Ohio’s prison system is facing a severe overcrowding crisis. With facilities hovering around 130% capacity, prison chief Gary Mohr considered declaring an overcrowding emergency for the first time in the state’s history. This would have granted early release to prisoners nearing the end of their sentences, but those plans were inexplicably scuttled less than a month

The New York State Commission on Correction released a new report this week, detailing the findings from its investigation into the horrific and preventable death of mentally ill black inmate, Bradley Ballard. Ballard was left in his cell for six days straight in September, 2013. Guards shut the water off to his cell for over four

As prisoners, advocates and journalists warned of deteriorating conditions in Ohio’s prisons over the past year, the inmate population slowly crept back up to around 30% over capacity.

Would New York City’s new rules for solitary confinement have saved the life of 19-year-old Andy Henriquez? Henriquez was brought to Rikers Island when he was only 16. Three years later, he was still awaiting trial when he was placed in isolation. Henriquez had complained of chest pains for seven months before being thrown in ‘the bing,’ but no

You can't read the TPP, but huge corporations like Apple, @Nike and @Walmart can. http://t.co/zs14Mh9HbO pic.twitter.com/bixJrk6cAE — The Intercept (@the_intercept) May 13, 2015 For a brief shining moment it looked like Senate Democrats might actually stand up for their own constituents and oppose a terrible so-called “trade deal.” But now

Good day folks! International Politics Overall – The Saudi-led coalition accused the Houthi rebels in Yemen of violating the ceasefire – The Vatican will sign a treaty with the state of Palestine, which is unprecedented Middle East – Things are so bad in the Gaza Strip that some folks are

Welcome to Thursday’s Over Easy, a continuation of Southern Dragon’s Lakeside Diner and its tradition of giving an overview of news our everyday media doesn’t cover, issues that we ought to consider outside the U.S. scene. In an effect that might have been anticipated, the side effect/peripheral damage of our first

Democrats are giving President Obama the full Emmett Till treatment over Elizabeth Warren. Good luck in 2016! — Allan Brauer (@allanbrauer) May 12, 2015 President Barack Obama’s campaign to give him authority to jam a secretive “trade” deal down Congress’ throat hit a roadblock in the Senate on Tuesday when

Good day folks! Almost done with classes! Just three days and then finals next week. International Politics Overall – The West is worried about a conflict brewing over Libya’s natural resources; I wonder how we could have avoided this… – Neither the U.S. and Russia have been able to agree on

Despite constant complaints of inaction on climate change by Congress, the Obama Administration has now approved drilling in the Arctic Ocean. The approval opens the way not just for more carbon emissions but possible dangers of oil spills and other despoilment of a new section of the planet. The concession