May 6, Thursday, 2021 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline

1. The Japanese government is considering extending its coronavirus state of emergency for Osaka and two neighboring prefectures beyond May 11. It will decide whether to do the same for Tokyo after hearing the governor’s opinion. The move comes as the number of critically-ill patients in the country hit an all-time high.
2.Pre-democracy forces in Myanmar say they have created what they call a “People’s Defense Force” to protect civilians from the military crackdown on protesters against the February 1 coup. The National Unity Government, which was set up last month by opponents of the military rule, announced the formation of the force on Wednesday.
3. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Mexico and Guatemala next month. She is in charge of dealing with a surge in migration at the U.S. southern border.