08 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Help Prevent Violence Among Elementary Students

By Laurel White

Three Education Bills Will Equip Youth with Anti-Violence Training and Help Students Struggling in Math and Reading

CHICAGO - July 8, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will help students across Illinois to learn about how to prevent violence and resolve conflicts peacefully. The Governor also signed bills into law that will help elementary school students who are struggling with math and reading by ensuring that they spend more classroom time on these vital subjects.

"All of our students deserve a quality education, taught in a school that is free of violence," said Governor Quinn. "Through these new laws, we are working to improve math and reading instruction for our struggling students while taking steps to address violence among our youngest children."

House Bill 1204, sponsored by Rep. Constance Howard (D-Chicago) and Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago), requires Illinois school districts to educate all students about ways to prevent violence and resolve conflicts peacefully. Older students in grades four through 12 have received this instruction since 1995, but in recent years violence among younger students has increased. The new law, which takes effect immediately, extends this important guidance to students enrolled in kindergarten through third grade, empowering them at an earlier age with a better understanding of how to handle conflicts appropriately.

House Bill 139, sponsored by Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) and Sen. Annazette Collins (D-Chicago), requires school districts to emphasize reading and math during summer school instruction for students who have fallen two grade levels behind in those subjects for two consecutive school years. Currently, there is no specific requirement in place to ensure that struggling students spend more classroom time on these critical subjects. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.

"I would like to thank Governor Quinn for signing this bill into law and helping meet the needs of struggling students. Basic skills such as reading and math are necessary tools for a child's successful school career," said Rep. La Shawn Ford. "I hope this law continues to build on Illinois' commitment to reforming education, supporting teachers and continuing to close the educational achievement gaps found in underperforming communities."

House Bill 2397 sponsored by Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) and Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), requires school boards across Illinois to promote at least 60 minutes of reading instruction in kindergarten through third grade for students who are one or more levels below their grade proficiency. Currently, there is no reading requirement in place. This new law takes effect immediately and will encourage schools across Illinois to provide more robust reading instruction.

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08 Jul 2011

State Historical Society Board Appointment

By Tara Richards

Brucemore announces the appointment of Assistant Director Maura Pilcher (photo) to the State Historical Society of Iowa Board of Trustees by Governor Terry Branstad.  In addition to her role at Brucemore, she is also active in the preservation community serving as the Chair of the Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation Commission and the Vice President of the Czech Village/New Bohemia Urban Main Street Board. For further information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit Brucemore's website at www.brucemore.org.

Brucemore, Iowa's only National Trust Historic Site, is located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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08 Jul 2011

Betty Gibson Earns Undergraduate Degree from Washington University in St. Louis

By readMedia

ST. LOUIS, MO (07/08/2011)(readMedia)-- Betty Gibson, daughter of Mary Junck and Ralph Gibson of Pleasant Valley, Iowa (52767), received an undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis on May 20. Gibson graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, French, and German from the College of Arts & Sciences.

Gibson was among the 2,800 students who received degrees at the university's 150th Commencement ceremony, which was held in Brookings Quadrangle on campus. Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor and human rights activist, delivered the Commencement address. Wiesel received an honorary doctor of humane letters.

Gibson received the Merle King Undergraduate Honors Fellowship Award for Best Senior Presentation. Gibson is a 2007 graduate of Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Washington University is counted among the world's leaders in teaching and research, and it draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 110 nations. The total student body is nearly 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

The approximately 3,400 faculty teach in seven schools: Arts & Sciences, Brown School, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Law and School of Medicine. Twenty-three Nobel laureates have been associated with Washington University, with nine doing the major portion of their pioneering research there.

The university offers more than 90 programs and almost 1,500 courses leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Betty-Gibson-Earns-Undergraduate-Degree-from-Washington-University-in-St-Louis/2797262.

08 Jul 2011

ALLEGIANT REPORTS JUNE 2011 TRAFFIC

By Jordan McGee

Las Vegas, July 7 2011/ GLOBENEWSWIRE -- Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ:ALGT) today reported preliminary passenger traffic results for June 2011.

