2015 Saw Rise in Hate Groups and Extremists in U.S.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has released its annual count of hate groups and extremists in the U.S. Officials say 2015 saw a surge not seen in decades.
Last year, the number of hate and anti-government groups rose by 14 percent, according to the report. This follows a three year decline.
Mark Potok is with the Montgomery-based SPLC and is the author of the report. He says the biggest contributors to the increased activity are a growing rage and distrust in the government. Potok blames the rising anti-government sentiment on several factors, including changes in demographics as a result of immigration, advances in the rights of gays and lesbians, and far-reaching statements by presidential candidates.
“I think the year very nearly approaches the political upheavals of 1968,” Potok says.
Acts of extremist violence in 2015 may have been the worst in the U.S. since the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, Potok says.
Q&A: How a conservative Mississippi mom became an advocate for legalizing drugs
Christina Dent talks about founding End It For Good, her journey to rethinking drugs and addiction and how Mississippi can change its approach, too
With Indus Waters Treaty in the balance, Pakistan braces for more water woes
In an unprecedented move, India held the water treaty in abeyance after blaming Pakistan for a deadly attack in April. Pakistan denies involvement in the attack and accuses India of "weaponizing water."
IRS says churches can now endorse political candidates
Since 1954, an IRS rule had barred houses of worship from explicitly endorsing political candidates.
A Planet Money guide to 5 fascinating new econ papers
The Planet Money newsletter rounds up some new economics studies.
Trump says U.S. will resume sending weapons to Ukraine after pausing last week
With Russian attacks escalating, Ukraine is dependent on air defense systems and munitions supplied by western allies to protect Ukrainian cities.
100 years after evolution went on trial, the Scopes case still reverberates
One hundred years ago, the small town of Dayton, Tenn., became the unlikely stage for one of the most sensational trials in American history, over the teaching of Darwin's theory of evolution.