The Lives They Lived

Remembering some of the artists, innovators and thinkers we lost in the past year.

Beloved Objects Left Behind by Val Kilmer, Ozzy Osbourne and Others We Lost This Year

Metal crosses, a recliner, a blue wedding suit: the most cherished belongings of Ozzy Osbourne, Brian Wilson, Kitty Dukakis and others.

By Charley Locke and Brian Ulrich

Scams, Schemes, Ruthless Cons: The Untold Story of How Jeffrey Epstein Got Rich

For years, rumors swirled about where his wealth came from. A Times investigation reveals the truth of how a college dropout clawed his way to the pinnacle of American finance and society.

By David Enrich, Steve Eder, Jessica Silver-Greenberg and Matthew Goldstein

The Diary of a Jeffrey Epstein Girlfriend Shows How He Used Women

A Bear Stearns executive introduced a 23-year-old employee to Epstein. She shared her diary with us.

By David Enrich, Steve Eder, Matthew Goldstein and Jessica Silver-Greenberg

Where Did Jeffrey Epstein Get His Money?

For years, rumors swirled about where Jeffrey Epstein’s wealth came from. A Times investigation reveals the truth of how a college dropout clawed his way to the pinnacle of American finance and society.

By Jessica Silver-Greenberg, David Enrich, Claire Hogan, John Pappas, Stephanie Swart and Zach Caldwell

A Revelation Tore Apart Her Fairy-Tale Marriage, and Shocked the Nation

Rhinelander v. Rhinelander was one of the most scandalous trials of the Jazz Age. 100 years later, it reads as a tragedy about the country’s original sin.

By Laura Wexler

Why Does A.I. Write Like … That?

If only they were robotic! Instead, chatbots have developed a distinctive — and grating — voice.

By Sam Kriss

On language

How ‘Affordability’ Became a New Magic Word for Politicians

A rallying cry for Democrats taps into frustration over the inaccessibility of a modestly nice American existence — even for those with a decent income.

By Nitsuh Abebe

The Interview

Raja Shehadeh Believes Israelis and Palestinians Can Still Find Peace

The writer and lawyer has been documenting the occupation for decades. Somehow, he maintains hope.

43 MIN LISTEN

the ethicist

Can I Insist That My Dysfunctional Son Get a Vasectomy?

I’ve told him that I won’t continue supporting him unless he agrees.

By Kwame Anthony Appiah

Screenland

Why Do Movies Keep Repeating the Same Joke About the Afterlife?

From the recent ‘Eternity’ to classics like ‘Defending Your Life’ and ‘Beetlejuice,’ the gag remains the same: What if the next world worked just like this one?

By Scout Brobst

Letter of Recommendation

Birthdays Can Be Disappointing. But Not if You Bake Your Own Cake.

A birthday can happen to you, or you can make it happen yourself.

By Tanya Bush

Judge John Hodgman

Can You Let Your Dog Run Off-Leash Wherever You Want?

A ruling on a dispute over the use of shared spaces.

By John Hodgman

Let Us Eat Cake

A boozy, celebratory centerpiece, baba au rhum savarin is the best kind of dessert experience.

By Lisa Donovan