by Chris Lo | 28 Apr 2026 | Health and Wellness, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
Foot odors are a common problem, but one most people are too embarrassed to talk about. That’s too bad, because there are some easy fixes. A woman realizes her shoes stink. (Illustration by News Decoder) This article was produced exclusively for News Decoder’s...
by Ava Rabian | 20 Apr 2026 | Culture, Education, Health and Wellness, Media Literacy, Politics, Realgymnasium Rämibühl Zürich, Student Posts, Youth Voices
In response to pressure from parents, politicians in Switzerland and elsewhere are considering social media bans. But teens say that won’t solve the problem. A teen on her phone ignores a birthday cake. (Illustration by News Decoder.) This article was produced...
by Angelica Recierdo | 30 Mar 2026 | Culture, Health and Wellness, Music, University of Toronto Journalism Fellows
Latin dance is popular worldwide. And whether they lead or follow, people find salsa can build community and improve their health. A man and woman practice salsa dancing. (Photo by edwardolive from Getty Images Pro) To Dayani Waas, Cuban salsa dancing was a key that...
by Kumbulani Kumbula | 27 Mar 2026 | African Leadership Academy, Culture, Education, Health and Wellness, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Youth Voices
What makes normalisation powerful is its invisibility. When something is everywhere, it stops feeling like a choice and starts feeling like a cultural norm. A young man holds up his hand to say no. (Photo by Monstera Production/Pexels) This article was produced out of...
by Ashley Perl | 26 Mar 2026 | Culture, Health and Wellness, Music, Russia, Ukraine
It is cold in Ukraine, where Russian bombs have cut off power for heat and electricity. To keep people warm and sane, DJs have sprung into action. People dance in Kyiv, Ukraine to warm up after Russia’s attacks on the country’s energy system left them...
by Yosr Manai | 19 Mar 2026 | Africa, African Leadership Academy, Health and Wellness, Human Rights, Religion, Student Posts, Youth Voices
Many cultures and religions around the world maintain traditions that cause physical harm. Why are so many practiced on young girls? A locked wooden box symbolizes the “closing” of a girl to protect the family’s honor. (Illustration by News Decoder.)...
by Mahara Mmangisa | 9 Mar 2026 | African Leadership Academy, Health and Wellness, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Youth Voices
Society places value on being social. When we choose to bow out, people wonder what’s wrong. But sometimes healthy “me time” means: Just me. Two teens make fun of one who sits alone. (Illustration by News Decoder) This article, by student, Mahara...
by News Decoder | 3 Mar 2026 | Environment, Health and Wellness
On World Wildlife Day, the United Nations asks us to consider all the things we eat to keep us healthy and think: What if they all disappear? World Wildlife Day poster highlights medicinal and aromatic plants. (Courtesy of the United Nations) Each year, 3 March marks...
by Hamza Mohamed Ramadan Zahran | 2 Mar 2026 | African Leadership Academy, Culture, Health and Wellness, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Youth Voices
We are faced with a world full of disaster and suffering but feel powerless. The result? We stop caring. Hands grasped in empathy. (Photo by Prostock-studio) This article by student Hamza Mohamed Ramadan Zahran was produced out of News Decoder’s school partnership...
by Jeremy Gitiba | 26 Feb 2026 | African Leadership Academy, Health and Wellness, Personal Reflections, Student Posts, Youth Voices
There seems little point in trying when our chances are small that we will score big. But only when we accept disappointment can we realize our potential. A basketball player tries to make a shot. (Photo by dotshock) This article by student Jeremy Gitiba was produced...