Gomers -- What's going wrong

PUBLIC DEFENDER COSTS: The number of cases and the amount spend on defending accused criminals who claim to be indigent is rising steadily in Iowa. Since 2007, the annual number of cases has increased by more than 10,000 to 157,770, while the expenditures through the Iowa Public Defender's Office is up nearly $6 million to $54.7 million for 2011, caused in part by many offenders' not paying back the cost of their defense. What's not clear is whether more of the accused are falsely claiming inability to afford a private attorney. Judicial officials say there's cause to improve the process but it will take more time and resources.

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GET IT RIGHT, GUYS: FEMA's regional office long had approved replacement cost funding for the University of Iowa's Hancher Auditorium, School of Music and the Studio Arts building that were damaged in the 2008 flood. UI officials moved ahead with plans, including building in new locations. But just last week, FEMA's overseer, the Department of Homeland Security, said FEMA was wrong, and there wasn't enough damage to warrant replacement funding instead of repair money. The difference is a mere $83.7 million.

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