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It's Your Week. We're hopeful about 2022.


We asked Americans for one word that best describes their mood for 2022. Can you guess what it is?

Not enthusiastic, nor fearful – though some said they were. And yes, some are worried. Others are exhausted. 

But nearly half of Americans said they were hopeful. Let's hope they're right

Welcome to the first Your Week of the new year. It's Kristina and Alex. Every Monday, we'll guide you through our must-read content. But first, we want to hear from you.

What word best describes your mood for 2022? Email us at alex@usatoday.com and we'll feature your response in next week's edition.

Now, let's get to the stories you missed over the holidays. In all, it's a 4-minute read.

Just the (New Year's) headlines

Jan. 6: The government failed to stop the rise of domestic extremism 

This Thursday marks one year since the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. The insurrection shocked not only Americans but people all over the world. But some federal law enforcement agents have raised concerns over domestic extremism for years.

Paste BN's Josh Meyer and Kevin Johnson interviewed dozens of current and former officials who outlined a struggle to combat the evolving threat posed by extremists in the United States.

"Since last year’s assault on the Capitol, I think a lot of us have been struggling to explain how the forces assembled on Jan. 6 could threaten the seat of democracy in a post-9/11 world," Johnson said.

"I hope the story answers some of the questions. We sought to highlight how all facets of the federal government—across multiple administrations—failed to recognize or fully appreciate the growing threat within, remaining almost singularly focused on terror groups abroad even as the international threat has receded since the 9/11 attacks."

Read their report in full here. 

More news to know

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Until next week, Happy New Year!