The Western Isles News

[Pacific Peace Union]

[New Aapelistan]

[Atnaia]

Atnaia Promises Aid for Athara Magarat Instability
Quorum offers AM Stone Wall Security troops to dispel riots, sends diplomatic experts to help broker peace

Lady Eliza Newhope, Hegemonic Ambassador to Athara Magarat,
addressing racial tensions in the nation

PORT GRAY, ATNA PREFECTURE, ATNAIA - After a call for aid from Athara Magarat regarding increasing ethnic tensions in the country, the Hegemonic Quorum has announced that they will be sending a special ambassador to oversee talks to quell tensions.

"We will stand together with our brothers and sisters around the globe," said a Quorum spokesperson last night. "This has always been the goal of the current administration, and continues to be our priority. There is no more important priority to the Quorum than unity amongst Atish people everywhere."

"I am prepared for the difficulties that lie ahead," said Lady Eliza Newhope, the special ambassador chosen by the Quorum for the job of overseeing peace and advising the Athara Magarati government in this matter. "I understand the deep divides in the people of Athara Magarat, and I know there will be no Band-Aid solution, but through consistent and artful work, I am certain that we can come together for peace."

Lady Newhope is an Atnaian noblewoman of strong Merritian descent. Her noble line was originally founded on the small island of Cypham off of Merrit, but in addition to that connection, her grandfather was a natural-born Merritian citizen and founder of the Norrigton Resort and Hotel chain which found its original home on Merrit. It is almost certain that this Merritian connection was a big part of the Quorum's decision to send Newhope.

"I am both Merritian and Atnaian," Newhope said. "I understand the people of both lands, and also understand our inherent unity. We are one people, and any differences between us are purely shallow aesthetics. I hope I can bring that experience forward in my job at Athara Magarat."

In addition to diplomatic aid, the Quorum has offered to send Stone Wall security officers to AM to help suppress violence while peaceful discussion can take place.

"Stone Wall has experience with violence driven by misguided politics," said the Quorum spokesperson. "We believe their presence can help diminish possible injuries, property damage and deaths that may be caused by this violence. Should it be required, we are equally prepared to mobilize troops if requested by the Athara Magarati government. These are our people, Athara Magarat is a part of the Atnaian circle, and we will aid them as required."

When asked if this extends to current conflicts with Keomora, the spokesperson was more evasive.

"That is not currently something I am capable or willing to discuss," he said. "I will say that the Quorum is currently not interested in initiating violent confrontation with any sovereign nation, but if our interests in Athara Magarat are significantly threatened, the Quorum is already carefully considering its options."

When pressed regarding SOAR attacks and how they might propel Atnaian foreign policy, the spokesperson claimed the Hegemon would be making a "significant announcement" soon.

"While I have not been briefed on the specifics, I know that Hegemon Wessich is looking at a more permanent solution to the problem than the current temporary measures that are in place," said the spokesperson. "Know that the safety of the Atnaian people is of highest priority to the government."

ANN will continue providing coverage of this ongoing story as it unfolds.

[Upper Norseland]

August the 3rd, 2016. 10:00 AM
Olferich Central Broadcasting Service
Royal Holding of Olferich, Kingdom of the Upper Norselands

Questions Raised over Acarn Coup

As of Monday night, an armed coup d'etat has been well underway in the Federal Republic of Acarn, with well-armed militia and military personell siezing control of the government. Few details are known at this time, but it has just this morning come to light that the Jarl of Aelderich, His Excellency Eormund Sigmundsson, has approved the deployment of 3,000 Norse warriors and 346 Berserkers to assist the Governmental forces in suppressing this rebellion. According to His Excellency's Secretary, over 600 troops have already arrived in the Republic, with orders to ascertain the status and whereabouts of the Acarnian President, who is reported to have disappeared during a rebel attack on the Presidential mansion.

In response to the release of this information, the Staren Thing has reportedly met to discuss the matter, though there have been no official statements yet made by any other Noble.

In other news, the former Royal Seeress Kari was found guilty of Fraudulent Representation of the Gods after an extensive trial last night. The conviction was handed down at 6:58 PM, and sentence was carried out at 7:24. Kari was eviscerated and chained to the South Standing Stone in Olferich to be consumed by the carrion birds and pests. The Court estimates she will be recognizable for 2-3 days, and citizens are encouraged to pay a visit and behold the judgement.

