Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of January 5, 2026.

Let's get into it with Project updates:

1. Plans for a new jail in Dallas County, Texas, are moving forward, with initial cost estimates between $3 billion and $5 billion, though the project could take up to a decade to complete.
2. The design phase for a new 200-bed detention center in Flathead County, Mont., is underway, with officials hoping to start construction this year on the estimated $93.5 million project.
3. Colbert County, Ala., Sheriff Eric Balentine said that construction of the county's new $35 million jail and administration building is ahead of schedule and expected to be complete in 20 months.
4. An open house will be held this week to mark the opening of the new Koochiching County Jail and Law Enforcement Center in International Falls, Minn.

Moving on to legislation and funding:

1. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has awarded $5.3 million in grants for substance use disorder treatment in correctional facilities across the state.
2. Funding to address much-needed improvements at the aging jail in St. Louis County, Mo., was not included in the county's 2026 budget, despite an ACA audit revealing significant issues.

Next in People news:

1. DLR Group has named Justice + Civic Project Manager and Senior Associate Alexander Straughn as the company's Orlando office leader.
2. Correctional Healthcare Partners has appointed Dr. Olatunde Oshikoya as its Director of MAT Services and Rapid Response.
3. Drone detection and aerospace security company Airsight announced that Nick Glasnapp will be the company's Director of Sales for the Central Region.
4. Correctional News sends condolences to the family of industry veteran Bob Tointon, who passed away on Dec. 27 at the age of 92.

Next In Construction reports:

1. The Cole County Commission in Missouri is seeking specialty contractors and suppliers for the new $14 million Cole County Juvenile Center project, with bids due Jan. 20.
2. The Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works has issued an RFP for design-build services for a new juvenile court community correctional facility, with proposals due Jan. 29.
3. The Minnesota Department of Administration is accepting bids for security system upgrades at the Minnesota Correctional Facility at Shakopee, with bids due Feb. 3.

And closing out with events:

1. The American Correctional Association's winter conference will take place in Long Beach, Calif., from Feb. 5-8.

1. For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at