Culture
The "unenforceable" UK ban on legal highs has been delayed
The war on drugs continues — With questions still being raised about what substances will be banned under the new laws, the controversial Psychoactive Substances Act has been delayed.
Written by: Michael Segalov
Artist Stanley Donwood on his mindblowing nuclear weapons installation
This is your four minute warning — Radiohead and Glastonbury artist Stanley’s Downwood’s new project, the bomb, is an immersive multimedia installation designed to wake us up to the continued threat of nuclear annihilation.
Written by: Alex King
North Carolina has passed the "most anti-LGBT bill" in the U.S.
A bill fuelled by prejudice — After passing discriminatory legislation, the North Carolina Governor, Pat McCrory, finds himself facing an intense backlash from campaigners, businesses and peers alike.
Written by: Jason Nicco-Annan
Obama's historic visit to Cuba is over, now what happens?
The future of Cuba — Obama's visit to Cuba last week was supposed to mark a thaw in relations between the two countries - here Professor Arlei Sander Damo asks what happens next.
Written by: Arlei Sander Damo
Black On All Sides: Five lessons we learned from Teju Cole
“Black people have always been people. It should not need saying" — Award winning author, photographer, journalist and historian Teju Cole spoke in London last week about blackness and identity. Here's what we learned from Black on all Sides.
Written by: Tej Adeleye
In pictures: Carl De Keyzer captures the decline of Cuban communism
Pictures of a Cuba in flux — Award winning documentary photographer Carl De Keyzer captures a Cuba in flux with his new book, "Cuba, La Lucha".
Written by: Michael Segalov
Arabia Felix is using YouTube to transcend the boundaries of Kuwait
Gender stories — Arabia Felix first donned make-up aged ten in his bedroom, playing alone as children often do. Today, aged twenty-three, hundreds of thousands take joy in his artistry, through videos on YouTube and tutorials on drag enjoyed by adoring fans around the globe. An online community may revere him, but at home in Kuwait, this life remains a closely guarded secret. Kuwaiti legislation punishes "imitating the appearance of a member of the opposite sex" with imprisonment or fines. His art, drag alter ego, and sexuality are all outlawed, and yet Arabia remains defiant. His make-up may embody traditional Arabian beauty, but it’s also his armour - and he’s preparing to fight.
Written by: Arabia Felix / Michael Segalov
La historia de Charlie Hiil, un fugitivo del FBI en La Habana
El gobierno más poderoso del mundo atrás de él. — Hace 43 años, Charlie Hill huyó de las autoridade estadunidenses y terminó en Cuba, donde sigue escondido. Las nuevas relaciones entre los dos paises no pasan despercibidas, y pueden afectar su destino. Su historia, que es poco conocida, trata del espíritu revolucionario de un hombre que enfretó crimenes, persecución y dolor. Luego de una serie de encuentros en La Habana, el premiado escritor Carlos Álvarez Rodríguez nos cuenta la historia de Charlie, un fugitivo del FBI en Cuba.
Written by: Carlos Álvarez Rodríguez
The Long Read: The story of Charlie Hill, an FBI fugitive in Havana
The world's most powerful government are at his heels — It's been over 43 years since Charlie Hill went on the run from U.S. authorities, making his way to Cuba where he's been hiding ever since, and the thawing of relations between the two countries plays on his mind. His little known story is one of revolutionary spirit, of murder, of adventure and of pain. After a series of meetings in Havana, award winning writer Carlos Álvarez Rodríguez tells us Charlie's story.
Written by: Carlos Álvarez Rodríguez
Kirkuk's only metal band are defying ISIS in Iraq
Death and metal in a divided state — Forged in the crucible of oil-rich and conflict-ridden Kirkuk, the story of Iraqi band Dark Phantom is pure metal. But in a city littered with Isis sleeper cells, going underground is no affectation. It’s a means of survival.
Written by: Campbell MacDiarmid