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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 6h

RELEASE: Today, Katal members, including people who have been incarcerated or have incarcerated loved ones, attended the State Commission of Correction's September monthly meeting in person in Albany. Here is the statement we put out in response: katalcenter.org/2026/09/kata...

Katal members outside the state office building where the SCOC is located

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 30/09/2026

New exhibit at the Museum of the City of NY: @puffinfoundation.bsky.social Center for New York City Activism examines the history, tactics, and enduring impact of social activism in New York City. Our work by Josh MacPhee is featured in the new exhibit. Go check it out: www.mcny.org/press-releas...

mcny.org

Press Release: The Puffin Foundation Center for New York City Activism

Announcing Major Gift to Establish The Puffin Foundation Center for New York City Activism at the Museum of the City of New York

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Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice

Immigrant Defense Project (IDP) @immdefenseproject.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

NYS's new immigration law is now in effect! ✅ The law bans 287g agreements which is a good step. ❌ BUT there are a lot of urgently needed protections the law doesn't provide. We're breaking it down here, looking at the most common types of collusion and how NY fares🧵:

NEW YORK STATE’S NEW IMMIGRATION LAW IS NOW IN EFFECT - BUT WHAT’S MISSING?
We break down the most harmful types of local collusion with ICE and where New York State’s new law falls short in comparison to protections in other states

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 28/09/2026

Check out the testimony we submitted to City Council, calling on them to pass legislation to reduce the # of ppl being sent to Rikers with mental health issues & pass legislation to get people currently incarcerated released to receive treatment in the community. katalcenter.org/2026/09/test...

katalcenter.org

Testimony for Mental Health Care in New York City Jails Oversight Hearing - Katal Center

Thank you, Chair Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, for holding this New York City Council Committee on Criminal Justice oversight hearing on mental health care in

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 28/09/2026

Last week, the @council.nyc.gov held an oversight hearing on mental health care in NYC jails. Today, Rikers is the largest mental health facility in NYC and among the largest in the country. #ShutRikers Here's the statement our members put out after the hearing: katalcenter.org/2026/09/26874/

katalcenter.org

Statement on the NYC Council's Oversight Hearing On Mental Health Care in NYC Jails - Katal Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026 Contact: Yonah Zeitz, yonah@katalcenter.org | (347) 201-2769 Follow on Bluesky @KatalCenter |

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 18/09/2026

This morning, news broke that yet another person died in the custody of the NYC DOC. Luis Alberto Lopez Castillo, 20, is at least the 8th person to die in DOC custody since Mamdani became mayor in January 2026. #ShutRikers Here’s our statement in response: katalcenter.org/2026/09/rele...

katalcenter.org

RELEASE: 8th Human Being Dies in DOC Custody Under the Mamdani Administration - Katal Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, September 17, 2026 Contact: Yonah Zeitz: yonah@katalcenter.org • 347-201-2769 Follow on socials @KatalCenter • #ShutRikers

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 18/09/2026

Today marks the five-year anniversary of the signing of the historic parole reform measure, the Less Is More Act. This reform is positively impacting tens of thousands of New Yorkers and their families, while maintaining public safety. See our press release here: katalcenter.org/2026/09/five...

Less Is More Act Rally Outside of Hochul’s Office

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 16/09/2026

New administration, yet once again the DOC leadership attempted to skirt accountability and transparency from the remediation manager and federal monitor. Commissioner Richards promised greater oversight & transparency, he must deliver on this commitment. #ShutRikers queenseagle.com/all/2026/9/1...

queenseagle.com

Judge troubled after DOC leadership accused of attempting to stifle oversight — Queens Daily Eagle

A federal judge said that Department of Correction Commissioner Stanley Richards appeared to violate a number of court orders when he issued a recent directive limiting his top deputies from communica...

