Kabul's water crisis

And more of today's best articles from The Week

View this email in your browser

August 14, 2025

TODAY'S BIG QUESTION

Why has the State Department scaled down its stance on human rights?

The Trump administration has curtailed previous criticisms of human rights violations

Advertisement by Betterment

Can market losses turn into tax wins?

Betterment’s automated tax tools use investment losses to help offset gains, lowering your tax bill.

THE EXPLAINER

Kabul braces for a waterless future

A confluence of manmade and environmental factors makes the Afghan city the first modern capital to risk running out of groundwater

quote of the day

'Grass has a lifetime like people have a lifetime. We are going to redo the grass with the finest grasses. I know a lot about grass.'

Trump on improvements to Washington, D.C., during a speech at the Kennedy Center. His interest in renovations includes the White House, where he has focused on physical changes to it more than any of his predecessors.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Why 'faceless bots' are interviewing job hunters

Artificial intelligence is taking over a crucial part of recruitment

Advertisement by Hims

Hair loss treatment that’s suited to you

Tell us a bit about your hair needs, routine, and goals for treatment. Provide some information about your health history and a medical professional will determine what’s right for you. Your hair loss treatment ships to you for free, if prescribed. Get unlimited access to follow-ups, adjustments, and answers to your questions throughout your treatment.

UNDER THE RADAR

India's fake weddings

New party trend promises all the fun of a wedding without any of the downsides

Picture of the day

Getting her flowers

A hairless English-French bulldog mix named Petunia is held by her human for a photo after being crowned the winner of this year's World's Ugliest Dog contest in Santa Rosa, California. The 2-year-old rescue from Oregon took home $5,000 and will be featured on limited-edition cans of Mug Root Beer.
Tayfun Coskun / Anadolu via Getty Image

THE WEEK RECOMMENDS