Scheduled Service

                                                                 June 2011 June 2010 Change

Passengers                                           540,769        528,187             2.4%

Revenue passenger miles (000)            483,644        479,889             0.8%

Available seat miles (000)                    523,523        516,712             1.3%

Load factor                                               92.4%           92.9%          (.5) pts

Departures                                                3,981            3,867             2.9%

Average stage length (miles)                        877               891          (1.6)%

 

                                                                 June 2011 June 2010 Change

Passengers                                          1,462,126     1,468,939          (0.5)%

Revenue passenger miles (000)           1,323,051     1,356,693          (2.5)%

Available seat miles (000)                    1,438,659     1,477,455          (2.6)%

Load factor                                                 92.0%           91.8%            .2 pts

Departures                                                  10,789          10,824          (0.3)%

Average stage length (miles)                           889               910          (2.3)%

Total System*

                                                                  June 2011 June 2010 Change

Passengers                                               574,799        553,780             3.8%

Revenue passenger miles (000)                509,834        502,812             1.4%

Available seat miles (000)                        570,254        559,377             1.9%

Load factor                                                   89.4%           89.9%          (.5) pts

Departures                                                    4,557            4,382             4.0%

Average stage length (miles)                            836               857          (2.4)%

 

                                                                  June 2011 June 2010 Change

Passengers                                             1,559,619     1,542,110             1.1%

Revenue passenger miles (000)               1,401,610     1,418,387          (1.2)%

Available seat miles (000)                        1,576,791     1,601,126          (1.5)%

Load factor                                                    88.9%           88.6%            .3 pts

Departures                                                    12,430          12,364             0.5%

Average stage length (miles)                              848               869          (2.4)%                        

*Total system includes scheduled service, fixed fee contract and non-revenue flying.

Preliminary Financial Results

Change

May 2011 actual year-over-year

scheduled revenue per ASM (PRASM) change                                  35.0%

May 2011 actual year-over year

scheduled total revenue per ASM (TRASM) change                          27.1%

 

June 2011 estimated year-over-year PRASM change                    24.3 to 24.7%

June 2011 estimated year-over-year TRASM change                   18.5 to 18.9%

 

June 2011 estimated average fuel cost per gallon - system                      $3.16

June 2011 estimated average fuel cost per gallon - scheduled                $3.39

 

2Q11 estimated year-over-year PRASM change                           27.0 to 27.4%

2Q11 estimated year-over-year TRASM change                         21.4 to 21.8%

 

2Q11 estimated average fuel cost per gallon - system                         $3.22

2Q11 estimated average fuel cost per gallon - scheduled                        $3.46

Guidance

 

Capacity guidance, subject to revision

Year over Year Growth

 

Departures

ASMs

July 2011

 

 

Scheduled

(4)%

(1)%

 

 

 

3rd Quarter 2011

 

 

System

(7) to (3)%

(5) to (1)%

Scheduled

(8) to (4)%

(5) to (1)%

 

 

 

4th Quarter 2011

 

 

System

+3 to 7%

+5 to 9%

Scheduled

+1 to 5%

+5 to 9%

 

 

 

 

 

ASMs - Available seat miles

 

Cost and revenue guidance, subject to revision

 

 

Cost guidance

 

 

2nd Quarter 2011

Cost per available seat mile excluding fuel (CASM-ex fuel) - year over year growth

+21 to 23%

 

 

Fixed fee and other revenue guidance

 

 

2nd Quarter 2011

Fixed fee revenue and other revenue (millions)

$11 to $13

About the Company
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix-Mesa, Orlando, Fla., and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.  Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel both on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel-related services.  In 2010, Allegiant was ranked number one for low-cost carriers in Aviation Week's Top Performing Airline study and ranked 25 on FORTUNE magazine's Fastest-Growing Companies list.  ALGT/G

Note: This news release was accurate at the date of issuance. However, information contained in the release may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

For further information please visit the company's investor website: http://ir.allegiant.com

Reference to the Company's website above does not constitute incorporation of any of the information thereon into this news release.

