Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after hearing reports that Delta Airlines charged 34 U.S. soldiers returning from Afghanistan $2,800 in baggage fees:

"I'm deeply disappointed by this news that Delta Airlines charged soldiers returning from war such excessive baggage fees. These brave men and women put their lives on the line for our safety and security, and this is no way to welcome them home. I'm calling on Delta to immediately reimburse these soldiers for the extra baggage fees.

"Even if Delta was  operating within its current baggage policy, I believe we all have an obligation to returning service members - not just to thank them for their service, but to also ensure that they're not faced with any undue burden on their return. 

"Since being elected to Congress, I have logged hundreds of thousands of miles on Delta - the only carrier serving my home airport in Waterloo. If Delta doesn't reimburse these soldiers and reconsider its approach to servicing our troops, I'll have to reconsider using their service."

Today, Rep. Braley also sent a letter to Delta Airlines expressing his disappointment about the incident. A copy of the letter is available here:http://go.usa.gov/DzR

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Washington, DC - Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chairman of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, and Co-Chairman Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) will hold a hearing on Wednesday, June 15 at 2:30 p.m.

The hearing will examine the continued construction of illegal tunnels on the southwest border of the United States and the ways these increasingly sophisticated tunnels may be used in the transport of drugs, weapons and human beings.

WHAT:

Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control Hearing on "Illegal Tunnels on the Southwest Border"

WHEN:

2:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 15, 2011

WHERE:

562 Dirksen Senate Office Building

WHO:

James Dinkens, Executive Associate Director, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Laura Duffy, United States Attorney, Southern District of California

Tim Durst, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for ICE's San Diego office.

LIVE STREAM: www.drugcaucus.senate.gov

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DES MOINES, IA (06/08/2011)(readMedia)-- The Blue Ribbon Foundation will host the fifteenth annual Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party on Saturday, July 9 in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. to commence the celebration of 100 years of the butter cow. "There's Nothing Butter" than a night filled with exciting auction packages, entertainment and all of your favorite Fair foods, while helping to raise funds to restore the Iowa State Fairgrounds!

The live and silent auctions are filled with enticing packages. Bid on tickets to the Shrine Circus on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, complete with special seating, a private tour, and a role in the clowns' skit. Enjoy all things butter with an original butter cow cartoon by Brian Duffy and also a hand in sculpting the tail of the 100th anniversary butter cow. Or, go backstage to meet Jason Aldean, Chris Young and Thompson Square, after you attend their nearly sold-out concert in great seats!

The Corndog Kickoff has been a pre-fair tradition since it began in 1997. First held in Pioneer Hall, 480 people were in attendance. Since then, the event has grown to raise over $2.1 million for the restoration and preservation of the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The 2010 event brought in a crowd of 1,200 and raised more than $227,000 in one night!

"Each year, the Corndog Kickoff gets bigger and better thanks to all of the Fair-lovers who continue to support the event," said John Putney, executive director of the Blue Ribbon Foundation. "As our largest fundraiser, the Kickoff is an essential part of our mission to preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds."

Take advantage of the advance ticket price by ordering now. All inclusive Corndog Kickoff tickets are $75 each until June 30. After that date, tickets will be $100. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Blue Ribbon Foundation at (800) 450-3732, online at www.blueribbonfoundation.org or at the door the night of the event.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $80 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information on the Corndog Kickoff, please contact the Foundation at(800) 450-3732 or bluerf@blueribbonfoundation.org.

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Event in Kansas is Co-Hosted by the Department of Commerce and Supports the White House Initiative on Small Business Contracting

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2011-- Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced that Midwest small business owners will have an opportunity at a day-long conference later this month to learn how to grow and support their businesses by partnering with USDA, the Department of Commerce (DOC) and other Federal agencies. The meeting, in Kansas, supports the White House Initiative on Small Business Contracting.

Conference attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a full day of workshops and panel discussions led by program and small business procurement officials. Topics include acquisition needs and opportunities, procurement methods, subcontracting opportunities, business development resources, and more. As part of a continuing effort to increase small business contracting participation by enhancing the competitive posture of small businesses and small farmer-owned cooperatives, there will also be a workshop dedicated to contracting opportunities in rural America. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to meet one-on-one with USDA and DOC small business contracting specialists during a half-day "matchmaking" event.

The conference, hosted by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Department of Commerce will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel, 6100 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS 66211.

There is no conference fee. Pre-registration is preferred with onsite registration available. To register: fax your name, company name, full address, telephone number and email address to (202) 720-3001, or email to Janet.Baylor@dm.usda.gov by June 24, 2011. For further information please call 202-720-7117 or visitwww.usda.gov/osdbu.