Also, His Royal Majesty marked his second morning the People's Republic of Prestatyn with an archery competition at the Lord Protector's estate. According to onlookers, His Majesty and Iola Pryce remained tied in the competition for close to an hour before he finally conceded.

[Corindia]

8/3/2016
The Blue and White
Carmo, Corindia

Corindi military reacts to Increasing regional turmoil
While Fleet Admiral Cahya Bardsley remains silent on this issue, there is speculation that the Corindi Navy is beginning the construction of new combat ships of unknown class. The Carmo Naval Yards have recently seen an increase of governmental traffic and activity, but as of now there have been no keels lain down. The Corindi Navy has been considering new designs for ships for several years, and the influx of money provided by the leasing of Eastern Flore may have given them the opportunity to act on their plans.

---

General of the Army Petya Nesim Overton announced a recruitment drive this morning, with the stated goal being to increase the CGF's readiness in case of an attack on Corindia or her allies. Petya Overton did not mention any increased reason to fear for such a thing, but given the trouble brewing elsewhere in the region, it is likely that the CGF is anticipating either an international intervention or a potential attack on Corindi soil

[Athara Magarat]

August 1st, 2016

The Athara Magarat Chronicles

AM accepts Atnaian cyber security help, more troops to Thakali Island

MAGAR CITY

The government of Democratic Republic of Athara Magarat has accepted the help of expert cyber crime authorities from Atnaia against possible SOAR related cyber crimes in the island nation.

Speaking at a press conference, a senior officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Atnaian cyber security experts would be arriving at Athara Magarat while further riots would be suppressed by the Armed Police Force in collaboration with the local police and riot control "Hound" Battalion. "We have never said anything about Stone Wall security officers controlling the riots but they might be brought to train our police and the paramilitary and armed forces. The people of Athara Magart whole-heartedly support the government of Atnaia. The Atish people even say that they have two nations."



"Several issues will be more clear once we talk to Lady Newhope. The issue of one Atish identity is being discussed seriously as well as revising the list of ethnic groups and nationalities of Athara Magarat for several other ethnicities as well."

"Regarding Keomora, our landing force has been successful and more troops are en route to Thakali Island", informed the senior ministerial officer. "No one, except for Bhhikustan and Eurania has confirmed their support for us. We will claim what is rightfully ours. That island was a part of Athara Magart till the 60s. It was the past fascist government that gave that to the imperalistic Keomorans for helping the fascists to the government with the Keomoran Foreign Legion. Athara Magarat is no longer the fascist state which gave its clay to other for power. Our brave soldiers will reclaim that island."

[Prestatyn]

3 August 2016
Cardill Tribune
Prestatyn

Minister of Defense Retiring

In the late hours of Wednesday reports began coming in that Minister of Defense, Cled Nevitt, has asked His Lord Protector Delwin Pryce to approve his request for retirement. This has came at no surprise because Mr. Nevitt's health has been declining in the recent months due to the stress of reconstructing the Prestatyn Armed Forces. The only question now is weather or not His Lord Protector will approve the request.

---

Editor's Note: The request has been approved by His Lord Protector, and a replacement has been announced. The new Minister of Defense will be General Mari Davies. General Davies is a very popular choice because she wants to modernize the military while keeping the traditions of Prestatyn military strategy in place. Only time will tell if this plan will be successful.

---

In Royal Family news Iola Pryce has been seen taking His Lord Ulfred III on a cross country horseback ride for most of the afternoon, reportedly at one point they manged to slip away from their guards for over an hour. Why they chose to do this or what they did while they were missing is still up to speculation.

