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New Hour in the News

Riverhead declares state of emergency amid migrant crisis in New York City

Amid the migrant crisis in New York City, Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar declared a state of emergency and signed an executive order banning hotels and other facilities from accepting migrants. NewsdayTV’s Cecilia Dowd reports.

Riverhead declares state of emergency amid migrant crisis in New York City

May 17, 2023

Via:

Newsday

Clean Slate legislation is key to our clean energy future

Long Island is poised to play a key role in helping New York realize its ambitious climate goals, but that mission can’t be accomplished without a robust and well-trained workforce.

Clean Slate legislation is key to our clean energy future

May 1, 2023

Via:

Newsday

New York's Imprisoned Women Brave Risks to Sue Sexual Abusers Under New Law

New York’s Adult Survivors Act briefly waives the statute of limitations to file sexual abuse lawsuits. Some of New York’s imprisoned women are risking retaliation from guards in order to file cases alleging horrific treatment at the hands of the state

New York's Imprisoned Women Brave Risks to Sue Sexual Abusers Under New Law

April 18, 2023

Via:

The Appeal

Bail reform rally held in Foley Square in Manhattan

Former Rikers Island inmates, family members and politicians gathered in Foley Square in Manhattan on April 13, 2023, to rally around protecting bail reform. Step into the rally through photos.

Bail reform rally held in Foley Square in Manhattan

April 14, 2023

Via:

New York Daily News

Bail reform remains one of stalling points in completing state budget

State budget negotiations have stalled with bail reform being one of the most debated topics.

Bail reform remains one of stalling points in completing state budget

April 6, 2023

Via:

News 12 Long Island

Suffolk CPS cites higher pay, reduced caseloads in effort to improve

Suffolk County has raised its starting pay for Child Protective Service workers and reduced the number of cases they handle in an effort to improve the department, but there is still progress to be mad

Suffolk CPS cites higher pay, reduced caseloads in effort to improve

March 28, 2023

Via:

Newsday

Bail reform continues to be divisive issue for state legislators

Bail reform continues to be divisive issue for state legislators Legislators in New York are renewing their debate over bail reform. In Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State address, the governor called for changes in bail reform.

Bail reform continues to be divisive issue for state legislators

January 31, 2023

Via:

News 12 Long Island

Nonprofit New Hour helps Long Island's incarcerated women transition back to society

New Hour Executive Director Serena Liguori says the program has helps roughly 1,200 women a year on Long Island.

Nonprofit New Hour helps Long Island's incarcerated women transition back to society

December 24, 2022

Via:

Newsday

New policy on food packages for inmates in state prisons brings protests from families and advocates

A new state policy says families of inmates in state prisons cannot bring them food anymore, provoking protests among relatives and advocates who say it is denying them a basic right.

New policy on food packages for inmates in state prisons brings protests from families and advocates

December 4, 2022

Via:

Newsday

Statewide rallies held in New York call for better conditions in state prisons

A demonstration was held Monday outside of Nassau Courthouse in Mineola to call for better conditions at state prisons.

Statewide rallies held in New York call for better conditions in state prisons

November 21, 2022

Via:

News 12 Long Island

Women Bear the Brunt of New York's Prison Care Package Ban

New restrictions have made it harder to send food to incarcerated people. Advocates say the policy is doing disproportionate harm inside women's prisons, and to women on the outside who often serve as caretakers.

Women Bear the Brunt of New York's Prison Care Package Ban

November 15, 2022

Via:

The Appeal

As Nassau Executive Blasts Bail Reform, Data Shows Few Are Re-Arrested

Data from the NCPD shows that 87 percent of people arrested last quarter were released without bail. But few went on to commit more crimes.

As Nassau Executive Blasts Bail Reform, Data Shows Few Are Re-Arrested

August 16, 2022

Via:

Patch

Radically Transforming Community - Keynote by Serena Liguori

What does it look like to belong to a diverse, compassionate and engaged community in the spirit of unifying love?

