Six great books: How to Get a Raise, Katherine Opie’s Images of Lesbian America, and the Influential People Who Saved the Pub beauty

1. ‘There’s no shame in being vain’: the continuing rise of impossible male beauty standards

Men’s faces are under more scrutiny than ever before, with more men opting for cosmetic procedures than ever before. What is behind this sudden and significant change? Dr. Fay Bound-Alberti, author and professor of modern history, draws a line from Alexander the Great to Jacob Elordi and… J.D. Vance.

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2. ‘Where the magic really happens’: Influencers set out to celebrate – and save – Britain’s ‘proper drinkers’

Around 366 pubs closed in England and Wales last year, and ever-rising costs are making it difficult to keep this most British of institutions running. But a viral social media post can help. Last year, the owners of Wheatsheaf in Romford, east London, took to social media to thank two accounts, Proper Boozers and London Dead Pubs, for featuring them: “The exposure this has given our family-run pub is incredible.” Tommie Morrissey-Swann talks to the Instagrammers trying to save our drinkers.

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3. ICE has detained this high-schooler for 10 months. Here’s what he and his classmates want to tell you

“I hope this ends soon so I can be with you, and if it doesn’t, I’ll keep you in my heart“

Dylan Lopez Contreras, a student at Ellis Prep Academy in New York City, was taken away by US immigration agents in May last year. The Guardian’s Maanvi Singh invited him and five of his classmates to share their lives and dreams.

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There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re stepping into water at work. But there are ways to advance your career without resorting to shameless self-promotion. Career coaches tell Sarah Phillips how keeping your boss happy, developing your own “personal boardroom” and asking for honest feedback can help you land the job and get the pay rise you want.

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5. ‘I’m dying for the day when heterosexuals have to come out’: Catherine Opie and her stunning shots of queer America

Famous for the portrait of a child carved on his back, the photographer has dedicated his life to documenting queer America, from endurance swimmers to artists and his son dragging themselves in a tutu. Emma Brockes spoke to him ahead of his first headlining UK show.

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6. Her husband wanted to use ChatGPT to build sustainable housing. Then it took over his life

Kate Fox says her husband, Joe Cecanti, was “the most optimistic person” before he spent 12 hours a day with the chatbot. Later he took his own life. The case of Secanti is extreme, but as millions of people turn to AI chatbots, more and more cases of AI-induced confusion are emerging. Varsha Bansal told the story

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