What's Happening

US News

California Sets Out To “Trump-Proof” Itself

What's going on: Does the road to “The Resistance 2.0” start in the Golden State? Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) seems to think so. He kicked off a special legislative session yesterday aimed at “Trump-proofing” the state, in anticipation of the incoming administration. Newsom hopes this session will be used, in part, to establish a $25 million fund to fight the president-elect’s policies in court. That’s not exactly chump change, but it might only be the beginning: During Trump’s first term, the state filed over 120 lawsuits against the administration, spending nearly $42 million, as The Washington Post notes. One of the state’s lawsuits successfully blocked Trump’s attempt to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This time, state lawmakers may have to resume that fight, and they’re also preparing for legal battles over reproductive freedom, pollution limits, and disaster relief aid.

What it means: Democrats say the fund will help California stay ahead of future legal battles. But some pundits question how much this session will actually accomplish, suggesting it may be more about boosting Newsom’s profile as he eyes a potential presidential run. (Meanwhile, other liberal states such as New York have thus far opted against holding similar sessions.) Critics also say that Newsom shouldn’t position the state as the first line of defense against the Trump administration, but should instead focus on finding ways to collaborate. The governor seems to be attempting to strike a balance, especially after his deep blue state shifted slightly to the right in the 2024 election. Newsom said yesterday that he’ll “work with the incoming administration,” but added: “When rights and freedoms are targeted, we will take action.”

Related: Documents Suggest Pete Hegseth Was Forced Out of Veteran Groups for Drinking and Misconduct, The New Yorker Reports (The New Yorker)

International

Why Thousands Are Protesting in Georgia 

What's going on: Tens of thousands of protesters are taking to the streets in Georgia’s capital after the ruling Georgian Dream party suspended ongoing talks to join the European Union. Georgia, which was formerly part of the Soviet Union, first applied for EU membership in March 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Last week, Georgia’s prime minister paused the EU talks for four years, citing “blackmail and manipulation” from some of the bloc’s lawmakers. Demonstrators see the change as bowing to Russian influence and have flooded the streets in response — singing the national anthem, shooting off fireworks, and even making GRWM-style TikTok videos showing what it’s like to speak out. At times, the protests have turned violent, with police using tear gas and water cannons. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, over 200 protesters have been arrested, and 42 ministry workers have been injured.

What it means: The ruling party’s decision comes months after Georgia passed a controversial “foreign agent law,” which pundits say mirrors Russian legislation used to suppress independent journalism, dissidents, and watchdog groups. Now, Georgian Dream’s move to suspend EU talks has further escalated tensions, especially as experts note that EU membership could significantly benefit the country by enhancing security and strengthening its economy. Meanwhile, a Kremlin spokesperson said Monday that Russia is “not interfering” in Georgia’s politics. As for the US, it’s siding with the protesters, with one State Department spokesman criticizing the ruling party for making Georgia “more vulnerable to the Kremlin.”

Related: Russia Launched Another Big Attack on Ukraine’s Energy Grid (Politico) 

Reproductive Health

Americans Are Having Fewer Kids, But Is Infertility To Blame?

What's going on: Even though it feels like we can’t escape gender-reveal parties on our FYPs, the reality is that Americans are having fewer children each year. The fertility rate for women of reproductive age hit a historic low last year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2022, there were 11 births per 1,000 people in the US, down from 14.8 per 1,000 people in 1995. The declining birth rate has some asking: Is America facing an infertility crisis? The answer isn’t clear. The fertility data focuses on married women of reproductive age and doesn’t distinguish between people who have decided to be child-free and those who are struggling to conceive. However, research from Johns Hopkins found that infertility rates among women have remained stable for decades, as of 2019.

What it means: Researchers are tracking medical, social, and economic factors that may contribute to lower birth rates. Doctors have noted a rise in impaired fecundity — the difficulty to conceive or carry to term — over several years. Meanwhile, more Americans are choosing to start having children later in life, which can come with its own set of issues. Women’s fertility drops significantly after the age of 37, and men’s sperm quality drops around age 35. Obesity rates continue to climb in the US, potentially impacting ovulation and sperm quality. Recent research also suggests exposure to harmful chemicals can negatively affect reproductive health and disrupt hormone functions. However, experts say more studies are needed, since most people are exposed to these chemicals every day and such substances are hard to avoid.

Related: The Reasons Some Conservatives Are Pushing for Americans To Have More Kids (Axios)