Michael Barajas
@michaelbarajas.bsky.social
managing editor boltsmag.org, mbarajas@boltsmag.org
Reposted by Michael Barajas
My latest for @boltsmag.org examines efforts to pass the MA Survivors Act, allowing abuse survivors to petition for resentencing (& release) or avoid lengthy/life prison sentences: boltsmag.org/massachusett...
Massachusetts Could Be the Next State to Give Abuse Survivors a Pathway Out of Prison - Bolts
The Massachusetts Survivors Act emulates recent resentencing reforms across the country that allow for reduced sentences for people with convictions related to their abuse.
boltsmag.org
January 22, 2026 at 3:17 PM
My latest for @boltsmag.org examines efforts to pass the MA Survivors Act, allowing abuse survivors to petition for resentencing (& release) or avoid lengthy/life prison sentences: boltsmag.org/massachusett...
Reposted by Michael Barajas
New in @boltsmag.org: Virginia voters will decide this year whether to repeal the state's exceptionally harsh Jim Crow-era policy of banning anyone with any felony from voting for life. This will be the country's first statewide vote on felony disenfranchisement since 2020.
Virginia Lawmakers Ask Voters to Repeal a Jim Crow-Era Lifetime Ban on Voting - Bolts
Voters will decide this year whether to end Virginia’s uniquely harsh felony disenfranchisement rules. They'll also vote on abortion, gay marriage, and redistricting.
boltsmag.org
January 16, 2026 at 6:26 PM
New in @boltsmag.org: Virginia voters will decide this year whether to repeal the state's exceptionally harsh Jim Crow-era policy of banning anyone with any felony from voting for life. This will be the country's first statewide vote on felony disenfranchisement since 2020.
Reposted by Michael Barajas
Here's an enraging story I wrote about today: A lady currently incarcerated in Texas has been taking care of a stray cat. It got sick. Her daughter started a fundraiser to pay for the vet. The prison now has put her in solitary confinement. thebarbedwire.com/2026/01/15/p...
After a Prison Cat Fundraiser Went Viral, Texas Officials Put His Caretaker in Solitary Confinement
“She was crying when she called me,” her daughter told The Barbed Wire. “This is not a place my medically challenged mother should be.”
thebarbedwire.com
January 16, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Here's an enraging story I wrote about today: A lady currently incarcerated in Texas has been taking care of a stray cat. It got sick. Her daughter started a fundraiser to pay for the vet. The prison now has put her in solitary confinement. thebarbedwire.com/2026/01/15/p...
Reposted by Michael Barajas
From me in @boltsmag.org: some of the most important legal questions on voting rights and democracy that we're facing this year
Seven Legal Questions That Will Shape Democracy in 2026 - Bolts
Courts are set to decide a host of cases that will determine the fate of the VRA, confront the latest restrictions on direct democracy, and affect ballot access and redistricting.
boltsmag.org
January 13, 2026 at 8:51 PM
From me in @boltsmag.org: some of the most important legal questions on voting rights and democracy that we're facing this year
weekend must-read from @burness.bsky.social: How American Samoans, unlike ppl born in every other US territory and state, don't have voting rights—which has long generated confusion even among public officials, and has now made American Samoans a troubling new target for voter fraud prosecutions
Americans by Name, Punished for Believing It - Bolts
In a small Alaska town, American Samoans face prosecution for voting in the only country they’ve ever known. They live in a limbo, created by colonial expansion, that now confuses even public official...
boltsmag.org
January 9, 2026 at 11:25 PM
weekend must-read from @burness.bsky.social: How American Samoans, unlike ppl born in every other US territory and state, don't have voting rights—which has long generated confusion even among public officials, and has now made American Samoans a troubling new target for voter fraud prosecutions
Reposted by Michael Barajas
good point here: "By electing prosecutors less willing to confront police misconduct, two cities hit hard by ICE also found themselves with prosecutors less willing to stand up against ICE" slate.com/news-and-pol...
