For many, January is a month full of hard-to-keep resolutions and hopeful plans for self-improvement. New year, new … you? We’re kicking off this often uneasy season with an investigation into confidence: How important is it, really? A look at the myth of frictionless relationships is another timely piece, as is a how-to on journaling.
Looking ahead to the imminent inauguration of the next president, we’ve also got stories about how young voter groups became disconnected from actual young voters, the many efforts to prosecute Donald Trump, and the collapse of nuclear guardrails worldwide. Work on the promise of nasal vaccines, the ins and outs of egg donation, and policing in the age of the gun help round out our issue. Plus, we’ve got book recommendations for Vox Members and an exclusive Highlight podcast on pronatalism.
The Trump prosecutions were supposed to save democracy. They may have imperiled it further.
By Andrew Prokop
One woman’s nail-biting quest to a better self.
By Rachel Sugar
A child holds a US flag during the National Western Stock Show Kick-off Parade on January 9, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. The parade marks the start of the premier livestock, rodeo, and horse show in the United States, now in its 119th year. (Photo by Jason Connolly / AFP) (Photo by JASON CONNOLLY/AFP via Getty Images)
The demographer is worried that we aren’t having as many babies as we used to — and says he knows how that could change.
By Miles Bryan
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 22: Attendees listen to a speech from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump during Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center on December 22, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The annual four day conference geared toward energizing and connecting conservative youth hosts some of the country’s leading conservative politicians and activists. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)
How Democratic Gen Z activists lost the Gen Z vote
The organizations dedicated to mobilizing Gen Z got the turnout they wanted, but not the votes. What did they miss?
By Christian Paz
Coming January 14
Plus trippy detective novels for when you just miss Twin Peaks.
By Constance Grady
Coming January 14
The world has entered the third nuclear age
Nuclear guardrails are falling apart — and Donald Trump is about to retake the launch codes.
By Joshua Keating
Coming January 15
“Protecting your peace” can kill your friendships
Frictionless relationships are just a fantasy.
By Allie Volpe
Coming January 15
BERLIN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 05: In this photo illustration a sich woman uses nasal spray on February 05, 2019 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo Illustration by Florian Gaertner/Getty Images)
The future of vaccines is needle-free
Nasal vaccines are more effective and easier to get to the people who need it most.
By Sam Delgado
Coming January 16
The transformative power of journaling
Writing down your thoughts can be good for your mental health. Here’s how to start — and keep at it.
By Jillian Anthony
Coming January 16
Egg donation is popular, but it’s not often publicly discussed.
How safe is donating your eggs?
Egg donation is common. How well do we understand the risks?
By Anna North
Coming January 17
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - DECEMBER 27: Security measures are taken after a 56-year-old man reportedly set on fire at Penn Station in Manhattan, New York, United States on Friday, December 27, 2024. At approximately 8:10 PM Friday evening, a 56-year-old man was set on fire intentionally and sustained burn injuries throughout his entire body. No further information was immediately released on the man’s condition. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
How a major Supreme Court case is changing how police do their jobs
The Bruen decision upended America’s gun laws. Years later, cops and courts are still trying to sort out the mess.
By Marin Cogan
Coming January 17
