Iowa's record summer heat isn't just uncomfortable. Inside two of the state's oldest prisons, it's dangerous. For 15 years, the Iowa Department of Corrections has asked lawmakers to fund air conditioning at two of the state's oldest prisons in Anamosa and Mount Pleasant. This year, lawmakers said no again. On this episode, we talk with journalist Erin Jordan who first reported on this story. We also hear from Trent Keller, the chair of Iowa's Board of Corrections, and Todd Copley, president of the union representing Iowa's correctional officers. Then, we learn about a new Data Center Decision Tool developed at the University of Iowa.
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In an internal meeting on Friday, the Iowa Department of Corrections told employees it is no longer pursuing privatization, saying now is not the right time. About 20% of the medical staff resigned over the past six months. -
Jerry Mark is serving life behind bars for the deaths of four family members. His lawyers and advocates are pushing for a new trial based on what they say is new evidence in the case. -
In her new book, Amy Kolen describes how she processed the 'ambiguous loss' of her mother with the help of the Inside Out singers. Then experts discuss the potential health risks associated with TikTok.
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Iowa Democrats and union leaders call for increased protections following Fort Madison prison attackIowa Democrats and AFSCME Council 61 are calling on state lawmakers to increase pay and protections for correctional officers following an attack at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison last week. -
The new Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center is in the final stretch of a long and turbulent journey to completion. The public recently toured the new facility located on the outskirts of Sioux City. -
Sioux City officially approved selling land to a nonprofit for an inpatient addiction treatment facility, which city officials say is greatly needed. The project is the dream of a woman who overcame her own addiction.
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A state investigation into jail health care fees found several county jails fail to follow Iowa Code. -
A Polk County judge ruled that Pieper Lewis will remain on probation after escaping from a residential facility last November. -
There's a long history of music making in prisons, but each program tends to be grassroots and unique.
