Newsweek September 16, 2022

GORBACHEV “He’s articulate as hell and incredibly well versed,” Newsweek wrote in 1987 of Mikhail Gorbachev, who died on August 30 at 91. The last leader of the Soviet Union, Gorbachev is credited with helping to end the Cold War, receiving the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. Over his years in power, he appeared on the cover of Newsweek more than a dozen times. In an exclusive interview in 1988, speaking of Soviet-U.S. relations, Gorbachev said: “We are different, and will remain so…But we have a common responsibility, especially our two great powers, and our every action must measure up to that responsibility”—words that still ring true today.…

A SAMPLING OF NEWSWEEK’S LATEST PODCASTS A (CHASTE) AUTOMOTIVE KEY PARTY ▸ Nicole joins in the “Ragtop Ramble” test driving cars up the Maine coast, starting with the “cool kids’ car,” the Nissan Z, in a vibrant metallic blue inside and out. Plus: Which several-hundred-thousand dollar car has the pillowiest headrests? Kia and cannoli in Kennebunkport. And a sneak peek at the Newsweek auto awards front-runners. HOSTS ▸ Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Newsweek’s senior autos editor, and automotive journalist Nicole Wakelin. IN THEIR WORDS ▸ “Little magical pillows. They are the softest, cushiest headrests I’ve ever experienced.” DON’T MISS THE ROYAL REPORT Palace news—Meghan Markle to the Queen A Royal Rebel ▸ Spanning royal social progressivism from fashion (the “revenge dress” to athlei-sure) to regulations on the paparazzi, the legacy of Princess Diana lives on 25 years after her…

Serena Williams celebrates after winning a point against Montenegro’s Danka Kovinić during their 2022 U.S. Open Tennis Tournament women’s singles first-round match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29. Williams, widely considered the greatest women’s player of all time, announced earlier this summer that she intends to retire from tennis following this tournament. But the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s recent success has people questioning if this event will really be her last. “I have absolutely nothing to lose, and honestly I never get to play like this. I’ve had an X on my back since ’99,” Williams said in a post-match interview.…

An aerial view reveals the extent of heavy flooding in a small city in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province on August 30. Since relentless monsoon rains began flooding the country in June, a third of the country has become submerged, affecting 33 million people. The catastrophic floods have claimed 1,100 lives so far and damaged more than a million homes, 2 million acres of crops and more than 3,000 miles of roads. The U.S. has pledged $30 million in humanitarian aid to help the country cope with the deluge.…

Women cheer on Esteghlal Football Club during the team’s match against Sanat Mes Kerman Football Club at the Azadi stadium on August 25. The sporting event was the first time Iranian women have been permitted by the country’s authorities to attend a domestic football league game since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, in a “historic” move, local media reported. Of the stadium’s 78,100 seats, 500 were reserved exclusively for women. Iran had previously allowed women to attend two matches against international teams in January and in 2019.…

Ty Carter fills jugs with non-potable water at Forest Hill High School on August 31. The state’s capital is struggling with access to safe drinking water after heavy rainfall and flooding caused disruptions at one of its main water treatment facilities. More than 180,000 people are either without tap water or have been told it is dangerous to use. President Joe Biden declared the event an emergency and said he wants to provide federal support toward rebuilding Jackson’s aging water infrastructure and addressing its long-standing issues. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: FIDA HUSSAIN/AFP/GETTY; HOSSEIN ZOHREVAND/AFP/GETTY; BRAD VEST/GETTY…