Pocket Reader - News in English

Republican Demands and Divisions Drive Impasse Toward a Shutdown NYT » World News The spending stalemate that has brought the government to the brink of a shutdown is being fueled by G.O.P. demands to add conservative spending mandates opposed by President Biden and Democrats.

Zoo Official In India Is Punished For Giving Lions Revered Names NYT » World News The names, Sita and Akbar, evoking a Hindu goddess and a Muslim emperor, drew outrage from Hindu activists who saw it as blasphemy.

Developers Who Leveled ‘Britain’s Wonkiest Pub’ Ordered to Rebuild NYT » World News The Crooked House was knocked down last summer after a suspicious fire. Local authorities have now ordered that the owners reconstruct the site brick by brick.

2024 Israeli Municipal Elections May Offer a Glimpse of the Political Mood NYT » World News The election will not be a referendum on the performance of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but more candidates than usual are not advertising connections to his Likud party.

Ego, Putin or Jets? Reasons for Orban’s Stance on Sweden Perplex Many. NYT » World News The Hungarian leader has given various rationales for stalling Swedish membership in NATO. The real reason may have to do with his own standing and domestic politics.

Russia Warns Against NATO Ground Intervention in Ukraine NYT » World News The warning came in response to comments by President Emmanuel Macron of France, who said “nothing should be ruled out” when asked about the possibility.

Yellen Urges Israel to Restore Economic Ties to West Bank NYT » World News The Treasury secretary said she called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to reduce barriers to commerce for Palestinians.

Russian Court Sentences Leader of Memorial Rights Group to Prison NYT » World News Oleg Orlov, 70, a co-chairman of Memorial, which received the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, was given a two-and-a-half year sentence for speaking out against the war in Ukraine.

Middle East Crisis : Hamas Signals No Breakthrough in Cease-Fire Talks NYT » World News After President Biden said a cease-fire could be reached within a week, Hamas said it had yet to receive “any new proposals” that would advance the talks.

Jordan and France Airdrop Food and Other Aid Into Gaza NYT » World News Humanitarian groups generally airdrop aid only as a last resort. France said it was ramping up its work with Jordan because Gazans were dying of hunger and disease.

Somalia Faces Potential Conflict With Ethiopia in a ‘Pivotal Year’ NYT » World News Terrorism, hunger and devastating floods have roiled the Horn of Africa nation. Now, it faces an even bigger challenge: the prospect of war with a neighbor, Ethiopia.

Mercury Pollution Is Falling, but Not in Tuna. This Might Be Why. NYT » World News Old accumulations of the toxic metal in the deep sea are circulating into shallower waters where the fish feed, new research found.

Pankaj Udhas, Bollywood Singer and Maestro of the Ghazal, Dies at 72 NYT » World News His soulful renditions of ghazals, or traditional love poems, were featured on the soundtracks of hit Bollywood movies and moved generations of Indians.

What to Know About Lead Poisoning in Children NYT » World News Hundreds of children sickened from high levels of lead in applesauce pouches last year put a spotlight on lapses in the food-safety system.

In Ukraine, Russia Is Inching Forward Death by Death NYT » World News Russian forces have an unorthodox view of acceptable levels of military losses, with a willingness to expend troops and equipment to make even small gains on the battlefield.

Lead-Tainted Applesauce Highlights Failings in Food Safety System NYT » World News Hundreds of American children were poisoned last year. Records show how, time and again, the contamination went unnoticed.

Tuesday Briefing NYT » World News Progress on Gaza cease-fire negotiations.

After U.S. Strikes, Iran’s Proxies Scale Back Attacks on American Bases NYT » World News Tehran, wary of igniting open warfare with Washington, has told militia groups it backs to curtail assaults on targets such as military installations, Iranian and American officials say.

Israelis Broach a Concession in Hostage Talks With Hamas NYT » World News Israel negotiators are reported to be considering the release of high-profile Palestinians convicted of terrorism in exchange for freedom for some of the hostages in Gaza.

Tuesday Briefing: Hungary Approved Sweden’s NATO Bid NYT » World News Plus, movement in a possible Israel-Hamas deal.