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Em | Books Not Prisons

@booksnotprisons.bsky.social
327 followers 216 following 97 posts

Prison-hating queer librarian organizing in the bayou city. they/them. (A). #CommunitiesNotCages #AbolishTheDeathPenalty #FightToxicPrisons

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Reposted by Em | Books Not Prisons
Ash Ponders is looking for quick photo gigs @ashponders.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
lookoutnews.org
BREAKING: Border Patrol Arrests Tree Sitters, Cuts Down ‘Grandmother’ Cottonwood
Border Patrol agents arrested people protecting the tree Monday morning, ending a months-long protest that had halted border wall construction in the area.
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Em | Books Not Prisons @booksnotprisons.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Thoughts from Tony Egbuna Ford posted by request. #ChristaPike
A Heavy Heart For Christa Pike' going to rec this morning, the female guard escorting me to the outside rec yard was just about in tears, as she told me about Christa Pike's botched execution in Tennessee, and struggled to understand how could 'they' do that to her. and then she wondered optimistically that, since they failed, that maybe she'd go free. how do get her to understand the 'system' don't work like that? how do I get her to understand that, Christa Pike's tortuous ordeal in her botched execution, means nothing to the state or system hellbent on getting it's pound of flesh - no matter the torture they out her or anyone through, to get it? and how do I get her to understand that, the u.s. supreme court has stated that those of us slated for state sanctioned execution, have NO RIGHT(!) to a painless execution. let that sink in. those of us on death rows across this country, have NO RIGHT(!) to a painless execution. the ONLY reason Christa Pike wasn't killed last night, is because they just couldn't get it done.Kersean Ramey's bible was gifted to me this morning, so that i can get it to his loved ones... for long periods of time, I just sat staring at it... thinking about him... thinking about Christa... thinking about how Kersean told me that, looking at LeJames in the day room, before his scheduled execution, was hard on him. but, that he'd forgiven him. and that he didn't want execution for him. he was speaking from a place of great spiritual maturity, that can be seen in some of the things outlined in his bible. and I wondered if, any of those witness to Christa Pike's torture, had it in their hearts, that they didn't want that torture process for her... and I wondered if, by some grain of a miracle she could be spared a repeat of that horrible execution process. my heart truly goes out to her. always, in strength and in spirit! tony egbuna ford texas death row
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Em | Books Not Prisons @booksnotprisons.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
It's still #FreeMelissaLucio regardless what the CCA says. She needs our support now! Donate or send her some kind words today. www.gofundme.com/f/freemeliss...
gofundme.com
Donate to #freemelissalucionow!, organized by Sabrina Van Tassel
My name is Sabrina Van Tassel, I directed a documentary about Melissa Lucio called “The State… Sabrina Van Tassel needs your support for #freemelissalucionow!
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Interrupting Criminalization @interruptcrim.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
✊🏾 📝 📡 🗨️ 📁 🗃️ We ❤️ all our events, but we're really excited about this one... During this time of rising criminalization & authoritarianism, communities of resistance need to build our own communication networks! 🗣️🔗 Join this half-day interactive skill share: bit.ly/infopowerskillshare
SKILL SHARE Building Informational Power to Resist Authoritarianism Zines • Mesh networks • Community archiving • Prison radio • Signal safety OCT 10 • 1-5PM ET • ZOOM REGISTER NOW bit.ly/infopowerskillshare
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Democracy Now! @democracynow.org · 06/09/2026
In a new documentary, the investigative team at Al Jazeera’s Fault Lines traveled to St. Lucia and Colombia to speak with two families who believe their loved ones, both fishermen, were killed at sea by U.S. airstrikes. We speak with Fault Lines correspondent Josh Rushing.
democracynow.org
“Went to Sea and Never Came Back”: Families of Fishermen Seek Answers After Deadly U.S. Boat Strikes
A year ago today, the United States bombed a small boat in the Caribbean, killing nine people on board. Two survivors clung to the wreckage for 45 minutes, reportedly waving for help, before a second ...
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Dana El Kurd @danaelkurd.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
My latest for It Could Happen Here - reviewing the news about the disarmament of Hamas www.iheart.com/podcast/105-...
iheart.com
Disarming Hamas - It Could Happen Here | iHeart
<p>In this episode Dana El Kurd talks about recent news of Hamas dissolving its emergency committee in Gaza and agreeing to disarmament &ndash; sort of.</p> <p><strong>Sources:</strong></p> <p><a hre...
