of communities upgrading their levee systems

These stamps for 2012 and 2013 offer you an easy way to protect wetland habitats around the nation.

The Topeka Police and Fire Departments remind all Topekans, that as we continue to enjoy this 4th of July and fireworks season, to please do so by following this safety checklist.

Evacuations in Colorado Springs and surrounding county rise to nearly 36,000. The forecast stays hot and dry into next week.

The Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment issued an Air Quality Health Advisory on Tuesday the Kansas City, Topeka and Wichita areas.

Tropical Storm Debby raked the Tampa Bay area with high wind and heavy rain Monday in a drenching that could top 2 feet over the next few days and trigger widespread flooding.

The Kansas Guardsmen will remain in Colorado for up to 15 days. The lightning-caused fire is 15 percent contained. So far it has burned more than 52,000 acres, destroying about 100 homes and other structures.

"Few areas will be below 90 degrees in the Northeast," so says the weather service in the Northeast. Last year, the weather service reported 206 heat-related deaths nationwide.

Flash flooding in Duluth, Minnesota, has forced residents to evacuate, left homes underwater, destroyed roads and even led to the drownings of at least eight animals at a zoo.

Tornado Tuesdays makes its final run Tuesday, June 19, at the Lazy Toad at Fairlawn Plaza in Topeka. The restaurant will donate 10 percent of food sales Tuesday to support rebuilding efforts in Harveyville.

Flood warning remains in effect in parts of Alabama tonight. Parts of West Pensacola, Florida, got 23.6 inches of rain from the storms. Officials in Escambia County expect damage there to total more than $20 million.

Storms have brought a tornado and 2-inch hail to Wyoming, a day after thunderstorms pummeled parts of Wyoming and Colorado with golf ball-sized hail and heavy rain.

The power corporation reminds us all, copper thefts cause power outages and endanger Westar customers and employees.

Thanks to gifts of fans from Westar, the Red Cross is ready for its annual summer fan donation on June 13th. Here's where to go and fill out the form, to make sure you might be able to have a free fan in the Kansas heat.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that May 2012 will end as the second warmest on record in the United States. Here's why.

Holton's Banner Creek Science Center invites people to visit their facility and view the Transit of Venus. Several locations are selling solar glasses to view the event for $2 to benefit the center.