Bolts
@boltsmag.org
A publication that covers the nuts and bolts of political change: Boltsmag.org
Six states have adopted new maps so far this year: California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Utah. Several face legal challenges, but Missouri’s is in the most immediate limbo.
Read more in our new explainer on gerrymandering:
Read more in our new explainer on gerrymandering:
The Escalating Race to Redistrict: Your Questions Answered
How are the new maps changing the midterms? Would proportional representation help? Why are courts not doing more? You asked, and we’ve got answers about mid-decade redistricting.
boltsmag.org
December 24, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Six states have adopted new maps so far this year: California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Utah. Several face legal challenges, but Missouri’s is in the most immediate limbo.
Read more in our new explainer on gerrymandering:
Read more in our new explainer on gerrymandering:
New Mexico’s Second Chance Act bans life sentences without parole for juveniles. But the state’s attorney general’s narrow interpretation of the reform appears to conflict with the law and is keeping at least one man behind bars.
New Mexico Officials Block a Pathway to Freedom for Juvenile Lifers Despite Reforms
State lawmakers banned life without parole for juveniles. But an opinion by the attorney general and parole board decisions could keep some from getting a second chance.
boltsmag.org
December 24, 2025 at 12:00 AM
New Mexico’s Second Chance Act bans life sentences without parole for juveniles. But the state’s attorney general’s narrow interpretation of the reform appears to conflict with the law and is keeping at least one man behind bars.
"In a defeat for President Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court this afternoon decided to leave in place a lower-court block that prevents the administration from deploying the National Guard in Illinois."
U.S. Supreme Court sides against Trump, won't lift block on National Guard deployment in Illinois
The decision, appearing on the high court’s “emergency” or “shadow” docket, is the first from the justices addressing President Donald Trump’s efforts to deploy National Guard troops into American cities against the will of local elected officials.
chicago.suntimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:30 PM
"In a defeat for President Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court this afternoon decided to leave in place a lower-court block that prevents the administration from deploying the National Guard in Illinois."
Under pressure from immigrants' rights advocates, San Francisco quit a sensitive data-sharing program with ICE.
But neighboring Alameda County, home to Oakland and Berkeley, remained in the program.
But neighboring Alameda County, home to Oakland and Berkeley, remained in the program.
This Bay Area County Says It Cut Ties with ICE. This Program Says Otherwise.
A widespread data-sharing program highlights financial ties between local police and immigration enforcement—and how even sanctuary jurisdictions still feed “the deportation machine.”
boltsmag.org
December 23, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Under pressure from immigrants' rights advocates, San Francisco quit a sensitive data-sharing program with ICE.
But neighboring Alameda County, home to Oakland and Berkeley, remained in the program.
But neighboring Alameda County, home to Oakland and Berkeley, remained in the program.
Chicago debuted a program this year that lets police file felony gun charges without getting a prosecutor’s approval. Two of the police officers who have overseen many cases under this program have 59 misconduct complaints between them.
New Chicago Prosecutor Empowers Police to File More Charges Without Review
In a predominantly Black area of Chicago, police can now directly file gun charges without a prosecutor’s approval. The new program rolls back a process that serves to check misconduct.
boltsmag.org
December 23, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Chicago debuted a program this year that lets police file felony gun charges without getting a prosecutor’s approval. Two of the police officers who have overseen many cases under this program have 59 misconduct complaints between them.
NEW in Bolts: Ohio is the fourth GOP-run state this year to ban ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive after. A Supreme Court case could force that policy nationwide next year.
Ohio Bans Grace Periods for Mail Ballots, Fulfilling Trump’s Wishes
Ohio is the fourth GOP-run state this year to ban ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive after. A Supreme Court case could force that policy nationwide next year.
boltsmag.org
December 23, 2025 at 6:25 PM
NEW in Bolts: Ohio is the fourth GOP-run state this year to ban ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive after. A Supreme Court case could force that policy nationwide next year.
Reposted by Bolts
“Grace periods” for late-arriving mail ballots were not controversial until very recently. (Kansas lawmakers voted *163-1* for a grace period in 2017!)
But Trump wants them banned, so red states have lately rushed to help him. Ohio just joined the list:
boltsmag.org/ohio-ends-gr...
But Trump wants them banned, so red states have lately rushed to help him. Ohio just joined the list:
boltsmag.org/ohio-ends-gr...
