Pocket Reader - News in English

ISIS Says It Inspired New Orleans Attack, but Doesn’t Claim Responsibility NYT » World News The attacker who killed 14 pedestrians on Bourbon Street was “influenced by the discourse and messaging of the Islamic State,” the terrorist group said in a bulletin dated Thursday.

Vatican Allows Italian Gay Men to Enter Seminaries, if They Remain Celibate NYT » World News Candidates for the seminary should not be disqualified based on sexual orientation, according to new church guidelines in Italy.

Biden Officials Say the Truth About Havana Syndrome Is Still Unknown NYT » World News The White House contradicts a new intelligence assessment on the mysterious ailments that diplomats and spies have reported for years.

Biden Issues Sweeping Deportation Protections Before Trump Takes Office NYT » World News The move allows hundreds of thousands of people from Sudan, Ukraine and Venezuela to stay in the country temporarily.

Mauro Morandi, Italy’s Robinson Crusoe, Dies at 85 NYT » World News He was the sole resident of Budelli, an undeveloped sliver of paradise off the northern coast of Sardinia. He embraced the solitude, until he was evicted.

U.K.’s First Drug Consumption Center Is Set to Open in Glasgow NYT » World News Scotland, which has the highest rate of recorded drugs deaths in Europe, is launching a new facility for users to inject illegal drugs under medical supervision.

Biden Raises Bounty For Nicolás Maduro to $25 Million NYT » World News The move is a retaliatory measure meant to punish the Venezuelan autocrat for refusing to give up power

Israel Strikes Ports and a Power Plant in Houthi-Controlled Parts of Yemen NYT » World News Israel and its allies have escalated strikes against the Houthis to try to force them to stop firing on Israel and Red Sea shipping lanes, but it was not clear whether they would deter the Iran-backed militia.

U.S. Imposes New Sanctions to Squeeze Russia’s Energy Sector NYT » World News The Biden administration is cracking down on the Russian “shadow fleet” and taking steps to curb oil and gas production.

Kremlin Confirms Readiness for Putin to Meet Trump NYT » World News The president-elect had said the Russian leader wanted to meet him to discuss the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin stopped short of that, saying it could only happen after he takes office.

Israeli Hostage Declared Killed in Gaza as Fears for Captives Mount NYT » World News Hamza Ziyadne, 23, was abducted in the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel alongside his siblings and father, whose body was also recovered this week.

Lebanon Turns a Political Page as Hezbollah’s Hold Is Weakened NYT » World News A stinging defeat in war has left the once untouchable group on its most uncertain footing in years.

Pink Fire Retardant, a Dramatic Wildfire Weapon, Poses Its Own Dangers NYT » World News It’s widely used because it can slow flames in ways that water can’t. But it also contains heavy metals and other harmful compounds.

Shui Ka-chun, Hong Kong Activist, Dies NYT » World News A social worker and teacher imprisoned for his activism, he later wrote about the toll of incarceration and worked to help others behind bars.

Venezuela’s Autocrat Detains U.S. Citizens As He Tightens Grip on Power NYT » World News President Nicolás Maduro will be sworn in for another six years on Friday, and he is hoping to use foreign prisoners to get his way on the global stage.

Friday Briefing NYT » World News Three days of wildfires.

Friday Briefing: Racing to Control Los Angeles Fires NYT » World News Plus, renovating a wrecked palazzo.

Venezuela’s Opposition Leader, Maria Corina Machado, Is Freed After Being Detained NYT » World News During her detention, an aide said, Maria Corina Machado “was forced to record several videos.” She has garnered enormous support for her opposition to Nicolás Maduro.

Venâncio Mondlane Returns to Mozambique, Declaring Himself President NYT » World News After a self-imposed exile, Venâncio Mondlane was welcomed home by delirious crowds supporting his claim that the country’s last election was stolen from him by corrupt elites.

Venezuela’s Opposition Leader, Maria Corina Machado, Detained at Protest NYT » World News Ms. Machado has garnered enormous support for her opposition to the country’s autocrat, Nicolás Maduro.