The Western Isles News

[Havalland]

Royal Cryer

Kingston Devil strikes again!

at 12 am today 4 more bodies were found in relation to the string of killings. The same as the rest, mutilated genitalia and a lipstick pentagram. On the jacket of one of the victims, a single father named Jacob Founders, the letters HW and WWC were written. WWC has been linked to the Women's Witches Coven and HW might be a reference to HerWorld.

Jacob had recently turned down a woman who followed the HerWorld Twitter account and always shown an interest in the Wiccan religion. The 22 year old Jade Cobb has been taken into custody for questioning.

Church of the Old Order seeks protection

the Old Order is a small group often blamed for attacks on the attacks on the small Muslim population. Known to be outspoken neo crusaders they have denied any attacks without religious approval. Now the controversial order wishes for its church to be protected under Elerhi's law, giving federal protection to all religious groups.
However many proclame that the Old Order is a militaristic organization that cannot receive protection legally.

[Ainslie]

Renaut unveils joint project with IPNO
Kevara, Keverai

5 December 2019

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Image: President Renaut with IPNO official near proposed northern trackhead

President Renaut today unveiled perhaps the largest announcement in the recreation and environment field since he was elected. Flanked by the chief of the newly created Keverai Parks Agency to his left, and IPNO Argus Wing Coordinator Kobi Tilong to his right, Renaut announced the creation of a 225 kilometre long coastal track on the nation’s northern coast - incorporating cities like Kevara, Stratlin and Kertalin.

It also marks the beginning of increased operations for the environmental organisation in the nation and their first major project after Nature Walk Day for 2019.

The move to open up a coastal track follows and international trend of eco-tourism, an industry Keverai admits that it is late to.

“The track is good news - later than it should’ve been, but the opportunity has not dissappeared yet”
Simon Neilene, Keverai Tourism.

The tourism industry is not the only group to be excited by the news - local eateries laong the proposed alignment of the track as well as the towns at large appear intriguied if not excited by the news.

“The track announcement reminds us of the importance of looking out for the smaller towns like we have here in the Sedarene Coast - it will really be a boost.”
Lander’s Coast Regional Council, via a public statement.

The mayor added in a short press conference today that the word on the street was quite positive. This is despite many coastal properties to be partially acquired for the project. Some environmental groups, such as the Roendavarian TWI - ERC have come out criticising the IPNO sponsored project.

In a statement today, they strongly objected both the presence of IPNO in the nation and the project it is backing.

“Whilst we appreciate the good work The Organisation [IPNO] does around the Isles, the facts of who they are working with is this. They are backing a Government responsible for some of the highest land clearing per capita and one which is obsessed with leveraging wahtever it can for profit - which clearly includes this coastal track project.”

The statement goes on to talk about how unique and endangered environments face increased threat as a result of further encroachement into the nation’s “few, precious” preserved environments.

The Keveraite Government was contacted for comment in the short period between this statement’s release and the publishing of this article, to which no response was obtained. If the Government responds, this article will be updated accordingly.

The track is set to open in three stages - with walkers, cyclists and hikers set to be able to enjoy the first stage of it by May of next year - a 45km stretch which stretches east of Kevara. The entire track is set to be completed in June of 2021.


Renaut talks economy in Scantarbia
Arcturus, Scantarbia

5 December 2019

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President Renaut returned today from Arcturus, the capital of Scantarbia, where he mingled with government officials, successful CEOs and thought leaders in scantarbia to discuss matters ranging from regional security, to environmental policy to economics. Both Dr Nicetas Akylas and Renaut were found at a press conference today outside of the Great Information Depository of Arcturus, one of the most extensive collections of human knowledge across the Isles. In continuing from recent collaborations between the Keveraite and Scantarbian business sectors in renewable technology, the visit unveiled a new project.

According to Renaut, a public-private partnership has been launched by LYRAM group and the Roads Office of Keverai to seal the road between Leafy Valley and Hivere in the north of Keverai. This upgrade is expected to bring hundreds of jobs, alongside boosting and jumpstarting rural economies badly damaged from the sudden collapse of the low-cost manufacturing and textiles industries, alongside providing the Scantarbian multinational opportunities to extend its palm plantations further into the rural north.

The two leaders also discussed matters of regional security and international development, signing a memorandum of udnerstanding which is tipped to boost communication and cooperation between the defence sectors and portfolios of the two nations. Also on the agenda was the Leafy Valley fires and the brief diplomatic scandal which erupted between the two nations and Enchanta, Renaut once again publically thanked the Scantarbian firefighters who joined the front and the pilots of the waterbombing craft.

When taking questions from the media, Renaut revealed that his government is ‘considering’ the purchase or long term rental of a large firefighting aircraft. However, he provided no timeline for this to happen within. Renaut also attended a formal dinner hosted by Dr AKylas and visited the military museum.

Despite generally positive outcomes from the meeting, it has attracted significant criticism.

Domestic commentators have taken to social media today, stating that amongst other things, the visit was:

“An indication of an all-flash, no grit President”

“A reminder Renaut runs away when things get touch at home”, and

“Dealmaking with the future landlords of the nation”

However, opinion more broadly remains mixed. Many believe that the Scantarbians are a key component of Keverai’s economic recovery but remain concerned about what the nation is giving in return for all the help it is getting.

This is also very unlikely to be the last time Renaut will meet with the Scantarbians over the next few months, politics lecturer Samuel Lugah of the International University, Keverai states.

[Almorea]

NEWSWIRE

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Luangshi trade talks end with export treaty, vague path forward

LUANGSHI (APA)- An Almorean trade delegation returned to Ellsburgh today from the Austrovian capital of Luangshi, wrapping up week-long negotiations with representatives from Austrovia and Nhoor.

The Raedlon Economic Development Conference, which opened on November 28, hosted the three nations as their governments attempt to piece together understandings on commerce and economic integration. President Alasdair Hallowell attended the conference for two days, meeting the Minister-President of Austrovia and the First Minister of Nhoor in Luangshi's Palace of Unlimited Plentitude amid scenes of celebration orchestrated by Austrovia's socialist government.

The President returned home on November 30, leaving behind a delegation including John Purves, the acting trade secretary who has since returned to his permanent chairmanship of the federal economic stability council, and Treasury Secretary Joseph Avella.

A communique released by the attendees this morning has outlined the final outcomes of the conference, including a "memorandum of understanding and agreed friendship" between Almorea, Nhoor, and Austrovia, and an agreement to hold a second leaders' summit in January 2020.

The conference's most significant result, however, is the creation of the Raedlon Export Community, a trilateral framework to lower tariffs, demolish other trade barriers, and encourage the free movement of labor and goods. The Community's goals, which will be implemented in the coming months, represent an undoubted win for President Hallowell, who is struggling politically during a difficult winter season.

The Magarati trade bribes scandal and the unfolding 2020 legislative elections have presented stiff challenges for the President, who is already trumpeting the Export Community on Twitter. The Hallowell administration is likely to grasp desperately at any chance for further negotiations with Austrovia and Nhoor, in the hopes of landing an even bigger trade victory in the middle of the congressional campaigning cycle.

Emergencies declared in northern Almorea after fierce snowstorm

HINNEVALE (APA)- States of emergency were declared in Frasyrland province and the northern part of Gavshin province during Wednesday and Thursday, as a violent snowstorm, the first of the winter, blanketed parts of northern Almorea with up to twenty inches of snow.

Frasyrland governor Robert Janstran (F) declared an emergency on Wednesday night and closed the province's public roadways and schools until Friday morning. Flanked by members of the provincial police and the Frasyrland High Council, the governor asserted that the weather poses "a significant threat" to the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people in the northwest and west of the province.

Five people were killed in Molahchearn, in central Frasyrland, on Thursday morning with the roof of an apartment building collapsed under the weight of the snowfall. Others were injured in a string of car accidents across the two provinces as snow settled on frozen roadways. Power lines in many areas were taken down, adding to the chaos as live wires rendered some routes impassable.

The oil refineries of northern Gavshin have been ordered to suspend operations until Friday, according to federal public safety director Brian Espinosa, who told reporters that personnel of the Emergency Public Response Service will be deployed to the hardest-hit parts of Frasyrland to assist local emergency services in clearing snow.

