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

Saturday

This photo shows a large wooden sign that says "Abundant Life Christian School" on it. An emergency vehicle is parked on the grass next to the sign. Yellow caution tape extends across the photo.

An emergency vehicle is parked outside the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis., following a shooting on Dec. 16. Morry Gash/AP hide caption

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Morry Gash/AP

National

Experts warn that recent school shootings show growth in new radicalization pattern

Some researchers say these recent attacks are examples of "nonideological" terrorism — the result of several antisocial, decentralized, online networks coming together.

Two school shootings highlight a twist in experts’ understanding of these attacks

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Tuesday

National

Experts say two recent school shootings fall into a growing new category

Analysts say that two recent high school shootings highlight a growing trend of non-ideological violence among young perpetrators who are radicalized online.

Two school shootings highlight a twist in experts’ understanding of these attacks

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Thursday

A person waves a transgender pride flag during the People's March and rally to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 18.

A person waves a transgender pride flag during the People's March and rally to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 18. Nathan Morris/NurPhoto via Getty Images hide caption

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Nathan Morris/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Politics

Trump's anti-trans effort is an agenda cornerstone with echoes in history

Extremism experts say a now-familiar playbook to scapegoat transgender people in the wake of high-profile tragedies is part of a political strategy to sow division and expand authoritarian control.

Trans pilot fake news

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Tuesday

National

Social media rumors that a trans pilot was in the DCA crash follow a familiar playbook

In the hours after a collision of a Black Hawk helicopter with a passenger airliner last week, social media exploded, falsely blaming a transgender Virginia National Guard service member.

Trans pilot fake news

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Wednesday

National

Trump's Jan. 6 pardons have historians concerned about tolerance of political violence

Trump's pardon of nearly all of the people convicted of crimes in relation to Jan. 6 was no surprise to those who followed his campaign promises. But for some historians, it sends a troubling signal.

J6 pardons and extremism

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Monday

Politics

Four years after the Capitol riot, its meaning and legacy are still debated

Trump has promised to pardon many who were involved in the violence of Jan 6. Experts on authoritarianism and extremism say that promise adds to the debate over how the day will be remembered.

Four years after the Capitol riot, its meaning and legacy are still debated

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Friday

Sam Koshiol-Wright of Sequeerity helps lead a community outreach event in Minneapolis on Dec. 4.

Sam Koshiol-Wright of Sequeerity helps lead a community outreach event in Minneapolis, Minn., Dec. 4. Jim Urquhart/NPR hide caption

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Jim Urquhart/NPR

National

Trump's reelection victory pushes some LGTBQ Minneapolis residents to safety training

For some marginalized communities the second Trump term is fraught with fears over personal safety. In Minneapolis, one organization is helping with de-escalation services and gun training.

Neighbors protecting neighbors: Marginalized communities prepare for Trump presidency

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Wednesday

National

Neighbors protecting neighbors: Worried marginalized communities prep for Trump term

For some marginalized communities the second Trump term is fraught with fears over personal safety. In Minneapolis, one organization is helping neighbors with de-escalation services and gun training.

Neighbors protecting neighbors: Marginalized communities prepare for Trump presidency

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Wednesday

Law

Experts comb CEO shooting suspect's comments posted on social media

There are big unknowns about what might have led a suspect arrested for the shooting of the UnitedHealthCare CEO to allegedly commit the crime. Many experts are looking at the suspect's digital trail.

Experts comb CEO shooting suspect's comments posted on social media

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Friday

A 2016 file photo of Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth. Hegseth has served in the National Guard and is now a Fox News host. If confirmed, he would be the least experienced defense secretary in American history.

A 2016 file photo of Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth. Hegseth has served in the National Guard and is now a Fox News host. If confirmed, he would be the least experienced defense secretary in American history. Spencer Platt/Getty Images hide caption

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Spencer Platt/Getty Images

National Security

What's behind defense secretary pick Hegseth's war on 'woke'

The selection of Fox News host Pete Hegseth to lead the Trump Defense Department has renewed scrutiny of his political and religious views and his aggressive criticism of the military he'd be leading.

Thursday

National

Peter Hegseth's tattoos are raising some eyebrows

President-Elect Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense — Peter Hegseth — has gotten a lot of attention for his tattoos.

Peter Hegseth's tattoos are raising some eyebrows

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Sunday

National

How COVID-19 conspiracy theories fueled support for Trump among Christian Nationalists

For some Christians in the U.S., the 2020 Covid lockdowns fueled the belief that they were being politically persecuted, prompting them to now resolve to "take back" America as the election nears.

How COVID-19 conspiracy theories fueled support for Trump among Christian Nationalists

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Friday

Politics

How veterans are showing up — and pushing back against extremism — this election

For many who served in the military, this election is a time to encourage civic participation and push back on conspiracy theories.

Veterans and the election

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Saturday

Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Ahead of the 2024 election results, civil society groups are working to prevent future violence. Samuel Corum/Getty Images hide caption

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Samuel Corum/Getty Images

Politics

How civil society groups are quietly working to prevent election-related violence

Few political violence researchers believe there will be a repeat of the Jan. 6 attack. Instead, many warn that election-related violence is more likely to happen in local communities.

Political violence scenarios

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Friday

Religion

Nationalist Christians rally to repent for what they consider to be the nation’s sins

A recent rally drew a fervently pro-Trump crowd of nationalist Christians to D.C. The gathering displayed how religion is attracting a multiracial and multiethnic component to Trump's base.

Nationalist Christians rally to repent for what they consider to be the nation’s sins

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