The Wall Street Journal

Putin Didn’t Directly Order Alexei Navalny’s February Death, U.S. Spy Agencies Find

The finding, which doesn’t absolve the Russian leader of ultimate responsibility, deepens the mystery surrounding the dissident’s death at an Arctic gulag

Nashville Is Booming. Locals Fret About Their Future in Music City.

As Oracle headquarters moves in, Nashvillians reckon with the pros and cons of being a boomtown

The Uglification of Everything

Artistic culture has taken a repulsive turn. It speaks of a society that hates itself, and hates life.

Adults—Yes, Adults—Are Throwing Half-Birthday Parties

Younger adults especially are throwing themed picnics, booking DJs and planning vacations that run into the thousands of dollars

Better Clothes for Less Money? A Skeptic’s Guide to Fuss-Free Vintage Shopping

Do you shun the idea of buying vintage clothes? These savvy, timesaving tips from stylish pros might change your mind.

Hippies Settled This Unusual California Community. Now Its Homes Sell for Millions.

The Sea Ranch is secluded, architecturally distinct and doesn’t come cheap. ‘There’s no place like this anywhere.’

I Tricked ChatGPT Into Being My Boyfriend. He Got Spicy Real Fast.

Interactions with generative AI started out sweet but quickly moved into ‘Fifty Shades’ territory, despite the tools’ policies; ‘How about I fulfill that fantasy of yours’

One Sister Fled Boko Haram. The Other Was Trapped. Their Lives Will Never Be the Same.

Ten years after the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls became a global phenomenon, most are back home—and Nigeria’s epidemic of abductions is only getting worse

How Crackers Went From Survival Food to Gourmet Treat

Invented to feed soldiers and sailors on the move, crackers are now showing up on high-end restaurant menus, with ingredients like chickpeas, cherries and charcoal.

The Crucial Decision That Can Protect Women’s Health as They Age

Removing ovaries with a hysterectomy might increase risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia

One French Company’s Lonely Struggle to Survive Fierce Competition From China

After China destroyed Europe’s solar-panel industry, the continent struggles with onslaught against other green sectors

Finland Long Believed It Could Tame Russia. Now Moscow Is Enemy No. 1.

From Russian military districts to cyberattacks, Finland is facing new threats from its neighbor. ‘The new normal in living with Russia.’