The federal government has already shipped over 2,200 gallons of fuel to local police and fire-and-rescue forces in Frasyrland and Gavshin. Deputy President Nora Soodalter, who visited Valetarra in northern Gavshin on Wednesday evening to be photographed driving a snowplow, hailed the fuel transports as "an effective response" and asked all affected Almoreans to stay in their homes until roadways can be cleared.

ALMOREAN PRESS ASSOCIATION- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ©MMXIX

[Scantarbia]

A Special Shooting

by Pat Hogeborg, 9 December 2019

SUVURNIA — In light of the recent killing of a climate activist, Margerita Thun Beg, by an Aprosian consulate security personnel earlier this week, the Scantarbian government has issued a stark condemnation of the shooting. The government states that the attack is a direct infringement of Scantarbian and Suvurnian sovereignty and demanding that the person responsible for trial under local law. They also sent their condolences for the family of Margerita Thun Beg.

The shooting happened when a climate protest on the Aprosian Consulate in Suvurnia goes awry — resulting in molotovs thrown into the consulate ground, thankfully damaging nothing except starting a few controllable fires. However, the response of the consulate security personnel is not proportional, according to a Scantarbian human rights observer, Butet Thukul. In his statement, he said that “the use of live ammunition against civilians, even if they committed an attack, is not proportional to the damage caused by these civilians.” He also adds that this entire situation could have been avoided if the security personnel had used rubber bullets instead of live ammunition

Inside Scantarbian values, the goal of shooting another person is to disarm the person, not to kill. As a result, Scantarbian netizens have arisen to social media demanding for Aprosian government to hand over the person responsible for justice. As the shooter is inside the Aprosian consulate and the victim is in Suvurnian territory, and the consulate itself is attributed to Scantarbia, the entire situation may escalate to a legal nightmare.

Meanwhile, directly after the shooting, Suvurnian Police Department moved in to secure the area. They’ve erected a barrier surrounding the Aprosian consulate. A few hours later, reinforcement from the Scantarbian government, in the form of the JFTF (Joint Fast-response Task Force) Victor Team. They arrived in the area in their locally-manufactured black BTR-90s to take over the situation. JFTF itself is a joint multi-discipline force put on constant standby to respond to both internal and external threats. They coordinate their actions with the local police in domestic situations and often deployed in countering threats classified as “heavy,” which requires more than the local police.

As the Scantarbian government relayed their demands for the handover to the Aprosian government, the situation on the JFTF has escalated to a siege. Until now, even after days, there’s still no indication when the siege is over. We can only hope that the Aprosian government put to their senses and hand over the person responsible for the killing, and the situation doesn’t escalate more than what is already at hand.

[Martenyika]

Monday December 9, 2019
RKT - Royal Kessa Times

Competing National Parks Boast Water Conservation Projects, Education

Goka Falls National Park and Royal Savannahs National Park, two of the frontrunners in Martenyika’s International Park competition, are both set to unveil their efforts towards water conservation by the end of the year. Each park has promised to introduce or improve signage, presentations, and programs that can educate visitors on the importance of water system preservation. Likewise, both parks have signaled their intentions to create educational conservation camps, whereby attendees could spend a portion of time at the park to learn about the ecosystems in depth and actively participate in environmental projects. These would be open to older students across the Isles as well as Martenyikans...READ MORE >>>


Mass Firings As Allegations Persist Against Mining Company

Kinahtown - in the wake of the recent coal mine explosion at the Kinahtown Mine, Kinahtown Mining Company has announced the firing of several employees in charge of managing the mine itself. Those fired were believed to either be in charge of mine operations at the time of the disaster, or were deemed to have been complicit. “We have had internal reviews,” a company spokesperson said in today’s press conference, “and determined that these individuals were responsible for severe miscarriages of protocol, which cost the lives and wellbeing of multiple other employees.” Despite this action, some are continuing to allege that the relaxation of safety and training was prompted by the company as a whole cutting corners...READ MORE >>>

[Austrovik-Germania]

LUANGSHI HERALD | Luangshì Xiānqū

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INTERNATIONAL EDITION

STATE-APPROVED

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Raedlon Export Community has "a bright future"; next meeting planned 2020

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After the creation of the Raedlon Export Community in late November, the Austrovian government has already become fully commited to further unify the Raedlonian economy. Austrovian Foreign Minister He Baosheng has already been praising the work of his Almorean and Nhooran counterparts for the developments made in the meeting that occured in the Palace of Unlimited Plentitude.

Foreign Minister He Baosheng | "The Austrovian government wishes for nothing but the economic prosperity of the entirety of Raedlon. Today I have convened with His Great Excellency Minister-President Li Sankyiang and we are preparing to set up the Austrovian Comissions on the Raedlon Export Community to further look into and research how we can further the R.E.C. I am planning to propose the develoment of the Export Community into the Raedlon Economic Union Pact - a new union between the countries of Raedlon - militarily, economically and politically.

Opposition students still continue to fight what they call "aggressive Austrovian economic invasion into neighbours", however their opinions still clearly have no concrete evidence and many have been submitted, with parental consent, to re-education centres where they will graduate in due course.

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"Defend Austrovian Honour", Luangshi releases new morality code for citizens

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The esteemed people's democratic dictatorship has released new “morality” guidelines for citizens on everything from civic education and how parents should teach their children to rubbish sorting and the appropriate etiquette for raising the national flag. It calls for citizens to be "polite", "well-mannered" and to "defend Austrovian honour" when travelling abroad."

Such etiquette should “enhance people’s attitude toward the party and country and organise a collective sense of identity and belonging”, according to the document, released by the party’s central committee and the state council. It also called for citizens to “carry forward the spirit of the Austrovian tiger”, a mythical creature existing in ancient poetry and the nation flag, who has been heavily used in party propaganda campaigns since the 1960s.

[Haasar]

December 11th, 2019
The Selago Chronicle
Titan City, Haasar

TITAN MALL ATTACK. ANOTHER DOING OF THE WHITE DAGGER FRONT?

Today was an ordinary day in Titan Mall, the largest mall in the mighty Titan City. Kids were eating ice cream in the food court, teenagers getting rowdy and earning prizes in the arcade, and parents buying their child the perfect birthday cake in the bakery. But, at 12:30 this afternoon, chlorine gas started spewing out of all the ventilation shafts very rapidly. Within 6 minutes, the entire mall was filled with it and 3 shooters wearing gas masks entered the mall, trapping many people and keeping them contained in a giant gas chamber. The shooters, armed with fully automatic AK-47's with drum magazines, fired upon the many people attempting to escape, killing 55 people. By 12:45, only 5 police cars and 2 SWAT vans had arrived at the scene. The officers refused to enter the building, and simply waited outside, rescuing escapees while the shooters massacred the people inside. By 1:00, federal agents had arrived, equipped with gas masks, and entered the mall. 4 agents were shot and wounded, and 1 was killed. The shooters were then also killed. The agents rescued as many people as they could, but many of them were collapsing dead from the gas. The chaos would continue until 3:00, when an official statement was released. Unfortunately 607 people were killed, many of them succumbing to chlorine gas poisoning after being rescued, many others being shot. Only 33 people escaped the mall before being killed. It is highly suspected that the White Dagger Front is responsible for this massacre, and the President is due to speak on it this Friday.

[New Aapelistan]

Aprosia Daily

— 10th of December, 2019 —
Consulate siege continues; Aprosian officials demand withdrawal

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SUVURNIA SAR, SCANTARBIA

The case of Margerita Thun Beg in Suvurnia continues as the Scantarbian Joint Fast-response Task Force enforce a de facto siege on the Aprosian consulate in Suvurnia, followed by an official condemnation of the shooting by the Scantarbian government. These condemnations have been partnered by demands to turn over the guard responsible for the shooting to trial him under Scantarbian law instead of Suvurnian law.

The shooting has caused a social media storm, with many Scantarbians and Suvurnians demanding the arrest of the Aprosian consulate guard, but repelled by some Suvurnian net comments supporting the guard for his usage of live ammunition against the rioters.

The Federal Government of Aprosia and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ramán Mandárem have publicly defended the usage of live ammunition by the consulate guards and have criticized both the Scantarbian siege and the demand for trial under Scantarbian law. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Union, Ramán Mandárem:

”The (Suvurnian) consulate is to represent Aprosia in Suvurnia, not in Scantarbia. We have our embassy in Arcturus to represent us in Scantarbia. Now the siege and the legal demands of Scantarbia are happening inside Suvurnian territory with their own legal code. The victim was Suvurnian, the consulate is in Suvurnia and the events occured in Suvurnia. What these (Scantarbian) actions are, they are breaches of both the diplomatic mission of the consulate in Suvurnia and the Suvurnian legal autonomy.”

