Elections, Eugenics, and High School Reunions: Five Great Reads 2026

This week's five great reads span the globe, from Brazil's election surprise to the personal question of why anyone attends a high school reunion. The stories explore elections, eugenics, and high school reunions, offering a mix of political analysis and human interest.

Lula's Victory: A Playbook for the Planet?

Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's extraordinary victory on Sunday offered more than a glimmer of hope, writes Jonathan Watts. It "should provide much needed inspiration and, more practically, a playbook for social and environmental movements in other countries facing elections."

Analysts credit Lula's win to galvanising the streets and social media, including the WhatsApp group "Lula's Army" that gathered about 8% of the electorate by voting day. But political messaging, challenging tech giants, standing up for the environment, and sheer determination were also key takeaways.

Notable quote: "Brazil has given the world a remarkable example of hope through action." The full read takes just under three minutes.

The Dark History of Eugenics

Away from the news cycle, journalists have been asking big questions about birth, death, cocaine, and why on earth anyone wants to go to a high school reunion. One of the five great reads delves into the history of eugenics, a movement that sought to improve the genetic quality of the human population.

The article likely explores how eugenics influenced policies and perceptions, and why understanding this history matters today. It's a sobering reminder of the consequences of pseudoscientific ideas.

Why People Attend High School Reunions

The question of why people attend high school reunions is explored in another great read. Curiosity and atonement are among the reasons, as people seek to reconnect with their past and make sense of who they've become.

Reunions can be a chance to show how far you've come, or to apologise for past behaviour. They also offer a window into how others have changed, and how much of our teenage selves remains.

Cocaine Nation and Other Stories

Other reads in the collection cover topics like cocaine nation, a 28-year walk home, and Trump. These stories offer a mix of investigative reporting and personal narrative, each providing a unique perspective on the world.

Whether it's the impact of the cocaine trade or the endurance of a long walk, these pieces are designed to inform and engage. They reflect the diversity of journalism that helps us understand our times.

What to Watch Next

As the news cycle continues, keep an eye on how Lula's victory shapes global politics and environmental policy. The lessons from Brazil could influence movements elsewhere.

Also watch for how the history of eugenics informs current debates on genetics and ethics. And as for high school reunions, the reasons people attend may evolve as society changes.

FAQ

What are the five great reads about?

The five great reads cover a range of topics, including elections, eugenics, and high school reunions. They offer a mix of political analysis and human interest stories.

Why is Lula's win significant?

Lula's win is seen as a victory for social and environmental movements, providing a playbook for other countries. It also offers hope at a time when populist leaders appear to be on the rise.

What is the history of eugenics?

Eugenics is a movement that sought to improve the genetic quality of the human population, often through controversial and unethical means. Understanding its history is important to avoid repeating past mistakes.

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Why do people go to high school reunions?

People attend high school reunions for reasons like curiosity and atonement. It's a chance to reconnect with the past and see how others have changed.

The curiosity and atonement that drive people to attend high school reunions are themes that resonate far beyond the school gym. These gatherings often reveal as much about our present selves as they do about our past.

For those interested in the health risks of intense exercise, high-impact exercise risks are covered in another great read. It's a reminder that even beneficial activities can carry hidden dangers.

To understand the daily realities of life in Gaza, a week in the life offers a compelling account. Such stories bring attention to ongoing humanitarian issues.

The intersection of AI, climate crisis, and Kylie's enduring influence is explored in five great reads on AI and climate. It's a fascinating look at how technology and culture shape each other.

For a deep dive into the cocaine trade and its global impact, cocaine nation is an essential read. It sheds light on a complex and often dangerous industry.

The challenges of millennial motherhood and the evolution of ICE are discussed in ICE 2.0 and millennial motherhood. These topics reflect changing social dynamics and policy debates.

Finally, the legacies of Gloria Steinem, the benefits of men's therapy, and the strange world of slime moulds are covered in Gloria Steinem and men's therapy. It's a diverse collection that highlights the breadth of human experience.