Politics
Exploring division and conflict in São Paulo through virtual reality
A polarised Brazil, a city in uproar — As protests against the Olympics and corruption have exposed Brazil’s ruptures for the world to see, a pioneering collaborative art project between British and Brazilian artists digs into São Paulo’s dividing lines.
Written by: Alex King
UK set to break promise of resettling 20,000 Syrian refugees by 2020
MPs condemn lack of progress — A new report by the Home Affairs Select Committee has concluded that David Cameron’s target of resettling 20,000 Syrian refugees by 2020 is unlikely to be met. It also blames European countries for not anticipating the crisis and criticises their response to ‘colossal’ numbers of asylum seekers.
Written by: Tenelle Ottley-Matthew
What could a new UK recession mean for young people?
We need an economy that works — We spoke to economist Laurie MacFarlane, who explains young people are likely to bear the brunt of another economic downturn.
Written by: Alex King
Research finds majority of UK MPs now support medical marijuana use
Is legalisation in sight? — A poll conducted by innovative drugs pressure group VolteFace finds overwhelming cross-party support for the legalisation of medical marijuana in the UK House of Commons.
Written by: Alex King
The all-female bike crews taking over our streets
Rebellious therapy — In 1896, women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony proclaimed the bicycle as the “greatest feminist technology of its time”. Now it's the motorbike's turn.
Written by: Max Gayler
The artist who spent nine years illustrating a Qu’ran set in modern America
Art and understanding in the face of rising Islamophobia — Los Angeles-based artist Sandow Birk reimagines historical paintings with a contemporary political critique. His latest project is a Qu’ran illustrated with images from today’s America.
Written by: Alex King
Xenia Rubinos dances in the face of fear to survive
On the hunt for joy — A mother from Puerto Rico, a father from Cuba, born and raised in the US – Xenia Rubinos' identity is as diverse as the music she creates. Here, the New York singer-songwriter talks about her new album, influenced by American culture but motivated by the survival of fear.
Written by: Taylor McGraa
Is the boom in slum tourism anything more than poverty porn?
Oi, gringo! — In the last few years, tourists and travellers have been poking around in slums and favelas in unprecedented numbers. Slum tourism could play a positive role in transforming marginalised communities around the globe - but only if residents have a real say, argues Fabian Frenzel, author of Slumming It.
Written by: Alex King
The all-female bike crew reclaiming the streets of East LA
Breaking the cycle — Cycling collective Ovarian Psycos are on a mission to take back the city in the name of sisterhood.
Written by: Daniel Dylan Wray
Surf legend Rusty Miller on the rise of Donald Trump
Could surfing help make America great again? — Surfer, activist and elder statesman of surf culture, Rusty Miller, on how America has lost its way - and how surfing could help it find itself once again.
Written by: Alex King