Investigations

David Zatezalo, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health, was asked about the advanced black lung epidemic at a congressional hearing in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 6, 2018.

Black Lung Study Finds Biggest Cluster Ever Of Fatal Coal Miners' Disease

4:27pm February 06, 2018

The cluster, found in central Appalachia and first reported by NPR, indicates that a disease once thought to be on the decline is still a common killer among coal miners.

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A sign points down the road to the Karolyi Ranch near Hunstville, Texas, in 2015. Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday he has ordered a criminal investigation into claims that former doctor Larry Nassar abused athletes at the facility, which served as the traini

Texas Governor Orders State Investigation Of Claims Of Sexual Abuse At Karolyi Ranch

7:18pm January 30, 2018

by Laurel Wamsley

The Walker County Sheriff's Office has already been investigating the allegations by multiple athletes of molestation that happened when they were training at the ranch.

A House commerce committee investigation found that two drug wholesalers had sent more than 20 million pain pills to two pharmacies in the small town of Williamson, W.Va., seen in 2016.

Drug Distributors Shipped 20.8 Million Painkillers To West Virginia Town Of 3,000

6:54pm January 30, 2018

by Laurel Wamsley

Other towns were similarly inundated, in a state that now has the highest rate of drug overdose deaths. In 2008, one wholesaler provided 5,624 pills for every man, woman and child in Kermit, W.Va.

The American Red Cross forced a senior official, Gerald Anderson, to resign amid sexual harassment and assault allegations, but it still gave him a positive review when asked by another aid organization interested in hiring him.

Red Cross Endorsed Top Official Despite Sexual Misconduct Claims, ProPublica Reports

6:00am January 25, 2018

by Steve Inskeep

The American Red Cross forced out a top official amid sexual misconduct accusations, but it still gave glowing references when asked by an aid organization seeking to hire him, ProPublica reports.

James Meadours (left), Debbie Robinson and Thomas Mangrum share their stories about sexual assault.

In Their Own Words: People With Intellectual Disabilities Talk About Rape

7:00am January 20, 2018

by Joseph Shapiro

In the final piece of NPR's series on the sexual assault epidemic against people with intellectual disabilities, we hear from victims themselves about how these experiences shape their lives.

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In Their Words, Adults With Intellectual Disabilities Tell Their Sexual Assault Stories

4:17pm January 18, 2018

by Joseph Shapiro

NPR obtained data from the United States Department of Justice that shows adults with intellectual disabilities suffer from an epidemic of sexual assault. Many keep their sexual assaults a secret, and it can isolate them, telling NPR they worry it proves they are not competent to live and work independently.

An NPR investigation finds that people with intellectual disabilities suffer one of the highest rates of sexual assault — and that compared with other rape victims, they are even more likely to be assaulted by someone they know.

From The Frontlines Of A Sexual Assault Epidemic: 2 Therapists Share Stories

12:48pm January 18, 2018

by Joseph Shapiro

Two psychologists both have a rare specialty: counseling sexual assault survivors who have intellectual disabilities. The stories of sexual violence in their clients' lives have striking similarities.

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Lyons-Boswick goes through old case files.

National

How Prosecutors Changed The Odds To Start Winning Some Of The Toughest Rape Cases

1:26pm January 16, 2018

by Joseph Shapiro

A rape case 25 years ago revolutionized justice for people with intellectual disabilities. They were "unwinnable" rape cases, until prosecutors figured out the secret.

Rosemary adjusts one of Natalie's many dolls.

National

'She Can't Tell Us What's Wrong'

10:42am January 10, 2018

by Joseph Shapiro

Many people with intellectual disabilities can't talk or have difficulty speaking — and are unable to report when they've been raped or sexually assaulted.

A participant helps Park hang the agenda on the wall at the start of class.

For Some With Intellectual Disabilities, Ending Abuse Starts With Sex Ed

1:41pm January 09, 2018

by Joseph Shapiro

The high rates of sexual assault among people with intellectual disabilities can make romantic relationships difficult. One class aims to teach them about healthy relationships and sexuality.

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