David Lynch Captured the Appeal of the Unknown
The late director’s most successful work kept viewers in the dark.
The Great Crypto Crash
Trump will usher in a speculative frenzy.
Did He Actually Do That?
Elon Musk either had a slipped-mask moment or is supremely awkward.
A Sea Story
One of the worst maritime disasters in European history took place two decades ago. It remains very much in the public eye. On a stormy night on the Baltic Sea, more than 850 people lost their lives when a luxurious ferry sank below the waves. From a mass of material, including official and unofficial reports and survivor testimony, our correspondent has distilled an account of the Estonia’s last moments—part of his continuing coverage for the magazine of anarchy on the high seas.
How America’s Fire Wall Against Disease Starts to Fail
Changing the membership of an obscure advisory committee could have an outsize effect on Americans’ protection against disease.
DNA Tests Are Uncovering the True Prevalence of Incest
People are discovering the truth about their biological parents with DNA—and learning that incest is far more common than many think.
Seventy Miles in Hell
The Darién Gap was once considered impassable. Now hundreds of thousands of migrants are risking treacherous terrain, violence, hunger, and disease to travel through the jungle to the United States.
The ‘Dark Prophet’ of L.A. Wasn’t Dark Enough
As fires have raged, so have citations of the prescient author Mike Davis. But in a changed world, we need new thinkers too.
The Next Century’s Big Demographic Mystery
Experts can’t agree on how many humans will be on Earth by 2100. The implications could be profound.
Oliver Sacks’s Lifelong Search for Recognition
The famous neurologist and author devoted his life to revealing his patients’ humanity. He struggled harder to reveal himself.
How America Got Mean
In a culture devoid of moral education, generations are growing up in a morally inarticulate, self-referential world.
The Army of God Comes Out of the Shadows
Tens of millions of American Christians are embracing a charismatic movement known as the New Apostolic Reformation, which seeks to destroy the secular state.
How the Ski Business Got Too Big for Its Boots
A recent strike at a major resort has put the spotlight on what a bad deal both workers and visitors are getting.
Please Don’t Make Me Say My Boyfriend’s Name
Why calling loved ones by their name is strangely awkward
America Just Kinda, Sorta Banned Cigarettes
A new rule by the FDA could change smoking as we know it.
Inside the Dangerous, Secretive World of Extreme Fishing
Why I swim out into rough seas 80 nights a year to hunt for striped bass
Life in Another Light, 2024 Infrared-Photography-Contest Winners
Some of the top and honored images from this year’s infrared-photography competition
Why the Old Elite Spend So Much Time at Work
In practically every field of human endeavor, the average age of achievement and power is rising.
Find the Place You Love. Then Move There.
If where you live isn’t truly your home, and you have the resources to make a change, it could do wonders for your happiness.
The Cases Against Trump: A Guide
Thirty-four felony convictions. Charges of fraud, election subversion, and obstruction. One place to keep track of the president-elect’s legal troubles.
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