Radically Transforming Community - Keynote by Serena Liguori

July 10, 2022

Via:

Sister's of Saint Joseph U. S. Federation

Long Islanders celebrate Juneteenth with grand jubilee in Suffolk

Monday was the first time Juneteenth was celebrated as a federal holiday. The actual holiday was on Sunday but was observed on June 20 with a huge celebration in Suffolk.

Long Islanders celebrate Juneteenth with grand jubilee in Suffolk

June 21, 2022

Via:

News 12 Long Island

Suffolk Police rolling out officer body cameras

The murder of George Floyd prompted sweeping police reforms, and now Suffolk County is following other major police forces rolling out body cameras for its officers.

Suffolk Police rolling out officer body cameras

June 2, 2022

Via:

CBS New York

Bellone: Police body cameras a 'win-win scenario'

Body cameras will hold officers accountable, shield cops from false complaints of misconduct, and build public trust in Suffolk police, County Executive Steve Bellone said while announcing the rollout of a key element of the department’s reform plan on Thursday, calling it a “win-win-win scenario.”

Bellone: Police body cameras a 'win-win scenario'

June 2, 2022

Via:

Newsday

Wrongful conviction bill must be passed by the State Legislature

It is hard to imagine a scenario more chilling than being accused, then convicted, of a crime you did not commit.

Wrongful conviction bill must be passed by the State Legislature

May 30, 2022

Via:

Newsday

"From Prison to Productive"

It Is What It Is - Season 1, Episode 6 "From Prison to Productive - It’s The New HOUR For Women And Children!". On this episode of “It Is What It Is”, Cindy will be chatting with two fabulously inspiring women - Serena Liguori, Executive Director and Anitria Blue, Community Ambassador Liaison, both representing New HOUR for Women and Children on Long Island.

"From Prison to Productive"

May 12, 2022

Via:

It Is What It Is

U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph Justice Action Webinar 2022

Join a the CSSJ Family for a presentation and a moderated panel where participants will learn about cash bail, pretrial detention and reform, and sentencing - with a focus on women's and juveniles' experiences.

Panelists include Serena Martin-Liguori, Executive Director, New Hour for Women & Children & - Anitria Blue, Community Ambassador Liaison, New Hour for Women & Children

U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph Justice Action Webinar 2022

May 4, 2022

Via:

U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph

Police reform: County officials, activists split on progress

One year after Nassau and Suffolk counties submitted sweeping police reform plans ordered by former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo after George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis police custody, county officials and community activists are split over how much progress has been made.

Police reform: County officials, activists split on progress

April 9, 2022

Via:

Newsday

WRHU-FM New York Interview with Serena Liguori

WHRU's Yaw Bonsu speaks with New Hour's Executive Director Serena Liguori about the story of New Hour and how the organization is making a positive impact across Long Island.

WRHU-FM New York Interview with Serena Liguori

March 30, 2022

Via:

WHRU

Meet the women helping women on LI: Serena Martin-Liguori

Serena Martin-Liguori, of New Hour for Women and Children-Long Island, discusses her non-profit, which helps women impacted by incarceration.

Meet the women helping women on LI: Serena Martin-Liguori

March 27, 2022

Via:

Newsday

Joint Public Hearing: The impact of sexual assault in the prison system

A public hearing regarding the impact of sexual assault in the prison system. New Hour's Executive Director Serena Liguori gives testimony.

Joint Public Hearing: The impact of sexual assault in the prison system

March 3, 2022

Via:

New York Senate

Spike in violent crimes seen on LI ahead of Biden visit

A rise in shootings across Long Island has several neighborhoods on edge.

Spike in violent crimes seen on LI ahead of Biden visit

February 3, 2022

Via:

News 12 Long Island

Re-emerging Into Her Power with Serena Liguori

I'm Curious with Ashley Asti

Re-emerging Into Her Power with Serena Liguori

January 13, 2022

Via:

I'm Curious with Ashley Asti

Advocates for inmates: Action needed from Gov. Hochul as COVID surges in Bedford Hills prison

Serena Martin-Liguori, the executive director for New Hour for Women and Children, says the number of cases among inmates is close to 70 - so she's asking Hochul to grant clemency for some of the women to reduce the population.

