Drought batters Kansas: Four of every five acres in Kansas, usually the No. 1 state for winter wheat production, are in drought, up from three out of four acres a week earlier. (Drought Monitor)
Illinois solar project: One of the largest solar arrays in the country, the 593-megawatt Double Black Diamond solar farm, is under construction on 4,100 acres near Springfield, in central Illinois. (Inside Climate News)
Russia demands export relief: Russia said the international agreement that enables ocean shipment of Ukrainian grain will not be extended past May 18 unless the West removes obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertilizer. (Reuters)
Rural bridges get funds: The White House announced grants of $11.5 million to replace seven bridges in rural northwestern Oklahoma and $51.2 million to replace six bridges in rural northwestern South Carolina. (White House)
Yiannis to advise Chipotle: Fast-food chain Chipotle appointed former FDA deputy commissioner Frank Yiannis to its food safety advisory council. (Chipotle)