World News Briefs -- June 8, 2020 (Evening Edition)

A world map showing official number of coronavirus cases and deaths per country

AFP: New York starts reopening as WHO says virus 'worsening' worldwide

New York City -- the epicenter of America's coronavirus outbreak -- began partially reopening its shattered economy Monday after almost three months of lockdown, as the World Health Organization warned the health crisis was "worsening" worldwide.

Some 400,000 New Yorkers were allowed to return to work as retailers began offering limited in-store and curbside pickup, with construction and manufacturing also permitted to resume operations.

"It's good to be back," said Michael Ostergren, manager of the Shakespeare and Co bookshop on Manhattan's Upper West Side, where a trickle of customers arrived shortly after the doors reopened.

"Everybody wants to be out of the house. We're just picking up where we left off in March," he added.

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MIDDLE EAST

US lawmakers urge world to shun Syria as rights law takes force.

Iranians told to wear masks as virus toll mounts.

UN agency says Iran is violating all restrictions of nuclear deal.

Yemen army troops briefly capture major city in Abyan.

Lebanon overcomes sectarian strife as army declares zero tolerance.

Turkey orders scores of arrests for alleged coup links.

Fatal police shooting of autistic Palestinian sparks outrage.

Majid Taheri: US releases Iranian doctor in prisoner swap.

Report documents severe damage to Syrian heritage and museums.

Erdogan says he and Trump agreed 'some issues' on Libya.

ASIA

Trump plans to sign bill pressuring China over Uighur Muslim crackdown: source.

Pakistan hospitals running out of beds as virus cases surge past 100,000.

Hong Kong seethes one year on, but protesters on the back foot.

India and China deploy thousands of troops over disputed frontier line.

U.S. talks with Pakistan about restarting intra-Afghan peace negotiations.

Four rebels killed in second Indian Kashmir clash in two days.

Fresh protests in Kashmir after Indian forces kill nine rebels.

India’s malls and restaurants reopen, amid record surge in coronavirus cases.

Anti-China sentiment sees Taiwan city boot mayor, opposition distance itself from Beijing.

North Korea: Call from South to North goes unanswered for first time.

Kim Yo-jong takes role of bad cop with Seoul as she's now reportedly in charge of inter-Korean ties.

North Korea's Kim stresses self-sufficient economy as tensions with South Korea rise.

New Zealand says coronavirus 'eliminated,' lifts all domestic restrictions.

Vietnam ratifies major trade deal with the EU.

AFRICA

Ethiopia: Abiy rejects transitional govt to solve election impasse.

Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia to resume dam talks Tuesday.

Libyan government defies Russian warnings with plans to take eastern sites. Libya's GNA forces press ahead after failed truce offer by Egypt.

Egypt pushes plan to end war in Libya.

Mali to investigate after army accused of killing dozens in village attack. Mali orders probe into killings of 43 civilians in two villages.

New South Sudan rebel group vows to overthrow Kiir.

'Never again': Protesters march against Kenyan police brutality.

Tracking Africa's coronavirus cases.

South African schools reopen as COVID-19 lockdown is eased.

EUROPE

NATO chief defends US amid Germany troop row.

Europe moves ahead with reopening as global virus cases top 7 mn.

Covid-19: Europe continues to ease lockdown as countries adapt to new normal.

Experts: COVID-19 restrictions saved more than 3M lives in Europe.

UK starts mandatory 14-day quarantine for most new arrivals.

German foreign minister laments decline of US ties.

Observers sceptical over reports on planned US troop withdrawal from Germany.

France to ban police chokeholds following protests over George Floyd death.

Sweden to present findings on Olof Palme assassination.

U.S. prosecutors say Britain's Prince Andrew not cooperating in Epstein probe.

AMERICAS

A US recession began in February in the face of coronavirus.

Trump readying to resume his signature rallies: campaign.

US coronavirus death toll surpasses 110,000. US coronavirus deaths top 110,000: Live updates.

CNN Poll: Trump losing ground to Biden amid chaotic week.

Democrats unveil sweeping legislation in response to protests of police brutality.

Minneapolis city council votes to dismantle police department.

Coronavirus: Hard-hit Brazil removes data amid rising death toll.

Brazil threatens to follow U.S. pullout of WHO amid pandemic.

Sandinista leaders fall victim to coronavirus outbreak they downplayed.

Guyana presidential election data shows opposition leader Ali wins recount.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Three prominent jihadists dominate Sahel after death of al Qaeda leader.

ISIS is making a comeback, and Iraq's government may not be able to handle it.

Philippine anti-terrorism law triggers fear of massive rights abuses.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Nasdaq ends at record, confirms bull market on economic recovery hopes.

Pandemic drives broadest economic collapse in 150 years: World Bank.

OPEC decides to keep production cuts.

Saudis make biggest oil price hike in 20 years after OPEC+ cuts.

BP to lay off 10,000 workers due to depressed oil industry.

Tesla battery supplier Catl says new design has one million-mile lifespan.