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Texas Prisons

All articles tagged with #texas prisons

criminal-justice2 years ago•5 min saved

"Texas Prisons: A Deadly Summer and Climate Crisis"

Texas prisons are facing criticism for the lack of air conditioning, with Democrats on the House Oversight Committee calling for an investigation into the state's failure to expand AC in its prisons. While officials plan to add 11,000 air conditioned beds by the end of next year, this leaves nearly 100,000 inmates without relief from the sweltering Texas heat. The state has been accused of slow progress, and a study published last year linked 271 deaths in Texas prisons between 2001 and 2019 to heat-related issues and a lack of air conditioning. The spike in deaths this year has raised concerns, with advocates calling for federal intervention to improve prison conditions.

via Texas Public Radio|

#air-conditioning #criminal-justice #federal-intervention

politics2 years ago•4 min saved

"Congressional Democrats Demand Investigation into Rising Death Toll in Texas Prisons"

Congressional Democrats on the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability have called for an investigation into the conditions of Texas prisons, where at least 41 people have died from heart-related or unknown causes during the state's scorching heat wave this summer. More than two-thirds of Texas' prisons lack air conditioning, leading to extreme temperatures inside the facilities. Relatives of the deceased and prison rights advocates argue that some deaths were caused by the heat, while the Texas Department of Criminal Justice claims no prisoner has died from the heat since 2012. The Democrats are urging the committee to address the issue of extreme weather in prisons and demand humane conditions nationwide.

via The Texas Tribune|

#climate-change #congressional-investigation #heat-related-deaths

weather2 years ago•5 min saved

"Phoenix's Record-Breaking Heat Wave Continues, Setting New Highs in Global Scorching"

Phoenix, Arizona, has broken its record for consecutive days with temperatures at 110 degrees or higher, as a historic heatwave grips the southern United States. The extreme heat is expected to continue for the next week, with temperatures forecasted to reach 110 degrees or higher daily. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the heat, with some patients being cooled off in ice-packed body bags. In Texas, advocates are calling for air conditioning in prisons as triple-digit temperatures turn them into a "living hell." Tropical Storm Calvin brought heavy rain and strong winds to Hawaii, while the Great Lakes region and the East faced air quality alerts due to Canadian wildfires. The Middle East is also experiencing record-breaking temperatures, with some areas exceeding 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Flash flooding and severe weather are possible in the Midwest and mid-Atlantic, with a risk of life-threatening and damaging floods.

via USA TODAY|

#air-quality-alerts #heatwave #phoenix

social-justice2 years ago•4 min saved

Calls for Air Conditioning in Texas Prisons Grow Amid Inhumane Heat Conditions

Advocates, families, and politicians in Texas are urging state leaders to install air conditioning in prisons as triple-digit temperatures turn the facilities into "living hell." More than two-thirds of Texas' 100 prisons lack air conditioning in living quarters, leading to concerns about medical emergencies and deaths due to excessive heat. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice claims that the recent deaths are not heat-related, but a study from Texas A&M University suggests that heat-related deaths are likely underestimated. The lack of air conditioning in prisons has also been cited as a reason for staffing issues and increased legal fees. Despite a budget surplus, the Senate rejected a plan to allocate $545 million for air conditioning, offering only $85.7 million for deferred maintenance projects. Advocates argue that the living conditions for inmates should be better than those of animal shelters.

via Austin American-Statesman|

#advocacy #air-conditioning #heat-wave

criminal-justice2 years ago•9 min saved

"Texas Prisons Ignoring Heat-Related Deaths of Inmates"

At least nine inmates have died in Texas prisons since mid-June, with five deaths attributed to heart attacks or cardiac arrest in uncooled prisons where the heat index exceeded 100 degrees. Despite the scorching temperatures, more than two-thirds of Texas prisons lack air conditioning in living areas. Prisoners and their families, along with advocates and lawmakers, blame the deaths on the extreme heat and the state's failure to address the issue. Studies have linked fatal heart failures to extreme heat, but it can be difficult to determine if heat was the direct cause of death. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice denies that the deaths are heat-related and is currently investigating.

via The Texas Tribune|

#criminal-justice #heat-related-deaths #inmate-rights