Pocket Reader - News in English

State Dept. Plans to Close Diplomatic Missions and Fire Employees Overseas NYT » World News American officials, including in the C.I.A., are concerned about mass closures hampering national security work. And China has overtaken the United States in global diplomatic footprint.

Trump Suspends Mexico Tariffs on USMCA Goods for a Month NYT » World News Goods trading under the rules of the North American trade pact, or most products, would be exempt from tariffs, the president said. The levies have caused stock markets to sink.

Trump’s E.P.A. to Rewrite Rules Aimed at Averting Chemical Disasters NYT » World News The Biden-era rules require thousands of hazardous-chemical sites to adopt new safeguards against storms, spills and other risks.

He Sang in Praise of Women Exposing Their Hair. Iran Flogged Him. NYT » World News Mehdi Yarrahi, a popular Iranian musician, was arrested in a 2023 crackdown after releasing a song that praised women who rejected the mandatory hijab rule.

Mexico Is Bracing for Tariffs, Eager for Its President’s Response NYT » World News President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico spoke with President Trump about his 25 percent tariff on exports from her country, and will unveil her plan on Sunday. Mexicans are watching nervously.

Trump Shifts From Lifting Up America’s Neighbors to Hurting Them NYT » World News President Trump’s stiff tariffs on Mexico and Canada could push those allies into recession. The impact for America could be messy.

Where the Gaza Cease-Fire Deal Goes Now Is Uncertain. Here’s What to Know. NYT » World News As negotiators are holding discussions on multiple tracks, Palestinians and Israelis are in limbo.

FIFA to Consider Expanding World Cup to 64 Teams NYT » World News Soccer’s governing body will look into another expansion of its marquee event, the most lucrative in sports, after a request by one of its 2030 co-hosts.

New Zealand Dismisses Top Diplomat to U.K. After His Remarks on Trump NYT » World News The envoy, Phil Goff, questioned President Trump’s understanding of history at a public event about the war in Ukraine.

Trump Issues ‘Last Warning’ to Hamas to Release Israeli Hostages NYT » World News In a blistering social media post, the president told Hamas that if it continued to hold hostages, “you are DEAD!”

Taiwan President Defends TSMC’s $100 Billion U.S. Chip Investment NYT » World News The Taiwanese chip giant TSMC’s plan to invest $100 billion in the United States has been met with anxiety and criticism in its home country.

Over a Dozen Conservative Party Donors Fund Britain’s Populist Reform U.K. NYT » World News A New York Times analysis of campaign finance data also revealed an influx of funding to Nigel Farage’s right-wing party from fossil fuel investors, climate skeptics, millionaires and billionaires.

During the War in Ukraine, a Military Orchestra Has a Key Task NYT » World News As Ukrainian casualties spiral after years of war, a military band has the melancholy but key task of bidding farewell to troops and raising morale.

A Youth Leader From Chile Fights Discrimination Across the Globe NYT » World News Isidora Uribe Silva tried as a teen to promote inclusive spaces for girls, women and disabled people in Chile. She has taken her mission to the U.N. and beyond.

Missile Strikes Hotel in Zelensky’s Hometown in Ukraine NYT » World News At least four people were killed in a Russian attack, Ukraine said, amid concerns about air defenses after the U.S. said it was suspending military and intelligence aid.

Fighting for Justice for Japan’s ‘Comfort Women’ NYT » World News Mina Watanabe has made it her life’s work to tell the stories of the women who were sexually enslaved by the Japanese military before and during World War II.

Thursday Briefing NYT » World News What President Trump’s moves could mean for Ukraine.

South Korean Fighter Jets Mistakenly Bomb Village, Leaving 7 Injured NYT » World News Seven people in the South Korean village of Nogok, near the North Korean border, were injured in the bombing, which happened during a joint drill with the U.S. military.

Brisbane, Australia, Braces for Powerful Cyclone NYT » World News The tropical storm, named Alfred, is on track to bring dangerous winds and flooding along the coast of southeastern Queensland, including the country’s third-largest city.

Europe Races to Craft a Trump-Era Plan for Ukraine and Defense NYT » World News European leaders are gathering in Brussels Thursday to discuss how to support Ukraine and fend more for themselves on defense.