From chess to a medical mystery: Great global reads from 2025 you may have missed
The Goats and Soda blog publishes hundreds of stories each year about global health news, about fighting poverty, about daily life in the Global South. Some of these posts attract a slew of readers. Then there are stories that people clearly connect with — time on page is excellent! But let’s call them underappreciated in total viewership.
We asked our writers and editors to nominate stories that meant a lot to them and that they wish could find a bigger audience. In the waning days of 2025, it’s not too late to catch up with these great reads.
My son loved his first day of kindergarten. It brings up my own bittersweet memories
When his son began kindergarten this week, educator James Kassaga Arinaitwe flashed back to his own initiation into school, growing up in Uganda under far humbler circumstances.
Guess who inherits it all? The origins of a surprising tradition
When parents die, sibling tensions can arise over inheritance. In many traditions, the oldest child used to get it all. In a part of Pakistan, there’s a surprise twist: The youngest is the chosen one.
With makeshift jump ropes and hide and seek, kids play to cope with crisis
From Gaza to Ukraine to South Sudan, children play to deal with the stress — and find a moment of joy.
One country’s survival guide in the wake of U.S. aid cuts
Uganda is one of the countries that’s greatly affected by the reduction of U.S. foreign aid. Here’s how the health care system is responding — with trepidation, innovation and resilience.
Scientists are trying to understand how Ebola hides inside the bodies of survivors
Congo is suffering from an Ebola outbreak, but even when the virus is contained there remains a risk. Scientists are trying to understand how it can hide out inside the bodies of survivors.
India (and its kids) are out to conquer the world of chess
Chess is seeing a global resurgence, sparked by The Queen’s Gambit and the pandemic impact on leisure time. India is an emerging power player, with 85 grandmasters and intense chess schools for youth.
HUD proposes time limits and work requirements for rental aid
The rule would allow housing agencies and landlords to impose such requirements "to encourage self-sufficiency." Critics say most who can work already do, but their wages are low.
Paramount and Warner Bros’ deal is about merging studios, and a whole lot more
The nearly $111 billion marriage would unite Paramount and Warner film studios, streamers and television properties — including CNN — under the control of the wealthy Ellison family.
A new film follows Paul McCartney’s 2nd act after The Beatles’ breakup
While previous documentaries captured the frenzy of Beatlemania, Man on the Run focuses on McCartney in the years between the band's breakup and John Lennon's death.
An aspiring dancer. A wealthy benefactor. And ‘Dreams’ turned to nightmare
A new psychological drama from Mexican filmmaker Michel Franco centers on the torrid affair between a wealthy San Francisco philanthropist and an undocumented immigrant who aspires to be a dancer.
Bill making the Public Service Commission an appointed board is dead for the session
Usually when discussing legislative action, the focus is on what's moving forward. But plenty of bills in a legislature stall or even die. Leaders in the Alabama legislature say a bill involving the Public Service Commission is dead for the session. We get details on that from Todd Stacy, host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television.
My doctor keeps focusing on my weight. What other health metrics matter more?
Our Real Talk with a Doc columnist explains how to push back if your doctor's obsessed with weight loss. And what other health metrics matter more instead.
