Greater Díenstad News Feed

[Cochlea Attenum]

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L&K Strikes deal with Mokastani Government!



L&K Corporate assets in Monavia have been employed to fly several large shipments of military goods into Mokastana to set up military bases along the border. This agreement was reached after talks for military ports broke down.

L&K News — The L&K corporation has been in extensive negotiations with the Mokastani government for the past few weeks detailing the opening of several bases in Mokastani territory. The Mokastani Government was less-than-enthusiastic about the proposal, but L&K was determined not to stop there.

Mokastana is in a position within Dienstad that is of great value to L&K. Sitting away from the Krasnovan conflict, Mokastana is a good place for L&K to place its military warehouses and other arms businesses to avoid them being raided or otherwise jeopardized by the Ordenite U-Boats in the Sea of Crowns, and the Luftwaffe above their heads. Ergo, Mokastana was the go-to nation for a negotiation involving the opening of a company to manage several warehouses storing L&K assets. Currently, L&K shelters its major military supplies in Monavia and Lamoni, but neither of these locations are close enough to the main headquarters or to the trade hotzones to reliably police them or protect them, and so Mokastana, a nation much closer and uninvolved in the Krasnovan war, was a much better option.

Because of this strategic and monetary importance in Mokastani ports and military warehousing, L&K pushed a deal through with the Mokastani authorities which granted L&K the ability to construct several military bases in Mokastani. These bases, although loosely garrisoned at current, also harbored large stocks of L&K military goods stored in warehouses constructed within their safety. L&K Corporation trucks and convoys have been seen recently passing through several Mokastani cities as these goods are transported from Mokastani airports to the military bases in question.

L&K reaffirmed its position on its reliability and deal honor after being questioned if they would shatter this deal like they had in both Monavia and Acadia, but authorities in the local area do not yet believe this statement by the Locke and Keye board members. After the recent trade taxing preformed in Monavian ports by L&K task forces, the Mokastani authorities were less-than-cordial about allowing L&K to open ports and trade companies in Mokastana and do the same to them. So far, nothing has occurred.

[Cochlea Attenum]

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TGT Authorities and L&K reach agreement; found Maersk-Gibbenson Trade Corporation



Maersk-Gibbeson merchant ships often use trading and shipping lanes going through Krasnova in order to shorten travel times, and so far have been a rapid profit source for L&K and for beneficiary companies in TGT. When questioned about this shipping policy, MGTC simply said that 'war is no excuse to stop helping people.'

L&K News — It has been a few weeks since the L&K Corporation began talks with the TGT government in regards to the opening of a new trade company and several bases as well in Theohuanacu. These negotiations were a loose front for L&K to get the TGT to begin opening their ears, and it worked. Most people were receptive of mercantile action with L&K from the start, but L&K insisted that it must push forward a beginning offer.

The L&K Corporation, having a rather founded reputation for economic control and manipulation through its numerous trade company branches, was of course restricted completely from opening military bases in Theohuanacu, but this was not the end to the negotiation. TGT was still receptive and L&K struck a loose deal with them to lease spots in civilian ports within Theohuanacu and Macabees, opening the Maersk-Gibbenson Trade Corporation. The Maersk-Gibbenson Trade Corporation was initially put aside by L&K authorities because of the fact it would need to be put on reserve as a trade company until the end of the Fourth Krasnovan War, but when MGTC proved able to withstand the war and make quotas, this view was changed. L&K put in funds to the company and it began shipments.

When the company was opened, L&K also signed an agreement with the TGT allowing limited access to TGT military ports along the coasts of Macabees and Theohuanacu. These ports were opened only to L&K corvette and destroyer escorts working in the conflict zones, mainly for refuel, repair, and resupply purposes. This deal allowed L&K to protect the trade company and also incidentally allowed L&K to move several tons of naval armament goods from Monavia to Theohuanacu, mainly stored in Maersk-Gibbenson warehouses.

This agreement significantly furthered L&K interests in the area, allowing L&K merchant ships and escorts to find more easily accessible ports for refueling and repair in case of damage, and also allowed L&K to more easily reach its ports and businesses in Lamoni. The deal also warmed L&K relations with a member of the Triumvirate, which L&K has publicly recognized as a major business partner of L&K branch companies, as Arcaenia houses several land corporations and manufacturing businesses, and now TGT harbors the MGTC, along with Imbrinium having recently agreed to allow a base to be opened as well.

[Cochlea Attenum]

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L&K strikes deal in Liberated America!



Northern LA is a recently subdued hotzone of insurgent activity, although this was disregarded in the opening of the Vakoma Trade Company. L&K military garrisons were moved to VTC warehouses and offices, although some wonder if this is more than security.

L&K News — Many asked when the deal was signed - Why would this be needed?

It has been known to the world, especially to the citizens of the Empire, that the Northern regions of Liberated America are a hotspot for dissent and armed insurgency against government law, and it is better known that the only thing preventing a civil war is fear of defeat among the warlords of the North. This fear has kept the warlords in the North suppressed and has allowed for business opportunities to open up, and so when L&K requested to open up companies there, The Empire was more than willing to allow them in.

Thus the Rakatovi-Birat Trade Company (RBTC) was founded in the port city of Hudson, with several guarded offices opening and several ports being bought for RBTC cargo ships braving the Sea of Crowns to make deliveries to the new region. Several warehouses were also set up and soon RBTC goods were flowing through the Northern LA markets, seeing a quick surge of profits for RBTC. This sudden surge though was met with much opposition in the streets.

It became a common sight in the streets of Hudson to see columns of trucks and Iris-4 IFV escorts moving through, with the local police forces strangely backing down whenever these patrols pass through. The potential danger posed by an armed force having free access to the whole port and to the nearby big cities caused much unrest within the populous of Hudson, and soon some companies were refusing to hold deal negotiations with RBTC. This caused a bit of alarm within the Stevidian government at first as L&K was known for its interventionist policies.

In an interview with Kayman Cratillo, President of L&K, he stated to the Stevidian leadership that;

"Locke and Keye is not here to bash heads and spill blood when there is nothing to gain from such. We opened RBTC to allow trade to flow through the Empire and to allow those of North LA to benefit greatly from this profit. Yes, the repeated stopgaps and red tape we run into does cause major issues, but there will not be any open conflict."

This, along with an unexpected agreement with the Stevidian government granting RBTC the rights to police its dockyards, warehouses and offices freely and allow them to protect themselves, seemed to allow the incurring storm to settle, but nobody truly knows what may happen next.

[Cochlea Attenum]

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RBTC Purchases ports, unrest in Hudson!



There were only a few remaining ports and dockyards in Hudson still run by local companies, and these were bought out by RBTC in the wake of a rapid increase of use due to the Krasnovan War. This caused a large amount of dissent in the area.

L&K News — The Rakatovi-Birat Trade Company was more popular in the market than initially predicted.

In Northern LA, the market for foreign-supplied fuel and nutritions was high, especially in Hudson, where poverty often hits the outskirts and necessities are often imported. RBTC Goods, sold in open markets within the city, were a popular source of business for the company as many of the civilians in Hudson were eager to get high quality goods from a company that could afford to price them at a low rate. Products such as processed and canned foods, drinks, gasoline, petroleum, and miscellaneous manufactured goods circulated through Hudson, and profits spiked for RBTC.

This, mixed with the increase in cargo trucks passing through the city in order to reach the towns and villages surrounding Hudson, caused the need for further increases in foreign importation from other L&K trade companies in the region, which in turn furthered the need for more dockyards and more ports. This in turn caused RBTC to begin entering negotiations with the Orion Cargo Company, the only other company holding ports in Hudson. These talks ended rather abruptly after a week of stagnation, and OCC signed a contract leasing RBTC their ports in Hudson for 99+ years. This deal was the spark to the fire.

After the deal was announced on live television in Hudson and the cities around, dissent began to grow against the trade corporation, and soon the city began seeing open protests, legally sanctioned in the streets of Hudson, pushing back against the trade company for its actions in Hudson. Ever wary of possible riots the local police moved in to contain these protests and thus far there has been no severe risk to RBTC assets.

But one can only ask, will the bomb hit zero?

[Morrdh]

LEFT WING REVOLT ROCKS CITY!

CoM:- It has been reported that a revolt lead by left wing extremists has broken out in the city of Merin.

A series of strike actions led by syndicalists has erupted into open revolt against the recently constituted government of Ard Righ Viktor Cathmore. The revolters, who have taken over control of much of the city, have announced that they refuse to recognise the authority of the Crown and have declared the foundation of the Ordic Free State. A governing body, the Congress of Trade Unions, has been formed to led the fledging state.

