Joseph Shapiro
Stories
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National
A whistleblower reveals how abuse of prisoners spreads from one prison to another
In 2023, the Federal Bureau of Prisons shut down a troubled unit at the prison in Illinois. The former warden is now the director of the federal center that does specialized training of prison staff.
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Investigations
This disabled woman built a career. A federal program that helped now penalizes her
Supplemental Security Income provides the medical care that lets people work. But its rules are complex and out of date.
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The requirements of a disabilities benefits program end up hurting those who need it
People in one of the most important government programs for people with disabilities say its outdated rules can cause them harm—or even put their health and lives at risk
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National
Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley agrees SSI program is outdated
A government program made to lift the poorest disabled and elderly people out of poverty is so out-of-date and complex that people often get kicked off. The agency that runs the program responds.
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Business
How an outdated Social Security policy is preventing couples from marrying
Under Social Security's outdated SSI rules, couples say they can't marry - or they have to hide
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National
These disabled people tried to play by the rules. It cost them their federal benefits
A little-known Social Security program was supposed to lift people out of poverty. Sometimes it traps them there instead.
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National
A mother has been able to care for her son with SSI. But the program also limits them
The government program called Supplemental Security Income has lots of outdated rules that harm the people it's supposed to help, like people with significant disabilities and their caregivers.
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National
Supplemental Security Income rules can limit the people the program is meant to help
Fifty-one years ago, Washington created a daring program to fight poverty. But instead of lifting people, it now traps them in poverty.
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National
Iowa Is Trying To Address The Disparity In How Men And Women Are Disciplined In Prison
When someone in prison breaks a rule — there's punishment. But discipline in prison treats women more harshly. In an NPR investigation, we look at how one state — Iowa — is trying to change the system.
