While we consider the past year, a selection of remarkable feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces delve into intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on power. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film following a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
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