The Daily World News Report of the 26th of February 2020

Coronavirus

The effects of the virus on the stock markets were felt heavily in the past few days as the S&P 500 lost more than $1,747,000,000,000 in value. The 6.3% loss is the largest “since August 2015, when the Chinese government devalued the yuan amid the U.S.-China trade war.”[1] As Canada confirms 10 people infected, United States reports an increase of 6 cases of the Coronavirus, totaling 59.[2] 4 are people that evacuated from the Diamond Princess Cruise ship, “CDC officials confirmed to CNN.”[3] Russia also reports new cases from the Diamond Princess Cruiseliner, confirming 3.[4] The first US soldier has been confirmed to be infected in South Korea at Camp Carroll near Daegu, where “the majority of known infection cases in South Korea” are. The country is facing the most infections outside of China with a count of 1,100 as of the report.[5] Iran has confirmed their 19^th death from the Coronavirus on Wednesday[6] as Iranian cyber police arrest 24 people “accused of online rumour-mongering” of the 19 deaths.[7] North Korea announces “stricter inspection and quarantine measures for imported goods” as the country has not officially reported any cases to date.[8] Japan reports the first death of the virus. The Hokkaido Prefecture, where the elderly person resides, confirms the “death due to COVID-19.”[9] France reports two people have died due to the Coronavirus on Wednesday. The second death was only detected that day.[10] The first case of the virus in South America is confirmed in Brazil. The 61 year old man infected recently visited Italy.[11] Italy has shown a high infection rate as it has been the source of many other countries’ first cases. Their case count has jumped up to 400, “a 25% surge in 24 hours.”[12] Greece has reported their first case of Coronavirus. She was visiting Milan, Italy.[13]

Greece

About 500 local people, living on “the Greek islands of Lesbos and Chios on Tuesday”, protest the construction of refugee camps. They have “seen hundreds of thousands of migrants land on their shores”. They “tried to block construction workers from bringing ashore building materials”. The Greek government sent riot police to disperse the protesters with tear gas. Greece’s current refugee camps are overcrowded, and they have plans to build “five new migrant centres”. [14]

India

The conflict in India continued in New Delhi about the law, easing the immigration process for non-Muslim people, until police began their effort to reduce violence, arresting 106. The death count rises to 27,[15] becoming “the worst religious violence to hit India's capital in decades”. The protest lasted for about 4 days.[16]

“The 2019 World Air Quality Report [was] published Tuesday.” It reports that India has the “14 of the top 20”. “Several Chinese cities, including Beijing, have dramatically improved their air quality in recent years”.[17]

Philippines

OPAC, the Overseas Passengers Assistance Center, observed “signs that … women passengers were ‘being trafficked,’ prompting them to alert the authorities.” 56 women were rescued on Monday by the Philippine Coast Guard in the city of Zamboanga. “They are staying…[at The Home of the Women in Barangay San Roque] and after the assessment, we will send them back to their respective places”.[18]

Yemen

Sanctions on Yemen have been extended by the UN Security Council on Tuesday, disregarding “UN experts’ findings” that the Houthi militia had drones and weapons with parts manufactured in Iran.[19]

Syria

UN announced that nearly 950,000 people have been displaced since December 2019 from the northwestern region of Syria as Assad’s regime and the Syrian rebels fight over Idlib.[20] Three people were killed on Wednesday after “dozens of villages, including major rebel strongholds in the last opposition-held area, have been captured over the past few days.”[21]

United States

The leader of a white supremacist group was arrested in Texas today. His name is John Denton of “the Atomwaffen Division, a neo-Nazi group”. He is charged with “"swatting" calls targeting victims in Virginia, including an unnamed member of President Trump's Cabinet and an investigative journalist.” “Swatting involves calling in fake emergencies to authorities with the goal of provoking a large law enforcement response.”[22]

Disney’s CEO Bob Iger is leaving his role; however, he will “stay on as executive chairman, overseeing the company’s creative endeavors through the end of next year, when his contract expires.” Bob Chapek is the new CEO as of the announcement.[23]

---

[1] Fitzgerald, Maggie. “Coronavirus Wipes out $1.7 Trillion in US Stock Market Value in Two Days.” CNBC, 25 Feb. 2020, www.cnbc.com/2020/02/25/coronavirus-wipes-out-1point7-trillion-in-us-stock-market-value-in-two-days.html.

