Greater Díenstad News Feed

[Ikheria]

The Ikherians News
A national news source from Ikheria Federal News Service

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"Where our vote, GDRC?"

Ikheria are currently member of GDRC, but in first voting on GDSE bill, Ikherian representative can't voting on that matter. Because of this, many Ikherians protesting in Ministry of Foreign and WA Affair.

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Yeltsingrad - More than 400 peoples marching from Freedom Square to Ministry of Foreign and WA Affair headquarter in downtown Yeltsingrad for protesting GDRC bill voting system whom causing Ikherian representative can't voting in GDSE bills. Many of them are from political mass organization and parties. They carry banner whom read like; 'GDRC suck!', 'Where our vote, GDRC?', or even political slogan like; 'Z***a K**y, GDRC', 'GDRC stand for Greater Díenstad Regional Conspiracies', and others. Federal Police and Federal Guard Service was deployed for assisting Capital Police. Many politicians also calling change of GDRC voting system. "We demanding GDRC for change their voting system for allow us and other Regional Council member can voting on bill.", demand 6 Ikheria Liberal Party and 14 Ikherian Nationalist Party General Representative Council MPs in petition to GDRC. The petition getting more than 1000 signature and they target 150,000 signs. Many political commentator predicting major disapproval of GDRC in Ikheria if future bill can't voted by Ikherian GDRC representatives. Meanwhile, Ministry of Foreign and WA Affair spokesperson confirming Ikheria will implementing some of GDRC acts.

[Ikheria]

The Ikherians News
A national news source from Ikheria Federal News Service

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Armed Forces News 1: Ikheria test its new SAM/ABM system, New defence satellite launched

For first time, Ikherian Army and Ikheria Air Force testing its new air defence system, 5Sy100 Zhukov. This system can engage enemy planes, missiles, and many other airbone and some land target up to 390+ kilometer in range and 100+ kilometer in height. These system will fielded in next month. In meanwhile, Ikheria Space Defence Forces launching 2 new defence communication satellites, allowing broadband communication.

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Yeltsingrad - In Tseleny Testing Range, Ikherian Army and Ikheria Air Force testing new air defence system, 5Sy100 Zhukov. This system are hybrid of Gun-based and Missile-based air defence system. This system consisting 7 separate radar (3 Surveillance/Early Warning radar with tracking and guidance/command capability, and 3 passive radar, and a Tracking, Guidance, and Command radar), a command post (including some logistic and communication truck), a missile launcher of TELAR/TEL/Fixed/Semi-mobile type (there no limit how much launcher, but Ikherians normally having min. 4 launcher), a radar-equipped gun truck (same like missile launcher, there no limit how much guns), and supporting vehicles (including reloader). There 4 missile for this system, 5V100-1 Zhukov-S (Short), 5V100-2 Zhukov-M (Medium), 5V100-3 Zhukov-L (Long Range), and 5V100-4 Zhukov-E (Extended), whom used for engaging enemy IRBM, ICBM warhead in terminal stage, even satellites too! These system operate under BASTION II BMS and having modular capability. The system will be one of Ikherian main air defence system.

In Tsininburg Spaceport Center, a Laikal-1C launcher boosting IFDF-Comms/IkherDefSat A1A and A1B to GTO orbit. The satellite was successor of IkherDefSat-1 communication satellite series whom operated by Ikherian Space Defence Force. Now, all IkherDefSat series will be upgraded for fulfilling demands of Ministry of Defence whom seeing possibility of electronic warfare and upgrading BMS systems to BASTION II. Because with that, Ikherian Ministry of Defence under Federal Representative Assembly and President approval ordering major upgrade of many IFDF communication technologies and procurement of new, improved IkherDefSat series. This satellite having many new capabilities, from improved ECCM system, implementation of very agile SDR and routing system, more powerful and reliable RF signal, upgraded inter-satellite connection, and more. These satellites will be controlled in new Yekarena Satellite Command Center, a Ikherian Space Defence Force base.

[Kuronami]

Major Earthquake Hits Eastern Kuronami Domain

SONOMI CITY - Amaterasu's Capital City and nearby cities were jolted awake early morning of 19 February as a strong 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake struck in the morning hours, just off shore, early Saturday morning. This quake is considerably stronger than the 4.9-5.6Mw earthquake that struck in the region back in 2018 which primarily was along the Northern Range Fault that borders between Hang-Gang and Amaterasu Domains in Eastern Kuronami, and it's the strongest quake in two-decades to strike the metropolitan Sonomi area. The quake could be felt through the region with shaking reported in Joo-Nam in Hang-Gang Domain. A small tsunami wave was reported but was negligible causing little damage to the coastlines save for some insecure structures and boats in the marinas.

14 casualties have been reported, with 13 directly and one indirectly as a result, an additional 185 have been injured with 12 of those being reported as serious. No missing persons have been reported. The Royal Geological Society has said this quake erupted along the offshore Amaterasu Fault and placed its depth at 55 km, a revision from the initial 60 km first estimated. The Strongest shaking could be felt in Sonomi City with the 7.1 shaking intensity and latest government report says 950,000 homes do not have access to power, and many power plants throughout the region went offline.

In the foothills of nearby Soma, a car ran into the path of a rockfall, resulting in the driver sustaining minor neck injury. A 100-meter section of the fishing port in the city was displaced vertically, 10 centimeters at the most. The port also suffered liquefaction when sand erupted from fissures in the asphalt. There were also reports of conflagrations from local authorities. On the Miyamoto Expressway, landslides buried parts of the road, and embankments along it collapsed, but no vehicles were trapped inside. In another section, 10 meters of the expressway was uplifted.

Another landslide in Honda partially buried the Ebisu Lodge, a nature attraction located along the slopes of a mountain. The landslide took with it cars and a double-story building, eventually burying them. The roadway leading to and from the center also cracked as a result of the ground slumping.In Sonomi, the walkway of an apartment block on the second floor collapsed. No one was injured from the collapse. One resident was trapped for a while and later rescued through a window.

At least 311 schools in the city and surrounding towns sustained damage such as cracked walls, floors, and broken windows. Water pipe bursting was also accounted for. This prompted the closure of 71 schools.Footage and images circulating online suggest that minor damage including broken glass and collapsing facades were caused by the shaking. Home videos taken during the earthquake also show cabinets and shelves toppling over. With much of the damage and epicenter being in the regional capital of Sonomi, The Imperial Government has deployed a task force to assist in recovery and search and rescue operations if need be. The Royal Family of Amaterasu is accounted for and safe, with Lady Amaterasu Daidouji overseeing disaster response operations and in a rare move on her part, Her Highness Empress Von Eylstadt flew into Sonomi last last night to meet directly with the Daidouji Family as urgently as possible to asses what the Domain might need from the Imperial Capital in Caloris. No further word about potential foreign aid though the Kuronami Empress has said if circumstances warrant greater response beyond the capacity of Kuronami's resources they will call upon it. In a statement, Her Highness relayed to us,

"We know many are on the look out for Kuronami when we need help, but with the pandemic ravaging so much of the world, we cannot strain other's resources unless we're on the brink ourselves. We hope it won't come to it."

With the threat of landslides and impending inclement autumn weather, a storm warning and slide warning have been issued. Residents are also being asked to prepare for potential aftershocks in the days and weeks to come.

[Solisian Union]

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The Solisian Union Prepares For National Elections

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The great Solisian sun rises once again in the east and greets the entire Union with warmth as an official announcement came out of La Honor, La Victoria Canton. Such an announcement was immediately broadcast all over the Union. Letters were sent, emails were delivered, and government websites had new updates. Meanwhile, the televisions and radios and streaming services within the Union all did their best to transmit the voice of President Atalaya Rivas.

Dressed in her finest, the President, and official candidate of the Solisian Socialist Party, appeared to speak at her official residence in the capital.

