January 14, 2025

A Voluntourist Opportunity, More Shein Controversy, and Werner Herzog’s Bizarre Brain

Ten Picks for Today, Curated by Our Editors

1

In the News

California’s Wildfires May Also Be Catastrophic for Its Insurance Market

California’s insurance industry was already in crisis. Now the wildfires in the Los Angeles region may upend efforts to stabilize the market.

NPR
Greg Allen

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2

Investigation

The Truth Behind Your $12 Dress: Inside the Chinese Factories Fuelling Shein’s Success

Workers making clothes for the fast fashion giant tell the BBC they labour for up to 75 hours a week.

BBC
Staff

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3

Behind the Scenes

Lorne Michaels Is the Real Star of “Saturday Night Live”

He’s ruled with absolute power for five decades, forever adding to his list of oracular pronouncements—about producing TV, making comedy, and living the good life.

The New Yorker
Susan Morrison

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4

Travel

The Faroe Islands Will “Close” Again to All but 80 Volunteers—and You Could Be Among Them

100 lucky guests will have their room and board covered (but flights are not).

Afar
Lyndsey Matthews

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5

Deep Dive

The Mysterious Novelist Who Foresaw Putin’s Russia – and Then Came to Symbolise Its Moral Decay

Victor Pelevin made his name in 90s Russia with scathing satires of authoritarianism. But while his literary peers have faced censorship and fled the country, he still sells millions. Has he become a Kremlin apologist?

The Guardian
Sophie Pinkham

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6

Backstory

Before Squid Game, There Was Battle Royale

Explore the shocking history behind Battle Royale, the Japanese cult classic that inspired lethal survivor games like Squid Game.

Tokyo Weekender
Cezary Jan Strusiewicz

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7

Timely Advice

Eight Words to Say to a Friend

In a time when suffering is everywhere, I’ve found this approach to friendship as a guiding light.

Cup of Jo
Abigail Rasminsky

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8

Good to Know

Is It Safe to Keep Using Old Plastic Food Containers? Here’s How to Tell.

Some telltale signs can indicate whether they’re ready for their trash can funeral.

HuffPost
Staff

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