Did you know that if you live in economically distressed areas in our region – places like Gary, Indiana, and Cleveland, Ohio, - you’re likely to have a shorter life? Substance abuse is 64% higher in those counties than more prosperous ones.

Overall harvest progress lags behind average, according to yesterday’s Crop Progress report. 10% soybeans have been harvested v. 12% average. 11% corn combined, typically is 17% by this time of year. Work of harvest slowed by rain in far western Corn Belt. In eastern region cloud of dust seen from considerable distance.

6th consecutive record hot day in Chicago, ill. It was the second driest Aug. 4 through Aug. 24 since started keeping records 126 years ago.