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China flexes its muscles, tests aircraft carrier
China is making a huge statement about wanting to project military might with sea trials of its first home-built aircraft carrier.
Historic verdict condemns Italian collusion with the Mafia
A Sicilian court has ruled politicians and police encouraged deadly car bomb attacks, shining a light into Italy’s long and bloody fight against the Mafia.
Decoder Spotlight: Sewon Lim of Miss Porter’s School
South Korean Sewon Lim of Miss Porter’s School in the United States wins this month’s “Decoder in the Spotlight” award for her outstanding contributions to News-Decoder.
Sit up and take heed: Italy cannot be allowed to fail
Italy is struggling — again — to form a government. But with massive debt and a large economy, Italy is no financial side show. Time to pay attention.
Eyewitness: The dying days of the Vietnam War
I arrived in Saigon six weeks before North Vietnamese troops captured the South Vietnamese capital. Weeks that marked the end of the Vietnam War.
French rail strike is reformist Macron’s litmus test
French rail workers have launched a strike that is stirring memories of past political convulsions and which is President Macron’s toughest test yet.
Educator Hartwell agrees to join News-Decoder board
Janet Hartwell, an experienced global educator, has agreed to serve on News-Decoder’s board, strengthening the not-for-profit’s leadership.
Spain’s crackdown on rappers: A threat to free speech?
Spain has sentenced two rappers to prison for lyrics that critics say could spur terrorism. Critics fear a security crackdown threatens free speech.
Mental health: Choose your words carefully
“I’m so depressed.” “I’m going to shoot myself.” Really? I hear lots of people speak so lightly of mental health disorders. Be careful of what you say.
Social Media: Our Technological Opioid Crisis
It’s no use throwing out all our digital devices to free ourselves from an addiction to social media. But a dose of self-discipline can go a long way to restoring sanity.
Wall Street: Is this bull market different?
I loved covering Wall Street, spending trading days watching the market. But the question today is: How frothy is this aging bull market?
Corsica: A restless outlier in France’s grasp
The island of Corsica has seen rulers come and go. Part of France for 250 years, it retains an uneasy rapport with overlords in Paris.
Catalonia: Historic yearning is now Spain’s crisis
Catalonia has long dreamed of independence from outside rulers. Now it’s at loggerheads with its Spanish masters — at an awkward time for Europe.
In America, a teenage revolt against lax gun laws
In America, reactions to school shootings follow a numbing pattern: grief, outrage and unfulfilled calls for gun laws. This time, things are different.
My path from the Bronx to boarding school
My parents came to the U.S. from Mexico, and I grew up in the Bronx. They have sacrificed so much for me — a burden I need to learn to live with.
Plastic chokes the planet, and it may be with us forever
The world is awash in plastic, and it’s choking the planet with discarded trash that could be with us forever. And the problem is getting worse.
Roger Bannister: Nostalgia for well-rounded life
The death of Roger Bannister — the first person to run a mile in under four minutes — stirred memories of a bygone era when amateur athletes ruled sports since gone professional.
Women’s Day: A global fight, wherever you are
I was in Spain for International Women’s Day. It was unbelievable to see so many people fighting for the same things that I fight for in America.
Immigration: “I’m proud of my tan skin.”
I’m the daughter of Mexicans and proud of my heritage and tan skin. But it’s not always easy being the daughter of undocumented immigrants in America.
Decoder Spotlight: SYA France stands out
School Year Abroad France students have submitted more articles to News-Decoder this year than any other program. Their engagement has won them our monthly Spotlight award.
Europe’s brain drain: Talented young Muslims are leaving
Why would young Muslims leave Europe to return to countries their parents had left? Discrimination is pushing some out while job opportunities beckon.
Missiles in South Korea: Dialogue of the deaf
The U.S. and South Korea see defensive missiles as a shield against possible North Korean aggression. But the move is seen entirely differently in Pyongyang, Beijing and Moscow.
Northern Ireland: A political volcano inside Europe
Northern Ireland has been peaceful for two decades. But tensions are building again as a power-sharing agreement teeters and Brexit looms.
Elections in Italy: Resurrection, hubris and lies
Italy’s election will likely produce yet another a weak coalition government, unable to tackle obstacles to growth in the eurozone’s 3rd biggest economy.
Guns in America: Students are shifting the debate
Students are leading the charge for stricter gun controls in the U.S. But they face entrenched opponents and a deep cultural attachment to firearms.