After press questions on whether Aprosia would hand over the guard for legal actions in Suvurnia, Minister Mandárem later confirmed that if Suvurnian authorities would request the perpetrator to stand trial in Suvurnia for his actions, the consulate would agree on these demands.

”We do not believe that he (the guard) was wrong in his actions on protecting the consulate grounds against attacks that could well have caused casualties inside the consulate grounds. He did his job, protecting the consulate. If Suvurnia would deem these against her legal code, then he would have to stand trial under the Suvurnian legal code.”

[Negarakita]

Suvurnia
Why the Aprosian Consulate Shooting is important

The killing of Margerita Thun Beg has opened up a judicial can of worms with wide-reaching impacts on the autonomous status of Suvurnia

Protesters within Little Magarat holding banners advocating Suvurnian judicial autonomy

By: Augustin Yanyan

Just over a week ago, Suvurnia was shocked by an unprecedented occurrence. A protest organised by several Suvurnian ecological groups outside the Aprosian Consulate was suddenly interrupted by masked radicals who claimed to represent "Pure Earth", a marginal group with a limited presence on the streets and at CityU Suvurnia, who have been labelled as "Eco-Fascists". These radicals chanted racially charged slogans, and several reportedly verbally abused ethnically Tamu and Aprosian protestors who were present at the demonstration. The police who were in place to keep the peace radioed in to Pusat District Police Station for backup, but were told to simply observe the situation. Suddenly, one of these radicals threw a homemade petrol bomb at the consulate. Shouts were heard that labelled the Aprosians as "socialist infidels" and "servants of the night" before a single shot rang out and the thrower of the bomb fell to the ground. Emergency services were unable to make it through the ensuing panic as the demonstrators fled the scene, meaning that when Margerita Thun Beg was finally brought to Pusat Hospital she was proclaimed dead on arrival. Her body had barely been removed from the street when the situation had already developed into an international incident.

The response by the Suvurnian Police was quick, with a cordon being placed around the Consulate. This was quickly backed up by the Joint Fast-response Task Force (JFTF), Scantarbia's rapid-response law enforcement and defence force. The Consulate has been effectively besieged since then. Right after the event, Suvurnian Foreign Secretary Vardám Hušán contacted the Aprosian embassy and urged them to hand the accused over to Suvurnian authorities so that he could be tried in court "as the laws of Suvurnia require" and reminded them that diplomatic immunity was only applicable to diplomatic staff themselves. However, this declaration was followed by a similar missive from the Scantarbian government, who demanded that the guard be tried under Scantarbian law in a mainland court. For their part, the Aprosian position has remained consistent. Ramán Mandárem, the Aprosian Minister of Foreign Affairs, has defended the usage of live ammunition but expressed that Aprosia would potentially be open to a trial in Suvurnia, under Suvurnian law.

These conflicting requests are the catalyst of the problem, but to understand the deeper significance of this shooting one must look at the historical context. Despite its location, Suvurnia has not always been part of Scantarbia. Historically, the island was a centre of trade with Aprosia and Vendiothros and these historical ties have resulted in large differences in the cultural, religious and linguistic aspects of Suvurnian society when compared to mainland Suvurnia. In the 1800s, Suvurnia was annexed by the fledgeling Vastarosi empire and until 1995 was Roendavar's only overseas territory. During its time as a Roendavarian territory, Suvurnia was developed as a centre of financial freedom and general liberalism, which translated to a highly liberal political and social sphere. Upon its reintegration back into Scantarbia, a status quo was established under which Suvurnia's autonomy was guaranteed by the "Suvurnian Basic Law". This Psuedo-Constitution lays out the regions legal system, under which its ability to have a regional government and limited autonomy even in foreign affairs is guaranteed.

This status of autonomy has caused tensions between the regional and national governments, however. The main sticking point is in the financial sector. Suvurnia's taxation rates are significantly lower than the mainland's, meaning that many companies have moved their headquarters to Suvurnia in order to avoid paying higher taxes. It also has far less restrictive laws on worker's rights and other areas which companies wish to avoid. But the main problem comes from the Suvurnian banking system. Under the Suvurnian Basic Law, banks are protected by absolute secrecy and cannot be obliged to disclose financial records or client relations even as part of criminal investigations. This has led to many prominent Scantarbian businessmen to place assets within Suvurnian banks, which the Scantarbian government accuses of aiding tax evasion, graft and other white-collar crimes. Arcturus regularly requests that Suvurnia change its laws in order to be in accordance with Scantarbian law, but no changes have been planned despite their constant proposal by Pro-Scantarbian lawmakers within the Legislative Assembly.

These disputes have led to fears on both sides. Many Suvurnians fear that the central government intends to undermine the basic law and erode Suvurnia's autonomy, which has prompted protests in the past. On the Scantarbian side, there are fears that Suvurnia, which is highly significant to Scantarbia economically, could seek independence proper from the nation. These tensions had not flared up in almost a year before this incident, which has thrown the precious equilibrium into peril and has the potential of leaving longlasting effects on the territory and its status.

The problems come from the lack of legal precedent and complicated nature of the shooting. Normally, the shooting of a Suvurnian in Suvurnia would be an entirely internal manner, handled by the Suvurnian courts. However, the shooter was located in a consulate. As part of the Suvurnian Basic Law, Suvurnia is permitted to "form relations and interact with nation-states in the spheres of economic and cultural relations", but not permitted to maintain an ambassadorial diplomatic mission overseas nor host one as diplomacy is the responsibility of Scantarbia. This means that the Aprosian consulate is attested to Scantarbia, and by continuation, the land which it occupies is officially the territory of the federal government and not the SAR. This has lead to an unprecedented legal situation, where the shot was fired in one jurisdiction and the deceased was killed in another, and all of the parties involved have taken differing stances on the matter. The Suvurnian regional government has insisted that this is a Suvurnian domestic affair, as the deceased is a Suvurnian citizen (which under basic law is considered to be the primary nationality despite the fact that all native Suvurnian citizens also possess Scantarbian citizenship) and they died in Suvurnia. Arcturus has taken the position that as the act itself of firing the bullet took place on Scantarbian soil the matter must be handled in Scantarbian courts.

The Aprosian position is the cause of tension. Under the basic law, providing for exceptions in the case of when other aspects of the basic law would be breached such as in financial cases, Scantarbian courts have juridical superiority and can overrule decisions made by Suvurnian courts. However, Aprosia has rejected collaboration with Scantarbian authorities and declared the shooting a Suvurnian matter. This has been prompted by a difference in laws. The Aprosian case rests upon proving that the guard fired in self defence, as there is no way that the shooting itself can be denied and due to his lack of diplomatic immunity he must face trial. While in Scantarbia self defence can only be claimed in cases of "direct threats to life" and legal precedent encourages non-lethal responses, the bar is far lower in Suvurnia and as long as a "clear threat to one's person or property, be it imminent or likely" can be proven a lethal response is permitted. Under these criteria, the Aprosian guard would be unlikely to be acquitted in Scantarbia but would be in Suvurnia. This has led to the Aprosians to prefer a trial under Suvurnian law.

By recognising the primacy of Suvurnian laws in this situation, Aprosia has broken the assumed procedure, although no such precedent exists due to the unique nature of the situation. There are several ways that the situation can resolve itself. The first, and arguably the least disruptive, would be for Aprosia to simply accede to the demands of the Scantarbian government. This would result in the Aprosian and Suvurnian governments losing face temporarily, but establish a precedent that reinforced the status quo and did not challenge the equilibrium of autonomy in the long run. A similar outcome would be for Scantarbia to declare the matter a Suvurnian matter and back down. While this would boost the image of the regional government in the short term, the status of Suvurnia within Scantarbia would remain constant and relations would improve. If Suvurnia were to back down the results between Suvurnia and Scantarbia would be minimal, but it would result in Aprosia being ignored and likely cause international tensions in this regard. if no side backs down, the situation gets more disruptive. Suvurnia could go ahead with the trial, but this would force a tough choice onto Scantarbia. If they let the procedure continue they would lose enormous amounts of face and potentially prompt greater calls for autonomy, and if they used the nuclear option and annulled proceedings this would cause uproar in Suvurnia. Either way, the consequences would be grave. Another possibility would be for Aprosia to refuse to cooperate, but this would cause international condemnation and likely result in a cutting off of diplomatic ties.

