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Welcome to Corrections Connections, the exclusive podcast from Correctional News. Join us as we sit down with leaders across the justice community—from owners and operators to AEC firms and vendors—to discuss the latest news, projects, trends, and innovative ideas shaping the industry. Hear from the most sought-after experts, get real-world insights, and enjoy engaging conversations.

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Welcome to the Weekly Connections podcast. Each Tuesday, listen to new 5- to 10-minute episodes featuring timely, relevant updates from across the corrections industry—showcasing big news on projects, people, legislation, bid opportunities, events and more. 

To learn more about the stories mentioned in each Weekly Connections episode, explore the links below. 

Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to Weekly Connections today. 

Have a story we should cover? Drop us a line at cn@wmhmedia.com and you might hear it on the airwaves. 

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Welcome to Weekly Connections, a podcast where Correctional News dives into the big, justice-related news of the week, sharing all the key updates you need in under 10 minutes. Here are your updates for the week of July 7th. 

  • In Redding, California, the Shasta County Jail has temporarily closed one floor for a major construction project to upgrade cameras, fire alarms, and cell intercom systems. Sheriff Michael Johnson emphasized the focus on safety and a swift reopening. 
  • The Walton County Jail in Monroe, Georgia, celebrated the ribbon-cutting for its new 216,000-square-foot facility. The $140 million project, 18 years in the making, includes an 870-cell jail with a 58-bed medical wing, an administrative building, and more. 
  • In a move to reduce juvenile justice involvement, the Texas Legislature has approved $1.2 million for Williamson County to launch a multi-systematic therapy program for at-risk youth. 
  • The Oklahoma County Detention Center is facing a $5.8 million shortfall and could run out of funds by August 1st, potentially impacting payroll and operations. The interim CEO will present a case for increased funding on July 8th. 
  • In California, Santa Clara County officials are weighing options for a new jail, as aging facilities fall short of federal standards. Leaders are exploring alternatives, including facility upgrades and a revised zero-bail policy, amid divided community feedback. 
  • The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) secured over $1.8 billion in new funding in what Executive Director Bryan Collier called the “most successful” legislative session in agency history. This will fund major staff pay raises, expanded services, and 18,000 additional air-conditioned beds. 
  • A New York state judge has blocked the Hochul administration from suspending the HALT Act, which limits the use of solitary confinement. The ruling follows a lawsuit alleging incarcerated individuals were unlawfully isolated during a corrections officer strike. 
  • The Michigan Department of Corrections reported a record-low recidivism rate, with only two in ten parolees returning to prison within three years. Officials credit expanded support services, job training, and education programs. 
  • In Washington D.C., the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal prison officials cannot be sued for alleged excessive force under a Bivens claim, reinforcing limits on inmate lawsuits. 
  • The CPCA Board of Directors has announced Sarah Edmonds as the new executive director of the California Police Chiefs’ Association. 
  • Falcon Technologies has welcomed Angela Phillips as its new senior product manager. She will lead the strategy and development of the Predictive Framework Tools series. 
  • TDCJ has named Krystle McCoy as the new region I director for the Parole Division, bringing years of experience to the role. 
  • Washington’s Clark County Council has approved reallocating $4.1 million to cover a budget shortfall in its jail work center expansion. The project, now valued at $23.7 million, will add 64 beds and expanded support services. 
  • In Idaho, Canyon County is soliciting qualifications from CMGC firms for a new 192-bed, 28,000-square-foot detention facility with an estimated budget of $10 million. 
  • Three final firms—Skanska, Hill International, and Turner & Townsend Heery—have presented their qualifications to manage the construction of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania’s new $400 million prison. 
  • The Correctional Leaders Association (CLA) Western Region meeting is kicking off in Napa, California, and runs from July 7th to July 10th. 
  • Looking ahead, NCCHC is offering a first look at the 2026 Standards for Mental Health and Health Services in San Francisco on July 19th. 
  • The American Jail Association will host its Objective Jail Classification workshop from July 22nd to 24th in Elkton, Maryland. 

 Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to Weekly Connections today.  

Have a story we should cover? Drop us a line at cn@wmhmedia.com and you might hear it on the airwaves.  

