The Western Isles News

[Lesva]

Lesvan response to Costavozka

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Terr Curso addresses the most recent statement by the Chancellor of Costavozka

Some time has passed since the Chancellor of Costavozka verbally attacked Lofthus and Lesva in attempt to elevate his country's status as having a tough stance in international affairs, while also trying to back peddle from escalating tensions and offering to engage in a diplomatic exchange to resolve issues. Originally, the statement was not immediately addressed by the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva or any of the Throngist Republic's diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. However, it has been clarified that this has not been done on purpose, but because Lesvan diplomats have been preoccupied with other affairs and not deliberately ignoring the statement by the Chancellor of Costavozka.

Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Terr Curso finally dedicated time to addressing the statement and giving Lesvan response and stance on what has been put forward by the other side:

"Not only does the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva largely disagree with the Chancellor of Costavozka, but the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva severely disagrees. The statement in the words of the Chancellor that "the sovereign rights of Lofthus ended when they decided to spy on their citizenry" is so, and I apologize for this, absurd and not serious that it cannot be taken seriously and we are not trying to sound disrespectful. The Chancellor mentioned that "the lands of Lofthus are outside of Costavozkan jurisdiction". which is true, and that is where the statement should have ended. However, the Chancellor soon proceeded to self-contradict with the statement that the sovereign rights of Lofthus ended, when the country decided to pursue a policy not liked by a number of foreign countries. No country ever looses its' sovereign rights and no outside force can ever make such a decision. No country is ever under the jurisdiction of any international force. The only jurisdiction existing in Lofthus is the jurisdiction of Lofthus itself and only of Lofthus. International standards or rules related to the participation of Lofthus in international organizations, like its' observer status in the Eastern Tripartite (ET), does not equal outside or supranational jurisdiction being in force on the territory of Lofthus. As I had said, the only jurisdiction effective on the territory of Lofthus is the sovereign jurisdiction of Lofthus.

Secondly, I would discourage the Chancellor of Costavozka to threaten Lofthus, the Throngist Republic of Lesva, any member states or observers states of ET or any countries that Lofthus is not in a direct confrontation with, related to the national security threats to Costavozka. I will just say that any sanctions can always be hit back against by counter-sanctions, which is something that should be public knowledge to everyone, but in this case it probably has to be reminded once more. Finally, any sort of hypothetical diplomatic talks over international tensions, which the Chancellor of Costavozka offered to host in Costavozka, could only take place in a third party neutral location in our view, however, we are not speaking for Lofthus or for The Orwell Society in this regard."

In other news

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• Eastern Tripartite (ET) discussing new internal development initiatives in various sectors.
  
  
• Minister of Emergency Management of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Rai Flesa: "We continue to trust the East Gael Emergency Management Mechanism (EGEMM). The Throngist Movement Party of Lesva has declared that EGEMM is one of the initiatives of the pre-Throngist era that our country does not want to distance itself from."
  
  
• Santa Padora appointed new Ambassador of the Throngist Republic of Lesva to the Unified Electorates of Ainslie.

[Stosal]

Pro Domino Scribimus

Volume 21, 2022

MAIN EVENT

Isaia survives no-confidence vote

Jeseo Mateas, Political Analyst

High Cardinal Amator Isaia has been vindicated after a no-confidence vote earlier this week. The turmoil was sparked by Isaia's government's approval of a state visit by an Ahnslen Minister, and has been further inflamed by recent news of an embassy exchange with Nhoor. Most predicted a tight vote, but the Colleges surprised the people by rallying behind the government. The end result was 76-25 in the College of Bishops and 17-6 in the College of Cardinals.

In response to the vote the Holy Councillor for the Interior declared he will sue to unmask the identities of the voters, a case Isaia vowed to fight. It is expected to be taken immediately to the Supreme Court, and will be a major case in interaction between the Church and the State. There is precedent for the identities of voters to be revealed, but these have always been settled before the bill is voted on, with the knowledge of the legislators. There has never been a post-vote reveal.

This result has shocked most experts on Stosalic politics, as it suggested Orthodox Lucianism is far more prevalent in secular politics than conventional theory thought. If this is true, it could be a sign the current wedge between the fundamentalist Church and the Colleges is here to stay, and possibly widen. The result is also expected to motivate Isaia's government to further open up. Rumours of embassy exchanges with other majority Christian (but secular) nations are spreading rapidly.

