Watch 3:19
How 2020 Democrats are challenging each other’s policy records
Issues of criminal justice reform and systemic racism dominated the 2020 Democratic campaign conversation over the past week. Candidates appeared at the NAACP convention in Detroit to pitch related policy proposals -- and several demonstrated an increasing willingness to go…
3 innovative ways former inmates are getting help to restart their lives
Most people who are released from prison are arrested again, but nonprofits are trying to combat that by helping former inmates get back on their feet.
Clemency granted to Tennessee woman sentenced to life at age 16
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam granted clemency to Cyntoia Brown, who had been serving a life sentence but who will be released on parole on Aug. 7 — exactly 15 years from the date she was first arrested.
Watch 5:23
How criminal justice overhaul will affect life for inmates
President Trump has signed a landmark criminal justice bill. The First Step Act increases judges' discretion on sentencing low-level offenders, provides incentives for prison rehabilitation programs and requires inmates to be located within 500 miles of family. As Yamiche Alcindor…
The bill passed 358-36 and now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature. He had urged lawmakers to support it, saying the bill would provide hope and a second chance to those who earn it.
With the holidays and a deadline to avoid a government shutdown fast approaching, Senate Republicans are working on a short-term funding deal as a compromise on the president’s demand for border wall funding. But some wonder if the timing of…
The Senate is expected to take up criminal justice reform before year end. A proposed overhaul would lower mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes, ban the shackling of pregnant prisoners and ensure inmates stay closer to family. Judy Woodruff talks…
Under pressure from President Donald Trump and many of his Republican colleagues, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that he will bring legislation to the floor to overhaul the nation's sentencing laws.
Senators announced a bipartisan agreement on the legislation earlier this month, but McConnell has yet to say whether he will hold a vote on the bill. Vice President Kike Pence and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner are expected to…
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