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James Stout @jamesstout.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I have signed this as well. If you’re an author, you ought to be in solidarity with librarians, and if you’re not an author you still should understand that libraries are wonderful places and they’re underresourced all over this country so our cops can have bearcats.
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Evan @evan7257.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
A dog attack. A sinkhole. An eviction notice. Then her luck changed. | Opinion www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outl...
houstonchronicle.com
Her luck was terrible. Then came eviction court.
Judge Steve Duble’s approach offers a model for reforming Harris County’s high-speed eviction system, writes Regina Lankenau.
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Electronic Frontier Foundation @eff.org · 19/08/2026
Do you know how to spot covert automated license plate readers (ALPRs)? Here's what to look out for if you're on the U.S.-Mexico border. www.eff.org/deeplinks/2...
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Jesse Walker @notjessewalker.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
"Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents appear to have worked directly with government officials in Iran to deport over 100 Iranian nationals as the United States prepared to bomb their home country..."
theintercept.com
ICE Worked With Iranian Regime to Set Up Deportation Flights as Trump Laid Plans for War
Immigration agents appeared to comply with an Iranian request to hand over specific nationals — and send the wrong person to Iran.
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Violet Fox 🦊 @violetbfox.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
We're at 94%!!! WHAT!! How!! I just looked at the total raised and FREAKED OUT. Astonishing.
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Violet Fox 🦊 @violetbfox.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
My friend was laid off a few months after moving to a new state to take a job. I can't imagine how devastating that must be. Consider making a small donation to show support for a trans librarian who's going through a terrible time. 📚 www.gofundme.com/f/support-fo...
gofundme.com
Donate to Support for a Trans Librarian, organized by Violet Fox
Hello! My name is Violet Fox and I'm raising money for a friend, a trans librarian who rece… Violet Fox needs your support for Support for a Trans Librarian
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Truthout @truthout.org · 10/08/2026
30-year-old youth minister Elijah Gantt has spent two years behind bars awaiting trial for attending a protest to mark the 10 year anniversary of Michael Brown’s killing. The state’s case included 12 charges and a sentencing request of 66 years until he accepted a plea deal. Now they are seeking 19.
truthout.org
Protesters Marking 10 Years After Michael Brown’s Killing Face Arrest and Prison
“To say, why were we out there, why were we even protesting … is to gaslight an entire community,” said one supporter.
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In These Times @inthesetimes.com · 10/08/2026
“Puerto Rico does not need any more sympathetic press releases or thoughts and prayers. It needs proper care and for its funding to be unlocked.” Coenia Sanchez argues Congress has a responsibility to reverse a water crisis federal policy helped create.
inthesetimes.com
Congress Has a Responsibility to Reverse the Water Crisis It Caused in Puerto Rico
Federal neglect—and restrictive aid conditions—have broken the infrastructure meant to sustain human life in the Caribbean U.S. colony.
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Frankie Huang 黄碧赤 @ourobororoboruo.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
I am making it a habit to always look for the labor story behind these nasty scandals. The consumers are almost never the only ones being harmed.
futurism.com
The Diarrhea Lettuce Company Has Been Linked to Forced Labor
The lettuce-producing Taylor Farms was linked to the widespread use of prison labor before its involvement in a cyclospora outbreak.
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jessamyn @librarian.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
I work at a public library. People who want to use AI seem to have no trouble doing so. People who don't want to use AI have a harder time. I crowdsourced and then finalized this document "How to disable or avoid intrusive AI" and then gave it a short URL: notoai.org Please pass along if it's useful
An aircraft passenger oxygen mask: a drop down passenger mask with air bag and yellow plastic mouth and nose cover, oxygen tube has been cut; Demonstration model used by flight attendant crew for passenger instruction. Has text on the side indicating that it's non-functional.
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Abolitionist Law Center @abolitionistlawcenter.org · 28/07/2026
Mumia Abu-Jamal is approaching the 45th anniversary of his incarceration. Today, he took his claim of arbitrary imprisonment for a crime he did not commit to a new tribunal: the United Nations. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Imprisoned writer Mumia Abu-Jamal seeks UN intervention after 44 years behind bars
The former Black Panther’s lawyers ask a UN panel to review his detention after US legal avenues were exhausted
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Prisonculture @prisonculture.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
www.nola.com/entertainmen...
nola.com
Jackie Summel and Freedom to Grow continue to help others see a world without prisons
Jackie Sumell created Freedom to Grow to promote abolitionist art and healing justice rooted in the legacy of the Angola 3, advancing community empowerment and creative archival practices across Louis...
