Newsfeed
Youthful Pip Lewis looks at human nature through her music
A graduate of a News Decoder partner school, Pip Lewis is juggling her studies with her passion for music — and winning accolades along the way.
The rich are getting richer. How can we reduce inequality?
The gap between rich and poor in many nations is widening. But stock markets are not the culprit. Here’s what can be done to curb economic inequality.
News outfits win prizes for COVID-19 reporting for kids
A News Decoder partner has awarded prizes to news organizations in five countries for innovative reporting on COVID-19 for kids.
Here’s how Lucy Jaffee got ahead of the press pack
Lucy Jaffee interviewed a top expert to get a jump on the mainstream press in a landmark free-speech case that reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
COVID has given me, a city boy, the joy of discovering foxes
Little did I know that leaving New York City during COVID-19 lockdown would bring me and my camera face-to-face with wild foxes.
Student at News Decoder partner school attends FBI program
Samara Friedman of Friends Seminary in New York City, a News Decoder partner school, has won a spot in a selective FBI youth program.
Here’s how one man coaxes Americans to get their COVID shot
Aaron Carroll’s job is to persuade Americans to get their COVID-19 shot. His technique? To listen and provide solid information.
News Decoder opens new chapter with leadership changes
In a leadership shuffle, Lauren Heuser, who has helped News Decoder grow its global network of partners, will be succeeded by Maria Krasinski.
The world is struggling to manage its aging population
The world’s population is aging. How are we to pay for the pensions and healthcare of a burgeoning number of elderly?
News Decoder extends reach with new partner in Rwanda
Kepler in Rwanda adds a new university program to News Decoder’s community, extending our reach to 20 partners in 15 countries.
Tracking asteroids — to shield Earth and probe life’s origin
Scientists are on the lookout for asteroids that could pose a danger to Earth but which could also hold the key to understanding life’s origin.
The Olympic Games: Tarnished but clinging to their ideals
Dogged by corruption and politics, the Olympic Games may seem outmoded. But their ideals survive, and the Games motivate athletes and excite fans.
Youth at News Decoder school featured in reporting project
A reporting project profiling youth who are fighting climate change includes two students at a News Decoder partner school in Belgium.
China investment in Sri Lanka raises eyebrows in U.S., India
A huge port city project backed by China in Sri Lanka has the U.S. and India worried about Beijing’s sway in the South Asian island nation.
Cape Town, Lima offer examples for water-deprived San Diego
As arid San Diego struggles to ensure adequate water supplies, the city can look to Cape Town and Lima for examples of how to dodge disaster.
Inspired by News Decoder, students in Romania start magazine
They’ve worked with News Decoder for a year. Now students at a school in Romania have launched a magazine — a first in their city.
Pope pushes “synodality” dialog to reform Catholic Church
Pope Francis is pushing a tricky reform drive, called “synodality,” that puts ordinary people at the core of the hierarchical Catholic Church.
Why studying abroad can be right for a young person
Elisabeth Wachtel learned a second language, made friends and lifted her chances of college admission by studying abroad for a year of high school.
Decoder Spotlight: Hewitt School students draw COVID lessons
In a series of articles and a global webinar, students at the Hewitt School in New York have drawn lessons from COVID-19 that point to a better future.
These Black children from Rwanda hold on to their innocence
I come from Rwanda, where Black children are not hated for the color of their skin. My photos capture innocence and an age of purity.
Climate change is driving migration, mainly inside nations
Climate change is uprooting more and more people from their homes. But managed sensibly, migration can help nations adapt to global warming.
Greed no match for fans’ fury as football Super League fails
Owners of rich European football clubs thought a Super League would line their pockets. They failed to consider outraged fans — the ultimate bosses.
COVID-19 bares U.S. healthcare flaws. Is it time for reform?
More people have died of COVID-19 in the U.S. than in any other nation. Will the suffering breathe new life into efforts to reform a flawed system?
I was bullied for my dark skin but now reject colourism.
Mocked for my dark skin, I long loathed myself and yearned for a lighter complexion. But now I fight colourism and defend diversity.
Amid COVID, New York sets model by sending inmates to hotels
New York City is fighting COVID-19 and setting an example for revamping America’s criminal justice system by releasing some inmates to hotels.
