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Odette Yousef Odette Yousef is a National Security correspondent focusing on extremism.
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Odette Yousef

Monday

Idaho's fight against the far right, then and now

An anti-LGBTQ protester carries a semi-automatic rifle as he monitors Coeur d'Alene's "Pride in the Park" event on June 11, 2022. Jim Urquhart for NPR hide caption

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Jim Urquhart for NPR

National

Idaho's fight against the far right, then and now

The arrest of white nationalists in North Idaho gained national attention. But it has deeper significance for residents who say the region has a history of attracting — and fighting — extremists.

Idaho's fight against the far right, then and now

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Wednesday

National Security

Counterterrorism researchers say they lack the data to prevent future violence

A year ago, the Biden administration launched a national plan to counter domestic terrorism. But are federal agencies hampering anti-terrorism efforts by failing to report basic data?

Counterterrorism researchers say they lack the data to prevent future violence

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Sunday

National

31 members of a white nationalist group were arrested for planning to riot at Pride

A far-right group protested Pride festivities in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Saturday, reflecting a larger movement across the country that has made LGBTQ communities feel less safe.

31 members of a white nationalist group were arrested for planning to riot at Pride

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Saturday

31 members of the white nationalist Patriot Front arrested near an Idaho Pride event

Law enforcement detains and arrest 31 members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front on suspicion of conspiracy to riot after they were removed from a U-Haul truck near the LGBTQ community's Pride in the Park event in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, June 11, 2022. Jim Urquhart for NPR hide caption

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Jim Urquhart for NPR

National

31 members of the white nationalist Patriot Front arrested near an Idaho Pride event

Police said the men came from at least 10 states and were planning to riot at a Pride event in the city of Coeur d'Alene.

31 members of the white nationalist Patriot Front arrested near an Idaho Pride event

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Wednesday

National Security

The Proud Boys indictment comes as political violence evolves

The indictment of multiple former Proud Boys leaders pins seditious conspiracy charges on them for their alleged role in Jan. 6. But it barely registered a response on Proud Boys social media.

The Proud Boys indictment comes as political violence evolves

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Thursday

The Uvalde shooting conspiracies show how far-right misinformation is evolving

Crosses adorn a makeshift memorial for the shooting victims at Robb Elementary School. NPR has not independent verified the names. CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images

Uvalde elementary school shooting

The Uvalde shooting conspiracies show how far-right misinformation is evolving

Rumors, misinformation and conspiracy theories were rampant on right-wing social media before verifiable information came out about the gunman who killed 21 people at a Texas elementary school.

The Uvalde shooting conspiracies show how far-right misinformation is evolving

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National Security

Social justice group examines how deeply the far-right has penetrated state politics

The results of a study released this month find that at least one in five Republican state legislators across the country are affiliated with far-right groups on Facebook.

Social justice group examines how deeply the far-right has penetrated state politics

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Wednesday

National

Soon after the Uvalde shooting, conspiracy theories took off among the far right

Rumors, misinformation and conspiracy theories were rampant on right-wing social media before verifiable information came out about the gunman who took at least 21 lives at a Texas elementary school.

Soon after the Uvalde shooting, conspiracy theories took off among the far right

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Friday

The Buffalo shooting suspect's online footprint prompts questions about red flags

People gather at the scene of a mass shooting at Tops Friendly Market at Jefferson Avenue and Riley Street on Monday, May 16, 2022 in Buffalo, NY. Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images hide caption

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Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Buffalo Tops Mass Shooting

The Buffalo shooting suspect's online footprint prompts questions about red flags

A digital log believed to be linked to the accused Buffalo gunman documents six months of planning the terrorist attack. Researchers are looking through it and asking: Were there any red flags?

Wednesday

National Security

Alleged Buffalo shooter's digital log lays out the 6 months leading up to the attack

The alleged Buffalo gunman appears to have kept a detailed digital log of his activities while planning the attack. Researchers are learning more about his progression into violence and red flags.

Alleged Buffalo shooter's digital log lays out the 6 months leading up to the attack

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Tuesday

The 'great replacement' conspiracy theory isn't fringe anymore — it's mainstream

Hundreds of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and members of the "alt-right" march down East Market Street toward Emancipation Park during the "Unite the Right" rally August 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Race

The 'great replacement' conspiracy theory isn't fringe anymore — it's mainstream

A racist conspiracy theory is believed to have motivated the suspected gunman in the Buffalo attack. It was once a fringe belief, but it's found its way into the mainstream.

Monday

The NPR Politics Podcast

How Replacement Theory Moved From The Fringe To The Mainstream

The suspected gunman in Saturday's shooting in Buffalo, N.Y. is alleged to have written a racist screed explaining his motivations. One of the topics discussed is "replacement theory," a talking point that has made its way to statements made by Republican lawmakers and Fox News hosts despite its past as a fringe idea in racist forums. Today, a look at what replacement theory is, how it became amplified & what implications that has on the political process.

How Replacement Theory Moved From The Fringe To The Mainstream

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National

How is the 'Great Replacement' theory tied to the Buffalo shooting suspect?

Included in a document published online outlining ideology behind Saturday's mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket, is a conspiracy known as the "Great Replacement." What is replacement theory?

How is the 'Great Replacement' theory tied to the Buffalo shooting suspect?

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Sunday

National

The shooter in Buffalo, N.Y., appeared to have become radicalized online

An 18-year-old from Conklin, N.Y., drove hours to attack a grocery store in a predominantly Black area of Buffalo. He is believed to have written a racist manifesto that was briefly posted online.

The shooter in Buffalo, N.Y., appeared to have become radicalized online

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Friday

National Security

Weaver and the Ruby Ridge standoff contributed to the evolution of the radical right

Randy Weaver, who was at the center of a standoff with federal agents decades ago that continues to inspire antigovernment and paramilitary sentiment on the far right, has died at age 74.

Weaver and the Ruby Ridge standoff contributed to the evolution of the radical right

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