Newsfeed
Welcome News Decoder’s newest intern, Malik Figaro
News Decoder’s first intern from a partner school, Malik Figaro has an enriching gap year ahead of him.
Listen: Want to create a global climate movement?
Teenagers in the U.S. are mobilizing and using advocacy tools at the grassroots level as part of a global movement to fight climate change.
Will international sports survive COVID-19?
Sports are emerging from the wreckage of a year of disruption not seen in 75 years. With COVID-19 still a threat, uncertainty and frustration prevail.
Why do conspiracy theories thrive during a crisis?
They’ve been around for a long time and flourish in a crisis. Conspiracy theories may seem absurd and harmless to some — but they can do damage.
Israel-UAE deal gives Trump a chance to cry victory
Donald Trump has scored few foreign policy wins with his transactional approach. A peace deal between Israel and the UAE is a feather in his cap.
Distrust of COVID-19 vaccine has roots in history
Many Americans say they will not get inoculated if a vaccine against COVID-19 is discovered. Such distrust in science is nothing new.
Hong Kong has long been caught in the middle
When I arrived in Hong Kong half a century ago, it was just starting its explosive growth. Now it’s caught again in the middle of a big-power dispute.
Why does China fear the Uighurs so much?
The Uighurs are not the only ethnic minority in China. Beijing’s repressive tactics reflect fears a separatist movement could threaten the state.
UK publisher reprints two News Decoder articles in books
News Decoder and a publisher in Cambridge, England have teamed up to explore contemporary social issues and encourage critical thinking among youth.
Political dynasty stirs worries in strategic Sri Lanka
South Asia is no stranger to political dynasties. Sri Lanka’s ruling family is prompting worries about human rights and ethnic tensions.
A political solution is the only option in war-torn Libya
Once ruled with an iron fist by a dictator, oil-rich Libya is now ravaged by war. With foreign powers meddling, a political solution is badly needed.
#MeToo in the Catholic Church? Not yet, but trends are there
Men have long dominated the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. But there is a whiff of change in the air as women eye positions of power.
Lebanon explosion hits nation already on its knees
Disaster was awaiting Lebanon, its finances in tatters. Now a chemical explosion has compounded the challenges facing the tiny but pivotal nation.
COVID-19 overturns stereotypes in Italy and Britain
Italy is all chaos, while Britain epitomises civility, right? Think twice, because COVID-19 has helped to turn clichés upside down.
A cleaner, faster, zippier website is coming at News Decoder
To reach more young people, we’re redesigning News Decoder’s website so it’s cleaner, faster and better looking. Deadline? End of August.
News Decoder fetes 5th birthday with eye on the future
Correspondents, trustees and advisors held a virtual birthday party to celebrate News Decoder’s 5th birthday and to look to future challenges.
Black Lives Matter, COVID-19 alter sport of cricket
International cricket resumed play this month, significantly altered by COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Can plant-based meat help save the planet?
Meat production contributes to global warming. Will the planet shift to plant-based meat to help avert catastrophic climate change?
Youth must be heard as the world rebuilds after COVID-19
The world’s youth will shoulder the long-term costs of COVID-19. They must play a central role in shaping the global economy and averting climate disaster.
Changes afoot as News Decoder looks to the future
As News Decoder celebrates its 5th birthday, our communications manager tackles new challenges while her successor will help position us for future growth.
When did fake news start? A long, long time ago!
Propaganda, advertising, political spin, storytelling — fake news can take many shapes. It got its start a long time ago, and there’s no quick fix.
Tiny Iceland is a dogged adversary in COVID-19 fight
Iceland has had only 10 deaths so far due to COVID-19. Testing and early use of track-and-trace have kept the new coronavirus in check.
We teenagers need to learn to use technology wisely
U.S. teenagers are increasingly depressed and spending more and more time on smartphones. But technology, used wisely, can make us smarter, safer and happier.
Time again for a U.S. election to rivet the world
We foreigners often scoff at Americans. But like it or not, the world always pays rapt attention to the U.S. election, and this year is no exception.
She left Colombia for safety and opportunities in the U.S.
We wanted to learn about immigration. So Sabina told us her story about leaving Colombia for the U.S. to escape violence and embrace opportunities.
