prisons

A group of inmates in Texas says poorly ventilated, steel and concrete cellblocks bake like ovens. The inmates are suing the state prison system, arguing the heat is killing older and infirm convicts.

Many federal inmates have access to email but defense attorneys say they don't trust it, because prosecutors have used those emails as evidence in court.

The problems the Governor has had over prison contracts may lead to new controls.  Contribution limit caps may be added to new legislation new year.

Federal regulators want to cap the cost of phone calls from prison, which are far more expensive than ordinary calls. Commissions paid to local and state officials drive up costs, a phone firm says.

Baby boomers with the skill are retiring and not enough young people are replacing them. In Georgia, inmates are given access to heavy tools and blowtorches so they can get a welding certificate.

A settlement may mean the release of thousands of inmates from solitary confinement. The U.N. special rapporteur on torture says it's "a great achievement," but he'll have to see how it's implemented.