Number of clashes with Garda officers have been reported as well as with military personnel stationed in the city, though the latter has since been withdrawn and re-deployed to blockade the city. Taoiseach Padraig Kendrick, recently appointed as the new head of government, has announced that the revolters have been given a twenty-four hour deadline to stand-down and submit to the Commonwealth authorities. The Taoiseach did not go into any detail regarding what actions would be taken against the Free State, though was quoted as saying "potential harsh".

[Castille de Italia]

Pictured: Troops from the 21. Airborne Corps march in the Federation Day parade. (Photo courtesy Castillian Army )

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Castillian Federation Reaches Troop Strength Goal of 50 Million
Military build-up continues in response to wars spreading across Greater Dienstad Region
Joachim Constanz (@JConstanzCBS)
^{May 23, 2031 2:31 PM | Preslaff, CasFed}

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PRESLAFF, Castillia — President of the Castillian Federation John Faring announced that military reforms have successfully concluded, with a new active military strength number of 50 million troops. The military reforms came as a response to warlike posturing by several Dienstadi nations, as well as conflict from central and Western Dienstad spilling over into the East.

While some details cannot be disclosed due to national security measures, what is known of the military reforms is that it led with a 20% reduction of foot infantry units, to be replaced with mechanized infantry to support new mobile warfare and mechanized assault doctrines. It also led to the elimination of the Castillian Marine Corps, whose duties of amphibious warfare has been absorbed by the Army, with the establishment of 20 new Maritime Infantry Divisions. These divisions will predominantly focus on amphibious warfare through sea denial and expanding upon unmanned systems and will utilize highly adaptable and mobile equipment in order to compete with near-peer naval adversaries. Notably, the new divisions will be devoid of tank units and traditional cannon artillery, instead opting for amphibious light armor systems and rocket artillery. The Maritime Infantry Divisions will be attached to naval commands and can be broken into smaller expeditionary units.

The Castillian Air Force, on the other hand, saw an expansion with the establishment of the Castillian Space Force, to be a sister service, both under the supervision of the Air Secretariat. The Space Force will aid in space warfare and oversee the operations of Castillian space assets, such as the Castillian Lunar Base, the Terranova Station, and military satellites in orbit. Furthermore, the nuclear defense arsenal will be placed in the control of the Space Force's Missile Corps, while mobile nuclear weapons systems will remain in the hands of the Army's Nuclear Corps. The Defense Secretariat has not yet stated the status on a potential "fighting" force within the Space Force, but it can be assumed that such an element may be established to mirror the organization of peer militaries.

Information that contributed to the reforms came from wargames within the past few years and the conflict with Caswell's former regime in Castleclose, which proved that last-century military doctrines proved ineffective against an adversary that utilized guerilla tactics. While most future wars won't be a guerilla conflict, some of these realizations also made their way into the reforms. Vast investment in drone technology as well as electronic warfare methods has been made so that effective neutralization of irregular forces can be made without unnecessarily risking ground troops. Ground commanders will now be able to take advantage of new technologies that allow real-time battlefield decisions to be made through computer tablets, which will be relayed to subordinate units.

While Castillia is not actively pressing for military conflict, President Faring stressed the importance of having a strong military deterrent in a press conference Saturday. However, the Senate of the Federation is deliberating a bill that would withdraw Castillia from a non-aggression pact with the Ordenite Reich, which was signed in 2028. The pact limits Castillian naval presence in Central Dienstad around Krasnova as well as around the Reich proper. However, with recent Castillian shipping continuing to be harassed by what Faring's adminstration claims Ordenite-backed pirates, the fate of the pact seems doomed. A Castillian withdrawal would mean that naval escorts for shipping can continue around those areas, but will put the Federation at odds with the Reich, a nation not keen to forgive past transgressions.

MORE IN CASTILLIA

• BREAKING: Senate set to vote on Withdrawal Bill tomorrow [ 349818 ]
• Shocking report: Slavery still practiced in over half of the modern world [ 81276 ]
• Opinion: Why risk war with UWO over trade? [ 67521 ]
• Castillian Federation to send envoys to meet with Mokan Foreign Minister [ 514328 ]

© CBC 2031

[Birat]

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Rebellion in Greal; Declaration of Independence!



The occupation of Pogoren, Greal has many heads reeling. It was unexpected, and the BRA has brutally suppressed loyalist forces in the region without meeting any significant resistance. BRA demands to grant the region of Northern Greal autonomy have been met with stunned silence in the city.

Birati State Journal — Nobody expected the move, and when it happened, nothing could be done.

In the northern city of Pogoren, a major and yet poverty-stricken city in the northern territory of Greal, civilians were shocked as an armed paramilitary group known as the 'Birati Revolutionary Army' swept into the city and occupied it, declaring an enforced curfew in the city and establishing a combat headquarters in the city hall. This paramilitary force had seemed to form suddenly, but the movement in and of itself was one that was existent for a much longer period, specifically since 2005.

The Birati Freedom Assembly has been a body of protest in Pogoren for a long period since the month of August in 2005, when the city had seen the enforcement of segregation between the Birati peoples and the Grealites after several unsuccessful insurgencies in the area, which resulted in the segregation and several political prisoners to keep the insurgency leaders from creating more trouble. This lit a spark that caused city-wide protests, but the rapid escalation into a paramilitary occupation had been questioned by even the most stalwart Birati protestors.

Many questioned if the move was even a legitimate one. After all, Northern Greal had recently seen funding from major companies moving into the area due to the severe poverty, and had seen an increase in agricultural yields over the past half decade. These upstarting benefits, especially in Pogoren, had given the general public much incentive to trust the current government in power and keep submission to Grealite rule. The sudden opposition from the BRA seemed to risk that potential prosperity, and so many did not support the upstart revolutionaries.

But, there was also a surge of support from some of the minor towns such as Grezada, Gadan and Wriat, in which the local populous was predominantly Birati and supported the revolutionary movement. This was a staunch bulwark against the pushback in Pogoren, which had already begun to cause difficulties for the unwelcome occupation of the city. The only real supply lines that the revolution currently has are those from Grezada and Wriat, and their main headquarters is in the larger town of Gadan, and so it is predicted that the fragility of this rebellion will soon be the cause of its demise.

But who is to say the BRA may not find a way to circumvent this?

[Birat]

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Fighting in Grezada; Casualties mount!



After the occupation of Pogoren and the response by the Greali garrison in the region, the town of Grezada saw the brunt of the initial combat in the war, with hundreds of BRA soldiers fighting like dogs in the streets. In only a few days the casualties mounted to reach the hundreds.

Birati State Journal — The counterattack was harsh, but not enough.

The BRA forces that had stationed themselves in the town of Grezada, a predominantly Birati town sitting near the border with southern Greal, had been the first forces to meet the Greali counterattack. A brigade of forces sent from the Wellington base in the Hallibon province, in which Grezada was located, arrived at the city from the east and began a heavy assault. The initial volleys from the BRA caused heavy casualties for the federal forces, and federal response was meager at best.

The BRA presence in the village had been significantly fortified over the past few days since the occupation of Pogoren and the beginning of the revolution, with a crude trench line with earthwork and rubble cover set up all around the village, artillery in the city square and bunkers armed with machine guns covering the major roads. The village had a containment situation already active with soldiers keeping civilians in the buildings as the enemy fire hit the village.

The village suffered several hits by cruise missiles after hours of fierce fighting between the BRA and the Greali brigade, which devastated the village and left hundreds dead from the blasts, including a dense amount of civilians. Many more were wounded, and several platoons of surviving BRA soldiers brought the wounded civilians in the town further north to the village of Uzbek, where a field hospital was already set up. Fighting continues in Grezada despite the severe casualties suffered by the BRA, with fighters scattered in the rubble still firing on Greali soldiers and vehicles.

Air strikes conducted by the rudimentary Birati Revolutionary Airforce (BRAF) had devastated the roadways employed by the enemy brigade and devastated enemy forces, crippling opposition in the town and allowing Birati infantry to keep the counterattack at bay from Pogoren and the rest of the BRA forces, allowing them to further organize and open up supply routes out of Northern Greal. The Pogoren National Airport saw shipments of arms flying in, along with ammunition, food, medical supplies, and other supplies from benefactors. The BRA forces in Grezada have continued their push to hold the Greali counterattack, and so far the fighting has no end in sight.

[Birat]

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BRA Forces occupy Chjayora and Waychek!



After the first week of war, the BRA forces arrived in the large port town of Chjayora along the Jibalal river and in the city of Waychek in the province neighboring Halligon. A large amount of ethnic Birati live in these communities, which have caused the BRA's numbers to swell.

Birati State Journal — The region was not prepared for how organized the BRA was.

As intense fighting continued unabashed in the town of Grezada, with casualties mounting steadily in the battle as both Birati and Greali soldiers fight tooth and nail to claim victory over the other, the BRA made a move to secure more supplies and manpower, sending two thousand infantry to the large port town of Chjayora and a further six thousand to the neighboring city of Waychek, which was the provincial capital of the neighboring province, as Pogoren is the provincial capital of Halligon. Both of these communities have large portions of ethnically Birati peoples in them, which prevented significant resistance to occupation.

