101.  In the late 1980s, Illinois became the first state to offer report cards systematically on individual schools.

102.  In the process, Kansas became the first state to fully privatize its adoption services _ something other states now are watching.

103.  Indeed, New Jersey recently became the first state to specify that gay partners can adopt children jointly.

104.  Indeed, Massachusetts was among the first states questioning the riskiness to investors looking to buy Apple Computer Co. stock back in 1982.

105.  INDIANA-REDISTRICT (Bloomington, Ind.) _ Indiana, the first state to approve new maps for its congressional districts, is losing one of it seats.

106.  It also was the first state to require sex offenders to register with law enforcement agencies after their releases, as Missouri and Kansas now do.

107.  It became the first independent African state in 1847 with a look-alike American constitution and a look-alike U.S. flag with one star.

108.  Iowa is likely to be the first state to hold a presidential nominating caucuses next year.

109.  Iowa's presidential primary caucuses take place Jan. 24, making it the first state to award delegates for the GOP and Democratic presidential nominations next year.

110.  Indiana is the first state to approve new maps for its congressional districts.