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The far right could shake up Europe’s parliament
Europe faces a moment of truth in May. Voters will choose a new parliament, and far-right parties and populists could make big gains.
Terrorism is spreading around the world. Can it be halted?
Fewer people are being killed by terrorism. But more countries are being hit, and more and more people consider violence against civilians justifiable.
Democracy is in crisis. Time to fight back.
Threatened by populists and “fake news,” democracy is in crisis. But it remains better than alternatives — and a holy grail for states ditching dictators.
Two young hires to add firepower to News-Decoder
A funding drive and a major donation have enabled News-Decoder to hire two new employees to help the not-for-profit extend its global reach.
Trump to the world: When America “wins,” you lose
Donald Trump has thumbed his nose at norms governing U.S. behavior towards the world. He inhabits a Hobbesian space of all-against-all.
In 40 years, I’ve seen China come so far. And yet …
China has exploded to superpower status since I lived there 40 years ago. On a recent visit, the progress was unmistakable. But so were shortcomings.
Hong Kong students: unhappy over-achievers
Hong Kong has a strong educational system. But its students are unhappy over the burden of work, and more and more are taking their own lives.
Leveraging technology to keep Indian women safe
Indian women are turning to smartphone apps to protect against sexual violence. But is technology the answer — or will it end up being a scapegoat?
Fighting climate change, photo by photo
Rocco Danese wants to fight climate change, and he loves photography. He combines those passions in these glimpses of New York’s skyline.
Journalists: Solitary stretcher-bearers or guiding lights?
Journalists practice a dangerous craft and now are accused of peddling fake news. With the world facing annihilation, is it worth plying that trade?
Climate change has come to my school in California
My school and California are suffering high temperatures and low rainfall. I hope my photos help the fight against climate change.
France’s “gilets jaunes” send shivers through Europe
France’s “gilets jaunes” movement has forced President Macron to offer concessions. And the yellow vests are sending shock waves across Europe.
Pigs for cows? How Africa gets climate aid wrong
There’s no shortage of good will to help Africans cope with the effects of global warming. But climate aid is often misdirected — or never reaches target.
French debacle lays bare pros and cons of carbon tax
There’s agreement greenhouse gases must be cut. But France has had to scrap a key tactic — a carbon tax — in its fight against climate change.
Livelihood and Scarcity: Water in East Africa
Extreme weather due to climate change is wreaking havoc on East Africans who depend on the soil, rivers and lakes to survive.
Decoder Spotlight: Clio Morrison of Friends Seminary
Clio Morrison of Friends Seminary in the U.S. wins this month’s “Decoder in the Spotlight” award for her leadership and reporting for News-Decoder.
Listen: China steps forward as U.S. steps back
China is spreading its wings with its One Belt One Road initiative as an inward-looking U.S. turns the screws on trade. Will globalization be a victim?
Negotiators hunt band-aid for Yemen’s agony
Yemen is the poorest Arab nation, caught in the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. But can UN-brokered talks in Sweden stave off mass starvation?
It’s not all bad news on the income front
Income inequality is spurring populist movements. But income growth has curbed poverty in many areas, and wealth can hold the key to equality.
Yellow vest protests rattle France — and Europe
A surprise uprising of “yellow vests” in France has forced authorities to backtrack on a climate change policy, sparked riots and rattled the government.
Climate change: What’s happening on the ground?
Schools and local authorities are adopting a mix of strategies to fight climate change, students from three News-Decoder partner schools report.
Listen: Standing up for gay rights in Israel
Israel is the most gay-friendly nation in the Middle East. But it’s not perfect. Listen to two activists discuss their work to uphold gay rights in Israel.
Vulnerable New York hunkers down for future storms
One of the most exposed port cities in the world, New York is still recovering from a 2012 hurricane and taking steps to prepare for big, future storms.
Listen: Who are the victims of the Venezuelan crisis?
Venezuelan citizens scrounge for food and medicine while prices soar. Where is the formerly prosperous oil exporter, now in crisis, headed?
Climate emergency mired in economic & political upheavals
Climate change is wreaking havoc. But skeptics remain, while economic and political instability make it hard for political leaders to take tough decisions.