Sunday afternoon, June 12

From 2:00–3:00 pm at The Canticle

843 Thirteenth Avenue North, Clinton, Iowa

During the past year, the Clinton Franciscan Center for Active Nonviolence & Peacemaking has sponsored a series of programs exploring how to achieve a Sustainable Clinton. Now we are planning an open, public forum that will enable our neighbors to unite and work together to make our community a healthier place for all.

We invite you to join us as we listen and learn what environmental issues are of concern to each other and then determine ways we can make a difference together.

News from Graceland University

For more information contact: Randy Meline, 641.784.5213

Area Students Named to Graceland Unviersity's Honor Lists

LAMONI, IA (06/07/2011)(readMedia)-- The honor roll lists for Graceland University's Fall 2010 term have been announced. Students named to the President's list earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Students on the Honors list earned a GPA between 3.65 and 3.99. Those on the Dean's list earned a GPA between 3.25 and 3.64.

Roxanne Garneau of Davenport, IA named to Graceland University's President's List.

Thomas Ratkiewicz of Moline, IL named to Graceland University's Dean's List.

Graceland University was established in 1895 as a non-sectarian liberal arts institution of higher learning. It operates campuses in Lamoni, Iowa and Independence, Missouri, and offers degree completion programs at three other sites - the Kirkwood Community College campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; the Indian Hills Community College campus in Centerville, Iowa; and the North Central Missouri College campus in Trenton, Missouri.

Students from more than 40 states and 40 nations choose from over 50 academic programs at Graceland. For information about attending GU, please view our website: www.graceland.edu, and follow the links to Admissions and Financial Aid, call 866-GRACELAND (866.472.2352), or write to Graceland University, Admissions Office, 1 University Place, Lamoni, IA 50140.

Urges Illinoisans to take precautions, check on elderly

SPRINGFIELD - June 7, 2011. As temperatures rise, Governor Pat Quinn today announced services available to protect people from the near-record heat, and asked people across Illinois to look out for those most vulnerable to the high temperatures, including the elderly and children. 

"We must all be aware of the health risks that accompany rising temperatures, as well as the resources that are available to assist everyone in Illinois. The state is here to help people stay cool-- providing cooling centers in more than 120 locations." said Governor Quinn. "We must all do what we can to ensure people are safe and healthy, especially by checking on elderly friends, neighbors, and relatives.

To combat high temperatures, the state is providing services to help ensure the health and safety of the public.

The Illinois Department of Human Services has established cooling centers and more than 120 state facilities, to help those without air conditioning escape the heat. The cooling centers are located at Illinois Department of Human Services offices throughout the state, as well as the seven Illinois Tollway Oases in the Chicago area. They are open to the public during regular business hours. For more information about Cooling Centers call (800) 843-6154. For a list of participating centers and oases, visit the website atwww.keepcool.illinois.gov.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) encourages people across Illinois to take steps to protect against heat-related health problems. To stay cool, IDPH recommends increasing fluid intake, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and sugar, decreasing activities, wearing appropriate clothing and, remaining in an air conditioned environment whenever possible. For more information on summer activity safety and summer health risks, visit the website at http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/books/summtoc.htm to find the "Summer? No Sweat" Survival Guide.

The Illinois Department on Aging encourages relatives and friends to make daily visits or calls to senior citizens living alone. When temperatures and humidity are extremely high, seniors and people with chronic health conditions must be watchful for dehydration and other effects of extreme heat. Additionally, seniors should eat lighter meals, take longer and more frequent rests, and drink plenty of fluids.

For information about preparedness, visit the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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Join us June 13 in support of Camp Courageous of Iowa at the 16th Annual Benefit Golf Outing. Come enjoy a round of golf with your peers, clients, customers or family members at the exclusive Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo, Iowa. This 18-hole course challenges golfers of all levels and is in top condition for an unforgettable day of play.

Afterwards meet up with other golf teams and Camp supporters at the heart of Sunnyside Country Club, their private clubhouse. Where you will enjoy a great dinner, networking opportunities and of course award presentations for the days golf events.

Have Fun in the Sun and Support 
CAMP COURAGEOUS OF IOWA!

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2011

SUNNYSIDE COUNTRY CLUB
Waterloo, IA

  • 11:00 am - Registration Opens
  • Noon - Shotgun Start
SPONSORS -  For years, your generosity has made the golf outing a success. Download the registration form, fill-out the SPONSOR section to show your support. Hurry! Hole sponsorships fill up fast. For other sponsorship opportunities contact Sandy at (515) 224-7545orsandy@pmcofiowa.com.
Take Ansborough Ave exit North off of US Hwy-20 to Olympic Drive turn West, follow Olympic Drive into Sunnyside Country Club.
To Register Go To:  www.pmcofiowa.com/

Jordan Catholic School Honor Roll

The Outstanding Honor Roll requires more A's than B's with no C's. The Distinguished Honor Roll requires more B's than A's with no more than one C. 

