To the Point
Will Broken State Budgets Mean Prison Reform?
Forget about being labeled as "soft on crime," states all over the country are cutting back on prisons. A 20-year crackdown has led to a $100 billion financial shortfall. Are there cheaper alternatives that still protect public safety? Will the crisis lead to reform? Also, Iran’s Supreme Leader endorses Ahmadinejad, and the remains of a American combat casualty have been identified--18 years later.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenForget about being labeled as "soft on crime," states all over the country are cutting back on prisons. A 20-year crackdown has led to a $100 billion financial shortfall. Are there cheaper alternatives that still protect public safety? Will the crisis lead to reform? Also, Iran’s Supreme Leader endorses Ahmadinejad, and the remains of the first casualty of Operation Desert Storm have been identified after 18 years, but questions remain. How did he die? Why has it taken so long to find him?
Banner image: Inmates at the Mule Creek State Prison interact in a gymnasium that was modified to house prisoners in Ione, California, August 28, 2007. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
