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20 Best Things to Do in Cortland, NY

Cortland, New York, is a place where nature and history converge to create an idyllic and charming destination.

Nicknamed the “Crown City,” this town is located at the intersection of seven valleys, making the city the center of activity in this area of the state.

It also serves as the seat of Cortland County, serving as an integral base of operations for running the whole county.

You might think that it’s a busy place because of these qualities, but it has maintained a laid-back, small-town ambiance that makes it a perfect destination for those who want a quick escape from busy city lives.

It’s the ideal destination for a family-friendly getaway!

Here are the 15 best things to do in Cortland, NY:

Tour the Elegant Interiors of the 1890 House Museum

the 1890 House Museum, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1890 House Museum was built as a home for the wealthiest family in Cortland during the end of the 19th century: the Wickwire family.

They founded the Wickwire Brothers Company, which produced agricultural equipment used by the townsfolk of the city and nearby regions, making them rich and influential.

To satisfy their decadent tastes, they built a lavish house and filled it with furnishings and items that fit their status.

the 1890 House Museum, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

So you when you visit, you’d immediately notice the Victorian architecture of this regal home, which makes it a stand-out sight against the more modern buildings nearby.

It is listed under the National Register of Historic Places and has been turned into a museum that showcases the treasures of the past occupants.

From gilded trimmings to magnificent sculptures, from opulent furniture to fine dinnerware, you’ll find many luxurious items that the family once used.

Jayu from Harrisburg, PA, U.S.A., CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Touring this place offers you a glimpse into the lives of people from a bygone era.

And the welcoming ambiance will make you feel as though this can be your home too, if only for a short time.

Ski Down the Slopes of Greek Peak Mountain Resort

For some family-oriented fun, drive down to Greek Peak Mountain Resort, located south of the city proper.

This well-known attraction hosts a wide range of activities that have made it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

It’s actually the largest ski resort in New York, with 56 trails, slopes for all skill levels, restaurants, and even a water park.

So even in summer, the fun never stops!

Bring your whole family for some exhilarating skiing and snowboarding experience along gentle slopes.

There are also zip lines, bounce houses, trampolines, and other equipment that kids and the kids at heart will definitely enjoy.

After a tiring day in the outdoors, you can visit the Waterfalls Spa for a soothing and invigorating massage.

There really is something for every preference in this beautiful resort!

Visit All the Museums of CNY Living History Center

CNY Living History Center is a massive museum complex composed of three facilities that will give history buffs hours of exploration and learning opportunities.

It was built to house artifacts that have significance to the past of Central New York, allowing kids, students, and adults to see a glimpse of life back in the day.

The Brockway Museum showcases vehicles manufactured by the Brockway Motor Company, which are mostly heavy-duty trucks.

These antique and larger-than-life trucks were vital to the region’s economy in the past, used in logistics and transportation, fire fighting, and more.

On the other hand, Homeville Museum has collections of war items that started from a single Civil War rifle purchased by Ken Eaton.

You’d find tanks, replicas of locomotives, uniforms, and other military artifacts proudly displayed on the halls.

Tractors of Yesteryear or T.O.Y.S. Museum displays the tractors used in the past, which were integral to the predominantly agricultural heritage of Cortland.

Aside from tractors, the museum has traditional farming implements like flat irons, scythes, and butter churns on display.

Find Rest and Relaxation at Yaman Park

Most US parks contain standard grassy grounds, sports facilities, and maybe a pond, but not Yaman Park.

This family-favorite destination actually has a small beach!

Now that’s something you wouldn’t expect to see in this part of New York.

Surrounded by forests, verdant grounds, and uninterrupted blue skies, this well-designed outdoor destination is a rare sight to behold.

The golden beach leads into the small lake and is open most of the summer, from May to August.

The lake itself is great for swimming and other water-related activities, making it the perfect place to cool off during hot days.

Explore the Habitats in Lime Hollow Nature Center

The diverse habitats of New York state come together to create a 594-acre attraction that offers recreation, learning, and interactions with nature.

Lime Hollow Nature Center is set on the rolling hills west of Cortland, and it contains marl ponds, vernal pools, and peat bogs that are unique to this region of the US.