[Atnaia]

Quorum Announces Formation of Cybersecurity and Cyberwarfare Administration
Atnaian Virtual Administration to oversee cyberdefense operations in wake of SOAR attack

Duke Willem Lostmorrow to serve as director
of new government organization

PORT GRAY, ATNA PREFECTURE, ATNAIA - After days of confusion in the wake of an SOAR hack instigating anti-Atnaian violence, the Hegemonic Quorum has announced the formation of a new government organization that will oversee and coordinate national cyberdefense and cyberwarfare strategy. Cyberdefense and cyberwarfare, which were formally a split purview between RISA agencies, will now be directly overseen by the Atnaian Virtual Administration, or AVA. While some cyber responsibilities will still be retained by LISA and ANIA, AVA will be directly in charge of designing cyberwarfare doctrine, experimentation and establishment of new monitoring and defense systems to prevent further attacks.

"AVA will have a breadth of responsibilities," said Hegemon Wessich during the announcement, flanked by the "Central Authority" of Afram Kwaku, Robert North, Bartimaeus Yorke and Rheya York. "Their primary responsibility, however, will be preventing national enemies like SOAR and other anti-Atnaian sympathizers from causing irreparable harm to Atnaia's powerhouse of networks."

As part of the announcement, popular prefectorial governor Duke Willem Lostmorrow was announced as provisional director of AVA during its formation.

"I'm proud to be able to serve my government," Lostmorrow announced. "I'm prouder still to be able to protect my people."

According to insiders, AVA with have a host of capabilities to serve in its responsibilities, and while these capabilities have remained vague, Lostmorrow was swift to quell any concerns regarding privacy.

"Our only goal is public welfare," he said. "If you are not an enemy, you have nothing to fear, after all."

Wessich has already said that AVA will be coordinating with public cybersecurity experts from companies like Heron, Stone Wall-Bastion and Domdural. AVA's first major operation will be in working with the Athara Magarat government to assuage concerns of possible SOAR infiltration into public networks. In addition, AVA will be undertaking a widespread virtual dragnet for The Rood operatives.

"Hackers and terrorists are going to be quick to learn that their anonymity in the virtual sphere is an illusion," said Wessich. "Usernames and avatars will not hide them. We will not allow opponents to order to foster violence against the Atnaian people."

[Atnaia]

AI Expert Found Dead in Ambress Apartment
Professor Emily Castle, 42, dead in suspicious circumstances, foul play expected

Emily Castle, center, with her team
at the University of Southern Atnaia

AMBRESS, ESCOTT PREFECTURE, ATNAIA - Tragedy strikes the Atnaian scientific community this morning as Dr. Emily Castle of the University of Southern Atnaia is found dead at her apartment in Ambress. The professor, whose cutting edge research on the development of artificial intelligence had earned her widespread attention, was discovered by her assistant, Hasan Malal, when the doctoral student went to pick up several important files this morning. According to police, Malal claims the door to her apartment was unlocked and partially open when he arrived, and that the apartment had appeared to be ransacked. Dr. Castle herself was found in her kitchen, having taken a strong blow in the center of her forehead.

"While we are not leaping to any conclusions," said Chief Investigator John Jordans of the Ambress Stone Wall Division, "we are currently operating under the suspicion of foul play."

Due to the nature of Castle's research, the Hegemonic Quorum had taken great attention in the scientist and had been providing subsidy to her research for possible government use. As such, LISA is expected to become involved in the investigation.

"We welcome the aid of federal authorities," said CI Jordans. "In the end, what is most important is that a brilliant woman is dead, and that her killer may currently be walking free."

While Malal has been detained and authorities have denied access for interviews, they have said that the young man has said that the files he was coming for appear to have been lost or taken.

"According to Malal, the hard drives containing the information he was coming to pick up weren't present in the apartment when he arrived," said CI Jordans. "According to Malal, loss of the files might be considered a national security concern."

While the nature of Castle's research has been kept mostly confidential, what is known is that the government was interested in her development of predictive algorithms, possibly for use in its own defense and crime tracking systems.

"The work Dr. Castle was doing would be of interest to both corporate groups and international government agencies," said Duchess Carole Sunderman of the Quorum, former Minister for Science and Research in the old administration. "At this point, we cannot rule out the possibility that portions of her research has fallen into the hands of enemies of Atnaia. Therefore, we will be pursuing this issue closely."

Any citizen with information regarding the case is asked to contact their local Stone Wall-Bastion hotlines.

[New Aapelistan]

Death to the fasicst snakes!

