This month marks the fifth anniversary of our people-powered advice column “Reader to Reader,” a regular feature in News Inside and the brainchild of my former colleague, Ariel Goodman. We’re so proud of “Reader to Reader” — it gives incarcerated people a chance to share life hacks and best practices no matter the distance between them. Past topics have included recipes, parenting, managing finances and more elements of prison life. Now, thanks to my colleagues Tammy Galarza and Aala Abdullahi, “Reader to Reader” has evolved into “Sending Kites,” a public version of the column that anyone can participate in, and which seeks to highlight voices from the families and other loved ones of incarcerated people. Check the form near the end of this column for participation instructions.

We’re ecstatic about Issue 23, which will continue giving readers a chance to share advice. You’ll find the latest installment of “Reader to Reader” on page 28.

“His Rap Lyrics Helped Send Him to Death Row. Travis Scott and T.I. Are Trying to Stop His Execution,” follows James Broadnax, who was ultimately executed in Texas after prosecutors used more than 40 pages of his handwritten rap lyrics as evidence at his 2009 trial. Major rappers, including Travis Scott and T.I., petitioned the Supreme Court on his behalf, arguing that his lyrics were art, not confession, and that using them this way plays on racial stereotypes. The case became even more complicated when his cousin confessed to the killings.

“ICE Detained Them, and Then They Vanished” reveals how immigration detainees are increasingly shuffled across the country with little warning, cutting them off from lawyers and family. One man was moved through four states in five days before being deported to Somalia, a country he hadn’t lived in for decades. Rapid transfers have more than doubled recently, often landing people in states with courts less favorable to their cases.

“What It’s Like to Go Through Perimenopause and Menopause in Prison” follows incarcerated women navigating a transition nearly half will face behind bars, often without basic information or care. One woman spent three years cycling through doctors before a radio segment finally explained her symptoms, then waited two more years for treatment. Left untreated, menopause can contribute to osteoporosis, heart disease and depression — and self-management tactics have led to disciplinary write-ups affecting parole.

We also have “In the Spotlight,” “Peeps,” “Reader to Reader,” a crossword puzzle, and more regular features.

Check out our PDF to enjoy the same material we send inside.

• Page 4: His Rap Lyrics Helped Send Him to Death Row. Travis Scott and T.I. Are Trying to Stop His Execution.
• Page 5: Challenges Await Mamdani as Hopes Rise for Closure of Notorious Rikers Island Jail Complex
• Page 7: ICE Detained Them, and Then They Vanished
• Page 12: What It’s Like to Go Through Menopause and Perimenopause in Prison
• Page 16: Guide: How to Navigate Perimenopause and Menopause in Prison
• Page 19: Public Records Shed Light on the Justice System — But it Can Be a Battle to Get Them
• Page 21: A Leading Prison Journalist Upends Our Obsession With True Crime
• Page 24: Hundreds of Calls for Help: What 911 Logs Reveal About the Local Jail

Want your loved one(s) to receive free future copies of News Inside? Fill out our registration form for individuals. For corrections staff or community members seeking bulk shipments of News Inside, please email your request to newsinside@themarshallproject.org.