These areas serve as the home to diverse species of flora and fauna, making the place an ecologically important preserve.

You’re free to roam the trails crisscrossing the center, which bring you to thick forests, babbling streams, and meadows.

For those with kids, you can let them join the education programs or camps that offer plenty of opportunities to immerse in the wonders of the destination.

Take a Cooling Dip at Suggett Park

Suggett Park is a great place to relax with your family, especially if you have children joining in the trip.

Most of the attractions in the park are geared towards kids, with well-equipped playgrounds, a fun splash pad, and a zero-entry pool with crystal clear waters.

If Yaman Park’s lake proves too wild for your taste, then this park’s pool is a great alternative.

There are also sports facilities here, including a softball diamond that frequently attracts kids of all ages for fun afternoons.

If you’re not looking to do anything except hang out with your family, then simply stay under the shady spots or picnic benches and enjoy a relaxing day with your loved ones.

Cruise the Waters of Tioughnioga River

Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tioughnioga River is a 34.2-mile-long body of water whose headwaters start in Cortland.

It’s a preglacial river that has developed deep pools over time, resulting in deviously calm segments that can go as deep as 60 feet.

That’s why this destination has become a favorite spot for fishing.

Join a charter offered by one of the businesses in Cortland and head to some of the best spots near the city.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch freshwater games such as salmon, largemouth bass, and trouts.

But if you don’t want to go fishing, you’re welcome to cruise the rivers on kayaks or canoes.

The calm waters and occasional rapids create an exhilarating ride that will bring you to forested segments, rock formations, and isolated shores that are perfect for backcountry camping.

See the Beautiful Works at Dowd Fine Arts Center

Located within the State University of New York College at Cortland campus, the Dowd Fine Arts Center is a must-see destination for art aficionados.

It has been around since 1967 and has since continued its mission to promote and preserve art for students and the rest of the Cortland community.

With more than 900 items in the permanent collection, the center has become a home for artworks from various locations across many eras.

You’ll find paintings from as early as the 13th century to contemporary pieces done by celebrated artists.

There are also rotating exhibits that showcase works from local and national masters.

Check out their website to see which collections are currently on display so you can go and appreciate them for yourself.

Learn Ice Skating at J.M. McDonald Sports Complex

J.M. McDonald Sports Complex is the premier athletic facility in town, housing premier courts, fields, and arenas in indoor and outdoor locations.

Plenty of people come here to watch soccer games, baseball matches, and futsal tournaments played by the best athletes in town.

One of the most prominent attractions here is the ice rink, where figure skating events and hockey matches are played.

They offer a program where you can learn the basics of ice skating—a fun and memorable experience that you should definitely try.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the live concerts or shows held in the complex, which also has facilities for non-sports-related events.

Play a Few Rounds at Cortland Country Club

Cortland Country Club is an 18-hole golf course and events place that takes advantage of the rural ambiance in this part of New York.

Founded in 1913, this historic attraction has become a Cortland institution, favored by the locals as a place to build social relationships and escape from the noise of the city.

The course itself is ideal for beginners and professionals, with rolling hills, verdant greens and fairways, and a well-planned layout that all make for exceptional gameplay.

One of the hidden advantages of this course is its state-of-the-art irrigation system, which helps maintain a lush field for excellent playing conditions.

Book a tee time during your visit and play a few rounds to brush up on your skills.

Enjoy the Majestic Feel of Courthouse Park

Courthouse Park is, as the name implies, set in front of the stately Cortland Courthouse.

The building’s architecture and immaculate facade add a sophisticated ambiance to the park, making it an elegant and modern destination.

The tree-lined paths, verdant grounds, and delicate fountains are just some of the attractions to see.

During spring, the trees bloom with magnificent flowers, creating magical areas with soft green hues that are best seen during the early mornings or late afternoons.

And because of the location of the park, it has become a favorite base for various community events.

Catch the Summer Concert Series, Arts and Wine Festival, Pumpkin Fest, and many other celebrations here during your visit.

See Historic Graves at Cortland Rural Cemetery

Wolfminnie, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The last thing you’d think to visit when on vacation is a cemetery, but Cortland Rural Cemetery is an exception.

