SPLC Calls on Court to Hold Alabama Prison System in Contempt
The Southern Poverty Law Center wants the state prison system held in contempt for failing to fill mental health positions. Contempt hearings began Tuesday in U.S. District Court involving the Alabama Department of Corrections and lawyers representing inmates.
The issue comes a year after a judge ruled mental health care in Alabama prisons was “horrendously inadequate.” A federal court ordered the Department of Corrections to have more than 260 mental health workers on staff by July 1. The state failed to meet that and previous deadlines.
Attorneys with the Southern Poverty Law Center say the goal is to keep pressure on the Department of Corrections until it meets the court’s requirements.
Earlier this year, prison officials signed a new contract with a mental health care vendor, Wexford Health Services. State officials say they have made good faith attempts to meet the staffing requirements, according to legal documents.
They also note the challenge of recruiting to rural areas and a statewide shortage of mental health professionals. The Department of Corrections did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The hearings are expected to last through Thursday.
Researchers say the true cost of prisons and jails is higher than many realize
A new report tries to capture the true cost of incarceration to families of people behind bars. It found it costs them around $350 billion every year – almost four times the government's estimate for the cost of incarceration.
Jacinda Ardern reflects on a career focused on the power of kindness
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks to former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern about balancing leadership and motherhood.
The fate of the EV tax credits depends on the GOP’s megabill
The House version of the tax bill would revoke credits for EVs starting at the end of this year. If the plan survives, it would dramatically shape automaker investments and EV sales.
Britain gets a defense boost aimed at sending a message to Russia, and to Trump
Like other NATO members, the U.K. has been reassessing its defense spending since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Another sign of Syria’s rebuilding: The Damascus stock exchange opens again
The stock exchange had closed during the chaotic days leading up to the ouster of former President Bashar Assad in a lightning rebel offensive.
Top Trump officials visit prolific Alaska oil field amid push to expand drilling
President Donald Trump wants to double the amount of oil coursing through Alaska's vast pipeline system and build a massive natural gas project, a top administration official said Monday.
