Pocket Reader - News in English

After Biden’s Withdrawal, Some Want Their Aged Leaders to Follow His Lead NYT » World News Most of the world’s oldest leaders — in their 80s and even one in his 90s — are in Africa, which happens to have the youngest population of any continent.

Israel’s Military Has Shrunk Gaza’s Humanitarian Zone by a Fifth NYT » World News Israel’s military has redrawn the zone’s borders twice, accusing Hamas of using it to regroup and launch missiles.

Venezuelan Political Leaders Call for Rallies Over Contested Election Results NYT » World News After both President Nicolás Maduro and the opposition claimed victory in the presidential election, both sides called on supporters to take to the streets.

France Aligns With Morocco on Western Sahara, Angering Algeria NYT » World News President Emmanuel Macron wrote to King Mohammed VI that France approved a plan for the disputed territory’s autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

Bangladesh Dragnet Sweeps Up Thousands in Protest Crackdown NYT » World News Charges include vandalism, arson, theft, trespassing and damage to state property. A rights group called it a witch hunt, following an initial crackdown in which more than 200 people were killed.

Hong Kong Taunts Italy With Pineapple Pizza After Olympics Fencing Win NYT » World News After a fencer from Hong Kong beat an Italian for a gold medal, Pizza Hut’s offer of free pineapple toppings in Hong Kong was the city’s second jab at Italy.

Energy Companies Turn to Robots to Install Solar Panels NYT » World News Energy companies say a labor shortage is one big obstacle to installing more solar power. They’re turning to machines to speed things up.

U.S. Pledges $500 Million in New Military Aid to the Philippines, as China Asserts Sea Claims NYT » World News Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III warned Beijing against engaging in hostilities with U.S. allies in the South and East China Seas.

Southport Stabbing: What We Know about the Knife Attack and Suspect NYT » World News A third child has died and five more are in critical condition after a “ferocious” attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday. “These were just little kids,” Ms. Swift said in a statement.

For Many Palestinians, the Olympics Are Easy to Root for but Hard to Actually Watch NYT » World News The eight Palestinian athletes at the Games represent not only a homeland but a cause. But for those in Gaza, a scarcity of electricity has made it nearly impossible to keep up with the outside world.

Ukraine Ramps Up Mobilization of Troops NYT » World News Large numbers of conscripts will arrive at the front in the coming weeks, soldiers and military analysts said, but some are poorly trained or out of shape.

Why Is China Pressuring the Philippines in the South China Sea? NYT » World News China claims most of the strategic waterway and is trying to push out neighbors like the Philippines. Any deadly mistake could risk war.

Bonsucro Certified Indian Sugar From Abusive Fields NYT » World News Much of what consumers buy is marked “sustainable,” “humane” or “green.” In the sugar cane fields of India, that papered over the worst abuses.

How Did Venezuela Get Here? NYT » World News A movement started by Hugo Chávez, promising power to the people, became an authoritarian regime, one that opponents say just stole an election.

As U.S.-Iran Conflict Builds, Iraq Is Caught in Middle NYT » World News The United States and Iran are at odds over the Gaza war as well as proposals for an American troop withdrawal from Iraq.

You Won’t See Them at the Olympics, but These Speed Puzzlers Are World-Class NYT » World News Puzzling has been around for more than 250 years, but a budding tournament featuring participants from more than 75 countries in Spain is giving it new life.

Olympic Surfing Comes to a ‘Poisoned’ Paradise NYT » World News In 1974, a radioactive cloud from a French nuclear test drifted over Teahupo’o, Tahiti, now the surfing venue for the Paris Games. Villagers still feel the effects.

Landslides Hit Kerala in India, Killing at Least 23 NYT » World News Rescue workers struggled to reach isolated villages in the state of Kerala, where bridges and roads were swept away after days of heavy rain.

Tuesday Briefing NYT » World News President Biden’s call to change the Supreme Court.

Russia Seizes Urozhaine and Staromaiorske From Ukraine After Furious Battles NYT » World News “It was like a fight between two packs of dogs,” said an officer, describing the struggle for one of the areas, Urozhaine. But “there came a moment when it made no sense to keep people there.”