Most people see this place as a cemetery that attracts the living instead of the departed, and for a good reason.

As a part of the Tompkins Street-Main Street Historic District, this cemetery technically falls under the National Register of Historic Places.

It has been around since 1853 and has since become the final resting place for many notable figures, including politicians, authors, and inventors.

Their graves are part of the “Cemetrail” route, which visitors often take to see all the hidden wonders of this solemn place.

When you visit, you’ll see the rolling hills, patches of woods, and other beautiful sights that make this place a surreal destination.

There are also signposts that provide details about the geology of rocks, tree species, and other elements found in the cemetery.

So think of your tour as a walk into a historical park.

Its “residents” might even feel thankful for your thoughtful visit to their final resting places.

Stay Awhile at Cortland Country Music Park & Campground

Music and camping—these are two wildly different activities that somehow come together perfectly.

This is what the founders of Cortland Country Music Park & Campground realized, so they started this well-known Cortland attraction.

The campground itself has more than 150 sites, and most have running water and electricity for RVs.

It’s set near the East Branch of the Tioughnioga River, so there are lots of natural sceneries that add to the overall experience.

But the most prominent attraction here is the New York State Country Music Hall of Fame.

It’s a facility that showcases the history of country music in the region as well as the most notable performers who have contributed to the genre.

You’ll find iconic memorabilia of famous New York artists like Kenny Rogers, Tammy Wynette, and Jack Greene.

Purchase and Bring Home Creamy Milk from Trinity Valley Dairy

Trinity Valley Dairy, a fourth-generation family-owned farm, is located approximately 30 minutes from Syracuse in the lovely East Homer valley.

Don't miss this great treasure if you're seeking wholesome shopping in Cortland, New York.

Enjoy farm-fresh cream line milk in bottles, mouthwatering pastries made by granny, and freshly harvested local items.

Take some of their wonderful and creamy milk homes after sampling one.

They occasionally host special events, such as a Corn Maze, hayrides, and other activities.

View Collections on Display at Homeville Museum

The Homeville Museum is a portion of the Cortland, New York-based Central New York Living History Center.

The community is involved in comprehending historical events and how they relate to past and present living through attraction.

The museum's exhibitions are recreated through informative presentations, reenactments, conversations, and artistic demonstrations during public activities and events.

The foundational collections cover the histories of the armed forces, small-town commerce, industry, and railroads.

The late WWII veteran Ken Eaton devoted more than 35 years collecting military, railroad, and local cultural artifacts for public exhibition, and Homeville is where his collections are on display.

The Eaton collection is mixed with other objects of historical and cultural importance to give visitors of all ages a fascinating experience.

Drink a Beer and Unwind at Cortland Beer Company and Distillery

For more than ten years, Cortland Beer Company and Distillery has been a fixture in Cortland, New York's Historic Downtown.

It started small, simply operating out of what is now the brewery building and only selling beer to-go from the brewery's entrance.

Currently, the Cortland Beer Company and Distillery makes a variety of beers, ciders, spirits, and other beverages.

It currently serves Central and Southern New York locals as a well-liked performance venue, including indoor and outdoor platforms, an outdoor courtyard area, and a lovely taproom after some recent modifications.

Cortland Beer Company and Distillery is the spot you'll want to be if you're searching for a pleasant meeting place to hang out, taste some fantastic New York State beverages, groove to the awesome live music, and more.

Play Childhood Arcade Games at Shipwreck Amusements

The world's longest mini golf course is located at the famous Shipwreck Amusements.

Numerous other attractions are available, including an indoor black light miniature golf course, bouncy houses, and an outside paintball field.

Arcade games, little fluffy animals, a treasure chest gem dig, and many more activities are available.

Try the Multicade, which offers many classic games like Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong, and more that you can play.

Play the several crane machines that provide rewards, including toys, candies, plush animals, rubber ducks, toy balls, and more!

Engage in Activities offered at Cinch Art Space

Cinch Art Space, founded in May 2013, is located in Cortland, New York's historic Cortland Corset Building.