New York turns urban jungle against global warming
From plants on roofs to huge ice tanks, New York is devising creative solutions to cut emissions from its main greenhouse gas culprit — buildings.
Listen: Is social media a friend or foe?
Social media has revolutionized how we work and communicate, but questions about privacy continue to perplex government and industry leaders.
Listen: How will robots transform society?
Can we trust robots? Innovative technologies will radically change the skills of tomorrow. The challenge lies in keeping humans up to date.
News-Decoder launches annual fund-raising drive
News-Decoder’s work with young people around the world depends on the generosity of our backers. Your support will help make better global citizens.
Listen: Want to be an entrepreneur?
Want to be an entrepreneur? Starting with a simple hair balm, Simi has launched a business with a full line of natural beauty products.
Macron’s call for “European army” highlights rift in NATO
Should Europe build its own army? Or spend more to support the transatlantic alliance? A rift has opened up between Europe and the United States.
Listen: Where have all the corals gone?
In this episode of “The Kids Are Alright” podcast, we learn how global warming is threatening crucial links in our ecosystem — sharks and coral reefs.
Fight for change, Parkland shooting survivors tell webinar
Two survivors of a mass shooting at a U.S. high school in Parkland, Florida urge youth to work for change, saying journalism can make a difference.
“The Kids Are Alright” — News-Decoder’s 1st podcast
News-Decoder launches its first podcast next week. Listen to young people offering a fresh perspective on major international issues.
Shooting survivors, UK paper receive youth news award
Survivors of a shooting at a U.S. school and The Guardian paper have received an award from News Decoder for coverage of a gun-control protest.
Instant news of scandal challenges deliberate Catholic Church
Sex abuse by priests has turned into a scandal for the Catholic Church. Modern communication is putting pressure on the church to take action.
Female preachers at the heart of jihad and counter-jihad
In conflict, violence is not the only strategy. Both jihad movements and some Islamic governments are using female preachers to win hearts and minds.
California plans “own damn satellite” to fight warming
California plans to launch a satellite, barely bigger than two shoe boxes, to pinpoint greenhouse emissions as part of its fight against global warming.
Saudi Arabia and America’s embrace of dictatorships
The killing of Jamal Khashoggi adds to Saudi Arabia’s grim human rights record. But don’t expect America to sacrifice arms deals.
Shareholder activists seek to spur change in society
Shareholder activists are not new. But increasingly these stockholders are focused on addressing social issues, from climate change to gun violence.
Images of Myanmar: Wild, conflicted, dreamy
I went to Myanmar on a whim, and it was the best decision I could ever have made.
The virtual chestnut tree and information overload
We gossip today as people gossiped centuries ago. But the volume and speed of information overwhelm us — the downside of the digital revolution.
Khashoggi case shows dangers of lawless world
Human rights or realpolitik? The presumed murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi creates dilemmas for the U.S., Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Europe.
Imran Khan confronted by realities of power in Pakistan
Cricket-star-turned-prime-minister Imran Khan says he wants to lift up the poor in Pakistan. But his renegade political drive faces economic headwinds.
Ethically-minded millennials set to transform finance
Millennials — numerous and poised to inherit massive wealth — are reshaping global finance with a focus on ethical investment.
U.S. elections: Signing up students in the heartland
Key U.S. elections take place next month. This week university students scrambled to boost participation of young voters, which is historically low.
Our Student Ambassadors: Curious and Influential
They are curious and cast a critical eye on the world. They are News-Decoder’s Student Ambassadors, leading our work in 10 countries on five continents.
Why Canada’s dispute with Saudi Arabia matters
A diplomatic spat between Saudi Arabia and Canada may seem childish. But the dispute has important implications for the West — including the United States.
A richer, wary Europe strengthens common defence
Wary of Russia and Donald Trump, Europe is spending more on defence and cooperating more closely. But the effects of collaboration will take time.
My hectic week rushing to cover world leaders in New York
New York goes into lock-down every year for the UN General Assembly, which attracts world leaders — and sends photographers like me scrambling.