This weekend offers a compelling selection of investigative journalism and cultural analysis from The Guardian, covering everything from dangerous birth trends to the evolving legacy of the world's most famous band.
Investigative Exposé and Cultural Deep Dives
A major investigation into the Free Birth Society (FBS) has uncovered disturbing links to dozens of cases of serious harm. The year-long probe by journalists Sirin Kale and Lucy Osborne, titled The Birth Keepers, identified 48 instances of serious harm, including late-term stillbirths and neonatal deaths, connected to mothers or birth attendants associated with the US-based business.
FBS promotes giving birth without midwives or medical professionals present. Experts have condemned the organisation for providing women with dangerous misinformation. In response to the investigation, the FBS, which states its content is for educational purposes rather than medical advice, dismissed the findings as inaccurate propaganda. A companion podcast for The Birth Keepers is also scheduled for release soon on the Guardian Investigates feed.
Housing Crisis and Personal Triumphs
A startling trend in the UK rental market reveals the disappearance of the traditional living room. Recent research indicates that a growing number of UK rentals no longer offer living room access, with almost half (49%) of surveyed renters reporting that the living room in their home is now used as a bedroom.
This shift forces residents to eat and socialise in kitchens, bedrooms, and even stairwells, raising questions about the ability to relax and build community without a dedicated communal space. The feature explores the social implications of this architectural change.
In a lighter story, former footballer and emerging Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Carney opened up about rebuilding her confidence after online abuse severely impacted her. She revealed how the bullying crushed her confidence, a feeling she has never fully overcome, and shared her current happiness and passion for supporting the Lionesses.
Music, Crime, and Evolving Legacies
The world of free jazz, described as arguably the most challenging music one can listen to, was explored by the Guardian's pop critic Alexis Petridis. Despite his partiality to hideous noise, he found the genre mostly unknown territory. His perspective was changed by a new guidebook from Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, offering a fresh entry point into this maligned musical form.
The dark heart of the true crime industry was another focus. Writer Charlie Shackleton shared his experience of a failed attempt to make a film about the Zodiac Killer, which led him to investigate the industry's morbid curiosity and the constant demand for content with a body count.
Finally, the enduring and evolving legacy of The Beatles was examined. As fans and historians debate the band's meaning 60 years on, new projects like the returning Anthology and Sam Mendes's planned biopics may create new arguments. The piece maps out the four distinct eras of critical understanding of the band, suggesting their meaning continues to evolve with each retelling.
