A worker builds a home in San Diego. California's tighter energy efficiency rules for new and newly remodeled buildings take effect in 2014. (Sam Hodgson, Bloomberg)

The Maryland Mortgage Program sets aside $30 million to make loans available at 3.75 percent in the region.

Eastern Illinois University plans new on-campus clean-energy research center.

In Nebraska the homeless count has advocates optimistic, the Omaha World-Herald.

The Root runs, the Obama Administration Tackles Race and Asthma.

HUD funds a one million dollar renovation of upscale low-income townhouses in central Kansas City.

And, California sets stronger energy efficiency rules for buildings, The Los Angeles Times.