is that it does not have any poisonous snakes on the island Head off the beaten track in neighbouring Trinidad and you might encounter the venomous fer-de-lance pit viper Wanting to get close to some tropical nature but avoid either of those beasties I plumped for Tobago."},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a small archipelago of Caribbean islands nestled close to the shores of trouble-stricken Venezuela that less than ten miles separate the country from the edge of South America and Trinidadians joke they can “walk across” that is not all that crosses the Columbus Channel between"},"children":[]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":" the two countries leading to the government declaring a state of emergency across the country at the time of my visit which has now been lifted."},"children":[]}]}]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"That meant no curfew but a licence for the police to stop and search people or premises without a warrant and to detain anyone."}}]},{"name":"interactive","attributes":{"id":"09e4a715-06b1-48d5-91ad-ed9321782ceb","display":"primary","url":"https://components.timesdev.tools/lib2/newsletter-puff-1.0.0/newsletter-puff.html","element":{"value":"newsletter-puff","attributes":{"code":"TNL-149","copy":"Our experts share the best travel inspiration ","label":"In your inbox","date-to":"2025-05-01","headline":"Travel newsletter","imageUri":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/methode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F78677f6f-e092-4e65-a858-70b1c78fc048.jpg?resize=800","date-from":"2025-05-01"}}},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Yet Tobagoans assured me that their island has been largely spared the violent crime that has racked their larger neighbour “In Tobago,” says the FCDO travel advice at time of writing “violent crime is rare.” They are indeed two very different places compared with about 1.5 million on the bigger Trinidad Tobago is also 15 times smaller."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"I know it’s a cliché but it’s incredible how quickly you feel the pace of life relax the moment you emerge from the airport into the Caribbean night warm air rushing past with the scent of fruit trees and blossom the excellent driver sent to meet me from Victory Villa and Ibounced along the coast road that skirts the north shore of the island People were sitting out on their front porches drinking beer and chatting beneath giant banyan trees or next to pink and blue-painted one-storey homes — Tobago is hardly a high-rise destination."}}]},{"name":"ad","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"In the tiny coastal resort of Castara hoardings advertised “Tortillaz: Bring the Vibes” or “Come for the day there did seem to be a smattering of Europeans who had decided to do precisely that their dreadlocked blond hair trailing down to the tops of their frayed cargo shorts But I was keen to be somewhere more remote somewhere close enough to hear the crash and roar of the ocean yet quiet enough to be far from the hum of traffic."}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"de1eb320-c894-43d8-acc4-e18efc3e9c97","display":"fullwidth","caption":"Castara is a favourite with backpackers","title":"Castara Beach in Tobago and boats on the sand.","credits":"Alamy","url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2F0a03ab4a-61b1-43e7-8ef8-8b8a4b7cc0ca.jpg?crop=7087%2C4396%2C273%2C516","ratio":"7087:4396","relativeHorizontalOffset":0.03709239130434783,"relativeVerticalOffset":0.10504885993485343,"relativeWidth":0.9629076086956522,"relativeHeight":0.8949511400651465},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"The Victory Villa a small eco-hotel overlooking Englishman’s Bay perched high up in the verdant hills above Castara although it was not ideal for wheelchair access he would do his best to make it easy for me and he did (I have used a manual wheelchair ever since being shot and partly paralysed in the legs while on a BBC assignment in Saudi Arabia in 2004.)"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"The last bit of road up to the villa was rutted and steep so much so that Warner had to drive down to meet me in his 4×4 as I dumped my camera kit in an immaculate room and emerged onto the terrace to gaze at Englishman’s Bay At which point a very British voice called out: “Frank Do come and join us.” It was the son of a well-known and highly decorated British general and his charming wife hovering avian beauties that I had flown 11 hours to come and see out of the world’s 368 hummingbird species with at least 18 and its original Amerindian name is said to have meant “Land of the Hummingbird”.) But in Tobago they are almost everywhere gloriously cloudless morning was a challenge Warner brought out a tray bearing homemade coconut bake infused with nutmeg a pot of filter coffee and a plate of buljol: a simple local dish made of salted cod that is rinsed and then seasoned."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Yet I found it impossible to concentrate on what was on the plate Not only was the view quite breathtaking — an uninterrupted plunge down the lush hillside to an azure sea and waves breaking on pink rocks far below — but the air was alive with the whizz and whirr of a dozen hummingbirds had set out a row of feeders to attract the birds I have to say that from a photographic perspective these are a mixed blessing they are irresistible to hummingbirds and word soon gets round They undoubtedly help you to view these creatures up close But as they are red and plastic and artificial you really don’t want them in your photo frame The challenge for me was to either catch the birds on the wing (high shutter speed he is reducing the sugar content and will replace the synthetic feeders with plants such as purpletop vervain that naturally attract the hummingbirds And purpletop vervain is what I found at the next place I stayed: the deliciously remote Cuffie River Nature Retreat this idyllic resort is surrounded by rainforest (it only seemed to rain at night) and run by Regina Dumas a wonderful lady still full of vitality on the cusp of her 80th birthday "}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"No need for door keys or locked rooms here just a gentle Caribbean breeze entered the room and sometimes brought with it a welcome visitor: a hummingbird passing through on its way to somewhere else where I was invited to join in the birthday celebrations for Regina’s niece and where the cook has all the time in the world to stop and chat beside serving up delicious home-cooked dishes of kingfish this place felt more like a home than a hotel scuba diving and just kicking back on its glorious beaches I had optimistically brought my Padi licence with me but a recent storm had stirred up the seabed so visibility Was I tempted to spend more time among the backpacker community of Castara or visit the hotel resorts around Crown Point and Scarborough I had come to see nature and here my guides excelled tanagers and spectacular tricoloured herons From tall and dense rainforest to well-watered country clubs to rocky inlets where Caribbean waves crashed against the shore At breakfast time the cook would put out slices of papaya to feed the many tropical birds that live here: tanagers woodpeckers and an extremely noisy creature that is the national bird The cocrico is actually a rufous-vented chachalaca (yes I thought you would want to know that) and they provide something of a dawn chorus as they gather in the trees to greet the rising sun with a collective cackle."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"But apart from the hummingbirds there was another rather special creature that inhabited this particular eco-resort As the moon rose above the thick fronds of the rainforest at night a piercing whistle came from the darkened foliage beyond the veranda But you’ll be lucky to see him.” As if on cue this mysterious nocturnal bird suddenly appeared darting left and right as it went about hawking insects in the moonlight leaving nothing but the silence of the forest and the rush and gurgle of the stream below It was to be another peaceful night in the Tobago rainforest."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Have you visited Tobago Share your memories in the comments"}}]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Frank Gardner travelled independently Victory Villa has B&B doubles from £119 (thevictoryvilla.com); Cuffie River Nature Retreat has B&B doubles from £140 (cuffie-river.com) Frank Gardner is the president of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) “Why would I go on"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":145})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"I remember asking a bartender in Negril where he went on holiday and he looked surprised by the question “Why would I go on holiday when I live"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":160})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"I remember asking a bartender in Negril where he went on holiday and he looked surprised by the question “Why would I go on holiday when I live here?” he said"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":175})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"I remember asking a bartender in Negril where he went on holiday and he looked surprised by the question “Why would I go on holiday when I live here?” he said He had a point"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":225})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"I remember asking a bartender in Negril where he went on holiday and he looked surprised by the question "},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"He may have been from Jamaica nature-based adventures or a relaxing beach break this guide will have the perfect Caribbean island for you","slug":"best-islands-in-the-caribbean","categoryPath":"/travel/destinations/caribbean-travel/best-islands-in-the-caribbean-sz66r9567","__typename":"Article","summary({\"maxCharCount\":105})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Sapphire waters lapping powdery sands charismatic residents and 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bearable"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":125})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Our winter months bearable heat in the high 20s"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":145})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Our winter months bearable heat in the high 20s and no more than the"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":160})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Our winter months bearable heat in the high 20s and no more than the odd shower"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":175})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Our winter months bearable heat in the high 20s and no more than the odd shower You’ve got the"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":225})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Our winter months You’ve got the Horse Latitudes — a combination of meteorological"},"children":[]}]}]}},"$Article:916718ff-16f5-4e30-84e0-d14fafb3392a.bylines.0.author":{"image":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/8035f042-1ba1-478e-91ad-6d841aa5c3d9.png","jobTitle":"Chief Travel Writer The Sunday TimesThe good thing about Tobago The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is a small archipelago of Caribbean islands nestled close to the shores of trouble-stricken Venezuela that is not all that