Fifty years ago, the Freedom of Information Act gave the public access to government secrets — all you had to do was ask. How a simple request became a bureaucratic nightmare.
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Derivative Sport: The Journalistic Legacy of David Foster Wallace
Editors and writers discuss the ways David Foster Wallace’s work influenced them and what it was like to work with him.
‘Open Casket’ and the Question of Empathy
Did Dana Schutz’s painting engage with her subject, Emmett Till, ethically and responsibly?
Pulse Nightclub Was My Home
On the anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando, Edgar Gomez reflects on what a safe haven the club was for him and others — maybe even shooter Omar Mateen.
An Unforgiving Legal System Welcomes Black Immigrants to America
The Black Alliance for Just Immigration helps those affected by racial profiling and harsh immigration laws.
Longreads Best of 2016: Under-Recognized Stories
We asked a few writers and editors to choose some of their favorite stories of the year in various categories. Here, the best in under-recognized stories.
How to Stop Apologizing for My Stutter, and Other Important Lessons
At a convention for stutterers, for the first time Rachel Hoge finds herself among many just like her.
Sex Workers vs. The Internet
Since the dawn of the internet, online platforms have allowed clients to take advantage of sex workers. Now, they’re fighting back.
Sex Workers vs. The Internet
Since the dawn of the internet, online platforms have allowed clients to take advantage of sex workers. Now, they’re fighting back.
Longreads Best of 2016: Here Are All of Our No. 1 Story Picks from This Year
All through December, we’ll be featuring Longreads’ Best of 2016. To get you ready, here’s a list of every story that was chosen as No. 1 in our weekly Top 5 email.

