Michael Barajas
@michaelbarajas.bsky.social
managing editor boltsmag.org, mbarajas@boltsmag.org
Reposted by Michael Barajas
2025 was just as busy as 2024, so we’ll forgive you if you missed some of our articles at @boltsmag.org!
Our team chose just 10 of our favorite pieces of the year. It was very hard to choose—but these are articles I'd love for you to not miss.
(And: thank you for reading us!) 🧵
Our team chose just 10 of our favorite pieces of the year. It was very hard to choose—but these are articles I'd love for you to not miss.
(And: thank you for reading us!) 🧵
December 29, 2025 at 11:49 PM
2025 was just as busy as 2024, so we’ll forgive you if you missed some of our articles at @boltsmag.org!
Our team chose just 10 of our favorite pieces of the year. It was very hard to choose—but these are articles I'd love for you to not miss.
(And: thank you for reading us!) 🧵
Our team chose just 10 of our favorite pieces of the year. It was very hard to choose—but these are articles I'd love for you to not miss.
(And: thank you for reading us!) 🧵
Reposted by Michael Barajas
“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...
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
Reposted by Michael Barajas
All asylum decisions paused. Naturalization ceremonies canceled. Green card applications on hold.
The Trump administration's blanket restrictions on legal immigration "don’t just disrupt paperwork, they derail lives.” My latest for @motherjones.com:
The Trump administration's blanket restrictions on legal immigration "don’t just disrupt paperwork, they derail lives.” My latest for @motherjones.com:
Trump Is “basically shutting down the legal immigration system”
In response to the DC shooting, the administration is blocking pathways for rule-following and vulnerable immigrants.
www.motherjones.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:45 PM
All asylum decisions paused. Naturalization ceremonies canceled. Green card applications on hold.
The Trump administration's blanket restrictions on legal immigration "don’t just disrupt paperwork, they derail lives.” My latest for @motherjones.com:
The Trump administration's blanket restrictions on legal immigration "don’t just disrupt paperwork, they derail lives.” My latest for @motherjones.com:
Reposted by Michael Barajas
The Massey Commission was established after Sonya Massey was killed by a sheriff's deputy in her own home. I followed along for 9 months as its members tried to enact real policing & mental health reforms – & grappled w/ the limits of these commissions to effect change: boltsmag.org/sonya-massey...
A Police Killing Drew National Protests. At Home, a Commission Struggles with How to Make a Difference. - Bolts
Part I: “I’m going to still try” On July 6, 2024, the morning after Sonya Massey was murdered by a Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy, a local citizen journalist named Calvin... Read More
boltsmag.org
December 11, 2025 at 8:21 PM
The Massey Commission was established after Sonya Massey was killed by a sheriff's deputy in her own home. I followed along for 9 months as its members tried to enact real policing & mental health reforms – & grappled w/ the limits of these commissions to effect change: boltsmag.org/sonya-massey...
Reposted by Michael Barajas
Over the past year, a group of activists, former law enforcement officials, and relatives of people who were harmed by police worked to recommend police reforms for Springfield, Illinois. Their new report reflects months of debate and compromise.
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 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Over the past year, a group of activists, former law enforcement officials, and relatives of people who were harmed by police worked to recommend police reforms for Springfield, Illinois. Their new report reflects months of debate and compromise.
Reposted by Michael Barajas
NEW: Here's my story on Arlington, Texas, becoming the first known city in the nation to kill a city-wide LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination policy in response to the Trump administration. With no statewide protections, it was one of the few things protecting LGBTQ+ Texans: www.chron.com/culture/arti...
Texas city among first in the nation to kill LGBTQ+ protections
Residents pleaded with the city council to keep the ordinance in place.
www.chron.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:51 PM
NEW: Here's my story on Arlington, Texas, becoming the first known city in the nation to kill a city-wide LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination policy in response to the Trump administration. With no statewide protections, it was one of the few things protecting LGBTQ+ Texans: www.chron.com/culture/arti...
Reposted by Michael Barajas
Max Huntsman, the inspector general tasked with holding the LA Sheriff’s Department to account, is retiring… and going out with a bang in this letter 🔥
December 9, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Max Huntsman, the inspector general tasked with holding the LA Sheriff’s Department to account, is retiring… and going out with a bang in this letter 🔥
Reposted by Michael Barajas
They're using the confinement box, one of the most horrific methods of CIA torture in the post-9/11 black sites, against migrants now. This is the direct result of the lack of consequences for the architects of the torture program. Either there will be criminal penalties for this or it will expand.