I survived COVID-19 after observing SARS and HIV
I covered SARS and watched the spread of HIV. For me, COVID-19 has been altogether different — in part because I had to fight it off.
Chinatown offered me a window into immigration
I’d gone to Chinatown before, but only when I looked closely did I see how waves of immigration have shaped its character and history.
Meet News Decoder’s new Student Ambassadors
News Decoder empowers youth around the globe, and our Student Ambassadors make it all possible. Meet the team for the coming academic year.
Refugees give back to European nations that took them in
The EU has been criticized for inconsistency towards asylum seekers. But some European nations have admitted refugees — who are now paying back.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ — a parable of political deceit
Dorothy’s adventures in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ offer more than fantasy for children. Like the wizard behind his curtain, politicians world-wide deal in deceit.
Cholera & the Keystone Cops — 50 years before COVID-19
Cholera swept the globe half a century before COVID-19. But nothing, not even Keystone Cops, could stop our road trip to Moscow.
World’s youth can learn from Black Lives Matter protests
Black Lives Matter protests in the U.S. can spur change around the world. Youth can play a key role in the fight for equality, says a young African educator.
News media is no match for Trump and his tall tales
U.S. presidents have often twisted the truth. But Donald Trump has flooded the media with falsehoods in a unique challenge to democratic institutions.
My life in journalism, where facts & truth count
The world has changed dramatically since I was a cub reporter. But facts and truth should still matter in the world of journalism.
Good writing is a process, not just pen to paper
What’s the secret to good writing? It’s a process that can push authors outside their comfort zones as they challenge their assumptions.
Decoder: China lends huge sums to rebuild ancient Silk Road
It’s one of the biggest projects ever. Here’s how China plans to rebuild the ancient Silk Road — and how its plan could reshape the globe.
Do Black Lives Matter protests matter for the world?
Will Black Lives Matter protests in the U.S. over racial injustice spur change there and around the world? Human rights advocate Steve Crawshaw hopes so.
Northern Ireland offers an example of police reforms
Violence against Black Americans has thrust U.S. police reforms to the fore. Northern Ireland has grappled with its own history of police prejudice.
Agog at U.S. race protests, Russians draw own conclusions
U.S. protests over race have given some Russians an excuse to bash America. Others fear street action in Russia is a distant dream.
Calls for racial justice reverberate around the world
As protests for racial justice sweep across the U.S., young people are demanding an end to persistent inequities around the world.
My elderly grandmother in China persevered during COVID-19
COVID-19 has hit the elderly hard and left many alone in confinement. But my grandmother in China has endured, even thrived, offering a lesson in tenacity.
News Decoder expands in Africa, Europe and the U.S.
News Decoder is expanding its program in Africa, Europe and the United States, and now has a footprint in 12 countries on five continents.
Hungary, EU’s ‘bad boy,’ has managed COVID-19 with tact
Ruled by a populist, Hungary is considered Europe’s bully. But its prime minister has shown common sense in managing COVID-19.
Worlds apart, youth tend to communities during COVID-19
Youth around the world are fighting fake news and delivering groceries to the needy as they juggle online studies with community service during COVID-19.
Lebanon’s economic meltdown eclipses COVID-19 danger
Lebanon has largely dodged COVID-19. But its finances are in tatters — and so, too, its facade of prosperity. Disaster awaits.
Here’s proof that youth are helping fight COVID-19
Reporting from around the world confirms that youth are using their creativity and energy to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our ‘zine’ offers a creative antidote for COVID-19
We were students seeking solace from COVID-19. Then, with a burst of artistic creativity, an online ‘zine’ was born.
COVID-19 lockdowns spur female genital “cutting”
The world was making progress in curbing female genital mutilation, a rite of passage to womanhood in many countries. COVID-19 is hurting those efforts.
Hong Kong and China: One country, one system?
Hong Kong youth are protesting again against the city’s rulers in China. The stakes are sky-high for the world’s economy and, potentially, security.
Walking with the mujahideen in Afghanistan
I was in Afghanistan when mujahideen guerrillas fought Soviet invaders. Three decades later, security remains precarious and peace a distant dream.