Discover the best of the web

Today’s essential reads

He Thought He Would Die in Putin’s Gulag. Now He Has a Message for the World.

Leading Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza talks about the “surreal” experience of sudden freedom.

The Pressure Is on for Big Tech to Regulate the Broken Digital Advertising Industry

Brands have been at the mercy of the algorithm when it comes to where their ads appear online, but they’re about to get more control.

Recreating an Ancient Roman Dinner of Death

To investigate the legend of Emperor Domitian’s Black Banquet, we made our own macabre feast. by Sam O’Brien. Developed by Farrell Monaco, our Black Banquet included dark loaves of bread, beans, dates, and fish—all inspired by an ancient tombstone.

Watch Out for Those Cute Animal Smiles, They May Not Be What You Think

Some animals appear to smile. But the emotion behind the smile can be tricky to decipher.

R.F.K., Jr., Wants to Eliminate Fluoridated Water. He Used to Bottle and Sell It

Donald Trump’s nominee to lead H.H.S. once started a bottled-water line, Keeper Springs. What was in it?

Fascinating stories

The Greatest Upset in Quiz Show History

America’s anti-intellectualism can be traced through the decline in popularity of the American quiz show.

The UK’s Network of Free Hiking ‘Hotels’

You can’t book them and you don’t know who else will be there, but they’re an excellent way to explore Britain’s most remote corners – for free.

The Deep Elation of Working With Wood

In “Ingrained,” Callum Robinson honors not just the art of carpentry but the passion of labor itself.

There’s a Massive Antarctic Exploration Vehicle Lost Somewhere at the Bottom of the World

Last seen in 1958, it was designed to travel 5000 miles and self-sustain for an entire year.

The 3 Reasons Why Students Lose the Most Instructional Time

States vary widely in how much instructional time they require, creating disparities that are only exacerbated by common interruptions.

Discover More Topics

Can Artificial Rain, Drones, or Satellites Clean Toxic Air?

India’s capital has turned to tech to fight its worst air pollution in eight years.

This Obscure Budget Procedure Could Be Trump’s Biggest Weapon

How Trump could attempt to cut Medicaid, school funding, and more — without Congress.

1995 Was the Year of the Forgotten Jim Carrey Cartoons

Within the span of five months, cartoons of ‘The Mask,’ ‘Ace Ventura’ and ‘Dumb and Dumber’ all debuted on Saturday morning TV, though not all of them would work out.

It’s Never Too Late to Learn an Instrument

You don’t have to be talented for jamming to be worthwhile.

Seven Signs the Tree in Your Yard Is About to Fall

Trees offer a lot of benefits to a property, but they’re not without risk. Look for these warning signs in its branches, roots, and trunk to determine if that a tree might fall soon. If you see these signs, consider contacting a tree removal service to ha

7 Sneaky Ways to Trick Yourself Into Exercising

If you hate exercising, why not trick yourself into doing it?

How to Grow Orchids and Keep Them Blooming Year after Year

These exotic-looking flowers are so easy to grow.

Scientists Gather to Decode Puzzle of the World’s Rarest Whale

The careful study of the creature — which washed up dead on a New Zealand beach in July — is the first ever to take place.

3 Ways to Boost Empathy (and Why)

With small gestures, you can consciously widen the circle of your empathy and be stronger for the effort. Not only will be you more resilient, but your life may well be more filled with love.

The 5 Most Spectacular Christmas Markets in Europe

The tradition originated in Germany during the late Middle Ages