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Em | Books Not Prisons @booksnotprisons.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
I spent the 4th talking to Houstonians about how we can help end the genocide in Gaza by pushing for an Arms Embargo at the Port of Houston. You can learn more and share the petition with Houstonians at HoustonArmsEmbargo.com
houstonarmsembargo.com
Houston Arms Embargo
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Reposted by Em | Books Not Prisons
Working Class History @workingclasshistory.com · 05/07/2026
#OtD 5 Jul 1971 a Led Zeppelin concert in Milan turned into riots when police attacked hundreds of young people who were demanding to be let in for free. It was part of a movement called autoriduzione, where workers collectively demanded lower prices. stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/1053...
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Electronic Frontier Foundation @eff.org · 28/06/2026
Congress could vote on the KIDS Act as soon as tomorrow. The bill would pressure websites to determine users’ ages, and more broadly moderate lawful speech. We’re urging lawmakers to vote NO: act.eff.org/action/tell...
act.eff.org
Tell Congress: Don’t Force Age Checks Online
Congress is preparing to vote on the KIDS Act, a sweeping internet bill that would pressure websites and apps to determine users’ ages before allowing them to read websites, send private messages, or participate in online communities.
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Carceral Abolition @carceralabolition.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Japanese Americans march against ICE detention in South Texas asamnews.com/2026/06/28/j...
asamnews.com
Japanese Americans march against ICE detention in South Texas – AsAmNews
Japanese American incarceration camp survivors completed a four-day march to the ICE detention facility in Dilley, Texas, to demand its closure.
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Lex McMenamin (they/them) @lexmcmenamin.com · 24/06/2026
Liz Soto and Savanna Batten are 2 of those sentenced to 50 years in prison for Prairieland. I visited them in a north Texas jail—11 months into their incarceration over a July 4 noise demo—to meet the Trump admin’s “Antifa terrorists”. from behind glass, Soto said, “They didn’t like my book club.”
theguardian.com
‘This is injustice’: how leftist zines were used to sentence anti-ICE protesters to decades in prison
Advocates sound alarm after zines were used as evidence to convict protesters of terrorism charges tied to 2025 protest at Texas ICE facility
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Daniel Suitor @danielsuitor.com · 15/06/2026
You don't have to answer the door for the Feds. Do not voluntarily talk to the Feds. If they have a warrant signed by an actual judge, then they can do precisely what the warrant says. But DO NOT TALK TO THE FEDS. Do not answer the door. If you're arrested, your only words are "I want a lawyer."
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Space City Weather @spacecitywx.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
We recap our rains so far and look ahead to the rest of the week. We also answer the question on everyone’s mind: Is this gonna be another Hurricane Harvey? #houwx
spacecityweather.com
Monday’s rains met expectations. What about the rest of the week?
In brief: In this afternoon’s post we recap our rains so far and look ahead to the rest of the week. We also answer the question on everyone’s mind: Is this gonna be another Hurricane H…
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Gwen C. Katz @gwenckatz.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Of $2.5 billion of fire relief funds, $0 went to fire victims. $75 million went to the military. $14 million went to pay cops to tear gas civilians who were protesting against ICE. www.nbclosangeles.com/investigatio...
nbclosangeles.com
Victims get little relief from Newsom's $2.5 billion fire fund
Most of California’s $2.5-billion fire relief fund is still unspent, according to records, & some money was diverted to CHP at protests.
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Status Coup News @statuscoupnews.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
🚨BREAKING: NJ state police slam anti-ICE protesters with their shields and fire flash bang grenade smack dab in the middle of dense crowd of protesters. WE'RE LIVE ⬇️
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Chris Pesci @chrispesci.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Want to help the people held at Delaney Hall and their familes? You can donate to any one of these efforts! 🔗Direct to Families- Linktr.ee/SupportOurFamilies 🔗Grocery Store Gift Card Fund- GiveButter.com/GroceryCards 🔗Commissary Fund- GiveButter.com/commissaryfund 🔗Pantry Bags- Food4NJ.org
linktr.ee
SupportOurFamilies | Linktree
Please support immigrant families by donating to the GoFundMe's below and purchasing supplies via Amazon Wishlist to support detainee visitors.