Torture Techniques from CIA Black Sites Were Used at Alligator Alcatraz
Amnesty International, interviewing migrant detainees, identifies use of the confinement box. There can be no denying it is a torture prison
www.forever-wars.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:40 PM
They're using the confinement box, one of the most horrific methods of CIA torture in the post-9/11 black sites, against migrants now. This is the direct result of the lack of consequences for the architects of the torture program. Either there will be criminal penalties for this or it will expand.
A shady stop and search outside San Antonio underscores the role of local elected officials (sheriffs) in the growing surveillance dragnet by federal police
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investi...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investi...
How mysterious Texas surveillance network is reshaping traffic stops in Texas
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office case provides a rare inside look that illustrates nearly everything critics say is wrong with the practice of stopping and searching motorists.
www.houstonchronicle.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:21 PM
A shady stop and search outside San Antonio underscores the role of local elected officials (sheriffs) in the growing surveillance dragnet by federal police
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investi...
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investi...
Reposted by Michael Barajas
New from me: The DOJ plans to dismantle protections for trans and intersex people in federal, state, and local prisons, jails, and youth detention facilities, according to a government memo obtained by Prism.
Trump administration plans to end prison rape protections for trans and intersex people
A Department of Justice memo says certain standards under the Prison Rape Elimination Act do not align with Trump’s executive order
prismreports.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:20 PM
New from me: The DOJ plans to dismantle protections for trans and intersex people in federal, state, and local prisons, jails, and youth detention facilities, according to a government memo obtained by Prism.
Reposted by Michael Barajas
FOLKS, do you have questions on the redistricting wars (especially tonight)?
Bolts just launched a call for questions today: Tell us what you want to know... on new maps, about lingering questions, about lawsuits, on VRA threat, what where it means for 2026?
Reply below, or there's a form in here:
Bolts just launched a call for questions today: Tell us what you want to know... on new maps, about lingering questions, about lawsuits, on VRA threat, what where it means for 2026?
Reply below, or there's a form in here:
How Is Mid-Decade Redistricting Upending the Midterms? Send Us Your Questions. - Bolts
Redistricting is on the political agenda of state governments all over the country this year, an unusual trend for the middle of a decade. Spurred by President Trump, Texas adopted... Read More
boltsmag.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:30 PM
FOLKS, do you have questions on the redistricting wars (especially tonight)?
Bolts just launched a call for questions today: Tell us what you want to know... on new maps, about lingering questions, about lawsuits, on VRA threat, what where it means for 2026?
Reply below, or there's a form in here:
Bolts just launched a call for questions today: Tell us what you want to know... on new maps, about lingering questions, about lawsuits, on VRA threat, what where it means for 2026?
Reply below, or there's a form in here:
an unapologetic fascist and attorney in North TX is trying to move from court-appointed cases to a seat on the bench
see more of Steven's great coverage of this guy thebarbedwire.com/2025/08/22/c...
see more of Steven's great coverage of this guy thebarbedwire.com/2025/08/22/c...
December 4, 2025 at 9:18 PM
an unapologetic fascist and attorney in North TX is trying to move from court-appointed cases to a seat on the bench
see more of Steven's great coverage of this guy thebarbedwire.com/2025/08/22/c...
see more of Steven's great coverage of this guy thebarbedwire.com/2025/08/22/c...
Reposted by Michael Barajas
Men incarcerated at the notorious Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia in the 1800s had more access to sunlight than people held at DCP now.
And it can lead to lifelong health consequences.
www.pennlive.com/news/2025/12...
And it can lead to lifelong health consequences.
www.pennlive.com/news/2025/12...
Isolation in Dauphin County jail can lead to lifelong medical problems: ‘If I don’t get out of here soon, I’m going to die’
Men incarcerated at the notorious Eastern State Penitentiary in the 1800s had more access to sunlight and outdoors than people currently incarcerated at DCP.
www.pennlive.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Men incarcerated at the notorious Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia in the 1800s had more access to sunlight than people held at DCP now.
And it can lead to lifelong health consequences.
www.pennlive.com/news/2025/12...
And it can lead to lifelong health consequences.
www.pennlive.com/news/2025/12...
a very kind offer from a reader, any level of support really helps—even if just a follow and/or share, which still gets us more $ from Russ!
i'm proud of the reporting that this small team continues to crank out every week, and immensely grateful to the readers who have helped us keep it going
i'm proud of the reporting that this small team continues to crank out every week, and immensely grateful to the readers who have helped us keep it going
You can help Bolts continue to provide crucial coverage of local elections. Here's how:
- Repost this = I donate $1.
