REUTERS NEWS SCHEDULE AT 6 p.m. GMT/ 2 p.m. ET

Here are the top stories and upcoming coverage plans for Reuters text service as of 6 p.m. GMT/ 2 p.m. ET. For a full schedule of news and events, go to our editorial calendar on Reuters Connect or on Media Express.

TOP STORIES

GLOBAL

IRAN-ISRAEL

Israel on edge for Iranian retaliation after embassy strike

JERUSALEM, April 12 (Reuters) - Israel on Friday braced for an attack by Iran or its proxies as warnings grew of retaliation for the killing last week of a senior officer in Iran's embassy in Damascus.

HAITI-POLITICS

Haiti decrees long-awaited transition council, but questions remain

PORT-AU-PRINCE, April 12 (Reuters) - Haiti's government formalized the creation of a nine-member transitional presidential council on Friday, a long-delayed move intended as the first step in restoring security to the gang-ravaged Caribbean country.

U.S.

ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS/USA-BIDEN

Biden says he expects Iran to attack Israel soon, warns: 'Don't'

WASHINGTON, April 12 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday said he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed.

USA-BIDEN

Biden cancels $7.4 bln in student debt for 277,000 borrowers

April 12 (Reuters) - The Biden administration will cancel $7.4 billion in student debt for 277,000 borrowers, the White House said on Friday, the latest in a series of debt cancellations.

BUSINESS

USA-CHINA/HUAWEI-INTEL

US lawmakers angry after Huawei unveils laptop with new Intel AI chip

WASHINGTON, April 12 (Reuters) - Republican U.S. lawmakers on Friday criticized the Biden administration after sanctioned Chinese telecoms equipment giant Huawei unveiled a laptop this week powered by an Intel AI chip.

U. S. STEEL-M&A/NIPPON STEEL

U.S. Steel shareholders approve $14.9 bln buyout by Nippon Steel

April 12 (Reuters) - U.S. Steel X.N shareholders on Friday approved its proposed $14.9 billion acquisition by Japan's Nippon Steel 5401.T, as expected, taking the merger one step closer to completion even as political opposition to the deal mounts.

LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

PERFORMERS-CONTRACT/AI

SAG-AFTRA union secures AI protections for artists in deal with major record labels

April 12 (Reuters) - Hollywood performers and media professionals have reached a tentative deal with major record labels such as Warner Music Group WMG.O and Sony Music Entertainment 6758.T that includes increases in minimum salaries and protections against the use of AI.

ITALY-ARCHAEOLOGY

Ballet hails the return of water to Rome's ancient Caracalla baths

ROME, April 12 (Reuters) - The return of water to Rome's ancient baths of Caracalla after more than 1,000 years was greeted on Friday by ballet dancers performing on a platform over a newly installed pool.

SPORTS

BASEBALL-MLB/OHTANI

Baseball star Ohtani's ex-interpreter released on $25,000 bond, issues apology

LOS ANGELES, April 12 (Reuters) - Japanese baseball great Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter was released on bond and apologized through a lawyer after appearing in court on a bank fraud charge accusing him of stealing $16 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers star to cover illegal gambling debts.

GOLF-MASTERS

Golf-Scheffler, Homa, DeChambeau share Masters lead as Woods targets Green Jacket

AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 12 (Reuters) - Bryson DeChambeau, Max Homa and Scottie Scheffler weathered a wild windy day seldom seen at Augusta National to share the Masters second round lead on Friday while Tiger Woods targeted a sixth Green Jacket after claiming another major record.

UPCOMING POLITICS / INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

USA-ELECTION/TRUMP (PIX) (TV)

Trump holds rally in battleground state Pennsylvania Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump holds a campaign rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. 13 Apr 15:00 ET / 19:00 GMT