The Aspiring Novelist Who Became Obama’s Foreign Policy Guru
A fascinating peek behind the scenes in the Obama White House, through a profile of one of his key speechwriters.
Tonya Harding Would Like Her Apology Now
An eloquent profile of Tonya Harding, the former professional ice skater caught up in a scandal at the time of the 1994 Winter Olympics, and subject of the new Oscar contender I, Tonya. The piece encompasses poignant reflections on survival, life after infamy, and subjective views of the truth.
The Fast and Furious Michael Avenatti
A profile of Stormy DanielsÕ lawyer, who is leading the charge in her lawsuit against Donald Trump on three fronts_Ñ_in the court room, on social media and on the talk shows. As his client puts it_Ñ_Òevery time I watch him work, I think, This is what it must have been like to see the Sistine Chapel being painted. But instead of paint, Michael uses the tears of his enemies.Ó http://bit.ly/nyt-avenatti
The Big Business of Being Gwyneth Paltrow
An often surreal peek inside the highly successful world of Goop. Gwyneth Paltrow started the business in her kitchen as an aspirational newsletter focusing on fashion and food, but it has now become a ‘wellness’ behemoth, offering a dizzying array of products and services. http://bit.ly/nyt-goop
The Fighter
An extraordinary piece of reporting. A young soldier returns from Afghanistan, deeply troubled, and commits a crime under the influence of alcohol. The piece goes deep into his life before and after his military career and his deployment abroad. http://www.bit.ly/nyt-fighter
The Follower Factory
A look at social media’s “black market” for influence in the form of followers and some of its intended and unintended consequences.
Deliverance From 27,000 Feet
The story of the mission to recover the bodies of three climbers on Mount Everest, two of whom were abandoned high up the mountain.
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.
Through the Outback
A piece interspersed with evocative images, describing the photographer-author’s 12,000-mile, three-month journey through Australia’s Outback.
The Case of Hong Kong’s Missing Booksellers
This piece sheds light on the dangerous work of Hong Kong’s booksellers. They played a significant role for many decades as an outlet for the politics of mainland China, but they are now facing increasing pressure from its government.