South Carolina has cut down approved book vendors to a handful of businesses. Even Amazon didn’t make the cut. “My entire next semester’s texts were sent, but I received a notice telling me I couldn’t have them since it was not from an approved vendor." https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/07/14/south-carolina-limits-access-to-books-in-prison/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

In one of the latest PJP Learning+ assignments, we asked students to write a profile using strong reporting, interviewing and narrative writing skills. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/07/09/lives-worthy-of-a-narrative/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

"I have been behind bars since 2009. I know from experience that prison environments can be violent for both staff and incarcerated residents. In my time, I have witnessed gang-related stabbings, race-related riots and numerous drug overdoses," writes Brian. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/07/09/qa-i-sat-down-with-a-correctional-lieutenant-to-discuss-the-california-model/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

The Art of Mothering Through Bars. For incarcerated mothers, sending handmade art to their children can help nurture vital connections—but often even this is hindered by prison officials. Story via @inquest.bsky.social. https://inquest.org/the-art-of-mothering-through-bars/?utm_source=Prison+Journalism+Project+Inside+Story+Subscribers&utm_campaign=a39b979169-June28_InsideStory_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-d209fd71d2-488364920

How One Veteran Survives PTSD in Prison https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/07/07/a-military-veteran-navigates-ptsd-in-prison/

An Unexpected Visitor Turned Our Prison Block Into a Makeshift Aviary https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/07/07/an-unexpected-visitor-turned-our-prison-block-into-a-makeshift-aviary/

A Military Veteran Navigates PTSD in Prison https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/07/07/a-military-veteran-navigates-ptsd-in-prison/

Trevor spent his first years at Louisiana State Penitentiary in solitary confinement, detained 23 hours a day in a cell barely bigger than a king-size mattress, time he now considers wasted, since he could have been meditating. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/06/18/how-to-meditate-in-prison/?utm_source=Blueskt&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

There’s plenty of bad things about being incarcerated. But being less online is not one of them. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/06/23/prison-has-helped-me-be-less-online/

South Woods State Prison last summer started restricting people to their cells more often. The reasons were vague. The consequences were huge. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/06/25/a-new-jersey-prison-increases-its-lockdowns-to-fight-lockdowns/

Hi, Bluesky, hi! It's @lyneka.bsky.social! 🎉 I’m excited to share the launch of Kites, a new visual storytelling newsletter from PJP. The idea came from a simple reality that was informed by social media and our audience: more people are consuming journalism in visual, shareable formats.

Incarcerated Americans on the Country's 250th Birthday https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/06/25/incarcerated-americans-on-the-250th-birthday-of-the-united-states-in-their-own-voices/

Sent the first issue! [contains quote post or other embedded content]

250 years after the founding of the United States, Prison Journalism Project asked incarcerated Americans what this big birthday means to them. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/06/25/incarcerated-americans-on-the-250th-birthday-of-the-united-states-in-their-own-voices/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

My ancestors were once labeled three-fifths of a human being. Yet they still help build this country. I still see injustices that need to be addressed such as the impact of mass incarceration. But I was born in this country and my future is tied to it. --Kory [contains quote post or other embedded content]

This Colorado prison is redefining what incarceration can look like. Built on compassion and respect, The Beacon at Skyline is considered one of the most progressive prisons in the nation. An incarcerated writer shares his experience. https://youtube.com/shorts/WRz1KbwRecw?feature=share

Just put Kites in Mailchimp! It will either go out tomorrow or Monday. 🎉 [contains quote post or other embedded content]

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, incarcerated Americans were asked: What does America's big birthday mean to them? https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/06/25/incarcerated-americans-on-the-250th-birthday-of-the-united-states-in-their-own-voices/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

Q&A: Here’s What Pride Was Like in a California Prison https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/06/24/qa-heres-what-pride-was-like-in-a-california-prison/

In South Carolina, we are not preparing for successful reentry. Prison is a revolving door. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/06/23/why-its-so-hard-to-leave-prison-and-not-come-back/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

More than a few prisons host programs to train canine companions for the elderly, visually impaired, and people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. But one facility in South Carolina also houses a rare cat program. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/06/16/a-cat-program-in-a-medium-security-prison/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

In 2025, Askia detailed how his investigative work has led to repeated transfers, surveillance, and stints in solitary confinement. He describes this cycle as the cost of holding the system accountable and bringing the reality of prison life to the public. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2025/03/06/retaliation-journalism-federal-prison-2/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

Since its inception in 2018, over 120 kittens and adult cats have found adoptive homes through cat program in a South Carolina prison. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/06/16/a-cat-program-in-a-medium-security-prison/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

At a New York prison, one writer reflects on the atmosphere as his favorite team seeks their first championship in 53 years. “For more than 20 years,I served one of the most miserable sentences while rooting for one of the most miserable teams in sports.” https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/06/08/knicks-nba-finals-prison/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

Nikki was expelled from school as a teen. In prison, while working toward her GED diploma, she discovered her passion for education. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/05/26/she-dropped-out-of-high-school-in-prison-she-taught-herself-calculus/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

He Took a Plea to Avoid Execution. Now He Teaches Leadership Behind Bars. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/05/28/he-took-a-plea-to-avoid-execution-now-he-teaches-leadership-behind-bars/

"Through an apparent security flaw, unauthorized users seem to be winning access to other people’s accounts — and money. And even though federal regulators have paid attention to the company in previous years, problems persist." https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/05/26/prison-tablet-scams-are-easier-to-pull-off-than-you-think/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky

Inside a prison in Oregon, nearly half a million honeybees are helping incarcerated residents build new skills. Through a selective beekeeping program, students work as mentors and apprentices to manage hives, harvest honey and earn professional certifications. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ud1gCbuBX74

Our most-read story this week: Pennsylvania is hiring 18-year-olds as prison guards. The women living there are sounding the alarm. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2026/05/14/new-young-guards-have-disrupted-the-environment-at-my-prison/?utm_source=Bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=PJP-Bluesky