News of Interest

Selected news stories of interest to the Freedom Reads community.

Life Inside, Remixed: An Incarcerated Artist Learns to Paint through the Chaos of Prison
The Marshall Project by Rafael Rodriguez November 1, 2024

“Painting requires a clear mind,” explained Memo, Rafael Rodriguez’s cellmate. In this animated essay, Rodriguez talks about how oil painting helped him realize that art mimics life, and so he poured his emotions into art.

When Kittens Came to My Prison, I Had Not Petted One in 15 Years
Prison Journalism Project by Cameron Terhune October 23, 2024

Cameron Terhune writes about how a litter of kittens changed his experience at a California prison.

The Softball Diamond Is My Favorite Place in Prison
Prison Journalism Project by Lexie Handlang October 23, 2024

“Softball is not the answer to all of life’s problems, but it has helped me solve a few,” writes Lexie Handlang on the opportunity to play the sport in prison.

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.

Listen: A College Bridge Program for Incarcerated Students
Inside Higher Ed by Ashley Mowreader October 16, 2024

The Petey Green Program's College Bridge program is designed to foster college level writing, reading, and math skills for incarcerated individuals.

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.

San Quentin Set to Host First-Ever Prison Film Festival
Prison Journalism Project by Kevin D. Sawyer October 9, 2024

The film festival showcased films created by formerly and currently incarcerated people as well as filmmakers who have never been to prison.

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.