World News Briefs -- June 1, 2015

VOA: US Spy Agency Collection of Telephone Data Halted

The massive collection of telephone data by the clandestine U.S. National Security Agency to thwart terrorist attacks has been halted in a Washington legislative standoff, but a reformed version of the surveillance could be renewed in the coming days.

The spy agency lost the legal authority to collect telephone records Sunday at midnight when the U.S. Senate failed to agree on an extension of several provisions put in place following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.

MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi soldiers die in attack on army base. Islamic State suicide attack kills 38 Iraqi policemen. Iraq: Islamic State bomb attack 'kills 45 police officers'.

Funding shortage threatens half U.N.'s humanitarian operations in Iraq.

Jordan army destroys two infiltrating vehicles on Syrian border.

Arab air strikes pound Yemen amid reports of progress toward talks. Yemen talks in Oman ‘shrouded in secrecy’. As Saudi-led fighters bomb Yemen, Houthi rebels to meet US officials.

Houthi rebels in Yemen are holding multiple Americans prisoner.

German foreign minister visits Gaza, calls for Israel to ease blockade and end to rocket fire.

Israeli ministers approve 10-year jail terms for stone throwers.

Turkey's Erdogan vows to punish journalist behind Syria trucks video.

ASIA

Indian army kills four militants after sixteen-hour gun battle.

In Mazar, Afghans enjoy life as fighting draws near.

China to hold fire drills along Myanmar border.

Beijing rejects US criticism over construction in South China Sea.

Vietnam rejects US demand to stop 'land reclamation' in South China Sea.

Australian opposition party proposes same-sex marriage bill.

More than 680 in South Korea isolated over MERS virus fears.

In a nation of smokers, Beijing bans lighting up indoors.

42 charged in 2013 Bangladesh building collapse.

AFRICA

Libya edges closer to economic collapse as currency dives.

Burundi to consider summit request for election delay.

Clashes in Somalia leave 35 dead.

AQIM Islamists claim two attacks against UN in Mali: Mauritanian agency.

Head of Mali's main Tuareg-led rebels hopeful on peace deal.

Up to 70 killed in Nigeria fuel tanker crash.

South Sudan food crisis deepens amid tanking economy.

EUROPE

Over 6,400 people killed in eastern Ukraine — UN.

Three Ukrainian serviceman killed in separatist east: Kiev military.

Ukraine military fires 150 mortar shells at Donetsk rebels, Russian news media claims.

Russian military insignia are reported in Ukraine. U.N. finds growing signs of Russian involvement in Ukraine war.

89 European politicians and military leaders banned from Russia.

Italian premier's party claims victory in 5 of 7 regions.

France, Germany raise concerns over EU migrant redistribution plan.

Gerry Adams relatives 'used as spies' by British military intelligence.

AMERICAS

FARC attack leaves Colombia port city without power: military.

Haiti struggles to stem cholera as rains come early.

Argentina is racking up debt even faster than during its 2001-2002 crisis.

Venezuela opposition march draws thousands.

Venezuela parliament chief: will sue in U.S., Spain over drugs reporting.

Kerry returns to US after breaking leg in bike crash outside Geneva.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Qatar extends travel ban for 5 Taliban traded for U.S. soldier.

Balkans becoming hub for foreign fighters joining ISIL.

US intelligence aware of increasing capabilities of Islamic State radicals.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China develops first facial recognition ATM.

Malaysia Airlines lays off 6,000 employees. Malaysia Airlines 'technically bankrupt'.

Fifa crisis: South Africa 'admits $10m football payout'.