The debate about juvenile crime, while showing differences between the parties in style and substance, is hardly a new one.
Kelan Lyons
Kelan is a Report For America Corps Member who covers the intersection of mental health and criminal justice for CT Mirror. Before joining CT Mirror, Kelan was a staff writer for City Weekly, an alt weekly in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a courts reporter for The Bryan-College Station Eagle, in Texas. He is originally from Philadelphia.
CT marijuana council approves communities targeted for equity programs
The 215 census tracts were identified based on drug convictions and unemployment rates.
With solitary confinement bill vetoed, hopes dashed for return of ombudsman
Connecticut had a prison ombudsman for 37 years. The PROTECT Act would have staffed the office. Then Lamont vetoed it.
In-cell shackling has continued after a supermax prison closed, but the DOC promises changes
The commissioner of Connecticut’s prison system says he wants to “significantly reduce the use of in-cell restraints.”
State settles lawsuit over incarcerated teen’s death for $1.65 million
One of the lawyers for Karon Nealy Jr.’s estate called for an investigation into staffing shortages the lawsuit revealed.
Lamont vetoes limits on solitary confinement, counters with executive order
Gov. Ned Lamont vetoed a bill Wednesday that would have set statutory limits on the use of solitary confinement in prisons.
CT Chief State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo reappointed
Questions about office tensions were addressed before Richard Colangelo was reappointed as Connecticut’s chief state’s attorney on Tuesday.
State reaches deal to improve education, mental services for incarcerated youths
The settlement deals with three topics: education, access to mental health and cell confinement in medical isolation and quarantine units.
Survey: CVH, Whiting employees feel short-staffed, bullied
Bullying, disrespect and low morale were all common sentiments reflected by those who participated.
Senate advances proposal to allow those on parole to vote
Connecticut has the most restrictive felony disenfranchisement laws in the northeast. This bill would change that.
Criminal justice reform in the 2021 legislative session: Here are the bills that passed and those that didn’t
Clean Slate, prison gerrymandering, prison phone calls, drug-free school zones: why this session was important for criminal justice reform.
Prisoners’ families, others pressure Lamont to sign solitary confinement bill
Former UConn star and NBA coach Caron Butler was among those pressing Lamont to sign the bill
Senate passes solitary confinement bill
The measure passed 26-10 over Republican objections that the bill handcuffs corrections officers and makes prisons less safe.
Prison phone call bill gets final passage in the House
Lawmakers have been concerned about the cost of prison phone calls for at least two decades.
Board of Pardons and Parole accepting commutation applications again
About one-fifth of those currently serving a sentence in a state correctional facility could be eligible to apply.