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DOJ Inspector General Exposes Critical Failures in Federal Prisons Leading to Inmate Deaths

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The report, covering the years FY 2014 through FY 2021, scrutinizes 344 deaths in BOP institutions and points to a multitude of issues, notably suicides, homicides, accidents, and a concerning number resulting from unknown factors.
The post DOJ Inspector General Exposes Critical Failures in Federal Prisons Leading to Inmate Deaths first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

February 27, 2024

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

A scathing report released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz unveiled a disturbing pattern of operational and managerial deficiencies within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), shedding light on the alarming rate of inmate deaths. The report, covering the years FY 2014 through FY 2021, scrutinizes 344 deaths in BOP institutions and points to a multitude of issues, notably suicides, homicides, accidents, and a concerning number resulting from unknown factors.

Suicide Epidemic: BOP’s Alarming Shortcomings Revealed

Suicides emerged as the predominant cause of death, constituting over half of the 344 cases investigated. The DOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) identified recurring policy violations and operational failures contributing to inmate suicides. Among the highlighted deficiencies were lapses in staff completion of inmate assessments, inappropriate Mental Health Care Level assignments, and the heightened risk associated with single-celled inmates. The report uncovered a lack of coordination among staff departments, hindering the provision of necessary treatment and follow-up for distressed inmates. Furthermore, a glaring oversight revealed that the BOP failed to provide evidence of completing the required mock suicide drills essential for staff readiness. The report found that, despite a significant drop in the overall inmate population, plummeting from 214,149 in 2014 to 144,448 in 2021, the number of suicides within the BOP system surged.

The report also spotlighted BOP-run facilities failure to conduct mandatory “mock suicide drills.” Investigators said 67 out of the 194 BOP facilities were unable to provide evidence of running a single mock suicide drill between 2018 and 2020, violating the required three drills per year, one for each shift.

Insufficient Emergency Response: BOP Staff’s Failures Exposed

The OIG’s findings underscored significant shortcomings in the BOP’s response to medical emergencies, with almost half of the inmate deaths reviewed reflecting inadequate reactions. From a lack of urgency and unclear radio communications to issues with naloxone administration in opioid overdose cases, the report paints a picture of systemic failures compromising the safety and well-being of inmates.

Information Void Hinders Prevention: BOP’s Limited Understanding of Inmate Deaths

A critical revelation emerged regarding the lack of available information about inmate deaths, hampering the BOP’s ability to prevent future fatalities. The report exposed the BOP’s inability to produce required documents following an inmate’s death, limiting their understanding of circumstances leading to deaths and impeding the identification of preventative measures. The OIG also highlighted the absence of in-depth action reviews for inmate homicides or fatalities resulting from accidents and unknown factors, further limiting the BOP’s capacity to learn from these tragic incidents.

Operational Challenges: A Recipe for Disaster

Long-standing operational challenges such as contraband interdiction, staffing shortages, outdated security systems, and staff non-compliance with policies were identified as contributing factors in nearly one-third of inmate deaths. The report singled out 70 inmates who died from drug overdoses, emphasizing the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to mitigate these risks.

Recommendations for Reform: BOP’s Pledge for Change

The OIG proposed 12 recommendations to address the root causes of inmate deaths. In a rare show of unity, the BOP has pledged to implement all the recommendations, signaling a commitment to rectify these systemic issues, and upholding its duty to ensure inmates’ safe and humane management.

The report concluded that chronic understaffing contributed to multiple failures in the BOP. “The report is an urgent call to action. No family should ever have to receive a call that a loved one has died while incarcerated simply because a facility was understaffed, under-resourced or out of compliance with BOP policy,” Inimai Chettiar, Deputy Director for the Justice Action Network, said in an emailed statement.

“There is strong bipartisan support for comprehensive oversight of our nation’s prisons, and it is long past time for congress to enact the kind of transparency and accountability that will prevent deaths like these in the future. We are encouraged by Senator [Dick] Durbin’s prompt commitment to hold a hearing in the wake of the report’s release. Families of the deceased, and those whose sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters are being detained in federal facilities right now deserve immediate attention.”