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Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice

Democracy Docket @democracydocket.com · 15/09/2026

🎉 It’s National Voter Registration Day! As the Trump administration ramps up its attacks on voting, it’s time to check your registration status and encourage loved ones to do the same: demdock.com/4gRtE8P

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 10/09/2026

HAPPENING NOW: Join us today at 12pm for our September Monthly Criminal Justice Reform Call. We’ll provide updates from Albany and have a special presentation on nonpartisan election defense for the upcoming November elections. RSVP here: katal.info/newyork

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 02/09/2026

No More Strikes! Stop the Killings! We’re getting started outside of the UN to demand an end to the drug war and boat strikes. #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay @vocal-ny.bsky.social @drugpolicy.org

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 01/09/2026

For International Overdose Awareness Day tomorrow, Wed, Sept. 2 at 10am - we’re joining @vocal-ny.bsky.social, @drugpolicy.org to demand action. Register here: katal.info/ioad26 Last year, the fed gov began illegal boat strikes, escalating the drug war while defunding programs that save lives.

No More Strikes, Stop the Killings in Our Name poster

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 01/09/2026

RELEASE: NYC’s legal deadline to close Rikers is one year away on August 31st, 2027. Since the city committed to closing Rikers, over 100 people have died in DOC Custody, including 7 this year under @mayor.nyc.gov. #ShutRikers Here’s our statement in response: katalcenter.org/2026/08/rele...

katalcenter.org

RELEASE: NYC’s Legal Deadline to Close the Rikers Island Jail Complex Is One Year Away on August 31st, 2027 - Katal Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, August 31, 2026 Contact: Yonah Zeitz: yonah@katalcenter.org • 347-201-2769 Follow on socials @KatalCenter •

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 20/08/2026

RELEASE: Yesterday, Christopher Rodriguez, 36, died in custody at the Bellevue Jail Unit. Mr. Rodriguez is at least the 6th person to die in DOC custody since @mayor.nyc.gov became mayor in January 2026. This is unacceptable. #ShutRikers See our release here: katalcenter.org/2026/08/6th-...

katalcenter.org

RELEASE: 6th Incarcerated Person to Die in DOC Custody Under Mamdani - Katal Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, August 19, 2026 Contact: Yonah Zeitz: yonah@katalcenter.org • 347-201-2769 Follow on socials @KatalCenter • #ShutRikers

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 19/08/2026

Instead of spending $500,000 per person per year to incarcerate one person at Rikers, the city should be spending that money to improve conditions in NYCHA and invest in our children. True public safety means investing in housing, health care, education, and jobs. #ShutRikers

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 11/08/2026

New story in @nysfocus.com highlights how ppl incarcerated in NY prisons are receiving malnutrition from DOCCS, which leads to poor health. NY's jail & prison watchdog, SCOC, is tasked with ensuring the well-being of incarcerated people, which must include their health. nysfocus.com/2026/08/11/p...

nysfocus.com

New York Banned Prison Care Packages. Fresh Food Vanished.

New York's prison package ban cut off a key source of fresh produce, which advocates say is putting incarcerated people's health at risk.

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 29/07/2026

Today, the State Commission of Correction held their July Monthly Meeting. The public portion of the meeting lasted 2 minutes long and the agency failed to address the various crises unfolding in jails and prisons across New York. They failed to address or even mention the recent death at Rikers.

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 29/07/2026

Over the weekend, Julian Pagan, 29, died in custody in the Bronx. Mr. Pagan is at least the fifth person to die in DOC custody since Zohran Mamdani became mayor in 2026. #ShutRikers Here is the statement we put out in response: katalcenter.org/2026/07/anot...

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Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice

Justice Committee @justicecommittee.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Since #MohamedBah was killed by NYPD, his mother devoted her life to ending police violence & supporting her community. A gift to #MohamedBah Legacy Project helps build bridges, create hope & carry forward the legacy of a son whose spirit continues to inspire change. Donate today: buff.ly/tH5pctU

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 20/07/2026

Last week, @mayor.nyc.gov held a World Cup watch party inside Rikers Island. While the World Cup fervor has been felt across the city this month, it’s great to see the city taking steps to ensure the people incarcerated at Rikers get to experience it to. #ShutRikers www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news...

cbsnews.com

NYC Mayor Mamdani watches World Cup with Rikers Island inmates

More than 100 inmates at the sprawling Rikers Island correctional facility gathered in a gymnasium at the complex's main intake center to watch Wednesday's semifinal match between England and Argentina.

