Stories from January, 2016
Once a Prisoner in Cuba, a Transgender Cuban Woman Vows to Never Return
These days, it’s a lot easier to travel between the US and Cuba, but some Cubans have no interest in going back to their homeland.
What Kenya’s Biggest Slum Can Teach Us About Saving Cities From Floods
An innovative design firm is using data and community outreach to protect Nairobi's poorest residents from devastating storms.
Crime in Trinidad & Tobago Brings Out Netizens’ Racial Prejudices
Are racial stereotypes so ingrained in Trinidad and Tobago that some think criminals can only be of one ethnic denomination? A dramatic robbery in Port of Spain proves that #CrimeHasNoEthnicity.
New Ukrainian Draft Bill Seeks Extrajudicial Blocking for Websites Violating Copyright
A new bill in the Ukrainian parliament wants to replace the common pre-court notice and takedown procedure for copyright violations online with a faster blocking mechanism bypassing the courts.
No, Eritrea Isn't Forcing Men to Marry at Least Two Wives
The two wives hoax inspired a flood of hilarious memes on Twitter.
Laf Productions, the Chilean Team Behind Several Hilarious Viral Videos in Latin America
The Laf team give a humorous twist to everyday themes, and perhaps that's one of the reasons behind their success.
Russian Internet Users Turn to TV for News, But Trust Online Sources More, Study Finds
37 percent of Russian Internet users believe Russian television and online media report on news in the same way, while an equal 37 percent argue the coverage differs significantly.
Grandma March Day, the Balkan Tradition of Exchanging Handmade Amulets
Balkan countries have joined forces to preserve the custom and push for its inclusion on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.
Egyptians Call for the Release of Political Prisoners on the Fifth Anniversary of the Jan25 Revolution
Some 41,000 political prisoners remain in jail in Egypt on the fifth anniversary of the Egyptian revolution. Mira G looks at how they are being remembered.
Facebook Finally Suspends ‘Pegida Macedonia’ Anti-Muslim Page
Despite numerous user report of Islamophobic hate speech, Facebook stated several times that the page did not violate its Community Standards.
‘Don't You Touch My Sister': Guinean Citizens Rally Against Rape
Guinean citizens took to the streets and online forums to raise awareness of sexual violence in Guinea.
Young Actors Bring Greek Mythology and Psychology to the Stages of Venezuela
In this Venezuelan youth theatre group's idiosyncratic adaptations of Greek classics, the roles shape the actors as much as the actors shape the roles.
Raising the Roof on Trinidad & Tobago's Housing Scandal
Trinidad and Tobago's state housing allocations are allegedly fraught with corruption, leaving the most economically vulnerable, which the Housing Development Corporation is meant to prioritise, without places to call home.
Rising Voices Welcomes Five New Indigenous Language Digital Activism Grantees
Rising Voices congratulates the five winners from Argentina, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua that will receive microgrants and mentoring for their indigenous language digital activism projects.
Court Ruling Reignites Hope That White Collar Crime Could Actually Be Punished in Trinidad & Tobago
"With respect to the recent ruling at the Privy Council, the simple outcome is that persons who are charged with criminal offences will be made to face a trial."
Japanese TV Personality's Career Demolished After Affair With Married Musician
A relatively tame sex scandal highlights the unforgiving nature of Japan's entertainment industry.
The Nazi Plan to Relocate Jews to Madagascar, One of World War II's Forgotten ‘What Ifs’
Madagascar is not known for its role in World War II. Yet it was a central part of one of the darkest events of the war.
The Rest of the World Is Finally Noticing the Touristic Charms of Central Asia
Often overlooked, five Central Asian Stans are home to magnificent natural beauty and rich culture.
Crowdsourced Photography Website Showcases the Beauty of Everyday Life in Myanmar
As Myanmar prepares to pursue more reforms in the next few months, websites like Featured Collectives are essential in documenting everyday life in a rapidly changing society.
Journalist Claims Australian Broadcasting Corporation Barred Him From Reporting on National Broadband Network
Journalist Tony Ross claims that he was barred by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from writing about the controversial National Broadband Network .
Netizen Report: Change is on the Horizon for Iran. But Let’s Not Forget Human Rights.
Protesters in Poland say no to unchecked surveillance, Kuwait tightens laws on critical speech, and an exiled Bangladeshi blogger tells his story.
