Newsletter Archive

Here we go! A rare opportunity for one party to wield most of the power in Washington is underway now that the Republican-controlled 115th Congress has been sworn in. With President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take office in about two weeks, Republican leaders promise a busy first 100 days as they move to institute sweeping changes in the role government plays in the lives of the American people.

American colleges and universities have a long history of producing journalists for the country’s news media. And many of them get their start by working at their college’s student newspaper. However, the learning curve might be getting steeper for student journalists as their newspapers come under attack for publishing negative stories about their colleges.

VIDEO: Hip-hop artists — both Christian and Muslim — are using their music as a weapon to fight violence in the Central African Republic. Communal violence erupted in the Central African nation after a rebel coup in 2013. The musicians call themselves One Force, and firmly believe in the power of rapping for reconciliation.

For love or money: Many African youngsters probably dream of becoming wealthy soccer stars, but the reality rarely lives up to the fantasy. VOA visits Cameroon, where footballers who are talented enough to have a chance of reaching their goal, face a sobering reality at home and dashed hopes abroad.

VIDEO: The internet can be a wild and crazy place. What starts as a simple video can explode on social media in a matter of minutes. Here’s a look back at some of the biggest videos to go viral in 2016.

When the doctor isn’t in, call ‘grandma.’ Doctors estimate 1-in-4 Zimbabweans battles depression or anxiety, but there are just 12 psychiatrists in a country with 14 million people. Since it’ll take at least 15 years to train enough experts to treat the population, local doctors have come up with an alternative: wooden friendship benches and one-on-one counseling sessions with ‘grandmother health providers.’