prison Archives

A New Book From BINJ Prison Reporter Jean Trounstine

“‘Sounds Like Trouble to Me’ isn’t just about the toll prison life takes on women, it’s about the breaking points in all of our lives, from domestic abuse to an attorney’s rage at injustice”

BINJ ONLINE May 4, 2026

Opinion: The Parole Board Needs Experts On Substance Use, Psychology, And Reentry

BINJ reporter Jean Trounstine’s testimony to the Governor’s Council opposing Parole Board candidate Vincent DeMore

JEAN TROUNSTINE April 27, 2026

Beacon Hill’s Blindest Spot: Can The Governor’s Council Reverse A Century Of Oversight?

A Massachusetts State House briefing sheds light on a crucial body that still operates in darkness, and points out the need for reform—on the ballot and elsewhere

JEAN TROUNSTINE April 14, 2026

Correcting The Record: Mass Parole Rates For Lifers Are Not Really Rising

State officials and news outlets recently reported that parole rates are on the rise, but data reveals that for Massachusetts lifers, the numbers are actually trending downward under new leadership—amidst mounting delays and stalled clemency petitions

JEAN TROUNSTINE February 17, 2026

Demonstrators Call For Independent Probe, Firings In Shacoby Kenny Death

Activists revive demands for jail closure following recent death in custody of Suffolk County Sheriff

ELIZA DEWEY February 5, 2026

Photos: Friday’s Anti-ICE Rally On Copley Square In Boston

Thousands gathered in the cold for a “no business as usual” demonstration organized by labor with various progressive groups during Friday’s nationwide strike

DEREK KOUYOUMJIAN January 30, 2026

Prison Brought Us Together, But Friendship Survives

This holiday season, longtime BINJ prison reporter Jean Trounstine reflects on the work that cleared her path to journalism

JEAN TROUNSTINE December 24, 2025

Beyond Boston: Fighting Poverty And Prison With College In Worcester

Prison education in Massachusetts: Inside Clark University’s program to leverage education’s proven power to cut recidivism

JEAN TROUNSTINE November 4, 2025

Parole Board Questions Dying Prisoner On 30-Year-Old Murder, Not His Health

For James Ware, an extremely ill Department of Correction prisoner, a final chance at release after medical parole denial

ELIZA DEWEY September 17, 2025

The Battle Over The Newest Member Of The Massachusetts Parole Board

Will former chief parole supervisor Angelo Gomez help or hurt the overburdened board? Some say he is “the right man” and dedicated to “support not surveillance.” Others question his priorities.

JEAN TROUNSTINE July 31, 2025