Homers: What's going right

MORE HELP ON THE WAY: Those among 1,200 Cedar Rapids property owners who want buyouts will be paid 107 percent - instead of 100 percent as previously expected - of their damaged homes' pre-flood assessed value. The new figure is considered a more accurate reflection of the pre-flood market value, city officials said last week. These are properties eligible for federal Community Development Block Grant funds. Those who purchase replacement homes may also benefit from the city's plan to give up to $25,000 in down-payment assistance from the local-option sales tax voters OK'd in March. Encouraging news for those on the brink of financial disaster.

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MORE PROTECTION: The new University Hygienic Laboratory in Coralville is expected to open this spring. It should expand our state's ability to detect disease outbreaks, protect the environment and address bioterrorism.

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UI STUDENTS DO IT AGAIN: For the third consecutive year, the student-run University of Iowa Dance Marathon raised more than $1 million for cancer programs at UI Children's Hospital. Kudos and thanks, students!