No matter which outcome occurs, it is clear that Suvurnia is on a precipice. The situation is precarious, and there does not seem to be any way to please all parties. Whether it devolves from brinkmanship to a solution or to a dispute, someone is going to lose face and at least one party will walk away feeling disappointed. Financial markets in Suvurnia saw a slight wobble on Tuesday, as the potential gravity of the situation set in, and has been slowly dipping since then. Analysts will be watching the situation with careful eyes, as uncertainty in one of the Isles' most important financial cities is never a good thing. Only time will tell which side will win in this latest arm wrestle between the Suvurnian and Scantarbian authorities.

[Norstham]

[center][/center]


Economy Minister looking to boost trade with Suvurnia SAR

In a recent speech made during his visit to 'The Market City', Norsan Minister for the Economy Hanus Dam detailed new plans and incentives to boost the access that Norsan businesses have to what is one of the fastest growing economies in the Isles. Setting out his plans, the Minister spoke of his hope to remove a number of the administrative barriers in put in place by the Norsan Competition and Markets authority that have, up to now, limited the access that Norstham based businesses have had to the Suvurnian market, and also curtailed the level of success that Norsan businesses expanding into Suvurnia have experienced. The principal reason for this previous limitation of the level of access to the Suvurnian economy has been concerns by authorities about the levels of corruption at the highest levels of decision making in the state with regards to economic policy, something which has prompted a certain degree of unease from the government in Norstham about the level of access Norsan businesses should be given to the ultra competitive Suvurnian market. These concerns about the integrity of the Suvurnian economy have been quickly picked up on by critics, who have heavily questioned the ministers moral integrity for this decision to allow Norsan businesses more access to the Suvurnian market, saying that their involvement could potentially project a very poor image to the public if a business from Norstham was to be involved in a corruption scandal. However, as the minister outlined in his speech, there are a number of significant economic benefits that the Norsan economy could enjoy if business with Suvurnia is increased, including increased tax revenues and increased influence and sway in that area of the Isles. Additionally, the minister added that there was potential for a significant number of jobs that could arise as a result of increased business with Suvurnia.

[Nhoor]

[Almorea]

DECEMBER 15, 2019

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Almorea's capital city tosses out mayor over sex tape controversy

Marlon Caesar (center) appears on stage with his family before his mayoral inauguration at Ellsburgh City Hall on January 11, 2015

ELLSBURGH- The Ellsburgh City Council voted today to discharge Mayor Marlon Caesar, 56, from office after a sex tape featuring the mayor was leaked onto the internet, concluding days of political crisis in Almorea's capital city.

Ellsburgh aldermen voted 9-5 in an early-morning meeting to remove Mr. Caesar, who took office in January 2015. On Thursday, footage taken from a sex tape allegedly filmed in 2015 and featuring the mayor and his wife was uploaded to the website of the tabloid newspaper The Polaris Tribune, igniting a storm of controversy that led directly to Mr. Caesar's ouster.

Mr. Caesar, a member of the Almorean Party, allegedly agreed to produce the tape, entitled "Mayoral Mischief", for a cash payment of $35,000 from an unspecified adult film company. Mr. Caesar backed down after the tape had already been filmed, and threatened legal action in November 2015, at which point the film company agreed to destroy the recording in a secret court settlement. The tape was, apparently, not destroyed and eventually found its way into the hands of the Tribune.

Politicians across Almorea slammed Mr. Caesar's "breathtakingly stupid" conduct during the weekend, as the embattled mayor struggled to deliver a coherent response. After initially refusing to apologize, Mr. Caesar released a terse statement on Saturday morning, acknowledging his appearance in the video but denying "intentional" wrongdoing.

Aldermen reached an agreement to seek Mr. Caesar's removal yesterday afternoon, according to multiple sources within the city government, after Mr. Caesar refused to resign. By Sunday morning, the video had garnered over 545,000 views and was being shared widely across social media, with weekend talk shows lampooning Mr. Caesar.

The disgraced ex-mayor, who served a single term in Congress before his 2014 election to lead Almorea's capital, has already declared his candidacy for the governorship of Adashawnee province in the 2020 elections. The sex tape scandal, however, is likely to deal a mortal blow to his prospects, according to political analysts.

The provost, or chief alderman, of the City Council will serve as interim mayor until a January 17, 2020 special election, according to a press release from Ellsburgh's public media office.

The Times of Ellsburgh reserves all rights to this publication. Copyright MMXIX.

[Athara Magarat]

December 16th, 2019

Magarati women are wearing headscarves and taking Sunni Islam as secondary religion to protest the new government

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GHAN POKHARA, SECOND TAMUWAN HANGATE

Nearly a month after a new Magarati administration was formed under Rhula Hangma, Magarati women have now started wearing headscarves to protest against the new government. Various government officials labeled these women as "rebels paid by the traitor Thebe Kulung Hang of Khumbuwan and his foreign supporters".

The Herald asked one of the women, a law student, why she and her friends were suddenly wearing headscarves. "Three days ago, Karuna Maranyeli, a newly elected MP in Second Tamuwan Hangate (Rhula Hangma's state) was ordered to leave the chamber after she appeared at the swearing-in ceremony in her traditional attire. They would not have cared at all about the traditional attire but she was wearing a headgear as well. The other Tamuwani MPs mentioned the headgear ban and told her to wear an Islamic-style headscarf if she wanted to her head covered. The next day, Mrs Maranyeli arrived with a headscarf and they still threw her out of the chamber. Now, girls and women who support Mrs Maranyeli are wearing headscarves to protest against the new government and demand the truth regarding Jrm Hangma's death."

When asked if men were also supporting this protest, the law students replied that most did. "Unfortunately, many men cannot join our protests at the moment since they are being forcefully conscripted. The central government is lying to the international community. The press here is being censored but I do not understand why foreign new agencies are not covering the Magarati civil war. The international community might not know this but nothing is okay right now. The war has been going for over a month and it needs to be stopped through peaceful solutions before it destroys the federation. They are forcefully taking 16 years old boys away from other families (in Liba Hangate, Second Tamuwan Hangate and Hangate of Sinja only) to go to war (women are allowed to volunteer) and kill other Magaratis."

"As a Muslim woman, I support my sisters making use of the headscarves in this protest." A prominent Magarati writer who now lives in Suvurnia told the Herald.

What is the headgear ban?

Eastern Kirati-style headgear worn by people with Peacock Varga during Sakela festival

In Khas-Kirati cultures, the head is considered the most important part of the physical body. It was compulsory for Khas-Kirati men and women to wear a headgear (this could range from topi hats to turbans to white clothing wrapped around the forehead with added decorations such as feathers and flowers) as soon as one stepped outside of his or her house. Over time, the headgear came to be an identifier for clans or tribes. Hangs, nobility and rich individuals would add rare jewels and feathers of exotic birds in their headgear. And headgear ceremonies became a thing not just for long travels, but also for special occasions in everyday life.

However, after the Imperial War, the People's Republic of Chuli declared the headgear an instrument that divided Magaratis along tribal lines. The communists claimed that the headgear was seen as a tool used by the rich Khas-Kirati nobility (who were usually from the same family) and elites to divide other Magaratis into classes and quarreling groups. The headgear was thus banned in the communist federation as it tried to emphasize its status as a modern republic, not a Khas-Kirati hangate. But after the 90s arrived and democratic reforms came in, the consecutive socialist governments became more lenient with the ban and allowed headgears to be worn in festivals and ceremonies. And exception was made for Islamic headscarves citing religious reasons and it became even more popular after the recently deceased Jrm Hangma started wearing a headscarf after her conversion to Sunni Islam. However, wearing a headgear of any type in public is still frowned upon and forbidden in many places.

Magarati women supporting MP Maranyeli are now wearing Islamic-style headscarves and using "secondary religion" as a loophole to avoid arrest. "This way, we will fight our own way. We will continue with our lives but we will be silently protesting. And even if they arrest us, it will help garner more attention to the problems the new government has."

"Whether you liked them or not, we had peace and stability under Paija Hang and his successor Jrm Hangma. Now we neither have peace nor stability. And at least, these former leaders were elected by representatives we elected; even if we did not directly elect them. The new government was created after a sudden snap election involving just 50 men and women of the Divan-i-Magarati. How can that election have been fair? How can we trust this new government when it cannot even tell us who killed Jrm Hangma? How can we trust a government against whom almost all hangs and hangmas have rebelled against."

