Homers: What's going right

BIG DRAW: Since 2000, the University of Iowa has drawn more external funding every year except one. For the fiscal year ended June 30, the UI smashed the previous record total by a remarkable 10.3 percent, garnering $429.5 million. Credit a broad research lineup, including its especially strong health sciences areas.

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VOLUNTEER SPIRIT: When it comes to volunteerism, the Corridor ranks high nationally, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service, established in 1993 to encourage community service. Iowa City ranked No. 2 with 49.2 percent of its adults involved in a volunteer activity. Cedar Rapids was 17th at 36.3 percent. Waterloo-Cedar Falls was No. 6 and Des Moines 10th. Among states, Iowa moved up a notch to fifth from last year.

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FIRST AGAIN: Cedar Rapids' Jess Long is the state's first, and the nation's 47th, female police officer to become certified to disable hazardous devices. The 11-year police veteran's achievement adds to previous Cedar Rapids' milestones, including first police department in the state to hire a black officer and first to hire a female officer.