A panel on both sides of the data center debate answered questions for three hours Wednesday night as at least a couple hundred people listened intently.

The project has transformed more than two acres of turf grass into a diverse habitat of native wildflowers and grasses, providing long‑term ecological and educational benefits for the congregation and the community.

The Ecology Action Center said in its regular greenhouse gas emission inventory report that McLean County reduced emission levels by 10%, and local governments by 15% since 2008. It's equal to more than 200,000 metric tons of emissions.

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the Ecology Action Center based in Normal have planned an energy presentation next month to address public concerns about data centers and other factors that may impact the electric grid.

Before and once operation begins, data centers are becoming increasingly subjected to regulations by their host municipalities. WGLT visited Aurora, where some of the strictest rules exist, and DeKalb, which does not require much.

In a tale of two data center cities, Aurora and DeKalb are two examples of how location, regulation and revenue affect the residents where they sit. WGLT visited both to find answers.

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen has been tabbed to lead a new legislative panel on weather preparedness.

An air quality alert is in effect Monday for a second straight day in Bloomington-Normal and most of Illinois, as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts into the U.S. The air quality locally was deemed Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

Attorneys say cases that claim the popular weedkiller causes cancer will have to change course to move forward in court after the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the agriculture company last month.

Illinois residents can register by appointment only via HHWmclean.org or by phone at 309-468-6449. The deadline to register is Aug. 18 at noon.