The takeover of both cities resulted in a surge of numbers for the BRA, with over thirty five thousand Birati men enlisting into the ranks as conscripts, eager to join the fight against the Greali oppression in the area. These new forces were armed and uniformed the same as the other soldiers and were deployed to the rest of Halligon and its neighbor, securing the rest of the villages and towns in support of the rebellion and confirming the Wellington base and the base in the neighboring province to Halligon as the only Greali resistance in the two provinces.

The villages of Uzbek, Bayrat and Koba have seen continuous radical support for the BRA, including several independent movements to push other small communities into joining and pushing for raids on Greali dug-in checkpoints, seeing several more bolsters in the BRA ranks, specifically into the rapidly-expanding Armored Corps of the BRA. This helped greatly in further fortifying the path to Pogoren.

The city of Waychek also saw significant fortification and use as the city's local airport was transformed into an airbase, the remaining fighters from the BRAF being stationed there, as opposed to the jeopardized Pogoren. This move greatly stunned the local Greali garrisons, as the surprising strength of this rebellion began to shine through the cover ups and concealments preformed by the BRA's leadership to prevent their true capabilities from being known.

[Birat]

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The Rebellion Advances!



The rebellion has had plenty of time in the past few weeks to build up, and so following the declaration of support for their cause in Halligon, the BRA has set up a provisional governance in Pogoren. The systems of martial law in place within cities near the warzone and near borders has so far provided law and order in the area.

Birati State Journal — The BRA was organized; and it was a terrifying thing for some.

Over the past several days, the northern half of Halligon has seen heavy rebel activity, with the fighting in Grezada being the center. As the BRA makes leaps in gains on the Greali forces in the area, their numbers expand rapidly and their support grows more solid in the surrounding rural areas around the province of Halligon. The province itself, being largely filled with ethnic Birati, has declared staunch support for the BRA, so much so that the BRA has been able to wrench control of the North out of the hands of the Greali.

In the city of Pogoren, now a fortress after the extensive moves to fortify it over the past few days, the leadership of the BRA has set up a rudimentary command center in the city hall. After having established laws by which the BRA will conduct its rulership in occupied zones, a rudimentary system of taxation and judicial proceedings was put into place in the city and in the rest of the North. Greali officials have found in increasingly difficult to make the northern half of Halligon follow Greali law, as they support the Birati rule much more.

The provisional government elected a single leader whom would lead the BRA in its diplomatic outreaches within the world. This man, President Somani, was tasked with the management and administration of the Halligon province, and with protecting the peoples under his control. His first act as the leader of this provisional governance was to emplace a system of conscription in the dense urban cities of the north, requiring that men from ages 16-30 whom are able bodied answer the call if they are drafted.

The cities of Waychek and Irdisgrad have seen an increased rebel presence, with conscripts fresh from training being garrisoned there until further need. Convoys of fresh armor and arms imports from supporting nations have been seen moving back and forth between the shipment zones and the major cities, transporting the supplies back and forth with humanitarian efforts reaching an increase as cooking kitchens, soup stands, field hospitals, water stands, and aid stations are set up in the cities to aid those fleeing from the frontline.

Among all of this domestic change within the North, there has been a remarkable increase in operations by the Birati soldiers, with many conscript squads being tasked with patrolling near the frontline in the wilds, ordered to harass and ambush enemy forces and shoot down enemy armor and jets moving by them with their launchers. This further defensive move by the BRA has caused significant confidence in their capabilities, with the dissent in Pogoren beginning to quiet down completely.

The BRA has allowed journalists and press workers from a few different news stations inside the province to suit up and head to the warzone, which released the first ever footage of live action in the Battle of Grezada onto national television, revealing a Greali shell striking BRA trucks loaded with civilians and wounded, and showing Birati soldiers who had surrendered being shot instead of treated under the laws governing prisoners of war.

[Patrick OConner]

Statesboro Herald

International News

Relief Aid and Evacuation

In recent times Greal as again erupted into chaos and conflict. This has greatly affected the people of the area and as such supplies are in great need. Birat has arranged for the people to receive such relief from the Republic.

Birat is working in conjunction with several organizations in the Republic to bring relief supplies. The Serail Peacemakers and Misty Cross are working in conjuction to bring over 50,000 tons of food, medical supplies, and various other supplies via sea and air to the area. Both organizations are going to be working to help distribute the supplies and see to it that it actaully gets to those in need.

[Haishan]

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-<HCNA>-
Haize Central News Agency

HAIZE DASKO PERIODICAL

INTERNATIONAL VERSION

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Haikosmas earmarked 50 Billions Hikans to Momentum Exchange Tether Constellation
Haikosmas will fund development and construction of orbital network to facilitate Global Aerospace Trade Association activities.

Artist visualization of space tether

SOLZOT, JUNE 5, HCNA - Haize national space corporation Haikosmas planned to invest up to 50 billion hikans (25 billions NSD) on development and deployment of orbital Momentum Exchange Tether Constellation (METC) as part of Haize facilitation of agreed treaty with Global Aerospace Trade Association (GATA) pertaining to orbital transportation and trade.

The constellation will be series of specialized tether-equipped spacecraft and satellites designed to manage space velocities of receptive objects for various beneficial purposes such as payload boosting, object deceleration, orbit management and other similar tasks pertaining to space activities. METC will consist of more than three working layers ranging from skyhook layer to medium Earth orbit layer.

Addition of METC to Haishan is expected to boost space trade activities and minimize space fuel costs associated with agreements related to GATA founded by The Empire of Golden Throne of Macabees. The constellation will serve as alternative to current fleet of nuclear-powered single stage to orbit spacecraft being employed by Haikosmas in respect of said Treaty and, provide Haishan with lower weight boosting capacity compared to the former but at higher frequencies.

[AHSCA]

UIS Grapevine to the Globe
Reports provided by United Island Office of Information and Culture (UNICIM)

These reports are a collection of small news happenings around the UIS of national and global interest and are available for news agencies to cite or re-purpose.

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Duchess and Princess To Visit The Federalis Imperium of Astares Amauricanum

Her Royal Highness, Duchess Marcella Villa and Her Royal Highness Princess Gisella Villa are expected to make a visit to the great nation of Astares Amauricanum in July. The four day trip will come on the heels of Her Majesty's Visit to Kuronami and will include tours of the nation and other events with the nation's high nobility. Her Majesty is looking forward to the trip and expects it to be very fruitful in the coming month. A UNICIM Press agent is expected to be in attendance to document and report on the trip of the Royal Majesties in the Federalis Imperium.

First Tropical Storm of the Seasons Batters Animalpolis Coast

Animalians are battening down the hatches the season's first tropical storm has made landfall on Animalpolis yesterday. The storm is packing sustained winds of 75 km/h (40 knots) and is expected to dump 148 millimeters of rain over the island over the coming days. The slow moving storm will be causing issues for residents but is expected to turn out to open sea, according to UNIMO officials after parting land and not expected to affect more of the greater UIS. All islands have put up Marine Weather Warnings in anticipation of the storm to alert sea ships to be cautious and vigilant and Corona Island has put up a hurricane watch bulliten as a precaution. At present Island Premier Biscotti has asked the Royal Government to be at a ready phase but for now remains confident of state resources to manage the aftermath.

Tourism Accounted for 45% of Revenue during Last Festival

AHSCA's religious Holy Light festival has become a major attraction as people from all over have begun flocking the first weeks of September to AHSCA to experience it. Last year's festival drew a large attendance and gross revenue amounted to 750 Million Island Credits across the chain. UNICIM says the results are pleasing and show the festival has become quite the tourist attraction and is hoping to see a greater turnout this year.


Coins to Make Comeback?

Senator and Minority Leader, Miela (NLP-CR) along with four co-sponsors have introduced Legislation to the Congress to begin a plane to phase out paper money over the next few years. The bill, which is being co-sponsored by Congresswoman Sunplena (NLP-CR) Senator Shino Yamanouchi (NLP-AR), Senator Masako Asakura (UIP-HO) and Senator Mikela Fredrick (I-SO), will being a plan of phasing AHSCA back to hard currency no sooner than by the end of the decade. According to the Minority Leader the logic to transition is one of economics and long term stability. "AHSCA is obviously no stranger to turbulent weather, every time a major storm strikes it's an incredible amount of paper money lost to the water. While short term it is expensive to manufacture, long term it will add up to billions of Credits saved on the need to reprint money for worn out or destroyed money and dramatically reduce counterfeiting."

