Emily Henderson Emily Henderson, on her first visit to San Quentin State Prison to play softball, hit a 300ft home run into left field. She set a record as the first woman to ever hit a home run in softball at The Q. Henderson, a high school coach, said she came in to the prison because, “Any opportunity I get to play softball, I am there.” It was the first pitch to Henderson, the second batter in the first inning of the May 5 game against the Hardtimers, whose 28-7 victory was eclipsed by the homer. … [Read more...] about Henderson hits a homer in San Quentin on her first pitch
Some New York state prisoners given free electronic tablets
Some New York state prisoners have been issued computers that give them limited access to a variety of features including music, movies and emails. “This program will better prepare incarcerated individuals to return to a society dominated by technology while also increasing social interactions with family and friends,” a prison spokesperson told Bronx Justice News. The computers are provided free by JPay, but inmates pay for content and services. The devices were provided initially to general population inmates at three female … [Read more...] about Some New York state prisoners given free electronic tablets
Gov. Mike DeWine halts executions in Ohio
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has halted capital punishment in his state until a constitutional method is developed for executions. “As long as the status quo remains where we don’t have a protocol that has been found to be OK, we certainly cannot have any executions in Ohio,” DeWine told reporters at an Associated Press forum. “That would not be right, at least in my opinion.” DeWine ordered a review of Ohio’s method of execution in January. He acted after a federal judge ruled that Ohio could execute Warren Henness, because Henness had failed … [Read more...] about Gov. Mike DeWine halts executions in Ohio
As hunger strikes continue in ICE detention centers court issues decree to stop force feeding certain individuals
Flag of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement A judge has ordered the federal government to stop force-feeding detainees on a hunger-strike at an El Paso, Tex., immigration processing center. “This is a win for us,” said Louis Lopez, one of the attorneys representing Malkeet Singh and Jasvir Singh. Both men are seeking political asylum. “They have a First Amendment right to protest,” Lopez told the El Paso Times. U.S. District Judge David Guaderrama ordered the government to stop force- feeding two of nine detained … [Read more...] about As hunger strikes continue in ICE detention centers court issues decree to stop force feeding certain individuals
Nevada man commits suicide after his pleas for execution are denied
A Nevada man who pleaded for his execution killed himself when his wish was denied. Scott Raymond Dozier, 48, was found hanged in his cell on Jan. 5 at Nevada’s maximum security prison in Ely, prison officials told the New York Times. “I’ve been very clear about my desire to be executed... even if suffering is inevitable,” Dozier said in a handwritten note to a state court judge. The judge postponed Dozier’s execution in 2017 over concerns that the “untried” combination of drugs could “leave him suffocating, conscious and able to move,” … [Read more...] about Nevada man commits suicide after his pleas for execution are denied
Hygiene products more readily available for incarcerated woman
Department of Health seal Female hygiene products are becoming more avail- able to incarcerated women, thanks to what is called “the menstrual equality movement,” according to corrections.com. The new policy for federal prisons was adopted in 2017. It requires all federal prisons to provide free Tampons and other hygiene products to female prisoners. A bill in Congress to apply the change to all states failed, the story reported. “It’s all part of what is called the menstrual equity movement,” said Chris Tricozzi, vice president of … [Read more...] about Hygiene products more readily available for incarcerated woman
Some law enforcement and victim advocates oppose Proposition 57
Some police and victim advocates claim a recent court ruling could lead to the early release of many violent and sex offenders, reports the Times Herald. The case involves Gregory Gadlin, serving 35 years to life for assault with a deadly weapon. He was also convicted previously of forcible rape in 1984 and forcible child molestation in 1986. The 2nd District Court of Appeals ruled in January that Gadlin should be considered for early release under terms of Proposition 57, the voter- approved initiative aimed at reducing prison … [Read more...] about Some law enforcement and victim advocates oppose Proposition 57
Florida restores voting rights to more than a million
More than a million former Florida prisoners have regained the right to vote, thanks to a ballot initiative. As of January, released prisoners could simply fill out the existing application, signing under oath that their voting rights have been restored, reported the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida in an Associated Press (AP) article. The ballot initiative approved in November excludes those convicted of murder or sex offenses, the AP noted. “Voting is one of the most sacred and valuable rights you have as an American. A … [Read more...] about Florida restores voting rights to more than a million