crosses the Columbus Channel between the two countries drinking beer and chatting beneath giant banyan trees or next to pink and blue-painted one-storey homes — Tobago is hardly a high-rise destination In the tiny coastal resort of Castara hoardings advertised “Tortillaz: Bring the Vibes” or “Come for the day somewhere close enough to hear the crash and roar of the ocean yet quiet enough to be far from the hum of traffic Castara is a favourite with backpackersALAMYThe Victory Villa (I have used a manual wheelchair ever since being shot and partly paralysed in the legs while on a BBC assignment in Saudi Arabia in 2004.) The last bit of road up to the villa was rutted and steep discreet boutique sort of places where people breeze in for a few days before going sailing or heading off to another island • Read our full guide to the Caribbean with some spectacular species such as the exquisite ruby-topaz and the white-necked jacobin with its flared white tail “skirt” Victor Villa is located in the hills above CastaraTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ROCKSBreakfast on the terrace above the bay on that first Yet I found it impossible to concentrate on what was on the plate less than half a second in which to react and press the shutter) or catch them on the few occasions when they were feeding on the natural shrubs and flowers dotted around the villa • 18 of the best Caribbean islands to visit No need for door keys or locked rooms here thanks in large part to its warm-hearted owner Frank Gardner at Cuffie River Nature RetreatTobago is rightly famous for many things: sailing Back at the Cuffie River eco-resort mornings took on a pace of their own I thought you would want to know that) and they provide something of a dawn chorus as they gather in the trees to greet the rising sun with a collective cackle But apart from the hummingbirds there was another It was to be another peaceful night in the Tobago rainforest Victory Villa has B&B doubles from £119 (thevictoryvilla.com); Cuffie River Nature Retreat has B&B doubles from £140 (cuffie-river.com) His latest spy novel Invasion is out now in paperback (Penguin £9.99) In July, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the budget-related closings of two very different maximum security men’s prisons upstate. There was Great Meadow Correctional Facility, which had earned the nickname Gladiator School because of its high number of cuttings, stabbings and assaults. And there was Sullivan the relatively “sweet” correctional facility where I had been housed for nearly four years I arrived at Sullivan with about 25 years of prison under my belt so I was always going to look over my shoulder Most of the general population knew one another from other prisons This allowed me to focus more on my education and self-development and a little window to open or close by turning a small knob I heard about the closure right after an inspiring visit with my wife and my honorary mother who I’d met 25 years prior through an ad I placed for a pen pal The Sullivan announcement put a temporary halt to some short-term goals I’d set reminding me once again that I have no control over my life My thoughts became consumed with wondering I wondered what prison I’d be transferred to and if the transition would be smooth I wondered how relocation would affect my wife’s and family’s visits because of distance and finances I also wondered if I’d lose the 14 college credits I’d accumulated toward my associate degree I was drafted out of Sullivan on Sept. 19. My final destination was Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Wallkill, but like many others, I had to go through Green Haven’s transit block first. This men’s lockup in Stormville had taken on a tremendous load from Downstate Correctional Facility when that prison was closed in 2022 What I thought would be no more than a three-day holdover at Green Haven turned out to be a 12-day punishment Nothing could’ve prepared me for the inhumane conditions my peers and I had to endure I was escorted to H-Block by an officer I knew from years prior As we walked down a tier that holds 42 prisoners the smell of smoke and the sound of screaming assaulted my senses I made eye contact with every staring face from inside of the cells I passed We all were looking for a familiar friend or foe I was shocked at how disgusting my cell was food and even feces to write gang graffiti on the walls and ceiling The toilet hadn’t been cleaned in what looked like months Had the officer not slammed the gate behind me The loud chatter quieted if someone yelled a gang cadence that required the other members to respond and introduce themselves Every set of the Bloods and Crips did this trying to get an anxiety attack in check because I was a heartbeat away from kicking the walls and yelling like a madman for the officer to get me out of that cell The years I’d spent in Sullivan had sheltered me from just how bad things are in prisons now I placed the bedroll I’d carried under one arm on the mattress — the only clean surface in my cell My clothes — and the other few things I own in this world — had been shipped directly to Shawangunk I had planned to sacrifice whatever washcloth or towel I was issued to scrub the cell clean one roll of toilet paper and a small toothbrush with no toothpaste but I overheard other guys complaining about the same thing It became apparent that this was standard issue I salvaged a discarded plastic glove that was lying on the tier floor and cleaned the toilet and sink with it I cleaned the walls as best as I could with my only sheet I might have fainted had anything dripped on my skin or face more prisoners came on different buses from further up north more loud conversations and more joyful reunions among old friends Because men screamed all through the night I was unable to sleep for more than two hours sitting on the edge of my bed and watching the roaches run up and down the walls no showers and no kiosk to send and receive messages from my loved ones I was allowed a shower after that time passed I was expected to just jump barefoot into what looked like mold I was confused about why I was still in transit to a prison only 45 minutes away I was angry at my peers for singing Lil Durk Maxwell and reggae songs instead of making demands for the basic essentials like toothpaste and changes of clothes due to his inability to articulate his frustration acted out the only way he knew how: He set a fire I thought this man was crazy when I first saw the flicker of a large flame reflecting off of the housing unit window in front of our cells But when the officers came to put out the fire the man used their attention to complain about how he hadn’t been able to take a shower for seven days The rest of my peers only seemed concerned with the tobacco and synthetic marijuana that they rolled up in writing paper but once they got their hands on what they wanted they’d fall back until they needed more of what they were fiending for a short guy from the Sumner projects in Brooklyn who weighed no more than 130 pounds would scream at 3 a.m. begging for a sprinkle of tobacco and a light He’d argue with the other guys he had just woken up telling them how he’d kick their asses when he was out of his cell His irrational behavior made it clear to me that he was struggling.Thankfully he always apologized and would tell some funny story to get everyone laughing but I didn’t speak up for fear of prolonging the transit process In the 12 days it took me to get through Green Haven I could’ve walked to Shawangunk with the shackles on I refused to sigh in relief until the shuttle bus exited the gates The effects of Sullivan shutting down hadn’t sunken in yet but my transit experience convinced me that closing Downstate was a bad thing men are quick to lash out with violence because of their frustration That whole setup is unsafe for prisoners passing through and security staff alike I felt like I had been rescued from some horrible disaster My voice cracked while I explained my back and stomach pain to the nurse She told me that I’d be scheduled to see a doctor I went to a housing unit where my peers quickly gave me new underclothes shower shoes and clean state-issued greens and letting my family know I made it safely to my destination I couldn’t wash the transfer experience away but at least I’d survived the unforeseen obstacles placed before me due to Sullivan’s closure Knox is serving 62 ½ years to life at Shawangunk Correctional Facility He has a time commutation application pending before Gov including cell conditions and access to basic supplies MONROE — Green Haven’s 33rd Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale will be held May 9-10 All of the plants are purchased from Ahren’s Acres Greenhouse Plants available include both annuals and perennials Pre-orders are available but due by April 27 Pre-orders can be made online at https://ghfaplantsale.itemorder.com/shop/sale/ or by scanning the QR code There will also be two locations: In the empty lot on the southeast corner of the square in Monroe and a smaller sale at Symdon Chevrolet in Monticello Klondike Cheese has donated the semi to load the plants from Ahrens Acres for the sale not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the individuals and families of Green County affected by abuse and violence through prevention education president and owner of Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville expressed his excitement about the recognition "This project was an incredible opportunity to push the boundaries of sustainable homebuilding we aimed to create a home that was not only innovative but also deeply connected to the natural beauty of its riverfront setting." This all-electric home is located in the Olivette Riverside Community and Farm Asheville's first "agrihood" - a neighborhood centered around a fully functioning working farm - with 1.5 miles of frontage along the French Broad River Green Haven was meticulously designed to maximize energy efficiency while fostering a deep sense of harmony with the surrounding environment The home integrates a suite of forward-thinking technologies From the Judges: "Red Tree does a nice job of merging luxury with sustainability." "This home challenged us to bring together numerous advanced systems in a way we hadn't done before," said Taylor Bennett Project Manager at Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville and renewable energy required extensive collaboration but the end result is a home that performs exceptionally well while prioritizing sustainability and resilience." Green Haven's performance was put to the test shortly after completion when Hurricane Helene struck the region the home's energy systems - including solar and smart power management - allowed it to function as a refuge even welcoming in neighbors seeking shelter This real-world validation of its resilience further solidified its place as a leader in sustainable home design Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville remains committed to innovation but it also inspires us to keep pushing the boundaries," said Bryant "Each project is an opportunity to refine our approach and build homes that are not only beautiful and functional but also resilient and future-ready." Green Builder Media's Green Home of the Year Awards celebrates the best in sustainable home design The 2025 awards coincide with the publication's 20th anniversary further emphasizing the industry's progress toward more sustainable and high-performance housing For more information on Green Haven and Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville's commitment to sustainable homebuilding, visit www.RedTreeBuilders.com or follow them on social media About Red Tree Builders-Alair AshevilleRed Tree Builders-Alair Asheville is a premier custom homebuilder dedicated to crafting high-performance sustainable homes in Western North Carolina With a commitment to quality craftsmanship the company creates homes that blend luxury with sustainability enhancing both the lives of homeowners and the communities they call home Media Contact:Kristy Kepley-StewardDirector of Communications [email protected] 308-440-7259www.RedTreeBuilders.com founder of Red Tree Builders and partner at Alair Asheville will be a featured speaker at the 2025 International Builders' Show.. Red Tree Builders | Alair Asheville is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a recipient of the 2024 Department of Energy (DOE) Innovation .. Environmental Products & Services Construction & Building Household, Consumer & Cosmetics Green Technology Do not sell or share my personal information: Officials are still trying to determine what caused three inmate deaths An investigation is ongoing following the deaths of two inmates at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Westchester The deceased prisoners were identified as 35-year-old Franklyn Dominguez and 67-year-old Anthony Douglas Both were found dead at Sing Sing Correctional Facility within about four hours of each other on Wednesday For all the news that the Hudson Valley is sharing make sure to follow Hudson Valley Post on Facebook, download the Hudson Valley Post Mobile Douglas, from Brooklyn, had served about 40 years in prison following his conviction for murder, rape and burglary, according to the Gothamist. Dominguez has been in jail since 2022 for an assault conviction in New York City Hungry? Italy Says The Best Pizzeria In The World Is Found In New York Their deaths happened during the corrections officer strike. Over the weekend, a deal was reached to end the strike, but many prison guards are refusing to return to work. Their deaths followed the death of 61-year-old Jonathan Grant who was found unresponsive in his cell at the Auburn Correctional Facility, CBS 6 Albany reports Grant was serving a nearly 40-year prison sentence for rape and burglary in Brooklyn Popular Destination In New York State Is Crawling With Bed Bugs Authorities are waiting for autopsy results to determine their cause of death Gallery Credit: Yasmin Young Officials are still trying to determine what caused three inmate deaths.\nRead More For all the news that the Hudson Valley is sharing make sure to follow Hudson Valley Post on Facebook, download the Hudson Valley Post Mobile Douglas, from Brooklyn, had served about 40 years in prison following his conviction for murder, rape and burglary, according to the Gothamist. Hungry? Italy Says The Best Pizzeria In The World Is Found In New York Their deaths happened during the corrections officer strike. Over the weekend, a deal was reached to end the strike, but many prison guards are refusing to return to work. Their deaths followed the death of 61-year-old Jonathan Grant who was found unresponsive in his cell at the Auburn Correctional Facility, CBS 6 Albany reports Popular Destination In New York State Is Crawling With Bed Bugs Demar Matthews initially focused on biology and religion inspired by others who used creativity to uplift their neighborhoods he redirected his focus to constructing something permanent for Black communities “Before I went to architecture school I was working for a Enterprise Rental Cars…and then a healthcare company Eventually I had started a master’s in public health But I wanted a career that allowed for creativity,” Matthews said Matthews’ early academic journey often felt uncertain “I was a first-generation college student My career has been fast-paced and multifaceted,” he explained After rising through the ranks at the School of Architecture at Woodbury University, Matthews founded his own architectural firm, OffTop Design committed to cultural competency and representation “The built environment should reflect cultures of the inhabitants Buildings in different areas mirror the local culture and stand the test of time That permanence is often missing in Black neighborhoods but it’s something we need,” he emphasized as a Center for Global Black Studies Social Justice in Design Fellow and U-SoA Teaching Fellow at the University of Miami’s School of Architecture Matthews is working to represent Black communities in Miami Matthews is working on the second installment of his case study titled Unearthing A Black Aesthetic: Green Haven in Overtown Miami’s first historically Black neighborhood which won the Social Justice Prize awarded by the School of Architecture a Miami-based nonprofit focused on environmental education and fighting food injustice Matthews and his students have finalized designs for an updated plant nursery and a new educational center “My fellowship project is in Overtown one of Miami’s last Black neighborhoods I’ve been gaining a better understanding and connection to the area,” Matthews said “I ended up teaching a class where my students met residentis and community organizers from Green Haven Project which led to our current collaboration.” Working closely with Brinnon and the architecture students Matthews quickly developed a design that honors Overtown’s history and community Matthews was surrounded by the Black community but felt a disconnect with the architecture around him he aims to build something that is permanently and undeniably representative of Black culture “When people think of Black neighborhoods there’s often a negative connotation I want to create architecture that is derived from and celebrates the cultures that lives there,” he noted investing in existing community initiatives is crucial His partnership with Green Haven Project reflects a commitment to culturally competent architecture and heralds a new era of design “We’re remodeling the nursery and adding an education center which will be used to teach local children about planting We hope to start construction soon and complete everything by the end of Fall 2025,” he said Matthews believes that representing Black communities through lasting architecture is essential to redefining what a Black neighborhood is creating meaningful structures from the ground up “Black communities need enduring landmarks Architecture should speak to us,” Matthews said “I want to look at buildings and see myself in the design I want my mom and niece to see parts of the design that resonate with them Just 20 minutes from downtown Bucharest and amid a wave of real estate expansion the village of Țegheș in the Domnești commune is gaining traction among major developers and homebuyers seeking affordability far lower pollution levels than in the city modern turnkey homes starting from 120,000 euro and recently upgraded road infrastructure are positioning the area as a new hotspot for balanced suburban living The Domnești local council has launched a public tender for the development of a 3-hectare urban park, backed by an investment exceeding 17 million lei. The park will feature generous green spaces, gazebos, sports fields, and an event stage. This initiative aims to become a model for green urban planning, enhancing the area’s appeal and value for both residents and investors. According to the latest Ecopolis report (2024) central Bucharest suffers from alarming exceedances of legal limits for PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter located near surrounding forests and the Argeș Delta benefits from a clean-air microclimate — an increasingly sought-after feature amid growing interest in health and environmental well-being “Țegheș today is what Pipera was 15 years ago — an emerging hub that combines affordable pricing with new infrastructure and green surroundings Forest Vista is designed for modern families looking for more than just four walls — they want a sustainable future,” says Bogdan Rădulescu Real estate experts warn that 2025 may be the final year with favorable tax conditions for real estate purchases, ahead of potential post-election fiscal reforms. Meanwhile, residential prices have already increased by 11.7% in just one year, with demand remaining strong in areas supported by new road infrastructure. Țegheș offers direct access to the A0 motorway and is close to a newly inaugurated Domnești is already connected to Bucharest via Prelungirea Ghencea and is set to be integrated into a planned radial road network that will reshape mobility around the capital The area’s population now exceeds 11,000 residents over 75% of whom are active adults and children — a sign of a youthful By combining below-average prices for the Bucharest area, generous private space, access to nature, and robust infrastructure, Țegheș is becoming a model for rethinking residential living in major urban clusters. For buyers, it’s a lifestyle upgrade. For investors, it’s a strategic opportunity. We use cookies for keeping our website reliable and secure providing social media features and to analyse how our website is used A walk to the mess hall can erupt in a 10-man brawl A sunny morning in the yard can escalate into gas canisters being fired from the watchtower I was taken by a different kind of surprise when a fellow incarcerated man came into my quiet cellblock and screamed at the top of his lungs Sullivan will be closing by November 7th!” I jumped out of my stiff bed and walked up to the gray bars of my cell I stood there for a few minutes in utter shock I had known that several New York state prisons were up for closure under Gov but I never expected Sullivan Correctional Facility to be one of them maximum security prison in Fallsburg with a population of around 500 clean cells and a successful college program prisoners dreamt of having the opportunity to be housed there As the reality of the closure started to sink in, I felt pangs of anxiety. I wasn’t worried about where I’d end up — the three years and seven months I’d spent in Attica prepared me for any environment My fear emanated from the loss of relationships I’d cultivated during my time at Sullivan prison is a melting pot of different communities Common interests draw individuals together these relationships are deeper than family ties I attended my last Social Work in Today’s World class of the semester Even the professor was shocked by the decision I was sitting at a table with two men I had developed a relationship with over the years. One was Darrell Powell — or Shahid as he is known in prison. We met in Attica, and at Sullivan, we were members of the Muslim community. Shahid is also a fellow writer “On to the next one,” he said in a tone hardened by the decades he’s spent in prison masking my worries with a nonchalant attitude The other man at the table looked at me with serious eyes Shariff — had spent the past 23 years behind bars and was highly respected among our peers and the staff He seemed to be contemplating his next words “Just continue to do what you’re doing and stay focused,” he finally said I thought about how my hours-long conversations in the mosque with Shahid and Shariff would be coming to an end we wouldn’t get the opportunity to walk around the yard countless times and talk about what we’d do if we got the opportunity to return to society Fellow prisoners were lingering around speaking about the news went to my cell and used my tablet to email my best friend I wrote that Sullivan was closing and that I had no clue where I’d end up because the department of corrections doesn’t tell prisoners where they’re headed I turned