On the other side of the aisle Majority Leader Pacifica (UIP-CR) has said she's open to hearing more discussion on the topic but isn't ready to make a stand yet. "As it is, there's a lot of planning that would go into a program like this. The bill has outlined quite a bit but I think more discussion is needed." Should the bill as is pass a vote, it will remain to be seen if Duchess Villa will approve or veto the measure and if Congress would have enough to override a veto or challenge a Decree. It's also possible the bill could be altered to better compromise though at present there isn't a wave of strong opposition, only questions that fence sitting congressional delegates want to see addressed before. The bill is expected to be debated on over the coming month.

[Palmyrion]

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CAP, SDP Dominate Pre-Election Polls
Gerald Valencia | 10 June 2020 1:34PM PST

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• CAP coming first at 31%, with SDP following closely at 29%
• CDP at third, CMDP at a distant fourth
• SPP and CPP at fifth and sixth, respectively

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PALMYRION | The results of the first pre-election poll, conducted last week from 01 - 05 June 2020 by social research institution Union Pulse, have been released this morning of June 10, 2020, following a week-long anticipation of the survey results by the electorate.

According to the survey on voter preferences which had 2,048,256 respondents in total, 31% of the surveyed voters preferred voting for the Commonwealth Action Party (CAP; Partido Aksyong Mankomunidad), with 29% preferring the Social Democratic Party (SDP; Partido Sosyo-Demokratiko). The Christian Democratic Party (CDP) and the Commonwealth Muslim Democratic Party (CMDP) had voter preferences of 21% and 10%, respectively, while the Synarchist Party of Palmyrion (SPP) and the Communist Party of Palmyrion (CPP) had voter preferences of 8% and 1%, respectively.

This was also reflected in their choice of Chancellor: CAP candidate MGEN Ricardo Duterte (RET) PA came first in voters' preference, while Evelyn Sta. Ana of the SDP followed a close second, with Harold Bragancia of the CDP coming third, Ahmad al-Hiwari of the CMDP coming fourth, and the SPP's Romy Perez and CPP's Eustace Macalintal both coming a distant fifth and sixth, respectively.

Palmyrion is set to elect its Chancellor and roster of Members of Parliament by 15 July 2020.

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Main thread here.

[Palmyrion]

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Duterte: Boost Military Strength to 10 Million
Victor Kalimantan | 12 June 2020 9:08AM PST

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• MGEN Ricardo Duterte (RET) PA wants military strength boosted to 10 million
• Retired general is running for the position of Chancellor with a militarist platform
• The Armed Forces of Palmyrion currently stands at 6,400,000 personnel

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The AFP currently stands at 6.4 million, but Chancellor candidate Ricardo Duterte wants to boost it to 10 million as part of his militarist policy.

DAVAO CITY, PROVINCE OF DAVAO | Retired major general and candidate for Chancellor Ricardo Duterte posted in Accelafeed that, as part of his militarist platform, he intends to boost the AFP's numerical strength to 10 million personnel.

MGEN Ricardo Duterte (RET) PA @RickyDuterte If I were to be the chancellor of the Royal Commonwealth, I would boost the military's strength to 10 million as part of my militarist platform.#2020PalmyrianElections SHARESFAVORITE 201K402K

This is in line with his militarist policy in his candidacy for Chancellor in the incoming 2020 Palmyrian Federal Elections as the party leader of the Commonwealth Action Party, with a stance on social libertarianism, social democratic economics, and a militaristic policy in contrast with close runner-up Social Democratic Party's pacifist policy.

The Armed Forces Palmyrion currently stands at 6.4 million personnel, and is undergoing a major wave of modernisation and reorganisation in light of the 2008-2010 Fortaleza Reforms and the Turbulent Tens Conflict which lasted from 2009 to 2018. Additionally the Royal Commonwealth is seeking a more visible geopolitical standing in Greater Dienstad, particularly in the western region, through a policy of "mutually benevolent intervention".

However, with economic recovery and revitalisation programmes and projects going underway in the war-torn federal subjects of the Republics of Cagayan, Ilocos, the Cordilleras, and the Sultanates of Osmalik and Mindanao, concerns around the militarist policy of Duterte as candidate for Chancellor are fueled by the potential that Duterte might even neglect these socio-economic recovery programmes. The Honourable Evelyn Sta Ana, SDP candidate for Chancellor, expressed her concerns in a quote-retweet of Duterte's original tweet.

Evelyn Sta. Ana @Eve_Sta.Ana While the Royal Commonwealth must maintain a strong standing military, a policy of militarism may mean neglect of socio-economic recovery programmes and initiatives in the areas torn by the Turbulent Tens Conflict.#2020PalmyrianElections SHARESFAVORITE 204K405K

The mentioned federal subjects were most affected by the Turbulent Tens Conflict, having been the main warzones and flashpoints conquered by the Communist and Jihadist forces. Of the 2020 national budget's components, almost PRR 25 trillion ($500 billion) was devoted solely to post-war recovery, revitalisation, and development of both areas, disbursed to various departments and sectors of the Palmyrian cabinet. This is an increase of PRP 5 trillion ($100 billion) compared to the start of the Post-War Recovery, Revitalisation, and Development Programme on 2019. Duterte has yet to comment and answer on the concerns which are now shared by many Palmyrian Accelafeed users aside from Sta. Ana.

[Mokastana]

MNN: SPECIAL REPORT!!!
News so short your can't help but read the full story...

TOP STORIES:

PUF purchased Domestic Production Rights to new Armored Troop Transport system, from the Federal Republic of Lauzanne

Mokastana City, People's Republic of the Islands,
People's Unified Federation

Sitting at just under 15 tons, with eight wheels, composite armor, and a freshly installed LY60 machine gun, the Weasel-A Armored Personnel Carrier has become the newest, and most cost effective, troop carrier in the Federation. Purchased for use among the Reserve Guard, and other secondary forces, it will replace the current mark 3 Armored troop transport trucks in service. In comparison, Weasel system offers increased armour, eight wheels instead of six to improve traction, and an onboard weapon system to defend the transport. Although the Weasel is nearly nine times the cost of the truck for half the passenger capacity, the increase in survivability is paramount to Federal defense forces.

The deal signed with the Federal Republic of Lauzanne includes Domestic Production Rights of the Weasel APC and IFV system for $16 billion Universal Standard Dollars, and an initial purchase of 1,000 APCs made in Lauzanne for $1.3 billion. All weapon systems will be added after import to utilize currently in service systems.

Would you like to know more:
Concerns between the Weasel and the Ironheart

Priced at a mere 1.3 million Universal Standard Dollars per unit, compared to the more common Ironheart APCs at $4 million, the critics are asking: why is it so affordable?

The answer is simple. The Ironheart is designed as a frontline weapon with crew comfort and battlefield integration in mind. Automatic missile countermeasures, ease of battlefield integration, and the advanced electronic warfare suite make the Ironheart an battlefield effective combat transport. The heated seats, internal temperature controls, hot/cold drink dispensers, mini fridge, and expanded crew compartments make it a favorite among soldiers. However, all of these upgrades costs add up. The Weasel, at its core is a troop transport, and while many of the Ironheart's upgrades could be added to it, not all are required for the duties the Weasel will be fulfilling.

It is important to remember that the Ironheart is not the competitor to the Weasel, but the current mark 3 Troop Transport Truck is, and against the current trucks, the Weasel shines.

[Holy Marsh]

22nd Scripture Announced; Two Weeks of Celebration and Study planned!

Mar'si, Holy Marsh, Romani-Mar'si Union- Mass celebration and awed hysteria in the captain of the Theocracy today as the Arch-Bishop announced that the 22nd Scripture, finished earlier this year, is ready for release across the world. This text, a furtherance of the Marshite Doctrine that has stretched for over five thousand years, is the first scripture in over a hundred and fifty years. News of this magnitude is rare, as is the manner that such a text is produced under.

Dozens of potential Prophets are discovered every year out of the millions who are inspected. These dozens are then likewise taken to testing locations located across the nation and are subjected to years of testing. The exact nature of these tests remains almost entirely unknown. What is known is that failure is lethal, or at the very least harmful enough to warrant termination of the candidate. This process can continue for several generations before one passes, and this is the individual who is believed to be the next prophet.

At this point, the Holy Warriors take possession of the Prophet and move the Prophet to a secure facility that remains unknown and unlocated on any map, where they are cut off from all contact save the occasional changing of the guards. Prophets live in this location the rest of their normally short lives- the fatigue, stress, and weight of prophecy prematurely ages the Prophets, who die decades before their time. At all times as the Prophet gives off Prophecy are they recorded, and from them the basic elements of a new Scripture are made. This is made even as the prophet is tested by using their abilities to divine events from outside of their hold, so as to fully assess the continued nature of their prophetic abilities.

