News of Interest

Selected news stories of interest to the Freedom Reads community.

Life Inside, Remixed: The Emotional Toll of Visiting a Son in Jail
The Marshall Project October 18, 2024

In this animated story, Ymilul Bates visits her teenage son for the first time since he’s been incarcerated.

What People Want to Eat for Their First Meal After Prison
Prison Journalism Project by Justin Slavinski October 15, 2024

The first meal after prison is “sacred,” as Justin Slavinksi emphasizes. He himself looks forward to his mom’s meatloaf, while other incarcerated people he interviews look forward to their own unique takes–and it’s not about the food, it’s about the ability to choose.

Life Inside, Remixed: How I Found Peace in the Prison Garden
The Marshall Project by Bobby Bostic October 11, 2024

Reminiscing about his mother’s garden when growing up–the only patch of beauty in his neighborhood– Bobby Bostic talks about the way his decision to garden in prison changed his life.

UMD Researcher Writes a New Chapter for Prison Libraries
Maryland Today by Sala Levin October 3, 2024

A University of Maryland researcher contributed to the recently updated American Library Association Standards for library services for incarcerated or detained individuals.

Illinois Program’s ‘Wraparound’ Approach Helps Formerly Incarcerated People Land Solar Industry Jobs
Energy News Network by Audrey Henderson October 1, 2024

In addition to job training in the solar field, the Renewing Sovereignty Project (RSP) offers returning citizens substantial financial and social support in a ‘wraparound’ technique.

House of Redemption Gives Formerly Incarcerated a Fresh Start, Equal Opportunities
ABC 6 by Stacia Naquin September 27, 2024

“Home” conveys something very different than “housing." ABC 6 reports on the non-profit organization House of Redemption opening a brand new home for two citizens transitioning from prison back into the community in Ohio.

Nonprofit helping formerly incarcerated individuals in Colorado obtain a CDL
Denver7 by Wayna Reese September 22, 2024

Nonprofit Emerge Career provides vocational training to formerly incarcerated people, including helping people get their CDLs for free.

ALA Issues First Revision to Standards for Incarcerated and Detained Individuals in 32 Years
Library Journal by Lisa Peet and Victoria Van Hyning September 20, 2024

The American Library Association issued revised standards for library services for incarcerated or detained individuals — its first revision in 32 years.

The Power of a Prison Visit
Prison Journalism Project by Ryan Douglas September 18, 2024

Ryan Douglas captures the joyous emotions that a visit with loved ones can bring to currently incarcerated people. As Ryan chats with his parents, he is just a son again; the prison and all of its labels disappear into the background.

The Life of an Elected Official Who’s Also in Jail
Prison Journalism Project by Shameka “Meek” Hayes September 15, 2024

Shameka “Meek” Hayes, a neighborhood commissioner in Washington, D.C., writes about the road to the neighborhood commissioner seat as well as the challenge and the wins of serving her constituents from prison.

Take a Tour of the Beehives in My Oregon Prison
Prison Journalism Project by Phillip Luna September 3, 2024

Writer Phillip Luna, incarcerated inside Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution, shares about facilitating the selective beekeeping program at the prison.

The Strange Twist in Coping with My Father’s Death from Behind Bars
Prison Journalism Project by Jeremy Moss August 28, 2024

Jeremy Moss poignantly captures what it is like to lose a loved one during a long incarceration, a loss that is often felt and mourned even prior to a loved one’s actual death–in the sense that incarceration separates people from one another.