[Eurania]

8/5/16
Eurania Central News Network
Euravezya, Eurania

Capital Renamed, Forces Deployed, Approval Falling

---

The capital has been renamed Euravezya, which means "Grand Seat" in Euranian. It was voted to be changed by polls from the nation's people. Warsawyev, which means "War Endurance" was deemed unfit, and hence was renamed.

The Euranian Special Forces, along with the surface fleet and the Airborne have been deployed to Antirov, an island west of Mainland Eurania. Antirov is a small republic with ties to Eurania, as it was part of the Eurania Colony of Russia. Recently, crime has taken ahold of Antirov, prompting Eurania to deploy forces to fight off the Antirov Criminals, Terrorists, and Cartels.

According to a poll conducted by the Bureau of Intelligence, New Aapelistan is losing approval from Eurania, most likely due to support to Atnaia on the Merritt Isle issue. Eurania, leaning for more militarized society, is also losing faith in New Aapelistan after the Aapelistanian government failed to help stabilize the NSRE.

[Bhikkustan]

[Jahe Davmwoem]

OOC: This is a combination of news posts from two of the three sides in the Jahe Civil War

August 6, 2016
THE RED FIST
Jahe Davmwoem




Eurania and New Aapelistan! Stop your internal fighting! You focus on your petty differences rather than the rope that the Capitalist Alliance has put around your necks! The cause for the people is lost if the people are not UNITED!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

August 6, 2016
Markus Government in Exile
Jahe Davmwoem

All TRUE IMPERIALS gather around Gratis! The True Emperor Markus Cornelis is back, ready to take back the throne!

New Documents to be signed by Emperor Markus in ceremony!

List of Documents to be signed

1. Draft for Democracy in Local Councils
2. Documents to pledge to end Jahe Davmwoem's isolationism and aggression to outsiders
3. The Omhelzing documents, bringing justice and rights to the long neglected minorities

[Upper Norseland]

August the 5th, 2016. 10:15 AM
Olferich Central Broadcasting Service
Royal Holding of Olferich, Kingdom of the Upper Norselands

Royal Sorcerer Appointed

As of 8:26 this morning, His Royal Majesty King Ulfred III will be served by a new court Sorcerer. In a statement released at 8:30, His Majesty made mention of
"...a comprehensive list of nominees presented to me by the Seidmennsrod and Vulverrod, at the request of the Staren Thing, to which I have given great consideration. I accept the recommendation of the Seidmennsrod, and do hereby officially appoint Lief Sigmundsson Carthaigh to the position of Royal Sorcerer. From this moment, he shall be my conduit to the Gods, the Voice of the Spirits, and the Representative of the Holy Races. He shall henceforth serve as the guiding hand of the Kingdom, and his voice shall head the National College of Sorcerers."

Carthaigh has been an influential and accomplished Sorcerer for many years. Officially Endorsed by the College at 26, he was granted a seat in the Rod in 2012 at age 40. Though he has served several times since granted that seat, most often spinning Charms or Casting the Runes for members of the Royal court, as of today he has become the most accomplished Shanorse Sorcerer in history. Speaking briefly to the press before departing for the Royal Palace, he stated,
"Words cannot express the honor I have been granted by [His Royal Majesty's] decision. I shall endeavor to fulfill the responsibilities of my new office." When asked about the circumstances surrounding his assumption of this role, a position some claim to be the most influential in the Court, Carthaigh refused to comment.

In other news, His Royal Majesty took a tour of Cardill, capital city of the People's Republic of Prestatyn, today, making appearances at several public facilities, including a library of classic Prestatian Literature. He was accompanied by the Lord Protector, several armed guards, and Lady Iola Pryce, who, according to pictures and videos taken during the tour, remained close by His Majesty's side for the duration. The two have appeared near-inseparable during the King's stay, with some sources even reporting long after-dinner walks in the Pryce Estate Gardens. While no official statement has been made by either party, many have begun to consider the possibility that His Royal Majesty may be developing much closer relation with the PRP and its royals than was expected from this trip.