on my radio and the local news was reporting on the closure No more prisoner rumor mill — this was happening A few days after the announcement, I headed to an advanced writing workshop I was a part of. It was created a few months prior and included published writers such as LaMarr W. Knox, Robert Lee Williams and Joseph Sanchez Some were happy — they felt like the closing of any prison was good news I listened intently to all of the thoughts and theories everyone tried to keep some sense of normalcy counselors still held meetings with prisoners I started spending more time in my cell trying to mentally prepare for the next chapter I spent hours at a time going through my possessions trying to figure out what to keep and what to discard I jotted down my thoughts and feelings on my tablet — and then deleted them afterward I was sitting in the mosque with Shariff and a few others when Shahid rushed through the door We sat on the green wall-to-wall carpet for nearly three hours reminiscing and wondering where this journey would take us news got back to me that Shariff was leaving I hurried to the mosque that evening to spend time with him and others he and I headed outside to walk the dimly lit yard one more time He also reiterated his earlier advice to stay focused no matter where I ended up Shariff and I walked through the corridor and shook hands before going to opposite sides of the prison Losing my brothers at Sullivan reminded me of difficulties I faced as a child I had a hard time fitting in throughout my years in school because I was shy and often bullied it was by negative influences and gang members This led to me joining the Crips at the ripe age of 13 I’d been arrested three times — for assault taking the life of a friend after I snapped during an argument I was arrested for this crime nearly eight years later and sentenced to life in prison I had no sense of meaningful community until I arrived at Sullivan in December 2021 There, I was in college through Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison I coordinated the HIV/AIDS awareness program I was the facilitator for the Muslim community Being a part of those groups created some of the most impactful moments of my life I’m not saying that I am against the closure of prisons I truly do believe that in the fight for a more fair criminal justice system some of our country’s archaic institutions need to shutter its doors But there should be more thought put into these decisions I don’t need to see the numbers to tell you that Sullivan is less violent than Attica because I’ve lived it. I don’t need to tell you that Sullivan’s structure is more intact than Auburn’s because I’ve slept in both places My three years in Sullivan showed me a different side of prison — one filled with hope and personal growth I didn’t see anywhere else I arrived at my new prison — Shawangunk Correctional Facility — at the end of September I’d spent a hellish 10 days in a roach-infested cell in Green Haven Correctional Facility’s transit block and was relieved to finally settle in I came in with a few guys from Sullivan who I had good relationships with I walked to the large courtyard in the middle of my new cellblock in a haze As my vision adjusted to the orange glow of night lights I looked over to a small crowd of men talking Staring back at me with a huge grin on his face was Shahid Rashon Venable is a published poet and essayist He is currently incarcerated at Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Ulster County he was a leader in the Muslim community and he served as a coordinator for Prisoners for AIDS Counseling and Education The assistant director of public information from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision stated that they have “no information of Green Haven Correctional Facility having a cockroach issue.” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday signed an executive order activating New York National Guard members to prisons across the state where corrections officers have walked off the job Workers at more than two dozen state prisons are on strike this week protesting working conditions and increased violence within the facilities and employees' benefits Hochul on Wednesday said she understood the "incredibly difficult work our corrections officers do under challenging circumstances." She also noted that her main job as governor is to protect all New Yorkers, which includes maintaining order in state prisons, and, in a video, Hochul directed all involved in the strike to "stop these actions immediately." Hochul filed an injunction under the Taylor Law Wednesday and a judge filed a temporary restraining order mandating striking workers to stop such activity More than 3,500 National Guard members started to report for duty on Wednesday Guard members will maintain general order within New York prisons and will also distribute meals and medication to inmates state officials on Thursday will continue to assess the situation to determine how many more National Guard members will be needed The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) oversees 42 prison facilities across New York Why are NY correctional officers striking? Workers on strike held signs referring to and condemning the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act, or HALT Act, a law that in 2022 restricted the use of segregated confinement in favor of therapeutic and rehabilitative confinement options the union also raised concerns about overworked officers and understaffed prisons in recent months The union president, Chris Summers, brought up a litany of concerns at a legislative hearing earlier in February regarding the governor’s proposed budget unsafe working conditions and the erosion of benefits “These issues need serious consideration and financial investment and have been continuously ignored,” Summers said “Being able to report to a safe workplace and return home safely to their families after their expected shift is something that should be required and expected — not something my members should hope for.”  which was recorded by body cameras worn by correctional officers These are the prisons where workers were confirmed as striking as of Thursday morning This is a developing story and this list will likely change Visitation was also suspended at a number of facilities on Wednesday, according to DOCCS — including Elmira Coxsackie and Eastern New York Correctional Facilities appears to show a montage of violence at Green Haven Correctional Facility Graphic footage obtained by The Daily Wire appears to showcase how violent New York prisons have become for inmates and other workers since the Democrat-backed HALT Act took effect in 2022 A source, who wishes to remain anonymous out of fear of retribution, leaked the alleged footage from Green Haven Correctional Facility, wishing to expose how dangerous conditions are as 15,000 correctional officers and sergeants across the state remain on strike “I send this footage to you to help the public understand what it is we face and why we are on strike,” the source said It’s about how the liberal agenda has destroyed our justice system.” As  The Daily Wire previously reported with officers asking for the HALT Act to be repealed and to have other safety measures put into place including stopping mandated shifts that officers say can sometimes last days at a time “shows staff at Green Haven Correctional Facility being attacked and inmates assaulting The video opens up with an inmate slicing the face of a woman who went to the prison to visit the inmate EXCLUSIVE: *Graphic* footage from Green Haven Correctional Facility exposes the violence Corrections Officers are subjected to in NY prisons while @GovKathyHochul threatens to arrest them for "illegally" striking. She's more worried about prisoners’ "rights." pic.twitter.com/KKY4HEXBFZ — Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) February 27, 2025 Additionally, footage starting at the 02:09:00 mark appears to show the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old inmate Jarrett Frost, The Daily Wire was told. The incident took place in June 2022 “HALT has stripped us of our ability to incentivize good behavior among the inmate population and deter them from attacking us,” the source added “We have been deprived of our authority to control the inmates that we are charged to supervise Another segment seems to show a male inmate and The Daily Wire is told the victim suffered brain trauma “It’s just the tip of the iceberg,” the source said of the footage The Daily Wire reached out to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) for comment on Thursday Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul (NY) during a press conference on Tuesday repeatedly denigrated officers for going on strike saying that she doesn’t know what officers want from her and blaming them for current safety risks The governor also confirmed that she’s making legal moves to have striking officers arrested “Has anyone been arrested?” a reporter asked the governor I think we have 380 people on the first list through the attorney general’s office and they’re being served by state police as we speak The governor suggested that she had state troopers serve papers with the threat of arrest to striking officers as a scare tactic she’d continue down the path to having these officers arrested “in batches.” the governor brought up Marcos Gonzalez Soler who serves as Deputy Secretary for Public Safety He suggested all 15,000 would be addressed legally if need be “We will go to catch every single one of them until they’ve returned to work,” Gonzalez Soler told the media A source told The Daily Wire that Hochul’s administration has been using “scare tactics” to try to get officers back to work “Hochul has been aggressive with her scare tactics having administrative personnel call staff at home ordering them to return to work,” the source said and bereavement leave are receiving these phone calls; being told that if they fail to report that they would be considered AWOL docked two days pay for each shift missed and lose their health insurance.” “Many of us cannot afford to lose our jobs and health insurance many of us live paycheck to paycheck,” they continued we cannot continue to face the long mandated hours in violent “We are losing our families and missing our children grow,” they said “We spend long hours in a horrific environment that destroys our empathy and then we are expected to act normal and hide the nightmare from our families.” Related: Hochul Presser Spirals With Arrest Threats For Striking Officers: ‘Catch Every Single One Of Them’ Your information could be the missing piece to an important story Submit your tip today and make a difference we’re your go-to destination for premium cannabis products we offer a carefully curated selection of top-tier flower Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or new to the experience our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you Stop by and discover a greener way to elevate your well-being 🍃💨 #GreenHavenHerbals #BurlingtonVT #CannabisCommunity By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. AAndrew LiszewskiHyperkin’s modernized Xbox Controller S is going translucent green.The DuchesS, Hyperkin’s recreation of the smaller Xbox Controller S it upgraded with Hall effect joysticks will soon be available in a new color option The $49.99 Special Edition Greenhaven DuchesS matches the Controller S that was included with the Halo-themed Xbox Microsoft introduced in 2004 Hyperkin hasn’t finalized a release date or when preorders will start Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More