The Appeal’s Favorite Stories of 2018
Our staff picks 12 stories worth reading (or rereading) before the new year.
Dec 27, 2018
Why Are Women Getting Stuck in Rikers?
New York City has reduced its jail population, but those who remain are staying longer.
Despite New Rules, NYC Is Still Jailing People Long After They Post Bail
A new Bronx Freedom Fund report documents these extended pretrial lockups, which threaten people’s jobs and destabilize families.
George Joseph Nov 26, 2018
Moving Teens Off Rikers Island Was a Good First Step. Now Comes the Hard Part.
The rocky implementation of New York’s Raise the Age law shows that young people in detention need love, not force.
Rubén Austria Nov 01, 2018
Queens Prosecutor: Kalief Browder’s Suicide Wasn’t About Rikers
City Council Member Rory Lancman, who was debating Assistant District Attorney James Quinn over the future of Rikers Island, blasted Quinn's comments on Browder, who spent three years incarcerated without a trial.
George Joseph Sep 10, 2018
How Activists Convinced New York City To Stop Profiting Off Prisoners’ Phone Calls
News of the victory is spreading rapidly to other cities.
Bryce Covert Jul 26, 2018
EXCLUSIVE: Documents Reveal Bronx DA’s Office Is Still Withholding Key Evidence In Prosecution of Bronx Teen
Pedro Hernandez’s case has inspired calls for reform, but he’s still being targeted for an alleged cell phone theft.
Locked up for three decades without a trial
A New York City man has been shuffled between Rikers Island and mental hospitals for 32 years.
The Appeal Podcast Episode 4: How Prison Reform Was Co-Opted to Sell More Prisons
With journalists Raven Rakia and Ashoka Jegroo.
Adam H. Johnson Jun 15, 2018
How the Push to Close Rikers Went From No Jails To New Jails
Activists say a once-radical campaign has been co-opted.