OTHER NEWS

Colleges pass new anti-crime bill

The Lucian Colleges have passed a new anti-crime bill, which includes increases to police manpower and equipment as well as online surveillance. Minister for Security and Defence Rozello Dicell declared this bill the start of a new era of security:

The threat of the internet and cyberspace on Stosal's security is immense. With this bill and further investment to come, we can effectively deal with this as it is adopted by Stosal's people. The world is rapidly modernising, and our tools to fight crime and radicals must follow.

[Costavozka]

The Truth of Costavozka

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June 24^th, 2022

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Chancellor Costava Vetos Sanctions

NEW EDEVAR, June 18 -
After recent events have prompted much international outrage, with many national governments- Costavozka included- preemptively placing travel restrictions on certain member states of the Eastern Tripartite, cries of concern echoed through the chambers of the Costavozkan Council. Several times within the span of this crisis, the leadership of our country has considered the placement of costly financial trade restrictions on the said member nations of the ET. However, with the recent passing of one of these restrictions, the Chancellor- Gregory Costava- has used his executive power to veto it. The Chancellor has claimed that while these sanctions are justified, the length of time that it takes to pass one of these minor changes could be better spent working on domestic legislation to better Costavozka. He has also noted that this alone is not the only reason for his veto. The lack of existing trade between Costavozka and the ET reduces the hypothetical effect of those restrictions, therefore rendering the time spent passing them near useless. Economic experts here at the Truth of Costavozka have analyzed these claims and found them to be correct. There has been no comment made at this time in regard to further propaganda and smear campaigns from Eastern Tripartite nations such as Lesvia.

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Costavozka Prepares Aid and Humanitarian Relief to San Javier

NEW EDEVAR, June 22 -
With the possible resurgence of the infamous Anliana Cartel, members of the Costavozkan Council- in coordination with the Chancellor and military- have prepared to offer aid to the divided and crumbling lands of San Javier. The Anliana Cartel is currently considered not to be a threat to domestic security, despite its few connections abroad into Costavozka’s few cartels and communist insurgent cells. This operation is being conducted for the purpose of aiding in stabilizing the region. The government has repeatedly assured that this not being done to gain a foothold in San Javier’s oil fields, nor solely in order to boost Costavozka’s international reputation, despite what critics would have some believe. Time will tell if this operation will be accepted and is successful. We here at the Truth of Costavozka hope that it shall.

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|| Other News: Ministry of Economics requests foreign tech companies to expand to Costavozka. "We would be most grateful for your support and happy to do business with you". | Ministry of Economics eyes further relaxation of international trade restrictions. | Military to resume readiness drills. ||

[Dormill and Stiura]

DYSON ANNOUNCES NEW BASING DEAL WITH LAEDEN

@GabVOrischot
@N24Breaking
By: Gabriel Van Oirschot

KAPOLDER - Earlier today, President Cedar Dyson confirmed reports that Ambassador to Laeden Modeste Hampton has finalized negotiations on an agreement between the United Republics and the government of Laeden that would allow United Republics Naval, Marine, and Air Force personnel to establish a base within Laedenian territory. This agreement, part of a broader security treaty set to go before Congress before summer's end, is set to respect Laeden's sovereignty and enhance the security relationship between the United Republics and Laeden in the Southern Sea. This is all a part of President Dyson's "Regional Responsibility" goal stated at the opening statements at this year's International District Security Expo, which aims to increase the scope and capacity of the United Republics Armed Forces across the Western Isles for the coming decade.

This agreement follows the Treaty of Cour Rouge between Laeden and the United Republics signed last year which set in motions the negotiations between the two countries, which included touring sites for possible base locations, military exercises, and high-level coordination between the respective Ministries of Defense. The terms of the agreement as obtained by News24 outline various requirements and stipulations regarding the base and the associated visiting forces agreement that would regulate the activity of Doraltic troops stationed in the first United Republics Southern Sea base. Among these is a limitation on the base's size and function to limit it as a support and repair station for the United Republics Navy with a small attached airstrip for logistical movement and basing a wing of Naval fighter jets.

Aside from the Alteran Republics, this agreement represents the most significant shift in Doraltic defense policy toward defending international law and order West of Argus.