[2] “Coronavirus: Should Americans Be Worried?” BBC News, 26 Feb. 2020, www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51649897.

[3] Phillips, Jack. “CDC Confirms 57 Cases of Coronavirus in US.” The Epoch Times, 25 Feb. 2020, www.theepochtimes.com/cdc-confirms-57-cases-of-coronavirus-in-us_3250350.html.

[4] “3 Russians from ‘Diamond Princess’ Cruise Ship Test Positive for Coronavirus – Official .” RT, 26 Feb. 2020, www.rt.com/newsline/481745-russians-diamond-princess-coronavirus/.

[5] Fang, Frank. “First US Soldier Infected With Coronavirus in South Korea.” The Epoch Times, 25 Feb. 2020, www.theepochtimes.com/first-us-soldier-infected-with-coronavirus-in-south-korea_3250996.html.

[6] “Covid-19: Iran Raises Death Toll to 19 amid 139 Coronavirus Cases.” Khaleej Times, AP, Reuters, 26 Feb. 2020, www.khaleejtimes.com/region/mena/covid-19-iran-raises-death-toll-to-19-amid-139-coronavirus-cases.

[7] Havasi, Amir. “Cyber Police in Virus-Hit Iran Arrest 24 over COVID-19 Rumours.” Yahoo!, AFP, 26 Feb. 2020, news.yahoo.com/cyberpolice-virus-hit-iran-arrest-24-over-covid-142622257.html.

[8] Beech, Samantha. “ North Korea Steps up Import Inspections over Coronavirus Fears.” CNN World, Cable News Network, 26 Feb. 2020, edition.cnn.com/asia/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-02-26-20-intl-hnk/h_be1a3c1edaa1ed6a9eedf8f07176438b.

[9] Abe, Hiroaki. “1st Coronavirus Death Reported in Japan’s North Hokkaido Area .” The Asahi Shimbun, 26 Feb. 2020, www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13166393.

[10] “Covid-19: France Reports Second Coronavirus Death.” Khaleej Times, Reuters, 26 Feb. 2020, www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus-outbreak/covid-19-france-reports-second-coronavirus-death.

[11] Sousa, Marcelo De, and Mauricio Savarese. “Brazil Confirms First Coronavirus Case in Latin America.” AP News, 26 Feb. 2020, apnews.com/fd3d0d0120dd10f3d09bad78a4dd9539.

[12] “Coronavirus Cases Surge to 400 in Italy.” BBC News, 26 Feb. 2020, www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51645902.

[13] “Coronavirus: Greece Confirms First Case, a Woman Back from Milan.” The Straits Times, Reuters, 26 Feb. 2020, www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/coronavirus-greece-confirms-first-case-a-woman-back-from-milan.

[14] Wyatt, Tim. “Riot Police Sent in as Greek Islanders Protest Refugee Camps’ Construction.” Independent, 25 Feb. 2020, www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/greece-refugee-migrant-protests-lesbos-chios-riot-police-tear-gas-a9357511.html.

[15] “Violence in Delhi: Uneasy Calm in Riot-Hit Areas; 106 Arrested, 18 FIRs Lodged.” Times of India, Times Internet, 26 Feb. 2020, timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-violence-uneasy-calm-in-riot-hit-areas-106-arrested-18-firs-lodged/articleshow/74324207.cms.

[16] “At Least 25 Killed in India Violence: Latest Updates.” Al Jazeera, 26 Feb. 2020, www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/india-violence-latest-updates-200226070002041.html.

