Pocket Reader - News in English

‘Forever Chemicals’ Reach Tap Water via Treated Sewage, Study Finds NYT » World News Wastewater, even after treatment to make it drinkable, contains high levels of PFAS, according to researchers.

Azerbaijani Anger Over Plane Crash Grows, in Deepening Schism With Russia NYT » World News In the crash’s aftermath, Azerbaijan has unleashed rare and stinging criticism of Russia, with the country’s president saying Moscow’s response has caused “surprise, regret and rightful indignation.”

Pope Appoints Nun to Lead Vatican Department NYT » World News Sister Simona Brambilla was appointed as the prefect of a Vatican office that oversees religious orders, but she may not be alone at the top.

Austria Could Get a Far-Right Chancellor. Here’s What to Know. NYT » World News The leader of the anti-immigration, pro-Russia Freedom Party has been given the chance to try to form a government after months of coalition talks among mainstream parties collapsed.

Sugary Drinks Linked to Global Rise in Diabetes, Heart Disease NYT » World News A new study assesses the effects of sugar-laden beverages on global health, with higher rates of consumption found in Latin America and parts of Africa.

In Africa, Danger Slithers Through Homes and Fields NYT » World News Venomous snakes bite millions of people worldwide each year, killing at least 120,000. Many of them are poor people in rural areas of Africa without easy access to treatment.

In Africa, Danger Slithers Through Homes and Fields NYT » World News Venomous snakes bite millions of people each year, killing at least 120,000. Many of them are poor people in rural areas of Africa without easy access to treatment.

Canada Live Updates: Prime Minister Trudeau Expected to Step Down as Party Leader NYT » World News Justin Trudeau, who has led the country for nearly a decade, is poised to give up leadership of his party, according to an official familiar with his plans. He would remain prime minister until the party picks a replacement.

Russia Claims to Seize Key Eastern Ukraine Town of Kurakhove NYT » World News Ukraine has largely been driven out of Kurakhove, a battered but strategic town in the Donbas, Russia said. Kyiv’s forces were pressing a renewed offensive in southern Russia.

Hamas Approves List of Hostages It May Free Under a Cease-Fire Deal With Israel NYT » World News Israel says Hamas has not provided any information about the status of those 34 hostages, dampening any notion that the endorsement is a step toward a deal to stop the war.

U.K.’s Starmer Slams ‘Lies and Misinformation’ After Elon Musk Attacks NYT » World News Without naming Mr. Musk directly, Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the billionaire’s spreading of falsehoods about a child sex abuse scandal.

Trial Starts for Nicolas Sarkozy in Libya Election Case NYT » World News The former French president has faced several legal cases since leaving office, but accusations that he received money for his 2007 election from Libyan authorities have been particularly damaging.

Pope Names Robert McElroy, an Ally on Immigration, as Cardinal in Washington NYT » World News The appointment of Robert W. McElroy is a signal of the pope’s priorities, two weeks before Donald J. Trump’s term begins.

In Haiti, Gang Massacres and Journalist Murders Expose the Country’s Fragility NYT » World News In Haiti, gangs have killed hundreds of people and shot journalists at a news conference, exposing the country’s fragility and the government’s failures.

In Seoul, Blinken Bolsters Alliance Amid Challenges to Democracies NYT » World News The U.S. secretary of state aimed to show that his country stood by South Korea as it grapples with a political crisis, and as Donald J. Trump returns to power.

West Bank Settlers Hope Trump Will Back Annexation Dreams NYT » World News Settler leaders say they are confident that a Palestinian state is off the table, but their expectations are tempered by their experience of Donald Trump’s first term.

Monday Briefing NYT » World News The Jan. 6 riot, four years on.

Emeralds for Sale: The Taliban Look Below Ground to Revive the Economy NYT » World News The Taliban government is counting on Afghanistan’s bountiful gemstone and mineral resources after the loss of billions of dollars in international aid.

Israel Conducts Raids in Syria Amid Accusations of Cease-Fire Violations NYT » World News Four weeks after the fall of the Assad regime, Israel is pressing on with a military campaign on Syrian soil.

Monday Briefing: How Trump Re-Wrote Jan. 6 NYT » World News Plus, the end of an era for Hong Kong’s cabbies