Project Updates:  

Operations (Legislation & Funding): 

People: 

Construction Reports: 

Events: 

Welcome to Weekly Connections, a podcast where Correctional News dives into the big, justice-related news of the week, sharing all the key updates you need in under 10 minutes. Here are your updates for the week of June 30. 

  • Starting with project updates, the Orange County, California, Youth Transition Center is ahead of schedule. The project team, including Lionakis, Vanir, DLR Group, and Balfour Beatty, recently marked the demolition of the final building in phase one. 
  • In Wisconsin, juvenile justice projects in Milwaukee County are moving forward, with a new $30 million youth facility and the replacement for the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake schools both scheduled to open in 2026. 
  • The Arkansas State Corrections Board has authorized $50,000 to drill and test new wells at the site of the proposed state prison to ensure an adequate water supply for construction and future operations. 
  • Moving to legislation and funding, the San Diego Board of Supervisors has approved an $8.63 billion budget. This includes $29 million for upgrades to the Sheriff’s Office jails, such as new alarm and security systems. 
  • A new law in Louisiana now allows law enforcement to take down drones that pose a threat. The law gives agencies the ability to use measures like jamming, hacking, or physical capture. 
  • In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bill officially transferring ownership of the Detroit Detention Center from the state’s Department of Corrections to the City of Detroit. 
  • In people news, DLR Group has welcomed Jim Miller as a principal in its Justice and Civic Group, based in Phoenix. 
  • Josh Cultera has been confirmed as the warden of the Jess Dunn Correctional Center in Taft, Oklahoma. 
  • Corrections Technology Group has brought on Kris Niebuhr as a new project engineer. 
  • New York City is currently recruiting for an executive director to lead its new borough-based jail system, which will replace Rikers Island. 
  • A new training opportunity is available from the National Institute of Corrections and Justice System Partners: a nine-month “Community Supervision Leadership Learning Lab.” 
  • Regarding construction reports, several RFPs with upcoming deadlines are available: 
  • Maricopa County, AZ: Seeking architectural services for the Southwest Regional Justice Center expansion. 
  • Suwanee, GA: Seeking design and construction administration services for a new police headquarters. 
  • Eagle County, CO: Seeking architectural design for the Eagle County Justice Center expansion. 
  • Catoosa County, GA: Seeking a general contractor for the Catoosa County Jail expansion. 
  • And for events, the Correctional Technology Association’s annual technology summit is currently taking place in Orlando, Florida. Looking ahead, the Correctional Leaders Association’s Western Region meeting will kick off in Napa, California, from July 7th to July 10th. 

Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to Weekly Connections today.  

Have a story we should cover? Drop us a line at cn@wmhmedia.com and you might hear it on the airwaves.  

Project Updates: 

Operations (Legislation and Funding): 

People: 

Training Opportunities: 

Construction Reports: 

Events: 

Welcome to Weekly Connections, a podcast where Correctional News dives into the big, justice-related news of the week, sharing all the key updates you need in under 10 minutes. Here’s your June 24 update: 