This is her address:

“It is my greatest honor, and my most sacred duty as President of the Solisian Union, to announce to all of my people, both at home and overseas, that the 15th Solisian Political Summit has come to an end last night. As a warm sun rises over the breast of our land, I am pleased to announce that our National Elections shall commence ten days from now. And today, I sincerely wish for all the people of the Solisian Union, for all those who are eligible for this year’s elections, to do their best to participate in this upcoming event. For this is no ordinary event. This is the event which shall decide the formation of a new government that shall guide the Union into the future and perform its utmost for the good of the people of the Union and for the betterment of the state. To all within the embrace of our Union, and to all those beyond her boundaries, I call upon you now to begin your own preparations so that your vote, whatever it may be, and for whoever it shall be, will count and be considered solidly as the manifestation of your will as you, the people, are the ones who truly lead this Union. To all who may be listening, and to all those who are to be informed, I greet you a good morning and wish you well that, when the elections begin ten days from now, this shall mark the beginning of another chapter in the entire history of our nation state. Long live the Union. Long live the people. Long live the future and the happiness of all mankind.”

Other Solisian candidates have spoken hours after the President’s address, with Aurania Salazar of the Azen Traditionalist Party stating: “We call all our people within the heart of Azenia, and to all those who share our ideals and our values, to give great consideration for the call of President Rivas to action for the future elections. In ten days, we will vote. But as she said, I encourage everyone to prepare for the coming elections.”

Meanwhile, Prince Hasan Catic of the Alliance of Mantagonia has offered only a brief comment, saying: “We are delighted to take up the invitation of President Rivas to take part in the great event that shall decide the fate of a new government for the Union.”

Laria Lactasa, from the Federalist Party; Benicio Paz Pinheiro, from the Independent Alliance; and Abasa Topic, from the Solisian Communist Party, have all declared their formal responses to the invitation of President Rivas to participate in the national elections. So did Manuela Abarquero, candidate of the Military Protection Party, as well as Marco Jimenez of the United Solisia Glory party.

Yet, despite the hopes of the people that the elections shall proceed smoothly yet energetically, there has been a little air of tension in the Union after the tragedy of Robredarcas.

Time will tell if things shall, indeed, proceed smoothly. But it is a strong belief that the Union shall have peace for the current elections, just as peace reigned over all the national elections since the birth of the Union.

[Solisian Union]

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The First Rallies

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It is just past noon here in La Chiza, and at the city of Mirli, the supporters of Atalaya Rivas, the current President and the official candidate of the Solisian Socialist Party, are out and about. They are happy, waving flags and singing songs. They are marching down the streets peacefully, with permission granted by the local authorities, as the days begin to count down toward the beginning of the elections. And until then, it seems that all over the Union, there seems to be no stopping any citizen from showing their support toward their parties and their candidates in public.

But it is within the capital, La Victoria, as well as in the largest cities of the Union - especially in the hearts of the cities of Solisia Primus, Salamanicia, Sycatar, The High Country of Nannasia, the Magadanga Islands, Central Rasur, the United Kingdom of Mantagonia, and Ersia - that most of the Union's citizens are displaying their strongest feelings, their hopes and dreams, of a future that would be decided by the whole nation and state through elections.

So far, it seems that the Socialists maintain the strongest and the most significant influence over the Union, as plenty of the rallies which have begun in the greater parts of the Union are pro-Socialist. Though the Union also is witnessing the beginning of rallies for the ATP, the Azen Traditionalist Party, or simple the Traditionalist Party, within the more conservative provinces of Azenia. There are also rallies within the territories of the Mantagonian peoples, and these rallies call for increasing support of Prince Hasan Catic, who has promised them an ambitious set of reforms for their sakes.

The Communists are also showing strength, as they are conducting rallies in their own territories within Solisia and in the parts of Azenia which were 'more radical and more supportive of socialism' that Atalaya's party could promise. Abasa is a popular candidate who has promised to the Union a platform not only for the sake of the Union but also for the sake of the RMU and of greater involvement in international affairs.

For now, the other parties are simply conducting modest gatherings in support of their candidates. Stay tuned for more news on the days counting down toward the elections.

[Solisian Union]

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Hopes on a Wall

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All over Solisia, beginning in the largest province of the Union in terms of population, Solisia Primus, celebrations are breaking out and behind them, there is hope for the future. A future, regardless of whoever wins, and regardless of what party takes power, that the Union seems to look forward to.

Reforms are in great demand as the people of the Union, diverse as they are, and in great numbers, call upon their candidates and their parties to not only make their promises but to actually fulfill them. Since the beginning of democracy within the Union, it has always been the tradition of the Union's citizens to come out in force on the streets to not simply hold rallies and participate in whatever means they can, but to also make their wants and needs clear.

And the people of the Union do so creatively.

In such a province, where a majority of the population is composed of Solisians, Azens, Elizarans, and Nannasians, it is known to all that before every election, people would come to El Muro del Pueblo or "The Wall of the People" so they could post or write their desires for the future so that the parties and their candidates could really see for themselves what the people have in mind. Though it is, of course, the tradition of the parties and their candidates to take careful measure of the people's wants and needs long before that, and for the government to take account of what the Union needs and wants, it still remains a significant part of Union life before the elections actually happen on the day they are supposed to.

So far, in Solisia Primus, the Solisians wish for the Socialist Party to remain in power, but with expectations. They wanted the party, and Atalaya, to remain firm on their promise that the rights of the people remain respected, especially with regard towards secularism. They also wanted the SSP to be in favor of improving the rights of the people to substances such as marijuana. Also, they wanted the SSP to oppose any censorship of the Internet. And lastly, they seemed to call for tighter controls on the police, even going so far as to propose that their budget be cut.

This was in opposition to the wishes of the Azens, who seem to have stronger than usual feelings against the proposed budget cuts for the police, citing their own concerns that this would weaken the ability of the police to protect their communities. Though they are in agreement with their Solisian counterparts on the matters of rights, substance usage, Internet censorship, they added that they wanted to propose greater reforms regarding the state's secular positition; that is, they believe that it is time for the Union to "be more open toward some religions." Together with them, many Marshites of various groups living within Solisia Primus also called for "openness and acceptance" of faith and other things related.

The strongest voices against any reform of the secularist position of the Union came from the Nannasians, with Nannasian Marshites being the only ones to seriously break from their call of "not changing a thing" about the Union's stance against religion. Though the Union itself is not seriously considering, at the present, any drastic change toward its own stance, it is obvious to all that the Union seems to have a significant shift in public opinion with regards toward what must be done with how religion is treated within the Union.

Yet, strangely, the Elizarans seem to be most concerned about public embezzlement, citing their complaints against the administration of Alexia Acin, who is a popular provincial leader who once fought for the improvement of the rights of transgender people a few years ago. They wanted a new administration that was going to do better and avoid embezzling public funds. Though this too was a concern for the other groups of the province, it seemed that the Elizarans were the loudest about this. And though they were in agreement with many of their counterparts, they remained mostly concerned with embezzlement, stating that it was their community that seemed to suffer most from the misuse of the funds to which they contributed.

With these, and so many other concerns put to the wall, it is up to the party, Atalaya, but also to many, many others to see what they can do about all these concerns.

[AHSCA]

Congress Opens on High Notes

-Report by the United Island Office of Culture and Information (UNICIM)-

report by: Fox Turnberge. staff reporter


March is the start of AHSCA's "dry season" (I think we all know "dry" is relatively speaking) and with that it's also time for members of Congress to assemble. This is the first new session since the election last year and as the new members are welcomed in to the hallowed chamber, the day begins per usual. Dedication and welcoming of another passing of the seasons as ordained by the Great Goddesses. Certainly, AHSCA has plenty to be thankful for going ahead, as another year and decade of peace and optimism is upon us. These were the sentiments echoed by the still Majority Leader and Speaker, Pacifica, Senator from Corona, as she gave the opening address. At her side was the other Corona Senator, Senator Miela, the still Minority Leader, coming off her narrow defeat. It seems the two ladies who are notably in an open relationship with each other, still maintain their decorum and mutual respect and appreciation for each other, in spite of their party differences.

With the sharply divided election we saw last year, it has sewed some concerns that the chamber may become increasingly partisan, with the two parties struggling for their continued leadership in driving the nation forward. The Progressives wanting to move the country forward in new ways, the Conservatives wanting to keep AHSCA as that little gem on the islands, untouched by the changing tides of the world around us. Matters growing further complicated as new parties and unaffiliated candidates begin to gain more traction than in years past. And it seemed not even the concerns of nature could keep the UIP from clenching the race against the NLP whom were the favorites to win.

