DOJ accuses Southern Poverty Law Center of using donations to pay secret informants

NPR | By Debbie Elliott

Published April 22, 2026 at 5:32 PM EDT

The Justice Department has accused the Southern Poverty Law Center of money laundering and other crimes. The DOJ says the Alabama-based civil rights organization paid sources to stoke racial hatred.

Debbie Elliott

NPR National Correspondent Debbie Elliott can be heard telling stories from her native South. She covers the latest news and politics, and is attuned to the region's rich culture and history.

See stories by Debbie Elliott

More from Delaware Public Media

NPR Headlines

Tesla's profits beat expectations, but Elon Musk says big costs are ahead

Camila Domonoske

Tesla's profits were up from this time last year. But the company warned investors to prepare for expensive investments in next-generation technology like humanoid robots and AI.
Science, Health, Tech

Delaware sees declines in cancer mortality rates, remains higher than national average

Abigail Lee

A new study from the state's Division of Public Health also noted racial disparities for cancer mortality rates.
Virginia approved a plan to draw four more seats that lean heavily for Democrats

Jahd Khalil

Virginia voters approved mid-decade redistricting that aims to help Democrats win 10 of the state's 11 seats in Congress. Republicans are challenging the map, but Democrats are calling it a victory.