Investigations

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It wasn't until after Amber and Devin Weise married that they learned Supplemental Security Income, the federal benefits program Amber relies upon, penalizes couples who marry. Amber lost her monthly SSI income check and, even more vital, her access to health insurance. Narayan Mahon for NPR hide caption

When Lester Shreffler's rent to EasyKnock went up, he fell behind and received a notice to vacate. He and his daughter scrambled to find this rental home in Farmersville, Texas. His lease is up at the end of July, and he's not sure where he's going to go next. Zerb Mellish for NPR hide caption

Clockwise from top left: Gabriella Garbero of St. Louis, Karen Williams of Philadelphia, Ryan Rodriguez of Atlanta and Courteze Goods of Baltimore have all have disabilities and have tried to live responsibly. But then Social Security cut off much-needed benefit checks. Neeta Satam, Kriston Jae Bethel, Alyssa Pointer and Rosem Morton for NPR hide caption

Emily Baden stands in her backyard in San Francisco. Before moving to San Francisco, she was neighbors with Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, who she says was a quiet observer to heated exchanges between her and Alito's wife, Martha-Ann Alito, regarding signs on the Baden family's front yard. Marissa Leshnov for NPR hide caption

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he arrives with attorney Todd Blanche. Photo by Mark Peterson-Pool/Getty Images hide caption

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he arrives for his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 28, 2024 in New York City. Pool/Getty Images hide caption

New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan listens as Emil Bove, a member of former President Donald Trump's legal team, argues for his client during Sandoval's hearing. Jane Rosenberg/AP hide caption

Karen McDonough sits inside her home in Quincy, Massachusetts. Vanessa Leroy for NPR hide caption

A woman carries a child as she walks through the al-Hol refugee camp in northeastern Syria in October 2023. Delil Souleiman/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Many federal judges receive free rooms and subsidized travel to luxury resorts for legal conferences. NPR found that dozens of judges did not fully disclose the perks they got. Chelsea Beck for NPR hide caption

Federal judges have enormous power over their courtrooms and their chambers, which can leave employees vulnerable to abuse, with few ways to report their concerns anonymously. Chelsea Beck for NPR hide caption