Gomers: What's Going Wrong

WATER QUALITY: The number of impaired streams and lakes in Iowa has doubled to nearly 600 in the past four years, says the Iowa Water & Land Conservancy. One reason is because a lot more rainfall pouredthrough the state's watersheds during flood periods. Another cited is insufficient funding for soil and water conservation and watershed management measures. Every stream or lake in Iowa is designated for specific use - drinking water, recreation or healthy fish/aquatic life - and if the water quality doesn't support the use, it's deemed impaired. More conservation and management work can offset much of weather's extremes.

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COURTROOM WORRY: Judges routinely have admonished juries not to talk to other people about the case they're hearing, read newspaper articles or listen to radio and television reports. Jurors are to consider only the evidence that is presented in court. Many Iowa judges and attorneys now worry about the temptations of social media, and how it could test the honor system. Though it doesn't appear to be a big problem in Iowa, a Reuters Legal analysis found a growing number of verdicts challenged because of suspected Internet-related juror misconduct.

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