WORLD WORLDWIDE USA New York NY New York City NYC the city THE CITY News Journal Update - NYC’s fiscal watchdog presses on Rikers price gouging, Queens food relief group in dispute over grants, Albany to look into reparations

Dear New Yorkers,

Earlier this year, THE CITY reported that detainees on Rikers Island were being price-gouged at the jail commissary — where the Keefe Group, a private contractor, was setting higher prices for scores of products than those stipulated in its contract.

Now, the city’s Department of Correction is looking to renew Keefe’s $33-million, no-bid contract.

But citing THE CITY’s investigation, City Comptroller Brad Lander has pressed the agency for more details about the proposed renewal.

He said that the contract has not yet been presented to him to review, though the renewal was announced nearly six months ago.

The Keefe Group has been operating the Rikers commissary under an expired contract since June.

Read more about Lander’s questions — and Keefe’s sky-high prices — here.

Weather scoop by New York Metro Weather Wednesday's Weather Rating: 5/10. Sunshine remains in control today, with high temperatures a bit warmer than yesterday — in the mid to upper 40s — and a calmer breeze. It's still a bit chilly (grab that winter jacket) but the vibes are all right!

Our Other Top Story

The relief group Queens Together has fed thousands of people since launching in the pandemic. But the group’s founder, Jonathan Forgash, wants to break from the group’s original sponsoring organization, the Queens Economic Development Corporation, after a disagreement. The two organizations are now embroiled in a dispute over how they’re connected — and who is entitled to three quarters of a million dollars in recent federal grants.

Reporter’s Notebook

Albany Considers Reparations for Black New Yorkers

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday signed a bill to explore the possibility of the state acknowledging its reliance on slavery by paying reparations to Black New Yorkers.

A commission created by the legislation is tasked with studying that and racial justice in general, looking into the legacy of slavery, including the segregation and discrimination that followed its abolishment.

“Today, we are continuing our efforts to right the wrongs of the past by acknowledging the painful legacy of slavery in New York,” she said at the bill signing.

Earlier this year, the California legislature issued its final report on reparations, publishing more than 200 recommendations — from a formal apology to doling out cash. CalMatters calculated that some descendents of enslaved people could be owed more than $1 million.

“We never really dealt with, reckoned with slavery,” Mayor Eric Adams said Tuesday at his weekly off-topic press briefing. “There are institutions in place right now where their foundation came from free slave labor.”

— Katie Honan

Things To Do

Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.

Saturday, Dec. 23: An owl birding event hosted by the city Parks Department, with rangers who will teach about the species living in parks and the best places to try to spot them. (Bring your own binoculars). Free from 1-2 p.m. at Pelham Bay Park in The Bronx.  Sunday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Caroling at Washington Square Park, featuring the Rob Susman Brass Quartet. Free from 5 to 6 p.m., under the arch. Tuesday, Dec. 26: Winter Recess Family Activities, with daily, winter-inspired programs to keep kids entertained during the holiday break. Free with museum admission from Dec. 26 to Dec. 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Museum of the City of New York.

THE KICKER: The New York Public Library has released its list of the 10 most checked-out books of the year. From “Daisy Jones & the Six” to “Lessons in Chemistry,” here’s what your fellow New Yorkers were reading in 2023.

Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Wednesday.

Love,

THE CITY

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