Illinois received $97 million in stimulus funding this year to weatherize low-income homes - with $145 million more to come. So, if you could feel the wind howling through your apartment this morning, despite the windows and doors being closed, you may be eligible. With $5 billion going out to states nationwide, the federal government is spending about as much as it’s spent total on weatherization since the 1970s, according to the Chicago Tribune. With the money, Illinois will be able to weatherize approximately 22,000 homes, compared to only 7,800 last year. In Chicago, the increased funding will benefit nearly 9,000 homes - brick makes Chicago buildings some of the least energy efficient in the country. more ›

The state of Illinois has been the recipient of a whole bunch of that federal stimulus cash - to the tune of several hundred millions of dollars. But how much of that is reaching Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), businesses owned by minorities and women? According to an excellent, in-depth report from WBEZ, not a whole heck of a lot. Check out the entire feature, part of their Hard Working series. more ›