The Finest Long-Form Stories of the Year: A Selection of Compelling Writing

Upon consider the previous year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. These narratives probe intricate topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

An author gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on power. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

A British Cult That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.

The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights

Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Country's Identity

A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?

The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, people turn to him to restore peace.

Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment solution – until potentially now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.

An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side

With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.

The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital

An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a major player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?

An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the events remains partially shrouded.

A "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could turn around. I was tragically wrong.

A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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Nicole Odom
Nicole Odom

A seasoned casino strategist with over a decade of experience in gaming analytics and player psychology, specializing in high-stakes table games.