[Perawin]

8/6/16

PPBA
Vera Tiye Vaal Intensive Care Wing, Astarlane Hospital, Sarahite, Perawin

Breaking News: Khosrau Awakens

After over a week of being comatose, reporters have caught wind that Khosrau, deposed King of Puhrlam, has awakened. He awoke three hours ago, according to a nurse who wished to remain anonymous. "I was taking my night shift, and noticed the security was a little more tighty-doopy than usual, if ya know what I mean," he said. "Once I was verified, I noticed SKW [Sixth Councilwoman Saren Ki-Willay] sitting there. My buddy's stepmother's cousin's girlfriend works over in Astarlane admin, you know, and she said she saw her come smartly in, 'parently she'd visited two or three times before, if ya know what I mean. They were all a-talkin' but went mum when I walked in. Hah, like I was about to spill to the nearest gossip reporter or something, politicians these days. Anyway, though the DeKing looked terrible, dav, empty, he was right hostile to me as I was changing bandages, ungrateful shavulech."

After being confronted by reporters, Ki-Willay verified the information. "Yes, His Majesty has successfully pulled through the violent attempt on his life. I'd like to request privacy for the King, like I would ask for any other victim of a traumatic event. It is disappointing to know that some Perawani citizens value a few shyntis over someone's well-being. We do not appreciate the leak in the Astarlane and I will do my utmost to see it plugged. I'll take a few questions." She was immediately bombarded by Perawin's news machine.

"Did His Highness say if he was going to attempt to conquer Puhrlam?"
"Why have you taken over the situation? Aren't you needed back in Anee?"
"Will you extradite Khosrau back to Puhrlam?"
"Why are taxpayer dollars being used for this foreigner's care?"

"I will not disclose His Highness' plans for the future. As I have business to deal with in Sarahite, I received instructions to keep an eye on the situation in the name of the Council. And taxpayers' dollars -- havanay! We are not Bhikkustani or Vienne here! Sir, Perawani culture values life, and letting a man die because he is a foreigner is barbaric. If the Council finds a problem with this, I will pay for the bill myself in the name of human goodness. No more questions," the visually flustered Ki-Willay announced.

What do you know of the situation? If you have any information, contact PPBA immediately, and you may just be compensated for it.[/size]

[Troaso]

8/6/2016
Troaso Daily
Trialas, Troaos

New Drug in Mellatin Stores Soon!

Carson Beer told news media that their labs are "in the process of a medical breakthrough, it should help many people in Troaso and internationally" he told us that they plan on releasing a drug that helps those that are severely depressed, have extremely high anxiety, suicidal thoughts or intentions, chronically stressed people, and those with a terminal disease, this will be a prescription required drug.

It is supposed to stimulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and trigger the brain to release cannabinoids, Edorphins, and Serotonin. It is sought to replace most drugs for those with depression and Serotonin supplements. Many of the cannabinoids can be found and extracted in cannabis, although the pill does not cause a high, it does relieve stress, depression, unhappiness, and anxiety. It is expected to be released in the upcoming week, and has yet to be named, but the hopes are high for many people.

[Prestatyn]

6 August 2016
Prestatyn National News
Prestatyn

New News, Tourism Skyrockets, Lady Iola

Today is a historic day in the production of national news in Prestatyn. The three major newspapers (Cardill Tribune, Swasig Times, and Halport Gazette) will be joining forces to better serve the wonderful citizens of Prestatyn. There will be a national team that compiles most of the national and global news reports meanwhile the local interest pieces will still be written by the current teams. However a total of thirty new positions for the national team are being filled if you would like to apply please call: 092-468692.

There has been a large increase in the number of inquiries about traveling to Upper Norseland in the past two weeks. The most likely reason for this is due to the wildly successful visit of His Majesty Ulfred III. This is the beginning of a potential industry for Upper Norseland servicing the particular tastes of Prestatyians.

Lady Iola has been seen in very close proximity of Ulfred III in the recent days. Details of their relationship is still unknown but it does not appear that His Lord Protector Delwin Pryce has any objections at this current moment. When questioned earlier today Lady Iola only responded with a coy smile as she entered the family's estate house.

