It’s Christmas morning. Outside, there are twinkling lights, cinnamon smells, and laughter echoing from living rooms. Inside, you might be listening to the buzz of fluorescent lights, the shuffle of boots on concrete, or silence broken only by distant conversation. Maybe you’re waking up alone with a letter tucked beneath your pillow. Maybe you’re still waiting on the one they mailed weeks ago.

The holidays are supposed to bring people closer. But for couples navigating the distance and challenges of incarceration, the season can feel more isolating than joyful. You may be sending love through letters instead of wrapping paper. Phone calls instead of holiday parties. And while the world counts down to celebrations, you're counting down until the next visit. This year, give a gift that bridges the space between you: the…

Long-distance love is hard – especially when one person is incarcerated. But you are not alone, and daily positive affirmations can help both your spirit and your relationship. Psychology research shows that affirmations (short, positive statements about yourself or your future) boost mood and confidence. One review found that self-affirmation exercises can significantly reduce anxiety and boost self-esteem, with effects lasting days or even weeks.

Even when love spans prison walls, the old give-and-take of a relationship still matters. Reciprocity – the sense that you and your partner are each doing your part – is a core ingredient in any healthy partnership. In normal life, reciprocity might look like splitting household chores or taking turns cheering each other up after a bad day. When one partner is incarcerated, those usual routines and roles are upended.

Even when love spans prison walls, the old give-and-take of a relationship still matters. Reciprocity – the sense that you and your partner are each doing your part – is a core ingredient in any healthy partnership. In normal life, reciprocity might look like splitting household chores or taking turns cheering each other up after a bad day. When one partner is incarcerated, those usual routines and roles are upended.

Reentry isn’t just “getting out of prison” – it’s rejoining society with a whole host of needs. Research consistently shows that the most effective reentry programs address all the basics of daily life, plus emotional health and community ties. In other words, to cut recidivism, support must be holistic and evidence-based. Key components include: Safe housing. Stable housing is a top predictor of success after prison.

Reentry isn’t just “getting out of prison” – it’s rejoining society with a whole host of needs. Research consistently shows that the most effective reentry programs address all the basics of daily life, plus emotional health and community ties. In other words, to cut recidivism, support must be holistic and evidence-based. Key components include: Safe housing. Stable housing is a top predictor of success after prison.

Long-distance love is hard – especially when one person is incarcerated. But you are not alone, and daily positive affirmations can help both your spirit and your relationship. Psychology research shows that affirmations (short, positive statements about yourself or your future) boost mood and confidence. One review found that self-affirmation exercises can significantly reduce anxiety and boost self-esteem, with effects lasting days or even weeks.

Most people think of prison as a cost. But in the United States, incarceration has also become a stream of revenue. Carceral capitalism is the system in which punishment is used to generate profit, and every dataset tells the same story: someone is getting paid when someone else is locked up. Let’s start with the basic scale. The U.S. holds over 1.9 million people in prisons and jails.

Most people think of prison as a cost. But in the United States, incarceration has also become a stream of revenue. Carceral capitalism is the system in which punishment is used to generate profit, and every dataset tells the same story: someone is getting paid when someone else is locked up. Let’s start with the basic scale. The U.S. holds over 1.9 million people in prisons and jails.

At Skyline Correctional Center, a cat roams around, programs are abundant, and dinners happen between staff and the incarcerated.

Incarcerated Californians are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis — and the state’s water restrictions.

Staying connected with loved ones behind bars dramatically improves post-release outcomes. Decades of research show that incarcerated people who receive visits, calls, mail, or other forms of contact are much less likely to re-offend. For example, a large Florida study found each additional visit cut the odds of reconviction by about 3.8%. Receiving more unique visitors also lowered recidivism risk (each new visitor reducing reconviction risk ~3%).

Life behind bars is hard in ways most outsiders never imagine. Survey data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and prison research highlights hidden obstacles that go far beyond what we see on TV. Consider just a few systemic barriers incarcerated people regularly encounter: Education and program waitlists. In theory, prisons offer education and rehabilitation programs. In reality, demand often exceeds supply.

I came to prison when I was 15. Now I’m 34. Behind bars, I've found peace with myself. Even in prison, I find blessings and witness beauty.

Life behind bars is hard in ways most outsiders never imagine. Survey data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and prison research highlights hidden obstacles that go far beyond what we see on TV. Consider just a few systemic barriersincarcerated people regularly encounter: Education and program waitlists. In theory, prisons offer education and rehabilitation programs. In reality, demand often exceeds supply.

I've had 16 prison Thanksgivings, but who's counting? Here in my section, which houses 84 of us, we have an additional tradition.

As private food providers' contracts grow, the meager and moldy portions behind bars have forced some people to eat toothpaste and toilet paper.

By the day after Thanksgiving, the holiday bustle has passed, and you or your incarcerated partner may feel a “holiday blues.” It’s natural to feel a letdown after Thanksgiving. One psychologist notes that the constant images of happy families at the holidays can make separation feel especially painful. In fact, research shows that separation from family is the largest factor in holiday depression for prisoners…