*) Cargo ship that blocked Suez Canal is freed

A giant cargo ship that was blocking Egypt's Suez Canal for almost a week has been freed.

The MV Ever Given is now heading towards the Bitter Lakes area of the waterway, where it will undergo an inspection.

Authorities say traffic in the channel has resumed, but the backlog of 422 ships is expected to be cleared in a couple of days.

*) Trial of ex-cop accused of killing George Floyd begins

The first day of testimony in the trial of the white former cop accused of killing George Floyd has ended in Minneapolis.

The prosecution and the defence started off with their opening arguments and the graphic video footage of the killing was shown to jurors.

Floyd's death last May reignited Black Lives Matter protests across the US and the world.

*) Myanmar death toll from junta crackdown passes 500

Over 500 people have been killed by Myanmar junta's brutal crackdown on protests since the coup in February.

The grim toll comes as the US suspends a trade pact with Myanmar and the UN chief is calling for a united global front to put pressure on the military to stop their atrocities.

However, daily anti-coup rallies are still continuing despite being met with tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds.

*) EU urges Greece to investigate refugee pushbacks

The EU's top migration official is urging Greece to investigate reports of refugee pushbacks.

Ylva Johansson visited asylum facilities on Samos and Lesvos after allegations of illegal deportations by Greece.

She says the absence of a European solution to the refugee crisis is unacceptable.

And finally …

*) VW to change its name in the US

German carmaker Volkswagen will reportedly change its name in the US.

It's apparently swapping the 'K' for a 'T' as it invests heavily in electric cars.

The new name will be Voltswagen.