Trucks with Army National Guard soldiers rumbled onto prison grounds across New York Wednesday to replace correction officers protesting on the third day of a work strike that's grown into a standoff A state judge on Wednesday granted a temporary restraining order under the state's Taylor Law prohibiting correction officers from striking or engaging in other concerted work stoppages or slowdowns according to a court filing in Erie County Kathy Hochul signed an executive order activating more than 3,500 New York Army National Guard members to provide security at state-run prisons where correction officers are striking for safer working conditions The order provides for additional overtime for COs and other staff still working who also directed state agencies to retain independent mediator Martin Scheinman to negotiate an end to what she again called an illegal work stoppage "These disruptive and unsanctioned work stoppages are jeopardizing the safety of their colleagues and causing undue fear for the residents in the surrounding communities," Hochul said in prepared video remarks posted to her YouTube channel But many COs on Wednesday continued picketing and as guard members arrived at Attica and Green Haven correctional facilities many said they would continue protesting for an end to the HALT Act improved staffing and changes to mandatory overtime rules There was no shortage of support for striking COs at Attica from people who live in the tight-knit community Current and former COs protested outside the facility on Wednesday knows someone who works behind the prison walls “Even just a little bit of something for them knowing that people are out there caring and the support around the communities all across New York state is awesome,” said Wanda Irwin Officers and sergeants participated in protests or refused to work their shifts at about 30 correctional facilities across the state on Wednesday according to the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) which says it has not sanctioned or condoned the strikes The union said its leaders were meeting with members of Hochul's office and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to discuss the correction officers' concerns and work toward a resolution spirits stayed high outside Orleans Correctional Facility Those refusing to work said they were in it for the long run Members of the community came to show support by delivering food and drinks pallets for burning and honking horns of approval People who work at the Albion and Orleans facilities said they had reached an impasse some said there was no amount of money that could make their job tolerable and they were willing to ride it out and take the economic hit to make things get better Albion & Orleans Correctional Facilities workers are on strike. Part of statewide efforts to roll back the HALT Act & decrease mandated shifts workers have to cover on a regular basis. People say they’re willing to go through financial hardship to make things safe. @SPECNews1BUF pic.twitter.com/nxetZQKPgW The repeal of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement (HALT Act) is one of the main demands of strikers and protesters limits the use of segregated confinement and ends it completely for anyone who is pregnant It also requires alternatives for rehabilitation COs said Wednesday they aren’t allowed to discipline inmates in any meaningful way which leads to safety concerns. Tack that on to low staffing numbers body scanning technology that’s only optional for visitors and frequent mandated shifts – sometimes for 24 straight hours – people said this breaking point was a years in the making Nobody's worried about the officers,” said Mike Redenbach a retired CO at Albion Correctional Facility “It's so bad that the inmates are assaulting staff and they can get away with it," said Janine Coccitti a retired CO at Orleans Correctional Facility She said National Guard members will support and supplement correctional staff to provide security and help distribute meals and medication to incarcerated individuals my number one job is to protect the people of this state and that includes maintaining order in our state prisons," Hochul said in the video "Legal action has already commenced to ensure compliance Protesters said they will stay until their issues are settled They said if New York state fines or jails any strikers The Taylor Law prohibits public employees from striking and states those who strike have two days' pay deducted from their salary for every day they’re out of work Another visible feature of the demonstrations has been protesters holding signs with the number 70 or 70% – the number they’ve been told is the new 100% in terms of staffing Strikers say that level of staffing is detrimental to working conditions “They need to listen to these guys and they need to come down here and work one eight-hour shift and see what they deal with down here,” said Ed Kleitz a retired Greene Correctional Facility correction officer Kleitz’s son works inside Coxsackie Correctional Facility where on more than one occasion “Here’s an officer that hurt his leg on the job doing his job like he’s supposed with an unruly inmate and breaks his leg Didn’t know about it because they did an X-ray and it didn’t show up,” Ed Kleitz said It’s a scenario that current and retired COs across the state say has become all too common And they say inadequate staffing is to blame Correction officers said it’s important to remember what their job is — enforcing rules and keeping order within jails also a retired CO from Greene Correctional Facility “Our job is to keep them safe and secure in the facility There were 2,070 assaults on staff statewide in the year 2024 and already 160 recorded in the 2025 calendar year Last week, an incident at Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County led to three minor injuries to staff members and the prison going on lockdown That led to protests at Collins and two other Western New York prisons on Monday “It’s about being able to go home and being able to see your family.” The group at Coxsackie appeared committed to seeing change through and planned on returning to the protest site on Thursday morning State corrections and emergency services officials on Monday provided updates on the ongoing illegal strike by corrections officers emphasizing efforts to bring staff back to work while outlining disciplinary actions against those who remain off the job 17 and spread to 38 of the state’s 42 correctional facilities including the deployment of the National Guard Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III acknowledged the difficult working conditions corrections officers face and reiterated the state’s commitment to improving safety and work-life balance we immediately began working with unions to identify pathways to return employees to work,” Martuscello said but we agreed to mediation with an independent mediator to better understand the concerns of staff.” The mediation process led to a consent award which focuses on improving working conditions including reducing mandatory 24-hour shifts and providing a safer work environment Martuscello stressed that the award is contingent on officers returning to duty reducing the number of striking facilities to 32 the state has begun enforcing penalties against officers who continue to strike Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray detailed a timeline of events and announced new disciplinary measures we began termination of corrections officers,” Bray said we will be terminating health insurance for corrections officers who have been AWOL and their dependents.” Bray cited the state’s authority under Civil Service Law Section 210 which prohibits public employees from striking The New York Attorney General’s office has already initiated civil contempt proceedings against more than 350 officers named in a legal action Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has deployed more than 7,000 National Guard members with 5,300 actively working in prisons to maintain operations The state has already spent approximately $25 million in response to the strike and estimates costs could reach $106 million per month if it continues While officials urged striking officers to return they acknowledged that some of their concerns—particularly those related to the HALT Act—fall outside of the state’s ability to address through mediation Martuscello said the consent award includes a 90-day suspension of certain provisions of the HALT Act and a “circuit breaker” provision to determine when facilities are unsafe both of which are within his legal authority broader changes to the law would require legislative action Bray also warned that if officers remain on strike the state could pursue further legal and disciplinary action including termination under Article 14.10 of their contract which deems employees resigned after 10 consecutive unauthorized absences The strike’s impact has raised concerns about prison operations Bray emphasized that the National Guard has been trained on-site by experienced correction officers and is working closely with remaining staff to ensure safety “We understand that these are extreme conditions and they are doing a very good job maintaining safety,” Bray said Officials also responded to questions about the death of a 22-year-old inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility over the weekend Martuscello confirmed that the case has been referred to the Attorney General’s Office and the State Police for an independent investigation and that staff involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome “Any death in custody is a tragedy,” Martuscello said “We have to wait for the investigation to unfold.” Bray underscored the state’s intent to fill correctional officer vacancies through recruitment including offering a $3,000 referral bonus for current DOCCS employees who successfully recruit new officers she maintained that the immediate priority is ending the strike “Our facilities run safer when we’re fully staffed,” Bray said “We need officers to return to work so we can move forward and rebuild a stronger workforce.” State officials said visitation at all correctional facilities remains suspended but will be reassessed as more facilities return to normal operations Despite mounting pressure from state officials, many New York correction officers continued their strike on Sunday further disrupting prison operations across the state and looming health benefit losses for those refusing to return many at maximum-security facilities remain on picket lines demanding immediate reforms to address staffing shortages and rising violence within state prisons The strike has drawn sharp responses from state officials who have invoked the Taylor Law to penalize those participating in the unauthorized work stoppage Martuscello III issued termination letters to officers who had not reported back by March 2 citing their failure to provide a satisfactory explanation for their absence Martuscello confirmed that officers absent for ten consecutive workdays without approval were deemed to have resigned effectively ending their employment with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision those terminated have lost their peace officer status with instructions to surrender any department-issued firearms to local law enforcement The letter warned that failure to return department property could result in financial penalties or legal action mediation efforts have stalled as officers reject state proposals arguing that they do not adequately address concerns over prison