"The central government will not admit it. But it now controls only three regions. Liba Hangate, Second Tamuwan Hangate and Hangate of Sinja. And it is making things easier for the rebel hangs by going against the wishes of the Magarati people."

[New Aapelistan]

Aprosia Daily

— 23rd of December, 2019 —
13th National Party Congress scheduled for January; preparations begun in Dašaród

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DAŠARÓD, DAŠARÓD CAPITAL REGION

Continuing the government policies of Aprosian self-strengthening and to uphold the concepts of ideological relevance and popular participation in the development of Aprosian socialism, General Secretary of the Aprosian People’s Front Alí Hamaném and the All-Union Party Congress of the APF have approved the 13th National Party Congress to be held in Dašaród from the 2nd of January until the 5th of January. Preparations for the meeting between the Central Committee of the All-Union Party Congress and the National Party Congress, represented by 3000 party members throughout Aprosia, have begun in the Palace of the Aprosian Revolution in the downtown of Dašaród. The 3000 popular representatives of the of the Front represent the over 4 million members of the Aprosian People’s Front and are to be selected locally before the National Party Congress begins.

The National Party Congress is an important part of decision making within the Aprosian People’s Front and form a key concept of party politics, known officially as popular participation. Originally envisioned and organized by President and General Secretary Dimirás Ketséluv as a way to ensure ideological purity and relevance of the Aprosian socialist ideology in the contemporary politics and situations, the National Party Congress is responsible for determining the ideological status taken by both the national politics and the All-Union Party Congress and responsible for debating and voting on major issues or advances of the Aprosian People’s Front. Historically the National Party Congress has been a key element in determining the path taken by the Aprosian socialist revolution, such as the initiation of the great and enlightened Aprosian Cultural Revolution and the dismissal and denunciation of the colonial injustices inflicted against the Aprosian people in the form of foreign imperialism and reactionary movements within the Aprosian state and the people. The 12th National Party Congress, held in 2014, voted for the economic and foreign policies taken by former President and General Secretary Nijáran, to uphold the ideals of the Aprosian socialist ideology within the Aprosian state.

Once again the National Party Congress of the Aprosian People’s Front is expected to play an important part in Aprosian politics as the Federal Government and the Central Committee of the All-Union Party Congress have moved towards President Hamaném’s policy of Two Great Advancements in economics and foreign policy to further advance the Aprosian state. With Hamaném and the Central Committee these changes to the economic system and foreign relations of Aprosia to be utmost important to the nation, it is up for the National Party Congress to determine the ideological aspects of these policies for them to be fully adopted by the Federal Government and the Aprosian People’s Front.

Despite the support for the Two Great Advancements in the Supreme People’s Assembly of the Union, the National Party Congress of the Aprosian People’s Front has the right to judge the proposals or policies as ideologically false or against the wishes of the Front and the Aprosian people. This right has been used occasionally by the National Party Congress, with the Congress’s refusal of former President Héžin’s ‘Proposal on the Extension of the National Cultural Revolution and the Extermination of Foreign Influences’ causing the National Party Congress to be in session for two weeks instead of the planned five days. With the National People’s Congress upholding the ideological side of politics in significant changes such as proposed by the Federal Government, the National People’s Congress maintains the final say in the readiness of Aprosia and its revolution to take actions as proposed.

[Ainslie]

Your Weather: Arnton - 12C/-1C

DOMESTIC: Streakers worsen holiday traffic
Arnton, Ainslie

An Aprosian national and an Ahnslen were taken into custody last night - Christmas eve - after a spectacle many would-be merry motorists did not expect on the M3 CrossCity Motorway near Lestern in Arnton’s western suburbs. The two men, the Ahnslen being 20 and the Aprosian 19, were meeting up for Christmas after spending high school together at an International School in the Occupied Territories. The two streakers managed to make it approximately three kilometres down the motorway in the 40 minutes between the commencing of their activities and the rapid police response.

The Ahnslen is confirmed to have been released this morning after sobering up at Lestern Police Station. The Aprosian is currently being held in custody for the upcoming hearing. The two men are likely to be tried together, facing an minor charges such as obscene exposure and obstructive drunkedness which combined is punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment in its most extreme case. It is likely the Aprosian will be deported by the end of the year.

The anonymous Aprosian teenager released a statement this morning about the incident

“I couldn’t be happier - although I’ve got a sore head this morning. Had a good time with the friends and that’s all that really matters. After all, who’s got anywhere to be on Christmas Eve?”

The message sent social media into a firestorm, with a surge of hate on an international scale coming upon this “anonymous Aprosian”, currently shortened to ‘AA’.

Lestern Area Command Police Chief Davide Keddaine today also commented on the incident in a press conference.

“This is serious. Despite the comments from our drunked Aprosian, he is lucky to be walking today after doing a frankly stupid act on a busy motorway. Instead of further acknowledging this act of idiocy, I would like to extend my thanks to all the motorists today on the M3 for acting in such a safe and careful manner whilst these reckless teenagers obstructed traffic and caused major delays.”

Arendai was able to obtain a comment from two of the motorists.

“Can’t lie, it was pretty funny to watch and it’d be hilarious if I wasn’t compelled to think of all the people who had their nights disturbed by them.”

Lucy (name changed to preserve anonymity)

“Definitely idiots, they’re lucky to be safe and sound although a bit groggy this morning.”
Marnus, 32

The Roads Minister also condemned the act, but also raised the need for the caution on the roads over the holiday season.

“It’s Christmas, New Years is coming - we all need to be safer on the roads and as we know the penalties for traffic related offences is doubled just to reinforce this urgent need. Be careful on the roads, don’t drive tired… drive to conditions and watch out for frost and snow… this is what is said every year and it needs to be said every year because people keep dying and getting injured on the roads. Heed these warnings, do not be one of the numbers.”



DOMESTIC: Charities see donations boom
Arnton, Ainslie

The Christmas spirit has hit Ainslie, and whilst there is the usual sounds of shopping centre Christmas music, bells and the presence of reindeers there is also a situation unique to this year. Several charities have enjoyed higher than normal boosts in donations, buoyed in what would usually be a season where spending and as a result, donations, would be lower. IPNO, Flood Aid, the RFS and the Rural Doctors Service have all reaped the benefits of what is quickly becoming a very charitable time of the year.

Leading the surge in this boost in donations is the growing accumulation of people asking for donations to their favourite charity in lieu of christmas presents in this holiday season. It is believed that the number of people doing this is reaching into the hundreds of thousands, with roughly a 15% increase in the gift-receiving preference experienced just this year. Partially contributing to this trend is its increased popularity on social media.

TWItter, Dendri and ViewTube all now provide inbuilt support for donation platforms, with Ahnslen users being amongst the leading users of it.

“Obviously, the Isles-wide takeup of the functions has been impressive, but yes, the Ahnslen population have been very much at the front seat of it.”, Dendri CEO Arkani Valente told Arendai.

These new initiatives have also emerged in parallel to growing concerns that Christmas is creating a significant amount of waste, leading to pollution and an increase in landfills needed.

Hashtags such as #chuckittocharity have been trending within Ainslie, as have #caringchristmas and #givebetter.

Arendai talked to some of the charities in the past few days and here is what they said:

“It’s great people are seeing the work we do and being made mindful about the impact that their potential giftgiving habits can have on the environment”
IPNO

“We’re still doing it tough out here - so it is greatly appreciated”
FloodAid

“We all know that not everyone is fortunate enough to have the type of Christmas that is familiar to many of us, so we value incredibly people’s will and initiative to help give it to others”
ReSTART, a welfare not for profit

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in donations, and it is something we do not take lightly. We know that people truly do care about the lives of people beyond the shores of Ainslie and we will be endeavouring to deliver that same concern.”
Red Eagle, a medical not for profit

National Weather

City (Max / Min)
Anertah (14C / 7C)
Arborai (10C / 5C)
Arnton (12C / -1C)
Hauton (10C / -4C)
Highland Ridge (9C / 1C)
Kennedai (15C / 6C)
Mandara (15C / 9C)
Menindai (17C / 2C)
Port Blaxland (13C / 4C)
Rathane (14C / 8C)
Quirindi (16C / 14C)
Watarah (15C / 2C)

[Scantarbia]

NOT A LONELY CHRISTMAS

by Reza Rambe, 24 December 2019

ARCTURUS – Since the dawn of the ages, it is known that we are the only species celebrating the yearly festivity to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, a prominent character in Christianity, in the whole planet. However, in this year’s Christmas Eve, it might not be the case. This time we’re not alone (probably).

