Afternoon Round-Up 7/27/12

Today on NPR: In Connecticut, the birth of what's thought to be a rare white bison is drawing Native Americans to a sacred ceremony.

Environment:

• While most farmers can expect reduced yields this year, beekeepers look forward to a bumper honey crop.
• The National Drought Mitigation Center has upgraded much of western Kentucky to “exceptional drought” status.
• United States Department of Agriculture officials are trying to get a better feel for the damage the drought has done to crops in the region.
• Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed three new environmental laws yesterday aimed at protecting ecosystems from invasive species, improving recycling and promoting green technology in plumbing. 

Education:

• U.S. News and World Report magazine ranks Murray State University at the top among universities granting merit scholarships.
• Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program test scores have improved among Montgomery County students.
• The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence’s Team on Teacher Effectiveness will meet for the first time today in Frankfort.

Justice:

• The Illinois Department of Corrections has transferred thirty more minimum-security inmates yesterday from the Tamms Prison to a work camp in Hardin County.
• McCracken Circuit Judge Craig Clymer has postponed the trial of three family members charged with kidnapping and murdering 21-year-old Casondra Evrard in 2010.