Welcome to the Center of the Universe
A look at the work of the Deep Space Network, the nerve center for all communications between Earth and its “its robotic emissaries in deep space – anything from the moon and beyond”.
The Brawler
A profile of the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis, seeking his “recurring date with his own destiny”.
The Convert
The story of Tania Joya, who went from school in Barking to the conflict in Syria as the wife of a senior American ISIS member, to an affluent suburban life in Texas – all in a matter of years.
RT, Sputnik and Russia’s New Theory of War
An impressive piece of reporting, looking at the Russian propaganda machine, its highly strategic attempts to “undermine the U.S.-led liberal democratic order”, and some of its recent successes in influencing international geo-politics.
The Last Death-Defying Honey Hunter of Nepal
A look at the life and work of Mauli Dhan and his fellow hunters, who climb rope ladders hundreds of feet up Himalayan cliffs to harvest “mad honey”, a naturally hallucinogenic honey that sells for high prices on the black market.
The Third Person
A story looking at the professionals hired by wives in China to deal with their husbands’ mistresses.
How the Aztecs predicted the apocalypse
A compellingly written look at apocalyptic thinking in the era of “late capitalism’s dimming sun” told through an examination of the Aztec civilisation’s experience of destruction – first prophesied, then actual.
Meet the Woman Who Helps Humanize Murderers
A profile of the person whose job it is to influence juries in trials for serious crimes (often those carrying the death penalty) by telling the defendant’s background story.
Burj Khalifa: Alone at the Top of the World
A dispatch from the hermetically sealed world of mega-developments as the author and his friend explore the tallest structure in the world, and reflect on the stratosphere of the super rich.
Canary in the Code Mine
A look at a project to teach coding to former miners in Appalachian coal country. The project was born in part out of a dismissive comment made by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and its popularity has confounded stereotypes.