conditions Union leaders have accused the state of using legal threats to suppress their demands rather than negotiate in good faith the state has begun enforcing stricter measures to deter further disruptions including the possibility of arrests and evictions from state-owned housing for noncompliant officers vowing to continue striking until meaningful changes are implemented Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox each morning. Sign up for our Morning Edition to start your day. FL1 on the Go! Download the free FingerLakes1.com App for iOS (iPhone, iPad) FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected] You know the way stories like this usually work out is fairly simple person is found guilty and serves punishment That is exactly what happened recently in case that Ulster County Detectives handled This case required Detectives to visit the Ulster County Jail because the suspect was and is This incident is what began the month of April for members of Ulster County law enforcement. According to the press release Detectives were contacted by members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division after officers discovered and recovered approximately 18 grams or less than 1 ounce of an "unknown substance" in the jail cell of an inmate An investigation was carried out and it was discovered that the unknown substance was actually crack cocaine The illegal narcotic was discovered in the jail cell of inmate identified as 30-year old Jaquan Hamilton of Chatam Following the discovery of the crack cocaine Hamilton was placed under arrest and subsequently charged Hamilton is now facing the felony charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree (2 counts) and Promoting Prison Contraband in the 1st Degree Later he was arraigned in the Central Arraignment Part Court (CAP) of Ulster County and remains incarcerated in the Ulster County Jail on unrelated charges Hamilton will reappear in Kingston City Court however a date and time for that reappearance has not been determined as of yet Authorities at the jail discovered the illegal substance hidden inside the inmates cell.\nRead More This incident is what began the month of April for members of Ulster County law enforcement. According to the press release Brooklyn Park Police and Fire were dispatched to a crash at Green Haven Drive and County Road 81 at 8:25 a.m after a witness told dispatch that a car had flipped over Officers and firefighters arrived at the scene and saw a car that had exited County Road 81 Brooklyn Park firefighters attempted to extract the driver the creek had higher and faster water flow than normal.  Tow trucks were needed to pull the vehicle out to reach the driver but they were pronounced dead at the scene by North Memorial Paramedics No other occupants were found in the car.  The Hennepin County Medical Examiner will release the name and cause of death of the driver at a later time It is not known at this time how the car left the roadway Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events a screening of the movie Sight and Sound says is the best movie ever made saying he'd killed the mother of his child which features a swimming beach and splash pad the suspect punched two men and struck one of them with a snow shovel the department said it received "minimal cooperation" from witnesses at the scene the area was checked but the sedan was not located The Rye Fire Department battled a house fire in the Greenhaven section of Rye early Sunday morning Fire alarm records show Rye FD responded to a structure fire at 4:51am on Sunday at 2 Lane Way off Barlow Lane in Greenhaven initial reports indicated that the front door of the residence was on fire but may have been extinguished prior to the arrival of emergency personnel crews observed smoke showing from the roof of the structure prompting the transmission of a working 10-75 “working fire,” which initiated additional resources and personnel to the scene Agencies providing support to Rye FD included Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Port Chester and Town of Mamaroneck Fire Departments as well as Port Chester EMS Firefighters quickly determined that the fire had spread into the void space above the vaulted ceiling crews had to pull down portions of the ceiling and open the gable ends of the structure to reach the fire and effectively extinguish it and all units were cleared from the scene at 7:31am Officials did not say if anyone was at the home during the time of the fire Property records indicate the waterfront property is owned by 2 Lane Way LLC having been purchased in 2012 for $3.9 million It was listed for rent this past summer for $17,000/month before the listing was removed 2 Lane Way LLC was formed in December of 2011 and records show a postal address that matches the Waldhauser Law Firm in Jericho The Westchester County Cause and Origin Team was requested to investigate the fire and their findings determined that the fire was caused by an electrical issue The Rye FD said it “encourages residents to prioritize fire safety by having an evacuation plan in place and ensuring that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.” below: A promotional real estate video shows the property at 2 Lane Way in Greenhaven.) Jay Sears is the owner and publisher of MyRye.com Contact Jay here: https://myrye.com/tips-letters/ Rye PD is warning residents: don't leave your car unlocked or bad guys might steal… (VIDEO: video of bad guy trying to burglarize Rye home.)  (PHOTO: Rye PD is looking… The reporting being released by the City of Rye Police Department to media changed in… The New York State Police arrested a 29 year-old man during a vehicle stop on… The police blotter is a highlight of recent activity from the City of Rye Police… Esq.) Former Rye Public Safety Commissioner Michael Corcoran and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" (Food Trucks Subject to Change) April 10-June 19 Down by the basketball courts at Rye Rec 4/17 - Arthur.. This workshop with Performance Coach Brian McCarthy of Victory Athletic covers practical running strategies to improve form Get ready to rock it out on Friday Nights this Spring at Rye Rec Parks Amphitheater Dates: Fridays May 2: Birddog / Melt Mobile Food Truck May 16: FDR Drive.. A Bulldog Luau is coming to Midland Elementary School on Saturday The entire Rye community is invited to the Annual Midland School Fair- bring your family and friends,.. May 7th from 6:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 18+Virginia is the Founder and CEO of Colorá Health Coaching (https://colorahealthcoaching.com/) and Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach May 8th from 6:30pm - 9:00pmAges: 21+Create a beautiful mixed media butterfly using watercolor and collage Pieces are inspired by Elizabeth Hayes' beautiful butterflies Join us for the Rye Historical Society's Annual Spring Luncheon and Boutique on May 8 Treat the mothers in your life to a special day at Wainwright House on Sunday a delicious seasonal brunch by Bartleby & Sage,.. Cornell Cooperative Extension '25 Gardening Webinar Series & Tour Wednesday Our biggest party of the year is back at The Capitol Theatre Inspired by the iconic Studio 54 Nightclub The Rye Arts Center’s Studio 51 Spring Benefit celebrates culture Message from Eagle Scout Candidate SPL Mark Pellegrini Calling all community members ages 8-99 ! Please join Rye Troop 2 and myself on May 17th for a very meaningful Eagle.. May 22nd from 6:30pm - 9:00pmAges: 21+Create "Monet’s garden" inspired by impressionist artwork Paint your own interpretation of water lilies in a summer garden in.. 7:00 am Marshlands Conservancy with Saw Mill River Audubon are hosting the Fifth Annual Pride Month Celebrations on May 31st New York has 44 state prisons. As of the September 2024 Monthly Report, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) houses "33,589 incarcerated individuals and the supervision of 17,351 active releasees in NewYork State there are 24,630 parolees under DOCCS’ responsibility including parolees actively reporting in New York and out-of-state A bulk of the incarcerated individuals are housed in a handful of prisons Auburn Correctional Facility - 1,111 Inmates135 State St Mohawk Correctional Facility - 1,141 Inmates6514 State Rte 26 Greene Correctional Facility - 1,209 Inmates165 Plank Rd Midstate Correctional Facility - 1,210 Inmates9005 Old River Rd Clinton Correctional Facility - 1,354 Inmates1156 Cook St Fishkill Correctional Facility - 1,468 Inmates18 Strack Dr Elmira Correctional Facility - 1,512 Inmates1879 Davis St Sing Sing Correctional Facility - 1,533 Inmates354 Hunter St Green Haven Correctional Facility - 1,788 Inmates594 NY-216 Attica Correctional Facility - 1,812 Inmates639 Exchange St Rd These are the 10 most populated prisons.\nRead More New York has 44 state prisons. As of the September 2024 Monthly Report, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) houses One of New York's oldest prisons and a jail in the Hudson Valley are being forced to close Plans were confirmed to close down two prisons located across New York State The Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg is one of the two prisons that will closedown within 90 days Hudson Valley Congressman Marc Molinaro says the move is "disgraceful" and "reckless." It’s disgraceful that Governor Hochul is now closing the Sullivan County Correctional Facility with limited notice This reckless decision not only jeopardizes the livelihoods and safety of corrections officers and staff but also threatens the economic stability of our community and increase safety risk to workers and inmates due to overcrowding Not to mention it rarely results in savings Our community deserves far better than this irresponsible and dangerous policy from Governor Hochul The Great Meadow Correctional Facility is another confirmed closure New York jail is one of the oldest and most violent prisons in New York State See the full lists at the end of this article Both prisons are expected to close by November "We express frustration and continued disappointment that the State believes closing prisons will remedy significant staffing deficits and reduce historic levels of violence and that it waited a year to make their announcement further subjecting our members and their families with additional hardships," NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers stated Summers says there's been "record levels of violence" inside New York prisons as well as "staffing shortages that continue to plague state facilities." staffing levels amongst officers and sergeants has decreased by over 1600 while the prison population has increased by over 2000 inmates It is a formula that has led to increased attacks on staff and created unsafe working conditions," he added Inmates will be moved to other prisons when the prison closes in November The 2024 New York State budget allows New York Gov That means three more prison closings may be announced by the end of the year Orange and Ulster Counties there are a number of state prisons Including the Wallkill Correctional Facility Greenhaven Correctional Facility and Fishkill Correctional Facility In 2022, Ogdensburg, Moriah Shock, Rochester, Southport, Willard and Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill, New York closed down. According to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) the reason for the closures is that crime has dropped drastically in the past 25 years in New York State Since 1999 there's been a 54 percent decrease in people incarcerated in New York’s correctional facilities, as of July 18, News 10 reports. “These closures are a necessary action in response to the needs of both incarcerated individuals and staff as most DOCCS prisons are operating well below their respective capacities," Chair of the Senate Committee on Crime and Correction Sen “The decision to close Great Meadow CF and Sullivan CF is a responsible decision that I fully support.