Advocates for inmates: Action needed from Gov. Hochul as COVID surges in Bedford Hills prison

January 9, 2022

Via:

News 12

HERSTORY: First Black woman named NYPD commissioner

Mayor-elect Eric Adams announced his choice for New York City’s next police commissioner Wednesday morning. Adams named Nassau County Police Chief of Detectives Keechant Sewell, 49, as the incoming police commissioner. She will be the first Black woman to hold the role in the history of the NYPD.

HERSTORY: First Black woman named NYPD commissioner

December 15, 2021

Via:

Amsterdam News

Activists rally on LI and NYC for clemency and changes in parole policies

Advocates for former and current inmates rallied Tuesday on Long Island and in New York City for clemency for eligible prisoners and a pair of bills that would change parole and release policies for rehabilitated offenders.

Activists rally on LI and NYC for clemency and changes in parole policies

November 23, 2021

Via:

Newsday

In this joint effort, a fresh START for Suffolk inmates begins with the right outfit

A new clothing drive is seeking donations to provide inmates leaving the Suffolk County prison system with dress attire so they can pursue career and educational goals.

In this joint effort, a fresh START for Suffolk inmates begins with the right outfit

November 11, 2021

Via:

Newsday

Gov. Hochul signs law aimed at reducing parolee incarceration for technical violations

New York state is loosening its parole laws as Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Friday aimed at keeping parolees from being incarcerated on technical violations.

Gov. Hochul signs law aimed at reducing parolee incarceration for technical violations

September 17, 2021

Via:

News 12 Long Island

New Hour: A Fresh Start For Incarcerated Women With Serena Liguori

Incarcerated women deserve to move forward with life. We can have a fresh start, be happy and live meaningful lives if only we know how to find the much-needed resources. Join Julia Lazareck and the Executive Director of New Hour Serena Liguori as they delve into seeing yourself in a different light, thinking healthy thoughts and moving forward.

New Hour: A Fresh Start For Incarcerated Women With Serena Liguori

August 11, 2021

Via:

Prison: The Hidden Sentence

The Rebirth of Institutionalism: From Mental Hospitals to the Prison Industrial Complex

“What we know is that jails and prisons repeatedly let women down; they do not meet mental health needs in a holistic way.”

The Rebirth of Institutionalism: From Mental Hospitals to the Prison Industrial Complex

July 20, 2021

Via:

Ms. Magazine

Queens block party held for formerly incarcerated New Yorkers

Formerly incarcerated New Yorkers who now own their own small businesses celebrated Sunday at a Queens block party.

Queens block party held for formerly incarcerated New Yorkers

July 18, 2021

Via:

PIX 11

New Hour provides a path to life after prison for women and their families

While most 19-year-olds are just starting their adult lives, Serena Liguori was in prison.

New Hour provides a path to life after prison for women and their families

June 7, 2021

Via:

ABC7 Eyewitness News

Nassau jail death leads to contraband questions

On Dec. 28, 2018, 28-year-old Kevin Rollins, an inmate at the Nassau County Correctional Facility in East Meadow, died of a fentanyl overdose after he was found in cardiac arrest in his cell, where he was awaiting sentencing after violating the terms of his deal with Nassau’s Drug Treatment Court following a 2016 arrest.

Nassau jail death leads to contraband questions

May 19, 2021

Via:

Medium

Advocates rally on Mother’s Day for women behind bars and their families

Last Saturday, a coalition of advocates and lawmakers rallied on Mother’s Day weekend at a Rikers Island bus stop in Brooklyn and outside Bedford Hills prison for women in Westchester to support women and mothers behind bars and their families.