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Truthout @truthout.org · 29/05/2026
A small non-hierarchical collective in Tucson, Arizona, sent 250 3D-printed tourniquets to Lebanon after more than 100 Israeli strikes wounded at least 1,000 people in less than 10 minutes on April 8.
buff.ly
A Grassroots Group in Tucson Is 3D-Printing Tourniquets to Send to Lebanon
A small non-hierarchical collective in Arizona is using an open-source design to create life-saving tourniquets.
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Interrupting Criminalization @interruptcrim.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Over 20 people inside the Adelanto ICE Processing Center & Desert View Annex in CA have launched a hunger strike in response to inhumane conditions. Click here to learn 5 ways you can support their fight!
docs.google.com
Adelanto ICE Processing Center Hunger & Desert View Annex Labor Strike Toolkit
Adelanto ICE Processing Center Hunger & Labor Strike Support Toolkit Over 20 men inside the Adelanto ICE Processing Center and Desert View Annex have launched a hunger strike as of May 2026 in resp...
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RANGE Media @rangemedia.co · 28/05/2026
The attorneys for the defense have said they plan to appeal the verdict, but before that they will ask the judge to overturn it in a Rule 29 hearing in five weeks.
rangemedia.co
BREAKING: Jury finds Spokane 3 protesters guilty of federal conspiracy charges
The defendants could face up to six years in federal prison and/or $250,000 in fines. They are expected to appeal the verdict.
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Ruth Delgado @heylookitsruth.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
URGENT CALL TO ACTION: ICE agents at Delaney Hall have escalated drastically. There are reports of them beating detainees inside the facility RIGHT NOW. If you can't physically be at Delaney Hall, you need to CALL GOV. SHERRILL AND YOUR REPS!!! Phone number and call script below ⬇️
URGENT CALL TO ACTION
ICE agents at Delaney Hall have escalated drastically. There are reports of them beating detainees inside the facility RIGHT NOW. There is video evidence that they have been beating protestors, pushing them into vehicles, and pepper spraying them.

WE NEED YOU! THE TIME IS NOW! If you can't physically be at Delaney Hall, you need to CALL GOV. SHERRILL AND YOUR REPS!!!

TELL THEM TO GET TO DELANEY HALL IMMEDIATELY-THEIR CONSTITUENTS ARE
BEING BRUTALIZED!
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talia jane @taliajane.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Now: About 100 rank and file Legal Aid Society attorneys and allies are rallying outside Brooklyn Criminal Court after a woman was forced to give birth in arraignment. They’re discussing other instances of clients dying in custody & harsher punishments for NYC’s poor.
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pussyfullawasps 🗡️ joa (they) @pussyfullawasps.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
HRT Access Fund is accepting applications due May 31, 2026 “Point of Pride’s HRT Access Fund provides direct financial assistance to trans folks who cannot afford their gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy” Link: www.pointofpride.org/hrt-access-f...
pointofpride.org
Financial aid for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by Point of Pride
Point of Pride's HRT Access Fund provides 12 months of free medical care for trans folks seeking gender-affirming hormone therapy (HRT).
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Cabel Sasser @cabel.panic.com · 11/05/2026
this graduation speech moment is notable, and her amazed shock at having failed to read the room feels instructive. when you're inside the bubble, you think everybody else is. but everybody isn't.
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ifwhenhow @ifwhenhow.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
SCOTUS extends the stay until this Thursday, May 14. Mife is still available through mail in all 50 states. This court back-and-forth every few days is stressful. Knowing your rights and having accurate info is a must. Reach out to our Helpline: 844-868-2812 + ReproLegalHelpline.org.
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Mondoweiss @mondoweiss.net · 09/05/2026
A global campaign led by churches and an Islamic center across 15 U.S. states is sending hundreds of solidarity postcards to female Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, but Israeli prison authorities are blocking them from being delivered. mondoweiss.net/2026/04/isra...
mondoweiss.net
Israeli prison authorities are blocking hundreds of solidarity postcards being sent to female Palestinian prisoners
A global campaign led by churches and an Islamic center across 15 U.S. states is sending hundreds of solidarity postcards to female Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, but Israeli prison authorities...