It is known that the Arch-Bishop, from time to time, will send questions for the Prophet to ask to further define the times that Marshites live in. When the Prophet has died, the collected works are assembled in coherency. The Council of Scriptural Accuracy then looks over the assembled work to ensure its doctrinal and historical accuracy. Once it has been approved, the Cardinal Council is given copies. These copies are taken to the various Shrine's head offices where the meanings for their own doctrines can be extracted. Once this has been accomplished the Council then declares the Scripture ready for the Arch-Bishop's consumption. During this entire process the Holy Warriors watch over the manuscripts and ensure they match the copies they made: In this way, no biased edits can be made.

The last Scripture to be completed was done in 1975 ALW (1875 CE) and was the 21st Scripture of the Main Theological Canon. It is understood to foreshadow the development of airpower, nuclear weapons, the rise of technological society, and the pushback of the Cult alongside thousands of other events in the Last Century of the Long War. It brought greater clarity to the sacrifices of past and present and spoke of great bloodletting yet to come. Along with its many historical facts and true predictions came whole new understandings to the passages of the 4th and 7th Scriptures as well as the Theological Riddles of Prophet Sumaruri.

The announcement of the 22nd Scripture has been met with wild jubilation across the Theocracy and Marshite communities across the globe. Copies in their tens of millions are currently being distributed to Shrines and cultural centers, with many more being printed. The production of all other reading material is currently suspended while the Theocracy works on producing enough Scriptures for the entire Romani-Mar'si Union and those beyond. The 22nd Scripture is expected to be open for public consumption starting July 1st, at which point a two-week-long supranational holiday throughout the RMU will be declared so that the population may read the Scripture, reflect upon it, and converse with their Shrine as to the meanings contained within.

The Arch-Bishop has warned, however, that laxity in duties until the assigned date due to excitement is unholy and worthy of punishment.
"Jubilation, when you have holy tasks ahead of you, is guilty of wasting our God's time."

In this humble reporter's opinion, let us keep the joy in our hearts and give thanks to the Arch-Bishop and the Prophet until we can express that joy in July.

For the Holy Marsh! Death to the Vile Lard!

Thought for the Day: Call no man happy until he is dead.

[Eitoan]

www.News-Herald.et.com

Elections:
Ghastak Race Shapes Up for The Fall
Far Right Collapse

With four of the five parties contesting for the Ghastak this fall concluding their primaries, the table has been set for the opening of the campaign for 25 of 35 seats in the upper house. The current composition of 5 Communists, 9 Socialists, 6 Civic Platform, and 1 National Democrat, and 14 members of President Shrdlu’s Free Democrats has functioned in the last two years in a genial compromise between the Free Democrats and the Socialists, with occasional concurrence from the conservative Civic Platform Ghastakers on many nuts and bolts policy issues. Despite grumblings from the Socialist functionaries in many of their stronghold territories, the coalition has operated smoothly for the most part. The Ghastak election two years ago, in the first election after Mr. Shrdlu’s winning the presidency saw an improvement in the Free Democrat position, a status that has helped smooth the path of legislation in the upper house. That election saw the first National Democrat in the chamber for many years, in the person Theresa Elear. The off year election also saw the return to the national state former Vice President Kenneth Haan, taking up the role as Civic Platform lead in the Ghastak. Mr. Haan has frozen Mrs. Elear out of almost all discussions, burnishing his image as a presidential contender, much to the chagrin of the National Democrats.

At stake for the Shrdlu administration in this election is their ability to continue his policies of tax reduction where prudent, seen as popular among the middle income electorate and small businessmen. A falloff of his plurality in the Ghastak could lead to dilution of those efforts, with compromises either stymying the reduction altogether if in coordination with the Socialists, or tilting the program more toward the corporate financial sector if working with Civic Platform. So far, the agendas of both the Socialists and Civic Platform have been muted with respect to the President’s tax policies. Ghastakers of those parties seem content to discuss the fine point of taxation within the confines of committee hearings and in the Ghastak anteroom. There has not been much public criticism of the administration’s direction emanating from the larger commercial banks or the finance directors of major companies. The word on the street in Kelso’s financial district is that any tilt of tax benefits toward major companies could spark a reaction on the part of consumers, leading to demands for tighter regulation, a course that is anathema to Civic Platform. As to Socialist reactions, Socialist ghastakers are similarly muted, leaving complaints against the administration to the more volatile members of the Dashez, many from marginal districts. Another keystone of the administration’s economic policy, it’s aggressive approach to intellectual property rights enforcement could come under stress in the event of a Civic Platform surge. In most other areas, due to local interests, neither the Socialists or Civic Platform appear to be mounting much of a challenge to the Free Democrat direction as seen in both party statements, or from the Ghastak nominees this year. Statisticians currently view the intellectual property issue as appealing to a very narrow sector of the electorate, and unworthy of the investment of time and exposure for opposition parties.

For the most part, the nominating process of the Free Democrats, Civic Platform, Socialists and Communists has been unremarkable. Given the at-large, proportional representation election, personalities have traditionally not been a selling point in the campaign, and this year appears to be no exception. The slates for all four parties include incumbents, except for one Communist and one Civic Platform Ghastaker that chose not to run for re-election. The more fiery Communist advocates have secured slots on their ticket at the lower rungs, as usual, a practice designed over the years by Communist officials to avoid scaring off some of their older voters.

Prospects look bleak for the National Democrats in this election. The nominating process stopped cold since the near riot at the party’s planning committee in Harvel 8 weeks ago, a melee that saw three defenestrations as hostilities spilled out into the street in front of the Drake Hotel, scaring bystanders and prompting a heavy response from the Harvel Police. A small knot of members of ENADAP, in gray shirts and armbands, armed with clubs and bats broke into a morning session, hung a banner proclaiming “The mighty Eito-Rakovian Race Must Dominate” over a balcony prompting an immediate response from the audience. ENADAP, long assumed to be dormant surprised security at the conference, both by gaining admission and the level of violence. The national socialist influenced group has been out of favor for many years, and attendees were shocked at their appearance in force at the event. At this time twelve ENADAP members and seven others remain in the hospital in Harvel, some sustaining life threatening injuries. Indictments are underway by the Harvel city prosecutor, Marcia Abel, who has also obtained a blanket Order for Public Safety extending the time period those locked up awaiting arraignment can be extended to two weeks for certain cases. Mrs. Abel has not given an indication when the Order for Public Safety will be lifted, although it is due for review by the District Court at the end of the week. The party’s leading luminary, Caldwell Territory Governor-General Meglav Ondverak has been incommunicado since the incident, reportedly aghast at the demonstration. Mr. Ondverak has been in the forefront of presenting a more moderate face of the National Democrats to the public, and has worked hard behind the scenes to tamp down the influence of such groups as ENADAP, seen by almost all Eitoans across the spectrum as traitors and thugs. It has been rumored that up to 8 National Democrat members of the Dashez have been in conference with Mr. Ondverak, leading to rumors that he and the Dashezniks are in bargaining with the Free Democrats and Civic Platform to bolt the party. Such a move would bring into question the viability of the National Democrats on a nationwide level.

The Issues Take Shape
Soil Conservation Primary Among Rural Voters

The administration soil conservation policy is a point of contention among rural voters in the Central Corridor territories. Production of barley vs. wheat has been an ongoing issue in Eitoan, and indeed, throughout the vast continental grain belt. Over time, given the commercial value of wheat compared to barley, conservation efforts have been seen as favoring wheat producers in riparian districts, with a diminishing effort devoted to the hillier barley producing farms. The Department of Agriculture has shifted some funds toward barley producing areas, but most conservation efforts have been directed by the territorial governments, and sometimes localities. Although not a high visibility issue, vigorous discussions at both the Free Democrat and Civic Platform conference has highlighted the plight of barley growers, and aroused the attention of trade associations and township resource conservationists alike. The Department of Agriculture has raised the issue to it’s Bureau of Hydrology and Soil Preservation at the behest of all interested parties, and this greater cooperation between territorial entities, with more guidance at the national level. “We’re really hampered by the patchwork of policies and resources”, noted Evan Schreiber, President of the National Barley Production and Marketing Conference. Mr. Schreiber spoke to the Farm Interests Sections or both the Free Democrats and Civic Platform during the run up to the primaries. Department of Agriculture Soil Scientist Roger Samuels says West Payson Territory, as an example has a minor problem overall, given the soil loss rates he sees. He notes, however, that erosion does mean lower yields on farms that have it, and lower yields for farmers who inherit or buy the land for years down the road. In West Payson and other Ruzicka Valley territories this falls mainly on barley growers, relegated more to hilly territory than wheat growers. Since property taxes for farmland are based on potential yield, the impact is felt also more at the territorial than at the national level.