The FBI Is Already Obstructing the ICE Shooting Investigation. It Might Not Matter.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty can bring charges even without any arrest and is not one to back down from a case like this.
slate.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:51 PM
good point here: "By electing prosecutors less willing to confront police misconduct, two cities hit hard by ICE also found themselves with prosecutors less willing to stand up against ICE" slate.com/news-and-pol...
no surprise when a killer cop was part of training
police academies can be notoriously violent places that preach a combative view of the public www.texasobserver.org/the-culture-...
police instructors give all kinds of contorted testimony to justify violence www.texasobserver.org/hands-dont-s...
police academies can be notoriously violent places that preach a combative view of the public www.texasobserver.org/the-culture-...
police instructors give all kinds of contorted testimony to justify violence www.texasobserver.org/hands-dont-s...
NEW: Jonathan Ross is former National Guard and Border Patrol and has been part of ICE's SWAT equivalent, a team leader overseeing FBI, ATF, and IRS agents, and a firearms instructor, according to testimony obtained by WIRED. This is from @hudsongiles.bsky.social and me:
ICE Agent Who Reportedly Shot Renee Good Was a Firearms Trainer, Per Testimony
Jonathan Ross told a federal court in December about his professional background, including “hundreds” of encounters with drivers during enforcement actions, according to testimony obtained by WIRED.
www.wired.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:55 PM
no surprise when a killer cop was part of training
police academies can be notoriously violent places that preach a combative view of the public www.texasobserver.org/the-culture-...
police instructors give all kinds of contorted testimony to justify violence www.texasobserver.org/hands-dont-s...
police academies can be notoriously violent places that preach a combative view of the public www.texasobserver.org/the-culture-...
police instructors give all kinds of contorted testimony to justify violence www.texasobserver.org/hands-dont-s...
i don't totally get why it's all labeled 'illegal' when there are many exceptions to the PO box ban, but even if so.. doesn't this just show that the number is tiny (100-200ish out of 2.6 million registered voters) and that local election workers were already screening and suspending many of these?
Harris County tax office finds more than 100 voter registrations illegally tied to P.O. boxes | Houston Public Media
The findings were in response to a complaint filed by state Sen. Paul Bettencourt earlier this year, prompting the Texas Secretary of State's office to threaten potential oversight of elections in Har...
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
January 9, 2026 at 4:15 PM
i don't totally get why it's all labeled 'illegal' when there are many exceptions to the PO box ban, but even if so.. doesn't this just show that the number is tiny (100-200ish out of 2.6 million registered voters) and that local election workers were already screening and suspending many of these?
Reposted by Michael Barajas
Eleven American Samoans in Alaska face serious prison time for voting in the only country they’ve ever known. Theirs is a wild story of colonialism, cops, “voter fraud” panic, small-town beef, and family. I spent months on this + am so glad to now be able to share it: boltsmag.org/prosecuted-f...
Americans by Name, Punished for Believing It - Bolts
In a small Alaska town, American Samoans face prosecution for voting in the only country they’ve ever known. They live in a limbo, created by colonial expansion, that now confuses even public official...
boltsmag.org
January 8, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Eleven American Samoans in Alaska face serious prison time for voting in the only country they’ve ever known. Theirs is a wild story of colonialism, cops, “voter fraud” panic, small-town beef, and family. I spent months on this + am so glad to now be able to share it: boltsmag.org/prosecuted-f...
Reposted by Michael Barajas
If you were born on US soil, have a US passport, SSN, you can vote in US elections, right?
Not those from American Samoa. They're unique in not having birthright citizenship, something one Alaska town found out the hard way.
Can't-miss story by @burness.bsky.social
boltsmag.org/prosecuted-f...
Not those from American Samoa. They're unique in not having birthright citizenship, something one Alaska town found out the hard way.
Can't-miss story by @burness.bsky.social
boltsmag.org/prosecuted-f...
Americans by Name, Punished for Believing It - Bolts
In a small Alaska town, American Samoans face prosecution for voting in the only country they’ve ever known. They live in a limbo, created by colonial expansion, that now confuses even public official...
boltsmag.org
January 8, 2026 at 4:42 PM
If you were born on US soil, have a US passport, SSN, you can vote in US elections, right?
Not those from American Samoa. They're unique in not having birthright citizenship, something one Alaska town found out the hard way.
Can't-miss story by @burness.bsky.social
boltsmag.org/prosecuted-f...
Not those from American Samoa. They're unique in not having birthright citizenship, something one Alaska town found out the hard way.
Can't-miss story by @burness.bsky.social
boltsmag.org/prosecuted-f...
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