China recorded only 7.92 million births in 2025, a 17% drop from 9.54 million the year before. This marks the lowest birth rate (5.63 per 1,000 people) since records began in 1949. The population fell by 3.39 million and now sits at about 1.405 billion as deaths significantly outnumbered births. The trend deepens a long-term demographic crisis caused by the legacy of past policies, high child-rearing costs, economic pressures, and changing social attitudes. The continual decline of the population is accelerating the problems associated with an aging population and shrinking workforce and also creating major challenges for future economic growth and social systems. I continue to highlight these stories because the ongoing demographic crises happening in so many parts of the world pose some of the most serious challenges we will face in the coming decades.

Gangs killed at least eight police officers in retaliatory attacks after prison riots in which gang members took hostages in three facilities. The government responded by declaring a 30-day nationwide emergency that restricts civil liberties and allows warrantless arrests. The violence is linked to powerful groups like Barrio 18 and MS-13. It erupted after authorities limited privileges for gang leaders, triggering national raids and three days of mourning. This escalation highlights the governments attempt to respond to ongoing threats to public security and law enforcement. Frankly it is a tragedy that in so much of South America, organized crime poses a serious threat to the authority and the stability of the government. I'm not sure a state of emergency can solve these challenges but it’s a start.

Newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader, announced she will dissolve parliament later this week. The snap elections are set for February 8 and the move aims to test her leadership and secure a stronger majority for her coalition. With high approval ratings just months into her tenure, this high-stakes gamble could enable aggressive spending, tax relief, and defense buildup. It has the potential to reshape Japan’s political landscape and allow more decisive action on economic and security priorities. When she came into power it was clear that her agenda was going to be aggressive as she openly declared her ambitions to unleash an unyielding national and populist agenda.

The U.S. Treasury Secretary defended proposed tariffs on several European nations as a strategic tool to avoid future national emergencies. The tariffs pressure allies amid Trump’s push to acquire Greenland for security reasons. They start at 10% and could rise to 25%, targeting countries that oppose the plan. Warnings against retaliation signal risks of escalating tensions and the escalation is quite noteworthy given this standoff could strain transatlantic alliances and decades-old trade relations. I think that it is well within reason to aggressively pursue this additional territory as a means of bolstering the security of our republic and I frankly like the aggressive tactics the administration is using to pursue its acquisition. I see no reason the U.S. must remain in lockstep with Europe and in the iconic words of Cardi B "If it's up then it's stuck."

The U.S. invited 60 countries to join a new “Board of Peace” meant to advance the initiative to stabilize Gaza, but each participant must contribute $1 billion for ongoing involvement. The plan has been hampered by its messy rollout, with calls for revisions to its structure and funding model. The design of the board seeks to tie international stakeholder involvement in post-conflict governance to substantial financial commitment. The flat rate it appears to me is a move towards creating more meaningful equality in policy situations like the one in Gaza in which multiple sovereign entities want to play a role and have some say in the outcome. Perhaps this is indicative of how global governance will look in our new multipolar world.

The Department of Veterans Affairs will cut at least 25,000 jobs nationwide in 2026. These reductions are part of broader efficiency measures to streamline operations. However, the cuts raise serious concerns about potential impacts on service delivery for veterans as they come amid ongoing workforce adjustments and policy shifts. The continual gutting of the VA has been one of the most glaring contradictions of an administration that has presented itself as the populist option. If we are unwilling to take care of those that served because it is not efficient it says a lot about what those populist priorities truly mean.

A new New York State law mandates that social media platforms display prominent warning labels about potential harms. Implementation focuses on protecting youth by addressing mental health and addiction risks tied to prolonged use. This positions New York as a leader in regulating the impact of digital platforms on users. This is an interesting development in the increasing efforts to regulate social media. Perhaps as people increasingly are aware and concerned about the harms of these platforms more states and perhaps nations will adopt policies intended to protect, or at least inform, consumers.

Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation banning student cellphone use during school hours in New Jersey. The policy aims to improve focus, safety, and educational outcomes. New Jersey joins similar efforts in other states amid growing concerns over distractions and bullying. In this setup, schools retain a significant amount of flexibility in how they enforce the rule. It appears that most states will eventually adopt these types of policies as it seems that there is ample appetite for these types of restrictions.

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin unveiled a comprehensive 5-point playbook to fight antisemitism. The plan includes safety zones around houses of worship and schools, enhanced education, improved reporting, and coordinated city responses through community partnerships. It signals strong municipal commitment to protecting Jewish residents and institutions amid rising incidents. Antisemitism, like all forms of organized bigotry, must be resisted. However, it is somewhat nerve-wracking that protecting against antisemitism is increasingly being used as a means for chipping away at important civil liberties.

The NYC Comptroller warned that the city faces a projected budget gap exceeding $12 billion. This shortfall threatens funding for essential services and infrastructure and leaders now face difficult choices on spending priorities amid persistent fiscal pressures. The gap underscores the urgent need for structural reforms to stabilize the city’s finances. As we see urban cores increasingly turn to socialist leadership who want to increase the capacity of local governments to solve problems it will be interesting to see how they reconcile these ambitions with these types of looming fiscal problems.