Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 4h

A recent feature explores the volunteer work behind Wikipedia’s medical content, exemplified by 2021 Wikimedian of the Year Dr. Netha Hussain. Read it ➡️ healthbusiness.co.ke/9255/how-hea... (2/2)

Text says: Dr. Netha Hussain has been contributing to Wikipedia since 2010, expanding from articles in Malayalam to English-language articles that reach a global audience. Learn more about the movement to make medical knowledge truly global.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 4h

Readers around the world turn to Wikipedia for health information — from pregnancy to stroke to regional health challenges. But how do those pages get written, and who ensures they are reliable? 🧵⬇️ (1/2)

A smiling woman in a red floral top standing in front of a colorful illustrated backdrop with flowers and cartoon faces. Text says: How Health Content is Published on Wikipedia:  A Deep Dive into Collaborative  Knowledge Creation, Health Business By Samwel Doe Ouma

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 1d

By turning private collections into shared knowledge on Wikimedia Commons, volunteers show how personal memories can enrich public history.

Discover the project ➡️ w.wiki/FLhj (2/2)

A man sits at a book-filled desk in a study with maps and photos on the wall behind him. Text says: Wikimedistas de Bolivia received new images from the family of Bolivian classical music composer Alberto Villalpando, pictured here.

A man in a poncho sings and plays guitar for an intimate seated audience in a rustic room. Text says: The group also contacted the family of Bolivian singer-songwriter Jesús Durán, seen here in the 1970s. Durán is responsible for some of the most iconic "cuecas" – a courtship folk-dance which symbolizes a rooster and chicken – in the national songbook.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 1d

Every shoebox of photos and stack of letters holds a fragment of history. Wikimedistas de Bolivia digitizes family-held archives to preserve cultural memory, especially works by artists, musicians, and writers. 🧵⬇️ (1/2)

A young man looks at the camera next to a humorous sketch of a figure. Text says: How families are helping Wikimedistas de Bolivia save history. These Bolivian family photos and letters aren't just personal treasures. They are also pieces of history. When digitized and shared, they help build a richer record of our world.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 2d

Despite changes, regulars still love it. The story shows how a sleepy beach‑town bar gained fame through Wikipedia. Get a pint more of knowledge about the Merrimaker’s Wikipedia fame ➡️ www.sfgate.com/centralcoast... (2/2)

Wikipedia's favorite dive bar is hiding in a sleepy California beach town

"This was the Merrimaker, the marriage-breaker, the diviest bar you could think of."

www.sfgate.com

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 2d

Is it bad to be called a “dive bar” on Wikipedia? The Merrimaker in Los Osos, California (US), became the representative image of a dive bar on Wikipedia thanks to its unpretentious ambiance and well‑worn decor. Locals embrace the free advertising. 🧵⬇️ (1/2)

Nighttime view of the Merrimaker bar exterior, lit by neon and a sign promoting live music, karaoke, and tournaments. Text says: Wikipedia's favorite dive bar is hiding in  a sleepy California beach town, SF Gate, 24 July 2025

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 5d

This work reduces stigma and bridges gaps in health knowledge, reminding us that accurate information and compassion are crucial. While mental healthcare is best left to a professional, Wikipedia is a great place to start reading science-backed insights on mental health ➡️ w.wiki/FcU8

Smiley face design formed in the foam of a paper cup of coffee on a wooden table. Text says: The "mental health" category on Wikipedia offers a range of articles for and about mental health.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 5d

Wikipedia's vast collection of medical articles, viewed hundreds of millions of times, provides clear summaries of conditions and treatments. Volunteers and experts ensure neutrality, cite high‑quality research, and translate key articles into dozens of languages. (2/3)

A stone face sculpture partially buried in dry leaves on a forest floor. Text says: The science of mental health emphasizes prevention, promotion, and the need for social support.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 5d

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well‑being. It’s more than the absence of illness; it involves realizing personal potential, coping with stress, and contributing to community life. 🧵⬇️ (1/3)

Woman smiling while holding a mirror that reflects the side of her face. Text says: Mental health information should be free. On World Mental Health Day, we thank the volunteers making knowledge about mental well-being accessible.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 6d

This episode explores how campaign tools can be made more accessible and what that means for communities using Wikimedia.

