npr investigation

Historical markers in America: the good, the bad and the quirky

6:13pm April 22, 2024

More than 180,000 historical markers dot the U.S. in a fractured and confused telling of America — where offensive lies live with impunity, history is distorted and errors are both strange and funny.

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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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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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Erika Harrell writes the Justice Department's annual report about crime against all people with disabilities.

National

The Sexual Assault Epidemic No One Talks About

1:35pm January 08, 2018

by Joseph Shapiro

People with intellectual disabilities are the victims of sexual assault at a rate seven times higher than those without disabilities. But this epidemic receives little attention.

National

In Private Letter, Red Cross Tried To End Government Inquiry

10:16am August 17, 2015

by Laura Sullivan

The charity has said it wants to "lead the effort in transparency." But when a congressman requested an inquiry into its disaster relief work, Red Cross officials wanted it called off.