[17] Marlow, Iain, and Hannah Dormido. “Two-Thirds of the World’s Most Polluted Cities Are in India.” Yahoo!, Bloomberg, 25 Feb. 2020, news.yahoo.com/world-most-polluted-cities-mostly-030001223.html.

[18] “56 Victims of Human Trafficking Rescued in Zamboanga City Port .” The Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network, 26 Feb. 2020, www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/02/26/56-victims-of-human-trafficking-rescued-in-zamboanga-city-port.

[19] “UN Security Council Approves Resolution Extending Yemen Sanctions.” Al Arabiya, The Associated Press, 26 Feb. 2020, english.alarabiya.net/en/News/2020/02/26/UN-Security-Council-approves-resolution-extending-Yemen-sanctions.html.

[20] Hughes, Clyde. “United Nations: More than 948K Displaced in Syria in Last 12 Weeks.” UPI, 26 Feb. 2020, www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2020/02/26/United-Nations-More-than-948K-displaced-in-Syria-in-last-12-weeks/3231582728122/.

[21] “Syrian Troops Push into Last Rebel Area, Hit Civilian Sites.” Egypt Independent, AP, 26 Feb. 2020, www.egyptindependent.com/syrian-troops-push-into-last-rebel-area-hit-civilian-sites/.

[22] Swatting involves calling in fake emergencies to authorities with the goal of provoking a large law enforcement response.

[23] Watson, R. T., et al. “Disney CEO Bob Iger Steps Aside; Bob Chapek Named New Head .” The Wall Street Journal, 25 Feb. 2020, www.wsj.com/articles/disney-names-new-ceo-to-succeed-iger-11582665764.

"Manifesting himself unto all nations" part 3

     After reading the verses for our "Come, Follow me" family scripture study this morning, I found that Heavenly Father is guiding the content of “Once Upon a Precept” as this is part three of “Manifesting himself unto all nations". I was not looking to continue this series of articles. We read the following verses from 2 Nephi chapter 29 verses 7 – 9:

“Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth? Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also. And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.”

     Reviewing these verses again for the article today, I am thinking that faith in Jesus Christ is not a cultural tradition of the western countries. Faith in Jesus Christ is not a modern religion. The name of the Lamb of God was revealed to the Nephite nation hundreds of years before his birth. They knew the name of Christ. The Jaredite nation also knew of Jesus Christ, and they arrived on the American continent about a thousand years before the Nephites had. I mentioned in my last article that the three kings that visited the Christ child were of foreign nations. Jesus Christ had his disciples establish the church in many nations after his death and resurrection. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sustained by the Holy Ghost as well today, testifying to all the nations of the earth that Jesus Christ did suffer for the sins of man. He has obtained the mercy and judgement-seat[1], being our advocate to the father, if we are faithful to our covenants.

     Please “condemn not the things of God”[1]or not “murmur…because that ye shall receive more of my word”. Read the Book of Mormon sincerely and embrace the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been restored. Jesus Christ is leading the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through his prophets as he has done since the beginning.

---

[1] Title Page of the Book of Mormon

---

[1] Title Page of the Book of Mormon

The Daily World News Report of the 25th of February 2020

Coronavirus

As the Canary Islands is recovering from “a massive sandstorm that blew in from the Sahara Desert over the weekend”[1], the H10 Adeje Palace hotel in Tenerife places itself with about 1000 guests “in quarantine after an Italian doctor staying there tested positive for the Covid-19.”[2] The Canary Islands are off the coast of the northwestern countries in Africa of Morocco and the Western Sahara. South Korea reports its eleventh death from Coronavirus, “a Mongolian national”.[3] The entire Iraqi family of four, returning home from Iran, was diagnosed with the virus after one was confirmed in Iraq.[4] Iran updated their death toll to 14.[5] Bahrain’s count of infected people jumped to 23 people, and they have closed all schools in the nation for at least 2 weeks.[6] A Swiss man traveling in Italy has returned to Switzerland infected with Coronavirus. He was participating in an event in Milano, becoming the country’s first case.[7] Spain also reports their first case of Coronavirus. The woman was also visiting Italy.[8]