[Perawin]

8/7/16
PPBA
The Coliseum, Anee

Breaking News: Queen Referendum Passes Senate, Heads to Delegation

Voting
In an incredibly controversial, close vote, the Senate today voted to propose what is known as the "Queen Referendum" to the delegation. The vote was counted four minutes ago on the Coliseum floor by Senate Representative Rhian Lachlan, passing 103-97. The LPCA (Liberty for Perawin Coalition Alliance) was a shocking swing vote, with 12 out of 17 members choosing to vote pro-QR. Unsurprisingly all seven members of OPOV (One Perawinian One Vote) voted nay. In the rest of the coalitions, voting was split down the line.

"I voted yes, since Aster led our country to freedom, she is who I want to tell me what is going on," Senator Reyen Delacroix, member of FFA, which was split 11-15, said to immense cheering. "We trust her."

Senator Vaya Kiliven, the FFA speaker, countered. "Sure, everyone loves Aster, but Ren [Councilwoman Thea Ren] is on the ballot too, and she's far too snarky to represent our nation. What happens when Aster dies? Do we want Thea become Queen, or will Aster's non-existent children get the throne? The Queen or King would be for life- what if they go senile? What will foreign countries feel about this? The QR is an incredibly short-termed piece of legislation."

Tirayr Turnout
The gambling, held across the street in the immensely popular Hotel Tirayr, turned out a record payout for one Mrs. Djon Demetrius, 68. "Well, my son really likes Representative Lin [Delton Liner], and who wouldn't want our lady Aster to be Queen? He's such a nice young man I was certain he'd vote pro." She bet the entirety of the money left in her late husband's will on Lin's vote pro, which was considered by pundits to be incredibly unlikely, due to his alliance with the Vaal power couple. She earned ψ9,000, which is more than her annual salary of ψ4,000 as an egg painter.

[Eurania]

8/7/16
Eurania Central News Network
Kazan, Eurania


Zvesgov Renamed, Euranians responds to Red Fist

---

Zvesgov, a rival to Euravezya in terms of population and influence, is a major city in the NSRE, situated on the northwest Kavju Sea. It's name means "God City", and through a resolution achieved by the Nationov Zoviet, it was renamed at 5:00 PM as Kazan.

Various activist websites in support of a Nationalist Eurania have responded to the comments of the Red Fist on the Euranian-Aapelistanian Split. They have stated "The cause of the people is already lost. There is no way to reverse course now."

[Ipland]

08/07/2016
Ipland Star
Ipland City, Ipland

Iplandian Government to Remove Monarchy from Government


For many years, the public has long held the monarchy as a cultural icon, supporting the Royalty, but to a limit. The vast majority of people in Ipland think the monarchy has no place in government, according to the 2016 Survelab Census.

And this year a large step was taken, with the removal of the Royal's seat at the House of Commons, which removed the little power the King had left.

But now, the final blow will officially be delivered.
By later this year, King Tab III, monarchy of Ipland, will no longer be the Head of State. No monarch will after him.

This means that the Prime Minister, which is currently Head of Government, will soon be the Head of State.
And that the Office of the Monarchy, located near Parliament will no longer receive government funding.

All of this means that Ipland will no longer be considered a Constitutional Monarchy.

This will likely start a debate on what the new pretitle of Ipland will be, but at the moment we don't know what those could possibly be

[New Aapelistan]

Vienne's say we are sexists. We will show them!

(on the books) Only sexists in the region are Vioraux and Dashgrinaar. Not NA and Bhikkustan

[Atnaia]

Top Stories

• Merrit Isle Amendment Passed - 18m
• Deadeye Premier Buzz
• Government announces anti-SOAR raids
• Gloria Wessich First Date?
• Atnaian TV Star Dead in Hotel Room - 10m
• AMLB Heating Up
• Hastings Gas Leak Leaves Political Analyst Dead
• Heron planning merger with rival
• Plans for Merrit Re-Building
• Theme Park Disaster: 10 Dead - 21m
• Black Hill Doctor "hopeful" about synthetic heart research
• Flight Smartphone 7.0 Leaked?
• Port Gray University Drug-use spikes
• The Blueboy Band reunion tour announced
• Child missing near St. Luke's
• Quintech Drone Crash, 3 Injured - 38m
• Bastion Network Coldwater begins
• 'Panopticon' Journalist arrested

Quorum Announces Final Overhauls to Education System

Lady Jessica Lostwith, Hegemonic Quorum, discusses changes to education system and curriculum

PORT GRAY, ATNA PREFECTURE, ATNAIA - With summer holidays upon the students of Atnaia, the Hegemonic Quorum has stepped forward to finalize the enactment of long-discussed changes to the education system of the country. These overhauls will see an adjustment of the private-public balance of the education system, giving the state much further control of the education system. In addition, the standards applied to education, the grade hierarchy and the curriculum of schooling in Atnaia will be officially altered to fit the new plan when school returns in September.

