Author Archives: Jean

Prison Brought Us Together, But Friendship Survives

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

I first met Angie Jefferson in prison in 1992.

In 2024, there she was with two other friends, standing on my doorstep in Tewksbury.

Angie had come to my college acting class at Framingham MCI via Bertie, a Jamaican beauty shunned by others because she killed her daughter. Hurting a child is anathema to women behind bars; and while we know now it was likely post-partum depression, Bertie was deemed irredeemable. She sought refuge with nurturing women who didn’t judge, women like Angie. MORE IN BINJ

Beyond Boston: Fighting Poverty And Prison With College In Worcester

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Please read and share my newest in BINJ about this new fantastic higher-ed program that is in Worcester, MA–it offers an array of perks and classes that “fight poverty and prison and begins with this subtitle:” “Inside Clark University’s program to leverage education’s proven power to cut recidivism.” MORE

 
 

The Battle Over The Newest Member Of The Massachusetts Parole Board

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Pictured: Members of the Governor’s Council listen to Probation Commissioner Pamerson Ifill testify for Angelo Gomez in June | Photo by Jean Trounstine

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.  MORE   

Why is the Parole Board on the Governor’s Back Burner?

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Please read and share my newest which shows how little attention states are paying to

         When we asked “Why is the Parole Board on the Governor’s Back Burner?” here’s what we found.  Prisoner rights advocates say outgoing Chair Tina Hurley was dedicated and effective. So why is she leaving and who will replace her? MORE