Novel Virus Spreading

On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization, a muggle organization that monitors disease processes and trends worldwide learned about a number of cases of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan City, in the Hubei Province of China. On January 7, Chinese authorities identified the cause as a new coronavirus (2019-nCoV), a member of the coronavirus family that had never been encountered before that was affecting citizens in China and spreading throughout the muggle world. The muggle coronaviruses previously encountered usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. However, two other muggle coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have been known to cause severe symptoms and even death.

Symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some infected individuals have died, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, 2019-nCoV can cause severe symptoms and even death. Like other muggle coronaviruses, it is thought to have originated in animals, possibly seafood. Many of the first people infected either worked or frequently shopped in a seafood wholesale market in Wuhan City. Researchers do not yet know how easily the virus spreads between people. This virus does not appear to be an immediate threat to the wizarding community. The situation is being monitored by the Department of International Magical Cooperation. The Department of Magical Transportation is not currently recommending travel

restrictions but has updated its interim travel health notice for this destination, which recommends enhanced precautions and provides information to people who may be traveling to Wuhan City and who may get sick. The Daily Prophet is also monitoring the situation closely and will be keeping the community informed as more is learned about the virus or if new travel or other recommendations are made.======================

Broom Racing Accident in France Kills 2

Two young men were killed in what was possibly an illegal broom race recently, according to official sources. Three others were injured in the crash resulting from the alleged drag racing activity. Witnesses say they did not hear any shouted warning, which would have indicated that the riders tried to warn the campers they struck. They only heard a loud crash. Other witnesses said there were a pair of teens riding a silver arrow, the practice of cohabitating on a broom a dangerous practice when racing, the broom's driver lost control and smashed into a pair of muggles camping in Corrèze. The Muggle-Worthy Excuse Comittee worked quickly to report meteorologic activity being the actual cause of death. Oblivators erased the recollection of three witnesses who were reportedly 'incredibly distraught.' Two campers were knocked into the water. Annabelle (19) and Matthew (22). They sustained moderate injuries, requiring medical intervention. A third, 26-year old muggle Timothy was critically injured. He sustained a head injury and suffers from severe short-term memory loss. This proving to be advantageous in this scenario but unfortunate for the youth.

Too Fast, Too Furious Broom racing has been popular for decades and is often depicted as fun and exciting. According to the Department of Magical Transportation, there are two types of illegal drag racing: semi-organized, in which youths arrange drag races at clandestine locations using owls to organize events; and "moment of opportunity" races in which two individuals find themselves next to each other on brooms and decide to challenge each other. Most of the racers use high-performance or illegally modified brooms in order to improve their opponents. These illegal modifications are incredibly dangerous and contribute to the high mortality rate of illegal broom racers. Advocates for improved safety for riders are calling for a licence to broom ride. Presently there are no active plans to restrict broom ownership, however a petition has been signed by 369 wizards in favor of requiring a license to ride or own a broom.

Dangerous Terrorist Group Forms in London

A squib organization called S.C.A.R. found their way into the home of a pureblood family in the heart of London last week. Their ancestral home of Darkwood Manor as set ablaze around 3:42 in the morning. There was nothing left to the Yaxley homestead, due to the high heat produced by an incendiary device and an accelerator.

There were two deaths, neither pureblood but neither identified either either the only statement we presently have regarding their identity is that they were female. The Yaxley family employs several female employees and will be attempting to assist authorities in the identification of the remains. The remains have yet to be identified but it is believed that the remains might belong to a pair of S.C.A.R. members. Potentially an attempted murder-suicide pact but investigators have asked for a full roster of Yaxley employees for review.

The Yaxley family are an old, pureblood family who has recently been in the media as victims of a theft. It would appear that this unfortunate family has been victimized once again by a squib organization that has turned to violence as a means of 'justice.'

"The members of this organization appear to be mentally unstable, as many squibs are," Mathias Terp a spokesperson for the Yaxley family explained. "It is for this reason that we need to separate ourselves from squibs and muggles even further," he continues.

S.C.A.R. has denied any involvement in this theft and states that they are unable to identify the two dead. Thaddeus Athanatos, London pure-blood philanthropist has come to the organization's defense claiming, "it is easy to pick out the unusual and the bizarre. The underprivileged and the angry and assume that they are the cause of our problems. However, I encourage everyone to think the best of our friends and family members. These squibs share our blood and while they do not have our magical potential, their children might. By placing them in exile, we place our own legacies at risk." Athanatos has been criticized for his inclusive stance over the past few years but has made a name for himself as well as a platform in wizard society for his fearless advocacy as well as his philanthropy in St. Mungos in honor of his late wife. There have been rumors that Mr.Athanatos will be running against Erich Weston but Mr. Athanatos has not confirmed these rumors despite strong support among the youth in London.

========================= Thaddeus Athanatos

Hogwart's Inclusive Admission Standards Endanger the Welfare of the Student Body

Hogwarts has been known as an enduring academic institution that has created some of the most powerful as well as destructive wizards of the modern age. Celebrated for their experienced staff, they continue a legacy of education that meets the high standards of society. However, Hogwarts has recently begun to admit dangerous creatures as students such as werewolves and dhampirs. They have also sullied the reputation of the school by admitting half-breeds such as part-goblins on a more routine basis.

Historically institutions would allow the admission of a 'unique' student that was not fully human if they proved themselves to be exceptional and not problematic. However, Hogwarts is simply admitting anyone it would appear and this creates a dangerous precedent for the wizarding world. Several conservative groups in London as well as Glasgow have condemned this academic institution and have called for parents to withdraw their children from this 'disgrace' of a school and send their children elsewhere.

The Headmasters of other European schools have declined to comment however several vocal parents have voiced concerns that their school will soon implement similar policies.