After the two speakers gave their addresses, the freshman Senators had their chance to speak. From Aurora, the newly elected Setsuoko Fujihara representing the Communist Party, perhaps the biggest surprise in this election. Senator Fujihara's words were that of a a calm platform, seemingly contrary to the party's rather extreme rhetoric at in the race. Expressing her sincer desires to sew the seeds of change and reform in the nation that eventually AHSCA will progress beyond its current state and become a true people's state. On the opposite, Kyoko Kubota also representing Aurora seemed to take offense at Fujihara's promises of "reform and change" stating her desire to maintain the system that saw us through from the end of The War to the present day. Seeming to address her constituents directly, Kubota urged all to be weary of those bearing gifts.

Representing Hoshino, a noted staunch traditionalist conservative, Kiri Whatitiri made her speech to the point and that was a promise to keep AHSCA the way it's always been. Decrying the worthlessness of the world's over educated, overthinking populous and urging her fight against Globalism will go on as she's prepared to do what it takes to really fight the fight against the UIP's globalist agenda. Shouting in old Hoshine, she proclaimed Glory to the islands of old!.

Anya Strum, Senator for Stillestando was next, giving a short speech that largely mirrored her own acceptance speech from winning the race. Her final sentiment was still that of cooperation, "all those who wish to talk and listen, my ears are open."

With the Senators sworn in and having the chance to address their welcoming statements, Congress got down to business, beginning the discussion on various agenda items, some leftover from the last session. Talks about a change in citizenship eligibility, creation of a storm bank, a major talking point during the election. Foreign relations, taxation adjustments, budget needs all discussed. No major bills or votes were held today.

Absent from today's proceedings, Duchess Marcella Villa, as her highness is overseas at a regional event in Tupioca. Her sister, Princess Gisella Villa instead sat in observation of the session. The Princess allowed the Majority and Minority Leader to conduct the meeting in full.

[Ikheria]

The Ikherians News
A national news source from Ikheria Federal News Service

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Armed Forces News 2: Zhukov ADS achieve Initial Operational Capability, new spy satellite launched

After its public announcement, Zhukov ADS finally achieve Initial Operational Capability with 15 main launch sites. In meanwhile, ISMSC launch Nemets-1, a new SAR intel satellite for IFDF and FISB.

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Yeltsingrad and Zaporosk - SRC Novarnaka, officially declaring Zhukov ADS entering Initial Operational Capability phase with 15 main launch site, with 5 of them was in Yeltsingrad and neighboring city limit and other 10 are undisclosed, all complete with radar, commanding unit, and launcher from short to long ranged one. After some consultation, there no fixed unit, instead, a silo for very long-ranged one was build in their place, as their size was enough for justify development silo-based launch system and their strategic value because capability for intercept enemy re-entry vehicles in last part of midcourse phase and in terminal phase. Some other new information of this project still was state secret for now, but, in future, these information will available.

In Zaporosk Space Center, Nemets-1 was partially successfully launched on maiden flight of Lyid-1 launcher. Upper stage of launcher was shut down too later, leaving it on slightly high orbit. Even, with that, Nemets-1 was separated from the upper stage after some corrective manuver, adjusting its direct injection orbit. Nemets-R1 is Ikheria's most advanced, state-of-the-art radar imaging satellite, first in Nemets series of intel satellite suites. Nemets-1 use STARSCAN platform, developed by SDI AG and licensed to ISMSC, whom produce them for IFDF and FISB. These satellite will provide high resolution radar imaging for Ikherian troops in field, improving their situation awareness, provide capability for civilian agency for use this technology in peacetime, and others. Nemets-R1 and others in series have upgraded laser communication module and inter-satellite link, allow them use IkherDefSat relay capabilities.

[Lamoni]

Heavy Metal band made up of cats has dropped first single for national pet charity


Image of Catpocalypse lead guitarist, Trouper

By: Markus Wolfe
Staff Writer
Lamoni Today

In these days where there are more charities than one can shake a stick at, it can sometimes take exceptional attention grabbing measures in order to get people to contribute their hard earned Rushanas to the cause. However, no one was expecting a mixture of an animal that we find cute, with a genre of music that is supposed to be anything but. Starting today, the all cat Heavy Metal band Catpocalypse has released their first single, "Of Cruelty And Anguish." Proceeds from the new single have been dedicated to the Lamonian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LSPCA), in support of their mission to protect animals all over the Free Republic. Catpocalypse's new single can best be described as an adroit mixture of heavy metal music, instruments, a synthetic human voice, and cat vocalizations that will be sure to please any heavy metal fan.

The furry band members are all under the care of the LSPCA, which granted us the chance to interview the band's lead guitarist, Trouper. Trouper didn't really talk except for cat vocalizations, but the shelter staff was kind enough to show us the recording studio where the band records their music. Already present were Trouper's bandmates, Fluffmeister, KamCatKa, and GoffKat. All four of these cats had been rescued from an abusive household, and are still recovering at an LSPCA shelter in Nephi. The band's first single is a Heavy Metal take on the abuse that the band members have suffered in the past, further putting a spotlight on the twin problems of pet abuse and pet abandonment.

LSPCA Director-General Sergof Shov has come out in favor of this development. "The LSPCA works tirelessly day in and day out to cater to the needs of abandoned, abused, and otherwise neglected animals all over the Free Republic. These efforts cost money, and if Catpocalypse can bring both attention and funding to these important issues, then the LSPCA wishes them all of the success in the world."

Meanwhile, Jasved Travuba of the (Ordenite aligned) Lamonian Morality League stridently opposes the formation of Catpocalypse. "This is yet another example of the degeneracy that is running rampant in this region. First it was the Marshites and their very liberal religion spreading their filth throughout the region, then it was the turn of the Stevidian Catholic Church to turn away from true morality. Today, only Ordena stands as the region's true beacon of light and proper morality, even as the other so-called beacons of morality decay, and allow themselves to become debased and corrupted.

This Catpocalypse band and their Heavy Metal music would never be allowed in a truly moral country, it is akin to willfully allowing Satan into your home, and the Lamonian Morality League will not stand for it, even if we have to take active measures of our own in order to stop this widespread immorality ourselves. You have been warned."

We here at Lamoni Today would like to take this time to point out that the words of Jasved Travuba do not reflect the opinions of either the reporter, or this newspaper, and were merely included in this story for reasons of journalistic integrity. Lamoni Today does not support terrorist threats, nor do we mock religions.

Catpocalypse's first public appearance will be on June 7th, at the Dirk Rodgers Memorial Coliseum in Nephi, where the band will debut their maiden album, "Gothic Claws: Litter Box Abomination." Tickets are expected to go on sale at the Coliseum's website on May 7th, with half of the proceeds going to the LSPCA. Security at the event is expected to be heavy, as threats have come from multiple sources, including from Jasved Travuba. If you believe that the cause is worthy, and want to defy the various threats, then this would be the perfect concert for you.

[Ikheria]

The Ikherians News
A national news source from Ikheria Federal News Service

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Breaking News: Federal Government announcing territory expansion

After several months, Ikheria now officially integrate many new territory. This annexation will positively impact national economy and security.

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Yeltsingrad - Today was birthday for 4 new northern states and the only Federal province with state-level capabilities, Sloddovia Island Territory, as Federal Representative Assembly affirming the related law, Federal Territory Enlargement Act was in force. The bill, signed into law yesterday, enlarging the Federal authority to Northern and Northeast stateless area. Because many new states was under-developed, the Federal Government also establish Federal Office for Development of New Territories. This agency was charged for dealing with situation in new states and managing their development.