Under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are only estimates or predictions based on our management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements include our statements regarding future departure and capacity growth. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words "guidance", "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "project," "hope" or similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements generally may be found in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

Any forward-looking statements are based on information available to us today and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise.

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08 Jul 2011

Funding for flood recovery work could be moved from other Corps studies and projects

By Ronald Fournier

Vicksburg, Miss. -- (July 7, 2011) The Mississippi Valley Division continues to assess damages and prioritize repairs to the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) System in the aftermath of historic Mississippi River flooding that broke flow elevation records at many locations.  The repairs will ensure the future integrity of flood risk management projects along the Mississippi and its major tributaries and restore function to critical project components.  All of this recovery work will require significant funding.

Without supplemental funding to address the flood and navigation system repair costs, the Corps is looking at internal funding sources to reset and repair the most critical flood risk management projects damaged by this year's event.

The Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies (FC&CE) appropriation is used for flood fighting, repair and rehabilitation of qualifying non-federal flood and storm protection facilities, and emergency dredging, among other things.  The Secretary of the Army has the authority to transfer funds to the FC&CE appropriation from other flood control appropriations to meet emergency requirements.

Funds that are transferred are revoked from individual studies and projects for which the funds are surplus.  A total of $52 million has been transferred to date.  Thus far, only funds surplus to FY 2011 and FY 2012 requirements have been transferred.  However, additional transfers are very likely.

In some cases the funds transferred ultimately would have been used on the projects from which transferred.  However, the needs of flood fighting and response are more pressing and immediate.  Without additional appropriations, projects losing funds can compete for funds in FY 2013 and beyond through the budget process.

This year alone, the MR&T System prevented approximately $100 billion in damages.  Since 1928, the MR&T has prevented over $470 billion dollars in damages at an investment of approximately $14 billion, for a 34-1 return on investment for our nation.

-end-

08 Jul 2011

Braley Introduces Bill to Honor Future Farmers of America

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) has introduced a bill to celebrate the contributions of millions of young Americans and their commitment to American agriculture. The National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Commemorative Coin Act would honor the contributions of millions of young FFA members over the past 85 years through the release of a commemorative coin.

The bill would direct the U.S. Treasury to issue a commemorative U.S. coin honoring the 85th anniversary of the National FFA Organization. Proceeds from the coin's sale will go to the National FFA Foundation to provide resources and continue outreach and agricultural education. FFA currently has over 500,000 members across the country and more than nine million former members. The bill will have no cost to U.S. taxpayers.

"FFA is an important organization that teaches our young Iowans about the importance of agricultural life," Braley said. "This bill would honor their work and the work of millions of former members of the FFA. I'm proud to represent many FFA members from Eastern Iowa and I look forward to supporting the organization in the future."

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08 Jul 2011

Art-o-mat, FIRST one in Iowa

By Anne Stamats

Now, becoming an art collector can be as easy as buying a candy bar or a bag of chips.

The first Art-o-mat in Iowa will start vending art and culture for $5.00 a pull at CornerHouse Gallery & Frame in Cedar Rapids, IA on July 14, 2011, 5-8pm. Artist Clark Whittington, from North Carolina, will give opening comments at 6pm that evening.

Art-o-mat machines are retired cigarette vending machines that have been converted to vend art. Since 1997, Clark Whittington, has been making Art-o-mats that vend "Artists in Cellophane." He now has over 90 active machines in various locations throughout the country with approximately 400 contributing artists from 10 different countries. Most importantly, each Art-o-mat is one-of-a-kind, custom built to the host's desire.

Each "Artist in Cellophane" is art on a block of wood or in a box if it is 3D. It's then wrapped in a piece of cellophane to help it slide out of the machine like an old cigarette pack.

CornerHouse Gallery & Frame is now a host like the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Smithsonian, Whole Foods, the Studios of Key West, the Contemporary Museum of Honolulu, the contemporary Art Center New Orleans, SUNY Cortland, and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, just to name a few.