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Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice

Rise and Resist @riseandresist.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Good Trouble. Foley Sq. We gather with 3 demands: Protect immigrant New Yorkers. Defend the Black Vote. Free them all. Last night, Trump addressed the nation on "election integrity." We're responding tonight. * The air quality is on track to improve. Please make a safe choice for yourself.

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Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice

Indivisible ❌👑 @indivisible.org · 17/07/2026

Every part of Trump's detention and deportation machine poses a threat to our communities and our lives. Close the concentration camps. ICE out NOW.

denver7.com

Employee of Aurora ICE detention center arrested in protester’s shooting, police say

An employee of an immigrant detention center in Aurora has been arrested after reportedly shooting a protester outside the facility Thursday night.

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Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice

Mother Jones @motherjones.com · 17/07/2026

Here’s an incomplete list of incidents demonstrating ICE and DHS deception. The lying has become routine.

motherjones.com

ICE and DHS's growing record of deception

When their agents shoot and kill people, they shouldn't be allowed to run the investigation.

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Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice

New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) @thenyic.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

We march in honor of: ▪️John Lewis, a monumental civil rights leader. ▪️Shakira, a Venezuelan trans woman currently detained by ICE in a men's prison. ▪️Eric Garner, whose life was taken by police violence. 🗓️Friday, July 17 ⏰ 5:30PM 📍Foley Square, NYC #GoodTroubleLivesOn

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 01/07/2026

We're excited to share with you today a new report about our canvassing project here in NYC titled, “Three Years, Five Boroughs, 200,000 Doors: A Report on Katal’s #ShutRikers Canvassing Project, September 2022–December 2025.” See the full report here: katalcenter.org/wp-content/u...

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 30/06/2026

Today, the Supreme Court ruled to protect birth right citizenship. We’re at Foley Square with @thenyic.bsky.social and @maketheroadny.bsky.social to celebrate this decision & to protect immigrant New Yorkers from the Trump administrations attacks on our communities. When we organize, we win!

Rally at Foley Square to Protect Immigrants.

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 30/06/2026

Today, on Rikers, NIC, AMKC, and GMDC were closed and transferred from the DOC to DCAS. This is the first transfers from DOC to DCAS since 2021. This is good to see and now the city must pass a budget that reduces the jail population and advances closure. #ShutRikers www.amny.com/news/mamdani...

amny.com

Mamdani transfers vacant Rikers Island facilities, restarting dormant piece of jail’s closure plan | amNewYork

It's the beginning of the end for Rikers Island.

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 25/06/2026

Today at 12pm, we’re rallying outside City Hall to demand: ❌ No new NYPD hires ❌ End broken windows policing & aggressive low-level enforcement ❌ End of homeless encampment sweeps ✅ Invest in real safety: housing, healthcare, preventative community-based care, & other social services. #CareNotCops

Flyer for today’s Care Not Cops rally at city hall.

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 25/06/2026

Today, we’re outside of City Hall with the Treatment Not Jails campaign calling for the immediate passage of the Treatment Court Expansion Act to expand mental health courts and reduce the jail population at Rikers. This is a critical component to shutting down Rikers. #ShutRikers

Treatment Not Jails Rally outside of City Hall

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 25/06/2026

RELEASE: Yesterday, the State Commission of Correction (SCOC), New York’s jail and prison watchdog agency, held their June monthly meeting. Once again, the SCOC failed to address the multiple crises unfolding in local jails and state prisons. Here’s our release: katalcenter.org/2026/06/rele...

katalcenter.org

RELEASE: Today, the State Commission of Correction, an Independent Oversight Agency for Jails and Prisons, Held Its June Monthly Meeting - Katal Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 24, 2026 Contact: Yonah Zeitz: 347-201-2768 yonah@katalcenter.org Follow online: @katalcenter | #ShutRikers |

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 24/06/2026

Today, we’re in Albany for the June Monthly Meeting of the State Commission of Correction, NY’s jail & prison watchdog agency. The agenda for today’s meeting fails to address the wide-ranging crises in jails and prisons, including incarcerated people being regularly denied medical treatment.

June monthly meeting of the SCOC. Picture of the conference room where meeting is taking place.

