For You: America Is Falling Apart at the Seams

Plus, China's Births Hit Historic Low, a Political Problem for Beijing

January 17, 2022 Hello. Every day, we'll send you stories we think you'll love. Let us know what you're interested in to improve your recommendations. Choose your interests WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED TODAY China's Births Hit Historic Low, a Political Problem for Beijing Texas Rabbi Recounts Dramatic Escape From Synagogue China's Economy Is Slowing, a Worrying Sign for the World A Tense Texas Standoff Leads to Emotional Phone Call Between Brothers In Volcano's Aftermath, an Agonizing Wait for Tonga News Go to homepage FROM OPINION David Brooks America Is Falling Apart at the Seams Why are so many of us behaving so badly? Ezra Klein This Presidency Isn't Turning Out as Planned The problems the president is facing are an almost perfect inversion of the problems Obama faced. Maureen Dowd More Mojo, Joe! Less Senate bean soup, more affordable meat. BASED ON YOUR INTERESTS Dan Barry Alone With a Basketball, a Hoop, and Covid Separated from his family, he launched jump shots in the driveway and wondered: Will we ever properly mourn the ones we've lost? Will we ever smile again? The answers were hit or miss. Jaevon Williams What's on TV This Week: Michelle Obama and 'Billions' A conversation with Michelle Obama airs on BET. And Showtime's "Billions" begins a new season. Alyssa Lukpat A California City Is Overrun by Crows. Could a Laser Be the Answer? In a move befitting its Silicon Valley setting, the city of Sunnyvale, Calif., will aim a laser at 1,000 birds that have overwhelmed the downtown area during the pandemic. Brett Berk Custom 1951 Mercury Sells at Auction for $1.95 Million The Hirohata Merc, a prime example of the custom car scene that blossomed in midcentury Southern California, notched two records in its sale. Ben Rothenberg After Quarantine, Keeping Up the Korda Family Tradition Sebastian Korda's father and sisters have won in Australia. Now, Korda has recorded his first Australian Open win. IMPROVE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS Science The wonders of humans and our world Books to Read Suggested reading from Times editors Health & Fitness Health news and expert advice TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT D.W. Gibson For Two Roommates, the Fine Print Held a Big Surprise The two young women had a lot to learn, but they came out on top in Brooklyn with a self-guided crash course on the New York City real estate market. Gail Collins and Bret Stephens Opinion | Welcome to the 'Well, Now What?' Stage of the Story It's been a very long year for Joe Biden.  Ben Shpigel Cowboys Come Up Short Against 49ers Long Before Clunky Finish The No. 6-seeded 49ers upset the No. 3-seeded Cowboys after a chaotic final drive that will prolong Dallas's disappointment. Genna Martin The Eerie, Lunar Nothingness of Namibia's Skeleton Coast The stretch of coastline in southwest Africa is a strange and beautiful reminder that, in the end, we are powerless against nature and time. Dave Kim The Too-Short Evolution of Mac Miller "Most Dope," a biography by Paul Cantor, offers a tender remembrance of a precocious talent. TAKE A BREAK, PLAY A GAME The Mini Crossword Solve this bite-sized puzzle in just a few minutes. Spelling Bee How many words can you make with 7 letters? Tiles Match visual elements and keep your chain going. See all our games THAT'S IT FOR TODAY Help us find the best stories for you. Choose your interests To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to the Times|Get the NYT app Change Your Email|Privacy Policy|Contact|Advertise|California Notices The New York Times Company 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018