[Scaedia]

Online Edition

Daet Passes Bill To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

ALLIN --- During their Friday weekly session, the Daet voted in favor of passing a bill proposed by President Ashi Banglar legalizing marriage between individuals of the same sex. The bill, which will go into effect within the next two weeks, passed despite conservative protests opposing it. This bill is the second one of its kind proposed by President Banglar, his first failing in 2016 because of opposition across party lines. However, with a more left-leaning Daet the bill was just barely able to pass the two-thirds majority necessary for new legislation to be entered into the Scaedic Legal Code.

The bill, dubbed the "Marriage for All" motion, redefines marriage in the Scaedic Legal Code from being a "union recognized before God between a man and a woman" to instead be a "union recognized before God between two consenting adults." This wording is believed to be partially responsible for the bill's success compared to the 2016 attempt, which removed references to God from the definition all together. District Secretariats will be required to sign off on all marriage license applications beginning on the 1st of July.

The success of the bill has led to large celebrations in many cities of Scaedia where impromptu pride parades are being hosted despite the incredibly high temperatures. City authorities have recommended exercising caution and encourages children, elderly, and those with health conditions remain indoors during celebrations. The city hall of Bejorn was lit up with rainbow colored lights strung from the exterior of the building which were placed a week earlier in preparation for the Daet vote.

Gay rights activist and founder of the organization "Scaeds for Marriage Equality" Handel Moren declared that while this legislation was a victory, their mission was not over yet. Moren told Ten Scaedodej that the movement's next goal was to reform adoption laws to make it possible for same-sex couples to adopt children and establish legislation preventing adoption agencies from giving preferential treatment for heterosexual households.

Support for the legislation is, unsurprisingly, not universal. Several religious organizations have announced plans for protests that will be staged outside of government buildings across the country. Alt-right radical group “Sons of Scaedia” is expected to stage some sort of demonstration, so the Gendarmerie has announced that they have plans in place to maintain the peace in areas where the organization have been most active, such as Tafde.

Drought Damages Agriculture

DAN --- A concerning number of farms have reported that water shortages have damaged their crops as the heat wave that has plagued Scaedia for nearly half a month continues. While temperatures have fluctuated and temporarily returned to the typical range expected in Scaedia this time of year, the heat has returned in full force. Farms would typically be preparing to harvest the many grains that grow in Scaedia at this time of year, but farmers report that many of their plants have desiccated leading into the harvesting season. Dairy farms are also experiencing difficulties as they are unable to provide enough water for their cattle and fear there won’t be enough grain or grass to keep them fed. Economists are especially concerned about this worrying, though not unexpected, turn of events during this heatwave. Agricultural exports make up a very large amount of the gross domestic production of the nation and if production does not recover soon it could spell economic turmoil.

Farmers are not the only ones being hurt by the drought. Early into the heat wave the government of Scaedia established limits on water usage in the emergency decree. As the drought has only worsened, the government is now considering even stricter water rationing as well as weighing the possibility of importing fresh water from elsewhere. Some Scaeds have been very unhappy with the limits on water, believing it an infringement on their rights. In response, the government has approved a budget for the production of educational materials about the nature of the rationing, a move which only upset some individuals further. These discontent citizens feel that the government putting funds towards educational materials is a waste and that the budget should instead go towards securing water for the concerned people of Scaedia.

In Other News...

• Scaedic Defense Force Begins Coastal Defense Exercise
• Gang Violence Responsible for 26 Deaths in Tafde in June Alone
• City of Bejorn Reschedules Memorial Event Commemorating the Battle of Bejorn, Cites Concerns Over Heat
• Food Drive in Dan Feeds Over 1,500 Children

[Nhoor]

The latest from Nhoor can be found here: http://dulminis.nl/nhoor/nhoracle046p1.png

In it:

• Priests elect Cīrtan III as High Priest for the next year
• Council of High Judges says 'no' to early elections
• Unusual heatwave affects Pāla, Tenda, and Sola
• Caution advised when travelling to Lofthus
• ROS lead naval drill in Sea of Gael raises eyebrows

[Lesva]

Lesva abandons the institution of marriage

Throngist Movement Party of Lesva votes to abandon and no longer recognize the institution of marriage in the Throngist Republic of Lesva

