California can stall no more, says the Supreme Court today, in a 5-4 ruling that affirms the state's proposed prisoner release plan is among the actions needed to address the system's overcrowding, according to the Sacramento Bee. The court believes that conditions in California prisons reflect "serious constitutional violations," which must be tended to expediently.
Supreme Court Rules California Must Release 46K Prisoners
Ling and Lee Go Public with Story of North Korean Arrest
For the first time since their capture in North Korea, sentencing to a hard labor camp, and return to the US following a diplomatic intervention by former President Bill Clinton, Current TV, the San Francisco-based cable network part-owned by former Vice President Al Gore, has come forward with details of the incident involving their reporters Laura Ling and Euna Lee.
Another 'Oops!' for Corrections Spokeswoman Thornton?*
Last week, news that one branch of what remains of the Manson family tree, Susan Atkins, was seeking a compassionate release due to an undisclosed and likely terminal illness triggered waves of reaction from the public, many of whom believe convicts of Atkins' ilk should remain incarcerated for the duration of their life sentences.
Ex-Manson Follower Wants Early Release Due to Illness
Convicted murderer Susan Atkins has earned a dubious honor: She has been the longest incarcerated woman in California history*, having logged 37 of her 59 years as an inmate following her conviction in the famous 1969 "Manson Murders."

