Is Biden overlooking Bureau of Prisons as reform target?

WASHINGTON (AP) — While most criminal justice overhauls require action from local officials or legislation, reforming the federal prison system is something President Joe Biden and his Justice Department control. And there are crying needs for improvement. Even before the coronavirus, federal prisons were plagued by violence, suicide, escapes, understaffing and health concerns. The pandemic made things worse. And now these facilities are set to absorb even more prisoners from private institutions that are no longer in business with the government. The Biden administration has prioritized infrastructure as its top legislative target and is focused on the coronavirus. Other issues — like prisons — have prompted impassioned speeches but less action.