[Lamoni]

Grand Kingdom of Tupioca purchases three Luna class Fleet Carriers

By: Markus Wolfe
Staff Writer
Lamoni Today

There were celebrations in Nephi today, as authorized representatives from the Grand Kingdom of Tupioca signed a contract for the export of three LAIX ARMS designed Luna class fleet carriers, with priority construction on all three carriers expected to begin at once. While it is as yet unknown what aircraft will fly off of the decks of these aircraft carriers, the 28.5 billion NSD deal is expected to lead to a revitalization of the Grand Kingdom's Navy, which has suffered from a lack of aircraft carriers, as well as aging weapons systems. The three carriers are expected to have finished construction within two years, due to the use of partially built carriers that were slated for the Lamonian Navy, but which have been turned over to the Grand Kingdom's Navy, with the Lamonian Navy getting their carriers at a later date. Luna class fleet carriers are constructed in modular blocks, which are then fitted together at the shipyard in order to make the completed ship. This allows various benefits such as faster overall ship construction, as well as affording the shipbuilders an easier time of placing large, heavy, and bulky equipment into the ship during construction, than could be done using traditional shipbuilding methods.

LAIX ARMS CEO Matthew Knox released a statement on the matter, reading in part, "LAIX ARMS is always happy to help other nations to boost their defensive capabilities. In a world as unpredictable as ours, a friend could turn into your greatest enemy overnight, and it pays for nationstates to have the best defensive systems that they can afford, in order to deter foreign aggression. Our deal with the Greater Kingdom of Tupioca will greatly enhance the capabilities of their Navy, which will let their citizens sleep more soundly in their beds at night, while honorable men and women defend them from the dangers of modern life."

It is as yet unknown what aircraft might fly from the decks of these aircraft carriers, which is where the main punch and tactical value of an aircraft carrier lies. In any case, the people and Government of the Grand Kingdom are undoubtedly expecting great things from their coming Luna Class fleet aircraft carriers, which will carry their Navy through into the future.

[Ikheria]

IKHERINEWS 24-HOUR - WEBTELETEXT - IPTV CH: Ikheria 2 National (National Broadcast) - INRTN - English

Taxpayer concern, Ikherian newest states will be independent for 12.5 years

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Federal City of Yeltsingrad, Ikheria and soon be Sloddovia City, Sloddovia Island Territory, Northern Sloddovia (soon, Ikheria) - After unprecedented motion for protecting taxpayers in both chamber of Federal Representative Assembly and pettions from taxpayers to president, President Lebankov confirm that, his direct annexation plan was suspended and instead, a transitional plan was implemented, with letting some new states unify into Northern Sloddovia for 7.5 year. Ikheria will help Northern Sloddovia be developed and eventually, reunited after 5 more year for finalizing transitional plan, for total of 12.5 years. In meanwhile, Ikherian contractor was still surveying the area whom became Sloddovia City. The city was located near northwestern beach area and will be main port city for eastern Ikherian seaboard. Officials in that beach also surveying for any natural disaster risk as Sloddovia Island Territory was near sea area, making these islands, easy target for tsunami.

[Brutalist Arstotzka]

The Official Newspaper of the Socialist Unity Party of Arstotzka

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Chairman Steps Down. State of Emergency Declared.
Conflict in Central Hugen raised concern.

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Orvech Vonor - At 07:34 AM CDT, Chairman Christoffer Lindemann announced his resignation citing personal reasons for the leadership change. Following the declaration, Armeegeneral Wolfgang Otto Ziegler, Minister of National Defense, was named as his successor. As his first action in office, the Chairman declared a State of Emergency due to increasing hostilities in Central Hugen. Announced from the Volkspalast, the declaration was disseminated on all state media platforms. Forming the People’s Committee on the State of Emergency, Chairman Ziegler discussed his new strategy in addressing the growing Ordenite threat in the south.

The Central Hugen conflict, which has escalated following the renewed Macabean spring counter-offensive in recent weeks, has caused worry to the current government as the war slowly progresses north. The unprovoked invasion by the Ordenite Reich into Hailandkill, now nearing its one year anniversary, has led to deaths in the hundreds of thousands, and millions of displaced Killians. With the current Ordenite-Macabean conflict continuing to rage on the Krasnovan front and recent Ordenite bombings in the northern Imperial provinces, many experts expect hostilities to continue throughout the summer.

Commenting on the continuing conflict, Chairman Ziegler commented, “Our Republic can no longer afford to ignore the changing situation within Hugen. In this State of Emergency, we have acknowledged the growing risk in the south, and how Arstotzka will no longer be passive to it.”

[Tupioca]

Royal News Bulletin
Crown Forces Mobilize on Western Border; "Snuff Out Separatists and Their Allies" says Minister of War

In a press conference early yesterday evening, a spokesman for the Crown and the Ministry of War relayed the King's and Lord of War's announcement to invade the unincorporated territories to the west of the Grand Kingdom. It has only been ten years since the end of the Unification War but hostilities still persist between fanatical factions of the previous Barons who were ousted from power by King Harold. These factions have seek to re-establish themselves in the uncharted territories to reignite the war in full and reclaim their lost baronies and holdings. This would never end in victory for the separatists but it is a threat the King can no longer ignore. As of today, His Highness's 3rd Rifle Division has mobilized the 1st Brigade "War Trolls" under the command of Colonel Rojer Lipstrum and the 3rd Brigade "Blooded Roosters" under the command of Colonel Hilda Brumstar.

Knights of the Turenbourg Barony fighting amongst the rubble in Midat during the Summer Offensive of 2006

Soldiers of the 3rd Rifle Division have been mobilized because of the fact that many of the soldiers are native Turenbourgs and will not fail in the task assigned to them. The fighting is expected to commence in the next ninety six hours as advanced special combat units weaken the enemy and their line of fortresses that stand between the Grand Kingdom of our brighter future.

The ultimate goal of the campaign is to reach Lake Pachnouk which will be named in the Grand Kingdom as Lake Seram. It has always been the desire of the King to be able to provide adequate and clean water to his people. When a survey by the Crown's public relations office concluded a public opinion poll it was found that eighty nine percent of the populous supports the Crown's decision to mobilize and finish off the separatists and ninety four percent of the populous appreciates the King's desire to provide them with a clean source of water. It will be a conflict that will be observed with great interest and the Crown hopes that the neighbors of Tupioca do not feel threated by this mass mobilization of troops.

[AHSCA]

UISDF Navy Rescues Cargo Liner From Stormy Seas

-Report by the United Island Office of Culture and Information (UNICIM)-

Stock image courtesy of Office of Defense

by: Shino Asagiri, Junior Reporter

First reported: 13 March, 2021

Reports out of both the Foreign Office and Defense Office that a cargo ship of still unnamed nationality was resecued in the area of responsibility of AHSCA's UISDF Naval Command. According to information, a mayday call was received by UISDF Command at the Embassy Isle Military Annex at approximately 00:12 local time and two rescue choppers (similar to the pictured above in a file photo) were deployed from the aircraft carrier, HMS Nanao which was situated in some range of the area. The ship which called out for distress was presumably caught in a violent storm and overwhelmed by the conditions at the sea that evening and ran aground on the Tamura Reefs 65 kilometers east of Animalpolis Island. According to The Meteorology Office, a full force hurricane was moving along its track in the vicinity (also to note this storm is not expected to affect AHSCA Proper) so it is possible the ship was caught off guard by the storm. As of now, Deputy Foreign Officer, Roshin Tendo and Defense Officer Kurago have not supplied any comment about the nature of the ship or the rescue beyond it was a simple "search and rescue operation" We'll have more for you as this story develops.

Carrier HMS Nanao

Updated: 30 March 2021

We now have it on good authority, that the ship rescued was in fact, Stevidan in origin. Stevid which was of course the nation that waged war on our islands two-decades ago, has not had any formal relations with the UIS since our foundation and likewise the UIS has no formal diplomatic relations with The Holy Empire and has relied on our allies in Lamoni and Mokastana to handle any communiques needed between our states. Per agreements hashed out in the armistice, Stevidan ships and UIS ships are to refrain from entering each other's territorial waters. Deputy Tendo of the Foreign Office did stress the carrier was not officially in AHSCA's waters but in our area of responsibility for maritime activities, outlined in the agreements with Holy Marsh, Lamoni and Mokastana in the military defensive agreements worked out in the days since the war. Per the agreements AHSCA and her allies would assist passing ships in distress if a call could reasonably be reached in time. UNICIM was able to talk with the commanding officer on duty at Command the night of the rescue, Captain Shino Tadiyama. "We heard the mayday call, on my authority we radioed the nearest ship in the area. Only after that we decided to deploy a rescue force we realized the ship's origin. Regardless, we still would have deployed the rescue, it's signature was consistent with a civilian cargo container ship, not a military."