Come by, pick your artist, plug, pull, unwrap and smile.

See more Art-o-mats at  www.artomat.org

08 Jul 2011

Harkin Announces Funding for Secondary Education Programs Across Iowa

By Harkin Press Office

Talent Search Program Providing Funds to Eight Iowa Schools

WASHINGTON D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that eight universities and colleges in Iowa have been awarded funding from the TRIO Talent Search Program, administered through the U.S. Department of Education.  The goal of the Talent Search Program is to increase the number of disadvantaged youth who complete high school and enroll in postsecondary education. The program helps identify and assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have potential to succeed in high school and continued education. The program provides financial information, career and educational advice including educating students about the availability of financial assistance for postsecondary education. The program also provides support to students who have dropped out of school and hope to enter or re-enter the education. The colleges and universities selected will use the funds to pinpoint communities in their area in special need and provide the needed assistance to potential students.

Senator Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the TRIO Talent Search Program and Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

"Providing access to educational and financial information to less advantaged students in Iowa is critical for our state's continued economic improvement and the improvement of Iowans' quality of life," said Harkin. "It is important we help those who wish to, and have the potential to succeed in high school and postsecondary education by giving them the information to improve themselves academically and financially."

The following schools were provided the corresponding funds:


Briar Cliff University                     $295,598.00
Central College                        $363,832.00
Graceland University                     $331,500.00
Iowa Lakes Community College                        $354,067.00
Iowa State University of Science and Technology    $337,333.00
Southwestern Community College                        $230,000.00
University of Northern Iowa                           $404,867.00
Western Iowa Tech Community College                   $237,039.00

08 Jul 2011

Child Pornography Found on Assistant U.S. Attorney's Computer, Attorney was also Viewing Adult Content on Taxpayer Dime

By Administrator

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today questioned why the Justice Department declined to prosecute an Assistant United States Attorney after the department's Inspector General found at least one image of child pornography on the attorney's work computer.  The Inspector General also determined that the attorney had spent hours viewing adult content during work hours.   

According to the Inspector General's report, the Assistant U.S. Attorney acknowledged he had spent a significant amount of time each day viewing pornography.  The report also cited that at least one image of child pornography was recovered on the attorney's government computer.  The report indicates that the U.S. Attorney's office declined to prosecute the case and as of May 31, 2011, disciplinary action against the attorney was still pending.  

Grassley said he was concerned that the attorney, who admitted viewing pornography on the taxpayers' dime, was employed by the federal government at least two months after the allegations were outlined in the Inspector General report.   

In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, Grassley questioned the department's decision to not prosecute and delay disciplinary action against the attorney.  He also asked the types of cases the attorney worked on and the steps the department has taken to update its technology to keep pornography off its computers.   

Last year, Grassley learned that 33 employees at the Securities and Exchange Commission who were found to have viewed pornography during work hours were not terminated and were given uneven and light disciplinary action.   

Here is a copy of the text of Grassley's letter to Holder.  Click here for a copy of the signed letter.     

July 7, 2011 

The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr.  

Attorney General 

U.S. Department of Justice  

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW  

Washington, DC 20530  

   

Dear Attorney General Holder:  

   

On May 31, 2011 I received a report from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) in response to a request Senator Coburn and I made to all Inspectors General to provide semiannual reports on closed investigations, evaluations, and audits that were not disclosed to the public.  

   

This report contained what appears to be an inexcusable mishandling of serious allegations against an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) which calls into question the DOJ's internal controls and prosecutorial discretion.  The report cites the following OIG investigation of an AUSA:  

   

"The OIG conducted an investigation concerning allegations that an AUSA was using his government computer to view inappropriate material on his government computer.  The investigation determined that the AUSA routinely viewed adult content during official duty hours, and that there was at least one image of child pornography recovered on the AUSA's government computer.  The AUSA acknowledged that he had spent a significant amount of time each day viewing pornography.  The U.S. Attorney's Office declined prosecution.  Disciplinary action against the AUSA is pending."     

