Our world: The week of Sept. 14, 2026

Singapore offers parents a baby boostSingapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says the city-state wants to “make it easier for Singaporeans who want children to start and raise a family.” That’s why the government is offering parents more than $55,000 in direct support per child, as a way to boost the falling birth rate. Singapore, with a population of just over 6 million, had a record-low fertility rate last year. Mr. Wong said parental leave will also be expanded and that the government plans to help subsidize first-time homebuyers as well.– Matthew Bell“A ‘don’t-miss-the-Gold-Rush’ mentality has taken hold.”That’s how the Tokyo Foundation’s Masashi Kawai, speaking to The New York Times, described the reaction to Japan’s plan to name a backup capital, a designation that promises incentives such as hefty tax breaks. Thirteen prefectures and municipalities have already thrown their hats into the ring, including Osaka – a business-rich port city and tourism hub. Smaller regions are also making their case; leaders of mountainous Gunma prefecture, located a short train ride from Tokyo, say they are best suited to keep the government running in the event of a tsunami. – Lindsey McGinnisBritain speeds up plan on “subscription traps”Britain’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, has announced an accelerated plan to make it easier for people to cancel unwanted subscriptions for goods or services. The new rules will come into force in January 2027, three months earlier than planned by his predecessor, Keir Starmer. Under the plan, companies will have to make clear when contracts will auto-renew at a higher price. In a separate move, the government says it’s taking action to ban retailers from making misleading claims to customers about discounts. “I know people are sick and tired of rip-off discounts and subscription traps,” said Mr. Burnham.– Tim BackshallA legal setback for Toronto’s bicycle advocatesOntario’s government recently won a legal appeal that allows it to tear up Toronto’s bike lanes in the name of easing traffic congestion. Cycling advocates say that removing the lanes will harm not only bicyclists, but also pedestrians and drivers who have to navigate the roads alongside them. Toronto’s mayor said she’s working to find a way to keep “every road user safe” while Ontario’s transportation minister celebrated the legal win as a “victory for common sense.” The cost of removing the 12 miles of bike lanes, at about $35 million, could be a hurdle. –Whitney Eulich