We reached out to sailors stationed aboard the Nanao many declined to comment or referred us to the ship's Commanding Officer, Admiral Clara Houten, whom also declined to comment instead referred us up to the Defense Office instead. Defense Officer Kurago declined to comment but a spokesperson in the office said the matter was handled appropriately by those at Naval Command and aboard the Nanao. The Nanao is currently in dry dock for maintenance with the crew on leave. When asked about the wayward sailors, Deputy Tendo said they are being held in custody of the Mokastana government pending their process to return them home to their native Stevid. The idea of sailors from a nation that's still considered openly hostile present in AHSCA may be of concern but Deputy Tendo assures the public there is little reason for concern or worry. "What makes it complicated is our nations don't have formal relations so we have to go through a few more channels to take care of them. We expect a quick easy hand off, these are civilians not military." The contents of the ship were asked about but Deputy Tendo says, "The physical ship we rescued the sailors from is the concern of it's owners and port of origin now." Island Governors are expected to urge sailors to not attempt to salvage the ship, though experts say it is likely the ship is already being salvaged by others by now, ontop of that, native sailors do know well the area of the Tamura Reefs

[Katase]

The Nadeshiko Leader

-Transcontinental Railroad Promises New Prosperity-

Notice to international publishers: This article has been vetted and approved by Katase's Ministry of Information and thus deemed to be factually accurate and meets the standards of public information.


NADESHIKO - After a year of deliberation with his cabinet ministers, His Royal Highness Grand Prince Seijuro Shima has approved a deal with neighboring Abetton Kingdom to branch railroads and allow greater trade and commerce between the two nations, in an effort to bolster the two economies which have been largely stagnant in the past few years. While the two nations have enjoyed trade, hefty import taxation and costs of shipping goods between them have only increased with rising fuel prices and wage increases in recent times, aggravated by the recent dissolution of the shipping company Matsumoto-Shiba Corporation last year, pushing the need of regional and global shipping and travel onto the other smaller carriers causing an overwhelm in demand, demand many haven't been able to meet causing in turn, lost revenue.

While the idea of joining the two nation's rail networks is welcome by many industries, those in the marine shipping and passenger industry are concerned of the long term impact it will have on their industry. Cargo Captain Jiro Horokoshi in particular fears a heavy reliance on rails will cut down the need of mariner shipping between Katase and neighboring Abetton. "Perhaps this is my signal to finally retire." The Captain said to the Leader, "I suppose times are changing whether I want them to or not, and sooner or later old fossils like me will be left in the dirt to be dug up."

In the Ministry of Commerce, Commerce Minister Tanjiro Matsumoto said while rails might decrease some of the need of maritime shipping, he wants to assure those in the industry there still likely will be a place for them. "Much of this deal is to service Katase and The Kingdom (Abetton)," The Minister said, "There's still the need of passenger service, ferry service beyond our two borders. Please be patient and have short term pain for long term gain."

But with much of the world at a standstill due to an ongoing pandemic in many nations, it's still a wonder how long the pain will last. Going back to Captain Horokoshi who says while business has been good for his company, he still acknowledges "Most of the demand is Abetton-Katase route and not much of anywhere else with many places shutting their borders to travel because of the pandemic, including our own."

The construction is expected to begin in Spring 2021 or early Summer 2022, all that is required is for Katase to extend the existing lines between the western border and into Katase's Central line, thus connecting the two nations by rail, the final estimated budget has not been announced.

[Morrdh]

University Recovered, Seeks To Expand Student Body

LINDUN, MORDENT.- After the atomic bombing of Lindun by the Kingdom of Imbinium some years ago, the University of Lindun has announced that it's facilities has been completely rebuilt and that it is looking to expand it's student body.

Much like the city itself, the University lost it's campus and most of it's associated facilities in the devastation caused by the atomic strike. A fair number of the staff and students alike were loss in the event, with many remaining unaccounted for to this day. Despite the loss and destruction, the bombing has been seen as an opportunity by some parties. Part of the planning for the reconstruction of Lindun, thoughts were given to the University in the form of consolidating and expanding it's facilities on a main campus site along with extra student accommodation. The rebuilt campus will boast extra research facilities along with state of the art education resources.

Of particular note is the increased number of places being offered to non-Commonwealth students, the aim is for at least 40% of the University's students being from international backgrounds. Presently the University of Lindun has been looking to forge partnerships with universities in other countries, offering cheaper tuition fees to draw students.

[Cartoonia]

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Through strife, trial, and determination, Cartoon House was proud to announce the formation of the Cartoon Dominion of North Kernig earlier this evening, a new jewel in Cartoonia’s ever-expanding empire. Since the loss of the Equestrian Territories back in 2018, Cartoonia had hopes of expanding the empire once more, and that same year they had their chance. A devastating war has left the former Craxx Empire, who were notorious warlords back then had fallen by their own doing, leaving nothing but radiated dust in their former empire. While it was most upsetting to see empires crumble, it sparked a golden opportunity for Cartoonia to claim territories as other nations scramble for it themselves. On the fourth of February in 2019, about 250,000 people (settlers, farmers, scientists, militia members, and governing bodies) left Port Dickson and into the North tip of the Kernig Isles. There the port capital of Galicula was founded. The basic construction took a year and a half to complete and was now a prospering port city. A few minor hiccups were involved, including trial and error of crops resulting in either famines or feasts and water supplies being slightly contaminated, but the endeavor has been successful, spurring many more to slowly expand westward with major cities including Mignogna and Squidonia. In early 2020, as Supreme Leader Jimmy Kudo was negotiating with the president of The United States for the succession of Texas into the Cartoon Empire, work began in North Kernig on extracting oil and natural gases on the tip near Galicula. Outward in the west part of the colony, plantations of cotton, rubber, tobacco, and timber (along with sugar, maize, and wheat) were formed to cultivate the rich lands to be used in Cartoonia. A government was set up within Galicula and after reaching one million citizens, with a vote from the Cartoon House of Representatives, the colony is now officially a Cartoon Dominion.

Citizens living in Cartoon Dominions will enjoy living in a small piece of Cartoonia only paying no income tax at all (but still have to pay any sales taxes and a payroll tax). The territory is self-governing with a representative legislature, but still answers the call of the Cartoon Government. In times of war, dominions are expected to join the fight with Cartoonia’s allies. The person in charge of the management of the dominion government is an Imperial Governor-General, and the IGG of North Kernig is Nedward Churchill Flanders III, a distant relative of former traditionalist politician Ned Flanders. The new Imperial Governor-General has future plans for the dominion which include expansion of dominion borders, continued excavation of resources, exploration, research, and the most important thing to him, the spread of Judeo-Christian values on locals and those remaining in the former Craxx Empire. Nedward is a devout Toontholosist, a division of the Catholic faith, and is eager to share his faith to others. He will be joined by Army Major General Rumi Hironaka Mannerheim, who will have joint control of both army and naval operations serving as the commander of joint military forces. This marks the new era for Cartoonian imperial power which political experts says will continue to grow in the years to come.
-Lucy Heartfilia, Head-Journalist for The Gallagher Herald

[Free Kolechia]

Voice of Kashgar
Republic of Kolechia

Kolechia Joins GDRC-Passes Resolutions

The Republic has officially joined the GDRC, and government official Bashir Dudin has been made our representative to the multinational organization, at it's headquarters in Cazala d'Pintalo.

Working from his new post he has already worked to pass historic regional legislation, more specifically: The Greater Dienstadi Stock Exchange Act, The Greater Dienstadi Convention of the Law of the Sea Act, The Scandinvan Act, and the Freedom and Liberty Act. When asked for comment he mentioned that he was excited to serve in his new post, and that he believed this organization was a step in the right direction for the whole region, but that it would require responsibility from everyone, to make sure that the ideas behind it, were all for not.

Rep. Dudin did not list names or countries, but said there had been an assortment of debates and discussions, some of them already heated and passionate, and that there had been uncompromising attitudes on different sides. However, he said he was somewhat prepared for that going in, and he remains optimistic that opportunities for better solutions to issues lay ahead.

