For many, January is a month full of hard-to-keep resolutions and hopeful plans for self-improvement. New year, new you? Were 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, weve 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, weve got book recommendations for Vox Members and an exclusive Highlight podcast on pronatalism.Did the Trump prosecutions backfire?The Trump prosecutions were supposed to save democracy. They may have imperiled it further.By Andrew ProkopI wanted to be confident. Then I started having doubts.One womans nail-biting quest to a better self.By Rachel SugarA 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)Lyman Stone on Americas falling birth rateThe demographer is worried that we arent having as many babies as we used to and says he knows how that could change.By Miles BryanPHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 22: Attendees listen to a speech from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump during Turning Point USAs 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 countrys leading conservative politicians and activists. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)How Democratic Gen Z activists lost the Gen Z voteThe organizations dedicated to mobilizing Gen Z got the turnout they wanted, but not the votes. What did they miss?By Christian PazComing January 14Swashbuckling adventure novels to start your yearPlus trippy detective novels for when you just miss Twin Peaks.By Constance GradyComing January 14The world has entered the third nuclear ageNuclear guardrails are falling apart and Donald Trump is about to retake the launch codes.By Joshua KeatingComing January 15Protecting your peace can kill your friendshipsFrictionless relationships are just a fantasy.By Allie VolpeComing January 15BERLIN, 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-freeNasal vaccines are more effective and easier to get to the people who need it most.By Sam DelgadoComing January 16The transformative power of journalingWriting down your thoughts can be good for your mental health. Heres how to start and keep at it.By Jillian AnthonyComing January 16Egg donation is popular, but its not often publicly discussed.How safe is donating your eggs?Egg donation is common. How well do we understand the risks?By Anna NorthComing January 17MANHATTAN, 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 mans condition. (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)How a major Supreme Court case is changing how police do their jobsThe Bruen decision upended Americas gun laws. Years later, cops and courts are still trying to sort out the mess.By Marin CoganComing January 17Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More: The Highlight