World News Briefs — September 24, 2020 (Evening Edition)

USA World

SCMP/AP: Worldwide coronavirus cases surge past 32 million as Britain and France see record infections

Russia reports highest daily increase since July, while residents across Europe chafe against stricter measures to contain pandemic
Health experts criticise early models that predicted people in Africa dying in droves

The number of coronavirus infections passed the 32 million mark on Wednesday, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University, as countries including Britain and France reported record case numbers.

Britain saw the highest number of coronavirus cases in a single day at 6,632. Public Health England Medical Director Yvonne Doyle said the figure was a “stark warning’’ as infections rose across all age groups. She said citizens must follow the new restrictions announced by the government this week to control the spread of the virus.

Britain has the highest death toll in Europe, with nearly 42,000 confirmed dead. The rise in cases announced on Thursday reflects both the spread of the virus and increased testing, which has more than doubled since the peak of the first wave in April and May.

Read more ….

MIDDLE EAST

Palestinian groups Fatah, Hamas agree to first elections in nearly 15 years.

Arab, European states call Israel and Palestine to restart talks

U.S. imposes new Iran sanctions over human rights violations.

Iran anticipates ‘third wave’ as COVID-19 deaths pass 25,000.

Iran opens a new naval base near the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with US forces.

Iran hits back at ‘delirious’ Saudi after King Salman’s UN speech.

Saudi Arabia calls for ‘coexistence’ in the Middle East following Abraham Accords.

Coronavirus: Israel tightens second lockdown.

Yemen rebels mark 2,000 days of ‘resistance’ with stacks of cash.

China says US has ‘created enough troubles for the world’ as UN spat continues.

Attempt to overrun troops will be met with fire: India to China

China has built 380 internment camps in Xinjiang, study finds.

Asia Pacific hardest hit by COVID-19, climate-related disasters.

Japan is resuming flights to China, and reopening its borders – but not to tourists.

Joshua Wong: Hong Kong police release activist on bail.

Duterte gets tough on China, leaning back to old ally America.

Thailand parliament delays vote over constitutional reform.

At UN, Africa urges fiscal help against virus ‘apocalypse’.

Coronavirus corruption in Kenya: Officials and businesspeople targeted.

Mali’s designated interim president makes first appearance.

Libya PM voices alarm at militias amid ceasefire.

U.S. to provide $720 million Syria aid and funds for Sahel, South Sudan.

Ethiopia: 2,000 charged over violence sparked by pop star’s death.

Trapped: DRCongo villagers caught between army and gun-toting sect.

Zimbabwe leader tells UN that sanctions hurt development.

Chad halts lake’s world heritage status request over oil exploration.

EU warns of worrying rise in Covid-19 death tolls in seven countries.

The peak wasn’t the peak? UK & France record HIGHEST-EVER daily rises in Covid-19 cases.

France sees record in new coronavirus infections, with more than 16,000 cases in 24 hours.

Germany tells UK to ‘stop playing games’ on Brexit.

Belarus: EU rejects Lukashenko inauguration as illegitimate.

UK set to sanction Belarus officials over ‘rigged’ election.

Poisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has assets frozen by court.

Alexei Navalny will return to Russia, allies say.

Kosovo war crimes court arrests first suspect.

Sarkozy loses legal challenge over claims he accepted Libyan cash.

Louisville anti-racism protests resume amid tensions over Breonna Taylor ruling.

Police: Violence at Portland protest escalates to firebombs.

Top Republicans dismiss Trump’s refusal to commit to peaceful transfer.

Florida AG calls for probe into Bloomberg funds for ex-convicts.

FBI director warns that Chinese hackers are still targeting US COVID-19 research.

Coronavirus ravages Latin America’s working class, Mexico deaths pass 75,000.

Bolivia descends into chaos ahead of elections.

Canada government proposes boost to unemployment benefit in move likely to avert election.

Venezuela’s Maduro calls on UN to rally against US sanctions.

Virus delays Rio’s Carnival for first time in a century.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. prepares to take Sudan off list of states that support terrorism.

Sudan says US deal on embassy attacks reparations ‘close’.

Who is a terrorist, actually?

FBI: Man arrested in San Antonio for providing support to ISIS, discussing possible terror attacks on U.S. soil.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US stocks end higher as market volatility continues.

Justice Dept. expected to file antitrust action vs. Google.

European Commission seeks to regulate cryptocurrencies.