Pocket Reader - News in English

Iran Sentences Prominent Rapper to Death, Lawyer Says NYT » World News The rapper, Toomaj Salehi, was initially arrested after releasing music in support of the 2022 protests over the death of a young woman in police custody.

U.S. to Withdraw Troops From Chad NYT » World News The departure of U.S. military personnel in Chad and Niger comes as both countries are turning away from years of cooperation with the United States and forming partnerships with Russia.

A Chinese Firm Is America’s Favorite Drone Maker — Except in Washington NYT » World News U.S. authorities consider DJI a security threat. Congress is weighing legislation to ban it, prompting a lobbying campaign from the company, which dominates the commercial and consumer drone markets.

Macron, Battling Far Right at Home, Pushes for Stronger E.U. NYT » World News In a major speech, France’s president returned to a familiar theme, warning that “Our Europe is mortal” if it does not become more self-sufficient.

Middle East Crisis: U.N. Official Presses for Urgent Action on Gaza Aid NYT » World News Sigrid Kaag, the U.N. aid coordinator for Gaza, said Israel had taken steps to improve relief deliveries but called for further measures.

Moulin Rouge’s Windmill Blades Fall Off in Paris NYT » World News Firefighters were called overnight after the blades crashed to the ground. Nobody was hurt, and the famed cabaret venue will stay open.

Energy Dept. Aims to Speed Up Permits for Power Lines NYT » World News The Biden administration has expressed growing alarm that efforts to fight climate change could falter unless the electric grids are quickly expanded.

Ukraine and Russia’s Battle Over the Town of Chasiv Yar, Explained NYT » World News Chasiv Yar has been under relentless attack by Russian forces. Controlling the town would put them in striking distance of key Ukrainian operational and supply centers.

Biden’s New Power Plant Rules: 5 Things to Know NYT » World News The Biden administration released a major climate regulation aimed at virtually eliminating carbon emissions from coal, the dirtiest of the fossil fuels and a driver of global warming.

Mining Giant BHP Makes $39 Billion Bid for Rival Anglo American NYT » World News The deal would create one of the largest copper miners at a time when demand is soaring for the metal used for many green technologies.

Blinken’s Visit to China: What to Know NYT » World News Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is in China this week as tensions have risen over trade, security, Russia’s war on Ukraine and the Middle East crisis.

Antony Blinken Visits China NYT » World News Tensions over economic ties are running high, threatening to disrupt a fragile cooperation between the U.S. and China.

Thursday Briefing NYT » World News Signs suggest that Israel will likely invade Rafah.

Venice Access Fee: What to Know Before Your Day Trip NYT » World News Venice is trying to mitigate overtourism with a small fee on busy days. City leaders hope it will make visitors more aware of the city’s fragility.

Europe’s Policymakers Get Ready to Lower Rates, Regardless of the Fed NYT » World News European Central Bank governors are highlighting cooler inflation as a sign the bank could cut interest rates before the Federal Reserve.

‘To the Future’: Saudi Arabia Spends Big to Become an A.I. Superpower NYT » World News The oil-rich kingdom is plowing money into glitzy events, computing power and artificial intelligence research, putting it in the middle of an escalating U.S.-China struggle for technological influence.

Israeli-American Hostage, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Is Seen in Hamas Video NYT » World News The video appeared to be the first time that Mr. Goldberg-Polin, who was grievously injured in the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack, has been seen alive since he was taken captive.

After $15 Billion in Military Aid, Israel Calls Alliance With U.S. ‘Ironclad’ NYT » World News The money from Washington, which includes $5 billion to replenish Israel’s defenses and $1 billion for Gazan civilians, comes as Israel readies to invade Rafah.

Flooding Inundates Kenya, Killing at Least 32 and Displacing Thousands NYT » World News The rain also killed farm animals and destroyed thousands of acres of crops.

Thursday Briefing: Israel Seems Poised to Invade Rafah NYT » World News Also, details of the U.S. aid package to Ukraine and Taylor Swift’s new album.