ST. LOUIS -- January 19, 2012 -- One hundred years ago this April, a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch scored one of the biggest stories of the 20^th century - the sinking of the H.M.S. Titanic.

St. Louis journalist Carlos Hurd was aboard the Carpathia, the vessel that scooped up Titanic's lifeboat-clinging survivors. Hurd and his wife Katherine were the first to interview the eyewitnesses to the downing of the "unsinkable" ocean liner. He wrote the world-wide headline story on rolls of toilet paper during the voyage that brought those rescued into New York harbor. Today, the legendary ship continues to make headlines in St. Louis where a weekend of special commemorative events will take place to remember this ever-fascinating piece of history.

Cruise into the Gateway City to experience the history, fashion, food and music of the elegant Edwardian era during St. Louis' Titanic Centennial Weekend, April 13-15, 2012. For more information, click on http://www.explorestlouis.com/ or www.titanic2012stl.com or call 314-657-5033. Tickets for all events and accommodations are also available through Metrotix at 314-534-1111 or www.metrotix.com.

On Friday, April 13, the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park serves up an Edwardian Champagne Reception prior to a screening of the classic 1958 Titanic film, "A Night to Remember." Guests also will view Titanic-related artifacts from the Museum's collection.

The highlight of the weekend takes place at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Saturday, April 14. The Fox's executive chef Stephen Proctor along with the culinary teaching staff at L'Ecole Culiniare will recreate the original First Class menu served to Titanic guests on the actual 100^th anniversary of the last dinner on the ship. The historic menu was meticulously researched to authentically recreate the sumptuous eleven-course meal and accompanying wines. The Titanic-sized menu includes oysters a la Russe, poached salmon, filet mignon, chicken Lyonnaise, roasted squab and Waldorf pudding.

Diners will have the opportunity to experience A Taste of History: Last Dinner on the Titanic while seated on the stage at St. Louis' Fabulous Fox Theatre. The evening is black tie. Dinner guests are encouraged to wear vintage attire (white tie for men). Upon arrival, guests will receive a boarding pass and envelope containing the name and biography of an actual first-class passenger from the Titanic. Guests can be assured that the only ice afloat at the Fox this evening will be found in drinking glasses.

Prior to dinner, a period-style cocktail reception featuring live music popular during 1912 will fill the Fox Theatre's elaborate Grand Lobby. Between courses, guests will be entertained with incredible stories about the Titanic told by actors portraying passengers and crew who had been aboard the fateful ship including Missouri's-own "Unsinkable" Molly Brown. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, a not-for-profit which fosters and promotes the performing arts in the St. Louis area.

Those who survive the Saturday evening soiree can partake in a special champagne brunch at the Piper Palm House, the oldest standing greenhouse west of the Mississippi River. Located in St. Louis' Victorian-designed Tower Grove Park, the Palm House's distinctive architecture, soaring ceiling, stately windows and exotic plants, resemble the Titanic's Verandah Café. The brunch will be recreated from a Titanic first class breakfast menu. The buffet service meal features, along with other delicacies, smoked salmon, lamb chops, sirloin steak, prepared-to-order omelets, fruits and baked goods.

The three events range in price from $10 to $500, so everyone can "step back in time" and experience the history, fashion, food and music of the elegant Edwardian Era. A special St. Louis Titanic Weekend Travel Package is available at the newly restored Cheshire, a landmark hotel property that embodies the charm and authenticity of a traditional British inn with all the modern conveniences of today. The $389 hotel package includes deluxe accommodation for two nights (Friday and Saturday/double occupancy), an English continental breakfast on Saturday, complimentary high tea on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., and round-trip transportation to the events at the Missouri History Museum, The Fox Theatre and the Piper Palm House.

True Titanic buffs will want to tour historic Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis. St. Louisan Elizabeth McMillan Madill Robert was returning home from a year-long European tour and lodging in Cabin B-3 aboard the Titanic. She, her daughter Georgette Madill, niece Elizabeth Allen and maid Emilie Kreuchen were all rescued from Lifeboat 2. Mrs. Madill Roberts died in 1955 and is buried on the Madill family lot. Also resting at Bellefontaine are Carlos and Katherine Hurd who were traveling on the Carpathia, the White Star Line vessel that rescued Titanic lifeboat passengers. Hurd enlisted his wife to help him gather interviews for the news story of the century. Stop by the Bellefontaine Cemetery office at 4847 West Florissant Avenue for a complimentary map to these gravesites and those of hundreds of notable persons including explorer William Clark, Civil War officers, beer barons, literary personalities and more.  Information also is found at www.bellefontainecemetery.org.

Follow St. Louis on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest information on what's happening in the Gateway City. www.facebook.com/ExploreStLouis; http://twitter.com/explorestlouis

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New Rockford Station and Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque Rail Corridor Expected to Support Nearly 700 Jobs

ROCKFORD - January 17, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $3 million investment to develop a new multi-modal station in Rockford just south of the downtown area. The Illinois Jobs Now! capital plan funding to design and engineer the new facility is in addition to the $60 million allocated to construct the Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque rail corridor. The two projects together are expected to support nearly 700 jobs, and bring rail access back to a part of the state that has not seen service in 30 years.

