Prison Release

According to the Missouri Department of Corrections, approximately 19,000 people are released from prison every year. Paige Spears was finally released from prison — after 37 years.

It was supposed to be a nine-week vacation. It turned into a nightmare. Sam Goodwin details the story of his captivity in his new book, “Saving Sam: The True Story of an American’s Disappearance in Syria and His Family’s Extraordinary Fight to Bring Him Home.”

The Missouri Justice Coalition is going around the state to focus on prison conditions and outline the case for reform. The tour hits St. Louis next month and Rolla in December.

Bobby Bostic walked out of a Missouri prison in November. His freedom is roughly two centuries ahead of schedule.

Research suggests access to public health insurance can help curb recidivism. Reentry organizations in Missouri are working to enroll people in Medicaid after they leave prison to keep them from coming back.