“ One of New York's oldest prisons and a jail in the Hudson Valley are being forced to close. A handful more closures are expected\nRead More In 2022, Ogdensburg, Moriah Shock, Rochester, Southport, Willard and Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill, New York closed down. Since 1999 there's been a 54 percent decrease in people incarcerated in New York’s correctional facilities, as of July 18, News 10 reports. The first thing I notice on entering the store is the smell It is an earthy sandalwood mixed with some type of citrus On my left sits a smoking lounge with four booths facing large windows that look out on an upscale South Austin shopping center is a demonstration grow room—more for show than large-scale cultivation a large lacquered-wood cabinet looks like something out of an old-fashioned drugstore Its shelves hold a cannabinoid cornucopia: cookies and glass containers half-filled with tightly clumped plant buds Another customer enters and makes a beeline to the counter He orders a strain of cannabis called Blueberry Muffin uses plastic tongs to fish out a few buds and places them on an electric scale What he’s selling isn’t marijuana It is hemp containing a chemical compound called THCa Lighting it on fire transforms the THCa into another compound “It’s a little less potent than what you would find in California but it still gets the job done,” Nick says everything in the store will get you high.” The muffin man drops into the conversation “You can just make the cookie yourself by heating it up.” In this metaphor who is wearing an expensive-looking long-sleeved dress shirt (I wouldn’t have been surprised if he had tried to sell me a pair of $150 jeans.) We discuss the characteristics of various strains for sale most of which have mouthwatering names such as Lemon Cherry Gelato which is “pretty potent.” But he has stronger options reaching for a rectangular glass jar filled with what look like chalky nuggets of stone identified by a handwritten label: White Wok I would recommend all customers try at least once This is going to get you f—ed up.” or do I want the neurons in my brain shaken like dice in a game of Boggle If you want to ruin your day,” his voice trails off Boggle it is. I purchase two grams of White Wok for $40 with my credit card. I thank Nick as he hands me a small plastic baggie reeking of a scent that transports me back to the winter of 1991, when I first set foot in an Amsterdam “coffeeshop.” I exit into one of Texas’s most expensive neighborhoods a man named Nico Richardson had told me that Texas had become “the biggest unregulated drug market in the country.” It was a stunning claim I doubted the conservatives who run Texas would allow that state of affairs and I knew he had a vested financial interest in cracking down on these hemp shops sell strains of cannabis that could lay low a three-hundred-pound rutting hog When Richardson claimed it was easy to purchase marijuana at these stores Now all I had to do was send White Wok to a laboratory to see what I had bought White Wok’s concentration of delta-9 THC tested at 1.48 percent And the delta-9 THC was just the tip of the psychoactive iceberg The strain also contained 48.3 percent THCa The hemp industry argues that according to the letter of the law Any plant with less than 0.3 percent THC is hemp In May the federal agency clarified its position that THCa must also be under the 0.3 percent legal limit My White Wok contained 150 times that much “This is not a regular cannabis flower,” said Sarah Otis, director of quality assurance for Anresco Laboratories which Texas Monthly paid to assay the purchased samples Naturally occurring cannabis doesn’t approach those levels of THC She suspected it was a bud genetically selected to produce high THC and then infused with hash oil—a cannabis extract—or additional THC “The word I would use is ‘egregious.’ ” Otis said that if this strain was being sold openly in Texas There was no way a plant that tested at legal THC levels at a manufacturing facility could test weeks later at 1.48 percent And if the THC level isn’t being tested properly it’s difficult to trust that it has been tested for pesticides I shared the test results with Paul Zain, who owns Greenbelt Botanicals “These things are going to happen,” he said “I am disappointed.” He told me that his suppliers provide paperwork showing that their flowers are hemp and therefore legal to sell Testing every product himself would cost too much “I have to take some people at their word,” he said associate commissioner for consumer protection at the Texas Department of State Health Services recently testified before a legislative hearing that the agency has four inspectors who visit the more than seven thousand registered hemp dispensaries They can inspect each one—from the Resler Smoke Shop a twelve-hour drive away—once every five years DSHS has authority to test the products being sold but “we don’t tend to invest a lot of state resources in that,” Stevenson said the state relies on the certificates of analysis provided by manufacturers Texas Monthly purchased smokable cannabis at eight dispensaries We bagged our purchases and sent them to Anresco for testing All eight samples came back with delta-9 THC levels in excess of legal limits The “house blend” joint we purchased at the Alamo Heights location of Green Haven Cannabis Co. which operates three stores in San Antonio tested at 12.38 percent—more than 41 times the legal limit for delta-9 THC from Oregon and relies on his suppliers for accurate testing “You are held captive to the [certificates of analysis] the companies provide,” he wrote in an email The cannabis we bought contained a lot of THC. Testing labs, including Anresco, provide a “total THC” figure as a gauge of overall potency. By this measure, the clear winner was the White Wok, at 43.9 percent, enough to neutralize a half-ton bull alligator. Other samples also delivered staggering amounts of psychoactive ingredients. The preroll suggested by a friendly clerk with a nose piercing at Grinders Coffee Bar a dispensary near Houston’s affluent West University Place (A study of the potency of marijuana confiscated by the DEA in the eighties found that delta-9 THC levels were around 3 percent.) The strain with the least kick though a still-impressive 9 percent total THC was a sold by an upscale East Dallas shop that hosts weekly dinners at which so that you have control and can dose yourself.” All of our samples were “extremely” potent an associate professor in the School of Public Health at the University of North Texas Health Science Center He has written several scientific papers studying what is being sold at hemp dispensaries in the state and he is concerned about Texans buying cannabis that’s been manipulated in ways that may not prove safe “We won’t know the health effects of these for years and years to come,” he said “People don’t even realize what all they’re putting in their bodies So how will we be able to figure out which stuff is most harmful and poisonous Anresco and several other laboratories ran a nationwide test in January and reached a conclusion similar to Texas Monthly’s findings The study tested 29 samples from prerolls and loose flower all of which were sold with certificates indicating their THC was under 0.3 percent When Nico Richardson told me how easy it was to buy marijuana in Texas I had wondered if he was getting high on his own supply But our testing suggests he was absolutely correct “Let’s be honest and call it what it is,” he said “Most of the hemp dispensaries out there are selling illegal federal marijuana.” And they can do it because these stores operate at the crossroads of poorly written laws wily chemists brewing up potent new strains Recreational use of cannabis became commonplace in Mexico starting in the 1880s all of which were unregulated until the early years of the twentieth century But marijuana did cross the border—including in the rucksacks of Pancho Villa’s revolutionary army—and was sold as far north as San Antonio El Paso became the first city in Texas to enact an ordinance prohibiting the sale and possession of cannabis claiming that smoking it led to violent behavior Some historians argue that movements to outlaw certain drugs share nativist and anti-immigrant impulses with the temperance movement which led to a national ban on alcohol in 1920 the Texas Legislature had enacted a prohibition on the transfer of marijuana from one person to another; in 1923 it banned possession with the intent to sell a newspaper in Austin felt compelled to educate its readers that “marihuana is a Mexican herb.” Practically every state west of the Mississippi had similar laws on its books by 1933 Texas made marijuana possession a felony, a situation that remained until 1973, when the state became the second to last to reduce the crime to a misdemeanor. According to a Texas Monthly article the impetus for the change was that “too many of the wrong kids were being arrested.” When kids from the wealthy Dallas enclave of Highland Park were charged with felonies the issue became a legislative problem that needed to be solved In 1996 California was the first state to legalize marijuana for medicinal use Colorado and Washington became the first to approve recreational use 24 states—plus the District of Columbia—had joined the green wave They have implemented testing regimes to ferret out the sort of contaminants that may be going undetected in strains of hemp sold in Texas Possession of less than two ounces of marijuana remains a misdemeanor in our state that can result in as many as 180 days in jail, although some cities and local prosecutors have said they won’t bring charges. But Texas has opened the door to medical marijuana. In 2015 the state created the Compassionate Use Program for Texans with severe epilepsy There are only three licensed medical marijuana dispensaries and each can operate a single growing facility They must test their crops monthly and share the results with the Department of Public Safety not the Department of State Health Services Nico Richardson’s Texas Original is the largest of the medical dispensaries Its client base mushroomed after Texas expanded the program to allow marijuana for the treatment of terminal cancer and multiple sclerosis the program was opened further to those diagnosed with any cancer as well as patients with post-traumatic stress disorder He blames the proliferation of hemp dispensaries for this setback During the first couple of years after Texas legalized hemp, shops such as those we tested were mostly selling an extract called cannabidiol, or CBD. It doesn’t get users high, but it provides a pleasant sensation stores began selling gummies and tinctures to help with relaxation and sleep Chemists and botanists in the hemp industry soon discovered that they could extract psychoactive compounds from hemp thus skirting federal and state laws focused on delta-9 THC levels hemp stores began to sell products with high levels of delta-8 THC a compound similar to delta-9 THC but not addressed explicitly in state or federal law With products that looked, smelled, and acted like marijuana, hemp dispensary sales increased. Still, the industry feared the state would soon enact new regulations. But a 2021 bill seeking to regulate delta-8 levels died in a legislative committee, and later that year, a new state health department rule that would have prohibited such hemp-derived cannabis strains was successfully challenged in court (That case is pending before the Texas Supreme Court.) After the 2023 session also ended without legislative action Dispensary owners are confident they’re on the right side of the law. “Just like anything in Texas around cannabis, we have to kind of interpret the law, you know, for ourselves and talking to lawyers and stuff,” said Todd Harris, the co-owner of Happy Cactus Apothecary Texas Monthly purchased two joints from its location across the street from a high school in South Austin They were 23.2 percent THCa and also 1.78 percent delta-9 THC “After doing our due diligence,” Harris told me “we do feel comfortable and confident that THCa is legal in Texas and THCa is the same thing as the marijuana that you get in Colorado and California.”  