A profile of Yao Ming published during his second season in the NBA.

A profile of Esquire features writer Chris Jones. Plus: the Jones archive on Longform.org.

Putin, Medvedev, and how the Russian security agency FSB became the “new nobility.”

On the evolution of Nigeria’s booming film industry, which produces 50 full-length features a week.

A year-long investigation of America’s coroners and medical examiners reveals a deeply flawed, deeply troubling system.

A profile of Republican Eric Cantor: six-term congressman, new House majority leader, highest-ranking Jewish elected official in American history.

A profile of Vova Galchenko, teenage juggling virtuoso and early viral star.

SNL in its grim twentieth season through the lens of first (and only) year cast-member Janeane Garofalo.

A profile of Alex Jones, who draws a bigger online audience than Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh combined.

On two gay men in Pennsylvania who tried, and failed, to build a commune of their own.

Two percent of humans can hear the Hum, a mysterious, low rumble in the distance. It might exist. It might be imaginary. It might be both.

A central Massachusetts city enabled the author’s ancestors to move into the good life of the middle class. That move is more complicated today.

Who authorized the bombing of a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Afghanistan, and why?

A fight over 11 Picassos, six van Goghs, five Cezannes, a rare pair of Monet, and more.

Scientist George Price discovered an equation for altruism. First he let go of his possessions. Then he took his own life.

A profile of the congressman turned morning show host, who spends his free time working on a musical about Donald Trump.

An examination of the continued fascination with the 6-year-old beauty queen, 20 years after her murder.

A profile of the comic.

Why did the El Faro cargo ship sail directly into the path of Hurricane Joaquin, killing all 33 aboard?

With the 428th pick in the 1974 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers selected…one of the most violent killers in U.S. history.

How the Robin Hood of gamblers got ensnared in a money laundering scheme led by former football players.

A young Brazilian couple from “an impoverished northeastern city that’s been described as ground zero of the Zika epidemic” struggle to care for their daughter.

Did a forgotten black gumshoe inspire the famous works of both Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett?

Gwen Wright was raised in dozens of foster homes. A new housing experiment could spare her son the same fate.