Military Unveils New Equipment: A New Series

The Ministry of Defense has announced that it will be unveiling new equipment that is being produced domestically and is being organized into our forces. They have first announced that the military is implementing a new heavy hauler, the KAMAZ-65225. It has displayed excellent capabilities, even off-road in less than ideal conditions. It will also save our military much needed gasoline and general wear and tear on other vehicles. This announcement of new equipment, is just the latest from the military over the last several years, who have been putting their efforts into improving our defense.

Image by Mil-RU.

[Mokastana]

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

TOP STORIES:

Ordenite Kriegsmarine sinks Federal fishing vessel near Dreadfort Bay!


Federal government demands response!

Fort Rio, Colony of Stanlitio,
People's Unified Federation

Reports of a fishing vessel, bearing a Federal flag, being attacked by the United World Order, poured into Fort Rio military command in the early hours this morning. The fishing vessel, now identified as the Krasnyy Mollyusk, was fishing west of Dreadfort Bay when it issued an SOS to all open channels, claiming it was under attack by an Ordenite ship. Fort Rio military command launched two jets to investigate the claims of attack, but could not find the Krasnyy Mollyusk. However, an Ordenite destroyer was spotted in the vicinity of the SOS.

A few hours after the SOS, the Ordernite Kriegsmarine released a statement that they had intercepted a criminal vessel east of the Ordenite colony, and claimed that the vessel refused to cooperate, so they were forced to sink it. They reported no survivors.

Federal authorities have petitioned the Ordenite colony for details and evidence that the fishing vessel, Krasnyy Mollyusk, was up to criminal activities, but as of this publication, no evidence has been provided. Federal naval vessels are now searching the last known location of the Krasnyy Mollyusk hoping to find survivors or any details regarding the attack.

Fyodor Abramov, captain of the Krasnyy Mollyusk, was a Zvezdan refugee who fled to the People's Unified Federation after the United World Order destroyed his hometown of Starvopol with nuclear weapons. Starting over in the Federal colony of Isla Alma, Fyodor became a successful fisherman off the tropical coast and even saved up to buy his own boat, the Krasnyy Mollyusk. Taking advantage of The Federal Resettlement Program, he brought his family to the new Federal colony of Stanlitio in the Craxx Archipelago to build a proper homestead for his family. He is currently presumed dead, but Federal authorities will continue to look for him and his crew.

Fyodor's wife, Nadia Abramov, told MNN that she wishes to see her husband soon, and hopes that the Ordenites are wrong. Yet the possible widow is far too familiar with Ordenite brutality to be too hopeful. She had already lost a brother and mother to the Ordenites back in Zvezda. The couple's two daughters, Sonya and Sasha, are too young to comment.

Other crew members of the Krasnyy Mollyusk include Alexi Fedorov, Svetlana Lebedev, and Nicholi Consuelo.

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Federal Colony of Stanlitio in the Craxx Archipelago proposes expansion

Influx of colonists results in expansion of the fledgling colony

Fort Rio, Colony of Stanlitio,
People's Unified Federation



The colonial government of Stanlitio has proposed the following expansions to capture additional rare earth element deposits located on the island of Stanter. With the Kolechian colony to the north east, Federal colonists can continue to expand south west into unclaimed territories and set up new homesteads and begin again.

The Federal Resettlement Program offers land grants to civilians, companies, and most often refugees, to give them a chance to start over. So far the colony of Stanlitio has been a fertile land attracting many of the refugees from the former Zvezdan territories in Krasnova, as well as former Stevidians of South Greal looking to begin again.

As the colony expands, so do its needs. Currently the security forces of the island are mostly for internal security and guarding the border from unorganized looters, but with tensions increasing in the Dreadfort Bay, local government has requested additional forces.

The Federal Navy has promised to provide a Carrier task force to the region, but that is still months away. For now, the colony will continue to train up and supply its local militias, while maintaining contact with allies and friendly states in the Craxx Archipelago.

[AHSCA]

HMS Gisella Sets Sail Again

By Aya Makino Junior Reporter


Hey hey, out there in the world, reading this! you may recall back in January, we reported on the HMS Gisella setting out on her maiden voyage. It's the sister ship of the HMS Shino only for civilian transport, well some new exciting news because The Gisella is taking to the seas again, but what's so special about that you may ask, ships do that all the time after all? Well This time she's not just going to Mervay, or Mokastana or Lamoni, no she's going to all those places and more, she's going around the world in a year! Well a year depending on how things go. For those at home, if you haven't seen the beauty that is this ship yet with your own eyes, now is the time before she goes away for a whole year, and hey guess what, I'm going with her too! That's right, I'll be going aboard this long voyage to see the world and send reports and stories to you from each port we land in as can you, for the low low price of 1000 Island Credits. Now that's a lot of money, but remember that includes room and board, food and all the other perks of seeing the world.

If you feel brave, you can get a spot for half the price but you gotta be auxiliary crew, so that means when the winds come a knocking and the ship is a rockin' you're gonna be uuh frolickin? Uuuh...Oh and for us hardcore ultra orthodox Madokamists who believe clothing is an affront to the Goddesses, don't worry there's gonna be room for us too. By the by, remember the rules when sailing aboard, respect your passengers, respect the crew and don't anger the Goddess Homura with music, remember it is her domain and she commands respect from us who sell upon it! Trust me, I learned that the hard way as a wee little neko kitten sailing with my mam but that's a long story for another day and I gotta finish this column. If you don't feel up to a full voyage for an entire year, also fret not, any port of call we stop in for refreshing and to wait out whatever is thrown at us, you'll have ample chances to return home before then, so if you're just looking for a short hop to a country for a little holiday, don't worry. Also rates will be smaller for shorter destinations, that 1000KIC is for those who intend to ride the whole way. Spots are filling up quick, last checked the ship was already 1/3 of capacity for passengers and more reservations are coming in day by day.

The Captain on our journey is a lucky Coronan native by the name of Nokte, hailing from the bustling port of Kino, a fisherman by trade who's been granted the special privilege of helming the ship. His lovely wife, Kanin is expected to act as his first mate, also a veteran sailor herself. What crew position will their small son have, I wonder? Maybe cute mascot? Who will pray for our safety and keep us spiritually sound upon the seas as our Goddess in Pink and Goddess in Black play tug-a-war with our vessel? That will be none other than the Matron Priestess of the great temple of Aurora herself, Lady Tomoe Hiiragi. A bit reformist for my taste but eh, an oracle is an oracle! And a respected one at that so who am I to complain?

Matron Hiiragi of Aurora

There you have it, the exciting journey of the proud sister, built by the hands of AHSCAian men and women of the Royal Aurora Ship Carpenters Guild, an adventure of a lifetime is set to begin. Bon voyage faithful readers!

[Katase]

The Nadeshiko Leader

-Illegal Crypto Mining Causes Rolling Blackout-

Notice to international publishers: This article has been vetted and approved by Katase's Ministry of Information and thus deemed to be factually accurate and meets the standards of public information.

TOMIKI - The seaside village on Katae's Southern Coast, Tomiki located in Fujitaka, was plunged into darkness as an illegal attempt to mine crypto currency, that is currency that does not exist in a physical manner and only in digital formats, by several employees at the Ichigawa Power Plant, owned by the Ichigawa Heavy Industries Company, conspired together to start a crypto mining operation using the company's resources. Because Crypto does not actually exist like physical money or other kinds of currency back by metals or bonds, it has to be "mined" using advanced computers and software, a noted high end luxury in Katase, and doing so requires a lot of computing power. The five workers of the plant, equipped with their own personal laptop computers, rewired the mainframe of the plant's power computer to power up a custom mainframe drive they constructed using various parts ordered from overseas but in doing so, they tripped a fail safe mechanism to prevent overload of the turbines and creating a wide cascade failure that would cause a wider blackout of the provenience. It did however overload the local mainframe causing the village to lose power for hours that evening until crews could restore it in the early morning hours.

"It's winter and it's terribly cold right now." A resident told the Leader "It meant wrapping ourselves in heavy blankets and sharing beds but we made it all right."

An angry storekeeper was less than thrilled, "The blackout happened at peak hours for the dinner crowd. Because of it, I lost most of the day's revenue. Sure hope these punks are strung up."

Under Katase Law, Crypto Currency is deemed illegal, though the law pre-dates it, the text of the 1877 Currency Regulation and Exchange Act makes it clear, No individual person nor entity, except those granted charter by the government, shall be entitled to print, distribute any currency that is not Motsu and printed through the official treasury . And the Government has made it clear that no foreign born currency shall be accepted, much less one that is not backed upon nothing but 1s and 0s. The men are charged with Disruption of a public utility and currency forgery, and are expected to go before the Fujitaka Regional Tribunal for trial. They've also been dismissed from their jobs with the Ichigawa Heavy Industries.

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-Promising New Relations with Cartoonia-

NADESHIKO - As the world slowly begins to bounce back from the devastating pandemic, the time is also beginning to foster new relations with Katae's neighbors, and new on the agenda is Cartoonia. The Ministry of State has announced that Katase will be opening a new embassy in the Empire, the first Embassy to be opened in more than two years. Chosen for the role of ambassador to represent the Principality is Jubei Todo (pictured above with his wife, Chise) son of the late Tatsu Todo, former Agriculture Minister to the late Grand Prince Kujo. A respected scholar from the University of Nadeshiko and as mentioned of distinguished class of Government pedigree. Minister Todo spoke with the Leader in great detail about his new appointment, what it means for his family going to a new country.

"I'm truly honored to be representing my home country in a new promising ally of Katase. I believe our nations will find we have a lot in common. My wife and children are nervous about moving to a whole new land, not to mention the long trip to get there, but I'm certain they will grow to love it in good time." Minister Todo's children are 12, 10, 7, and 3 years old respectively, with plenty of time to discover what Cartoonia will have to offer. "I hope I will have a lot of time in Cartoonia to really know the people, the government and culture" Minister Todo continued in his interview, "I feel our nations are going to get along great together."

[Holy Marsh]

Marshite Forces on the Offensive in the Sea of Faith

Mar'si, Holy Marsh- At 0300 this morning, the Marshite 88th Crusade Force launched multiple operations in the Sea of Faith. In Shesarlie, the 88th struck over six dozen locations where the The Motokan National Revolutionary Alliance (MNRA) were stationed. The MNRA, which had stepped up attacks on Marshites on the island, are believed to have sustained devastating damage from these attacks, with a local Marshite militia commander stating that even without direct ground intervention the MNRA is unlikely to be able to launch offensive operations anytime soon. The airstrikes have been followed up by four separate amphibious landings. No ground contact has been reported yet, but it appears that there will be a continuous string of actions being prepared for the ongoing operation against the MNRA.

On Ixana, a Ranger Company of the 88th Crusade landed in the Ishtari Sultanate's headquarters, the Wasari Palace in the capital of Dezzair, and helped repel a surprise attack by forces loyal to the uncle of the Ishtari Sultana, Ameera Sakalaha. This was followed by airstrikes in the immediate vicinity and a landing in the north of the island, opposite the capital, in a land that is made up of a great many Marshites. No further bloodshed should occur, it is hoped, should the competing factions surrender instead of facing annihilation head-on.

Tarvencore is now home to the headquarters of the 88th Crusade, which was setup following the arrival of Lord-Commander Erokiu Yurnada. Its officers are now meeting with local leaders who want to cooperate with Marshite forces and to request protection and inclusion. The island has long established a desire to join the Theocracy and this is seen as a large step towards that goal.

Reports of Solisian military observers being present at the headquarters are confirmed to be true as it appears that the Theocracy has offered other RMU members positions in the general staff of the 88th. No comment has been taken yet from the headquarters concerning these military observers. It is believed that they are present currently in both Tarvencore and Ixana, absent from Shesarlie.
The Solisian Union and other RMU members states have not released statements regarding the presence of their personnel. The RMU military command issued a statement confirming that the operation is seen as an RMU offensive, though right now only the 88th Crusade of the Theocracy is confirmed as being involved.

The Arch-Bishop, currently on a visit to the Solisian Union, prepared a short statement concerning what needs the UMCSF may have. "I will make sure that whatever the UMCSF may need from us, we will provide. Such is the will of our faith. And along with that, I am hoping for the swift completion of the operations that are ongoing and for a reasonable end to the fighting so we may focus on impoving the lot of the faithful and her allies. We hope strongly that our Union allies will also be by our side in this endeavor."

[Free Kolechia]

Voice of Kashgar
Republic of Kolechia

Military Unveils New Equipment: Series Continues

As previously reported, the Ministry of Defense has announced the addition of new equipment to our armed forces. The Army will also it appears, be receiving new armored vehicles for reconnaissance
purposes. A statement from the Army announced the introduction of BRDM-BKM. It will be able to protect the crew from small arms fire with its spaced armor, and defend itself with heavy machine guns. The vehicle is also designed with a V-shaped hull, to help protect from mine or IED blasts. This marks the first vehicle in our arsenal to have such. It has also proven itself in amphibious exercises, crossing rivers and streams that would normally slow troops on foot. It has a maximum speed of around 55 miles per hour, and a range of about 310 miles. The Army stated they intended to see the new vehicle distributed to every unit and that it would begin to play a major role in our armed forces, and any future challenges they face.



Unrest Noted in Empire of Belhorizon

It appears that protests and possibly even riots, have begun in the Empire of Belhorizon, which is located to the far East. The Empire is one of the last nations to hold territory in Greater Dienstad, and has been ruled by Emperor Tony Adaimi, from his capital of Palmiersville, for sometime. As it currently stands, the Empire is an absolute monarchy ruled by Adaimi, any and all prime ministers are appointed by him. The nations parliament was outlawed before all of this, with some in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointing to what they believed, was likely a conflict between the Emperor and parliament. However, they also cautioned that other causes might have been at play.

Details are somewhat murky, as the Empire and Kolechia have a history of peaceful relations, though our two states in truth, barely communicated. The Empire's main route of communication (in our region) was through its colony in New Imperiosa, which borders Kolechia and Wellovia to the East. However, the colony was purely a resource extractive colony, part of what they called "The far west diamond chain". This was the only colony established by Belhorizon in our region, which ended up meaning that the Empire's attention (if ever directed this way) was based solely on profit. The Empire, much less its colony wasn't going to keep close diplomatic relations with us. The border of New Imperiosa itself with Kolechia and Wellovia is also quite mountainous and still not very developed in some areas, in terms of infrastructure, transportation etc. Combine all that with our own attention fixated elsewhere, one is left with a peaceful, formal relationship, but lacking in communication and cooperation.

Officials from different ministries have also come forward on record that for years, the reclusive Empire was also lacking in terms of political or civil rights for the people, which appears they say, to have started after Tony Adaimi took power. This included the removal of all religions and independent sources. The Emperor is both a political and religious figure. The only stations allowed to distribute news are state owned, independent press does not exist. All literature is banned, excluding works approved by the leader himself. According to these same officials, the conditions of people's rights is the same in New Imperiosa, but the living conditions are far worse. They assert that there is considerable wealth inequality in the colony, and that the Governor and those in charge both in local business, politics and security have a reputation for living very well.

So far it is hard to tell how bad the situation is the nation, but what is interesting is that protests have been confirmed in the colony of New Imperiosa, specifically outside the Capital. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ordered caution at the borders, and any citizens who may have planned to travel there, or are in the colony. The Northern most parts are (and have been) considered safe, though with tension high it is best to be alert. Another concern regarding New Imperiosa is the long running conflict with the Southern Island. The island was never taken over by the Belhorizon military, it is carved up between different rebel groups, who have a history of fighting the Belhorizon government and each other. The waters around the island and the strait between the two has a history of piracy.

With this developing disturbance the rebels and pirates may feel emboldened. There is no word yet on how the situation is in other colonies, nor has there been any reaction yet from other Dienstad nations that have better relations with Belhorizon, such as Lamoni, The Federation of Mokostana, or The Federation of Castille de Italia, but with time there probably will be.


Refugee's Enter Workforce

Since arriving from war-torn Krasnova, various peoples have been living in hastily built immigration centers, though their temporary new homes have improved in condition. Regardless, this didn't stop opposition parties criticizing President Safadi's administration, and he has even agreed that their ability to mobilize, was not enough at the time. Though he also pointed out they had a narrow window of time to operate, in moving the people to Kolechia. Indeed, war broke out again by the Ordenites and the Golden Throne and their allies soon after.

