May 29 Watch 8:43 How response to George Floyd’s death reflects ‘accumulated grievance’ of Black America In the days since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, there have been peaceful protests, violent clashes and persistent calls for justice. But there is a long history behind this particular shocking event. Professor Eddie S. Glaude… Continue watching
May 24 Judge rules against Florida on felons paying fines to vote By Associated Press Florida law requiring felons to pay legal fees as part of their sentences before regaining the vote is unconstitutional for those unable to pay, or unable to find out how much they owe, a federal judge ruled Sunday. Continue reading
May 22 Criminal defendants in limbo as trials put on hold during pandemic By Candice Norwood Many pretrial detainees — those not yet convicted of a crime — are sitting in jails, uncertain of when their cases may proceed. Continue reading
May 14 Watch 9:28 U.S. prisons are crowded, dirty and opaque. COVID-19 is running rampant. COVID-19 is sweeping the country’s jails and prisons. They have proven to be breeding grounds for contagion, with close quarters and a lack of protective gear. Some have released inmates early to free up space -- but people inside say… Continue watching
May 08 Cheap labor means prisons still turn a profit, even during a pandemic By Robin McDowell, Margie Mason, Associated Press As the coronavirus pandemic decimates many companies, big business that has become synonymous with the world's largest prison system continues to make money. Continue reading
Apr 29 Over 70 percent of tested inmates in federal prisons have COVID-19 By Michael Balsamo, Associated Press The response from the federal Bureau of Prisons to the growing coronavirus crisis in prisons has raised alarm among advocates and lawmakers about whether the agency is doing enough to ensure the safety of the nearly 150,000 inmates serving time… Continue reading
Apr 21 Criminal records shut small business owners out of aid program By Jill Colvin, Associated Press The Paycheck Protection Program is supposed to be a lifeline for small businesses, but government guidelines say that businesses are ineligible if anyone who owns the company is incarcerated, under indictment, on probation or parole or had been convicted of… Continue reading
Apr 08 Former felons in Florida still fighting for voting rights By Candice Norwood Under Florida’s 2019 law, at least 774,000 former felons are still ineligible to vote in the state due to outstanding debts, according to a report. Continue reading
Apr 01 Federal inmates to be locked in cells for 14 days amid virus By Michael Balsamo, Michael R. Sisak, Associated Press The compound, known as FCC Oakdale, has emerged as ground zero in the federal prison system's struggle to contain COVID-19 behind bars. Continue reading
Mar 29 Watch 4:24 How prison has shaped one artist’s view on social distancing By Christopher Booker, Laura Fong Millions of Americans across the country are now staying inside due to the pandemic. That includes artist Fulton Leroy Washington, who became known as “Mr. Wash" while serving 21 years in prison for a non-violent drug offense. NewsHour Weekend’s Christopher… Continue watching