Listen: New York offers lessons from COVID-19 for the future
New York City was hit hard by COVID-19, which exposed health and social inequities. But Dr. Graham Barr says there are useful lessons for the future.
France and U.S. have tackled COVID-19 differently. I know.
COVID-19 has hit France and the U.S. to a similar extent. But their approaches to tackling the pandemic have been radically different — as I’ve seen.
Students at Thacher, Westover excel in News Decoder contest
Students at Thacher and Westover schools took five of eight awards in News Decoder’s latest Storytelling Contest, won by Christina MacCorkle.
Rising sales of electric vehicles show they are here to stay
More needs to be done so electric vehicles can reach their potential to reduce carbon emissions. But surging sales show they are here to stay.
Listen: We need laws, not just personal acts, to save Earth
Individual acts to shrink our carbon footprint are fine. But to prevent a climate disaster on Earth, governments must pass laws to cut carbon emissions.
Faculty Spotlight: Caleb Portfolio of Westover School
How can a photography class make better global citizens? Caleb Portfolio of Westover School helps students discover themselves and the world.
Here’s how you can help protect press freedom & democracy
Journalists are under threat around the world. What to do? Take out a subscription to defend press freedom and democracy, one expert suggests.
I sculpt my blended identity so I can challenge injustice
I’m a mix of black Jamaican and white American. My distinctive identity is both a target of hatred and my weapon for fighting injustice.
Does our modern world need kings and queens any more?
Britain’s Queen has turned 95 and her husband has died. Do we need kings and queens? Or will the world always revere splendour and inheritance?
How art & culture in New York have suffered during COVID-19
Art and culture are integral to New York’s economy and sense of community. COVID-19 has hit the sector and its people hard.
Journalists under threat on World Press Freedom Day
Thirty years after a landmark declaration of press freedom principles, journalists face threats that jeopardize democratic institutions around the world.
World watches as China tightens economic noose on Australia
China is punishing an “antagonistic” Australia with trade sanctions that many view as a test of Beijing’s geo-economic muscle.
Decoder Spotlight: Evan Wright of Indiana University
Evan Wright wants someday to work at the U.S. State Department. The Indiana University student says News Decoder is helping him blaze a career.
Once ashamed, I’m now proud of my family’s Mexican roots.
My family came to the U.S. from Mexico. I used to be ashamed of our humble lifestyle. I offer these photos to show I’m now proud.
Raising the U.S. minimum wage would both help and hurt
The U.S. minimum wage has not changed since 2009. Joe Biden wants to raise it to cut poverty. Opponents say a rise would hit business. Who’s right?
COVID-19 has hit South Africa hard. These students tell how.
South Africa has had more cases of COVID-19 and more deaths than any African country. We asked students in South Africa how it has affected them.
As an election observer, I help build trust in democracy
Since 2007, I’ve been an official election observer. It’s grueling work but strengthens trust in democracy and keeps a lid on electoral fraud.
News Decoder teams up with UNESCO to promote press freedom
News Decoder is helping UNESCO promote press freedom with a global webinar on how threats to journalists’ safety imperil the public’s right to know.
Student skater wins fight to keep New York ice rink open
COVID-19 has hit businesses and tourism hard. But when New York said it would close a famous ice rink, Serena Sabet fought back — and won.
Burmese in U.S. fight for democracy in Myanmar
They are 8,000 miles from Myanmar, but Burmese in the U.S. are raising money in a fight for the restoration of democracy in the Asian nation.
The world still bears the scars of Modern Colonialism
I was taught that Modern Colonialism was a force for global good. Later I learned it was a system of exploitation, oppression and enslavement.
The Civil Rights Movement haunts us even today
Inspired by Black Lives Matter protests, I offer a photo essay as a haunting reminder that the fight continues decades after the Civil Rights Movement.
Like other empires, U.S. faces hard choices in Afghanistan
The U.S. wants to end its longest war and withdraw from Afghanistan—called by some the graveyard of empires. But a May 1 deadline looks uncertain.
COVID-19 has exacerbated eating problems for world’s youth
By cutting the supply of nutritious food and curbing mobility, the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated eating troubles among youth around the world.
Caught between China and the U.S., I feel both love and guilt
Born in China, I decided to study in the U.S. I love my home country but harbor guilt as over time I become less and less Chinese.