For 15 years, Iowa’s prisons have asked for air conditioning. This year something is different.

By: Erin Jordan

Outlets: Iowa Capital Dispatch

Published: July 3, 2026

Words: 1,218

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago

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As summer temperatures rise into the 90s, more than 1,000 Iowa prisoners and correctional officers are sweating it out without air conditioning.

Prolonged heat waves behind bars can cause heat stroke and exacerbate chronic conditions like asthma, heart ailments and arthritis. Studies also show prisons without air conditioning are more violent.

For years, the Iowa Department of Corrections has been asking lawmakers for funding to install air conditioning at the Anamosa …

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