Ohio Bans Grace Periods for Mail Ballots, Fulfilling Trump’s Wishes - Bolts
Ohio is the fourth GOP-run state this year to ban ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive after. A Supreme Court case could force that policy nationwide next year.
boltsmag.org
December 23, 2025 at 5:25 PM
“Grace periods” for late-arriving mail ballots were not controversial until very recently. (Kansas lawmakers voted *163-1* for a grace period in 2017!)
But Trump wants them banned, so red states have lately rushed to help him. Ohio just joined the list:
boltsmag.org/ohio-ends-gr...
But Trump wants them banned, so red states have lately rushed to help him. Ohio just joined the list:
boltsmag.org/ohio-ends-gr...
What could stop the escalating race to gerrymander the country? In our latest edition of "Ask Bolts," legal scholars weigh the merits of state constitutional amendments, a congressional ban on mid-decade redistricting, and proportional representation.
The Escalating Race to Redistrict: Your Questions Answered
How are the new maps changing the midterms? Would proportional representation help? Why are courts not doing more? You asked, and we’ve got answers about mid-decade redistricting.
boltsmag.org
December 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM
What could stop the escalating race to gerrymander the country? In our latest edition of "Ask Bolts," legal scholars weigh the merits of state constitutional amendments, a congressional ban on mid-decade redistricting, and proportional representation.
Virginia's Senate Majority Leader told Bolts that the legislature will advance a constitutional amendment in January to let Virginians vote once they're released from prison.
The state constitution currently strips people of their voting rights for life.
The state constitution currently strips people of their voting rights for life.
Five Ways Tuesday’s Results Will Affect Voting Rules and Democracy
From felony disenfranchisement and mail voting to mid-decade gerrymanders, Tuesday delivered verdicts on election law across these five states.
boltsmag.org
December 23, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Virginia's Senate Majority Leader told Bolts that the legislature will advance a constitutional amendment in January to let Virginians vote once they're released from prison.
The state constitution currently strips people of their voting rights for life.
The state constitution currently strips people of their voting rights for life.
When formerly incarcerated people are able to obtain work, it tends to be a low-paying position with little job security, keeping them well below the poverty line. “The No. 1 contributor to recidivism is poverty,” says a spokesperson for the Prison Policy Initiative.
Budget Cuts Threaten Oregon Program for Helping People Get Jobs After Prison
The state had recently expanded the novel program for providing one-on-one career coaching, job fairs behind bars, and support for people after release.
boltsmag.org
December 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
When formerly incarcerated people are able to obtain work, it tends to be a low-paying position with little job security, keeping them well below the poverty line. “The No. 1 contributor to recidivism is poverty,” says a spokesperson for the Prison Policy Initiative.
“Every blue moon I might buy a bag of chips or a soda. I can’t afford much anymore because inflation has decreased the amount of food and supplies I can buy. I spend more to get less,” says Colell Steele, who is incarcerated in a North Carolina prison.
North Carolina Prison Officials Raise Prices for Those Who Can Least Afford It
An increased markup on canteen goods adds to the financial burden on incarcerated people and their families, highlighting how prison systems squeeze them for revenue.
boltsmag.org
December 23, 2025 at 1:02 AM
“Every blue moon I might buy a bag of chips or a soda. I can’t afford much anymore because inflation has decreased the amount of food and supplies I can buy. I spend more to get less,” says Colell Steele, who is incarcerated in a North Carolina prison.
Reposted by Bolts
NM lawmakers in 2023 passed a Second Chance Act to ban life without parole sentences for juveniles. But a recent opinion by the state’s AG, which appears to conflict with the reform law, is now blocking releases and threatens to pull others back into prison
the latest from @laurengill.bsky.social
the latest from @laurengill.bsky.social
New Mexico Officials Block a Pathway to Freedom for Juvenile Lifers Despite Reforms - Bolts
New Mexico lawmakers banned life without parole for juveniles. But an opinion by the attorney general and parole board decisions could keep some from getting a second chance.
boltsmag.org
December 22, 2025 at 9:39 PM
NM lawmakers in 2023 passed a Second Chance Act to ban life without parole sentences for juveniles. But a recent opinion by the state’s AG, which appears to conflict with the reform law, is now blocking releases and threatens to pull others back into prison
the latest from @laurengill.bsky.social
the latest from @laurengill.bsky.social
This spring, a civilian review board in Illinois debated unarmed alternatives to police and met with representatives from STAR, a Denver program that deploys mental health workers and paramedics to handle mental health and homelessness-related 911 calls.
A Police Killing Drew National Protests. At Home, a Commission Struggles with How to Make a Difference.
