Complete coverage of Midwest flooding

As an early tally of damage reaches billions of dollars, some towns say the federal government in years past turned its back on their pleas for help building or bolstering flood protection barriers.

With thousands of acres submerged, the outlook seems dire, but it’s still too early to say how the disaster will affect food prices and other economic gauges.

St. Louis and other urban areas are spared as water continues to surge over levees along the Mississippi.

Bill and Virginia Russell were flooded out of their home, without insurance. Times were already turbulent for the couple.

Some businesses and residents have already thrown in the towel.

Times Chicago Bureau chief P.J. Huffstutter has been on assignment covering the Midwest flooding.