Advocates rally on Mother’s Day for women behind bars and their families

May 13, 2021

Via:

Amsterdam News

NY Women’s Prison, Housing Mothers and Newborns, Hit By COVID-19 Outbreak

The number of COVID-19 cases has spiked in recent weeks at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, a women’s prison that houses inmates who are pregnant as well as a nursery program for newborns.

NY Women’s Prison, Housing Mothers and Newborns, Hit By COVID-19 Outbreak

April 20, 2021

Via:

The Gothamist

In Lisa Montgomery, formerly incarcerated women see echoes of their own stories: ‘She never had a chance to just live’

There are few who would defend Lisa Montgomery’s actions from Dec. 16, 2004. On that day, Montgomery, then 36, drove to the home of a pregnant woman she had befriended online, Bobbie Jo Stinnet, and strangled her with a piece of rope.

In Lisa Montgomery, formerly incarcerated women see echoes of their own stories: ‘She never had a chance to just live’

January 12, 2021

Via:

The Lily

For Police Reformers, Union President Apology Didn't Go Far Enough

fter the racial justice protests over the summer, both reformers and police unions were asked to sit at the same table and draft a plan for police reforms.

For Police Reformers, Union President Apology Didn't Go Far Enough

January 11, 2021

Via:

WSHU Public Radio

Unspoken Costs

Isolation, incarceration, and the prison telecommunications industry

Unspoken Costs

November 1, 2020

Via:

The Politic

New Hour: Making Positive Change for Those Impacted by Incarceration

When Serena Liguori was 19 years old, she became incarcerated. During her time in prison, she quickly realized that access to health care and other services was inequitable and lacking compared to care one can get elsewhere.

New Hour: Making Positive Change for Those Impacted by Incarceration

October 7, 2020

Via:

Good Counsel Services

Returning Citizen

She's out of prison after 17 years. What does freedom feel like?

Returning Citizen

September 30, 2020

Via:

I'm Curious Podcast

Bus Blog: New Hour for Women and Children

There are no words to describe the grief of hearing keys jingling down a cell block corridor. There are no words to describe the trauma that long-term isolation can have on a body and mind.

Bus Blog: New Hour for Women and Children

September 25, 2020

Via:

Network Lobby

New Hour, advocacy group for incarcerated Long Island women, mourns death of ex-program coordinator

“They gave me the key and now I’m free,” Miller-Hill said at the time.

New Hour, advocacy group for incarcerated Long Island women, mourns death of ex-program coordinator

September 1, 2020

Via:

The Island Now

Black Lives Matter rally focuses on imprisoned women in Nassau County

A Black Lives Matter rally held outside of the Nassau County jail Friday shed light on bringing justice for imprisoned black and transgender women.

Black Lives Matter rally focuses on imprisoned women in Nassau County

July 3, 2020

Via:

News12 Long Island

Events, celebrations planned on Long Island for Juneteenth

Juneteenth has been celebrated for years, but there are pushes to make it an official holiday and to teach the meaning and history behind the day to those who might not be aware of it.

Events, celebrations planned on Long Island for Juneteenth

June 18, 2020

Via:

News12 Long Island

Racial justice advocates want Kaminsky to reinvest ‘cop money’

Protesters joined in front of State Sen. Todd Kaminsky’s office in Rockville Centre on June 18 to demand that he refuse campaign contributions from police unions.

Racial justice advocates want Kaminsky to reinvest ‘cop money’

June 18, 2020

Via:

LI Herald

Protesters: LI Senate Dems must use law enforcement contributions for reforms

Dozens of activists Thursday called on Long Island's Democratic state senators to reinvest years of campaign contributions from law enforcement into bail funds and groups protesting police brutality.

Protesters: LI Senate Dems must use law enforcement contributions for reforms

June 18, 2020

Via:

Newsday

Advocates propose housing for women released from prison

Serena Liguori is counting on using a $50,000 grant from a California organization as seed money to help her nonprofit launch an initiative to house women after they are released from prison.