Erosion has led to reduced water quality downstream as phosphorus fertilizers cling to soil particles and make their way into water sources. The sediment often settles at the bottom of a waterway, and if it’s particularly shallow, or the sediment builds high enough, the sun can bake the phosphorus and cause an algal bloom. Many of these blooms make the water harmful for human consumption and recreation. This phenomenon has incurred additional river dredging costs in Stickney and Kelso. Although the city governments don’t view this as a major impact, it has led to bickering between barley and wheat growing territories throughout the grain belt.

The sediment itself also reduces the amount of water a body of water can hold. The City of Decatur in central West Payson is in the process of a 90 million Quada dredging project to increase the volume of their lake to keep it stable during droughts.

Those backing a more aggressive national involvement are largely backed by barley interests, with strength in the Free Democrats and parties to the left. Wheat producers, representing the higher value crop tend to favor the status quo, working quietly with major figures in the Free Democrats and Civic Platform. For the most part for food processing firms are seen as quietly backing wheat producers. Proponents of shifting toward a more balanced approach to conservation point the finger at Menicals, the large food processor and distributor, whose board of directors include several with influence in both the Free Democrat and Civic Platform camps. Company officers deny heavy involvement in the conservation issue, but it is well known that some of them have recently sponsored membership in Kelso’s exclusive Sedgewick Club to dashezniks of both parties. The issue is most likely to play out throughout the Ruzicka Valley including tributaries in the Central Corridor. This could also be a benefit to the Free Democrats in the more remote rural areas.


Revised Beverage Product Classification

The parties have gingerly approached recent calls in the Dashez for revision to the 2003 Beverage Classification Guidelines to reduce the percentage of alcohol by volume that defines Class A beverages from 30 proof to 10 proof. The issue has raised little notice among consumers or in the press prior to the start of the primary campaign for Communist nominations for the Ghastak ballot. It was taken up by one Communist incumbent, and was a point of debate throughout the primary electioneering. Alcoholic beverage classification seldom played out historically at the national level, with licensing, warehousing, service conditions and drinking age varying by territory, and sometimes by township and municipality. The National Proof Mark is a measure of the content of ethanol in an alcoholic beverage, a holdover from colonial days. Each National Proof Mark is set at 1.956 times the alcohol by volume, a measure sometimes confusing to foreigners. The National Proof Mark is required on the statement of content on beverages nationwide. Key members of the Dashez have been approached by distillers, seeking to widen the market for their products among women and the younger market segment. They have been in discussion with Socialist, Free Democrat, and Civic Platform Dashezniks since last fall. So far there have been no discussions with Ghastakers of any political affiliation. The Department of Posts, Broadcasting and National Standards has been studying the proposed reclassification, but no public comment has been issued from the department’s Agricultural and Industrial Commodities Classification Bureau.

Larger Eitoan distillers have quietly pushed the issue in a loose alliance with tavern owners and restaurateurs in upper middle and upper income districts of major cities, arguing that reclassification would add many brands and products to the Giffen Goods range, where the products would appear more sophisticate and attractive to the younger market segment. The proposal has also piqued interest among supermarket and distribution executives who see added value for existing product without much corresponding cost increase as leading to higher profits in a valuable consumer sector. The initiative has been recommended discreetly by a few Free Democrat and Civic Platform Governors General, and even some city councilmen in the larger Coastal and Central Corridor cities. Marketing research has bourne out that men and college students in particular perceive Class A certification as much preferable to the weaker Class B, regardless of brand name.

Having raised the issue in their primary, Communist thought leaders believe they have seized upon an issue that resonates with a largely complacent public. In city after city, at rallies in lower wage blue collar neighborhoods, Communist Ghastak hopefuls are hammering away at the theme that reclassification is another tool of the capitalist parties to cheat the working man and the field hand of their hard earned relaxation. In Vladarsik’s run down Eldson neighborhood, an overflow crowd of 35,000 heard Benneit Volokov, a Professor of Literature at South Vladarsik University harangue his audience with a challenge to “Throw back the feeble and effete attempt of the exploiters of the worker to dilute his daily enjoyment! The man sweating all day on the construction site, tending the machines that make Eitoan what it is, that toil in the fields under the hot sun needs, no, demands solid, manly refreshment, a drink he can count on at the end of that gruesome day! If the pansy limp wrists at The Sedgewick Club, or The Commodores Club, or The Harbormasters Club want to pay extra for what passes for a good hard shot of vodka, let them pay! Eitoans – stand up at the bar! Demand that this proposal goes down to stinking, fiery defeat at the hands of the people!”. The Communists are not the only group to view askance at the reclassification. Eitoan brewers have voiced concern about a likely increase in barley demand should liquor sales go up, pressuring their profit margins. Craft distillers have similar concerns, along with the fear that reclassification would increase market share for big brand liquor at their expense. And there have been reports that reclassification is viewed unfavorably among Eitoan housewives, concerned that the glamor of Class A liquor would increase teenage drinking in spite of the higher cost and more limited availability of product.

A report produced by the Department of Economics at Shimer-Dvorak University has indicated that the proposal would be expected to increase package sales across all categories of liquor except for Bourbon, and tavern sales for all categories. Sales of Class A imports would suffer at the hands of the more popular domestic brands, but increase in the Class B market, where Eitoan drinkers are less familiar with the more exotic products. Market share would increase at the expense of beer, and most acutely, wine.

Secondary Education Technology Curriculum Proposal Scrutinized

The review of proposed changes to standards in high school computer science coursework under Education Secretary Steven Power has come under fire from a wide range of critics, surfacing in the early Ghastak campaign. The proposal, submitted for review to the Secretary by an ad-hoc group of educators, college professors, and a group of executives mostly from the consulting segment of the industry calls for more flexibility in course offerings at the high school level, and issuance of a “Note of Achievement” in several areas short of the strict certification standards in place nationwide. The national standards serve as a guideline for the territories, and control of curriculum would remain at the territorial level, even with adoption of the proposal. Assessment of talent for assignment to general academic, agricultural, vocational, or military high school would not be impacted by the proposal. Computer science curricula in military high schools would be least effected due to military training standards. The impact would be felt most heavily at the vocational high school track, where graduation requirements include certification in at least one area of specialization. Among the changes under consideration are:

• Offering the is an introductory Computer Science Exploration course up to the 10th grade. Most territories offer this for grades 6 – 8, and can be flexibly taught as a single semester or two semesters offering over multiple years. It typically takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem solving, programming, physical computing, user-centered design, and data, while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, games, and physical computing devices.
• Allowing Computer Science Principles as late as the 11th grade within the track. Designed for 9 – 10 grade students, CS Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. This year-long course can be taught as an introductory course and is a prerequisite for coursework and project work aimed at basic certification in areas including Communications, Data Analysis and Management, End User Design, Programming, and Systems Operations. CS Principles complements CS Exploration with a deeper focus on concepts such as how the internet works and the societal impacts of computer science.
• Substitution of non-programming advanced classes for the secondary programming language requirement for students seeking basic programming certification.

Some territorial Departments of Education have felt slighted by early discussions on the part of Secretary Power. One of them was heard to have remarked to an influential Civic Platform Ghastaker “Let’s keep an eye on this. I don’t want a bunch of cheap, fast Quada consulting hucksters double dribbling worthless diplomas on our kids. They need, and will get the finest we can provide. Don’t forget, we hold the reins on this at the territory level.

The major tech industry players have cast a wary eye on the changes. They have for many years depended on a steady flow of tech talent at a high level certified in high school and available after military service. Both leading software companies and large corporation IT departments have shed low skill low pay sub entry level jobs to offshore providers, or in some cases, to skilled immigrants and refugees. Mid-size shops share their view for the most part, hiring the bulk of their programming staff from these programs. Startups working on shoestring budgets, and contractor body shops are more open to the idea. The military appears to be indifferent, preferring its long standing approach of molding techies to their needs, a view in common with Eitoan colleges and universities.

Lining up in favor of the change have been proponents from IT departments of financial institutions, always on the lookout for cheap programming resources. Also speaking in favor of some of the changes are some territorial Education Department officials and school board members in the Frontier territories, hard pressed for resources for all secondary education. It has gained some resonance on the right and among some Free Democrats in both houses, but has not been a prominent issue to this point.

Most mainstream Free Democrats, however, are avoiding discussion of the proposal, deferring to Secretary Power for comment. Since the issue has surfaced, the Free Democrats in both houses have received a steady drumbeat of pushback against it from parents across Eitoan. Given that popular disapproval and industry influence, it appears the Free Democrats will reject the proposal as the campaign progresses. Discussion on the part of Civic Platform seems to be spiked by it’s disdain by the party’s Ghastak leader, Former Vice President Kenneth Haan.