Listen now ➡️ w.wiki/FbeR (2/2)

Africa Wiki Women Voices Podcast – Episode #4: Africa Women and The Tech Turn in Wikimedia

Episode #4: Africa Women and The Tech Turn in Wikimedia Flyer In Episode 4 of the Africa Wiki Women Voices Podcast, “Africa Women and The Tech Turn in Wikimedia,” Host Oluw…

w.wiki

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 6d

What happens when overlooked voices take center stage? The Africa Wiki Women Voices Podcast amplifies African women's experiences on Wikipedia. 🧵⬇️ (1/2)

Portrait of a woman wearing glasses and a turquoise dress, posed confidently against a brown textured background. Text says: How can Wikimedia’s campaign tools be better for everyone? Listen to this podcast conversation about accessibility and the future of collaborative campaigns.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 7d

Will connection ever triumph over division online?

In her essay, sociology professor Aarushi Bhandari reflects on the internet’s evolution from its tumultuous early days to becoming an intimate extension of our lives.

Read the essay ➡️ theconversation.com/is-there-any...

Close-up of a person typing on a laptop at a table during a collaborative or tech-focused event. Text says: Is there any hope for the internet? The Conversation, 14 July 2025

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 8d

Bangla WikiConnect has transformed once-quiet Wikimedia projects through collaboration. With 10,000 new pages, 3 million words added, 200 contributors, and 1,000 participants, collaboration has brought Bangla Wikimedia projects to life.

Learn more ➡️ w.wiki/FSnh

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 9d

The Wali Mash-Up Edit-a-thon grew the Wali language’s digital presence with 220 new Wikipedia articles and multiple Wikimedia Commons uploads. More than edits, it empowered youth to reclaim narratives and bridge content gaps.

Learn more ➡️ w.wiki/_njL2

A group of people stand together outside a building, some wearing T-shirts with the words "Wikipedia belongs in education." The text on the image reads: "Our Community. Language experts and volunteers are helping to strengthen the Wali language on Wikipedia." Credit: Zakaria Tunsung, CCO.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 12d

Download the app via the appropriate app store (for example, Google Play or App Store) and learn more ➡️ w.wiki/Cfyd (4/4)

Screenshot of a smartphone home screen that includes a photo of an animal perching on a branch as the picture of the day. Text says: Add curated content, such as the Picture of the day, to your device screen through widgets.

Screenshot showing an image and text about the moon on a dark background. Text says: Whether you like black, dark, sepia, or light, read comfortably in the mode you prefer.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 12d

The Android and iOS apps allow readers to find geotagged articles near their current location. That means you can learn about a nearby landmark just by opening the Wikipedia app. You can also organize articles into lists and access them while offline using the apps’ Reading List feature. (3/4)

Screenshot of Wikipedia app with a headline saying "Because you read" and showing a link to a "Moon" article. Text says: Just want to scroll? The Explore feed surfaces articles based on your interests, trends, and events on this day in history.

Screenshot of Wikipedia app showing a search for "Mars." Text says: Looking for knowledge in your language? The Wikipedia app supports searches across more than 300 languages.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 12d

Developed by the Wikimedia Foundation, the app offers a personalized and user-friendly experience for reading Wikipedia. (2/4)

Screenshot of Wikipedia app's "Saved" section. Text says: Find something interesting? Save articles to reading lists – organized your way – and access them whenever you want.

Screenshot of Wikipedia app showing tabs labeled "Arctic circle", "Polar bear", "Earth" and "Giant panda". Text says: Jump between multiple articles without losing your place. Tabs make it easy to read, compare, or wander down rabbit holes.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 12d

Looking to explore the vast world of knowledge on the go? The official Wikipedia app brings the power of the world's largest free encyclopedia to your fingertips. 🧵⬇️ (1/4)

Close-up of a smartphone screen showing the Wikipedia app icon among other default app icons. Text says: Explore the world. Edit it, too. The Wikipedia app puts the largest free encyclopedia in your pocket ad-free, multilingual, and always expanding. Whether you are reading or contributing, the app brings global knowledge closer with every tap.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 12d

What is trustworthy information?

