While we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives delve into complex topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on power. While several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the history of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film following a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective medical solution – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has risen as a key player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
