Homers & Gomers

Staff Editorial

HOMERS - What's going right

NEW ‘FRIEND':

The Cedar Rapids Police Department joined Facebook and Twitter (@CR_Police), announcing its presence last week. 'I think we realized that Facebook, Twitter, the social media sites, they're the way people are communicating, now more than ever,” Capt. Jeff Hembera told The Gazette. 'We were kind of missing a great opportunity to reach out to the public and get our message out.”

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SAY CHEESE:

Area photographers, makeup artists and hairstylists donated their skills to create lasting memories for families in need during last week's Greater Cedar Rapids Area Help-Portrait, which provided photo sessions and professional portraits for families who otherwise would not be able to afford them.

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FILL ‘ER UP:

Just in time for holiday travel, the average price per gallon of gas dropped to under $2.70 last week. That's nearly a full dollar per gallon lower than its summer peak, and more than 40 cents lower than it was a year ago.

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GOMERS - What's going wrong

NO COMMENT:

The Daily Iowan, The University of Iowa's independent student newspaper, reported last week that UI officials have canceled the president's traditional monthly sit-down with student journalists, after some of President Sally Mason's remarks regarding sexual assault were picked up by state and national media, drawing criticism. Administrators should reconsider their decision. Even if indirectly, President Mason is responsible for these students' education, and this is a sorry lesson to teach.

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CRIME SPREE:

Iowa City Police are investigating a string of six robberies in the past month which they say might be related. Three men have been arrested in two of the most recent incidents including one, near downtown, in which the victim reported being pushed to the ground where one of the robbers held a gun to his head.

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FIRE SEASON:

Fire officials say embers from a wood stove are to blame for a Cedar Rapids house fire last week. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the house, on Danbury Street, was badly burned. It's a reminder that winter can bring specific fire hazards we all should be aware of, especially around the holidays.

' Comments: editorial@thegazette.com or (319) 398-8262.