As home prices have risen, so too has the number of U.S. homeowners who have regained positive equity in their homes. According to CoreLogic’s 2013 Equity Report, 4 million more homeowners returned to positive equity on their homes last year, NAR reports. While 42.7 million homeowners now have positive equity, there were still 6.5 million underwater homeowners by the end of 2013.

In other headlines:

Program helps Rockford and Freeport residents buy vacant homes – WREX

Bill to Help Ease Flood Insurance Hikes – WHBF

Home Sales Down in Rockford Area – WIFR

Chicago can have a manufacturing future – Chicago Sun-Times