Syria

On the Syrian Civil War front of the city of Idlib, Assad’s campaign gains “full control over Tal Nar region”, including the following villages: “Tal al-Nar, Sheikh Mustafa, al-Naqir, [&] Kafr Sajneh,” The village of “Sheikh Dames and Hantutin in Ma’arat al-Nu’man district” was also seized.[9] The Syrian opposition seek to replace Assad’s regime, relieving the country of his oppression. The Syrian rebels also have reported that they have regain a town in the war. The town is named Nairab.  Turkey has sent thousands of soldiers to aid against the advance of Assad’s regime.[10]

Malaysia

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad, is resigning after less than two years of his office. His entire political party quit the government coalition as well. His political party is pressuring the Prime Minister to complete his five year term; however, he intends to follow the agreement before the election, where he would only serve for two years and hand over power to Anwar Ibrahim, the leader of the minority political party. Mahathir will remain in his role until he is replaced. The politics is complicated in Malaysia, and corruption of colleagues may have inspired his early resignation.[11]

Egypt

One autocratic ruler that I blogged about as I began covering the world news in 2011 is Hosni Mubarak, the former president of Egypt. He ruled for nearly 30 years, and his “repression, corruption and cronyism” was opposed “during the Arab Spring uprisings”. “Mr. Mubarak agreed on Feb. 11, 2011, to cede his powers to a military council leadership” after 18 days of “violent clashes between security forces and protesters, [leaving] hundreds dead”. Muhammad Hosni El Sayed Mubarak died today at age 91.[12]

India

During US President Donald Trump’s visit to India, he confirmed the arms deal of 3 billion dollars. “According to reports, India is buying 24 SeaHawk helicopters from Lockheed Martin equipped with Hellfire missiles worth $2.6 billion”.[13]

The protests in New Delhi over the new immigration law, favoring non-Muslim people, continues their destruction. Building and vehicles have been set on fire as the death toll count rises to 13, and at least 150 are injured. The destruction tripled since yesterday.[14]

Somalia

Early last week the United States performed a precision airstrike mission with ties to an attack at Manda Bay, Kenya. The airstrikes were carried out in Saakow, Somalia, and the US confirmed that it successfully killed two senior leaders of the al-Shabaab terrorist group. “Al Shabaab is considered to be al Qaeda's largest affiliate, commanding some 5,000 fighters according to US military assessments.” Al Shabaab’s attack in Kenya involved multiple fronts including military installations and the airfield.[15]

Cameroon

After a series of events in two separatist regions in Cameroon, the Constitutional Council announced that they are canceling the legislative election results of those regions today. The election was held on February 9, 2020. Cameroon’s president for the past 37 years has been a man named Paul Biya. There has been a “29-months-old conflict”, where the English speaking people are seeking to establish a new nation. In 2017, they even put forth a declaration of independence, which has been rejected internationally and by the president. There is discrimination between the French and English speaking people. 20 percent of the country speaks English as the majority speak French. “The government has lately decentralised some of its powers after a "national dialogue" on the anglophone crisis”. Military men and “at least 30 armed Fulani”, an armed ethnic group, has taken things in their own hands. “‘After hours of looting homes and beating civilians…, "killing 21 civilians in four homes, then burning the houses", The military told the residents "the attack was to punish civilians suspected of harbouring separatist fighters", HRW said, quoting 12 witnesses.’[16]

---

[1] Guy, Jack. “Massive Sandstorm Strands Travelers in Canary Islands.” CNN Travel, Cable News Network, 24 Feb. 2020, edition.cnn.com/travel/article/canary-islands-sandstorm-scli-intl/index.html.

[2] “1000 Tourists Now under Quarantine at Tenerife Hotel after Italian Doctor Tests Positive for Coronavirus.” Irish Examiner, Press Association, 25 Feb. 2020, www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/world/tenerife-hotel-quarantined-after-italian-doctor-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-983886.html.

