SLOWER RISE: The average increase of health insurance premiums for Iowa employers slowed to 7 percent this year, down from 10.1 percent in 2011 and one of the smallest in several years, an annual employer survey conducted since 1998 found. On the down side, one reason is that more Iowans have lower income and aren’t using health services as often.

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MORE RESPECT? Complaints about disrespectful behavior on the University of Iowa campus that were filed with the UI ombudsperson’s office declined 25 percent during the 2011-12 school year, the first drop in six years. Let’s hope there also was an accompanying increase in respectful behavior.

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VETERANS HONORED: South Korean consulate officials came to Cedar Falls to present “peace medals” to 327 U.S. Korean War veterans as appreciation for their service in the Korean War.

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FIREFIGHTER FETED: Veteran Cedar Rapids firefighter and fire marshal Jim Thatcher received the Hawkeye State Fire Safety Association Lifetime Achievement Award — only the third such award ever given. It recognizes outstanding dedication, service and professionalism.

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