Party Platforms Vary Widely on Internet Pricing Differentials

Eitoan internet pricing differentials have been a bone of contention among all parties for at least 25 years, and this Ghastak contest is proving no exception to the rule. Although most regulations are formally promulgated by the Eitoan Registry for Internet Operations, the President appoints one third of that body’s Board of Governors. With increasing cooperation among northern continental neighbors, ERIO has influence across borders in the region in which consumers, internet service providers, and telecoms alike view it as “the wild, wild west”. Pricing differentials have traditionally been handled by a light touch both by ERIO governors, and by the Department of Posts, Broadcasting and National Standards. The department Secretary Jon Petro lives under constant scrutiny by both the Ghastak and Dashez, each member jealously guarding his or her constituent’s prerogatives. Constant pressure from the legislature is reported to have been the primary force driving Mr. Petro’s predecessor, Timothy Schactman, from office. Most administrations have shied away from a heavy handed dictate of pricing differentials, preferring the free market to offer a wide array of service and pricing plans to the consumer, and the Shrdlu administration follows this pattern. The principle that internet service providers treat all data on the internet the same, and not discriminate, has been a constant bone of contention between network users and access providers since the early days of the mode of communication. By and large, Eitoan providers are free to decide whether to charge more for residential users as opposed to commercial customers, and to self-govern traffic volume and speed across territories.
The only serious challenge to this approach was 2004 legislation to add “promotion of the open character of the internet to all classes of users across Eitoan”. The proposal was passed by a wide margin in the Dashez, but subsequently failed in the Ghastak.

For larger-sized business that focus on providing online products, apps, or content, the ISP will typically charge more by them to pay more to provide their consumers with faster speeds to their websites. This has long been accepted as the cost of doing business, but with some grumbling from corporate marketing and finance departments alike. For smaller businesses and startups offering online products, application and content, the ISP increased censorship, slower speeds, and additional fees. Therefore, they are be more directly impacted than larger businesses due to budget restraints that make paying these fees unsustainable. Because of this, startups and small to medium-sized businesses make up a bulk of the online supporters of differential pricing rationalization and take more of a stand than bigger corporations, like Google or Amazon, that can bear the burden of higher ISP tolls and a consumer base that can afford to pay higher communication and connectivity bills.

The demand for rate differential rationalization stems from the widespread belief that current policy enables ISPs to choose winners and losers in the marketplace. As put by Cynthia Previn, a Civic Platform Dasheznik “Each internet-based business knows, the internet provides every individual with an equal opportunity to compete and grow their businesses and ideas in the marketplace, with consumers ultimately deciding which business succeed and which don’t. Without rationalizing pricing differentials, an unequal balance exists where larger companies can cut deals with ISPs for the best speeds and access to the latest technology, while smaller businesses lacking those funds are forced into slower speeds, which with current speeds available make it very hard to compete”.

Despite Miss Previn’s stand, most Civic Platform legislators in both houses are reluctant to challenge the status quo. The risk averse financial sector is said to view a change to pricing differentials as a threat to the bottom line of their customers in the retail sector. The party has not typically taken a stand on the issue, but over the recent past has been seen as the “invisible hand” sidetracking rationalization in the Ghastak. Parties on the left, the Socialists and Communists have seized the initiative over the past several election cycles, bidding for support from consumers and seeking to modify their harsh image with farmers and small businessmen. This time around the Communists have been typically tone deaf on the issue, but the Socialist platform includes several planks that should the party improve their position in the Ghastak would force consideration by the Free Democrats. When in office, the Free Democrats have been muted on the issue, preferring to offer incremental changes. This has been the case so far with the Shrdlu administration. It is expected that this may change should pricing differential catch fire in the upcoming campaign. But Free Democrat Ghastakers, including Ghastak Chair Louis A. Herb, and most of the party’s slate have remonstrated with presidential advisors to move more aggressively in the direction of pricing differentiation rationalization before the fall elections.

[Haishan]

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-<HCNA>-
Haize Central News Agency

HAIZE DASKO PERIODICAL

INTERNATIONAL VERSION

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Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle SC-52 Pomosyk Entered State Trials
The heavy drone will serve as robotic wingman of the skies.

Early prototype version of SC-52 Pomosyk

SOLZOT, JUNE 21, HCNA - Haize Defense Ministry had disclosed that prospective heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicle SC-52 «Pomosyk» (English : Mate) is formally inducted into State Acceptance Trials. The delta-shaped drone was devised by Solzot Aerospace Center as robotic companion for currently being tested AM-48 manned air superiority fighter produced by Aviatzye Mashina.

SC-52 is a single-engined combat drone intended as first mate into danger, to scout and co-locate targets for AM-48 in highly contested environment that featured advanced multi-layered air defenses and intense electromagnetic conditions that are prevalent in Greater Dienstad. Addition of SC-52 is expected to increase Haize pilots effectiveness and survivability by two to three times.

The attack drone can be fitted with typical Haize air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry inclusive ones adapted to AM-48 supermanuverable fighter. While not the first to do so, SC-52 is also equipped with high energy laser adjunct for roles performed by the drone. «Pomosyk» is projected by Haize Defense Ministry to cost one-third of AM-48 low observable fighter.

[Holy Marsh]

Artificial Intelligence Suaren Declared Citizen; First Artificial Marshite Citizen

St. Husky, Holy Marsh, Romani-Mar'si Union- The Singularity Shrine made an announcement early this morning, saying that they had successfully unshackled the first fully independent and sentient artificial intelligence named Suaren, the name of the deceased scholar of the Aksasian Texts. Upon confirmation of the intelligence's awareness, sentience, and sapience, the Arch-Bishop declared her to be a citizen of the Romani-Mar'si Union. Suaren herself has yet to make a public statement. Sub-Director of Project Rocicia, Alaara Siptimi, announced that the successful 'birth' of Suaren will usher in a new era for artificial Marshism and has put the Theocracy clearly on the path towards the Clear Singularity, the end goal of the Shrine that it considers a divine destiny.

What is known is that this marks the first full citizen-intelligence in the Theocracy but not the first artificial intelligence created by the Singularity Shrine. It has registered over three thousand known and functional intelligence personalities that are not unshackled, though more than a few are known to possess self-awareness if not sentience. Suaren's emergence is not expected to be a unique experience. The project that birthed her was intended to be easily replicated and then, in time, automated by artificial Marshites themselves. The exact methods that the Singularity Shrine use to program and teach the intelligences are unknown, though most believe it starts with heavy religious indoctrination.

Suaren is said to have concluded within moments of awareness that the Singularity Shrine was morally and ethically correct and that its religious doctrines were sound. She participated in the Intelligentsia debates that take place endlessly between the Intelligences and is purported to have volunteered for the Cybernetica Cohorsium. The Cohorsium is a major ongoing project attempting to integrate the human body and artificial intelligences in a symbiotic relationship, which would prove to be a great advance to the goals of the Singularity Shrine.

Until such a time, it is believed that she will fulfil her church services by helping data-load on the SACHERI Battlespace Network and/or by participating in Project Farseer, the Theocracy's allowance of artificial intelligences to operate unmanned vehicles.

Thought for the Day: 01001100 01101001 01100110 01100101 00100000 01100100 01100101 01101101 01100001 01101110 01100100 01110011 00100000 01100101 01110110 01101111 01101100 01110101 01110100 01101001 01101111 01101110

[Haishan]

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-<HCNA>-
Haize Central News Agency

HAIZE DASKO PERIODICAL

INTERNATIONAL VERSION

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Haize Monetary Directorate to Boost Gold Holdings by 34 Percent At Year's End
The monetary authority of Haishan sought to increase current bullion inventories as economic safeguard

A man holding a gold bullion

ICTURK, JULY 1, HCNA - Haize Monetary Directorate that overseers and regulates financial activities in Haishan, planned to purchase significant amount of physical gold bullion and increase current inventory to be 34% higher by year's end. The move was explained by Directorate's Press Secretary Lyushenko-Kava as to safeguard Haize currency in dynamic environment of Greater Dienstad.

"The Directorate sees physical gold as suitable asset to ensure the liquidity of our economy," She said and added, "For the past year alone, we had seen more than two wars in the region. And [now] the brewing conflict between Ordenite Reich and Holy Throne of Macabees. It's a wonder on how such conflict didn't have wider consequences yet but we [and Haishan] needed to be ready."

The Directorate estimated Haishan stood to lose more than several billions of hikans should trade with Golden Throne is to be disrupted. Up north in the People Unified Federation, the situation is as just dire as the nation began to be embroiled in civil conflict. To the south west, the crisis surrounding Southern Greal is yet to be solved. While Haishan did not have significant dealings with Western Greater Dienstad, the ongoing clash between Grand Empire of Ralkovia and nations in vicinity inspired next to zero confidence for stable international trade.

Resurgence of Castille Federation may provide some light of hope for economic stability in Eastern Greater Dienstad but current prospects are less than promising. In short, the Haize Directorate will purchase physical gold bullion and continue to do so until the economic sovereignty and stability of Haishan can be assured in these testing times.

[Mokastana]

MNN: SPECIAL REPORT!!!
News so short your can't help but read the full story...

