Durbin supports calls for repeal of Defense of Marriage Act
Some U.S Senators will be looking to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act this year.
The law prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriages.
Ill. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin says he wants it repealed as it relates to federal benefits.
"I believe that we should have marriage equality in this county, that we should treat people fairly, that we should not discriminate against them in this circumstance," said Durbin.
Durbin says he will support calling for the repeal to come for a vote before the Senate.
Last year, Illinois passed a Civil Unions Act, providing couples, including same-sex couples, many of the same legal rights as married couples.
DOT to limit amount of time commercial truck drivers spend on the road
Beginning in February, the U.S Department of Transportationwill make a revision to the hours of service safety requirements for commercial truck drivers. For example, drivers are currently limited to working 82 hours in a seven day period, and that will drop to 70.
Chuch Gohring with the Missouri Department of Transportationworks with commercial operators one-on-one to make sure they're in compliance with federal rules.
"Like just about anything, change is sometimes tough to work with, " said Gohring. "Although, with the trucking industry, the hours of service rules have changed so much, even in the last 10 years, that that's one thing that can be expected."
Operators will be given until July 2013 to come into compliance with the new rules before fines can be levied.
Ft. Leonard Wood aims to have soldiers displaced by tornado in new housing in August
The sprawling Army post in south-central Missouri was hit by an EF-3 tornado on Dec. 31, 2010. About 30 homes were destroyed and more than 60 others were badly damaged in a neighborhood occupied mainly by officers and their families.
KSPR-TV reportsthat preliminary work is under way to rebuild the neighborhood. Construction manager Jason Hughes says water mains and sewer lines will be built next, and crews hope to begin pouring foundations for duplex homes in April. Hughes says a downstairs bathroom in each unit will serve as a storm shelter, with wood wrapped in steel and bolted to the concrete structure.