- Follow @boltsmag.org = I donate $1.
- Donate (link below) + tell me how much = I match your donation.
(Donate monthly = I match a year's worth)
- Repost this = I donate $1.
- Follow @boltsmag.org = I donate $1.
- Donate (link below) + tell me how much = I match your donation.
(Donate monthly = I match a year's worth)
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 3, 2025 at 10:00 PM
a very kind offer from a reader, any level of support really helps—even if just a follow and/or share, which still gets us more $ from Russ!
i'm proud of the reporting that this small team continues to crank out every week, and immensely grateful to the readers who have helped us keep it going
i'm proud of the reporting that this small team continues to crank out every week, and immensely grateful to the readers who have helped us keep it going
Reposted by Michael Barajas
North Carolina prisons just hiked up prices for basic goods – such as food, drinks & AAA batteries. But the prices were already high.
Even if prices are up mere cents, it could have a big impact: The state pays incarcerated workers between just 40 cents & $1.25/day. boltsmag.org/north-caroli...
Even if prices are up mere cents, it could have a big impact: The state pays incarcerated workers between just 40 cents & $1.25/day. boltsmag.org/north-caroli...
North Carolina Prison Officials Raise Prices for Those Who Can Least Afford It - Bolts
It’s 4:30 pm on a Monday as Colell Steele stands in front of the closed canteen window at Neuse Correctional, a medium-custody prison in North Carolina. He’s lined up to... Read More
boltsmag.org
December 2, 2025 at 7:50 PM
North Carolina prisons just hiked up prices for basic goods – such as food, drinks & AAA batteries. But the prices were already high.
Even if prices are up mere cents, it could have a big impact: The state pays incarcerated workers between just 40 cents & $1.25/day. boltsmag.org/north-caroli...
Even if prices are up mere cents, it could have a big impact: The state pays incarcerated workers between just 40 cents & $1.25/day. boltsmag.org/north-caroli...
NC prison officials say “shifting economic conditions” forced them to raise their markup on basic goods like food, drinks, batteries to run radios, etc
Phill Smith, who’s incarcerated there, reports on the impact of the price hike and how prisons squeeze revenue from those who can least afford it
Phill Smith, who’s incarcerated there, reports on the impact of the price hike and how prisons squeeze revenue from those who can least afford it
North Carolina Prison Officials Raise Prices for Those Who Can Least Afford It - Bolts
It’s 4:30 pm on a Monday as Colell Steele stands in front of the closed canteen window at Neuse Correctional, a medium-custody prison in North Carolina. He’s lined up to... Read More
boltsmag.org
December 2, 2025 at 3:30 PM
NC prison officials say “shifting economic conditions” forced them to raise their markup on basic goods like food, drinks, batteries to run radios, etc
Phill Smith, who’s incarcerated there, reports on the impact of the price hike and how prisons squeeze revenue from those who can least afford it
Phill Smith, who’s incarcerated there, reports on the impact of the price hike and how prisons squeeze revenue from those who can least afford it
Reposted by Michael Barajas
absolutely harrowing description of adx supermax in colorado boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
November 27, 2025 at 9:30 AM
absolutely harrowing description of adx supermax in colorado boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Reposted by Michael Barajas
After 30 years in prison and 25 years on Louisiana's death row, Chris Duncan walked out of Angola today a free man.
"I'm cruising down a highway," he texted me. "Most glaring emotion is shock."
"I'm cruising down a highway," he texted me. "Most glaring emotion is shock."
November 27, 2025 at 1:02 AM
After 30 years in prison and 25 years on Louisiana's death row, Chris Duncan walked out of Angola today a free man.
"I'm cruising down a highway," he texted me. "Most glaring emotion is shock."
"I'm cruising down a highway," he texted me. "Most glaring emotion is shock."
Reposted by Michael Barajas
After Biden commuted the sentences of 37 men on federal death row last year, the Trump administration is retaliating by sending them to the supermax. Prisoners are locked in cells smaller than a parking space 22-24 hours a day.
One prisoner told me he fears he won't make it out alive.
My latest:
One prisoner told me he fears he won't make it out alive.
My latest:
Death Row Prisoners Granted Clemency by Biden Brace for "Living Hell" Under Trump - Bolts
Trump officials are retaliating by imposing the harshest conditions in the entire federal prison system, including near total isolation.
boltsmag.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:36 PM
After Biden commuted the sentences of 37 men on federal death row last year, the Trump administration is retaliating by sending them to the supermax. Prisoners are locked in cells smaller than a parking space 22-24 hours a day.