The post DOJ Inspector General Exposes Critical Failures in Federal Prisons Leading to Inmate Deaths first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Stacy M. Brown

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Michael: The King of Pop’s Story Returns to the Big Screen

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The curtain has finally lifted on one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films. Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer and release date for “Michael,” the sweeping biopic about Michael Jackson that has been years in the making.

Published

1 day ago

November 6, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The curtain has finally lifted on one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films. Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer and release date for “Michael,” the sweeping biopic about Michael Jackson that has been years in the making. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film will arrive in theaters on April 24, 2026, with the singer’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, stepping into the spotlight to portray his legendary uncle.

The trailer wastes no time rekindling the aura of Jackson’s genius. Opening with a studio scene between Jackson and his longtime producer Quincy Jones, played by Kendrick Sampson, the clip builds from a quiet, familiar rhythm to the electrifying pulse of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” Viewers catch glimpses of the singer’s childhood, flashes of “Thriller,” and the silhouette that redefined pop culture. Each frame reminds fans of why Jackson remains unmatched in artistry and influence. The cast surrounding the late pop king’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, reads like a who’s who of Black entertainment and music history. Colman Domingo plays Joe Jackson, Nia Long portrays Katherine Jackson, and Larenz Tate takes on the role of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Laura Harrier portrays music executive Suzanne de Passe, while Kat Graham embodies Diana Ross. Miles Teller plays attorney John Branca, a towering entertainment lawyer and longtime Jackson confidant who later became co-executor of his estate. The film’s journey to release has been as complicated as the icon it portrays. Production wrapped in 2024, but legal hurdles over depictions of past controversies forced extensive reshoots and editing delays. Even so, Fuqua’s film now appears ready to reclaim the narrative, focusing on Jackson’s creative ambition and humanity beyond tabloid noise. IndieWire reported that the film had faced “a massive legal snafu” over a disputed storyline but was retooled to center the music and legacy that defined generations.

Maven. Photo Credit: Glen Wilson

“Michael” promises more than a chronological retelling. It aims to explore how a child star from Gary, Indiana, became the world’s most influential entertainer. The script, written by Oscar-nominated John Logan, traces Jackson’s early years with the Jackson 5 through the triumphs and isolation of global superstardom. With Fuqua’s cinematic eye and producer Graham King—who brought “Bohemian Rhapsody” to life—joining forces with estate executors Branca and John McClain, the film is positioned as both a tribute and a restoration of Jackson’s cultural truth. Branca’s work behind the scenes has long shaped Jackson’s posthumous success. After the singer died in 2009, Branca and McClain took control of the estate burdened by debt and turned it into a global powerhouse worth billions. Under their stewardship, Jackson’s projects have generated more than $3 billion in worldwide ticket sales and landmark deals, including a $600 million joint venture with Sony earlier this year. At its heart, though, “Michael” is a story about artistry that transcends scandal. It offers a reminder that, despite the noise surrounding his life, Jackson’s music still bridges continents and generations. The trailer’s closing moments capture that spirit. As the beat of “Billie Jean” swells and Jaafar Jackson moonwalks into a spotlight, audiences are left with a familiar feeling—the awe of witnessing something timeless return home.

“Michael” opens worldwide in theaters April 24, 2026. See the official trailer here.

Stacy M. Brown

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Donald Trump Is the Biggest Loser

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The Trump Brand took a significant hit as it was swept up in the Democratic blue wave of the election last night.

Published

2 days ago

November 5, 2025

Oakland Post

By April Ryan

The Trump Brand took a significant hit as it was swept up in the Democratic blue wave of the election last night.

Chris Jones, Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (AR-02), says, “Last night was electric, and it was unquestionably a wave.” Democrats won big in what is widely considered a repudiation of Trump’s 9 months at the White House in his second term.