This evening, an alarm blares at the EDEN command center in Greater Taurus Island as their radars have detected an unknown flying object entering Scantarbian airspace several kilometers south-east of Rasalhague. Air-borne radar UAVs further confirmed this detection, and their sensors indicated that the unidentified object was heading for the capital, Arcturus. Marked as a potential threat, Scantarbian Air Force scrambled a sortie of their EF11s to identify and intercept the object. The EF11 themselves is a variant of the Enterprise F11 Ceraunius modified to carry sensitive electronic systems for electronic intelligence (ELINT) purposes. The aircraft is also equipped with AAMs if they have to shoot down the object as it poses a direct and clear threat to the safety of Scantarbian citizens.

The sortie made its intercept with the object kilometers off-shore of Suvurnia at an altitude of 60.000 feet. After action report made public by the Scantarbian government after the event told us that the pilots described the object as “something we have never seen before.” The object, nicknamed by Scantarbian government as “SPACE SANTA” is shaped like an oval, roughly 10 to 14 meters in length, emits no heat, no indication of any engine whatsoever that can emit heat, “Compared to the other objects around the aircraft, the aircraft itself is amazingly normal with FLIR detecting the body of the aircraft sits at the room temperature of roughly 20° Celcius” said an Enterprise aircraft engineer tasked by Scantarbian government to examine the data gathered by the EF11s.

What is more surprising, though, is the object’s superb maneuverability. The report further states that “The object somehow defies the laws of physics.” The EF11s engaged in a series of maneuvers with the object. “I’m shocked that our highly maneuverable air-superiority jets lost in a turn-fight with the unknown object,” said a Scantarbian military official when asked for comments about the event. The EF11s managed to keep the object in sight for over 20 minutes. When they turned on their afterburners to close on the object, the object suddenly gained speed and went out of sight, out of radar coverage. However, last radar contact indicated that the object went up into the sky in a manner that has never been observed before.

Looking up on the records of sightings stored by the Scantarbian government, similar cases with similar aircrafts has took place several times in the last decade. “We don’t know who they are, but we’re interested to find out,” said Suharmaji, General of the Scantarbian Air Force. “For now, it goes directly to the science team to learn more about this object, and hopefully someday, one day, we’ll figure who they truly are,” adds him. When asked about the possibility that they’re part of the Imikalani’s ancestors he simply responded that “We will probably never know but that won’t stop us from searching for the truth.”

The Scantarbian government is well-known about their openness about any “unknown and extraordinary” events. This openness roots back to the Imikalani culture and theory of creation. They believe that live originally doesn’t exist on this planet but is seeded by some unknown beings that originates from the Pleiades constellation and they are also responsible for the existence of mankind and the emergence of Imikalanis. This belief has been the cause of Imikalani’s urge to explore and to go out into the unknown, joining their fathers upon the stars, advancing science and enhancing their daily life along the way.

Other News

• Christmas Live Traffic Report
• Scantarbian Goverment Ramps Up Defenses at Marubhumi Center for Radio Astronomy
• End of The Decade: A Reflection
• 2020-2030 Development Plan: What Do We Have in Store?
  

[Vaxn]

Record low Christmas-related economic activities

by RIKO SEBAS-ABADZHIEV | 24 December 2019

GROTSVSKI — A yearly Christmas season statistics released by Stats Vaxn showed a record-low consumption number of Vaxn populace in this year's holiday festivities.

The numbers showed a significant decrease in household spending during the holiday season, with an average of ℤ^.230.09 per household. This is a lot lower than last year's stats, previously a runner-up for being record low, with an average of ℤ^.238.87 per household. "It is of course quite surprising for us to see such a change in people's spending habit. On top of that, last year we've also seen a relatively low number as well. The trend has been showing a downward spiral since 2015," said Haxna Xacavti, spokesperson of Stats Vaxn. "One might say it's bad, but we don't necessarily think it would affect that much when the main focus for Vaxn majority has always been preparing for the Vaxn Day," he later added.

Coincidentally, a domestic climate movement has been campaigning for a "more mindful" holiday spending habit, and as well as a more circular economic model to the Vaxn government starting from last year. The movement is said to be hugely affected by Suvurnia's late Margerita Thun Beg, receiving huge support in a form of formal endorsement by the Vaxn Green Party. "There's certainly nothing bad about this, we're going in the right direction," said Khloe Antonova of Vaxn Green Party. The movement itself had received backlash, numerous National Party politicians argued that it was bad for the economy. However, popular support remained for the PR Party and Vaxn Greens led coalition.

The low number of Christmas spending is also said to have been affected by the increasing number of non-religious Vaxnis in the last few years. Within the same document Stats Vaxn released, the number of people associating themselves with religion has also decreased from last year's data. However, Xacavti argued that it should not have been that significant, as Christmas was always celebrated alongside the relatively more popular Vaxn Day. "Let's be honest, how many of us celebrate Christmas just to gather with family? Everyone I guess," Xacavti later iterated.

As it stands, Vaxn's populace is rapidly shifting the conventional preference of lavish holiday spending into less consumeristic behaviour, and the government is currently working on an economic model that is able to sustain that idea, for the good of the economy and as well as the environment.

[Roendavar]

25er vi Xalnaius, 2019

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2019 CHRISTMAS ARRESTS: A ROENDAVARIAN, A MIKLANIAN, AND 12 REINDEER
2019 Xristosaeion împithoiae: i Roendavariari, i Falmoroni, il 12 alocregoșae

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TILLANORA- Three arrests were made in the city of Tillanora on Christmas Eve due to various reasons, all of them peculiar and strange. A Roendavarian named Arturos Veithanon Agelius was arrested for terrorism, a Milklanian named Charles McAlwell was arrested for "murder", and twelve reindeer were arrested and locked in jail cells for hate speech.

First, on the case of the Roendavarian, Arturos Veithanon Agelius was arrested on the grounds of terrorism. He was arrested in Polonus Cafe in Central Tillanora after several people reported being "terrified" of him. According to witnesses, he was seen drinking 7 glasses of eggnog, and that apparantly distressed a lot of people. Testimonies include "He is a demon. No human could drink eggnog that many.", "I was terrified. He was guzzling down that disgusting liquid like some hippo on a stream.", and "Hang him. He is the Anti-Christ.". Arturos plead guilty, commenting, "Yeah I did lol what are you all going to do about it.". He was sentenced to 4 years in prison without parole.

Second, on the case of the Miklanian, Charles McAlwell was arrested and taken to the Tillanora Ministry of Law after being charged with the murder of a pine tree. In Roendavarian Law, it is illegal to chop down a tree without a permit from the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Nature. According to Charles, he was chopping down the tree for his first Christmas in Roendavar. The police who arrested him, Katrina Erenias Gramos, commented, "I don't care if he doesn't know the law. What he did was pure straight murder.". According to a witness who saw him chop down the tree, she said "I am horrified and traumatized after witnessing such a gruesome event. Oh, I think I'm going to faint.". Charles is sentenced to 5 years in the Vastaros Maximum Prison.

Last, twelve reindeer were taken and jailed in the Tillanora Ministry of Law at around 8:30 P.M. due to hate speech. According to witnesses, the reindeer "trampled a Santa Claus statue and ate its face, excreted on a Merry Christmas doormat, and began to make weird noises at a Baby Jesus replica on a manger in Voros Square". According to Tillanoran Police Chief Erik Agronon Vopharon, the reindeer were making hate sppech towards the Christians and the Catholics which make up most of the population of Tillanora City. The reindeer are sentenced to two nights and five minutes for their crime. Afterwards, they will be set free on Brinei Island.

King Ivan I commented on the arrests in a social media post this Christmas morning, saying, "The three arrests made were amazing. Made my Christmas morning.". Meanwhile, Head Cardinal of Catedra Petros Villenus stated that "The perpetrators of the crimes were horrible people and did an affront to the very holy Christian tradition. I pray for their souls.". The head of the Valaxinenos, Ithoraugoros Theon Alvegrus Xelos was asked to comment but he said only a few words, "What's a Christmas?".

