Politics & Government

DETROIT (AP) - Workers are back on the picket line a day after a judge ordered them to end a strike protesting job cuts at the Detroit regional water department.

WWJ-AM reports workers drew honks from passing motorists Tuesday morning outside a Detroit Water and Sewerage Department facility.

Union attorney George Washington on Monday called federal Judge Sean Cox's injunction "outrageous" and filed a motion to dissolve it.

The 950-member union went on strike Sunday to protest plans to lay off many of them and privatize some of the work. The workers belong to Local 207 of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees.

The proposed job cuts followed an April agreement between Mayor Dave Bing and Gov. Rick Snyder to head off a state takeover of the city's finances.

Political scientists generally agree that the United States Constitution is one of the most amazing documents in history.

It was written 225 years ago, to provide a framework for the government of a small, not very wealthy agricultural nation of less than four million people.

Today, it still seems to function brilliantly as the fundamental document of a highly technological empire of more than 300-million people. Why does it still work so well?

"Four strike" felons now face at least 25 years

"Felons convicted of four or more violent offenses will face at least 25 years in prison under a law signed by Governor Rick Snyder. There are 47 offenses covered by the new “four strikes” law. They include kidnapping and rape, as well as armed robbery, home invasion, and weapons violations," Rick Pluta reports. 

Concussion bill headed to Snyder's desk

"Youth sports coaches may soon have to take players out of games if they suspect a concussion. The state Legislature easily passed two bills designed to cut down on serious head injuries in kids' sports. The measures would also require the state to provide more information and training for coaches, players, and parents," Jake Neher reports.

Detroit workers on strike for second day

"Striking employees at Detroit’s wastewater plant walked the picket line for a second day yesterday. That’s despite a federal judge’s order to return to work. Most members of AFSCME Local 207 walked off the job Sunday. Union members say they’re fed up with what they call a continued effort to dismantle the department and their union. City officials plan to largely privatize the water department over five years, and cut up to 80-percent of its staff," Sarah Cwiek reports.