Cedar Rapids Gazette: The University of Iowa and Iowa State University this week reported new external funding records for the budget year that wrapped June 30. UI — involved in coronavirus vaccine and treatment trials that have benefited the world — reported double-digit percentage spikes in several funding categories, starting with its 23% jump in total external funding, from last year’s record-setting $666.2 million to $818 million for fiscal 2021. Iowa State University soared past its previous total external funding record of $509.2 million in 2018 with a reported $559.1 million in the 2021 budget year.