Gomers: What's going wrong

FREQUENT FLOODING?: A Iowa State University professor's new review of climate change studies predicts that flooding in the state will be more common, especially during midsummer months, by midcentury.

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TAX RECEIPTS LAG: Net state tax receipts dropped 7.9 percent in November, the 11th decline in the past 12 months, reports the nonpartisan Legislative Service Agency'. Five months into the current fiscal year, total state tax revenue also is down 7.9 percent compared to the same period in 2008. And the state Revenue Estimating Conference has projected a similar downturn figure for the full fiscal year that ends June 30. In November, only liquor and tobacco taxes were up - perhaps a sign of stressed Iowans trying to cope?

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DOWNTOWN LIBRARY: The Cedar Rapids Public Library, devastated by the 2008 flood, operates a downtown satellite facility at 221 Third St. SE. The temporary site suffers from residents' lack of awareness, staff members report. Although much smaller than the former downtown library, it offers a book drop-off, public computers, free Wi-Fi Internet access and a selection of books, media and research resources.