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 17/06/2026

New OCA rule requires judges to visit a jail or prison annually to make sure they’re aware of the conditions behind bars. For too long, correctional facilities have been shrouded in secrecy and a lack of accountability. This is stepping the right direction to undo this. www.amny.com/new-york/new...

amny.com

New rules will require New York family and criminal court judges visit jails to see the impact of their sentences | amNewYork

New York is now the first state in the nation to mandate annual visits by all trial court judges who make sentencing or detention decisions. The visits will

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 17/06/2026

The brutal murder of Messiah Nantwi last year highlights the dangerous and deadly conditions in NYS prisons. The SCOC, NY's jail & prison watchdog agency, has failed its oversight responsibility for decades, and incarcerated people have died as a result. spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-...

spectrumlocalnews.com

4 former Mid-State correction officers sentenced in prison death case

Four additional correction officers were sentenced Wednesday morning in Oneida County Court in connection with the 2025 death of Messiah Nantwi.

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 11/06/2026

Join us for today’s #NYCJReformCall at noon! We'll hear from: ◾Artie Malkin, Malkin & Ross ◾Serena Martin & Isabella Seda, New Hour for Women & Children ◾Tarini Garimella, Osborne Association ◾Kevin Valentine, Katal Center ◾Oded Oren, Scrutinize ◾Tricia Christensen RSVP: katal.info/newyork

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 04/06/2026

WE DID IT. This afternoon the NY Senate confirmed Alexander Dockery, a formerly incarcerated person, as a Commissioner to the SCOC, NY’s jail & prison oversight agency. Our members & statewide coalition of 160+ groups fought hard for this win. See our press release: katalcenter.org/2026/06/rele...

katalcenter.org

RELEASE: Statement from the Katal Center on the FY 2027 Executive Budget Hearing - Katal Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Contact: Yonah Zeitz, yonah@katalcenter.org | (347) 201-2769 Follow on Bluesky @KatalCenter |

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 28/05/2026

Check out our most recent bi-weekly New York Update. Here's what's included: ◾Organizing to Implement Reforms to the State Commission of Correction ◾This week, Two Incarcerated People Die at Rikers in less than 24 Hours and more! katalcenter.org/2026/05/kata...

katalcenter.org

Katal New York Update - May 22, 2026 - Katal Center

In this issue: - Organizing to Implement Reforms to the State Commission of Correction - This week, Two Incarcerated People Die at Rikers in less than 24 Hours - SCOC Info Session in Syracuse with UnC...

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 27/05/2026

RELEASE: Formerly incarcerated people & their families meet with @governor.ny.gov'a administration to demand she appoint reform-oriented commissioners, including a formerly incarcerated person, to the SCOC before the end of the legislative session on Thursday, June 4. katalcenter.org/2026/05/rele...

katalcenter.org

RELEASE: Formerly Incarcerated People & Families Meet with the Hochul Administration to Demand She Appoint Reform-Oriented Commissioners to the State Commission of Correction - Katal Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 27, 2026 Contact: Yonah Zeitz: 347-201-2768 yonah@katalcenter.org Follow online: @katalcenter | #ShutRikers |

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 27/05/2026

Our members and staff protesting outside of the SCOC office building in Albany demanding @governor.ny.gov swiftly appoint reform-oriented commissioners to the SCOC — including a formerly incarcerated person. “Gov.Hochul keep your word, appoint a reform-oriented commissioners to the SCOC now!”

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 27/05/2026

The SCOC monthly meeting was canceled today, as @governor.ny.gov has not appointed new commissioners, leaving the SCOC without a quorum to meet. This is why we’re here outside of the SCOC office building demanding @governor.ny.gov to appoint a reform-oriented commissioners to the SCOC!

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 27/05/2026

We’re fresh off the train getting ready for the day by making poster’s demanding @governor.ny.gov to appoint reform-oriented commissioners — one of whom must be formerly incarcerated — to the State Commission of Correction.

