Happy Presidents Day, all. There’s rain and likely freezing rain on the way, we’re told. To help you while away some precipitation-filled hours, here are a few items to check out (a Monday offering we’ve begun recently).

The Cedar Rapids Gazette’s James Q. Lynch took a look at the growing list of overdue maintenance for state properties. This sentenced popped out: “The list is growing because routine maintenance of state facilities has not been funded by the governor and Legislature since 2010.” The state’s budget problems have been well-documented, but the 35 projects that need $47 million in work don’t include the state’s three public universities. 

For those who are maybe only slightly interested in the Olympic Games but are curious about the South Korean hosting site (FYI: Norway leads in the medal count, and the U.S. is sixth): Why the Pyeongchang Games are different from all the others. There are some customer service lessons in this.

Disruption alert! “Wonder Woman” showed that a female-leading superhero tale could crush the box office. “Black Panther” shows that a nearly all-black cast can do the same.

And another one from the Gazette that matters to those in the energy industry and also to those thinking of warmer days coming with spring: Iowa solar advocates fear proposals would stunt industry growth.

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We’d love to hear what reading or videos or podcasts are catching your attention. Email suzannebehnke@bpcdm.com.