More than a year after Sonya Massey was killed by police in Illinois, a namesake commission has wrestled over changes that would prevent future tragedies.
boltsmag.org
December 22, 2025 at 11:05 PM
This spring, a civilian review board in Illinois debated unarmed alternatives to police and met with representatives from STAR, a Denver program that deploys mental health workers and paramedics to handle mental health and homelessness-related 911 calls.
NEW in Bolts: State lawmakers in New Mexico banned life without parole for juveniles. But an opinion by the attorney general and parole board decisions could keep some from getting a second chance.
New Mexico Officials Block a Pathway to Freedom for Juvenile Lifers Despite Reforms
State lawmakers banned life without parole for juveniles. But an opinion by the attorney general and parole board decisions could keep some from getting a second chance.
boltsmag.org
December 22, 2025 at 9:29 PM
NEW in Bolts: State lawmakers in New Mexico banned life without parole for juveniles. But an opinion by the attorney general and parole board decisions could keep some from getting a second chance.
You wanted to know: How can it be “too late” for courts to weigh in on maps that just passed?
We tackle this question in the latest edition of Ask Bolts, where we hand the mic to our readers.
We tackle this question in the latest edition of Ask Bolts, where we hand the mic to our readers.
The Escalating Race to Redistrict: Your Questions Answered
How are the new maps changing the midterms? Would proportional representation help? Why are courts not doing more? You asked, and we’ve got answers about mid-decade redistricting.
boltsmag.org
December 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM
You wanted to know: How can it be “too late” for courts to weigh in on maps that just passed?
We tackle this question in the latest edition of Ask Bolts, where we hand the mic to our readers.
We tackle this question in the latest edition of Ask Bolts, where we hand the mic to our readers.
A novel program walks incarcerated Oregonians through developing a resume and cover letter, interviewing, and finding job opportunities. Its funding is set to run out soon.
Don’t miss our new collaboration with @investigatewest.bsky.social:
Don’t miss our new collaboration with @investigatewest.bsky.social:
Budget Cuts Threaten Oregon Program for Helping People Get Jobs After Prison
The state had recently expanded the novel program for providing one-on-one career coaching, job fairs behind bars, and support for people after release.
boltsmag.org
December 22, 2025 at 6:24 PM
A novel program walks incarcerated Oregonians through developing a resume and cover letter, interviewing, and finding job opportunities. Its funding is set to run out soon.
Don’t miss our new collaboration with @investigatewest.bsky.social:
Don’t miss our new collaboration with @investigatewest.bsky.social:
After the 2025 elections, Democrats control both legislative chambers and the governorship in 16 states. The GOP holds this trifecta in 23 states, and 11 states have split governments.
boltsmag.org/legisla...
boltsmag.org/legisla...
December 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM
After the 2025 elections, Democrats control both legislative chambers and the governorship in 16 states. The GOP holds this trifecta in 23 states, and 11 states have split governments.
boltsmag.org/legisla...
boltsmag.org/legisla...
In 2024, the Department of Justice found that the Trenton police “ignores officer misconduct in plain sight.” A city council member hopes to create a civilian oversight board there, but state law prevents these boards from having real investigatory powers.
New Jersey Cities Are Pressing Resistant State Officials for Civilian Police Oversight
Local officials in Newark, Jersey City, and Trenton want civilian agencies that can investigate police and issue subpoenas. But they keep running into the state’s Democratic leaders.
boltsmag.org
December 22, 2025 at 3:34 PM
In 2024, the Department of Justice found that the Trenton police “ignores officer misconduct in plain sight.” A city council member hopes to create a civilian oversight board there, but state law prevents these boards from having real investigatory powers.
If you value our coverage of local politics, from criminal justice to democracy, consider making a contribution to Bolts.
As a nonprofit newsroom, we thrive when readers sustain our work—and we’re planning big things for 2026.
As a nonprofit newsroom, we thrive when readers sustain our work—and we’re planning big things for 2026.
Support Bolts
We are a nonprofit publication that covers the nuts and bolts of political change, from the local up, and we need reader support to build our journalism.
boltsmag.org
December 22, 2025 at 2:07 PM
If you value our coverage of local politics, from criminal justice to democracy, consider making a contribution to Bolts.
As a nonprofit newsroom, we thrive when readers sustain our work—and we’re planning big things for 2026.
As a nonprofit newsroom, we thrive when readers sustain our work—and we’re planning big things for 2026.
Reposted by Bolts
An Oregon story from @boltsmag.org: an effective jobs program for the incarcerated currently threatened by budget cuts.
boltsmag.org/oregon-priso...
boltsmag.org/oregon-priso...
