The article discusses the Sunrise Employment Center, a new initiative within the Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis aimed at reducing recidivism by preparing inmates for employment upon release. The program, which includes two other job centers in Arizona, was launched on March 27 as part of Governor Doug Ducey's agenda to lower the state's recidivism rate and alleviate the strain on the state budget. Inmates are provided with an eight-week program that includes job fairs, social services, and skills training. Companies like Austin Electric are actively participating, offering jobs and training to inmates. The program has seen success, with many inmates securing jobs before release, and aims to significantly reduce Arizona's recidivism rate.

Sammantha Allen was sentenced to death by a Phoenix jury for the 2011 murder of her 10-year-old cousin, Ame Deal. The jurors found the crime, which involved locking Ame in a footlocker in extreme heat, to be especially cruel. Allen also received 76 years for child-abuse charges. Her husband, John Allen, faces similar charges with his trial set for October. Three other family members are already imprisoned for related offenses. The case highlighted systemic issues, as Ame was previously listed as an abused child in Utah, and Arizona's Department of Child Safety had no prior contact with the family.