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Robert Downen @robertdownen.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
BIG news: The proposed border wall through Big Bend National Park is off following months of bipartisan backlash.
texastribune.org
No border wall in Big Bend, CBP commissioner says
Texans across the political spectrum opposed wall construction in the national park. Now the agency’s plans include roadways and digital surveillance to monitor the rugged region.
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Truthout @truthout.org · 08/05/2026
“There isn’t a ceasefire,” 83-year-old Mohamed Baz, says quietly. “Israel is destroying our homes and towns and … attacking and killing those trying to return.”
truthout.org
Despite Ceasefire, Israel Continues to Expand Occupation of Southern Lebanon
Those displaced from south Lebanon wonder if they will ever return.
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Prison Policy Initiative @prisonpolicy.org · 03/05/2026
"The system uses isolation as its ultimate weapon of control... they wield it against anyone who dares to maintain their dignity or fight for basic human rights" Incarcerated writers @kwanetaharris.bsky.social & @chriswblackwell.bsky.social on the torturous reality of solitary:
boltsmag.org
“Designed to Break You:” Two Incarcerated Writers on the Heavy Toll of Solitary Confinement
The authors of a new book on solitary answer your questions about their experiences with isolation and the movement to end the torturous practice.
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Dana El Kurd @danaelkurd.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
This interview with novelist Bassem Khandaqji, who won the Booker prize while imprisoned by Israel, has me reflecting on how even the prison becomes a site of freedom. Bassem met & built connections to palestinians from all over historic palestine, because of the prison. youtu.be/Rd8v0tlJ6HY?...
youtu.be
How a Palestinian Prisoner Won the Booker Prize | Bassem Khandaqji (Arabic Episode)
YouTube video by Tarwida Podcast
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Rakesh Khanna @blaftrakesh.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
I stood in protests blocking California freeways during the 1991 Gulf War and the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan. It is *insane* that these protestors are facing felony conspiracy charges. Someday the forever war must end. missionlocal.org/2026/05/tria...
missionlocal.org
Trial kicks off for 7 pro-Palestine protesters facing up to 14 years for Golden Gate Bridge demonstration
Seven protesters facing up to 14 years in prison in connection to a 2024 pro-Palestinian demonstration saw their first day in court.
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Rima I Anabtawi @rimaanabtawi.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Award winning poet, Mosab Abu Toha’s aunt was shot in the chest in Jabalia camp, while sitting with her young children, holding her one month old baby, and it fighting for her life. This, under a “ceasefire” #Gaza
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Em | Books Not Prisons @booksnotprisons.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Last night I lost a comrade, and met three or four more at his execution. I walked in the forest listening to the rain. I listened to his wife, his widow, scream an agonizing noise I wish to never know. I helped make connections for an art show for his friends still inside. The rain hasn't stopped.
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Em | Books Not Prisons @booksnotprisons.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
More public shaming of judges please www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outl...
houstonchronicle.com
This Harris County primary runoff will determine who keeps their home
Will Harris County voters pick a mercurial jurist, content with an impersonal, unrelenting churn, or a less high-handed one who’s hungry for change? writes Chronicle columnist Regina Lankenau.
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Em | Books Not Prisons @booksnotprisons.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Everyone in the death chamber last night knew they were killing a man who killed no one. They couldnt even look his wife in the eye. Staff admitted to me that they pray for stays of execution and they hate this part of their job. The people in charge pray for a stay. Theres no words to describe it.
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H @haloise.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
For folks in #Houston and #HarrisCounty There's a vote to renew the Harris County contract with #Flock on May 14th, please fill out this form to tell the county commissioners to end the Flock contract instead. secure.everyaction.com/poLygV9pHEef...
secure.everyaction.com
End the Flock contract
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Em | Books Not Prisons @booksnotprisons.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Please keep contacting Governor Abbott and asking him to grant a 30 day reprieve to James Broadnax. His execution is still scheduled for 6 pm today. #abolition gov.texas.gov/contact
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Hannah Riley Fernandez @hannahcrileyy.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
for @thenation.com i wrote about how everyone hates Flock cameras ❤️ www.thenation.com/article/acti...
thenation.com
These AI-Powered Surveillance Cameras Are Everywhere—and People Have Had Enough
The nationwide fight against the suddenly ubiquitous Flock camera.
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Em | Books Not Prisons @booksnotprisons.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Please message or call the governor and ask for a reprieve of execution. gov.texas.gov/contact
gov.texas.gov
Contact the Governor's Office
Connect with Gov. Abbott and his staff.
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