Six great reads: how to get a pay rise, Catherine Opie's images of queer America, and the influencers saving pubs

"Men's faces are under scrutiny as never before, with more men opting for cosmetic procedures than ever. What is behind this sudden and significant shift? Dr Fay Bound-Alberti, a writer and professor of modern history, drew a line from Alexander the Great to Jacob Elordi and JD Vance."

"About 366 pubs closed in England and Wales last year, and ever-increasing costs are making it increasingly difficult to run this most British of institutions. But a viral social media post can help. Last year, the owners of the Wheatsheaf in Romford, east London, took to social media to thank two accounts, Proper Boozers and London Dead Pubs, for featuring them."

"Dylan Lopez Contreras, a student at Ellis Prep academy in New York City, was taken 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."

Male cosmetic procedures have surged to unprecedented levels, prompting examination of cultural shifts in masculine beauty standards. Dr Fay Bound-Alberti traces this phenomenon from Alexander the Great's idealized features through history to modern celebrities like Jacob Elordi and JD Vance. The trend reflects changing societal expectations regarding male appearance and self-presentation. Additionally, British pubs face closure at alarming rates, with approximately 366 establishments shutting down annually in England and Wales due to rising operational costs. Social media accounts documenting pub culture have become instrumental in revitalizing struggling venues through viral exposure. Meanwhile, immigration enforcement continues affecting students' lives, with cases like Dylan Lopez Contreras highlighting emotional impacts on educational communities. Career advancement strategies emphasize authentic professional development over self-promotion.

Read at www.theguardian.com