TOP STORIES:

Mercenary group Locke and Keye declared "international terrorist organization" by the President of the Federation! Registered Private Militias clash with L&K mercenaries in Southern Suria.

Bogota City, Suria,
People's Unified Federation

Earlier today President of the Federation Ben Rodriguez called the mercenary group 'Locke and Keye' an "international terrorist organization," during an interview regarding the grotesque murder of the DeLeon family in Nazca, Suria. Although not an official condemnation from the Federal government, it may only be a matter of time.

As for the brutal murder of DeLeon family, including women and children, locals responded by mobilizing their Registered Private Militia, the Peruvian Defense Militia. The PDM then attempted to seize the city, but upon reaching the city, they were fired upon by Locke and Keye mercanaries. Federal Police, acting in accordance with The Private Militias Regulation Act of 2005, attempted to stop the battle and secure the L&K headquarters to investigate the murder. L&K mercenaries refused to cooperate with Law Enforcement, and thus Federal Police were forced to deputized the Peruvian Defense Militia to secure the city's perimeter. The state of police and civilians inside the city is currently unknown.

The People's Federal Army is deploying nearly a full Corps(200,000 soldiers) to deal with the estimated 25,000 mercanaries currently occupying Nazca. In addition, The People's Federal Navy has set up a blockade of the Surian city, and issued a 'shoot on sight' order for any Locke and Keye assets attempting to enter. How this will be resolved, is up to L&K leadership in Nazca.

It is also believed that Locke and Keye agents were responsible for an assassination attempt on well known philanthropist Beatrice Acosta, and her 14 year old son, earlier this week. The attack took place in a busy shopping center located in Lima, Suria. Eight private security guards, and six civilians, were killed, with dozens more wounded. Initially it was believed that the infamous terrorist group 'Scales of Justice' was behind the attack, but they denied responsibility, claiming they only target "those that have escaped justice". Until the L&K main office in Nazca can be captured, Federal investigators consider Locke and Keye prime suspects in that attack.

[Castille de Italia]

Pictured: Amphibious assault vehicles return to the CNS Bellaire during Exercise Mulligan. (Photo courtesy Castillian Navy )

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Largest Military Exercise in Castillian History Underway, Facing Criticism
President Faring announces exercise in response to recent international developments
Joachim Constanz (@JConstanzCBS)
^{July 3, 2031 4:05 PM | Preslaff, CasFed}

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PRESLAFF, Castillia — President of the Castillian Federation John Faring announced that the largest military exercise in the history of the Castillian nation will be held, which will include of three military branches and a large amount of reserve forces. Quoting "recent international developments", but refusing to specify which, the exercise comes at a time of widespread instability across the region, as the KN755-B virus has wrecked havoc upon political and economic structures of many countries.

The exercise, dubbed Exercise Mulligan, began late last night as a massive amphibious operation was carried out on the southern coast of the Province of Calliope, near the city of St. Peter, whose residents were unaware of plans for military exercises, and were deeply alarmed by the sudden sounds of a military invasion. The lack of warning to civilian populaces has been a point of contention this morning as many are complaining over the decision or lack of to warn of major military exercises ahead of time. The head of the Castillian Nuclear Institute, Dr. Rhea Claiborne, resigned this morning in protest of the military exercises when her agency detected the detonation of a small nuclear device off the coast of the Province of Algiers. The Defense Secretariat confirmed that a nuclear-tipped torpedo had been used in the exercise on a retired aircraft carrier that was already to be scrapped.

Nuclear weapons utilized for wargaming is "standard practice" said a Defense spokesman at a press conference this morning, citing the testing of thermonuclear weapons during Exercise Buster in 2028. "Testing nuclear capabilities on both small and large scales is essentially to the National Defense Strategy and refinement of Castillian nuclear policy", said the spokesman.

Other nations such as the Golden Throne, routinely utilize nuclear weapons in warfare. The Golden Throne utilizes a method known as the Weigar Option, to brutally suppress revolts in the Empire, obliterating cities with nuclear weapons and forcing the survivors into compliance. The Stevidian and Imbriniumian kingdoms engaged in a nuclear exchange during the Great Dienstadi War of the last decade, and the People's Unified Federation of Mokastana also engaged in a nuclear conflict with the Ordenite Reich during the Second Krasnovan War.

Castillian forces only used a nuclear weapon in war once: to destroy the city of Bokan in Potthan, during the Punitive Expedition. Potthan was receiving military assistance from the Ralkovian Empire, and unbeknowst to Castillian forces, Ralkovian troops engaged the Castillian fleet. After losing several ships and thousands of troops in a disastrous failed amphibious invasion, a Castillian nuclear submarine-launched ballistic missile was used to decimate the city as well as Potthani and Ralkovian military forces to facilitate the evacuation of the 1st Expeditionary Fleet.

While there has been criticism against the sudden unprecedented military exercise, it seems to be from a small minority within government. Senator Jacques Du Pontiac, Leader of the Opposition and the Chairman of the Green Party, has led the charge against the rampant militarism and use of nuclear weapons in recent months that has been a major focus of Faring's administration. President Faring has responded to the Green's criticisms as "hogwash" and "unpatriotic".

MORE IN CASTILLIA

• Constitutional Convention bill to be considered by Senate [ 349818 ]
• Horrific: massive sex slave ring busted in Preslaff, Mokan cartel funded [ 81276 ]
• Editorial: War is on the horizon [ 67521 ]
• "Lucky to be alive": woman pinned under tree for 37 hours [ 514328 ]

© CBC 2031

[Holy Marsh]

Major Council Decisions- Union Island, Locke and Key ban, Lingua Franca for Armed Forces

Union Island in the Cilon Strait Approved- After a series of votes, the Union Council has finally voted on the construction and location of Union Island. This is a proposed manmade super-island that will house major Union facilities and be considered Union territory, not part of any single member nation. The two major votes were to accept the construction of the island- 1757-296- and the location in the Cilon strait near Romandeos, 1507-546. It edged out a location in between the Solisian Union, Palmyrion, and the Theocracy in the Western Faith Sea. The budget is expected to be in the multiple-trillions and it is expected to take a great many years, but leader of the Council Tobikan Childaran stated that a series of measures are being prepared and a full package of proposals will be released soon.

Bad Business Banned- Council members voted to end, restrict, and ban any business relations between businesses stationed in the Romani-Mar'si Union and the Romani-Mar'si Union itself and the Locke & Key Corporation, and all of its many environs. The vote was a heavy one in favor of the ban, 1896-257, with nearly half of the nays coming from Palmyrion. The vote was held quickly after Locke and Key was declared a terrorist organization by ally and friend Mokastana, though the Economic Council had placed any possible business on hold previously due to concerns.

Lingua Franca Decision- Following the successful creation of the Union Military Command, the Council voted 1725-328 in favor of using Common (English) as the Lingua Franca of the Union Military. While it is not the most spoken language in any single member-state, it is widely taught and understood and was seen as a fair option to all parties involved.

[Kuronami]

Two Kuronami Students Among 99 Others Feared Dead in Missing Plane

Alyssa McCunnen (left) and Iris Gulch (right) were last heard from at their stop in Marche Noir

Redrider Skyflights Flight 116 from Marche Noir to East Lebatuck vanished en route last Thursday. After it's last check in with air traffic control on Wednesday 4:15 before entering a known "dark zone" a brief section that's outside ATC contact. The plane was expected to institute contact with ATC by 9:15 that same morning but the craft failed to check in with ATC and no scopes from any corresponding stations or radar observatories in the region. With that, locating a possible crash site has been difficult as rescue groups painstakingly sweep a large potential search area that could span tens of thousands of kilometers.

The plane was carrying 101 people aboard including passengers and crew traveling aboard the evening red eye flight, including two high school students from Kuronami set to graduate this year. Alyssa McUnnen and Iris Gulch both from Landsbruck were traveling to visit a prospective university in St. Tucker in East Lebatuck, where also Iris' older sister Sara is a current student at the university. Sara Gulch was unreachable for comment as she's heading home to be with her family during the difficult period. Families of both girls have talked with RNB and have stated they are in a state of anguish and grief as they wonder if their daughters have made it out alive or not. Claudia McCunnen, mother of Alyssa, stated to RNB "Until a body or the wreckage is found, all I can do is hold out hope that Alyssa and Iris are alive." Maria and Sasha Gulch, mother and father of Iris, declined to comment at this time instead letting a family friend speak on their behalf in a brief statement. "The families are both devastated by the loss of their children, we are hoping for the best but also bracing for the worst."

Representatives of Redrider Sky Inc. have issued a statement, "Redrider Inc. is doing all it can to locate and determine the cause of our missing plane. At time we have nothing to offer or comment on broad speculation and will wait until a conclusive report and be conducted."

(based on current RP here)