CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will be honored by Between Friends of Chicago for her years spent helping victims of domestic violence. The organization will name Simon a "Friend of the Year" at its annual Bubble Ball on Saturday at the River East Arts Center.

"This week, President Obama signed an extension of the Violence Against Women Act, reinforcing the idea that all relationships should be healthy," Simon said. "I have been fortunate to have worked with organizations like Between Friends of Chicago to help the victims of domestic violence rebuild their lives, and we need to continue working to end domestic violence."

Between Friends of Chicago is a nonprofit agency that provides services to domestic violence survivors and their families. Between Friends also provides youth and adult education programs aimed at preventing domestic violence. Proceeds from the event will support the organization's efforts.

"Lt. Governor Sheila Simon exemplifies the mission of Between Friends. For example, Lt. Governor Simon's Virtual Legal Clinic, which uses the Internet and webcams to link domestic violence survivors in underserved areas with volunteer attorneys, is the type of creative thinking we need to helps victims of domestic violence get crucial assistance," says Kathleen A. Doherty, executive director of Between Friends.

Lt. Governor Simon is a former assistant state's attorney who worked with victims of domestic violence and prosecuted domestic violence cases. As a law professor, she helped launch the Southern Illinois School of Law's domestic violence clinic to serve clients and train law students. Since becoming Lt. Governor, Simon has worked with the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) to start virtual legal clinics that connect survivors with attorneys through webcam technology. Simon has also partnered with Verizon and the ICADV to raise revenue and collect used cell phones for survivors, and she worked with Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Olympia Fields) on a new law that requires adult entertainment establishments to collect a surcharge that supports programs that help sexual abuse victims.

For more information, please visit www.ltgov.il.gov.

Saturday, March 9

EVENT: Between Friends of Chicago's Annual Bubble Ball

TIME: 7 p.m.

Sunday, March 31st, 2013

Time: 10am-2pm

 On Sunday, March 31^st, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, 1300 River Dr, Moline; will host Easter Brunch from 10-am-2pm. Reserved seating is recommended. Enjoy an elegant Easter brunch buffet with Chef Carved Prime Rib, Classic Breakfast, Carved Ham, Waffle Station Lasagna, Chicken Madeira, Omelet Station, Seasonal Fruit, Gourmet Desserts and Much More. Prices for the brunch are $22 per person, $12 children age 12 and under, High chair age free. For more information visit johnnysitaliansteakhouse.com. To make reservations call the restaurant at 309-736-0100.

Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, 1300 River Dr, Moline, IL 612654

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will meet with members of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce on MONDAY, March 11^th.  They will discuss economic development issues, as well as the recent announcement that three companies will expand their businesses in Clinton adding 200 jobs and bringing in $25 million in investments.  Loebsack and members of the Chamber of Commerce will meet with the media at 3:00pm.  After the meeting, Loebsack will tour Data Dimensions, one of the companies that will be expanding.

Note: Due to company policies, press will not be allowed to tour the Data Dimensions facility.

Media Availability with Rep. Loebsack and Clinton Chamber of Commerce

3:00pm

Clinton Chamber of Commerce

721 S. 2nd Street

Clinton

(DES MOINES) - Governor Branstad's office will hold a public hearing to gather information and public sentiment regarding the Board of Parole's positive recommendation on Rasberry Williams' application for commutation.

The governor requested the public hearing in a letter to the Iowa Board of Parole. View the letter here.

The hearing will be held, and public comment received, at the Black Hawk County Courthouse from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2013.

The purpose of the hearing is to seek information about how the crime impacted the victims and the community, whether Mr. Williams has changed while incarcerated, any and all safety concerns from victims and members of the community, and any other relevant information.

Information on the public hearing is as follows:

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

1 p.m. Public hearing to gather information and public sentiment regarding the Board of Parole's positive recommendation on Rasbery Williams' application for commutation

Black Hawk County Courthouse

316 E. 5^th St.

Waterloo, IA