Advocates propose housing for women released from prison

June 16, 2020

Via:

Newsday

Advocates cheer 50-a reform while law enforcement urges caution

Long Island civil rights advocates cheered Tuesday as New York lawmakers repealed a state law considered one of the nation's strictest in shielding police disciplinary records, even as local officials cautioned that officer safety must remain a priority.

Advocates cheer 50-a reform while law enforcement urges caution

June 10, 2020

Via:

Newsday

Advocates, unions spar over rule sealing police disciplinary records

Long Island police unions and criminal justice advocates are gearing up for a battle over 50a, the controversial regulation that prohibits the release of disciplinary records of police officers.

Advocates, unions spar over rule sealing police disciplinary records

June 3, 2020

Via:

Newsday

Advocates fight for release of vulnerable incarcerated people, increased testing, more accountability in Nassau County jail

Advocates for incarcerated people held an action outside the Nassau County Jail on Thursday calling for the release of vulnerable people as well as more transparency on the part of the county

Advocates fight for release of vulnerable incarcerated people, increased testing, more accountability in Nassau County jail

May 27, 2020

Via:

The Island Now

Advocates for Nassau jail inmates call for daily coronavirus updates

Advocates for inmates at the Nassau County Correctional Center called on County Executive Laura Curran to provide daily updates on the number of coronavirus cases in the East Meadow jail and for the release of vulnerable people during a protest Thursday in Mineola.

Advocates for Nassau jail inmates call for daily coronavirus updates

May 21, 2020

Via:

Newsday

Inmates' advocates call on Nassau to release the COVID-19-vulnerable

Long Island advocates for the incarcerated rallied outside the Nassau Correctional Center on Friday, calling on county officials to release inmates who are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus from the East Meadow jail.

Inmates' advocates call on Nassau to release the COVID-19-vulnerable

April 24, 2020

Via:

Newsday

Open Letter to Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio from the Justice for Women COVID-19 Task Force

Dear Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio,
We are pleased that the Governor has announced that incarcerated people in
DOCS facilities over the age of 55, having 90 days or less on their sentence, and not
guilty of a violent or sexual related crime will be released on a rolling basis.

Open Letter to Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio from the Justice for Women COVID-19 Task Force

April 21, 2020

Via:

Justice for Women COVID-19 Taskforce

Officials: Bail reform helping stem virus spread in LI jails

New York’s controversial bail reform — and the resulting decline in the state's jail population — has helped slow the spread of the coronavirus among those behind bars locally, officials said, even as new cases have exploded elsewhere on Long Island.

Officials: Bail reform helping stem virus spread in LI jails

April 10, 2020

Via:

Newsday

Digital rallies call for release of select inmates to prevent virus spread

A call was made Monday to release select inmates from Long Island jails and state prisons to prevent infections within the facilities during the coronavirus pandemic.

Digital rallies call for release of select inmates to prevent virus spread

March 30, 2020

Via:

News12 Long Island

Civil rights groups: Officials engaged in 'misinformation campaign' blaming man's death on criminal justice reform

Is the state's new discovery reform to blame for the death of a witness in an MS-13 trial? A group of advocates says no, and they want an apology.

Civil rights groups: Officials engaged in 'misinformation campaign' blaming man's death on criminal justice reform

February 7, 2020

Via:

News12 Long Island

Supporters, critics of bail reform law hold dueling rallies at Nassau courthouse

Supporters and critics of the state’s new bail reform law held dueling rallies Saturday outside the Nassau County Court in Mineola.

Supporters, critics of bail reform law hold dueling rallies at Nassau courthouse

January 25, 2020

Via:

News12 Long Island

New Hour's Executive Director, Serena Liguori

Listen in as the Executive Director of New Hour for Women and Children speaks about our work on Criminal Justice Insider, 103.5FM WNHH Community Radio.

New Hour's Executive Director, Serena Liguori

January 22, 2020

Via:

WNHH Community Radio

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