Pocket Reader - News in English

F.T.C. Clears Exxon Mobil’s Acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources NYT » World News The Federal Trade Commission will bar Pioneer’s chief executive, Scott Sheffield, from joining Exxon’s board, saying he colluded with OPEC to reduce oil production.

Global Growth Forecast Is Lifted but Risks Loom, O.E.C.D. Says NYT » World News The global economy has proved resilient and inflation has declined, but any widening of the conflict in the Middle East could increase price pressures and dampen growth.

Middle East Crisis: Hopes for Cease-Fire Remain, Despite Hamas’s Resistance to Latest Offer NYT » World News Officials are waiting for the group’s response to a proposal with U.S. and Israeli backing for a halt to fighting in Gaza and the release of hostages held there.

Protests Swell in Georgia Over ‘Foreign Interests’ Bill NYT » World News The authorities in the Eastern European nation said security forces had used water cannons and tear gas as demonstrators took to the streets over divisive legislation advanced by Parliament.

U.S. Accuses Russia of Using Chemical Weapons in Ukraine NYT » World News The State Department said Russia had used chloropicrin, a poison gas widely used during World War I against Ukrainian forces, an act that would violate a global ban signed by Moscow.

A Portrait Artist Fit for a King (but Not a President) NYT » World News Jonathan Yeo, about to unveil a major new painting of King Charles III, also counts Hollywood royalty (Nicole Kidman) and prime ministers (Tony Blair) as past subjects. But George W. Bush eluded him.

U.K. Local Elections, Explained NYT » World News Voters choose local officials in England and Wales this week. Their verdicts could be an important clue to the shape of Britain’s looming general election.

Thursday Briefing NYT » World News Arrests at U.S. campus protests.

Inside a Navy Submarine Navigating the Arctic NYT » World News A Times photojournalist embarked on a nuclear-powered attack sub to see how the Pentagon is training for a potential war below the frozen sea.

U.K. Local Elections, Explained NYT » World News Voters choose local officials in England and Wales this week. Their verdicts could be an important clue to the shape of Britain’s looming general election.

U.S. and Israel Struggle With Clashing Visions on Ending Gaza War NYT » World News The Biden administration wants to focus on a cease-fire and rebuilding Gaza, but Israel’s leader is pushing a new offensive.

U.K. Conservatives Hold Their Breath: How Bad Will Local Elections Be? NYT » World News Voters in England and Wales will choose local officials on Thursday. The results could demonstrate whether the governing party’s dire poll ratings are reliable, analysts say.

5 Takeaways From the Times Interview of Brittney Griner NYT » World News Highlights from a Times Magazine profile of the basketball star.

Blinken Turns Up Pressure on Hamas to Accept Gaza Cease-Fire Deal NYT » World News “The time is now,” Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken declared, urging Hamas to accept the terms of a proposed truce. He also made clear that he expected more from Israel.

Giant Pandas Are Returning to San Diego, China Announces NYT » World News “Panda diplomacy” has represented an area of cooperation between the United States and China despite tension over weighty issues of trade and national security.

Thursday Briefing: Police Deployed at U.S. Campuses NYT » World News Also, China’s surging electric car market and a new Netflix series from India.

Colombia Will Sever Ties With Israel Over Gaza War NYT » World News Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president, made the announcement in front of cheering crowds in the capital that had gathered for International Workers’ Day.

U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Chinese Companies for Aiding Russia’s War Effort NYT » World News The penalties came after top Biden administration officials warned China not to help Moscow restock its arsenal to attack Ukraine.

Flooding in a Kenyan Natural Reserve Forces Tourist Evacuation NYT » World News The heavy rains that have pounded East Africa for weeks, killing hundreds, have now spilled into the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife national reserves.

Record Number of Writers Were Jailed Globally in 2023, PEN America Says NYT » World News For the first time, China has more than 100 incarcerated writers, and Israel and Russia entered the list of the 10 countries with the most imprisoned writers.