In Maryland, Gov. Martin O'Malley is making good on a promise promote the use of septic systems that can filter nitrogen in new housing developments around the state.

Maryland Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin helped cut the ribbon at a new prenatal health center in Capitol Heights Maryland. The Greater Baden Walker Mill Health Center was able to renovate its facilities with $400,000 in federal funds. But government grants like that will be harder to come by this year.