Newsfeed
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?
Fight fake news. Support News-Decoder.
News-Decoder is launching a funding campaign so we can become the world’s pre-eminent news service and global forum for young people. Please support us.
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.
Iran outpacing Saudi Arabia in regional struggle
Rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, aspirants for leadership of the Islamic world, is at the crux of conflict across the Mideast, with deadly results.
Borneo Tree Spirits Go to Court (Conclusion)
A court case pitting Borneo natives against big business comes to an end. Who will win? Aborigines or the timber and oil palm corporations?
Our student ambassadors: Global citizens
They love to travel, speak multiple languages, do community service and often aim for international careers. They are News-Decoder’s student ambassadors.
Borneo Tree Spirits Go to Court (Part IV)
Do rivers and trees on Borneo have legal rights? A Southeast Asian court is asked to decide, and the answer is not as simple as it might seem.
Catalonia: Protesters and the capes of superheroes
A weekend in Barcelona, epicenter of Catalonia’s independence movement, and I’ve never seen so many flags in my life — capes of superheroes.
Strengthened Xi sees China taking center stage
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has strengthened his grip on power, with far-reaching consequences for China and the world.
Decoder Spotlight: Emma Bapt of King’s College
Emma Bapt of King’s College London has been named “Decoder in the Spotlight” in recognition of her efforts to build News-Decoder’s community.
Borneo Tree Spirits Go to Court (Part III)
Native Penans take the stand to defend their rainforest and way of life, which they say are threatened by entrenched corporate and political interests.
Borneo Tree Spirits Go to Court (Part II)
Penans and global experts testify that trees in a Borneo rainforest have spirits and merit legal protection. The second installment in a five-part story.



























