Editor’s Note: This listicle is part of a weekly series by The Ball State Daily News summarizing five stories from around the world. All summaries are based on stories published by The Associated Press.
Tests to find a vaccine to stop COVID-19, intelligence reports on China hiding the severity of the pandemic, Islamic State extremist attacks in Iraq and Syria, a failed raid in Venezuela and the postponement of the 2020 World Expo make up this week’s five international stories.
A volunteer is injected with either an experimental COVID-19 vaccine or a comparison shot as part of the first human trials April 25, 2020, in the U.K. These trials, led by Oxford University in England, are meant to test a potential vaccine. (University of Oxford via AP)
COVID-19 vaccine hunt heats up globally, still no guarantee
Hundreds of people are rolling up their sleeves across the world to be injected with experimental vaccines that might stop COVID-19, spurring hope that an end to the pandemic may arrive sooner than anticipated. About 100 research groups are pursuing vaccines with nearly a dozen in early stages of human trials or poised to start. It’s a crowded field, but researchers say that only increases the odds that a few might overcome the many obstacles that remain.
Read more: Racing for a Remedy
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks at a news conference at the State Department April 29, 2020, in Washington. Chinese leaders “intentionally concealed the severity” of the pandemic from the world in early January, according to a Department of Homeland Security report. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
DHS report: China hid virus’ severity to hoard supplies
U.S. officials believe China covered up the extent of the coronavirus outbreak — and how contagious the disease is — to stock up on medical supplies needed to respond to it, intelligence documents show. Chinese leaders “intentionally concealed the severity” of the pandemic from the world in early January, according to a four-page Department of Homeland Security intelligence report dated May 1 and obtained by The Associated Press.
Read more: Virus outbreak
An Islamic State militant flag lies in a tent encampment March 23, 2019, after U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighters took control of Baghouz, Syria. Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria are stepping up attacks, taking advantage of governments preoccupied with the economic and health impact of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)
IS extremists step up as Iraq, Syria, grapple with virus
Two assaults — a suicide bombing in Kirkuk and a three-pronged coordinated attack that killed 10 Iraqi militia fighters days later — are the latest in a resurgence of attacks by the Islamic State group in northern Iraq. In neighboring Syria, IS attacks on security forces, oil fields and civilian sites have also intensified. The renewed mayhem is a sign that the militant group is taking advantage of governments absorbed in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and economic chaos.
Read more: Islamic State group
Security forces guard the shore area and a boat May 3, 2020, in which authorities claim a group of armed men landed in the port city of La Guaira, Venezuela. Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said on state television that security forces overcame before dawn Sunday an armed maritime incursion with speedboats from neighboring Colombia. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Ex-Green Beret claims he led foiled raid into Venezuela
A former Green Beret has taken responsibility for what he claimed was a failed attack Sunday aimed at overthrowing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and that the socialist government said ended with eight dead. Jordan Goudreau’s comments in an interview with an exiled Venezuelan journalist capped a bizarre day that started with reports of a predawn amphibious raid near the South American country’s heavily guarded capital.
Read more: Venezuela
Technicians walk at the under construction site of the Expo 2020 Oct. 8, 2019, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai's Expo 2020 world's fair will be postponed to Oct. 1, 2021, over the new coronavirus pandemic, a Paris-based body behind the events said Monday. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)
Dubai Expo 2020 world’s fair postponed to October 21, 2021
Dubai’s Expo 2020 world’s fair will be postponed to Oct. 1, 2021, over the new coronavirus pandemic, a Paris-based body behind the events said Monday. Dubai, a sheikhdom in the United Arab Emirates, has bet billions of dollars on Expo 2020 to rejuvenate its troubled economy. Since the pandemic grounded flights by its long-haul carrier Emirates and disrupted its real estate market, Dubai has been seeking to delay the event until next year.
Read more: Middle East
Read More
Men’s Baseball vs. University Akron
By Dakota Atwood / 4 hours agoBall State Men’s Baseball faces off against the University Of Akron as the Cards look to sweep the series against the Zips.
A cappella group The Parallels feeling blue after senior showcase
By Sophie Schick / 5 hours agoBlue boots taking the stage
Yorktown Softball looks to continue their dynasty
By Aiden Riegle / 5 hours agoBehind two star seniors, the Tigers look to reach their third consecutive semi-state appearance.