Budget Cuts Threaten Oregon Program for Helping People Get Jobs After Prison - Bolts
The state had recently expanded the novel program for providing one-on-one career coaching, job fairs behind bars, and support for people after release.
boltsmag.org
December 22, 2025 at 12:02 AM
An Oregon story from @boltsmag.org: an effective jobs program for the incarcerated currently threatened by budget cuts.
boltsmag.org/oregon-priso...
boltsmag.org/oregon-priso...
Reposted by Bolts
Just 11 days left in our year-fundraising drive!
This is the days we finalize decisions for our upcoming year’s budget — incl money we plan to allocate to illustrations, freelance work, research, and more key expenses.
It’s a great time to become a subscriber and grow our base — or one time donor!
This is the days we finalize decisions for our upcoming year’s budget — incl money we plan to allocate to illustrations, freelance work, research, and more key expenses.
It’s a great time to become a subscriber and grow our base — or one time donor!
I mentioned that I'd have been lost without The Downballot this year.
But there are really 2 outlets that fit that description for me.
The other is @boltsmag.org (I can't mention one w/out mentioning the other).
Just an amazing resource, and so worthy of a donation:
boltsmag.org/donate-page/...
But there are really 2 outlets that fit that description for me.
The other is @boltsmag.org (I can't mention one w/out mentioning the other).
Just an amazing resource, and so worthy of a donation:
boltsmag.org/donate-page/...
Support Bolts
We are a nonprofit publication that covers the nuts and bolts of political change, from the local up, and we need reader support to build our journalism.
boltsmag.org
December 21, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Just 11 days left in our year-fundraising drive!
This is the days we finalize decisions for our upcoming year’s budget — incl money we plan to allocate to illustrations, freelance work, research, and more key expenses.
It’s a great time to become a subscriber and grow our base — or one time donor!
This is the days we finalize decisions for our upcoming year’s budget — incl money we plan to allocate to illustrations, freelance work, research, and more key expenses.
It’s a great time to become a subscriber and grow our base — or one time donor!
Incarcerated writer Kwaneta Harris says solitary confinement keeps no one safe. “The answer isn’t throwing them in a concrete box for years; it’s trauma-informed care, therapeutic communities, meditation programs, restorative justice practices.”
“Designed to Break You:” Two Incarcerated Writers on the Heavy Toll of Solitary Confinement
The authors of a new book on solitary answer your questions about their experiences with isolation and the movement to end the torturous practice.
boltsmag.org
December 21, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Incarcerated writer Kwaneta Harris says solitary confinement keeps no one safe. “The answer isn’t throwing them in a concrete box for years; it’s trauma-informed care, therapeutic communities, meditation programs, restorative justice practices.”
The year is coming to an end but at Bolts, we’re not slowing down. Make a one-time or monthly donation today and help us continue our reporting on local politics, criminal justice, and democracy into 2026:
Support Bolts
We are a nonprofit publication that covers the nuts and bolts of political change, from the local up, and we need reader support to build our journalism.
boltsmag.org
December 21, 2025 at 9:28 PM
The year is coming to an end but at Bolts, we’re not slowing down. Make a one-time or monthly donation today and help us continue our reporting on local politics, criminal justice, and democracy into 2026:
Cook County’s main vehicle for righting wrongful convictions is the Conviction Integrity Unit, a group of prosecutors who are supposed to honestly appraise their colleagues’ work. The unit has not exonerated anyone in a year.
Exonerations Grind to a Halt Under Chicago’s New Prosecutor
Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke has weakened her office’s already broken system for freeing the innocent, even as allegations of coercion mount against a former Chicago detective.
boltsmag.org
December 21, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Cook County’s main vehicle for righting wrongful convictions is the Conviction Integrity Unit, a group of prosecutors who are supposed to honestly appraise their colleagues’ work. The unit has not exonerated anyone in a year.
Trump hoped for big gains when he pressured GOP-led states to redraw their maps this year. But many developments have brought this battle closer to a draw.
Just how much of a draw? Learn more in our latest “Ask Bolts”:
Just how much of a draw? Learn more in our latest “Ask Bolts”:
The Escalating Race to Redistrict: Your Questions Answered
How are the new maps changing the midterms? Would proportional representation help? Why are courts not doing more? You asked, and we’ve got answers about mid-decade redistricting.
boltsmag.org
December 21, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Trump hoped for big gains when he pressured GOP-led states to redraw their maps this year. But many developments have brought this battle closer to a draw.
Just how much of a draw? Learn more in our latest “Ask Bolts”:
Just how much of a draw? Learn more in our latest “Ask Bolts”: