The Western Isles News

[Coille]

Coille Advances to the Round of 8

The Coillean Men's Football Team shocked the world today by defeating Thromsa 2-0. Expectations at the start of the Western Isles Cup were for Coille to not even make it out of the group stage. Securing a victory in the knock stages is huge for the underdevolped team. In Carnack thousands of fans celebrated in the streets when Geo Christie sorched the second goal in the 80th minute.

[Ainslie]

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February 21, 2021

Weather in Arnton, WL today: - Cloudy, 14C/3C

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DOMESTIC: Justice Kentarre to become new Judicial-General

ARNTON (AN) - Justice Ander Kentarre is to be elevated to the job of Judicial-General, the Judicial Council announced this morning at a press conference. After two weeks of discussion between the Councillors, they arrived at the conclusion that Kentarre - an anti-drug campaigner, prolific judge, close confidant of the Judicial Council and current speaker in the Parlai will resign his position and take up the highest job in the judiciary. This appointment also follows a shuffle in the Collective Court with two new Cosuras and a new Chief Cosura starting to preside over their first cases in their respective roles.

At the press conference this morning, Kentarre noted that this was “the highest honour for him and that he is deeply humbled by being offered this position.” The Justice also acknowledged his current position as Speaker of the Parlai and thanked the current Prime Minister for “taking a chance on him”. As for the role of speaker, it has not been formally announced who will replace him but it is widely tipped that Herriden MP Daren Nevalle will step into the role unopposed. Through a media release today, Gifford confirmed that a by-election would be held in the electoral division of Henden - the area which Kentarre represented - on March 1.

Kentarre, despite spending a relatively short time in the judiciary and legislature, has a list of major achievements that are unusual to have for someone as young as he is.

As a Justice of the Electoral Court of Wesland, he was one of the few judges in the Regional Division of the Court to not be dismissed after the Judicial Council dismantled the branch over human rights abuses amongst other fatal errors. He was known there as an even-handed judge with empathy and a quick wit.

Kentarre, as the sitting judge in Highland Ridge, quickly rose to public prominence after the death of Jennie Revire, who died from an overdose of Buzz - a party drug that would become a major focus of the Ahnslen Government. Kentarre stepped up into becoming the public face of the Electoral Court after dismissing multiple cases he described as “weak on evidence” and “a wild goose chase”. Despite this, he openly and sternly made appearances in the media explaining important parts of the law and dissuading people from selling and taking drugs at music festivals. Through this, he gained the support and trust of the people of Wesland and was a major part of rebuilding the public image of the Courts they were meant to be able to trust.

In November of 2017, following his efforts during the early days of Buzz epidemic, he was summoned to the Judicial Council to be a specialist advisor during the ‘Revire Inquiry’ which was sparked by a growing trend in overdoses and anti-social behaviour across rural Wesland. During this time, he built a rapport with the highest judges in the land who regularly came to him to get an idea of what was occurring on the ground in Wesland.

At the conclusion of the inquiry, he returned to his ‘old job’ as a judge in the Electoral Court. This was until May of 2019, when he announced that he would be running as an Independent in the seat of Henden. This seat in Highland Ridge had been a conservative stronghold and was one of the few seats the Conservative Party still held onto in Ainslie. He flipped the seat towards him and has served the people within his electoral division since July 19 where he was immediately elevated to the role of Speaker of the Parlai.

Kentarre will face many challenges in his new role - the increasing distance between the Judicial Council and the Government following the departure of former PM Kenzai, increasing instability in Gael as well as navigating the legal complications of the former administration’s policy. Despite this, he has been warmly welcomed both by the Prime Minister, judges and the academic community to the role.

Gifford extended her gratitude for his service as Speaker and described him as a “real loss to the Parlai, but a gain to Ainslie as a whole to have him in a higher position than he was.” Governor Brianna Hailes, a close friend of Kentarre congratulated him on the new gig adding that “she was glad to see that he’d be staying in Arnton for a while now”. Academics through multiple institutions - from the University of Norlands and the University of Arlanah through to the Universaire Unife described it broadly as a “wise, diplomatic choice”.

“Up until today it wasn’t really certain who the Judicial Council would pick - they could’ve gone with Whitford and his international law experience, Kenzai and his connections to the current administration or a more someone with more judicial experience.”, Associate Professor in Law Dean Arnandi of the Universaire Unife said adding that, “I can’t think of a better option than him although I’m frankly surprised the Council took such a bold step by effectively taking someone out of the legislature.”



DOMESTIC: 160 dogs rescued after illegal puppy farm raided

ASHTOWN (AN) - 160 dogs were rescued today across remote towns near the Burnett-Wesland border following a joint operation between Burnett Police and Wesland Police. Following a six month investigation, the police officers raided three different properties in Gedarwi, Kellafen and Denada to dismantle an ‘illegal commercial enterprise’. The operation, which involved simultaneous raids coordinated over electoral borders, resulted in the arrests of five men in their 30s and the issuing of an additional twenty five warrants. The five men continue to be questioned by police about the practices that occurred at the farms.

It is alleged that at least two hundred counts of animal cruelty occured at the properties, with reports issued to police suggesting that ten puppies had been ‘brutally and unnecessarily killed’ by the owners of these properties.

Animal rights groups have applauded the move but suggest that many more of these farms continue to operate throughout Ainslie. Further, animal rights advocates such as Olivia Kennaway draw attention to the need for a national approach to the issue.

“This happened in border communities in both Burnett and Wesland. For doing what is essentially the same crime, these perpetrators may receive wildly different penalties - and that’s just because of where they lived or operated. What needs to change is that animal cruelty prohibition laws need to be raised at the electoral council level. There needs to be harmony, there needs to be less bureaucracy and most importantly there needs to be nowhere to hide for people who plan to harm animals like this or are currently doing so.”

Wesland Police in a statement today warned that these raids mark the start of what will be a ‘busy’ few months for officers attached to anti-animal cruelty taskforces.
“This is hardly the only group we have been investigating. If you are being cruel to animals, especially for your own commercial gain - stop it. If you do not - we will know and one day the unmarked police cars will be outside of your property. Reach out now. Turn yourself in. There are many more raids to come as we reach the end of a number of investigations.”

Wesland Governor Brianna Hailes congratulated the police on their successful investigations and the raids today, noting that the way in which they handled it was ‘exemplary, professional and a sign of things to come’. The Electoral Government of Burnett has not yet replied to requests for comment nor addressed the issue.

The raids come following a step up over the past year into investigating instances of animal cruelty amongst other illegal activities involving animals, particularly in Ainslie’s east. This includes ten arrests following the interception of an exotic animal transaction and delivery in Port Blaxland, two arrests in Renderra and six people being charged with exporting animals that were suspected to have been stolen from Ahnslen national parks.

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[Athara Magarat]

February 20th, 2021

United Magarat advance to quarterfinals with 2 - 0 win over Serpens Land

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The United Magarat team's 4-2-3-1 lineup

SEGENTOVA

The United Magarat men's football team advanced to the 2021 Isles Cup quarterfinals with a 2 - 0 victory over Serpens Land on Friday. The Serpens Land team had surprised many within their ow nation by succeeding to qualify for the Top 16 with a 4th Place on the Group D rankings. During the first 15 minutes of the game, it seemed as though the luck would be on their side as well today. The Serpens Land team kept firm control of the ball on their side and launched multiple attacks on the Magarati goalpost.

However, the luck of Serpens Land ran out on the 18th minute as the United Magarat team finally stole back possession of the ball. The Magarati players gave swift passes to one another and on the 20th minute, legendary Magarati attacking left-back Kaji Man Iwahang performed a spectacular bicycle kick that landed right into the Serpens Land net. This was Iwahang's first goal in this tournament and he has been the Top Magarati Scorer in previous Isles Cup tournaments and UAFA League matches. Iwahang's 20th minute bicycle kick on Friday was considered the highlight of the match and pundits are already calling it "one of the best goals scored in the 2021 Isles Cup so far".

The rest of the first went quite uneventful as the Serpens Land team kept the possession of the ball but failed to score. The second half was also quite uneventful as both the Magarati captain Ankit Maharjan and the Serpens Land goalkeeper made brilliant saves. On the final minute of the match, attacking midfielder Samir Gurung doubled the Magarati score with his powerful shot.

[Athara Magarat]

February 22nd, 2021

United Magarat advance to semifinals with thrilling 4 - 3 win over Essena

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The United Magarat team's 4-2-3-1 lineup

SEGENTOVA

Saturday's match between the United Magarat men's football team and Essena was a thriller that ultimately ended in a Magarati victory. It was also the story of a man who redeemed himself for a blunder that committed in this very match; the man being Magarati center-back Sabin Jimbuhang.

Within 2 minutes into the game, the Magaratis opened their lead with a goal from midfielder Miraj Rajbansi. The Magarati celebrations in the stadium were short-lived as the Essenian team took control of the ball for the next 20 minutes and in the 22nd minute, Timothy O' Donnell evened the score with his powerful shot that Magarati captain and goalkeeper Ankit Maharjan failed to deflect. In the very next minute, Magarati center-back Kabir Hangun was shown the yellow card for a rough tackle on Randy Cull. The Essenian team continued their dominance on the field for rest of the first half but further attempts to score were blocked by the solid Magarati defense line.

The second half began with another Magarati defender receiving a yellow card. On the 48th minute, attacking left-back Kaji Man Iwahang was penalized for a rough tackle on Manuel Andrews. Pressure was building up for the Magarati defenders who were constantly under attack from the Essenian offensive and getting penalized for tackling down their opponents. Amidst this intense pressure, Jimbuhang tried to block Yamor Talib's shot but only ended up scoring an own goal and handing the Essenians the lead.

However, just two minutes later, the United Magarat team bounced back to life with Rajbansi's second goal of the day. This boosted the Magarati morale and on the 64th minute, right-wing midfielder Kiran Yohimbang's cross was well-received by attacking right-back Kulbir Tamang and it was converted easily into a goal.

Essenia's Manuel Andrews then evened the score on the 77th minute with a header that Magarati captain Maharjan was unable to block. The very next minute, Essenian Nicholas Ricter's handball in the penalty box gave the Magaratis a chance. To the surprise of many fans, Jimbuhang was placed to take the penalty kick and he redeemed himself for his earlier own goal by finding the Essenian net.

Two minutes later, the Essenians were also awarded a free kick after Magarati midfielder Hemant Rai pulled the shirt of Yamor Talib. However, the Essenians failed to convert this last opportunity into a goal. The final ten minutes of the match just saw the United Magarat team, their path to the semifinals ensured, making swift passes to one another and preventing the Essenian players from taking over the ball.

[Remodio]

Sports - February 21st, 2021

Ghranaa Truuk Announced As Remodin March Mania Head Coach - Roster Released

Pruhimna Truum

Remodio was the first to announce their roster for the upcoming inaugural "March Mania" tournament, a men's basketball tournament funded by Chuuṣoostee entrepreneur Khaazi Murminwa. As voted on by fans of the Remodin Basketball League, which was founded four years ago by Murminwa, the head coach is Ghranaa Truuk, head coach of the Briik BC, and last year's Coach of the Year award recipient.

Last night, Truuk & assistant coach Loni Perwaak, the head coach of the Chyaagbuuspooptii BC, drafted 10 players to the team. The roster was released to us last night, and consists of stars from around the league.

Huurmid Kliig - PG/6'2/177 lbs.
Ghurnpa Truuk - SG/6'3/182 lbs.
Urgin Polovii - SF/6'6/190 lbs.
Tsumbia Wesnoah - PF/6'7/199 lbs.
Luuk Ernmo - C/6'9/221 lbs.
Vreem Proht - C/6'10/194 lbs
Naamia K'jee - PG/5'11/164 lbs.
Luuk Yakoon - SF/6'4/177 lbs.
Frentiik Yakoon - SF-PF/6'5/188 lbs.
Eriaq Buuran - SG/6'4/182 lbs.

This will be the first time that Remodio will participate in international sports; a group of football fans pushed for the creation of a football team for the Western Isles Cup, yet they did not garner enough interest for a roster to be created, and ultimately, Remodin football fans had to enjoy watching other teams face each other for the cup.

These 10 gentlemen will compete for the Murmimwa Championship Trophy during the tournament. Ghurnpa Truuk, the starting shooting guard and son of coach Truuk, tweeted his excitement:

Politics - February 21st, 2021

Rhumba Debate Scheduled For March 28th

Tsumbia Yruum

Following the official confirmation of The Chuuṣoostee Business Party's Rhumba candidate last Friday, Huurma Jerthoa, all candidates agreed to March 28th as the day for the Rhumba debate. Other details, such as time and location, have yet to be revealed, however. The first Rhumba election is set for May 5th, with May 12th and May 19th set apart as runoff election days.

The candidates, who are Tuurn Ropine of the Second National Party, Luukia Nrebna of the Chuuṣoostee Leaf Party, Huurma Jerthoa of the Chuuṣoostee Business Party, Masaana Buhri of the Democracy Party and Griit Z'emnito of the First National Party, have all been campaigning hard since November when they could first legally post ads.

This group of candidates involves the highest number of females ever seen in a Rhumba election; 3 of the 5, Tuurn, Masaana, and Griit, are females.

[Reathwood]

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Redhearts' performance in the Isles Cup captures nation

22 February 2020

WHITE BLUFF — With a skill level estimated by international observers to rank nineteenth out of the twenty-one nations competing in the Isles Cup, the Reathwood National Football team—known colloquially as the Redhearts—did not capture Reathwood's audiences in the early group stage, tying in its first match and losing to Hyukai in its second. However, after a surprise victory over Nurbaria in its third match, it managed to squeeze into the round of sixteen when it tied with Segentova in its final game of the group stage. Viewership began to soar after its qualification to the next stage, and the team's subsequent victory over Altera drew the highest viewership of any international football match since a highly-publicized game against Insulalia in 2013. President Elvewer watched the Alteran match at a public televised viewing in a Yarhampton park and had donned a red-and-white scarf by the time striker Albert Paxton scored the match's winning goal. He made a remark on the team's performance at a press conference soon after.

. . . so we should let our team's successes at the Isles Cup shine forth to the youth as a beacon of fitness and sportsmanship, should we not? To see the young people of this country take up football would not only bring Reathwood greater prestige in international sporting but would strengthen the health and teamwork of the next generation.

On Saturday, the Redhearts were defeated by Coille in the quarter-finals, bringing an end to Reathwood's participation in the Cup. Despite its failure to progress to the semi-finals, however, the Redhearts inspired a brief surge of enthusiasm for football in Reathwood with its two victories against vastly superior teams. Hashtags relating to the Cup briefly trended on Reathwood's social media, and the team's flight into the international airport at White Bluff landed in the presence of a large crowd of fans and observers that cheered the team as they made their return to the Republic.

[Hyukai]

"You should know better.", says Vice Prime Minister

February 24, 2020

A video of Mikael Aspen speaking in the assembly today

CAPPAREUS - An attack against the Hospitaller West Indies was unleashed by Mikael Aspen. "Just preposterous. Who in the right mind would execute people for following a national tradition?.", The Vice Minister said in an assembly this morning. It was clear that he disapproved of the Governor. Attenders reported Aspen frequently yelling across the room. "And their methods of execution disgust me.", he said while holding the front page of Hospitaller West Indies which showed a disturbing image of people being executed.

The method of execution called "gibbeting" involved placing a person in a tiny cage hanging above the ground while being starved to death which is heavily criticized for being inhumane. "What kind of monster would do such a horrid thing? Ah yes, Thomas De Bonpar!", Aspen said. Minister of Interior Sara Wellton replied to the attack stating, "This is none of our business. We shouldn't really mind about this and let it solve itself."

The King and Prime Minister supported the Anti-Orders but said that Mikael Aspen may be taking it too far.

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Travel with Trigel to cease

February 24, 2020

Santiago Bërcher announcing the closure of travel with Trigel

PORT HARVALAND - Minister of Foreign Affairs Santiago Bërcher announced that all travel and trade routes with Trigel will be cut out as of February 31. He announced in a speaking earlier today that, "I am well aware of the situation in Trigel and in order not to get involved, we will bring our Hyukaians back and cut off travel and trade with them until further notice." This sparked some controversies about the new Minister's handling of the Commonwealth with the King and Prime Minister out attending the Western Isles Gala. More news would be given shortly

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Search for answers continue

February 24, 2020

SAN ARLOS - A month after the crash of Lacoa Flight 417, investigators release their first update since finding the black boxes. “So far we found out that there was a broken instrument which may have caused the pilots to get confused.”, said an investigator who wished not to reveal his name. “ However, we still need to find more solid evidence.” The Investigators and the Ministry of Transport refused to give more news on the investigation until more news is given. However, a memorial is currently being planned in Cappareus.

Ads made by Corindia

[Biaten]

Debenham Pledges Security

On a recent visit to an army training centre, Leader of the Conservative Democratic Party Garfield Debenham pledged to recruits and onlooking crowds that the Conservative Democrats would see security at the top of the agenda, with higher military spending. In a fragmented speech, Debenham had a lot to say and pledge.

“If we look to history, powerful cities always had one notable feature: security. Without security, their people lived in fear and the city would soon be overran with thugs, or worse, neighbouring powers. When a single man lives in fear, the State has failed in its first duty: protection of its people. I am not advocating for bloodshed, merely for stronger security. The reason we have strong security and protection is to keep the forces of evil away. It is when the forces of good are weak that the forces of evil take their chance. Let us therefore demand of our Government that security is the front of the queue, not intervention in social life, but a safe country with law and order.

I would like to commemorate the fantastic work done by our nation’s Chief of Staff of the Army Ralph Combs in leading the Army. I fail to find another commander who is as staunchly committed to seeing this country being kept safe and sound. How reassuring it is to know that we have such a devoted leadership system in place? What a pity it is that the great leadership cannot be put to grand use. The army has been poorly funded under this government, and yet it made even more cuts to the military in the last budget. It’s wrong, it’s worse than that: it is a disgrace! I’m telling you now, a Conservative Democratic Senate would block any further cuts to defence. The Biatenian Army will be the greatest ever known to this land. No one will beat us and no one will outsmart us. I assure you.”

[Dormill and Stiura]

Ministry of Transportation reveals High-Speed Rail Project

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Friday, 26 February 2021

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Northern Azure Railways SD90T, one of the several concepts presented during the announcement

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By: Ellery Ackerman
COUR ROUGE - During the weekly address to the nation, Cedar Dyson intends to present the Ministry of Transportation’s new High Speed Rail project, a plan that intends to connect all of the United Republics’ largest urban areas in a single, federal rail system. Although the nation’s primary railway company, the Federal Railway Company (CFDC/FSGS), already operates high-speed service with the InterRepublic Service, it announced through the Ministry of Transportation that it will begin preliminary work on a fully-realized High Speed system, with multiple concepts already considered including both on traditional lines (even so far as to retrofit trains onto existing lines) up to building a wholly new maglev system.

Throughout the announcement, which was accompanied by multiple promotional videos of the various concepts the CFCD had considered, there were several interludes by both Minister for Transportation Loane Scarlett and CEO of the CFDC Bernard Thorn that explained the process the agencies would go through to explore the project and put it into motion.

At the same time of the announcement, the Dyson government released a white paper on the project, adding in further details about the project such as seeking foreign investment for both financing, construction, and the requisition of the trains proper, the latter of which was noteworthy for bringing up Vancouvian state-owned railway company Northern Azure Railways as a potential partner. The white paper goes into additional detail about working with Gael Four members to open up the system for easy international integration, which has the potential of extending the reach of the railway from Dociara to Arnton.

At the moment, the Ministry of Transportation has stated that it is in the “very early preliminary exploration phase” of the project, where it intends to conduct feasibility studies across the nation to determine the best possible routes and whether using existing tracks or building new ones entirely is the preferred option. The white paper, and spokespeople from the Ministry have emphasized that the project has no definitive timeline, and that the main goal is to initiate construction as soon as 2023.

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Stiuraian officials argue for release of federal funds for Stiura Hall project in National Assembly hearing

By: Calista Beaumont
COUR ROUGE - Officials from the Stiuraian government, including States-Captain Heiko Snaaijer, arrived in Cour Rouge early this morning to attend a National Assembly hearing on the matter of Stiura’s new capital project as part of the Congress’ wider investigation into Stiura’s handling of federal funds in 2020 after public calls accused Stiura’s leadership, Snaaijer among them, of embezzling federal funds while intentionally stalling the project’s progress.

Today, after being invited by the National Assembly on 15 January, Stiuraian officials made the case that there was no wrongdoing on their part, but it was rather the fault of the federal government that the project has been slow, blaming the bureaucratic processes intended to protect the environment and provide adequate protections for workers on the site. As the States-Captain put it, quote,

My government prides itself on prudent use of the money we receive, both from the federal government, our taxes, and from other private interests. We also take great offense from the Kapolderian elites in this very room who have accused us of wasting government money while they continue to push for their money-burning ideas. The Stiuraian government has not abused one penny of any funds we have received for the New Capital Project and find it preposterous that the federal government has forced us to stop work over the accusations of outside agitators.

The accusations of financial wrongdoing comes from posts connected to the Westmoorish internet forum Vox Populeaks, which reportedly found the connection between the States-Captain and possible embezzlement thanks to a combination of public records and leaked emails prior to its shutdown by the Westmoorish government. The Dispatch was unable to reach the offices of the States-Captain or public records officials within Stiura for a comment at the time of publishing.

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Isles Cup defeat will not deter National Team, says coach

By: Peter Ashworth
KAPOLDER - As the 2021 Isles Cup draws to a close, some reflection seems to be necessary on the part of the Men’s National Team. For such a dominant performance in the 2018, 19, and 2020 cups, most would’ve assumed they would have another easy time with this year’s Cup. This was made even more clear when the Groups were announced last November, with Dormill and Stiura really only facing off against two teams that play at their level, United Magrat and Corindia. However, as soon as the team got on the field on 6 February, something seemed off. While the Doraltic defense, led by Goalkeeper Nolan Abney of Kapolder-ElektroBedrijf, performed phenomenally, the offense couldn’t hold onto the ball. Not against United Magarat, not against Azul Chaira, nor against Insulalia’s Pioneers or Coille. With each passing game, the chances of the Star and Stripes being seen at the big event in New Toulon grew more and more distant until, finally, the team was kicked from the Group Stage.

Although this defeat was a major disappointment for all of Doraltic football, National Team Head Coach Henri Volk said during an interview, quote “The Isles Cup is another competition in a long line of competitions for us to prove our skill behind a football, this was just not our year.”

He would go on to further say during the interview that he did not fear for his future or that of the team as it was, rather he would instead focus on developing both existing and future talent across the Isles for the next generation of footballers.

Other Stories in Today's Paper

• Opinion: Perhaps Balnik does deserve its claims to Faronna.
• International: Everything you need to know about Ainslie’s new Judicial-General.
• Travel: Best destinations for Spring holiday; now including Swaneeak, Oasis, and Wachovia.

More in the paper edition...

The Vroomen Dispatch - Delivering the Kapitein's News since 1626
Editor-in-Chief - Zacharie Madison
VOL. CCCLXXXVI | No. 57
© MMXXI The Vroomen Dispatch Company

[Athara Magarat]

February 26th, 2021

United Magarat prepare for grand final with Corindia after 1 - 0 win over Coille

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The United Magarat team's 4-2-3-1 lineup

SEGENTOVA

The United Magarat men's football team eased past the Coillean squad to reach the grand finals of the 2021 Isles Cup. The Magarati White Tigers will be facing Corindia, who won a 2 - 1 over the Westmoor Isles in the semifinals, on the final match of the tournament. Corindia and United Magarat have already played a match during the tournament. The United Magarat team had won thanks to a single Firoz Suhang goal and the Corindi team is thus seen as the underdogs by many fans. However, it can be anyone's game in the ultimate final match of 2021 Isles Cup.

As for the semifinals match between United Magarat and Coille, almost all 90 minutes went uneventful as both sides failed to land successful shots into the goal post. The two teams played a defensive game as they kept possession of the ball from one another.

In the final 90th minute, when it looked as though the match might have to be resorted by penalty goals, Magarati right-wing midfielder Kiran Yohimbang burst past the Coillean defense and scored the goal that sealed the fate for both teams.

This was the second consecutive Magarati victory over Coille. The two teams had clashed in the Group C matches. The Magarati White Tigers had won the previous match due to left-wing midfielder Fau-doh Armaja's 8th minute goal and Yohimbang's 48th minute score.

[Nhoor]

[Westmoor Isles]

FOOTBALLER HENRY MULLER DEAD AFTER 3-CAR PILE-UP
3 Others Injured Following Footballer's Return to Westmoor

GRAIG, The Lowlands, Westmoor. February 27^th

Famed footballer and "Golden Boy" Henry Muller has died after crashing his car into two other vehicles outside of King Albert's International Airport. Muller was on his way home from the airport following the Westmoorish Men's Champion Team's loss against Corindia when he swerved into oncoming traffic, T-boning one car and colliding with a second head-on. Lowlands State Police report that three other individuals were injured: a mother and her fifteen-year-old daughter alongside an airport employee. All three individuals that were injured are expected to make a full recovery.

Paramedics report that by the time they arrived on-scene, Muller was already dead. Muller's autopsy indicates that he died on impact because of his vehicle's faulty airbags, a known flaw in the model. Autopsy reports also indicate that there was alcohol in his bloodstream, suggesting that he may have been drink-driving at the time of the accident. Muller had been spending the night at the Lafayette Luxury Hotel in King Albert's International prior to his accident along with his fiancée, actress Zuno Wright. The Gazette reached out to Wright but she refused to comment at this time.

Henry Muller was one half of "Westmoor's Golden Boys," the name given to him and his twin brother Ben Muller. Both Ben and Henry Muller played on the Westmoor's Men Champion Team during this year's Western Isles Cup and, according to their coach Nicholaus Strong, carried the team to the Semi-Finals.

"The world lost the best forward it has ever seen, and one of the bravest men I've ever known," Strong told the Gazette.

Muller gained fame for his aggressive play and frequent scoring. He served as the captain for the Lowlands Football Team, nicknamed "The Lowland Tugboats." Muller successfully led his team to the Black Creek Cup five times in recent years and it was expected that this would be his sixth. Though his brother Ben played on the Highlands Football Team, the two were very close and had a playful rivalry.

Muller was known for his philanthropy. In 2018 he started the Muller House Charity Association which provides poor families with temporary rental homes at a reduced price. He was an outspoken supporter of expanding the nation's welfare programs and often voiced his displeasure with the government's refusal to place restrictions on pollution-heavy industries. Rumors circulated for years that he was eventually planning a campaign for a seat in the House of Commons.

"My brother had his demons," Ben Muller tells the Gazette. "Everyone does...but we shouldn't think about what was wrong with him right now. I know he'd want to be remembered for what good he has done, which is why I will be donating 20,000 pounds to the Muller House Charity. For now, our family wants peace so we can mourn."

LAST KNOWN FEMALE HIGHLANDS WILDCAT DIES IN CAPTIVITY
Extinction Inevitable for this Species

GREENCORN, The Highlands, Westmoor. February 27^th

After decades of habitat destruction, it seems the Highlands Wildcat has been dealt its final blow. The species, scientifically known as Felis highlander, is native to the forests of the Highlands and exclusively found in Westmoor. The old groves it called home were routinely clear cut for purposes of agricultural expansion and the logging industries and now fewer than thirty percent of the forests in Westmoor are virgin forestland.

"I'm utterly heartbroken," Julia Chard, the zookeeper who cared for the wildcat, told the Gazette. "She was the last hope for her species."

Chard has been the zookeeper and caretaker of the big cat enclosures at the Greencorn Zoo for twenty years. In 2013 the wildcat was rescued from a logging operation and given the name Fortuna. Conservationists had planned on finding a male wildcat in the wild and introducing it to Fortuna. This breeding pair would've formed the building blocks of a planned project to increase the biodiversity of the Highlands but now it is unclear where conservationists will go from here. Time was already of the essence when Fortuna was rescued in 2013 as she was already approximately seven years old, her prime age for breeding.

"We had promising leads on potential mates for Fortuna before her death," says Chard. "Bark scratchings, scat, really good stuff. I don't know what we're supposed to do now. I can't just give up but it looks like that's my only choice."

Veterinarians report that her death was natural and from her old age. "Her death was a far more peaceful one than some of her fellow wildcats'," says lead veternarian of the Greencorn Zoo, Joseph Fairman, referring to the now illegal practice of wildcat trapping. Despite wildcat hunting being banned in 1973, the damage had already been done. It is estimated that between 1950 and 1970 the population of wildcats decreased by thousands.

“These were truly beautiful creatures. It’s a shame that we couldn’t save them, that they were totally helpless,” Chard said in tears at the small memorial service held in honor of Fortuna.

[Ainslie]

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28th of February, 2021

Arnton, WL - Sunny. Max: 15C Min: 1C

QUERREN HIGHLIGHTS: Last week - MADSA, Faronna and the Judicial General

HIGHLAND RIDGE (AN) - This week host Jay Aversen was joined by Judicial-General Ander Kentarre, Gael politics expert Dr Placide Van Amersvoort, Visiting fellow at the Universaire Unife, Dr Erwin Dereno of the Law School of the University of Norlands and Lewis Cavalee, senior legal affairs editor for Arendai. This week had a special focus on the field of law - particularly talking about the role of the International Court of Justice following the Faronna Islands territorial dispute and the ways a strengthened organised crime watchdog could affect Ainslie. Further, in the first twenty minutes, the newly installed Judicial-General outlines his plans and formally introduces himself to the Ahnslen people in an exclusive interview before the other guests join Aversen and Kentarre for the regular program. Here’s the highlights from the programme as some of the most prominent figures in Ahnslen law and further afield answered your questions:

The first highlights are from Judicial-General Kentarre’s segment at the start of the programme.

Q: Religion has always been a dominant force in the law and in legal issues concerning Ainslie. For this reason, the question of where you personally lie on some contentious issues is particularly important. So, what are your stances on abortion, euthanasia and gay marriage?

Kentarre: “Well” he said as he straightened his suit and sat up. “I would genuinely protest the assumption that my views have any importance with regard to issues at which religion often comes into conflict with our secular legal system. Whilst having an advocate or a staunch opponent to any of these issues would be notable for a Judicial-General I have to inform you that I would be neither of these.

Personally, I refuse to let my religious beliefs interfere with the good operation of the Unified Electorates. My opinions on abortion, euthanasia and gay marriage are what they are - they have no bearing on the function of my job. However, I will address each of your questions in one go. Personally, I’d imagine you’d say I am in the middle ground of all three of these issues - I think there’s a certain time in human development where abortion should be allowed and a cut-off time when there begins to be major moral and ethical problems with the practice. As for euthanasia, forgive me for my lack of tact but I am hardly qualified to speak on the issue and have honestly not been all that well informed on it - as such I would refer to opinions of experts within the field before making such a judgment. As for marriage between two men, or between two women the legislation is already clear. As an officer of the Court, I cannot amend what is clearly law in Ainslie - marriage as a concept no longer exists as far as the law is concerned - civil unions are now the recognised form of everlasting union. Do I think the union of a man and a man should have the same rights and responsibilities as a union between a woman and a man is? Well, I think there are many different issues that still need to be worked on on that front - I have a patchwork of opinions personally on it.”

Q: The death penalty and capital punishment more broadly seems to be an option that is strongly against the overall philosophy and approach of the Ahnslen nation. Would you support it being abolished?

Kentarre: “I’m not sure if it is entirely against the approach of the Ahnslen courts at the very least. Since the time of unification, it has always been clear that it is not the place of the Parlai nor the Prime Minister to hinder the flexibility of opinion and choice that judges should have. Public opinion seems to be heavily against capital punishment. That entirely makes sense - it’s not something we’ve done for years and in practice its already been abolished. This is because we have such high standards and bars for the punishment to be even on the table let alone used.

I support the longstanding opinion that all options should be left on the table - all within reason at least, and capital punishment seems to be still in that basket.”

Q: You were Speaker of the Parlai after you were elected by your constituents. What was one observation you made about the assembly that an onlooker wouldn’t really have?

Kentarre: “I think the most pressing observation I had in my time as Speaker was not an observation about the assembly itself. Rather it was how it interacted with the electorates and the Electoral Council. There’s this tension, this level of uneasy awkwardness between the two that cannot quite be put to words. Whilst the two organisations do work together well, the power dynamics is quite strange. You would think that the Federal Government would have much more power than it does, but the electorates are the ones who fix the potholes, collect the rubbish and keep the lights on - it all draws back to that…”

Q: With the elevation of Cosura Cameron Espen to the Chief Cosura role and the hiring of conservative Cosuras to the Court, there seems to be a trend away from a more liberal and contextual look at the way laws and the Constitution itself is to be read. What is your take on this? Are the courts really swinging towards formalism, are we seeing a return to legalism… What is happening.”

Kentarre: “Well, I think several questions were asked there but I’ll do my best to answer the additional points as I try and give you my observations of what seems to be happening in the Collective Court.”

“I think what we are seeing here is the creeping politicisation of the Collective Court. I must say that however with the qualifier it is not the current Prime Minister’s fault that this has happened - it is a trend across multiple nations all across the Isles and political picks for judges and judicial officers is quite common elsewhere. With the forces of globalisation at play, especially in the academic realm, I think there’s more of this to see. Thankfully, the Constitution and longstanding tradition appears to be strong enough to ensure independence of the Courts and their freedom from political influence. I am certain Espen will do an excellent job, as will Cosuras Kanera and Tenlek. The three of them are beyond qualified for their positions - it is hardly a political choice in that sense.

Whilst we should be wary of politicisation, I do not think that is the strongest force here. Simply, Kanera is a good pick - he’s an outstanding jurist from Arlanah and Tenlek has been in discussions for years. As Prime Minister Gifford, who is arguably a more conservative voice than her predecessor came into force I think I was one of many, including those in the legacy media, who thought we would see a sudden conservative shift in Ahnslen politics and the ACEGAD party. That hasn’t eventuated. Rather, we are seeing small subtle shifts such as Chief Cosura Espen’s elevation to the role by the Prime Minister and to a lesser extent the independent panel selecting Kanera and Tenlek.”

Shortly after the commercial break which followed the question, Jay and Justice Kentarre were joined by the rest of the panel.

Q: The League of The Western Isles in recent weeks has passed Resolution 21 which fundamentally reshapes MADSA. What does this mean for the Unified Electorates?

Van Amersvoort: “At least from an outsiders perspective, the very creation of MADSA seemed to be somewhat antithetical to the Ahnslen ethos. It’s creation and tabling at the league was anything but calm and measured. It was a knee jerk reaction that was risky for Prime Minister Kenzai to try and walk back on. With fresh eyes, Ms Gifford has been able to change it and convince enough nations to accept this version”

Dereno: “Yes - I would definitely agree with Placide on this one, to borrow the words of Archer Condor but place them in the negative, the creation of MADSA in the first place was anything but prudent, alert and steady. Frankly, it was an embarrassment amongst Ahnslen academics to watch it go through the League as freely as it did.

That’s why I’m sure there was a sigh of relief through the offices of Arnton when word was received that the new resolution had passed. It was an endorsement of something Ainslie is unlikely to try again. It’s very interesting this resolution and at the risk of veering too much from the question I will not comment further on it except that MADSA represents a major dilemma for the Unified Electorates and I think that’s really important to note.

It’s unclear whether Ahnslen courts would respect MADSA, especially given how much of a slap in the face it rhetorically is from the legislature to the courts. The idea the courts may have to comply with requests from some international anti-crime organisation is very unusual to the average Ahnslen jurist.

We are hardly isolationist, but we view the rest of the Isles to be frank with a lot of suspicion at times. That is even more so the case amongst the legal profession and legal academia more widely in Ainslie. It’d be difficult to suggest that that sentiment hasn’t leaked into the Government too.”

Jay (Host): “Which begs the question - can MADSA force us to comply?”

Kentarre: “The simple answer is no, unless a state was so intent on using MADSA for its purposes that we were taken to the International Court of Justice. However, it’d be difficult to interpret the resolution in a way that would allow for our ability to make decisions concerning MADSA to be further restricted”

Dereno: “That’s an important point to make and I’m thankful His Excellency made it. MADSA is not the sovereignty denying bogeyman. It was created in its current form and authored by a nation which is heavily reticent to take any power away from its own domestic courts and frankly the Judicial Council probably wouldn’t put up with it either.”

Kentarre: “Well, it would be overturning a tradition that is almost as longstanding as the Judicial Council itself.”

Cavalee: “Would Ainslie respect MADSA warrants as a broad rule?”

Dereno: “I don’t think Ainslie will run into issues. The only potential problem would be dealing with a request that is unreasonable or baseless. That would hopefully be thrown out by a judge very quickly.”

The discussion then turned to the dispute over the Faronna Islands, particularly the handling of it by the International Court of Justice where there were heated comments coming from all sides.

Dereno: “It’s deplorable - to think an International Court would even hear the case without being supplied a certified copy agreed to by both parties as being the original wording of the treaty. Then to treat the case almost like it’s a contract… the two sides stated there position and now the Court is no longer pushing ahead with the case?”

Cavalee: “It’s not how it would have been done in Ainslie, would it?”

Dereno: “No, not at all. How could the judges have even reached a decision without the text in front of them…”

Kentarre: “I would like to make clear that the International Court was acting with expediency here. They couldn’t have done the usual Ahnslen processes nor should we expect them. This is an international court after all hearing a time sensitive case. There needs to be some understanding of those key facts which contextualise but don’t forgive their handling of the case.”

Jay (host): “Your Excellency. If you were in charge of the case, would you have run it this way? And if not, would you still respect the Court’s decision”

Kentarre: “I think if an Ahnslen was in charge or at least part of what happened I don’t think the situation would be the same, no. Would I have fundamentally run it the same way personally? Potentially. The judges as I said before didn’t have a lot of time to actually decide how to run the case. As to whether I’d respect the court’s decision, it is a question I cannot really answer. There’s so many other factors that go into it. After all - we don’t have a definitive explanation or a conclusion yet. Rather, it seems the Court has taken a break from hearing the case.”

Dereno: “Perhaps it’s time for the Judicial Council to show some leadership.”

Kentarre: “I’m not sure that’s the best thing to say, Doctor. After all, we are not given the foreign affairs power - that rests with the Parlai and in particular the Foreign Minister and the Attorney-General.”

At this moment the room drew quieter as Kentarre continued to look at Dereno, seemingly asking for a response. The Judicial-General then turned to the host to sum the conversation up.

Kentarre: “The key is we need to be greatly careful. We risk undermining faith in organisations we need to have at the international level. Whilst they do make mistakes, we should be able to talk about them in a way that doesn’t damage their credibility but rather strengthens them and makes them appear like the transparent and effective body they should be. The way we talk and discuss such organisations should be in pursuance of that goal.”

That’s all for the highlights. Tune into Querren Tuesday at 7pm on Arendai News to see next week’s program. Catch up on past episodes at arendai.an or the Arendai News app available on all major app stores.


SPORT: Coach ‘pleased’ with Ahnslen Isles Cup performance

Ahnslen Men’s football coach Arcane Renallow in a press conference today indicated that he was satisfied with the team’s performance and how the group is tracking along.

“Getting out of the group stages is quite an achievement. There’s a lot of teams that didn’t make that level this time around and that’s a real testament to the effort the boys put in and the strong support that we’ve had behind us.”

Much of the Ahnslen team’s campaign was played in the Alteran Republics and Segentova, only travelling out of that area to Roendavar for the Group of Sixteen. The future of the Ahnslen team seems bright as well, as the squad emerges from a time of reconstruction after the golden years of the 90s. The coach himself at that press conference admitted that over the past few years, the performance of the team has not been fantastic but has made clear to fans that what they saw in the Isles Cup is the start of what they can look forward to in the future.

“This is only the beginning. We are coming out of our shell once again - this performance has been a statement by the team that we will be back.”, Renallow stated.

Despite the positive message from Renallow, the performance from the team was reasonably mixed, especially in the group stages. In Round One, Ainslie narrowly lost to Thromsa 1-0 until they flipped the table against San Montagna with a 1-0 win. In Round Three, the team suffered a devastating 3-0 loss to Doravo which was feared to be the beginning of the end for the Highlanders’ chances to get out of the group stage. That opinion was put to rest in Round Four where Serpens Land was handed a 0-2 defeat and Westmoor Isles - the top ranked team within the group who was beaten by Ainslie 1-0.

In the round of sixteen, Ainslie narrowly lost to Corindia 2-1, the team that would eventually take the trophy. Corindia would go onto beat Trigel 1-0 in the semi finals and march into the grand finals to decisively win against the United Magarat team 0-2.

It appears that Ahnslens will be able to look forward to a bright future for their football team. The team is expected to engage in a number of friendly games over the year to come until it gears up for its 2022 campaign.

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[Corindia]

Corindi National Team Wins Isles Cup

Fans of the Corindi team became more and more enthusiastic as the team's unexpectedly deep run into the finals progressed, culminating in the final match on Friday against the united Athara Magarat team

Corindia, 2/26/21:
Corindia is celebrating the victory of it's national soccer team in the Isle's Cup after a 2-0 victory over the combined Athara Magarat team last Friday. The team, led by freshman captain José Delacroix was not expected to have a particularly strong year, turnover and a recent gambling scandal involving forward Luken Béringer had left the roster young and untested, and goalkeeper Patricio Rosales was believed not to be a particularly consistent performer. After a shaky performance in the group phase however, the team started to overcome challengers that earlier in the season it was believed to stand no chance against, including the Athara Magarat team that swept it aside earlier in the tournament.

The final game, which was punctuated by two goals by Thad Windsor and Béringer within five minutes of each other halfway through the match, showed a team which had clearly found its rhythm, with the Corindi offense applying a consistent pressure that kept the momentum on their side for the entire game.

Corindi fans have flocked to the team in increasing numbers as it moved through the tournament, to the point where the victory in the final match led to masses of excited fans in blue flooding the streets following the win, with some municipalities in North Corindia reporting alleged gunshots after each goal was scored.

The returning team will arrive home tomorrow to meet their blue painted horde of fans in a ticker tape parade through Carmo, which will culminate with an audience with new Corindi President Marcel Paquet, who no doubt would like to associate his upstart, populist party with the upset victory.

[Biaten]

Monday 1st March 2021
Hachen Times
Republic of Biaten



Election Filling Closes

Today was the last day that people could file for candidacy for the upcoming Senate election, with a whopping 956 people who will appear on different ballots across the country, including 500 from the 5 largest parties and 456 from smaller parties and independents; however, only 100 of them will win a Senate seat in May. All constituencies will have at least 5 candidates on the ballot paper from the big five parties: the governing Social Democratic Party, the official opposition Communist Party, the National Revolution Party, the Democratic Party and the Conservative Democratic Party. The Social Democratic Party has gone for a fairly even number of centrist, mainstream social democratic and socialist candidates, selecting centrist candidates in many rural areas and selecting socialist candidates in many urban areas. 6 Senators - Tyron Armstrong (Social Democratic Party), Robin Bonney (Communist Party), Rhonwen Britton (Social Democratic Party), Johanna Enns (National Revolution Party), Albert Prescott (National Revolution Party) and Bernadine Wolter (Communist Party) will not be running and so will be retiring after this election.

Campaign season kicks off

With the Senate election just 2 months away, several parties have launched their campaigns in the past week, including the Communist Party, the National Revolution Party and the emerging Social Conservative Party. On Thursday, Leader of the Opposition and Chairperson of the Communist Party Mattie Everly kicked off the Communist Party’s election campaign in Hachen, a city which the Communist Party already controls 5 out of the 11 Senate seats within the city, and hoping to take some of the remaining 6, split between the Social Democratic Party, the National Revolution Party and the Democratic Party.

“My fellow workers, the time has come to stamp on the fingers of the bourgeoisie and put an end to their grip on our Republic. Throughout our entire history, we have been led either by the reactionary bourgeois sympathisers or false radicals who are so reluctant to implement the change which they have stood for. The whole corrupt system that rules us needs to be replaced, which will start with the election of a Communist Senate that will ensure our government acts in the interests of you, the workers, and will be ready for our coming to power in 2024. Be sure to vote for the party that will abolish capitalism – vote for the Communist Party on the 6th May.”

Leader of the National Revolution Party, Jeffrey Harlan, took to Newport to campaign for his party. He stepped onto the podium, welcomed by thunderous applause from the crowd. Once the crowds died down, Harlan cleared his throat.

“People of the Republic! It is our time to rise above the oppression by reactionaries and grasp this new era with both hands. For the sake of Biaten and for the sake of the workers across this fair land, let’s take our revolution for us, the people who truly deserve it.”

Thunderous applause engulfed the scene while by-standers joined the unruly crowd.

“As the ancient proverb says: fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. The people of this Republic have been fooled and blinded by the empty promises and lies of reactionary oppressors, through its history, who wished to concentrate power at the top, at the expense of the masses. Skeates, Hayden, Enns and Milford, are a few examples. They proved that the elites cannot be trusted, that the right has nothing but the furtherance of the status quo, of shameless conditions for regular people and for the maintenance of bourgeois interests. Let’s make sure they do not fool us again, and that we vote for the National Revolution Party, the true party of the people!”

The crowd chanted “NRP, NRP, NRP”.

Meanwhile, in the town of Celbridge in North Auvia, leader of the growing Social Conservative Party, Kyson Schuler, started his party’s campaign.

“Where we see wrong, we must seek to do right. In a world full of wrongs, we must not fall into doing wrong. I was born a Biatenian and I will die a Biatenian. In between that period, I must do everything in my power to preserve my Biatenian identity and the people of this country. I would fail in my duty as a Biatenian if I did not do everything in my power to preserve the Biatenian people’s wishes. We, the Social Conservative Party, has one primary goal: to preserve ad promote Biaten and Biaten alone. With this in mind, we also dedicate ourselves to preserving the white, Biatenian race. With recent threats from the Ipachi’s and n***er populace, it is clear who the savages are. We call for the policy of separate development: the white, decent, law-abiding Biatenians do not want to fear their lives at the hands of dark and light-coloured men. Biatenian families first, above all else.”

His speech too received wide endorsement from the crowd, in one of the most conservative towns in Biaten. With Schuler running in this constituency, North Auvia, will this constituency vote for him?

National Polls

Below is a polling average of all national polls that have been taken in the past month.

Social Democratic Party: 43.2%
Communist Party: 27%
National Revolution Party: 12.2%
Democratic Party: 8.7%
Conservative Democratic Party: 6.8%
Biaten People’s League: 0.6%
Social Conservative Party: 0.5%
Movement for Justice: 0.2%
Other: 0.8%

There has been no major changes in the past month, with an exception to the Movement of Justice, which seem to have lost most of their support. This can be due to other parties copying their homework and taking on some of their policies, making them more appealing to the Movement for Justice voters.

[Domanania]

March 1st, 2021
Federation Broadcasting Channel
Domanania

Protests Against Green Development

in September of last year, the local government of Tawunt approved the construction of a 6 Square km wind farm (roughly 1480 acres). The project promised to develop areas in the south of the region, utilizing a passage between a cluster of hills that is recorded to have high winds. It is in line with the federal government's continued push for renewable energies. The land is adjacent to a small town of roughly 10,000 named "Green Hills". However, the land being used for this development is inhabited.

It is a ghetto constructed by the military government in 1941 to house people of Khas-Kirati and Ioudian decent. It was liberated in 1960 with the fall of the military government. The people in the ghetto (just with other similar facilities) were given compensation and their facilities were modernized. However, the government funding ended in 1972 for the ghetto (now named Hunter Valley) and the facilities were allowed to fall into disrepair. Over the next 50 years the population tripled, crime rose, and the facility had a higher rate of STD's and other transmutable diseases.

Hunter Valley Apartments in 2015

The regional government deemed the community of 51/2 thousand people to be in such disrepair that it is no longer safe for habitation. It was scheduled for demolition next month. As eviction notices went out early last week, the people of Hunter Valley lodged their complaints with the local government. However the government informed the community that they had to be moved out by the last week in march. Local leaders in Hunter Valley got together in the afternoon today and marcheded into Green Hills to protest.

Roughly 200 people marched onto the main road through town with signs and chants. The leaders announced using bullhorns that the government had no right to evict the community, since the disrepair and desperate state was due to lack of government support. The protestors blocked the main road for hours before local police mobilized. Using riot gear the police began to disperse the crowd, which resulted in a brief brawl in the streets.

Footage from witnesses and local news station cameras caught most of the violence on camera. The protestors threw snow balls and water bottles into the line of police. Some used old pipes or wooden beams. The police made use of 2 sting grenades, unleashing rubber pellets into the crowd. The crowd dispersed shortly after. 30 people were arrested, and 8 were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The local government condemned the protestors and has urged the continued development of the wind farm.

The opposition politicians in the region have called out the National Party and DLP leaders for being so insensitive to the plight of a community that had no choice but to live in this area, and should not be punished for the transgressions of a military government 80 years ago. Citizens across the country are sympathizing with the residents of Hunter Valley.

[Essena]

The Essenian Post
"News You Can Use"
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Essena | Politics | Business | Health | Technology | Opinion

The Western Isles Cup Tournament Comes to a Close
By: Macy Evans

The Western Isles Cup Tournament has come to a close with Corindia picking up the victory. Essena was represented by the Essenian Stage and were a part of the tournament with a final win/loss record of 2 wins and 4 losses. Early in the tournament the Essenian Stags were able to move on because of rank by being the 4th team to qualify for the round of 16 because of a dominating win against the team from Roendavar 5-1. The Stags were able to move on to the Quarter-finals after beating the team from Hyukai 3-2. Unfortunately the Stage were eliminated from the the Quarter-finals by the team from Athara Magarat 3-4. Even though the Stags were eliminated; they showed the world that Essennian sports teams are no pushovers to other sports teams. Coach Kelvin Illmer had this to say about the Stags performance "Even though the team lost, I can tell you that we are training hard for the next Tournament. And in my opinion we will go all the way the next time!" Chancellor Abraham Moore congratulated the team's performance by saying this "The Essenian Stags showed the world that a new team is here to claim victory. With every match the world saw the determination in the eyes of the players. I am proud to say that the performance by these athletes have and will inspire generations of Essenian athletes for years to come. Our first foray into International sports has been a success and I believe that whenever another tournament arises we will enter that as well. Congratulations to the Essenian Stags for representing the country so well."

[Lesva]

Speaker Atsac Colecta says the so-called “neutrality amendments” have not been forgotten about

Parliamentary Speaker Atsac Colecta specifies that constitutional amendments solidifying Lesva’s international neutrality have not been forgotten about by the current coalition government

Speaker of Lesvan Carto (unicameral parliament) Atsac Colecta from the New Order (NO) party from the governing coalition, has said that the current Lesvan leadership has not forgotten about foreign policy issues and goals that were presented in the parliamentary and presidential elections by coalition candidates, who have since acceded to power. The Speaker said that this parliament will still review proposals on introducing constitutional amendments, which would legally make Lesva a neutral state in international politics. According Speaker Colecta, what has been stopping this coalition’s leadership from presenting those proposals, is the “legal road map” and preoccupation issues.

The parties in the current governing coalition, most notably the Union of Libertarians and Nationalists (ULN) and New Order (NO) to name a few, support amending the constitution of Lesva, which would make the island country a neutral state and legally forbid membership in international organizations. The proposal came during the first term of the current coalition government, which began after elections in the early 2010’s, and have since become part of the campaign platform, which the coalition government ran on and get re-elected in the latter half of the previous decade. The current head of state President Puicu Gevin (also former Prime Minister) and his predecessor President Iodam Precin, whom the current President served as Prime Minister next to, have both supported neutrality in international politics and keeping Lesva out of international organizations. President Gevin made this a significant part of his 2017-2018 campaign.

In a reason interview, where this question resurfaced, Speaker Atsac Colecta said:

“Nothing has been forgotten. Like other policies that our party, our coalition partners and also this president ran on, the question of the neutrality amendments is on the list, but we got preoccupied with other issues on the table, which we saw as bigger priorities and there is also a question of the legal road map in how to approach introducing constitutional changes, like what comes first and what comes after, as well as the fact that we did not sense a big enough consensus, without me even having to mention the opposition, where we could feel certain legislations could pass through at the time, including proposing these constitutional amendments. It is still a question of big debate, but we want to achieve it as a campaign promise and also because we believe multilateralism in international relations and keeping free from international jurisdiction mandated by treaties and conventions, will not be good for Lesva or its’ independence and sovereignty. It is also an opposition-perpetuated myth that we will run out of time and possibility to achieve these constitutional amendments if President Puicu Gevin doesn’t get re-elected this year. This government and parliament will still have enough time regardless of the presidential election’s result, although we believe this president still has enough support to be re-elected.”

The Progress Party (PP) from the opposition, does not back the government’s proposal of a “constitutionally-enforce neutrality”, because it takes away Lesva’s ability to be flexible and make free choices at any time. However, to reject myths about having “foreign backing” or “lobbying foreign interests” by not backing Lesvan neutrality, PP says it does not back Lesva’s membership in any specific international organizations at the moment or back Lesva joining any international treaties or conventions. The opposition party simply backs the “ability to have options at any given moment.”

[Martenyika]

Wednesday March 10, 2021
RKT - Royal Kessa Times

ECP Leaders Threaten Coalition Break-up With Zubele Over July's "Unfulfilled" Infrastructure Bill

Eastern Citizens Party (ECP) leader Asani Mondli and parliamentarian Ade Naude made a joint statement today expressing their displeasure with the Zubele administration's handling of the Rural Eastern Connectivity Bill in the months following its passage. The bill passed through Martenyika's parliament in July of 2020, following its introduction in late 2019. Both entertained the very real possibility of breaking off from Zubele's coalition if matters do not improve and serious effort is not put into realizing the "largely unfulfilled" bill.

Mondli and Naude both claimed that the Zubele administration has failed to deliver on the promises made to eastern Martenyika as a result of the bill's passage. ECP leader Mondli pointed out that it has been almost exactly eight months with insufficient progress towards improving eastern Martenyikan infrastructure. However ECP parliamentarian Ade Naude went further, bringing up that the original bill should not have taken an additional eight months to even reach the floor of parliament. Naude gained media attention in July with his scathing characterization of the bill's supporters as "well-meaning yet financially inept bleeding hearts." He continued with similarly pointed rhetoric today, calling out then-Parliamentary Chief of the Republic Amelie Lafrenz (now Vice President) for supporting a bill "she knew was hopelessly bloated."

[Belantica]

New CMRT Trains Introduced With Overhaul of Train Control System
March 12, 2021 - Luton, FD

The new C3-B trainsets will enter service on March 15 on the Timsfield and Northeast Lines. Delivery of all 24 C3-B sets will finish by early December

Over the last few years, the Capital Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, or CMRT, has been upgrading their train system since 2014. While progress has slowed due to the events of the Long Summer which established the monarchy, in addition to a stagnant economy, the CMRT continued making upgrades to the MRT system. One of their major projects was to update how the Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system operated to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of collisions. When the MRT was inaugurated in 1978, the Signal Block ATO proved well in maintaining safe distances between trains and maximizing capacity of the tracks. However, SBATO is now considered primitive since trains still required an operator to check track conditions since the system was not able to detect obstructions, meaning the operator would apply the brakes if there was an object, animal, or person on the track, which sometimes lead to the train colliding with the obstruction, causing delays and concerns about ATO. What this meant is for a long time, is the ATO system used since 1978 only protected collision between trains, and not from other factors. This was one of the concerns CMRT pressed to fix, as technology has improved to allow for more dynamic and comprehensive ATO that can protect against non-train collisions. With advances in how ATO can operate, new rolling stock would need to be implemented or existing rolling stock would need to be retrofitted to work with the new ATO system. Because this is a large expense, only two existing lines were chosen to complete the trial of the new ATO and rolling stock, being the Timsfield Lines that operates within the large suburb of Timsfield, and the Northeast Line, a line opened in 2007 that serves the northeastern suburbs and connects to the original system at Central Terminal, the main train station of Luton. While these lines were upgraded with the new ATO, trains continued to run as they were placed under manual control by operators and dispatch.

The new ATO system uses Communications Based Train Control (CBTC), which unlike signal blocks, can allow for safer conditions when running trains in close proximity, a more timely service, and most importantly due to the use of on-board and trackside sensors, significantly reduce the risk of a non-train collision. The first section of CBATO was implemented at the Summerlin Testing Center along a 1.6 mile section of test track to observe the reliability and practical use of CBATO within a controlled environment. These tests begun in early 2016 and completed in 2018, with the CMRT concluding that implementing CBATO in phases will work best for improving service and safety along the system. In phase 1, CMRT would upgrade the signaling and ATO along the two lines mentioned before, and purchase new rolling stock that is compatible with these new systems. This phase started in 2017, and will be completed on March 15, when final testing and preparations will be finished. Phase 2 was commenced in 2019, when construction of the new Crosstown Line began, with CBATO and new rolling stock was implemented during the time of construction of the new line, and is expected to be completed in 2022. Phase 3 will upgrade the underground sections of the original MRT system, being the Downtown Line, the Eastern Line, and the Central Line, and is expected to begin in June of 2021 and completed in May 2023. Phase 4 will finish the upgrades of the remaining sections that are at-ground and above ground on the three lines mentioned above, and begin in December 2021 and has an expected completion date in September 2023.

