A Best Feature Reads of the Year: An Compendium of Thought-Provoking Writing

While we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These narratives probe intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.

A Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Country

An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting satires on power. While several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.

The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins

The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Sect That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.

A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights

Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?

The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.

A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub

An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?

A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?

The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.

A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full story of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.

A "Mozart" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?

One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.

The most impactful stories

Christine Rodriguez MD
Christine Rodriguez MD

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in gaming strategies and risk management.