Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories stands out. These accounts delve into multifaceted subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a pressing question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the history of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life could change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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