A decade ago, the state of Washington permanently closed the state prison on McNeil Island — a casualty of the state’s Great Recession budget crisis. Today, the state operates 12 prisons, and not so long ago they were packed. But since COVID hit, there’s been a dramatic drop in the prison census. Might the state close yet another prison?
KNKX Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins joined Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick live to talk about the state of the state’s prisons.
Tune in 7:45 every Tuesday morning to hear Jenkins break down the biggest news in Washington.