Prospects for a major crisis among the nation's corn producers increased last week as fields across the heartland continued to wilt under persistent hot, dry conditions. Weather forecasts predict continued extreme heat and the absence of rain in much of the Corn Belt, and government agencies are dramatically adjusting corn yield projections downward. Go to story #1

With the recent heat wave cooling off, public health officials are sorting through the aftermath to find out how people were affected and what they can do when the next temperature surge wafts through. Go to story #2