Lady Jessica Lostwith, former Minister of Education under the former administration and current member of the Hegemonic Quorum, announced the changes and lauded the Hegemon for the initial proposal.

"We have to look towards the future," Lostwith said, "and the new curriculum will allow us to ensure that that future is bright."

One of the more controversial changes is the introduction of standardized qualification tests at certain levels of the system. These tests can begin as early as kindergarten, for placement in more prestigious private elementary institutions. Some parents' advocacy groups claim that the new system will put too much stress on children, limiting their free time and putting too great a weight on their schooling versus other elements of childhood. Lostwith responded to these claims in her announcement.

"We have to look towards the models of international education that we want to emulate: Japan, South Korea, Estonia, Canada," Lostwith said. "When we look at these models, we have to ask what are they doing differently from us? How can we improve? We want to best prepare our nation's children for the future, we want them to be educated, well-rounded people. These changes will ensure that."

A more lauded change is the introduction of computer science and coding as an element of the curriculum as early as first grade. This is seen as a great step forward in developing the workforce of the future.

"The world puts so much emphasis on language skills," said Lostwith, "but so often we overlook technical languages. The world of the future will be more and more roboticized, and more and more of our children will be relying on a knowledge of code to propel themselves into success. We want to equip them with the tools to succeed."

The changes will come into affect following the August summer break, leading to a single half-year of transition before the changes become permanent in March.

[Covonant]

August 8, 2016
Coventry, Covonant



Covonant Celebrates 276 Years of Independence



The Union of Covonant is today celebrating its 276 year since gaining its independence. The day started with flag raising ceremonies that took place right across the country, most notably at the Palatine Manor, Presidential Palace, and the Consul. At the Presidential Palace, Presidential guards entertained many Covonantians with musical interludes of national songs, patriotic songs and military marches.
The Prime Minister and Conservative Party of Covonant (CPC) leader Imperatus Marl in his Independence address to the nation, implored Covonantians to continue to safeguard their sovereignty.

My fellow Covonantians, as we celebrate together this momentous day of our independence, let us reflect on how our fore-parents fought for our freedom, and let us together look forward to the future in safeguarding that freedom and our sovereignty. On this day let us all unite as one nation and one people charting our path together. Let us be mindful of the plights endured and the paths not yet taken as we celebrate this our independence.

President of the Union Seneca Gaius in his independence address expressed joy of the country after so many years, still shines as a beacon of hope for many in the region.

On this our 276th year of being an independent nation, I am most pleased at the fact that after so many years, Covonant still maintains her level of stability and upholds its virtues of democracy. Let us all come together and celebrate the single greatest moment in our nations' history. Happy happy Independence day.

Many in the country have already started their own traditions of celebrating independence, but what was not a tradition was this being the first independence a foreign leader had witnessed. President of Callumstan John Morris joined in the celebrations at the Palatine Manor where there was the Ceremonial Honours award, where Covonantian officials honoured ordinary citizens for their contribution to nation building.

The celebrations continues in the night with bonfires, and fireworks all throughout the Union.

Covonantian Abroad Celebrates Independence

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised all embassies and consulates of the Union on foreign diplomatic missions to be closed for the duration of the day. This lead to many Covonantian citizens in countries where diplomatic missions are established to celebrate the nations' independence. Ambassador to the Constitutional Monarchy of Ipland His Excellency Ambassador Petronius Annais noted that there is a growing presence of Covonantian nationals in Ipland and many were delighted to attend the functions held at the embassy. A similar sentiment was shared by the Ambassador to the Democratic States of Corindia His Excellency Ambassador Lucius Cesare where he noted that this day is a time for Covonantians all over, home and abroad to reflect, rejoice, be thankful, and unite to celebrate.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE COVONANT FROM THE CBC

Reporting: Likalia Reid.