   

This report relates to OIG investigations from October 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011 and was submitted two months later.  As the case for disciplinary action is "pending" as of May 31, 2011, this means that, at the very least, the DOJ has allowed an admitted serial viewer of pornography - possibly child pornography - to serve as an AUSA for two months, if not longer, and has yet to take action.  This is simply unacceptable and compounds the questions raised by the fact that this AUSA was found to have "at least one image of child pornography" on his government computer and yet he was not charged with a crime.  

   

Regarding the DOJ's decisions in this case, I respectfully ask the following questions:  

   

 1.       Is this individual still employed by the Department of Justice?  

   

 a.        If so, in what capacity?  

   

 b.       If not, when did this individual leave employment with the Department of Justice?  

   

  i.       Was this departure voluntary or were they terminated?  

   

 2.       Is this individual eligible for a government pension?  

   

 a.        If so, has the DOJ made any efforts to strip this individual of his or her pension?  

   

  i.       If so, what efforts have been made?  

   

  ii.       If not, why not?  

   

 3.       What types of cases did this AUSA handle?  

   

 4.       Did the cases this AUSA was assigned to handle ever lead to any interaction with children?  

   

 5.       Was the decision not to prosecute this individual made by the U.S. Attorney's Office in which he or she served?  

   

 a.        If so, did that raise any concerns regarding a conflict of interest?  

   

 b.       If not, what office made the decision not to prosecute this individual?  

   

 6.       How was this individual able to evade the DOJ's pornography filters?  

   

 7.       Has the DOJ made efforts to upgrade its pornography filters as a result of this individual's actions?  

 

a.       If so, what efforts have been made?

 

b.      If not, why not?

 

Thank you for cooperation and attention in this matter.  I would appreciate a response by July 21, 2011.  If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact (202) 224-5225.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley
Ranking Member
Committee on the Judiciary

08 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Major Mass Transit Reform Legislation

By Laurel White

Improvements Require Universal Fare System and Web-Based Tracking,

Move Towards Free Wireless Internet and AEDs on Public Transportation

CHICAGO - July 7, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to reform mass transit in the Chicago region by creating a universal fare card for riders of the CTA, Metra and Pace, and taking the first step towards making free wireless internet available on buses and trains throughout the region. The new law also requires Metra to provide web-based, real-time train arrival information, and lays the groundwork for the installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on Metra passenger trains.

"Millions of Illinoisans use buses and trains every day to get to work and school, or to enjoy everything the Chicago area has to offer," said Governor Quinn. "These improvements will make public transit a more robust and convenient travel option, boosting economic development and increasing access to schools and universities throughout the region."

House Bill 3597 requires the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to implement a universal fare card system for the CTA, Metra and Pace by 2015. A universal fare card would ensure fast and easy access to all forms of public transportation in the region by allowing seamless transfers between transit systems.

The legislation also takes an important first step towards making free wireless internet available to CTA, Metra, and Pace riders. Under the new law, the RTA will conduct a study to determine the feasibility of providing free Wi-Fi for laptop and mobile device users on buses and trains throughout the Chicago region. 

The new law requires the RTA to conduct a report on the feasibility of installing AEDs on Metra trains. User-friendly defibrillators can be used in the event of cardiac arrest and gives members of the public the ability to attempt to resuscitate a victim before responders are able to arrive.

Under the new law, all fixed-route transit in the Chicago area will be required to provide web-based, on-time arrival information by July 1, 2012. While the CTA currently provides this information, users of the other transit systems are often out of luck. The new law will ensure that riders of all of the region's transit systems will have access to critical on-time data that improves the ease of traveling by bus or rail.

The new law was sponsored by Chicago Alderman Will Burns during his time as state representative, and State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago).

"Reliable, robust and convenient public transportation is the key to many of our most important priorities, especially economic development and education," said Ald. Burns. "Everything we can do to have our transit systems work together to improve their service is a step towards a better quality of life for everyone."

House Bill 3597 passed the Illinois General Assembly unanimously and takes effect immediately.

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