Writing tips: A helping hand for aspiring authors
Young authors have a lot to say, and we need to listen. Here are five tips to help raise your writing to News Decoder’s standard.
The magnetism of my unheralded hometown, Cleveland
Many Americans make fun of my hometown, Cleveland. But people keep moving back, attracted by its quality of life. Watch out, New York and Chicago!
Like Goldilocks, so inflation: A bit can be just right
Think of inflation the way you think of Goldilocks and the three bears: too much or too little is a problem. Just a bit can be just right.
Long absent, inflation returns to unsettle markets
The prospect of inflation — virtually unknown to younger generations — is unnerving markets. But the timing of this market correction could be just right.
A child of Instagram finds peace in a darkroom
“The darkroom is my sanctuary. I find peace in the red ambient light. I dodge and burn my images with purpose and passion.”
“What even are you?”: Reflections of a biracial American
Being biracial should be simple: you are composed of half of each parent’s race. But I’ve discovered the reality is anything but.
Getting on the Olympics team … as a journalist
I was no sports expert, but I covered six Olympics. It was exciting and frightening at the same time — a bit like my spin on the Olympic velodrome.
In Europe’s far east, an ancient forest survives
In an ancient forest in Europe, wolves, bison and lynx roam, while fungi and insects thrive in a conserved wonderland at the center of controversy.
Decoder Spotlight: Jaeli Rose of School Year Abroad
She wrote an article, organized a writing class and took charge of a webinar. Meet Jaeli Rose of Student Year Abroad France, our latest “Decoder in the Spotlight”.
Lost in translation: Feminism in France versus the U.S.
When Catherine Deneuve criticized the #MeToo movement, I was perplexed. Does feminism mean different things in different places?
Reflections of a Muslim in America
I’ve always felt secure in my identity as an American. Now, with Donald Trump in the White House and rising distrust of Muslims, I feel fear where once I felt certainty.
Lightening the load for a U.S. city’s garbage lifters
Casey Konermann has seen a lot during his years collecting garbage. Now, his U.S. city is modernizing — not only for efficiency but for safety.
Girls’ education: A legal right and only way forward
I’m bombarded by irritating questions about college — where I’ll go, what I’ll study. But I’m lucky. Many girls around the world never get to study. Time to change that.
Women’s March 2018: Above my expectations
I went to the Women’s March last Saturday and didn’t expect it to be a success. Surprised by the turnout and diversity of the demonstrators, I decided to document the event.
Holocaust: Never again — for anyone, including Palestinians
As a Jew, I can never forget the Holocaust and the slaughter of millions. But we must not persecute Palestinians for their faith. That is hypocrisy.
How to drive political change: Don’t just call
Are you interested in driving political change? Getting fired up about U.S. midterm elections this year? Here’s advice from a young man in the trenches.
My trip to Africa: An eye-opening adventure
Last summer I went to Africa. It was beautiful and intriguing, but at times difficult. Here are some photographs of my eye-opening adventure.
North Korea & Olympics: Politics as usual
North Korea wants to take part in next month’s Winter Olympics in South Korea. As ever, the issue is all wrapped up in international politics.
Decoder Spotlight: Indiana University stands tall
Students and faculty at Indiana University have been named “Decoders in the Spotlight” for contributing a distinctive body of work to News-Decoder’s website.
Japan’s Okinawa still up in arms over U.S. military
A U.S. base on Okinawa island has long protected Japan — despite recurring protests by residents upset over crime, crowding and environmental damage.
Spain’s Catalonia crisis shows no sign of ending
Spain’s crisis over a bid for independence by Catalonia seems no closer to a solution and threatens to deepen divisions in the nation and beyond.
Savannah Jenkins to help News-Decoder raise its game
She has an international background, has studied international politics and loves to travel. Savannah Jenkins aims to help News-Decoder grow.
Donors give News-Decoder a vote of confidence
News-Decoder has topped its funding goals in a campaign that will help us grow into the world’s pre-eminent news service and global forum for young people.
News Decoder’s most viewed story of 2017
Fake news: It dominated many conversations in 2017. And it was the focus of the story that attracted the most views on our site last year.
I’m Not Saying It’s Aliens …
Media outlets in the U.S., usually dismissive of unidentified aerial phenomenon, have suddenly changed their tone. I’m not saying it’s aliens, but …