New York Times

1. Trump Urges Oil Companies to Speed Work in Venezuela

   The president met with executives on a day when the U.S. seized another tanker carrying Venezuelan oil.

2. GOP Seeks Some Distance From Trump as Midterm Election Year Opens

   The vote to open a war powers debate, a pair of attempted veto overrides and a split on health care suggested a greater appetite among Republicans to challenge the president.

3. Outside Prisons in Caracas, Venezuelans Anxiously Await Release of More Political Detainees

   Venezuela’s interim government said it would release an “important number” of imprisoned people, but only nine have been confirmed freed.

4. E.U. and South America to Form Free-Trade Zone With 700 Million People

   The agreement represents a push for deeper global cooperation, in contrast to the United States’ turning to coercion in its dealings with other countries.

5. Washington National Opera Is Leaving the Kennedy Center

   The opera, which has performed at the arts center since 1971, was concerned about declines in attendance and donations during President Trump’s second term.