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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 …
The Global Slide from Democracy: Time to Wake Up
Democracy and the post-war world order are under siege as populist and nationalist forces gain ground around the world. We must wake up and act.
Women long at the lead of anti-base protests on Okinawa
Suzuyo Takazato first protested against a U.S. military base on Japan’s Okinawa island in 1995 after the rape of a schoolgirl. She persists today.
Gender equality: A global human rights crisis
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a foundation for peace and prosperity. Feminists fight not just for women, but all humans.
Beaten yet unbowed, Ugandan fights for LGBTQ rights
Joseph Kawesi is a transgender woman who risks prison for her gender identity. But she fights for her rights and those of Uganda’s LGBTQ community.
Climate change or not, U.S. Midwest farmers adapt
In the traditional farmlands of America’s Midwest, where the term “climate change” is taboo, the weather has turned farmers’ lives upside down.
Indiana, Westover, Thacher students snatch prizes
Students at Indiana University, Westover School and Thacher School have won News-Decoder’s third essay/reporting contest and win $1,000 in prizes.
Decoder Spotlight: Miss Porter’s students shine
Students at Miss Porter’s School in Connecticut have been named “Decoders in the Spotlight” for their exemplary work on climate change.
Of trigger warnings, safe spaces and snowflakes
Do you think universities should create “safe spaces” and offer “trigger warnings” for material that might upset students? Here are two opposing views.
Donald Trump plays with fire in Jerusalem
In vowing to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, Donald Trump has torn up the diplomatic rule book, satisfying his base but at what cost?
Millennials: Here’s financial advice you won’t regret
Are you worried millennials are doomed to financial inadequacy? That retirement is a pipe dream? Here’s a book with tough-love advice.
Charlotte Parker: News Decoder has a new adviser
She has taught in Texas and freelanced in South America. She’s helping to tackle poverty. Meet Charlotte Parker, News Decoder’s new adviser.
Bosnia is not lost. Shame on our easy pessimism
It’s easy to dismiss attempts to prosecute war criminals from the conflict in Bosnia. But the efforts are not in vain despite an imperfect peace.
At U.S. universities, curbs on free speech
Should students be able to silence a speaker whose views offend them? Protests and surveys highlight that free speech is under threat in the United States.
Financial freedom: A new plan for millennials
Baby boomers have basically ruined things for millennials. But here’s a book that will help you have your avocado, your trips and financial freedom.
“Butcher of Bosnia” wrote dark chapter in Europe’s history
An ex-Serbian general — the “Butcher of Bosnia” — has been sentenced to life in prison for war crimes in one of the darkest chapters in Europe’s history.
Will the hopes of Zimbabwe’s people be quashed again?
Has Zimbabwe’s new leader raised false hopes of serious change in a country that was plundered under his mentor, Robert Mugabe?
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Mugabe’s downfall: End of an era or palace coup?
Robert Mugabe made the fatal error of ditching allies. But the downfall of the despot has a significance beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
In the end, Zimbabwe’s Mugabe had to blink
At 93, it was normal that Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe had lost some of his faculties. Relinquishing power was his most level-headed action for years.
Should France pay descendants of slaves reparations?
Colonialists exploited slaves on Caribbean islands for two centuries. Should France pay reparations to their descendants?
Pragmatic France swallows hard, forges ties with U.S.
France is looking past gaping political differences with Donald Trump to carve out a special relationship based on solid military ties and common interests.
Catalonia stokes separatist fires around Europe
Catalonia’s declaration of independence has national leaders around Europe on the edge of their seats, worried the separatist bug might be contagious.
Is Brexit really going to happen?
Britain is half way between its vote to leave the EU and the date it will leave the pact, and it’s not clear what will happen.
Balfour: Dirty word or golden key?
It was a 67-word letter penned by a UK diplomat a century ago. But the Balfour Declaration still resonates through Israel and the Palestinian territories.