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 27/05/2026

Yesterday, our member Ziyadah Amatul-Matin & our advocacy director @yonahzeitz.bsky.social joined the Capitol Pressroom to discuss the need to increase oversight by appointing reform-oriented commissions, including a formerly incarcerated person, to the SCOC. capitolpressroom.org/2026/05/26/p...

capitolpressroom.org

Prison oversight agency poised for new direction

The state Commission on Correction is supposed to get a shakeup of its leadership and mandate, but not much has happened yet.

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 27/05/2026

On Sunday, our member Kevin Valentine & our advocacy director @yonahzeitz.bsky.social joined @spectrumnewsny1.bsky.social to call on @governor.ny.gov to appoint reform-oriented commissioners — one of whom must be formerly incarcerated — to the State Commission of Correction. ny1.com/nyc/all-boro...

ny1.com

Prisoner advocacy groups push for more funding

Watch the full interview here.

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 20/05/2026

RELEASE: Last night, news broke that Umais Khan, 40-years-old, died while incarcerated at the Eric M. Taylor Center on Rikers Island. This is the second death of an incarcerated person at Rikers in less than 24 hours. #ShutRikers See our statement in response: katalcenter.org/2026/05/2nd-...

Graphic our of member Kevin's quote in response to the recent deaths at Rikers

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 19/05/2026

Join us and Unchained this Thursday, May 21st at 6pm in Syracuse for our info session on the SCOC. Here we will learn more about the State Commission on Corrections (SCOC), the reforms that were passed last year, the new online complaint portal and ways to join the fight.

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 19/05/2026

"It is inconceivable and shortsighted to end the ability of CANY to increase transparency by visiting and interacting with incarcerated individuals and staff at state prisons” — joint statement from Katal & the Alliance of Rights & Recovery in response to CANY cuts. davisvanguard.org/2026/05/ny-p...

davisvanguard.org

New York Prison Deaths Reach Six-Year High; State Oversight Funding Cut - Davis Vanguard

New York’s prison system faces escalating unrest and its highest death rates in six years, prompting renewed calls for Governor Kathy Hochul to fully fund and staff state prison oversight agencies. Th...

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 19/05/2026

Check out our most recent bi-weekly New York Update. Here's what's included: ◾Reforms to Expand the SCOC Taking Effect and the April Monthly Meeting ◾Monday’s Harm Reduction After the War on Drugs at John Jay College and more! katalcenter.org/2026/05/kata...

katalcenter.org

Katal New York Update - May 7, 2026 - Katal Center

In this issue: - April SCOC Meeting & Upcoming Effective Date - Recap of Harm Reduction After the War on Drugs: Reimagining New York’s Treatment System. - Tabling Across Brooklyn - May Statewide Crimi...

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 19/05/2026

As jails & prisons across NY remain in crisis, @governor.ny.gov still has not appointed reform-oriented people to the SCOC. This leaves the SCOC without a quorum to function and a formerly incarcerated, which is required under law. @nysfocus.com @chrisgelardi.bsky.social nysfocus.com/2026/05/18/n...

nysfocus.com

Jail Oversight Body Hamstrung Until Hochul Staffs Its Leadership

The governor has yet to nominate heads of the State Commission of Correction, which now lacks a quorum.

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 19/05/2026

RELEASE: This evening, news broke that Rajpattie Ramkellawan, 41-years-old, died while incarcerated at the Rose M. Singer Center on Rikers Island. This is the third death of an incarcerated person in DOC custody this year. #ShutRikers See our statement in response: katalcenter.org/2026/05/3rd-...

katalcenter.org

3rd Death in DOC Custody Under Mayor Mamdani - Katal Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, May 18th, 2026 Contact: Yonah Zeitz: yonah@katalcenter.org • 347-201-2769 Follow on socials @KatalCenter • #ShutRikers

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Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice @katalcenter.org · 18/05/2026

For decades DOC mismanagement has led to rampant abuse and a lack of accountability, which is why we pushed for a federal receiver. We welcome any steps to protect incarcerated people and stem abuse. We’ll be tracking to see if this truly results in better safety. queenseagle.com/all/2026/5/1...

queenseagle.com

Court-appointed manager to take over troubled Rikers misconduct investigations — Queens Daily Eagle

Investigations into alleged abuses by Rikers Island officers will no longer be handled by the Department of Correction, according to a new organizational structure that puts a court-appointed remediat...

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