In the state of Virginia, which produced the first big election night win and saw the election of the first woman governor, Democrat Abigail Spanberger, 56% of Virginia’s residents disapprove of President Trump. In New Jersey, 55% of state residents disapprove of the president; in New York, 69% disapprove; and in California, 63% disapprove of the president. The Trump brand or his support for any candidates did nothing to benefit those he endorsed in this election. They actually lost in each race he publicly put his name behind. Trump endorsed former New York Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who lost the New York mayor’s race in his run as an independent. And New Jersey Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who ran for governor with the presidential endorsement, also lost his prospective race.

The next question is, will the democratic momentum be sustainable? Jones further explained, “This can become a 2026 tsunami, but turning a wave into a tsunami takes energy. A lot of energy. It doesn’t just happen. The conditions are there. Now we have to work!”

Some Democrats would argue that the work is already underway. The pushback against Trump’s national redistricting efforts received a thumb in the eye from California voters. Prop 50, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s counterbalance to President Trump’s redistricting efforts, passed in California last night. Although Trump’s name was not on the ballot last night, his Republican policies were. The United States has now entered the longest government shutdown in its history. Forty-two million Americans are not getting SNAP benefits. Economists are acknowledging that the government shutdown is contributing to the rise in delinquent debt in the student loan, automotive, and credit card industries. These items are among the negatives Americans are protesting against.

Compounding Trump’s political problems is a tariff battle that’s directly impacting pocketbooks. The day after the elections, the Trump administration was arguing before the US Supreme Court in favor of the president’s tariff powers. Meanwhile, President Trump‘s poll numbers are underwater, standing at a 37% national disapproval rate

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Historic Beatdown: Democrats Sweep Virginia as Speaker Don Scott and Jay Jones Make History

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — In a clear rejection of the policies of President Donald Trump, history repeated itself in Virginia.

Published

2 days ago

November 5, 2025

Oakland Post

By Lauren Burke

In a clear rejection of the policies of President Donald Trump, history repeated itself in Virginia. Democrats once again swept all three statewide offices as they did in 2017 during Trump’s first term. Abigail Spanberger easily won the office of Governor, and State Senator Ghazala Hashmi won her race over John Reid to be the next Lieutenant Governor. The victories occurred against the backdrop of a historic win in Virginia by Spanberger that will give Virginia its first woman Governor.

Spanberger’s widely predicted win over Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears was called 17 minutes after the polls closed in Virginia at 7 pm. Former Delegate Jay Jones won his race against incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares. His victory means Jones will be the first Black Attorney General in Virginia’s history. Jones’ win was particularly noteworthy since the last month of his campaign was consumed by the issue of private text messages from 2022 to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner. Republicans ran a non-stop barrage of negative ads against Jones for a month.

Del. Coyner lost her bid for re-election to Delegate-elect Lindsey Dougherty. The Dougherty race was the number one target for House Speaker Don Scott and his campaign lieutenant, Delegate Dan Helmer. Coyner’s defeat was one of at least 13 victories for Democrats who have now added to their ranks in the Virginia House to historic margins. When the Virginia General Assembly returns to session in January, there will be at least 64 Democrats in the chamber. The widespread Republican defeat is a testament to a combination of historic fundraising, Democrats running in all 100 seats, dislike of President Trump’s policies, and an ineffective top of the ticket featuring Lt. Gov. Earle Sears.

+13: Speaker Scott and Del. Helmer Hit Historic Numbers in Fundraising and Power

As the evening ended, a glaring historic fact became clearer: The Virginia House of Delegates will expand to a historic number. The change means the largest Democratic House chamber in the modern era. There were several notable wins by Democrats running for the Virginia House. They include Virgil Thornton, Lilly Franklin, and Kim Pope Adams. Speaker Don Scott and his campaign chair, Dan Helmer, undertook a record fundraising effort never before seen in Virginia’s history. The moment of success for Virginia Democrats will be viewed as a positive signal for Democrats moving into the 2026 elections.