The Throngist Movement Party of Lesva at the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva has unanimously voted for abandoning the institution of marriage in the Throngist Republic of Lesva. The new law does not ban marriage, but rather no longer recognizes it as an institution that is legally defined and includes certain bureaucratic and legal procedures. Instead, marriage is now reduced to only a strict symbolic ritual at most in case anybody wants to engage in this tradition, like non-Lesvan cultures with other traditions residing on our country's territory, for example. The institution of marriage was not included in the Basic Statute of the Throngist Republic of Lesva, the equivalent of the constitution adopted upon the founding of the Throngist Republic. This raised the question whether any sort of marriage law exists in the Throngist Republic of Lesva at all and today the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva has decided to clearly resolve this issue once and for all and give all answers. The law abandoning the institution of marriage also abandons any notion that any form of a legally binding documented civil partnership could exist in the Throngist Republic of Lesva. The legal non-existence of the institution of marriage in Throngist Republic of Lesva also technically means that any marriages performed and recognized in other countries would likewise not be recognized in the Throngist Republic of Lesva, although it has been suggested that the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva is looking at creating some sort of law exclusively for foreigners in Lesva, in order to legally recognize the marriages only of representatives of other cultures. However, no specific moves towards something like this are being made at the moment.

After the passage of the law, First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Giva Tesin approached the podium applauding the passage of the law. Other Members of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva also applauded in a standing ovation, which lasted until the First Secretary of Throngist Movement Party of Lesva approached the podium and asked other Members of the Party to end their applause, so that the First Secretary could speak. Afterwards, the First Secretary said the following:

"Mr. President of the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva, fellow Members of the Throngist Party of Lesva, colleagues. I want to thank you all for voting on this law on abandoning an archaic institution of slavery created centuries ago, which somehow survived until our days, but no longer. As we know, even prior to the Saela Spring and our Throngist Revolution that led to the creation of the Republic we have today, Lesvans were already a country with one of the lowest marriage rates in the world. People lived in romantic entanglements and love without "applying for any sort of love permit" or without registering their love on any piece of paper. That is because, even back then, our people knew and they always knew that they do not need this archaic and absurdist institution or for anyone to give them a piece of paper to be together as long as they want and with as many people as they want at the same time. After the Saela Spring and the Throngist Revolution, the Basic Law of our Republic did not include this archaic institution of marriage, because our goal was and is to build a new society. However, that vacancy has raised questions and probably a lot of our people did not receive proper explanations or were not informed on time on what the situation with marriage is like in our country, when it comes to law. Well, today we are clearly answering this question.

Let us also not forget that in some parts of the world, the constitution clearly defines what the institution of marriage is and regulates what gender your partner must be and how many partners you are allowed to have. Moreover, organized religion, the courts and the lawyers get involved from beginning to the end, with people being required to get a document from them prior and then after they want to be released from being tied down by this institution to a single specific person. People are not allowed to just walk away whenever they want and even when you do, the courts assigned certain obligations to people, primarily males, after they are released from their bonds. I know that marriage laws around the world are now more flexible in terms of gender of the partner and even the amount of partners based on the culture, however, I am now going to the most basic and conservative example of what this institution is. The point is, that deep inside, the point remains the same. This institution is and always has been a more innovative form of slavery. Instead of enforcing something on the people openly, the State, with the help of organized religion as a tool of its' propaganda, instead created a social stigma to make society pressure those, who avoid the institution of marriage like a plague, in order to conform and follow through with this "tradition." In other words, as the youth says, to "go with the flow." And the reasons to conform can be various, raging from religious understanding of "sin" to family pressure to the pressure of the partner and for females to the so-called "biological clock." And given all this anxiety that is induced by social psychological warfare, the person "voluntarily" submits to the institution of marriage in order to be left alone. And once those documents are signed, the State can regulate what gender your partner is, how many partners you have, how to distribute your wealth and your offsprings among you after "divorce" and how to discourage people from polygamy, instead breaking everybody up into couples, whose obligation for the state would be to produce offsprings for the sake of keeping up a demographic statistic that the State wants to see and then force you to look after those offsprings. Without the institution of marriage, there would be no way how to force people into reproduction, how to regulate their wealth and property, how to force people to look after the offprings that they produce, how to indirectly fight polygamy, so that people do not engage in care-free relationships with whomever they want, whenever they want, with how many they want, without any obligations tying them down and in order to level the playing field, so that every single person would end up with a single partner.

