Environment

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.  

More than half of western Kentucky counties remain under burn bans this week. Out of 22 counties, 15 have reported burn bans to the Kentucky Division of Forestry. Some cities, including Madisonville have issued their own bans on outdoor burning and fireworks.

Drought and high temperatures have led the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare a state of emergency in our region.