  • Starting in Nebraska, there’s progress on their new 1,512-bed multi-custody prison. An intent to award the contract has been signed with Hausmann Construction for the DLR Group-designed facility. We’ll continue to follow this. 
  • In South Dakota, the $600 million prison project is experiencing further delays. The initially selected site in Lincoln County is no longer under consideration, and a special legislative meeting may be rescheduled. More information on the site reassessment is available in these podcast notes. 
  • Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County Commissioners have approved $9.26 million for the planning phase of their new jail, part of an estimated $400 million project. 
  • The Oklahoma Department of Corrections has entered a $74 million, two-year agreement with Trinity Services Group to privatize food services across its state prison system. Full implementation is anticipated by mid-December. 
  • Georgia lawmakers have approved a $434 million budget for prison improvements, which will fund higher staff salaries, 700 new hires and $50 million for contraband detection. 
  • Wisconsin’s Department of Corrections is slated to receive an additional $136 million, following approval from the state’s Joint Finance Committee. The legislature needs to give final approval by June 30th. 
  • Arizona legislators are considering a bill for an independent oversight body for the state’s prison system. The bill did not pass the House budget, and its success now largely depends on the State Senate’s budget. 
  • In Georgia, the Department of Corrections has appointed Louis DeBroux III to oversee research, strategic planning and government relations. 
  • Arizona’s Department of Corrections has named Thomas Arbaugh as Deputy Assistant Director, with a focus on holistic rehabilitation. 
  • Marshall Clements has been appointed as the new director of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center. 
  • The National Sheriffs’ Association announced Justin Smith as its new Executive Director and CEO. He brings 36 years of experience to the position. 
  • Willo Products has introduced the “LatchGuard” for their wedge locking system, designed to enhance security by preventing tampering when cell doors are open. A link to their site is included in these show notes. 
  • Registration is open for ICPA’s 27th annual conference in Istanbul, Turkey, this October. The theme is “Wellbeing in Corrections,” and early bird rates end August 15. Details and the registration link are provided in these notes. 
  • Ohio DRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith will now chair the Correctional Leaders Association’s Healthcare Committee. 
  • Regarding construction opportunities: RFPs are open for Buchanan County, MO (Juvenile Detention CMAR); Robeson County, NC (Detention Center Medical Addition, subs sought by Metcon); and Carson City, NV (Courthouse Remodel CMAR). Qualification documents are linked on our website’s podcast page, accessible from these notes. 
  • Event Update: The National Sheriffs’ Association annual conference is underway in Fort Lauderdale. A notable moment was the special swearing-in for DJ Daniel, a young man battling cancer, who aims to be sworn in by as many law enforcement agencies as possible. 
  • The CLA on the Hill event is also taking place in D.C. this week. Looking forward, the CLA Western Directors’ event will be in Napa from July 7th. 

Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to Weekly Connections today.  

Have a story we should cover? Drop us a line at cn@wmhmedia.com and you might hear it on the airwaves.  

Construction Projects 

Operations (Legislation and Funding) 

 People 

 Company News 

 Partner News 

 Construction reports 

Events 

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Welcome to Weekly Connections, a new podcast where Correctional News dives into the big, justice-related news of the week, sharing all the key updates you need in under 10 minutes. Here is what’s happening this week: 

  • First up, Bibb County, Georgia, is looking for some top-notch architects and engineers for a big expansion at their main jail in Macon – we’ve got the scoop on what they’re planning and when proposals are due! (And yes, we’ll drop that info link for you). 
  • Over in Richmond, Virginia, they just got the green light for a brand-new downtown courthouse design – hear about this multi-story project that’s set to house some high courts. 
  • Montana’s Department of Corrections is scouting locations for a new women’s prison. Find out which areas are being explored and the big bucks earmarked for this effort. 
  • Big moves in Utah! A cool new partnership is offering housing and construction training for folks re-entering society – a village with a real purpose. 
  • Ohio is putting lottery funds to good use, investing millions to expand mindfulness programs in state prisons after a successful pilot. 
  • Iowa’s taking a fresh look at probation policy, with a research initiative already showing some promising results in reducing recidivism. 
  • Big legislative news out of New York, where the State Senate just passed a major reform package for correctional facilities – find out what changes are coming to transparency and oversight. 
  • And speaking of New York, we’ll hear what the State DOCS Commissioner has to say about the situation in an upcoming Correctional News edition. 
  • Some familiar names are on the move! Ben Muller joined Falcon, and the Georgia DOC has a new Statewide Mental Health Director in Dr. Kathryn Haynes Owen. 
  • The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is on the hunt for its next Executive Director – a big role to fill! (We’ll point you to where you can find those job details). 
  • Partner News Roundup: Don’t miss early bird rates for the Correctional Mental Health Conference in San Francisco, ICPA has released research presentations, and there’s still time to register for the National Sheriffs’ Association conference! 
  • And a big congrats to Vermont DOC Commissioner Nick Deml, elected to the Council on Criminal Justice! 
  • Calling all construction pros! We’ve got open RFPs from Fayetteville, GA (new municipal facility), Butte County, CA (probation building), Cole County, MO (jail surveillance), and Collin County, TX (kitchen relocation). Links and deadlines coming at ya! 
  • And in company news, Axon wants your input! They’ve launched a survey on AI in correctional security – and there might be prizes! (Survey link will be in our notes!) 

 Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to Weekly Connections today. 

Have a story we should cover? Drop us a line at cn@wmhmedia.com and you might hear it on the airwaves. 

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Partners, Events and Editorial Advisory Board News

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Welcome to Weekly Connections, a new podcast where Correctional News dives into the big, justice-related news of the week, sharing all the key updates you need in under 10 minutes. Here is what’s happening this week: 

  • Big news out of Harrison County, Ohio! They’ve just cut the ribbon on a major jail upgrade – find out what this new multi-million dollar facility means for the county. 
  • Headed to Montana, Flathead County is moving ahead with plans for a new jail. We’ll tell you how they’re engaging the community and what’s next on the ballot. 
  • The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is making a significant purchase that will reshape its system – hear about the facility and their big plans for state-run operations. 
  • In South Dakota, “Project Prison Reset” is making headway. Discover which sites are still in the running for a new men’s prison and the budget they’re working with. 
  • Nebraska’s got a major state prison construction project underway. We’ll share the latest on its progress, budget, and when they’re hoping to break ground. 
  • Conference season is in full swing! Find out what’s happening at major events for Sheriffs in California, JailCon in Arizona, and Jailers in Kentucky. 
  • For those focused on Juvenile Justice, the CJJA has just released a vital new report on community partnerships – a must-read for anyone in the field. 
  • We’re thrilled to welcome some new powerhouses to the Correctional News Editorial Advisory Board – get to know Mark Levin and Todd Ishee! 
  • Some big goodbyes and new beginnings in People News: A major leader in Texas is retiring, the FBOP has a new Deputy Director, and Maryland’s DJS has a new Inspector General. 
  • Looking for your next big career move? HDR has a key Justice Principal role open in Ohio – we’ll tell you how to find out more. 
  • And from us at Correctional News, don’t forget about our Industry Awards! It’s time to nominate those outstanding leaders – find out how before the deadline! 

Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to Weekly Connections today. 

Have a story we should cover? Drop us a line at cn@wmhmedia.com and you might hear it on the airwaves. 

Industry News: 

State Corrections: 

Events: 

Partner News: 

Editorial Advisory Board: 

  • New additions to the Correctional News Editorial Advisory Board. Read their bios and learn more. 
  • Marc Levin, chief policy counsel for the Counsel on Criminal Justice (CCJ). 
  • Todd Ishee, former secretary of the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections. 

People News: 

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Welcome to Weekly Connections, a new podcast where Correctional News dives into the big, justice-related news of the week, sharing all the key updates you need in under 10 minutes. Here’s what’s happening this week:

  • Big news out of Ohio as significant funding is announced for local jail improvements. Find out which county is getting a boost for a new female facility.
  • Duval County, Fla., is taking steps toward the development of its new jail project in Jacksonville. Hear about the proposed P3 approach and what’s next in the procurement process.
  • The Federal Bureau of Prisons made an important announcement regarding home confinement. We’ll tell you what it means for those under the First Step and Second Chance Acts.
  • Virginia’s Department of Corrections is celebrating a significant achievement in rehabilitation. Hear about their latest impressive recidivism numbers.
  • Updates on the new Arkansas State Prison: The design team is in place, but what’s the latest on full project funding?
  • Erie County, N.Y., is weighing options for its jail facilities. We’ll discuss their comprehensive needs assessment and what might be next.
  • Looking for project opportunities? We’ve got the scoop on active bids in Oregon, Maryland and Nevada. Don’t miss these deadlines!
  • Some familiar faces are making moves and getting recognized! We’re congratulating Dr. Larome Myrick and highlighting new roles for Cristi Glenn and Art Droste.
  • Exciting developments in the industry as ModCorr expands its precast capabilities and two well-known names join forces under a new umbrella.
  • Heads up, architects! The AIA Conference on Architecture is just around the corner in Boston, featuring a key symposium on justice design.
  • Also, Correctional News’ June Newswire hits inboxes on June 4, and we’re looking into some hot topics shaping the future of projects.

Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to Weekly Connections today.

Have a story we should cover? Drop us a line at cn@wmhmedia.com and you might hear it on the airwaves.

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