Looking for something compelling to read this weekend? We've curated six standout articles from the last seven days, covering a fascinating mix of politics, art, health, and culture.
Political Intrigue and a Frozen Frontier
An investigation reveals how billionaire Ronald Lauder encouraged Donald Trump to consider purchasing Greenland during his presidency. Guardian correspondent Tom Burgis delves into the strategic thinking behind what seemed like an absurd idea, exploring Lauder's business interests on the island and the former US president's fixation with the territory.
Art, Obscurity, and a Hidden Legacy
Did the celebrated Dutch painter Piet Mondrian owe his iconic grid-like style to a lesser-known British artist? A new piece by Joanna Moorhead celebrates Marlow Moss, a cross-dressing lesbian artist who lived in Cornwall and died in obscurity, yet whose work bears a striking and potentially influential resemblance to Mondrian's later compositions.
Consequences and Connections
In a powerful Long Read, Alex South examines the traumatic rise of murders inside prisons in England and Wales. The piece details how violence at peak times and in specific locations is affecting both inmates and staff, while arguing that such violence is not an inevitable part of prison life.
Meanwhile, neuroscientist Ben Rein explains in an interview with Emma Beddington how friendship and social interaction are crucial for longevity, especially in what he terms "a post-interaction world." His research highlights the tangible health benefits of maintaining social bonds.
In culture, the explosive popularity of the gay hockey TV drama Heated Rivalry is analysed by Julia Carrie Wong. The piece explores what the show's fervent female fanbase reveals about contemporary desires for romance and sex narratives free from violence and traditional hierarchy.
Finally, author George Saunders speaks to Sophie McBain about his latest metaphysical tale, reflecting on themes of ghosts, mortality, and the state of Trump's America. The Lincoln in the Bardo author shares how a terrifying flight changed his life and discusses his engagement with Buddhism and partisan politics.
