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-- TOP STORIES --

+ Iran expected to seek deal to avoid strikes

+ US releases three million new Epstein files

+ Thousands gather in Minneapolis against ICE

+ Ex-Fed gov Warsh tapped for US central bank

+ 'Schitt's Creek' star Catherine O'Hara dies

Iran-protests-US-diplomacy,WRAP

WASHINGTON

President Donald Trump predicts that Iran will seek to negotiate a deal rather than face American military action, despite Tehran warning that its arsenal of missiles will never be up for discussion.

750 words 0430 GMT by Danny Kemp with AFP bureaus. Picture. Video

Iran-protests-US-conflict,FOCUS

Iran-protests-hospitals,FOCUS

US-politics-justice-Epstein,WRAP

WASHINGTON

The US Justice Department begins releasing millions of new pages from the Jeffrey Epstein files along with photos and videos, adding fuel to the politically explosive case that has dogged President Donald Trump.

700 words 0200 GMT by Chris Lefkow. Picture. File picture. File video

Also moved: US-politics-justice-Epstein-celebrity,POINTS US-politics-justice-Epstein-royal-Britain

US-immigration-politics,WRAP

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota

Thousands of protesters take to the streets of Minneapolis in the latest show of anger over President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, as a prominent US journalist is charged over his coverage of protests in the northern city.

650 words moved by Gregory Walton. Picture. Video

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US-immigration-politics-AI-technology-misinformation,FOCUS

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US-immigration-politics-protest,REPORTAGE

US-economy-fed-politics,WRAP

WASHINGTON

President Donald Trump says he will nominate former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh to be the next US central bank chief, a move that has sparked cautious optimism among observers.

650 words moved by Beiyi Seow. File picture

Also moved: US-economy-fed-politics,POINTS

US-Fed-economy-rate,FACTS

Entertainment-US-Canada-film-television-OHara

LOS ANGELES

Emmy-winning actress Catherine O'Hara, who starred in "Schitt's Creek" and "Home Alone," has died at the age of 71.

500 words moved by Huw Griffith. File picture

-- AMERICAS --

US-politics-Congress-shutdown,WRAP

WASHINGTON

US senators approve a last-minute deal backed by President Donald Trump to avert the worst impacts of an imminent government shutdown, after Democratic anger over the killing of two protesters by immigration agents derailed funding talks.

700 words moved by Frankie Taggart

Venezuela-US-justice-rights,WRAP

CARACAS

Venezuela's acting president announces a push for mass amnesty in the country, in her latest major reform since the US toppling of Nicolas Maduro just weeks ago.

500 words 0200 GMT by Patrick Fort with Daniel Stublen in Washington. Picture. Video

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Venezuela-US-conflict-oil,POINTS

US-oil-earnings-ExxonMobil,WRAP

Panama-canal-US-China-Maersk-court,WRAP

PANAMA CITY

Danish firm Maersk will temporarily take over operation of two ports on the Panama Canal from Hong Kong company CK Hutchison, whose concession has been annulled, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) says.

550 words moved

UN-diplomacy,WRAP

UNITED NATIONS

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres warns that the world body is on the brink of financial collapse and could run out of cash by July, as he urges countries to pay their dues.

400 words moved

-- MIDDLE EAST --

Israel-Palestinians-conflict,WRAP

JERUSALEM

Israel announces it will reopen the crucial Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Sunday after months of urging from the UN, humanitarian organisations and ordinary Palestinians -- but only for the "limited movement of people".

750 words moved

Syria-conflict-Kurds,WRAP

DAMASCUS

Syria's government and Kurdish forces reach a comprehensive deal to gradually integrate the Kurds' military and civilian institutions into the state, a step Washington described as a "historic milestone".

850 words moved by Maher Al Mounes

-- EUROPE --

Denmark-US-NATO-Afghanistan-protest,WRAP

COPENHAGEN

Several thousand people are expected to join a silent march in Copenhagen organised by Denmark's veterans' association after US President Donald Trump's comments downplaying the role of non-US NATO troops in Afghanistan.

395 words 0300 GMT by Camille Bas-Wohlert. File picture

Ukraine-Russia-conflict,WRAP

KYIV

The Kremlin says President Vladimir Putin has agreed to stop striking Kyiv for a week -- ending Sunday -- following a request by his US counterpart Donald Trump.

750 words moved by Barbara Wojazer. Picture. Video

-- ASIA --

China-Britain-diplomacy,WRAP

SHANGHAI

Visiting Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Britain has a "huge amount to offer" China, after his bid to forge closer ties prompts warnings from US President Donald Trump.

750 words moved. Picture. Video

-- AFRICA --

Sudan-conflict-Kordofan-drones,WRAP

PORT SUDAN

The city of El-Obeid in Sudan's Kordofan region, largely encircled by paramilitary forces, is targeted by drone attacks that hit multiple government-linked facilities, several witnesses tell AFP.

450 words moved

Niger-unrest-politics,FACTS

ABIJDAN, Ivory Coast

Niger's main airport in the capital Niamey is targeted in an attack claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group, a rare development in a country where jihadist violence is usually contained to the west and southeast.

600 words moved. Picture

-- LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT --

Entertainment-US-music-Grammys-BadBunny,FOCUS

NEW YORK

Only 10 years ago, Bad Bunny worked bagging groceries -- a shocking contrast with the cosmic fame the artist now commands. But his bestselling albums, last year's monumental concert residency in Puerto Rico and an endless string of smashed records are somehow just the beginning.

750 words 0130 GMT by Maggy Donaldson. File picture. File video

Entertainment-film-US-politics-Melania,WRAP

WASHINGTON

"Melania," the Amazon MGM-produced documentary following the US first lady as she prepares for her husband Donald's second inauguration, opens in theaters.

400 words 0300 GMT by Emma Lacoste with Jesus Olarte in Miami. Video

Nigeria-entertainment-music-Grammys-Fela

LAGOS

Nigeria's Afrobeat king Fela Kuti will this weekend be posthumously recognised by the Grammys with a Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to receive the distinction.

500 words moved by Susan Njanji. Picture

-- SPORT --

Tennis-AUS-Open

MELBOURNE

World number one Aryna Sabalenka clashes with Elena Rybakina in what promises to be a hard-hitting women's Australian Open final.

550 words 0430 GMT. Picture. Graphic