Science

Do you have any ideas about protecting birds and bats from wind turbines in Illinois, Wisconsin and six other Midwestern states?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public input as it works with the states to develop a plan for habitat conservation while promoting clean energy.

Some species of bats are particularly vulnerable to striking turbines at wind energy facilities. Fish and Wildlife representative Georgia Parham says one solution may be for wind energy companies to change how they operate turbines.

Illinois health officials are urging anyone with cantaloupes to inspect them following an outbreak of 17 cases identified in the state in 11 counties. Eight of the people are hospitalized.

Tainted cantaloupe from southwestern Indiana is the suspected source of the outbreak that has so far affected more than 140 people from 20 states. Symptoms of the illness include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Cases go back as far as July 7.

Illinois is seeing slightly cooler temperatures following last week's hundred-degree days. But state climatologist Jim Angel says it appears the end of the drought is a long way off.