One prisoner told me he fears he won't make it out alive.
My latest:
One prisoner told me he fears he won't make it out alive.
My latest:
Reposted by Michael Barajas
Congressional redistricting is monumentally important. But for Black people in places like Fayette County, TN, it is the County Commn where the stakes are highest.
What SCOTUS does in Louisiana v Calláis may threaten Black representation across the rural South.
boltsmag.org/voting-right...
What SCOTUS does in Louisiana v Calláis may threaten Black representation across the rural South.
boltsmag.org/voting-right...
Black Residents in West Tennessee Just Won Fairer Districts. Now Comes SCOTUS. - Bolts
The Supreme Court may further erode the Voting Rights Act in an upcoming decision. Beyond affecting Congress, that would reverberate across local governments nationwide.
boltsmag.org
November 24, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Congressional redistricting is monumentally important. But for Black people in places like Fayette County, TN, it is the County Commn where the stakes are highest.
What SCOTUS does in Louisiana v Calláis may threaten Black representation across the rural South.
boltsmag.org/voting-right...
What SCOTUS does in Louisiana v Calláis may threaten Black representation across the rural South.
boltsmag.org/voting-right...
Biden granted mercy to most everyone on federal death row before leaving office. Trump retaliated by putting them in some of the harshest conditions of longterm isolation that American prisons can impose.
Another must-read by @laurengill.bsky.social boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Another must-read by @laurengill.bsky.social boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Death Row Prisoners Granted Clemency by Biden Brace for "Living Hell" Under Trump - Bolts
Trump officials are retaliating by imposing the harshest conditions in the entire federal prison system, including near total isolation.
boltsmag.org
November 24, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Biden granted mercy to most everyone on federal death row before leaving office. Trump retaliated by putting them in some of the harshest conditions of longterm isolation that American prisons can impose.
Another must-read by @laurengill.bsky.social boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Another must-read by @laurengill.bsky.social boltsmag.org/death-row-cl...
Reposted by Michael Barajas
NEW: You've heard SCOTUS could soon upend the balance in power in Congress by gutting the VRA. But that'd also be a huge blow to Black voting power in *local* governments.
In west Tennessee, Black residents just won a new county map this year—but those gains now look very fragile.
Great reporting:
In west Tennessee, Black residents just won a new county map this year—but those gains now look very fragile.
Great reporting:
Black Residents in West Tennessee Just Won Fairer Districts. Now Comes SCOTUS. - Bolts
The Supreme Court may further erode the Voting Rights Act in an upcoming decision. Beyond affecting Congress, that would reverberate across local governments nationwide.
boltsmag.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:02 PM
NEW: You've heard SCOTUS could soon upend the balance in power in Congress by gutting the VRA. But that'd also be a huge blow to Black voting power in *local* governments.
In west Tennessee, Black residents just won a new county map this year—but those gains now look very fragile.
Great reporting:
In west Tennessee, Black residents just won a new county map this year—but those gains now look very fragile.
Great reporting:
Reposted by Michael Barajas
Incredibly depressing to see this story wrap up by quoting a lawmaker who says, “we have to allow for more exceptions,” when the entire story is evidence that exceptions don’t work, especially for a Black woman like Tierra Walker who was already at higher risk of dying due to medical neglect
“Ticking Time Bomb”: A Pregnant Mother Kept Getting Sicker. She Died After She Couldn’t Get an Abortion in Texas.
Walker is one of several women ProPublica found with underlying health conditions who died when they couldn’t access abortions.
www.propublica.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Incredibly depressing to see this story wrap up by quoting a lawmaker who says, “we have to allow for more exceptions,” when the entire story is evidence that exceptions don’t work, especially for a Black woman like Tierra Walker who was already at higher risk of dying due to medical neglect
Reposted by Michael Barajas
My last freelance piece of the year published yesterday in @boltsmag.org, taking a look at how Illinois' name change law still disproportionately impacts trans people with criminal histories. boltsmag.org/illinois-nam...
In Illinois, Trans People With Criminal Records Still Face Hurdles to Changing Their Names - Bolts
Illinois earlier this year removed obstacles that some trans residents face when changing their name, with legislators lifting more of the restrictions faced by people with criminal convictions. The ...
boltsmag.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:46 PM
My last freelance piece of the year published yesterday in @boltsmag.org, taking a look at how Illinois' name change law still disproportionately impacts trans people with criminal histories. boltsmag.org/illinois-nam...