Margaret Talbot reports on the opioid epidemic in West Virginia. There, the overdose rate is the highest in the United States and many are fighting to help loved ones, friends, neighbors, and sometimes complete strangers get healthy. Among several sources, she profiles an emergency paramedic who routinely sees to multiple overdoses a day (sometimes the […]
Krista Stevens
Posted inEssays & Criticism, Nonfiction, Quotes
The Essay Will Feel Like It’s Killing You
“Begin by writing about anything else,” says Porochista Khakpour, until she becomes conflicted about writing about being Iranian-American.
Posted inNonfiction, Quotes
The Great, Ongoing California Nut Caper
At Outside, Peter Vigneron reports on a spree of nut heists thought to be linked to a Russian organized-crime ring.
Posted inEditor's Pick
How to Write Iranian-America, or The Last Essay
Porochista Khakpour reflects on her desire to write — at first about anything other than Iranian-America. Deeply conflicted about speaking from her perspective as an Iranian-American, she says, “Remind yourself that when the performance is honest two things happen: The essay will feel like it’s killing you and the ending will not be what you […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Essays & Criticism, Nonfiction, Quotes
A Chance Meeting With Mr. Rogers
As it turns out, Fred Rogers was as kind and as wonderful in person as he was on television.
Posted inEditor's Pick
Remembering Mr. Rogers, a true-life ‘helper’ when the world still needs one
When disaster strikes, people often quote Mr. Rogers saying, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Did he really say that? It turns out, that yes, yes he did. And, as Anthony Breznican recounts after randomly meeting Mr. Rogers after the death of his grandfather, the ultimate neighbor was as […]
Posted inEditor's Pick
The Curious Case of the Disappearing Nuts
In California, massive nut heists were underway for two years before the industry figured out they were the target of a well-organized theft ring. “Nut theft has exploded into a statewide problem. More than 35 loads, worth at least $10 million, have gone missing since 2013.” At Outside, Peter Vigneron reports on these daring nut […]
Posted inQuote Posts
‘The fire burned sideways in the cold, red dark’
How the worst fire in Gatlinburg, Tennessee in 100 years destroyed 2000 properties, displaced 14,000 people, and killed 14 in under 24 hours.
Posted inEditor's Pick
Fire on the Mountain
The surreal story of the worst fire in Gatlinburg, Tennessee in 100 years. The fire, which was started by kids playing with matches, began small and crept across the Smokey Mountains to threaten residents as they slept in their beds. Ultimately it took the lives of 14 people, displaced 14,000 more, and consumed 2000 properties in under 24 […]
Posted inNonfiction, Quotes, Science & Nature
The Surprising Social Habits of Crows
Crows are more than squawk rockets — they’re highly social creatures who, commute to work, mourn their dead, and show appreciation for kindness.