[3] “S. Korea Reports 1st Death of Foreign National; Coronavirus Fatalities Reach 11.” Yonhap News Agency, 25 Feb. 2020, en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200225012600320.

[4] “Iraq Reports Four Cases of Coronavirus amid Fear of Iran Epidemic Spillover.” The Daily Star, Reuters, 25 Feb. 2020, www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2020/Feb-25/501708-iraq-reports-four-cases-of-coronavirus-amid-fear-of-iran-epidemic-spillover.ashx.

[5] Regan, Helen, et al. “Coronavirus Deaths Rise in Iran and South Korea as Italy Grapples with Outbreak .” CNN World, Cable News Network, 25 Feb. 2020, edition.cnn.com/asia/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-02-25-20-hnk-intl/h_b9a66af45edabe4475b0e7eabd232a45.

[6] Naar, Ishmaeel. “Bahrain Suspends All Private, Public Schools amid Coronavirus Outbreak.” Al Arabiya, Al Arabiya Network, 25 Feb. 2020, english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2020/02/25/Bahrain-suspends-all-private-public-schools-amid-coronavirus-outbreak.html.

[7] “Coronavirus: Switzerland Confirms Its First Case.” The Strait Times, Reuters, 25 Feb. 2020, www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/coronavirus-switzerland-confirms-its-first-case.

[8] Landauro, Inti, and Emma Pinedo. “Spain Reports First Coronavirus Case on Mainland, Hotel in Canaries Locked Down.” ABS CBN, Reuters, 26 Feb. 2020, news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/02/26/20/spain-reports-first-coronavirus-case-on-mainland-hotel-in-canaries-locked-down.

[9] “Syrian Army Continues Anti-Terror Operation in Idlib, Liberates More Villages .” Press TV, 24 Feb. 2020, www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/02/24/619424/Syrian-army-continues-anti-terror-operation-in-Idlib,-liberating-new-villages.

[10] “Turkey-Backed Rebels Say They've Seized Town in Syria's Idlib in First Advance .” Haaretz, Reuters, 25 Feb. 2020, www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/turkey-backed-rebels-say-they-ve-seized-town-in-syria-s-idlib-in-first-advance-1.8587168.

[11] Sukumaran, Tashny. “Malaysian King Installs Mahathir as Interim Prime Minister, after His Shock Resignation Deepens Political Tumult.” South China Morning Post, 24 Feb. 2020, www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3052067/malaysian-pm-mahathirs-party-quits-ruling-pakatan-harapan.

[12] Englund, Will, and T. Rees Shapiro. “Hosni Mubarak Dies at 91. His Autocratic Rule of Egypt Ended with a Citizens’ Revolt.” The Washington Post, www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/hosni-mubarak-dies-at-91-his-autocratic-rule-of-egypt-ended-with-a-citizens-revolt/2020/02/25/d70e076a-57bf-11ea-ab68-101ecfec2532_story.html.

[13] “India to Buy Defence Equipment Worth $3 Billion from US: All You Need to Know.” Times of India, Times Internet, 25 Feb. 2020, timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/3-billion-india-us-defence-deal-to-purchase-romeo-apache-choppers-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/74299361.cms.

[14] “Sectarian Unrest Kills 13 in Indian Capital.” Yahoo! News, AFP, 25 Feb. 2020, www.yahoo.com/news/10-killed-more-130-injured-delhi-riots-152006112.html.

[15] Browne, Ryan, and Barbara Starr. “US Military Says It Killed Terrorist Leader Who Planned Attack That Killed Americans in Kenya.” CNN Politics, Cable News Network, 25 Feb. 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/02/25/politics/us-kills-terrorist-leader-kenya/index.html.

[16] “Watchdog HRW Accuses Army in Massacre in Anglophone Cameroon.” Yahoo! News, Agence-France Presse, 25 Feb. 2020, au.news.yahoo.com/watchdog-hrw-accuses-army-massacre-anglophone-cameroon-192235525--spt.html.