1. Japan’s government is considering lifting a state of emergency imposed over the coronavirus earlier than planned in five prefectures in central and western parts of the country. 2. The International Olympic Committee says the Australian city of Brisbane has been picked as the preferred bidder to host the 2032 Olympic Games. 3. Olympic preparations are ramping up in Tokyo with less than five months until the Games kick off. It’s still unclear whether overseas spectators will be able to attend due to the coronavirus pandemic. But a senior International Olympic Committee official suggests a decision could be made in the coming months.