"Investing in Rockford is good for Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Not only will we create a new station and Amtrak service, we'll create new jobs and attract more economic development to the Rockford area. Illinois residents will have additional travel options and reduced travel times from Rockford to the Chicago area and to western parts of our state."

The total cost of the new multi-modal station is expected to be approximately $12 million, including design and engineering. The Illinois Department of Transportation and City of Rockford will work to obtain the additional funds to move construction of the project forward. Construction is expected to begin in late 2012 on the site of the former Amtrak station in Rockford.

"This is great news for Illinois. Under the leadership of Governor Quinn, the grant allocated for this project is expected to provide easy access for Amtrak passengers to and from the Rockford metropolitan area," Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider said. "The new facility also will encourage the public to use transit as a mode of transportation and expand community access."

The new station, which will serve Amtrak's new Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque corridor, replaces a dilapidated structure that the city of Rockford demolished at its own expense last year.  The facility will support both passenger rail and public transit, which will improve accessibility and air quality by reducing vehicle emissions.

The Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque corridor is planned to carry one round-trip per day with planned stops in South Elgin, Genoa, Rockford, Freeport and Galena. Construction on the new facility and corridor is expected to be complete by the end of 2014.

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Cody, Wyoming's, western museum complex, the Bill Historical Center, and the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce announced Friday, December 29, 2012, that the Chamber has taken the reins of the cutting edge Cody High Style Fashion Show held each September as part of the city-wide Rendezvous Royale. In addition, the two entities will now collaborate to produce the Cody High Style western design exhibition?a partnership that will continue to see that the event is held at the Center as part of Rendezvous Royale.

"In much the same way as we have worked so successfully with the Chamber to host the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, we now add the highly popular Cody High Style into the mix," explains Bruce Eldredge, the Center's Executive Director and CEO. "The Chamber staff will manage the two events while we continue to provide space for the Cody High Style western design event."

For a number of years, the fashion show has been held in the Center's main lobby area with the runway erected above the admissions area. "Without a doubt, we've had an extraordinary time with our designers, models, and attendees," Eldredge adds. "However, we've embarked on a new strategic plan and have begun to examine how we use our resources. We simply think that the Chamber of Commerce is best suited to coordinate the fashion show as part of their efforts to promote city-wide events. With our friends at the Chamber in charge, we have no reservations at all that the show will continue to be a highlight for Rendezvous Royale attendees."

Since 1999, Rendezvous Royale, billed as "celebrating the arts in Cody, Wyoming," has brought hundreds of visitors to share in fun, engaging activities as summer winds down. The event consists of the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale, Cody High Style, Boot Scoot n' Boogie, and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center's Patrons Ball.

"We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce and support its efforts to bring more events and activities to our community," Eldredge said. "In so doing, we'll attract more visitors?especially in the shoulder seasons?and that is definitely what we'd all like to see."

To learn more, visit http://www.bbhc.org/explore/events/rendezvous-royale/.

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Presses Transportation Secretary LaHood to stop airlines from sending parents and kids to the back of airplanes 

Washington, DC - As the holiday travel season ramps up again this week, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today urged US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to ensure airlines aren't treating parents traveling with young children unfairly.

A Wall Street Journal report last month raised questions about the perils many parents face when traveling by air with young children.  The Journal reported that many airlines have adopted seating policies that relegate parents traveling with children to the back of the plane.  Many airlines also restrict the type of strollers that can be gate-checked.  Some airlines count diaper bags toward carry-on bag allowances, and charge parents who check both a car seat and a stroller.

"Many Iowans will be traveling by air over the holidays," Braley said.  "But too often, it seems like families flying with young children have to play by a different set of rules.  From airlines purposefully keeping parents and kids in the back of the plane to charging parents fees for strollers and diaper bags, airlines should treat parents traveling with kids just like any other passenger.  That's why I've requested that Transportation Secretary LaHood immediately review airlines' policies."

The full text of Braley's letter to LaHood follows.  A copy of the letter can also be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/N0C

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December 19, 2011

The Honorable Ray LaHood

Secretary, Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, D.C. 20590

Dear Secretary LaHood:

I want to direct your attention to a recent article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal.  This article details the travel nightmares that many families with small children go through while flying.  I've included a copy of the article for your reference.

As a parent, I know firsthand how stressful traveling can be with young children.  A parent's worst nightmare is being separated from their young child because the child's seat was re-assigned to the back of the plane.  This is something that clearly happens quite frequently.

As we approach the holiday travel season, millions of families with small children will be traveling by air around the country.  That being said, I would like to know what rules the Department of Transportation has in place to ease the stresses placed on families with small children who travel during the holidays.  Please provide me with an answer to the following question:

What rules does the Department have in place to ensure that airlines do not separate children from their parents when traveling by air?

If there are no rules in place, please explain why.

I ask that you please provide me with a response to this letter within 10 business days.  Thank you for your attention to my request and please feel free to contact me if I can provide further assistance.

Sincerely,

Bruce L. Braley