From rebellious radio broadcasters to daring scientists, these colorful characters star in our team's favorite stories from the past year.

From professional fake shoppers to plus-size male models to controversial kratom kingpins and beyond, these are the stories that most enraptured our readers this year.

Steve was a father of five and a devout Mormon when he was dragged into a world that upended everything he knew to be true.

Steve was a father of five and a devout Mormon when he was dragged into a world that upended everything he knew to be true.

Silvon was shot by the police outside his home, and woke up handcuffed to a chair, fighting for his life in more ways than one.

Silvon was shot by the police outside his home, and woke up handcuffed to a chair, fighting for his life in more ways than one.

Mike is an aspiring writer feeling lost and confused, when his therapist makes a shocking proposition.

Mike is an aspiring writer feeling lost and confused, when his therapist makes a shocking proposition.