Homers: What's going right

E-BOOKS: Corridor public libraries are embracing the e-times. The Cedar Rapids Metro Library Network offers an e-Book service that allows more than 500 titles to be downloaded free. The Overdrive program is also offered by the Iowa City and Coralville public libraries. This should help keep serious reading alive and well.

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TROOP SUPPORT: During times of war, many citizen volunteer groups spring up to help support our service men and women stationed overseas, especially in combat zones. With 3,000 Iowa soldiers expected to be in Afghanistan by Thanksgiving, Maria Tyson of Iowa City was inspired to create Iowa Troop Pantry. Its goal is to send care packages to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. To support or get more information about the initiative, call (319) 930-8333.

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WHAT COUNTS: Iowa ranked No. 1 nationally in keeping young people in high school until graduation or working, reports the annual Kids Count project. In 10 key measurements combined, Iowa ranked No. 6. Good news overall. Still, there are trouble spots. The number of Iowa children in poverty or living in single-parent homes rose 8 percent from 2000 to 2008.