Pocket Reader - News in English

China’s Growth Slows but Xi Jinping Keeps to His Vision NYT » World News China’s leader, Xi Jinping, believes his vision for technological dominance will keep powering the country’s ascent while the West recedes.

New Online Speech Law Could Chill Political Humor in Sri Lanka NYT » World News A sweeping new law on online speech threatens the political humor that has helped the island nation get through tough stretches.

A Humanitarian Crisis Is Rapidly Unfolding in Haiti NYT » World News As gangs have united in concerted attacks against the state, the prime minister is stranded in Puerto Rico, and food, water, fuel and medical care are in short supply.

U.S. Military Enters a New Phase With Gaza Aid Operations NYT » World News As the United States continues providing Israel with munitions, the Pentagon will deliver food and other assistance to Gazans by sea and air.

Biden’s Armageddon Moment: When Nuclear Detonation Seemed Possible in Ukraine NYT » World News For a few weeks in October 2022, the White House was consumed in a crisis whose depths were not publicly acknowledged at the time. It was a glimpse of what seemed like a terrifying new era.

A Humanitarian Crisis Is Rapidly Unfolding in Haiti NYT » World News As gangs have united in concerted attacks against the state, the prime minister is stranded in Puerto Rico, and food, water, fuel and medical care are in short supply.

Pope Says Ukraine Should Have the ‘Courage of the White Flag’ NYT » World News Francis’s words have raised questions about whether he was suggesting that Ukraine surrender, but a Vatican spokesman said the pope meant “cease-fire and negotiation.”

As U.S. Rushes to Build Gaza Port, Major Challenges Loom NYT » World News Famine is stalking Gaza, but the American-led initiative faces daunting obstacles in logistics, security and cost.

Sweden and Canada to Restart Payments to U.N. Agency for Palestinians NYT » World News The countries were among those that suspended payments to the agency, known as UNRWA, after Israel accused a dozen of its employees of taking part in Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Oct. 7.

Ireland Rejects Constitution Changes, Keeping ‘Women in the Home’ Language NYT » World News Two proposed amendments, which voters considered on Friday, were intended to reflect the more secular liberal values of the nation’s modern era.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Speaks Out About ‘Hateful’ Online Bullying NYT » World News In an appearance at SXSW, Meghan said she experienced the heaviest online abuse during her pregnancies.

‘You Can Hear a Pin Drop’: The Rise of Super Strict Schools in England NYT » World News Inspired by the academic success of schools like the Michaela secondary school in northwest London, some principals are introducing tight controls on students’ behavior.

Rains Are Scarce in the Amazon. Instead, Megafires Are Raging. NYT » World News Hundreds of square miles of the rainforest have burned as countries in the region battle a record number of fires fueled by extreme weather.

Russia’s Advance Around Avdiivka Loses Momentum After Quick Gains NYT » World News Ukraine has committed significant forces to defending the area, and Russian troops are now attacking across open fields with little cover.

Cramming for the Oscars NYT » World News It’s been a rough year for Hollywood, but the post-awards season landscape offers some hints of hope for audiences.

A Call to End Gambling Ads as Athletes and Celebrities Are Shut Out of Them NYT » World News A group wants the federal government to mirror its blanket restrictions on tobacco ads, citing addiction and its effect on sports.

Rains Are Scarce in the Amazon. Instead, Megafires Are Raging. NYT » World News Hundreds of square miles of the rainforest have burned as countries in the region battle a record number of fires fueled by extreme weather.

Navalny’s Heirs Seek a Political Future in Russia NYT » World News Aleksei Navalny’s team has found a new leader in the opposition leader’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya. But Navalny’s death has so far brought little change to their insular tactics.

Middle East Crisis: Canada Resumes Funding U.N. Agency Providing Aid in Gaza NYT » World News The country is reversing a pause in donations that it and some other countries began after Israel accused about a dozen of UNRWA’s 13,000 employees of being involved in the Oct. 7 attacks.

Bar Built for “Banshees of Inisherin” Is For Sale NYT » World News A bar set built for “The Banshees of Inisherin” was discarded in a backyard after filming, then resurrected by a pub in Ireland. It’s up for sale.