The 150-year-old Cortland Corset Structure is a historically significant manufacturing building that has been fully transformed.

Its owners are dedicated to supporting emerging artists and supporting their mission to create an art center in Cortland.

With plans to become a part of a broader arts corridor from the downtown to the Corset Building, the building now comprises a variety of artistic and wellness retail and studio businesses, such as photography, yoga, massage, and bespoke tailoring, and fiber arts.

It is a multipurpose space that combines sections for teaching, selling, and art and craft studios.

To this end, they provide seminars, events, conference space, and a regular sales area.

Other Things to Do Nearby

After your adventures in Cortland, why not visit these other attractions in the vicinity?

Sail the Clear Waters of Skaneateles Lake

Brett Rabideau / Shutterstock.com

Cortland is part of the Finger Lakes region of New York, and the nearest lake from the city is Skaneateles Lake.

It has the highest elevation compared to the rest, and it’s famed for having one the cleanest waters anywhere in the US.

PQK / Shutterstock.com

You can try sailing or rowing along the length of the lake or simply have a picnic in one of its scenic banks.

There are also many historic landmarks and famous restaurants that you can visit along the way.

JWCohen / Shutterstock.com

Next to Greek Peak Mountain Resort is Tuller Hill State Forest, a 2,497-acre park frequently visited by nature lovers and adventure seekers.

It’s a well-known destination for cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, and other outdoor recreational activities.

Some of the beautiful things you’d discover while exploring the preserve's trails include small waterfalls, tree-lined paths, and scenic meadows.

Final Thoughts

The majestic town of Cortland truly deserves its nickname as the Crown City.

From regal homes to beautiful resorts, from sophisticated museums to verdant parks, this town has something for every preference.

Reference this list so you won’t miss the top spots when planning your vacation to this charming city!

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The creators of the animated series told why the characters do not change

One of the main secrets of the animated series "The Simpsons" is revealed - the authors of the most famous American cartoon answered the question why their characters do not grow up and age.

One of the questions that has plagued fans of the cult American animated series The Simpsons for years has finally been answered. Fans were worried about the fate of the main characters of the Simpsons family - Homer, Margery, Bartholomew, Lisa and Maggie. In particular, they were very interested in why Maggie is not growing and remains in infancy. nine0003

Radio presenter Brian Fink became seriously interested in the topic, who asked the authors of the cartoon on Twitter: “I'm confused. Watching The Simpsons for the first time in a long time... How come Maggie is still a baby with a pacifier? Shouldn't she go to college?"

"This is the magic of The Simpsons," the creators of the series revealed their cards.

In response, the host was indignant and said that all the magic, in his opinion, is in the laziness and indifference of the scriptwriters.

That's the magic of #TheSimpsons. nine0003 — The Simpsons (@TheSimpsons) December 11, 2017

Social media users took a look at the situation and reminded Fink that in "The Other Side of Laughter," Lisa Simpson said she had to take anti-aging pills.

Meanwhile, obvious scenario inconsistencies add to the acuteness of the discussion. So, the son of Sideshow Bob can walk, talk and looks older than Maggie despite the fact that he was born later. Bart and Lisa have gone on summer break more than once, but are still in fourth and second grade. Adults don't age either. nine0003

Homer says in episode 7 of season 20 that he is 38 years old, and in episode 21 of season 21 he says that he is 39.

Simpsons fans are guessing and putting forward their theories. So, according to one version of the fans, after the series “Well, it’s come: the clip show of the Simpsons” (episode 18 of the fourth season), in which Homer goes to the hospital after the explosion of a can of beer, he never comes out of a coma, and the events all subsequent episodes are just a figment of his imagination: both ageless characters, and the appearance of celebrities in Springfield, and completely fantastic events like Homer's flight into space. nine0003

The producers of the animated series, however, refuted this theory, stating that "if the theory is true, it turns out that they initially counted on the longevity of the series. "

The longest-running American TV series, created by cartoonist Matt Groening, has been on screen for over 30 years.