The people are settled in and have gotten use to their surroundings, though they hope it is temporary. Many of these people have experienced terrible trauma, but they are alive and have an opportunity to rebuild much of it. An interesting aspect is the lack of violence among the people, though there have been disputes. Indeed, the fighting witnessed these same ethnic groups, who were all once part of one nation, at times find themselves on different sides. Regardless, all the people now here were all together in Ordenite controlled areas, and all have given similar statements about how their situation became increasingly drastic.

The future however, looks brighter now. Many of the children are learning Kolechian at a steady rate, while older adults have struggled slightly more, they too seem to know enough to make themselves understood. It is however, this generation of adults, Krasnovans, Zvezdans, Krasmani etc. who are the first to be leaving the immigration centers, and begin searching for jobs, which there are plenty who are hiring. With copies of their personal documents in tow they march out or get rides on buses, alone or in groups. It is hard for some to leave their relatives behind while they look for work, they were already faced with death because of the fighting, as they all lived behind Ordenite lines that were being pressured. Regardless they are now entering a new phase of settlement, as are the citizens already living here.

[The Macabees]

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EJERMACHT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES REORGANIZATION
OF MILITARY GROUND FORCES

Arras — After a gradual rollout in the territories, the Ejermacht has made its reorganization official. As the war in the Killian Republic and Krasnova rages on, the imperial ground forces are no longer separated as regulares and auxiliaries. Recruits who receive the same training will no longer be divided by citizenship, and citizens and "federated peoples" alike will serve together. Rather than by citizenship status, the Ejermacht is now divided by purpose. The regulares remain the "mobile army" and recruit primarily fresh candidates, along with a number of officers for those that meet educational and physical requirements. However, the limikari will recruit primarily from the regulares, namely those with more than three years of experience. Only citizens who meet high educational and physical criteria will be allowed to enter the limikari without previous experience, and this access route is denied to non-citizens except through an initial period of service with the regulares. The limikari are legislatively restricted to deployment within the Golden Throne, acting as the primary counterinsurgency, policing, and pacification force of the Imperial Bureaucracy.

The announcement comes at a time when the imperial army goes through another significant transition. The Ejermacht has the enormous task of demobilizing the billion-person force it had assembled for the sole task of invading the slave-trading Scandinvan Empire in Gholgoth. Although small elements of this army are currently in use in the war against the Fourth Reich, all of it will be demobilized over a five-year period. Most of the veterans who have accrued sufficient combat tours to meet the contractual threshold will be settled in Holy Panooly, Krasnova, New Empire, as well as Indras and Pan-Zarbia. The first three have suffered horrifying levels of depopulation in the past decade, and the injection of a new population will help jump-start these local economies. Roughly 120 million regulares will be settled in Pan-Zarbia, and 280 million auxiliaries will be settled between the other territories and satrapies — excepting New Empire, which is receiving a specific contingent of settlers.

Most of those who are not receiving settlement are regulares, thus citizens and returning to the provinces. That most of those to be resettled are auxiliaries, which were exclusively recruited from the territories, is no coincidence. It has been common practice for the Ejermacht to settle territorial and satrapical recruits away from their homeland. Thus, the Guffingfordi live across the three Havenic territories, and the Theohuancans live in Guffingford. The habit helps to relieve revolutionary pressure in the territories, by recruiting their able-bodied people, sending them off to war, and then rewarding the survivors with property and money on a new land with new opportunities. It has been called the "Macabéan dream."

New Empire will receive a special settlement of 320 million auxiliaries, mostly Zarbians, Indrans, and Theohuacans. However, these will be not be settled as civilians or paramilitary. Rather, they will transition into the limikari and service in the pacification of a country full of love for independence, and willing to die for it in rebellion. Already the Ejermacht has had to fight a bloody subterranean urban battle in Dasch, and there is no city in the satrapy free of organized and militarized crime. The Ejermacht's long-term settlement policy represents a strong intent to bring peace to the United City-States of New Empire.

While regulares will continue to be equipped and trained in much the same way, limikari will deviate considerably in both training and armament. Partially mechanized, limikari will specialize as light infantry forces equipped to move quickly across various and challenging terrains. Because the terrain can change dramatically between territories and satrapies, even at the prefectural level and below, different limikari will be equipped differently. This includes the rate of mechanization, the weapons the infantrymen are armed with, and the shape of their logistic and support forces. Despite these differences, limikari will all go through a similar basic training program that is 50 percent longer than basic training for the regulares and includes an introduction to the politics of state-building. Limikari also receive specialized instruction throughout their career, ultimately creating a different type of soldier from the one who serves in the conventional regulares.

The change comes after a long period of introspection within the Ejermacht. The growth of the empire after the War of Golden Succession has forced the Ejermacht into a series of "long wars," or counterinsurgencies, that require a different approach to traditional enemies. Namely, the conflicts are political as much, or more so than, military. And the nature of the enemy also makes them harder to find, pin down, and destroy. In most counterinsurgencies, insurgent forces are responsible for starting ~70% of engagements. Experience has found that conventional military forces are not always well equipped to defeat insurgencies, especially if their structure makes it more difficult to subordinate military operations to political needs. Inversely, forces that are specialized for COIN have been found to have suboptimal performance in conventional wars. The Ejermacht has had to fight both, oftentimes at the same time. As a result, the imperial ground forces determined to split the Ejermacht in two, to create one force specialized in conventional, mobile warfare and the other in pacification and securitization of federal subjects.

Differences in operational priorities, especially the need to subordinate COIN to a larger political mission, also imply differences in structure. Regulares will continue to have essentially the same command structure, existing outside of civilian institutions. Limikari, however, will ultimately answer to the political institutions in the territories and satrapies they are posted to. There is therefore a parallel extension of the civilian political structure of both territories and satrapies, with the addition of a High Commissioner appointed by His Imperial Majesty. The High Commissioner is subordinate to the governor in the territories while answering to the kríerlord and not the satrap in the satrapies. The role of High Commissioner is intended to bridge military operations and the socio-economic perspective of the bigger picture.

These changes come after a significant period of testing in Pan-Zarbia, where the insurgency has been gradually limited to southeastern Nuevo León along the border with Guffingford. After a brief resurgence in violence last year, the situation has stabilized once again and the Imperial Bureaucracy has gone as far as to claim that the pacification of Zarbia has been concluded. In many ways, the settlement of tens of millions of veterans in Pan-Zarbia will help solidify these gains.

Because of the success in Pan-Zarbia, the new organizational structure and operational methods have gone into effect in Nicaro, Indras, and Holy Panooly. Less focus and energy was put on sweeping military maneuvers designed to trap elusive guerrillas who are largely able to escape these "cordon-and-sweep" tactics that are ubiquitous in COIN, especially COIN operations that fail in the long term. Instead, the focus was placed on extending a mix of imperial and local institutions of governance, including access to justice and basic amenities, like energy and clean water. While the results are still to be seen in most of the empire's "long wars," this approach has been vindicated by the experience of other countries from which the Ejermacht has been able to learn from.

One area of immediate improvement, seen in the data throughout the empire — except in New Empire, where civilian deaths remain high —, is the reduction in atrocities committed by the imperial army. By changing how soldiers are used, the situations they are put in, and the training they receive, there has been a visible betterment in the way the Ejermacht wages counterinsurgency warfare. This change was made especially necessary after the public and international outcry against the destruction of the Senelica Village Complex in Indras three years ago.

However, the full effects of the organizational change will only be seen in the years to come. The bifurcation will affect the Ejermacht's ability to fight conventional wars, perhaps limiting total manpower availability compared to before. Perhaps the quality of the empire's counterinsurgency missions had suffered, but when the empire needed the manpower for both a war in Gholgoth and to defend its domestic interests, the Ejermacht found it. Now limikari will not be available for service as regulares. Whether this will truly act as a limit to available manpower will have to be seen, and for now it has not been considered a significant challenge as the Ejermacht prepares to demobilize almost one billion soldiers over the next four to five years.