GRADE 6
OUTSTANDING
Lucy Adlfinger
Maris Boelens
Sidney Boelens
Conner Boyd
August Darrow
Brian Do
Lisa Do
Sam Dodson
Michael Elliott
Ellie Franks
Molly Hunter
Noel Huntley
Peter Moens
Peyton Tanghe


GRADE 6
DISTINGUISHED
PJ Collins
Samantha Sharp
Ashley Slaight
Ben Woeber

GRADE 7
OUTSTANDING
James Becker
Lily Coleman
Lilia Darrow
Jenna Fisher
Bryce Humphrey
Andy Maloney
Grace Maloney
Katie Maloney
Andy Maynard
Ali Milani
Jasmine Moseley
Marina Pickslay
Yvonne Ramirez
Brooke Sheraden
Cassie Wales 

GRADE 7
DISTINGUISHED
Kyle Barkalow
Emily Bauer
Amber Bausch
Lucy Berry
Sabrina Cincola
Matthew DiIulio
Maria Do
Kate Florence
Kathy Hougland
Dominic Huntley
Kaylee Jawoisz
Frankie Lozoya
Austin Mendoza
Peter Mihm
Rachel Patting
Ale Rodriguez
Abby Springsteen
Kyler Yodts

GRADE 8
OUTSTANDING
Isabelle Anderson
Joe Bryant
Michael Do
Phuc Do
Claire Dodson
Daria Guzzo
Michaela Hird
Anthony Hoang
Emily Hoffman
Justice Humphrey
Sam Kelly
Kadie Klauer
Andrew Lekowski
Jacob Orth
Andrew Rea
Sydney Ruggles
Jake Schoeck
Claire Schroeder
Julia Thomer


GRADE 8
DISTINGUISHED
Claire Benisch
Addie Brenny
Grace Copen
Connor Darrow
Tommy Davies
Anna Parkinson
Hannah Standefer

Backyard-inspired salads available for a limited time

(June 7, 2011) - Wish you could mix up all the delicious tastes of summer in a single serving? Well, thanks to Noodles & Company, you can now get the unforgettable flavors of vegetable gardens, juicy strawberries and backyard barbecues in two wholesome, tasty salads. For a limited time, your neighborhood Noodles & Company is offering a summer twist to its salad line-up that features fresh ingredients and big flavor.

"Along with our noodles and soups, our new summertime salads represent the '& Company' side of the Noodles & Company menu. They feature ingredients that appeal to big eaters and little nibblers," says Tessa Stamper, Noodles & Company's chef and registered dietitian. "Our guests have also been asking for new salads to complement the three we already offer on the menu. We listened - and we're excited for them to taste all the flavor we packed in."

Noodles & Company guests have two delicious new ways to get their veggies this summer:

Backyard Barbecue Chicken Salad with fresh-cut corn is a hearty, nutritious salad featuring marinated pulled chicken breast with fresh-cut summer corn, ripe Roma tomatoes and chopped red cabbage served over mixed greens and tossed with a smoky coleslaw dressing. This "perfect picnic plate" is a leafier version of a backyard barbeque.

Very Berry Spinach Salad is a wholesome meal that includes fresh strawberries, pecans, crispy bacon and house-made croutons atop tender spinach leaves finished off with blue cheese crumbles and a balsamic fig glaze. It's "berry" good, if we say so ourselves (and yes, we said "berry").

Guests can customize the salads, as with any Noodles dish, to meet their dietary needs or taste preferences.  This could include adding one of 14 fresh veggies or protein-rich foods, including meats, shrimp or organic tofu, or removing or swapping an ingredient. 

These limited-time summer salads are available at all Noodles & Company restaurants through the end of August.  Noodles & Company is open seven days a week and offers convenient carry-out, phone-in and fax-in orders.  Our full menu, nutritional information, restaurant hours, events and more can be found at www.noodles.com.

About Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company is about serving real food, real quick. Our menu features made-to-order noodles, salads and sandwiches that are inspired by classic dishes from around the world and that make everyone happy, from kids to adults. Think Mac & Cheese, Pad Thai, Chinese Chop Salad, and Pesto Cavatappi all under one roof. Within minutes of ordering, a fresh, made-to-order dish will be delivered to the table on real china with real silverware. Nothing fake here. You also don't have to clear your table or leave a tip. We just aim to please.

Noodles & Company is a collection of more than 260 neighborhood restaurants in 20 states and growing. Please visit www.noodles.com to find a restaurant near you. If you're craving more, please follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Flickr or on our Noodles & Company blog, affectionately called "& Company."

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