Over the last 25 years, Wikipedia has managed to build global trust thanks to three simple but powerful policies: neutral point of view; verifiability; and no original research.

Learn more about each of these standards ➡️ medium.com/freely-shari...

Circumpolar stars in star trails at the La Hague lighthouse, in France. Text says: The 3 building blocks of trustworthy information. Wikipedia has earned global trust thanks to these simple but powerful policies.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 14d

Wikimedia Community User Group Malaysia showcased Roots & Relics, a Wikipedia-based card game on Indigenous life and biodiversity, at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

The game exemplifies the various ways traditional knowledge can be shared creatively on the global stage.

Learn more ➡️ w.wiki/FT4v

A hand holds the Roots & Relics card game box next to scattered playing cards on a table. Text says: Wikimedia Malaysia celebrates Indigenous heritage through their Roots & Relic game.

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 15d

Wikipedia, the go-to reference for billions of people, has been named one of the most iconic companies in Internet history by The Webby Awards 🎉

Learn how the encyclopedia and its volunteer movement became the "web’s public memory" ➡️ www.webbyawards.com//webby30/most-iconic-companies-wikipedia/

Hand holding the Wikipedia puzzle globe. Text says: Wikipedia is one of the most iconic companies in Internet history. New honor by The Webby Awards recognizes the free encyclopedia as the "web’s public memory, written by everyone"

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 16d

The winners of Wiki Loves Africa 2025 are here!

This year’s "Farm to Plate" theme captured food’s journey across the continent, from bustling markets to harvest fields and family kitchens.

Explore the photo contest's winners ➡️ w.wiki/_nf2G

Aerial view of a busy outdoor market filled with clusters of red, orange, and blue stalls and umbrellas. Text says: 1st prize winner. Aerial view of a busy tomato market in Lagos. By User:Ayorinde Ogundele (Nigeria).

An elderly man rides a donkey carrying large bundles of green foliage along a dirt path. Text says: 2nd prize winner. A traditional farmer starts his day in the harvest season. By User:Aabdulazim (Egypt).

A person tosses grain into the air using a large round metal tray against a sandy backdrop. Text says: 3rd prize winner. Workers in the Abakaliki Rice Mill in Ebonyi State. By User:MediaMOF (Nigeria).

Three smiling children sit among a large pile of corn cobs, holding some in their hands. Text says: Highly commended. Three children surrounded by corn. By User:Summering2018 (Egypt).

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Reposted by Wikimedia Foundation

Wikipedia @wikipedia.org · 17d

The right to seek, receive, and share information is a recognized human right protected under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This human right is at the heart of Wikipedia's mission to spread free knowledge. Learn more ➡️ w.wiki/F6Rj

Text says: 28 September is the International Day for Universal Access to Information. A United Nations recognized observance established in 2019 to promote the right to seek, receive, and share information. A day aligned to the mission of Wikipedia.

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Reposted by Wikimedia Foundation

Internet Archive @archive.org · 19d

Wikimedia Foundation joins the fight for library digital rights! 🎉

@wikimediafoundation.org has signed onto the 4 Digital Rights of Memory Institutions, affirming memory institutions' rights to Collect, Preserve, Lend & Cooperate in the digital age.

➡️ www.internetarchive.eu/2025/09/26/w...

Wikimedia Signs Statement Supporting Digital Rights of Memory Institutions - Internet Archive Europe

The global Our Future Memory campaign to secure digital rights for libraries, archives, and other memory institutions has gained another powerful ally. Wikimedia, one of the world’s leading champions ...

www.internetarchive.eu

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Wikimedia Foundation @wikimediafoundation.org · 19d

Today, Mohammed serves as an administrator, helping to protect pages, review edits, and welcome new contributors. His journey is a reminder that the safeguards in place are meant to elevate knowledge, not suppress it. Read the story in Mohammed's own words ➡️ w.wiki/FFbm (4/4)

“I never imagined that a curious click on Wikipedia would change the course of my digital life transforming me from a mere passerby browser into an active administrator who edits daily on a free encyclopedia filled with millions of articles.”— Quote from Mohammed Qays, Wikipedia contributor

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