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from the office of HMN: Roendavar Today.

[Haasar]

December 27th, 2019
The Selago Chronicle
Selago Haasar

PRESIDENT MARSTON REMOVED FROM OFFICE AFTER SCANDAL

President Nolan Marston has been removed from office due to a large scandal involving the White Dagger Front. Many citizens have been outraged over Marston's inaction towards the attacks perpetrated by the WDF ever since late August this year, organizing protests outside of the Presidential Palace and the Senate building. The Haasch Federal Bureau against Crimes within the Government (FBCG) opened an investigation into Marston, and found thousands of emails incriminating him as a close associate of Nikolai Ivanov, the suspected leader of the WDF, and Clayton Worth, a lobbyist who is also suspected of having ties with Ivanov. Marston has been arrested and his family has been removed from the Presidential Palace. Emmett Driver has now been appointed as leader of the Unionist Party, and new President of Haasar.

[Nhoor]

[Martenyika]

December 28, 2019
RKT - Royal Kessa TImes

Disgruntled Miners Promise to Strike Over Alleged Company Negligence

Kinahtown - According to local media outlets, miners in the region have organized for the purpose of striking against the Kinahtown Mining Company. The new union is being led by Adin Orande, who is a prominent advocate for workers' rights in the area, and an ambassador of the United Workers of Martenyika political party. According to Orande's own statements, his union is ready to start striking this coming Monday unless their demands are met. "We do not deserve to die in avoidable disasters, all because the company values money over lives. We will strike until and unless we see that changes are made." Adin Orande's colleagues corroborate that Mr. Orande lost a friend in last month's coal mine disaster which caused Kinahtown Mining Company's current debacle to unfold. Although Kinahtown Mining remains stalwart in official releases, widespread strikes would add yet another financial bomb to the ailing company's ongoing problems...READ MORE >>>

President Zubele Set to Choose International Park Competition Candidate

With Martenyika's International Park Competition almost concluded, President Maxime Zubele vowed to visit the top two finalists in order to choose which one will represent the nation to the IPNO. The International Parks and Nature Organization agreed to let Martenyika's various national parks and preserves compete for a chance to be submitted for prestigious international park status. President Zubele's itinerary included two days each at the top two parks, namely Goka Falls and Royal Savannahs. During his visits, he will join inspections of new or renovated park facilities and judge their value on the international tourism stage. He intends to announce his decision at the beginning of the new year...READ MORE >>>

[Ainslie]

Your Weather: Arnton - 10C/-3C

DOMESTIC: Ainslie welcomes in New Year
Arnton, Ainslie

Well over two hundred thousand people braved the cold to celebrate the coming of the new year in Arnton, and the beginning of a new decade. They were not disappointed, with the largest ever fireworks display in Arnton occuring and a second batch of fireworks being unloaded in Menindara. In a departure from the norm, many electorates refused to lift their ban on residential usage of fireworks, with many Governors citing the risk to public safety and the increased burden on emergency services that comes with it. However, Dallama’s Governor Emma Mansell was the exception with a one-night lifting of the bans being authorised. She stated in a press conference that:

“As Ahnslens we have a lot to celebrate this year - whilst we acknowledge the inherent danger in our decision and respect the decisions of other electorates, we have decided to lift the fireworks ban for the night of the 31st. As such, we stress Dallamans to have fun but also to be safe.”

Dallaman fire stations are said to have responded to 35 different firework related incidents, primarily along the coastal towns and cities, with no major injuries, loss of life or loss of property reported. For the first time, the Prime Minister published a New Year’s Address, welcoming the opportunities a new year brought and reflecting upon 2019. The response was mixed, although broadly positive despite commentators labelling the speech as “bland” and “Same same”.

Cities other than Arnton in Ainslie have also been welcoming the New Year. Port Blaxland had a fireworks display on their docks whilst Rathane had a cultural festival and a parade which saw the city’s main road shut. In Arborai, three hundred people ran down the main beach before running into the cold water and swimming - at midnight during winter. In Mandara, a light and laser show was held along the city’s foreshore with the focal point being the city’s iconic water fountains. Anertah had a large winter festival and farmers market.

Highland Ridge, quite possibly the coldest major urban centre in Ainslie, hosted their annual “Frostfest” which saw 4,000 people flock to the city in subzero temperatures to see electronic music acts CZR, NotDocile and Ringnek. The ski resorts of the Wesland Ranges have also been partying the new year in, with Norden lighting up its snowfields with flashing LED lights and extended hours well into the morning of the 1st.

At a smaller, but no less important scale, Ahnslens have been welcoming the New Year with optimism yet an understanding of the challenges up ahead. This is what Ahnslens told Arendai.

“2019 was okay, but this feeling of a whole new year at our disposal and in our hands is just such a powerful thing”
Maralee, 28

“Time to get back into the New Years Resolutions I left by the wayside at the start of the year”
Jos, 42


DOMESTIC: HCFCs no longer in Ainslie
Arnton, Ainslie

Following a phase out program, accelerated by the Kirsdoff Protocol which was signed in Arnton in 2017, HCFCs were officially declared by the TWI Climate Response Council as being absent from Ahnslen markets and supply chains. Furthermore, any further usage of HCFCs has not been discovered by the Independent Reviewer hired by the Ministry of Sustainability and The Future for the purposes of undertaking a final review of HCFC usage in the nation.

This announcement comes in line with Ainslie’s requirements in the Kirsdoff Protocol, which called for the abolition of HCFCs by 2020. The Ministry of Sustainability provided a statement today:

“We are very pleased to receive these findings from the Independent Reviewer, and we hope that the good progress that has been achieved in this endeavour continues in our quest to remove Hydroflourocarbons (HFC) from the shores and houses of Ainslie.”

More positive environmental news came out for the Government, with the Independent Reviewer also stating that HFC-based equipment such as air conditioners is expected to be no longer available in Ahnslen markets by August 2020. Furthermore, if the HFC program, similar to that of the HCFCs, continues, this review states that all HFCs will not be present in Ainslie by 2023.

HCFCs remain to be illegal in Ainslie as per the legislation implemented in February of 2018 after the passage of the Kirsdoff Protocol, whilst the production of new appliances and uses of HFCs have been banned from Ahnslen markets and imports blocked. However, a small number of refrigerators and air conditioner models remain to use the pollutants in their products, although the Department of Business has confirmed it will be working with these corporations to design new products which do not have hydroflurocarbons in them.

In addition to this, the last case of HCFC phase out non-compliance has made its way through the courts, with Western Cooling receiving a fine of $240,000 dollars and a removal of their CASI tax credits as a sanction for its behaviour.

As for compliance with the other portions of the Protocol, PM Kenzai triggered a significant program to greatly accelerate renewable technologies. Rooftop solar has become commonplace due to a generous rebate program whilst infrastructure, with the support of Electoral Governments, have upgraded many of the weaker points in the national grid which may have been left vulnerable as a result of a decentralisation of energy production in the nation. Major wind projects have been deployed across the nation, with Governor Hailes announcing a new project to create 200 new wind turbines on the outskirts of Kianara.

A noticeable quiet echoes from the TWI Climate Response Commission, with its public role of advocacy very much being left by the wayside as it surges ahead with collaborating with national governments. With only three members, it remains underfunded and underresourced to perform its more public roles. Due to this, it is also not overly clear as to where other nations are in their journeys to phase out the pollutants discussed in the Protocol so comparisons between Ainslie and other nations is quite unlikely to emerge. However, the TWICRC is due to release its report in February of 2020 although it would be expected that nations would have already published data if reviews were being successfully undertaken. Furthermore, the Ahnslen Government’s hiring of an independent investigator raises multiple questions of TWICRC’s competency to perform its tasks - whether that be privately or publically.

National Weather

City (Max / Min)
Anertah (12C / 0C)
Arborai (12C / 6C)
Arnton (10C / -3C)
Hauton (9C / -5C)
Highland Ridge (7C / -8C)
Kennedai (13C / 8C)
Mandara (18C / 11C)
Menindai (16C / -1C)
Port Blaxland (13C / 5C)
Rathane (17C / 10C)
Quirindi (17C / 0C)
Watarah (12C / 6C)

[Almorea]

JANUARY 2, 2020

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Army wields rocket launchers to flatten cartel compound, heralding new strategy

LAR-160 multiple rocket launchers of the Independent Artillery Battalion attack a fortified cartel compound in Earlscrossing, Gray Hills province, on January 2, 2020

EARLSCROSSING- A fortified cartel compound infamous as a hub of organized crime in Gray Hills province was destroyed today by the Army, heralding a new, aggressive strategy by the Hallowell administration to demolish the criminal syndicates of southern Almorea.

