Today, we're talking about declines in China, an old Elon Musk tweet, a mafia-boss

capture, and other top news for Wednesday, January 18th.

Stay informed or remain focused on Christ with the poor over.

Here's the verse of the week.

In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.

John 1-1.

Let's start with some espresso shots.

One hill is great for skiers, but not so great for countries.

Last year, China's population and economic growth broke records for declining.

China's population decreased by around 850,000 people, stifled by the lowest birth rate since

the Communist Party took over in 1941.

Simultaneously, GDP grew just 3% in 2022, way down from its peak growth of 14.2% in 2007.

In 19 restrictions played a part, but an aging workforce hasn't helped either.

The number of working age adults has fallen 5% since 2011.

This isn't the first time China's hoped for a baby boom.

In 2016, it ended its one child-only policy and increased the limit to 3 children in 2021.

Policy makers have offered tax breaks and other incentives to families, but so far, no

boom.

Meanwhile, India is on track to become the most populous country in the world later this

year.

Here's a verse to consider when questioning where you fit in with billions of people alive.

Aren't two Sparrow sold for a penny?

...