If you’re confused by this hazy cloud of legality surrounding cannabis reflected on the spread of legal hemp stores selling products chemically similar to marijuana we passed a law that sort of legalized the use of cannabis in the state of Texas,” he said He had sponsored the 2019 bill legalizing hemp because he wanted to help farmers in his mostly rural district by offering them access to a new potential cash crop Texas did not legalize pot—knowingly or unknowingly,” he said “This started out as a federal farm bill for the benefit of agriculture and it has been bastardized as we were fearful it could be It is time to fix it.” It is widely anticipated that Perry or another senator will file applicable legislation for the 2025 session but it isn’t clear whether such a bill will attempt to stamp out the new hemp industry or envelop it in new regulations all of the legal wrangling over levels of delta-8 and THCa is a little beside the point All eight samples that Texas Monthly purchased and tested exceeded the 0.3 percent delta-9 THC level that defines illegal marijuana We didn’t buy them from dealers in apartments with closed blinds We bought them in licensed stores with plenty of natural light and they are operating miles outside the intent of both federal law and state law,” Richardson told me Richardson says a surfeit of readily available unregulated marijuana posing as hemp is eating away at his business He grows all of his cannabis in South Austin and his employees have to drive doses all over the state DPS sometimes springs surprise testing on top of its routine monthly inspections Richardson can’t sell any cannabis product that registers more than 1 percent delta-9 THC And his customers require medical prescriptions hemp dispensaries can sell significantly more-potent cannabis at lower prices from stores conveniently located in 238 of the state’s 254 counties it is likely that the Texas medical program will cease to function “It is not an economic program for the operators.” The pro-hemp crowd talks a lot about the economic benefits the new industry provides: the thousands of commercial leases and billions of dollars in payroll Texas could join the nearly half of states that have legalized recreational marijuana This would allow for increased tax revenues and improved oversight of the safety of cannabis products the Legislature hasn’t shown much inclination to head down that path Opponents of legalization argue that what they call “intoxicating hemp” is dangerous and out of control “We can’t continue to put business interests over the lives of our youth and communities,” said Nicole Holt the CEO of Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth “We want to ban all cannabis and cannabis-derived products.” The flourishing hemp industry is preparing to fight in the courts and the Legislature to keep its smoke-blowing golden goose happy and healthy recently told state senators in a hearing that “whether it was the intent of the Legislature or not it’s time to pass rules to require better testing and age limits (There is no law preventing the sale of hemp to minors.) “The cat is out of the bag We all want to work with you to regulate this.” says Texas has gone too far to turn around “It does feel like we legalized marijuana,” he said adding that the response shouldn’t be to destroy a billion-dollar industry “Would you rather people be buying a product from a regulated Texas market or buying on the black market?” and Sandi Villarreal contributed to the reporting of this story An abbreviated version of this story appeared in the August 2024 issue of Texas Monthly with the headline “Texas Has Basically Legalized Marijuana. We Have the Proof.” It was originally published online on June 26, 2024. Subscribe today Sign in Join now, it's FREE! The staff has been working tirelessly 24/7 to provide comfort and support during this difficult time the shelter's ability to provide a warm especially when the community's most vulnerable are in need local community members have rallied to offer assistance Melanie Robinson and the dedicated team at Eclectic Cafe on Mississaga Street came together to support the shelter They provided the women and children with hot nutritious meals and a warm space to gather offering a much-needed respite from the chilly conditions outside This gesture of kindness highlights the power of community support during times of crisis demonstrating the deep sense of solidarity that exists within Orillia Green Haven Women's Shelter is planning an upcoming fundraising campaign aimed at raising much-needed funds to purchase a generator This would help ensure that the shelter remains a safe and warm haven for its residents even during unforeseen emergencies like power outages The addition of a generator will provide long-term peace of mind knowing that the shelter can continue its mission of providing shelter More Spotlight > By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Notes: Nike has unveiled its Flyknit Haven model in a deep “Vintage Green” colorway The moc silhouette is built with Nike’s lightweight Flyknit material in a trio of varying green hues starting off with the cloud-like uppers and stretchable heel tabs that also house the embroidered mini swoosh The shoe then rests on a complementing green midsole and bespeckled outsole that serves as a more solid component of the cloud-like uppers while a basic toggle lacing system ensures a snug and comfortable fit The event marked the National Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence a global campaign aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action The flag-raising serves as a powerful symbol of the community’s commitment to supporting survivors and ending gender-based violence This year’s theme for the Wrapped in Courage campaign “Threads of Action,” emphasizes that even small steps can collectively weave a stronger “Gender-based violence affects individuals and entire communities,” said Linda Reid Executive Director of Green Haven Shelter for Women a woman is killed by an intimate partner or family member every 10 minutes globally This is a crisis that demands urgent attention and action from all of us.” hundreds of women and children seek refuge each year fleeing abuse and rebuilding their lives with the help of organizations like Green Haven The shelter provides not only a safe place to stay but also critical support services such as counselling and programs for children affected by violence Green Haven Shelter for Women is encouraging community members to take action during the 16 Days of Activism or simply spreading awareness about the realities of gender-based violence Contributions to Green Haven’s “Gift of a Safe Tomorrow” campaign can make a direct impact: “Every action counts,” Reid emphasized we can ensure that no one in our community is left without hope or safety.” For more information about Green Haven Shelter for Women and to donate, visit greenhavenshelter.com or follow @greenhavenshelter on social media Forced labor under the threat of punishment Having to choose between purchasing food or personal items These are the conditions facing incarcerated New Yorkers that advocates say are why the state should amend its constitution to bar involuntary labor The letter writers are only being identified by their initials in order to protect them from potential retaliation who works making chairs for 35 cents per hour “I have been threatened by correctional officers if I didn’t want to work Even now I was forced to work in the Corcraft Industries by the program committee or be disciplined with loss of all privileges.” wrote that she sometimes goes to work when she feels ill due to a lack of sick days and that she feels “inadequate” as a mother and grandmother because her low wages don’t allow her to purchase items for her family or herself “I am forced to have to ask my son for a pair of decent sneakers or go without groceries to save up for them,” she wrote wrote that they make about $9 every two weeks a sum that doesn’t keep up with the growing prices of food and personal items at the prison commissary “They slave us and then make it nearly impossible to survive off of what they pay us.” On its website Corcraft says that it employs incarcerated New Yorkers “to produce goods while preparing them for release by teaching them work skills and responsibility,” describing its program as voluntary Corcraft workers produce a variety of products including license plates and cleaning supplies in 14 facilities across the state The agency even operates DMV call centers from two state prisons Corcraft is listed as a “preferred source,” which means that state and government agencies such as State University of New York institutions are required to procure needed items like an office chair through those particular vendors Every time someone looks at a highway sign Anytime you’re looking at the majority of signs that are anywhere and tears of people that are housed at the Department of Corrections and they’re working for Corcraft industries,” says Wilfredo Laracuente a community organizer who was released from prison in July 2021 While incarcerated at Green Haven Correctional Facility he worked as part of a four-man team building and upholstering chairs for pennies on the dollar the bill would have to be passed in two consecutive legislative sessions before it can head to voters as a ballot referendum the measure has been approved by committee in the State Senate and is awaiting a vote in the Assembly before the current session ends on June 6 passage of the No Slavery in New York Act would reform the current system where an individual could be punished with isolation or other penalties for refusing a particular assignment or calling out sick It’s really up to the individual staff member overseeing them which makes them eligible for earlier parole or to see a parole board earlier it can push back their parole date if they lose their good time credits They can lose visiting time and phone time with their families and loved ones,” she says Justice advocates such as Koklas are also pushing for another piece of legislation known as the Fairness and Opportunities for Incarcerated Workers Act that would mandate a raise in prison wages improve pathways to post-incarceration employment and provide safer working conditions for incarcerated workers Laracuente believes higher pay would reduce recidivism “I feel it would create a sense of responsibility I think it would change the culture and I definitely feel it would be a true remedy to public safety because now people would take pride in working and they wouldn’t come back,” he says By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York