[Pacific Peace Union]

[Atnaia]

Top Stories

• Lostette Wedding Buzz
• International Freedom Association Movie?
• Doctor builds new heart for sick child
• Ship lost for three weeks at sea found - 6m
• Wyrd cancelled after 2 seasons
• 15 car pile-up causes massive traffic back-up
• Atnaia's oldest workhouse announces expansion
• Cybernetics: More than sci-fi?
• Vertical farming efforts in Hastings
• Windmill farm construction delayed by storms
• Heron announces annual conference
• King Kong: Atnaia's newest designer drug
• Atnaian Rock legend dead at age 52
• 35th Anniversary of Battle of Pennyweather
• Missing child found dead
• Quintech "searching for solution" to drone error
• Protestors jailed in New Stratford
• Quorum cracks down on "dangerous union activity"
• Bullet train plans on track
• Raid on "suspicious individuals" successful

Hegemon Wessich Speaks Out About Bhikku-Vioraux Relations

Hegemon Thomas Wessich

PORT GRAY, ATNA PREFECTURE, ATNAIA - Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Hegemon Wessich commented on the continuously deteriorating relations between Bhikkustand and Vioraux, calling the behaviour of their leaders "juvenile and petty".

"Surevi and Antoinette seem to have forgotten that they are world leaders, not children on the playground," said Wessich. "When placed in a position of power, as these two have been, you rescind your rights of petty squabbling and set them aside to uphold the public welfare. Regardless of whatever state their international relations are in, whether that be peace, war or something in between, leaders should respect their people enough to act like professionals when presenting themselves to the world. This is not just about how they view each other, but how the outside views the situation, and when I look at their behaviour in the social media sphere, I don't see individuals that I want to become involved with, I see teenagers shouting insults at each other across a crowded room to see who gets the bigger reaction. Victoire, Surevi, you are not the heads of a pair of high school cliques arguing over who signed out a classroom for extracurriculars, you are the leaders of powerful, influential nations, and should act as such. Men and women are dying for your nations. Hundreds of thousands, no, millions of lives hinge upon your actions. You should be showing the soldiers you send to death, the families and individuals you claim to represent, the basic respect of treating this conflict with the gravity it deserves. Instead of playing your games of the ego, you should be moving to find a way to resolve this conflict before more people die. In short, grow up and act like the leaders you are supposed to be."

When asked how he stands on Duke Willem Lostmorrows upcoming nuptials with Victoire Antoinette, Wessich was magnanimous.

"I am a close personal friend of Willem," Wessich replied. "I see him as having a shining future, and I look forward to the day he decides to run for Quorum and he and I can work more closely on setting Atnaia on an appropriate course into the future. He represents the best of what Atnaia will have to offer in the coming years. And I can see what he sees in Victoire, a lovely, intelligent young woman with comparable potential. However, she has not been living up to that potential. Chalk that up to youth, inexperience, whatever you like, but until she takes herself and her position seriously, she will always be a socialite with a crown. I wish the pair of them all the best in the coming years. Take it from me, being married to a Princess comes with its ups and downs, but I know no one better suited to being Vioraux's Dauphin than Lostmorrow."

When asked about Surevi, Wessich applied his knowledge of Buddhist philosophy.

"Now, I may be wrong, but as I recognize it, a central tenet of Buddhism is the concept of 'loving kindness'," Wessich said. "Bhikkustan is a proudly Buddhist nation, but I don't see Surevi acting within the purview of what I see as proudly Buddhist behaviour. His 'Satan' rhetoric saddens me. Hate seems to me to be a vast and wicked internalization of worldliness, the most dangerous emotion one can feel and a swift path to bad karma. Fight your enemy if you must, but hate is extra."

Questioned on whether these statements reflect Atnaian policy, Wessich avowed that Atnaia would "remain decidedly neutral in the conflict, as has been [it's] goal since the beginning".

"This is a war with no winners," Wessich replied. "Just constant degradation of good morals. It's disappointing to see nations we respect slip so far."