by Sarah Edmonds | 24 Sep 2025 | Decoder Replay, Economy, Uncategorized
When the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank lowers interest rates, that can affect the prices for all the stuff you buy. But do you understand how they work? A person taps a payment card on a card reader. (Photo by Rido) Editor’s note: On 17 October 2025, the U.S....
by Sarah Edmonds | 14 Mar 2025 | Decoders, Economy, Environment, Politics
A decade ago 195 countries gathered to find a way to slow climate change. Will the United States under Trump crash the “green economy” that the agreement promised? A gas station worker smiles and gives the thumbs up. (Credit: Minerva Studios) This article...
by Sarah Edmonds | 13 Nov 2024 | Decoder Replay, Educators' Catalog, History, Media Literacy
Trump faked his assassination attempt. Princess Di wasn’t killed in an accident. The moon landing never happened. Why do people believe disproven ideas? Activists demonstrate against 4G/5G cell towers in Los Angeles, California, 2 May 2020. (AP Photo/Damian...
by Sarah Edmonds | 19 Mar 2024 | Decoders, Economy, Politics
People vote with their wallet. But most are clueless about economic concepts. Do they cast votes based on misconceptions about money? A man shrugs in confusion against a blackboard covered with economic terms. (Photo illustration by News Decoder) This article was...
by Sarah Edmonds | 22 May 2023 | Climate decoders, Decoders, Educators' Catalog, Environment, Writing's on the Wall
In the movies, the solution for global disasters comes at the nail-biting end. Not so in real life. It won’t be The Rock that saves this rock we live on. Dr. Ally Hextall, played by Jennifer Ehle, tries to save the world from a virus in the movie Contagion. ...
In the fight against climate change, technology is often seen as a panacea that absolves corporations and individuals of the responsibility to act. The narrative reads as follows: with new technology, we can continue to live as we always have, without reducing consumption and waste. In this latest Decoder, correspondent Sarah Edmonds explains why this is not at all the case.
Exercise: The article decodes several types of climate technologies making headlines now, notably: nuclear energy, solar power, carbon capture, hydrogen and wind energy. Divide your class into five groups, each taking on one of these technologies to investigate. They should start with the information presented in the article, then conduct outside research online using reputable sources. Each group should then discuss the benefits and drawbacks of their assigned climate technology, and elect a spokesperson to share their findings with the class.