Another major part of the CMRT's upgrades is the implementation of new rolling stock to replace aging units such as the C1 (1978/1985) and C2 (1994/2003) series of trainsets, and to add additional trainsets to be used on new extensions and lines as the MRT grows. In 2015, CMRT placed in order for 40 sets of the C3-A units, which while many of them are operated manually, are equipped with CBATO instruments to allow for a seamless transition to ATO when system upgrades are complete.

Other News

-Parliament debates an open border policy
-PM Bruke (CP) says that the nation "should be careful" when dwelling in current foreign affairs, saying that "we're at odds with basically all nations in Gael in one degree or another"
-Palasdale beats Nuranto 3-1 in hockey
-Police in rural areas have begun a crackdown on drunk driving "DWI will not be tolerated" a spokesperson for the Suffolk Highway Patrol said earlier today

[Biaten]

Friday 12th March 2021
Hachen Times
Republic of Biaten



President Breitbarth announces closure of Parliament between 25th March and 10th May

President Breitbarth has announced that he will dissolve the Senate and prorogue the National Diet between the 25th March and 10th May in order to allow for campaigning, in accordance with convention. This will bring nearly all parliamentary business, including most bills and all motions and parliamentary questions, to a close. Parliament will then reconvene when a new session starts, marked by a Presidential Address, which outlines the government and Parliament’s agenda.

The President announced the suspension in a joint session of both the National Diet and Senate, in which he outlined that the election of a new President of the Senate will begin in the first week, as will the Presidential Address.

When the Senate is dissolved, every seat in the Senate will become vacant. This means that there will no longer be any MPs until the election of a new Senate in May. Those who were Senators before dissolution cease to represent their constituencies and lose access to parliamentary faculties and resources.

[Lesva]

President Puicu Gevin plants division among opponents in Friday’s presidential debate

President of Lesva Puicu Gevin (Libertarian-Nationalist) strategically divides up his own opponents in the campaign into pro-government and anti-government politicians

Friday’s presidential debate made President Puicu Gevin come out as an unofficial winner. The incumbent head of state strategically placed his adversaries in the campaign into his trap. The president’s opponents were divided up into those supporting not the president but the government’s overall policies and those being strictly against both the president and the policies of the government. There were even those, who positioned themselves in-between. Arguably, those who had aligned themselves against the president and the government, have managed to save themselves reputation-wise and end up in a better position. Whereas, those candidates, who have aligned themselves against the president, but didn’t denounce the government policies and ideological leanings, have damaged their chances of being considered by the voter as an alternative to the incumbent head of state, despite each of them attempting to differentiate themselves from what the current Lesvan leadership stands for.

Despite President Puicu Gevin placing a rift between his opponents and unofficially have painted them as slightly varied versions of himself, which has helped him prevent a united political mobilization of his opponents aiming to deny him a second term, polls do not necessarily show that President Gevin is heading straight into the second term. Although he remains at high spots, the president has struggled to reach the top of multiple polls and often ends up taking the third or second place at best. Political analysts suggest that Lesvan voters are no longer enthusiastic about the path of isolationism that the government led by the Union of Libertarians and Nationalists (ULN) along with some other parties they had formed coalitions with, which has been going on for the past 11 years almost. Mostly, the frustration comes not so much out of search for benefits in international relations for Lesvans, but because of the negative affects it is bringing to Lesvan culture, such as xenophobia and prejudice towards outsiders.

[Lesva]

Are Lasene, Reto-Occidenic, Aceanian and Crosan different languages?

Linguists debate if Lesva’s 4 languages are indeed 4 separates languages or dialects of the same language, which could be called “Lesvan”?

Lesvan linguists are still debating whether Lasene, Reto-Occidenic, Aceanian and Crosan are indeed separate languages or dialects of a single language, which could be collectively called the “Lesvan language”? Currently, Lasene, Reto-Occidenic, Aceanian and Crosan exist as 4 official languages of the Republic of Lesva, while no such thing as a single Lesvan language exists. However, at the same time, it has always been a question of debate whether Lasene, Reto-Occidenic, Aceanian and Crosan are indeed 4 separate co-existing languages on the island country, which reflect the cultural diversity and the diversity of the origins of the Lesvan nation or are these similar enough dialects of the same language?

As in any long-lasting debate, there have always been competing sides, each of which firmly thinks to be the correct one, but there has always been a standing discussion. There have been those confident that Lasene, Reto-Occidenic, Aceanian and Crosan are separate languages, while other supported the dialect theory. However, there is also the third position, which is in-between. Some of the more narrowed down versions of the in-between approach, suggest that that Lasene, Reto-Occidenic, Aceanian and Crosan are mutually intelligible languages, which might be separate, but the other side of that in-between approach suggests that there still is a possibility that the 4 languages might just be dialects of the same “Lesvan language.”

Nevertheless, as the debate continues, the status quo in the Republic of Lesva persists. Right now, the view dominates that Lasene, Reto-Occidenic, Aceanian and Crosan are 4 separate languages of the Republic of Lesva in the constitution, although the country remains a unitary state despite this diversity. The revisionists support the theory that the 4 languages are dialects of the same common language that Lesva should have and promote a switch to this approach. At the same time, as mentioned before, this is still part of an open discussion that has not ended.

[Ioudaia]

Martenyikan Pilots Complete Gryphes Conversion Training in Ioudaia

(Erphia Air Base, Ioudaia) The Air Armada Flight School announces that the first group of Martenyikan Air Force pilots have finished their operational conversion training on the M-3 Gryphes, and are now fully qualified combat pilots. "We were honored that Martenyika chose to train its pilots in Ioudaia, all the way from ab initio training at the Flight Training Command through operational conversion here at the Flight School," said General Oren Weld, head of the flight school. "Martenyikan pilots have shown themselves to be dedicated students and excellent aviators. We look forward to future joint operations with the Martenyikan Air Force."

Asked about difficulties teaching French-speaking students, he explained, "The Flight School has a number of bilingual flight instructors, there were no problems with training. The new Allied Operations Training unit of the Flight Training Command loaned us a number of Francophone support personnel to help make our visiting students more comfortable as well."

Additional classes of Martenyikan pilots are expected to graduate over the next year, providing pilots for their Gryphes aircraft. The Gryphes is a Snowsill-Cridland produced multirole aircraft, based on a licensed foreign design. Snowsill-Cridland has provided 20 Gryphes to Martenyika, although the contract price has not been made public.

[Lesva]

Carto debates election “agitation law”

Lesvan legislature the Carto debates whether election campaigns should be allowed to continue during the voting days as well

Lawmakers of Lesva at the Carto have opened a discussion on the so-called “agitation law.” The conversation is about the timetable for how long should politicians and their campaign members or general supporters be allowed to agitate for them. By current law, adopted in the early 2010’s after the Union of Liberatrians and Nationalists (ULN), the part of President Puicu Gevin, came to power as one of the governing parties, the “agitation law” was changed. It now allows for agitation to happen all the way up to the ballot box, including during the voting day. The initiators of the discussion say that the “agitation law” should be changed back to the way it was and that campaigning should be forbidden one day before voting. There should be a “day of silence” prior to every election. The discussion is re-opened as Lesva is in the presidential election.

Right now, the discussion is opened as a more opposition-run initiative. How successful it could be is a matter of debate. Governing coalition parties like the Union of Liberatrians and Nationalists (ULN) and the New Order (NO) party do not seem very enthusiastic about the initiative and appear to support the agitation law that came to be during their governance. Many opposition parties say that ULN is just looking forward to the president’s re-election and the possible re-election of the party to the government in future elections under the current “flawed agitation law” according to the opposition, which many say “abuses the electoral process” and “embraces the usage of loopholes up to the last minute.”