These extremism researchers have a warning

Plus, will the Inflation Reduction Act really lower costs? [View this email online]( [Best of NPR]( August 14, 2022 This week, we look at the escalation of far-right violent rhetoric in the wake of the Trump search. Plus, a major clue in the mystery behind one island’s wild ponies. --------------------------------------------------------------- Scott’s weekly weigh-in A good weekend to you. I have recently been entrusted by my family with feeding, walking and following our French poodle, Daisy, with small plastic bags (this last item just confirms for Daisy that everything she does is precious). We routinely stop at an outpost along the river of a certain commercial coffee company that is headquartered in Seattle. I have an oat milk latte (truly an NPR stereotype) and order a yogurt for Daisy to slurp. I have noticed that whenever we go for a walk and Daisy sees another one of these coffee franchises, she tugs on her leash toward it — although it’s really her leash for me, isn’t it? I began to wonder: has Daisy learned how to read the word Starbucks? Not just Proust? For an expert opinion, I consulted Dr. Carrie Jurney, DVM, of San Francisco. We reported a poignant story at her surgical practice in 2019, to understand [the emotional challenges of being a veterinarian]( (which have increased during the pandemic). Dr. Jurney said she welcomed this “charming distraction” on the cognitive skills of dogs. “We know from research studies that dog's typically have the intelligence level of a small child,” she told us. “Some of the smartest dogs have the intelligence level of a 4-year-old human. They can learn hundreds of words, learn dozens of commands, all in the service of pleasing their people. So in short, yes, I think Daisy knows Starbucks and she treasures her time with you and your yogurt.” Dr. Jurney’s subtle and delightful reply reminded me of what she told us was an essential characteristic to be a successful vet. “You treat the person with their arms around their pet,” she said, “as much as you treat the pet.” I’ll sip my latte now, while Daisy dips back into Proust. [Scott Simon]( Scott Simon is one of NPR's most renowned news anchors. He is the host of [Weekend Edition Saturday]( and one of the hosts of the morning news podcast Up First. Be sure to listen to him every Saturday on your local NPR station, and follow him [on Twitter](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Stories you might have missed Joe Raedle/Getty Images The Mar-a-Lago search set far-right message boards aflame with violent rhetoric. The FBI’s search of former President Donald Trump’s Florida home and seizure of files — including [a cache of classified and top secret documents]( — has escalated chatter from the far-right about another “civil war” and threats against federal law enforcement, extremism researchers say. An attempted attack on the FBI office in Cincinnati this week appeared to underscore the real danger behind the threats. The suspect’s digital footprint offers an [inside view of a “hysteria of violence,”]( as one expert described it. The Inflation Reduction Act will pay you to make sustainable choices. The massive health care, tax and climate bill passed the House on Friday — sending a major facet of President Biden’s domestic agenda to his desk for signature. The legislation calls for unprecedented investment into clean energy, but there are also incentives for individuals — [including tax credits for appliances, EVs and solar panels.]( - Plus, here’s a more [broad outline of what’s in the bill](. - And a look at what it [will — and won’t — do about inflation](. What you should know about the polio detection in New York City. Health officials said the virus is likely circulating locally after it was detected in wastewater — findings that come just weeks after a case was identified in Rockland County, N.Y. The best way to protect yourself? Make sure you’re vaccinated. [Here’s what else officials are saying.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Editor's pick Granger Wootz/Getty Images/Tetra images RF Your rewards card might know that you’re pregnant. Accounts on social media have swirled in recent weeks of people receiving marketing packages — like infant formula and pacifiers — after buying pregnancy tests or other items at big-box stores. The fine print of many reward programs allow corporations to share and collect this kind of data, experts say. And that’s raising the specter of surveillance in post-Roe America — with potentially [grave implications for patients seeking abortions](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Before you go... Jacqueline Larma/AP - The mystery of the wild ponies on Assateague Island — off the coast of Maryland and Virginia — may be solved thanks to a chance scientific discovery: [a fossilized tooth.]( - What’s going on with Ezra Miller? The star of The Flash has been embroiled in legal issues for months. [Here’s a rundown.]( - 3 key warning signs have emerged in corporate America that may point to [economic trouble on the horizon.]( - A caving excursion in Missouri led to a surprise: a dog curled up on the mud floor. [These good Samaritans rushed to help rescue her.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Listen Live]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! [They can sign up here.]( Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Daily News, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Best of NPR emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]