Pocket Reader - News in English

Russian Dissident Says He Was Traded Against His Will in Inmate Swap NYT » World News Ilya Yashin, one of Russia’s most prominent opposition politicians, said he appreciated his freedom, but told his jailers he did not want it if it meant going into involuntary exile.

Ippon! Teddy Riner thrills home crowd to grab Olympic gold in judo. NYT » World News Facing the No. 1-seeded judoka in the +100kg weight class, Kim Minjong of South Korea, Riner won his sixth Olympic medal.

Iceland’s New President Is a Feminist, and a Friend of Björk NYT » World News Though the president’s role is mostly ceremonial, Halla Tómasdóttir said that she would seek to raise “the right questions” and bring attention to critical health issues.

The Olympics’ No. 1 Fan NYT » World News Is anyone as excited by the Paris Games as Antoine Griezmann? It doesn’t seem possible.

Police Investigate Death Threats Against Olympics Opening Ceremony Director NYT » World News Thomas Jolly said he had received a barrage of online harassment, after some people interpreted a section of the show as mocking a biblical scene.

Nationwide Protests Over Hunger Rock Nigeria NYT » World News Thousands turned out across Africa’s most populous country despite government attempts to prevent them. Demonstrations have left at least 13 people dead, Amnesty International says.

An Autocrat’s Tool Backfires in Venezuela NYT » World News Nicolás Maduro claimed victory in his country’s election. But exit polls suggested the opposition leader won a landslide, setting off protests around the country.

Israel, Defiant, Appears to Have Gone Rogue, Risking a Regional War NYT » World News Ignoring the efforts of President Biden and the condemnation of many allies, the Israeli prime minister is forcing the pace of the war and feeding the revolt of the far right.

The U.K. Riots Were Fomented Online. Will Social Media Companies Act? NYT » World News Prime Minister Keir Starmer called out social media groups for the misinformation on their platforms that sparked violent clashes this week. But holding them accountable is tough.

Families of Hostages in Gaza Despair As Assassination Halts Talks NYT » World News The recent assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas’s political branch, halted negotiations for a cease-fire that would bring home the hostages held in Gaza.

Olympic Officials Defend Algerian’s Eligibility in Boxing Controversy NYT » World News Online fury and unclear rules have left organizers of the women’s boxing competition in Paris facing complex questions about fairness in women’s sports.

U.S. Is Preparing to Send More Combat Aircraft to the Middle East, Officials Say NYT » World News How many planes to send is still being worked out, as are final approvals from senior officials including Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III.

Kremlin Confirms Assassin Vadim Krasikov Is an Agent for Russia’s FSB NYT » World News Vadim Krasikov, who was returned to Russia in the big prisoner swap, received a hero’s welcome from President Putin, along with others who were freed.

Talking Trump and Economics With Joseph Stiglitz in Sydney NYT » World News The eminent economist describes Donald Trump and the MAGA movement as a response to the failure of nearly 40 years of neoliberalism.

Why Some Young People in China Pretend to Be Birds NYT » World News Some young people in China pretend to be birds on social media as way of escaping hustle culture. We can explain.

Middle East Crisis: Hamas Leader Mourned in Qatar With Middle East on Edge NYT » World News Mourners were gathering for the funeral of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas who was assassinated earlier this week. President Biden expressed deep concern about the situation in the region, and called on Israel to agree to a cease-fire in Gaza.

Hundreds of Prisoners in Russia, Including Americans, Were Left Behind in Swap NYT » World News Hundreds of prisoners — including Americans and Russian political activists — are hoping for a diplomatic agreement that might secure their release.

Winzar Kakiouea Is a One-Man Team From Nauru. His Olympics Might be Over in 10 Seconds. NYT » World News Winzar Kakiouea, a 100-meter runner, is the only competitor at the Paris Games from his Pacific island nation. His debut might be over in a flash.

Champagne, Soft Piano and No Lines: Luxe Life at the Olympics NYT » World News A new program allows spectators at the Paris Games to upgrade their seats, eat tastier food, tip glasses of bubbly and avoid the throngs.

At a Mountain Retreat, Wine, Lamb Kebabs and Lots of Climate Talk NYT » World News Azerbaijan last week convened a special meeting of climate diplomats at a remote resort. A Times reporter was there.