LAR-160 rocket launchers transported by rail from their base in Baranor province, accompanied by two companies of infantry, opened fire at the Earlscrossing "San Fernando" compound shortly after 5:00 AM on Thursday morning, after intelligence analysts spotted a convoy of SUVs entering the compound through its secluded western entrance.

The government had "reliable intelligence" that the leadership of the Gray Hills mob, an organized crime ring that runs violent drug trafficking operations in Gray Hills and New Arvan provinces, was gathering at San Fernando for a meeting. The rocket attack destroyed the compound, collapsing two warehouses and inflicting severe damage on a concrete "bunker" where syndicate leadership was believed to have huddled.

Soldiers, accompanied by heavily-armed local police, moved quickly to occupy the devastated compound. Two soldiers were killed and a third soldier, along with two policemen, were injured during the operation, which rounded up 40 survivors of the rocket attack.

President Alasdair Hallowell appeared outside Carldon Hall for a major press conference at noon Thursday, accompanied by Deputy War Secretary Gen. Ephraim Larsen, special crime commissioner Selaphiel Steele, and Gray HIlls governor Joshua Lourenco to brief reporters on the military operation, dubbed "Operation Swift Justice".

"Swift Justice is only the beginning of the aggressive anti-cartel efforts that this administration will pursue in the New Year," the President said. "Criminals- they're the enemies of the people, really- these enemies of the people should take notice. Our brave military and law enforcement officers will not stop until cartel crime is totally, completely destroyed."

Mr. Hallowell later went off-script during the briefing, asserting that "those rockets really blew them away" and mocking the plight of "screaming, burning" cartel members who died in the attack.

Gen. Larsen, who took the podium after the President's remarks, told reporters that the government has a list of "seven or eight" more suspected compound sites, and that the military would "ruthlessly hit and eliminate" each of these if cartel leaders did not turn themselves into federal officials. The deputy secretary also said that Congress, which reconvenes in two days, would receive briefings on the operation.

The San Fernando strike was the first example in Almorea's history of heavy artillery being deployed to retaliate against organized crime activity. Analysts expect that retribution for the destruction of the compound will be forthcoming, as the Gray Hills mob and other syndicate organizations regroup and respond to federal actions.

The Times of Ellsburgh reserves all rights to this publication. Copyright MMXX.

[Martenyika]

Highlights from the President's New Years Speech

During a New Years breakfast event this morning, President Maxime Zubele delivered a speech outlining his goals for the nation. Important officials from across the Republic were in attendance. Among the most pressing topics covered in the speech were the Kinahtown situation, and the International Parks and Nature Organization, and the economy.

The Kinahtown Situation

The President began by addressing the situation in and around Kinahtown, which has affected a large number of Martenyikans. Following the deadly tragedy that cost the lives of several workers at Kinahtown Mining Company's flagship coal mine last month, the future of the company has been uncertain. Late last week, union organizer and United Workers of Martenyika liaison Adin Orande threatened the mining company that if effort was not made towards workplace safety immediately, he would initiate widespread strikes. It is the initiation of these strikes, and the current situation in Kinahtown, that prompted President Zubele to speak about the issue first. "I extend condolences to those lost in the disaster, and those injured. I will do my part to make sure the community [Kinahtown] recovers--whether subsidies or bailouts may be required--and comes out stronger than before," said the President. Political pundits have already began discussing the mention of subsidies or bailouts.

Zubele Decides International Park Competition Winner

The second major point President Zubele turned to was the competition held to determine which of Martenyika's parks could be submitted to the International Parks and Nature Organization as a nominee for International Park. The International Park Competition saw two finalists dueling for the prestigious title by the end of the year, Goka Falls and Royal Savannahs. Maxime Zubele officially declared Royal Savannahs (formerly the Royal Eastern Range) as the winner during his speech. He explained "...both are beautiful, but Royal Savannahs is the one I believe best represents our nation, and the one I submit to the IPNO. They have not only added more to benefit people in a practical sense, but to educate and involve them in their mission." The International Park Competition has been a consistent focus of the President's for several months, and is not without its skeptics. Some have questioned whether it is an appropriate use of time, money, and effort for the government. Some of the President's own coalition partners in the Eastern Citizen's Party voiced concerns that their constituents would not be proportionately helped, despite the boost to regional tourism. Nonetheless, the President's efforts warranted a rare commendation from both the Alliance for Tomorrow (AfT) and Independent Green Party (IGP) for dedicating government resources towards the betterment and preservation of Martenyika's wild areas.

Economic Progress

Aside from these current events, President Maxime Zubele spoke about his dreams for Martenyika in the coming year and decade. He declared his intentions to develop a domestic textile industry, a matter which has effectively left dormant for months. The future of a domestic textile industry was an important consideration during trade negotiations with Almorea earlier this year, so it pleased many to see a dedication to such development. The President also encouraged overall growth and touted early economic improvements since his election. Some sectors have indeed seen growth, and unemployment has gone down at points.

Almorean Style 'Swift Justice' Against Organized Crime?

However, one of President Zubele's final statements has sparked a controversy within the nation, when he stated "it is my dream that the slavers and heinous criminals of organized crime will be countered. It is our duty to erase them with swift justice." It was only today that the Almorean Army launched a rocket attack against an alleged organized crime compound in Gray Hills province, destroying the property. The carnage of the initial rocket strike is unknown, however the following assault cost the lives of two soldiers, while one soldier and two policemen sustained injuries. The President's wording proved to be the most problematic for some, as it imitated the name of the Almorean operation itself, "Swift Justice." President Zubele was pressed on the matter following his speech, and claimed "I wasn't thinking about the operation name, only what the barbarous criminal elements that hold Martenyika back deserve." Both statements have fueled controversy across Martenyika as some support the potential new hard line and others fear it may go too far. Although not part of his original script, President Alasdair Hallowell of Almorea made questionable statements about the targeted victims during a press conference. Some within the Republic hold reservations that a new and explosive hard line might be unjustifiable.

[Scantarbia]

CHANGING THE DECADE WITH MULTIPLE BANGS

by Julian Anduk, 04 January 2019

ARCTURUS – Scantarbian Armed Forces Missile Command (SAF-MISCOM) successfully conducted a test of their newest Messenger-class ballistic missile system at the change of the century this Wednesday, 1 January 2020. Built by Enterprise Aerospace, the Messenger-class is Scantarbia’s newest missile system, designed to replace the aging Pilgrim-class introduced in the late 1970s. The variant that was tested at the beginning of the year is it’s TBM variant. The missile was launched from a modified test barge from the waters far south of Scantarbia, the setup carried eight multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). However, this time, the payload on the MIRVs is fireworks and their targets? Arcturus Bay.

Celebrating the new year's eve, the Scantarbian government decided that it would be best to test new military equipment while also entertaining the populace with a fireworks show. To do this, Arcturus Bay was chosen to be the test site of the new explosives for its strategic location at the center of the nation. Our reporter that was deployed on site for the celebration noted that there are massive crowds gathering all around the Arcturus Bay to see the fireworks show. With tens of thousands gathering on the capital of Arcturus alone.

At exactly the change of the century, the payloads detonate high above the waters of Arcturus Bay for all to see. Fortunately, the weather was clear at that time. Which is unusual for a Scantarbian December-January weather. The design of the fireworks payload utilizes a cluster-type design, resulting in a repeating explosion that lasts on the sky for a minute. The show was then concluded by the setting off of the annual fireworks show on Augustus Scantar Commemoration Bridge which, was as beautiful as the show up in the sky.

After the tests, military analysts concluded that the missile test showcased the precision of the Scantarbian Armed Forces missile systems. Not to mention that the payload design indicated that Scantarbian Armed Forces is capable to deploy cluster munitions on their missile system in the near future. We managed to contact the head of SAF-MISCOM and asks her for comments on the missile test, but what she told us is just that the missile worked “beautifully and as expected” with no further remarks whatsoever. Until now, there are still many unknowns about the specification of the Messenger missile family. Its range, its other variant, etc. are still classified to the general public. However, let's hope next time the missile is used against an enemy, they didn't forget to change the payload with something more powerful.

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