China's population has fallen for the first time in six decades, with more deaths recorded than births last year—which can effect the economy in China and the rest of the world. To discuss, we FEATURE Cora Jungbluth. Cora is a Senior Expert on China and Asia Pacific at the German Bertelsmann Stiftung, Gütersloh. Her research focus is on foreign direct investment and international trade (especially the role of emerging economies). Before joining Bertelsmann Stiftung, Cora was assistant professor at the Institute of Chinese Studies of the University of Freiburg. As a freelancing consultant, she has worked on Asia-related projects with Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), among others. Cora studied Chinese Studies and Economics at Heidelberg University, Shanghai International Studies University and Tsinghua University, Beijing. Her studies and reports have been referenced in national and international media, such as The Economist, Xinhua News, El Pais, CGTN, NPR.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to make a ruling on affirmative action this year with the likelihood of the court ruling against affirmative action. To discuss, we FEATURE Angela Peoples. Angela got her start as a progressive advocate in 2006, fighting to stop an anti-affirmative action ballot initiative. She continued building student power and fighting for college access and affordability as Legislative Director of the United States Students Association and as Policy and Advocacy Manager of the Center for American Progress' youth organizing division. Angela is currently an organizer, activist, political strategist, and social commentator working toward the liberation of all Black people. She is currently the Director of Black Womxn For, a space focused on creating intentional meeting spaces for Black women & GNC community leaders to talk about our impact on the 2020 elections. Media includes: The Hill, MetroWeekly, The New York Times.

Oxfam is urging a windfall tax be put on food companies as prices on food soars and companies make big profits. To discuss, we FEATURE Chandra Childers. Childers is a senior policy and economic analyst with the Economic Analysis and Research Network (EARN) at EPI. Her work is primarily focused on supporting EARN’s state and local policy research and advocacy network in the Southern United States. Childers is committed to economic justice and ensuring that all workers have a voice in their workplaces and that they experience real economic security independent of race, sex, or economic status. Using an intersectional lens, her research focuses on employment, earnings, job quality, and worker power. Before joining the EARN team at EPI, Childers was a Study Director at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, where her work focused on occupational segregation, the gender wage gap, and Black, Hispanic, and Native American women’s access to good jobs that pay well, provide benefits, and ensure economic security for them, their families, and their communities. Media includes: Refinery29, Voice of America, Al Jazeera.

On Sunday, the Republican leader of the House Oversight Committee demanded visitor logs for Joe Biden's Delaware home after classified documents were found in his office. To discuss, we FEATURE Liz Hempowicz. Liz Hempowicz is the vice president of policy and government affairs at the Project on Government Oversight (POGO). Her primary focus is on impact advocacy and ensuring that POGO’s policy, advocacy, and government affairs work reflects long-term and short-term strategic priorities. She oversees the work of POGO’s Center for Defense Information, Constitution Project, Ethics and Accountability Initiative, and Effective and Accountable Government Program. She develops and advances policy solutions to combat corruption and to promote openness and accountability in government. Media includes: The Associated Press, The New York Times, Washington Post, Politico, WNYC’s On the Media, CNBC, NPR, Fox News.

Donald Trump's October deposition was recently released to the public. The former president calls E. Jean Carroll a "wack job" and calls her claims that he sexually assaulted her a "hoax." To discuss, we FEATURE Justine Andronici. Justine is a feminist lawyer and victim’s rights and women’s rights advocate. Her work focuses on gender based violence, discrimination, and progressive politics. Justine has represented thousands of survivors of violence and abuse in her 18 year legal career, including several high profile survivors of Jerry Sandusky’s child sexual abuse. Now, in addition to representing survivors in very select civil cases, Justine works as a trainer and strategic consultant for non-profit women’s rights and victim’s advocacy organizations. Media includes: Ms. Magazine, Centre Daily, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Bloomberg Law, NPR.

California has been fraught with heavy rain—which has already led to 19 deaths—that may lead to flooding and landslides across the state. To discuss, we FEATURE Kimberly Duong. Kimberly is a civil engineer at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. She has subject matter expertise is in California urban water management, science policy, and climate education. Kimberly is also a co-founder, former Executive Director, and current strategic advisor for Climatepedia, a climate education nonprofit. She completed her PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Irvine. Media includes: Sierra Club Magazine, Orange County Register, AGU News.

Oscar nominations will be announced next week on Tuesday, January 24th. To discuss, we FEATURE Carla Hay. Hay has an expertise on film and television, having written WMC's Emmy's Report. She is editor-in-chief of Culture Mix and is also a Tomatometer-approved critic at Rotten Tomatoes, a member of the Critics Choice Association, and a straight ally to the LGBTQ community. Hay has been a writer or editor for Paramount Media Networks, Women's Media Center, Shondaland, AXS.com, Examiner.com, Lifetime, People, and Billboard. She has been interviewed on CNN, Access Hollywood, and CNBC, and has been a guest speaker at Columbia University and New York University.