For the first time, US viewers saw the yellow-skinned and big-eyed Simpsons on April 19, 1987 in a two-minute video on The Tracey Ullman Show. In 1998, Time magazine named The Simpsons the best television series of the 20th century. At the moment, the cartoon, which has become a symbol of America like the Statue of Liberty, is broadcast in more than a hundred countries around the world. nine0003

The Simpsons featured on the covers of Rolling Stone and Playboy magazines, featured on T-shirts and posters, and received their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The creators of the popular cartoon saga have received many awards, including 21 Emmy Awards.

Social satire and a blunt style of humor have become the hallmarks of the series, which distinguish it from many others.

The authors work on the agenda and are not afraid to discuss even the most pressing topics and problems - from politics and religion to wars and same-sex marriages. nine0003

The Simpsons recently parodied The Big Bang Theory.

In addition, the show makes fun of celebrities, including many show business stars and politicians, and also ironically over human stereotypes and weaknesses. The series has found itself at the center of scandals many times - residents of different countries, including the United States, representatives of the church and state institutions were offended by the authors.

Among the countries that have appeared on The Simpsons are China, England, France, Indonesia, Italy, Australia, Brazil and, of course, Russia. nine0003

So, in the 600th episode of the animated series, Vladimir Putin was shown with a naked torso, whom the head of the family, Homer, met near the polling station where he came to vote in the US presidential elections. The Russian leader cast his vote for Donald Trump and rode out of the voting booth announcing that the billionaire would win with a score of 102%. The episode aired a month before the US election results were announced.

The episode "Two Bad Neighbors" featured Mikhail Gorbachev, who witnesses a fight between George W. Bush and the head of the Homer family, who lives next door. nine0003

“What, you brought a commie to help you in a dirty war, huh?!” shouts Homer in the heat.

Bush has to apologize to the elder Simpson and Bart in front of Gorbachev.

The writers of the series have not forgotten the first president of Russia either. In one of the episodes, the bartender does not allow Homer to drive drunk and offers to check the level of alcohol in the blood on a special device. After Homer blows into the tube, the apparatus shows the highest level of intoxication, which is called "Boris Yeltsin". nine0003

Americans make fun of Russians in the first episode of the ninth season "New York vs. Simpson". After one of the parties, Homer receives a letter informing him that his car, illegally parked in New York near the World Trade Center building, will be drowned in three days if Simpson does not pick it up. Upset Homer clearly does not want to go to New York and begins to talk about how he does not like this city, although he has only been there in transit. In response to his father's pessimistic monologue, Bart says, "Homer, don't insult places you haven't been to! Only Russians do that!” nine0003

In the 19th episode of the ninth season, a meeting of the UN General Assembly is shown, where Russia declares that the collapse of the USSR was a lie - a sign with the inscription "Soviet Union" appears on the podium, tanks drive along Red Square, and a revived Lenin, completing the picture, shouts : Down with capitalism!

"The unbearable pain of a loner." New York State to ban solitary confinement for more than 15 days

Sign up for our Context Newsletter to help you understand the events. nine0003

As of March 2022, New York will become the first US state to ban solitary confinement for more than 15 consecutive days. The law, which Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law, also provides for a complete ban on solitary confinement for juveniles and people with certain medical conditions.

"The most disgusting side of prison life. There is no end, no beginning; there is only reason, which can start to throw out all sorts of tricks," Nelson Mandela described solitary confinement. In 2015, a set of rules he wrote to protect the rights of convicts was adopted by the UN. nine0003

In March 2022, one of the Mandela Rules will come into effect in the US state of New York. It will become the first state in the country to ban the solitary confinement of criminals for more than 15 consecutive days.

The BBC correspondent talked to those who are in solitary confinement and those who guard them.

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Imagine if you had to spend years alone in a tiny cell, constantly hearing how people in the neighborhood scream in the same loneliness? Candy Haley, a mother of two who was sent to prison on murder charges, spent three years in such an isolation cell. The charge was later dropped. The woman was released from prison and made several suicide attempts.

"I went to hell. The cell was like an elevator that you were stuck in for 24 hours," says Haley, who was sent alone to Rikers Prison in New York City in 2012 for what she said were minor infractions. prison rules. "All you think about is how to kill yourself," says Candy. nine0003

Before the pandemic, 60,000 people were in solitary confinement in US prisons. To reduce the number of coronavirus infections, the practice of solitary confinement has become more common.

Image caption,

Candy Hailey spent several years in solitary confinement

Solitary confinement - or, as it is officially known in the US, isolation - was originally intended to separate the most dangerous prisoners from all the rest, thereby protecting those , and others.

But in America, solitary confinement is used much more widely and not always for the safety of prisoners, and certainly not to protect them from coronavirus infection.

Quite often a loner serves as a punishment for minor infractions of the rules. Prisoners, many of whom suffer from mental illness, are sent to detention centers, including for long periods.

  • Riots in Brazilian prisons: what is the reason?

Skip the Podcast and continue reading. nine0003

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Solitary confinement was recognized as a dangerous practice in the US as early as the 1890s. However, a hundred years later, in 1983, after the murder of two prison officers by prisoners in Marion, Illinois, this practice returned on a large scale, including the use of so-called Supermax prisons, where the most dangerous criminals are sent and where they are by default kept in solitary confinement. nine0003

"Solitary confinement has been used to hold tens of thousands of people for years," confirms Homer Venters, former chief medical officer of the New York prison system.

This is despite compelling medical evidence that solitary confinement can cause serious mental problems.

"I've had a lot of patients who have auditory and visual hallucinations very quickly. This is because they are deprived of all the elements of human life when they are alone. I'm not even talking about the lack of the ability to talk to people - they just don't know what time it is. "explains Dr. Venters. nine0003 Photo caption,

Homer Venters, former chief medical officer of the New York prison system

Convicted murderer Billy Blake has been in a small cell in an upstate New York prison for 34 years. He says he literally forced himself not to go crazy alone.

"I have seen how people, before completely losing their minds, begin to constantly sway back and forth, back and forth. I caught myself in the fact that I myself began to sway. And I said to myself: "Stop. That's what crazy people do. "So the next thing you do is play with feces or urinate on the floor. I didn't want that to happen to me," says Blake. nine0003

In the US, the prison administration, not the court, decides whether and for how long a prisoner is sent to solitary confinement. In many cases, the preservation of the mind, and sometimes the life of the prisoner, may depend on this decision.

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Studies confirm that those held in solitary confinement are six times more likely to commit suicide than other prisoners. Even a year after release, the risk of suicide remains high. nine0003

Six years after being released from solitary confinement, Candy Hailey says she still wants to kill herself. She was diagnosed with severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. She also claims that she was raped by a security guard while in solitary confinement.

"If I do commit suicide, it's because of what happened to me in solitary confinement," she says.

According to prisoners, ill-treatment by guards in solitary confinement is a common occurrence. nine0003

Rikers Prison declined to comment on the Haley case.

Image copyright Richard Ross Photography

If solitary confinement can break a previously functioning and mentally healthy adult, what does it do to children?

Solan Peterson, a 13-year-old boy with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD], set fire to a garbage can at a school near Shreveport, Louisiana in February 2019. He was taken to a juvenile detention center and placed in solitary confinement for bad behavior. nine0003

  • Coronavirus cleanup. US prisoners released

His father, Ronnie Peterson, was allowed to see him a few days later.

"I could only talk to him through the little four-inch window," Peterson said. "You could say that this loneliness kind of broke him. He was pounding on the wall."

Peterson was told that Solana would be released soon, but the boy was still in solitary confinement five days later.

"They called me at two in the morning and said he was dead," his father says. nine0003

Solan committed suicide at the age of 13.

Photo caption,

Solan Peterson

"I was dumbfounded," says Mr. Peterson. "We didn't know he was capable of hurting himself. I mean, he was a perfectly normal teenager."

Solitary confinement for juvenile offenders is prohibited in US federal prisons, but many state and local institutions, including juvenile detention centers, use this practice. nine0003

Changes in solitary confinement are facing strong resistance in America.

New York City's new law won't go into effect until a year from now, and Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced his intention to discuss changes to the law.

New York City has banned solitary confinement for adults under the age of 22, and the rule will now apply statewide. The new law also completely bans solitary confinement for several groups, including minors and people with disabilities. nine0003