Must-Read Feature Stories
By Julian Aiden Bravo/Breeze Staff
@Mr_Reporter_
Here are seven must-read feature stories recommended by our senior staff editors. From a scuba diver’s heartbreaking tale to the magic behind David Blaine, the following stories have informed our staff in a captivating and engaging way. – Jullian Aiden Bravo
“’I Have No Choice But To Keep Looking,’” by Jennifer Percy
It’s been nearly six years since the 2011 earthquake erupted off the pacific coast of Japan, causing a tsunami that claimed the lives of thousands in Japan—including Yasuo Takamatsu’s wife. In the emotionally touching New York Times story, “’I Have No Choice But To Keep Looking,’” writer Jennifer Percy shares the heartbreaking story of Takamatsu and the endless search for his wife’s body in the sea. Takamatsu began searching soon after the incident and continues to search to this day. The use of detail and history truly immerses the reader in a story of love, despair and hope. – Jullian Aiden Bravo/News Editor
“New Koch” by Jane Meyer
Hands down one of the best feature stories I’ve read is, “New Koch” by Jane Meyer. I have to say what drew me in was the style present in the introduction. It starts out in the present then jumps backwards for some background on the Koch brothers. The piece does a great job in describing the role of the two in politics and what direction the two are headed. The story is a rollercoaster of accomplishments and grievances but it does its job in building empathy for the subject. If you’ve ever been curious about one of the biggest contributors of big money in politics I would definitely recommend this piece. – Charlie Vargas/A&E Editor
“Losing ground, fighters and morale – is it all over for Isis?” by Martin Chulov
In this feature story, Martin Chulov covers the dwindling state of the caliphate and terrorist group over recent months. With the inevitable loss of Mosul -- a key ISIS stronghold -- still in progress, ISIS has lost much control of land in Syria and Iraq. But the story raises an important point on the future of the jihadists. They may be losing ground, but their influence and reign of terror are far from dead. They will do what terrorist groups have always done when their existence is threatened: hide, and wait for opportunity. –Daniel Steele/Online Editor
“The Nine Lives of David Blaine” by David Brown
Rolling Stone’s David Browne explains the insanity of the magician and endurance performer in preparation of his new television special, “David Blaine: Beyond Magic.” From using his stomach as an aquarium to performing what he calls simple magic tricks, Blaine amazes celebrities like Drake, Stephen Curry and David Beckham. The article shows Blaine’s perspective and why he doesn’t recommend catching a bullet in their mouth to anybody. For those interested, definitely check out Rolling Stones for the exclusive profile as well as a video highlighting the infamous bullet catch. – Kyle Smith/Sports Editor
“The Tamir Rice Story: How to Make a Police shooting Disappear,” by Sean Flynn
GQ’s 2016 feature story titled, “The Tamir Rice Story: How to Make a Police shooting Disappear,” by writer Sean Flynn is by far one of my favorite feature stories. There is so much emotion and the detail in the article that sets the scene and follows the 2014 shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice by Cleveland police. We often hear about injustices and forget them over time, but this feature story challenges us to remember and to question the events surrounding the case. – De'Channe Lane/Copy Editor
“The Very Long, Messed-Up History of White Actors Playing Asian Characters," by Kevin Wong
“The Walking Dead” had a great character in the form of Steven Yeun’s “Glenn.” For many Asian-Americans, Yeun’s casting is a welcomed addition to an ensemble genre show. On most occasions they’d simply white-wash the role or worse: cast a white actor as an Asian character. Thanks to the recent controversy behind Dreamworks's live-action “Ghost in the Shell” adaptation, Kevin Wong over at pop-culture obsessed Complex.com has compiled a long, painful and incredibly comprehensive history of white actors doing just that! – Hanajun Chung/A.V. Editor
“As Students Protest, Cal State Trustees Seek More State Funding to Avoid Tuition Increase,” by Rosanna Xia
In this feature article, Rosanna Xia tells the story of CSU protestors who united outside the downtown offices of Chancellor Timothy P. White on Nov. 15, 2016 where a possible budget proposal to increase tuition rates is to be considered after January 2017. “The Walking Debt” is what many protestors proclaimed to be, a metaphor for what future circumstances withholds. Protestors dressed liked zombies with bloody red makeup around their eyes and mouths, and setup tombstones with CSU school names engraved at the top. They claim that through spikes in tuition cost, many students will be forced to stop attending school or even stay longer as prices will increase to an additional 5 percent in tuition costs. – Michelle Caldera/Features Editor