Politics & Government

"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.

Violent felons convicted of four offenses now face at least 25 years in prison, under a law signed by Governor Rick Snyder.

In a written statement, Governor Snyder says the new law holds chronic offenders accountable, while giving some peace of mind to victims and their families. 

Defying a federal judge’s order, Detroit water department workers continued to strike Monday night.

Many rank-and-file workers at Detroit’s wastewater treatment plant walked off the job after AFSCME Local 207 member authorized a strike Sunday.

Workers say the strike is a last stand against what they call attempts to dismantle the city’s water department—and the union.

Hamtramck laid off half its fire department today, and there's more pain to come.

Kyle Tertzag is Hamtramck's acting city manager.

"Financially, the city is in a dire situation. There's not sugar coating it. That's what it is."

Firefighters rejected $575,000 in concessions to help the city balance its budget. Tertzag says that rejection "complicates" the city's effort to secure a $3 million loan from the state. That's because the city's deficit elimination plan filed with the state assumed those concessions.

Meanwhile, Firefighters Local 750 President, Lieutenant William Diamond, says there will be a huge need for overtime this month.

"We need 7 firefighters on duty every day and there’s going to be 15 guys to fill those 7 slots," Diamond says, adding that the department's remaining firefighters will have to alternate working 24-hour shifts.