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Below, our favorite stories of the week. Kindle users, you can also get them as a Readlist.
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1. The Man Who Solved His Own Murder

Luke Harding | The Guardian | Jan. 16, 2016 | 27 minutes (6,875 words)

Alexander Litvinenko—a former Russian spy—was poisoned with a cup of tea at a London hotel. Harding recounts how Litvinenko worked with Scotland Yard during his final days to solve his own murder.

2. The Confessions of R. Kelly

Chris Heath | GQ | Jan. 22, 2016 | 44 minutes (11,000 words)

R. Kelly gave GQ reporter Chris Heath three days to interview him without any restrictions. The results are illuminating, if not occasionally baffling.

3. Who Poisoned Flint, Michigan?

Stephen Rodrick | Rolling Stone | Jan. 22, 2016 | 24 minutes (6,103 words)

Stephen Rodrick goes home to Flint, Michigan, to investigate the devastating water crisis and mass lead poisoning, and how authorities ignored or covered up the contamination.

4. The Man Behind Ted Cruz

Andy Kroll | The New Republic | Jan. 20, 2016 | 26 minutes (6,724 words)

Jeff Roe will do anything to win. Just watch.

5. No Parking Here

Clive Thompson | Mother Jones | Jan. 20, 2016 | 19 minutes (4,773 words)

Clive Thompson investigates how the rise of autonomous cars, and Americans’ desire to live in more walkable cities, will mean no longer having to set aside vast amounts of land for parking lots.