Having said all of that, and not even mentioning ALL of the absurd of this institution in my address, our Party has to ask - how come we think that burning witches was absurd and marriage is not? In the past, people used to burn witches and did it with a serious expression on their face or, at most, the expression was full of fear or anger or sadness or any excessive emotion that comes with doing something like that. And people took it seriously and thought it was something they were doing out of necessity. Today, we call that absurd, However, that same sentiment has not been developed when it comes to marriage and people still take it as something serious and as something necessary. Well, that would no longer be a reality in the Throngist Republic of Lesva. Our Revolution continues and we are building a new society and we are advancing towards the future and the new order of things. Our free people will never again have to be told, like others in this world, that you need a piece of paper and to submit to legal obligations to be together with someone, no matter how many people you want to be with. You do not need to "legalize" your love. Monogamy does not need to prevail over polygamy for any reason. You will not be told what to do. There will be no "legal basis" regulating people's relationships. We are clarifying that we are not banning marriage, but we no longer recognize marriage as an existing institution that is additionally legally binding. If people want to engage in the "marriage ritual" as a symbolic tradition, then by all means, but it will not carry any weight beyond the ceremony. Thank you."

[Kilat]

Ongoing Evacuation of Amantapurna as Threat of Explosive Eruption Looms

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Rows of cars waiting for the ferry in Port of Tatuga Whaira to take them to Dakkerat, Kanegrie

AMANTAPURNA - After an emergency meeting was invoked by the Hang, it was announced that Amantapurna, the capital of Kilat, was going to be evacuated to a temporary camp some one hundred kilometres north, near the city of Nagolan. The city administration had refused evacuation before on the basis inadequate evidence that the eruption might reach the city.

The exclusion zone, now expanded to 100 kilometres radius of Mount Rad’inga, would encompass the entire city of Ratnakara and half of Amantapurna. Police and military are moving to the area to patrol and ensure civilians are evacuated from said exclusion zone. Additionally, the entire coast of the Amantapurna Gulf is to be evacuated, due to fear of local tsunami in the vicinity of the volcano.

“Evacuating five hundred thousands people from the affected area would be an enormous task, but their safety is paramount. We ask people to cooperate with the state apparatus for a conducive evacuation. Moreover, we are asking local and foreign stakeholders to hasten the process,” announced Tangsana Viratupura, head of National Disaster Mitigation Center.

Map of the Expanded Exclusion Zone

Reports of panic buying and traffic jams clogging the road northwards are commonplace now, with the price of ferry and aeroplane tickets out of the island jumping threefold. Government has responded by setting a ceiling on ticket price and providing subsidised tickets, citing the Minister of Transportation statement that ‘no one should profit from an imminent disaster’.

The Hang has officially requested help from United Republics Navy of Dormill and Stiura for ships to alleviate the evacuation efforts of the island. The St. Cosmas hospital ship might be on her way to join the evacuation effort as well in a timely effort, since air traffic has been suspended since emergency declared yesterday.

Past Eruption
Mount Rad’inga, nicknamed Ravunangi na Amantarni or the Roof of Amernany, is the highest mountain in Amernany, reaching the height of 2,890 metre above sea level. Rad’inga is one of several volcanoes that made up the island of Amernany, and one that was considered posed a minimal danger. Its last recorded was a minor eruption at the end of King Kanamda reign in 1802 with no victims at all.

In the 1990s, sensors and seismographs were placed on the five volcanoes of Kilat, recognising their dangers, in cooperation with Ainslie.

The increased activity of Mount Rad’inga has been noticed since three months ago, when Astumira Varingatana Maravi (AMV) or Kilati Volcanic Watch raised the alert status of the volcano to Cautious (II), with continuous rumbling on the seismograph. This continued until early June, when AMV raised the status to Vigilant (III) after an eruption creating a five kilometres high plume, clearly visible from Amernany, the capital of Kilat.

The Dangers

Mount Rad'inga ash plume as seen from Amantapurna, ninety kilometres away

“The eruption has now moved on to the more severe, magmatic eruption phase, where highly viscous lava can trap gases under pressure that might lead to an explosion,” said Khurxan-Tanma Viratagi, a volcanologist at the National Geology and Volcanology Academy.

Viratagi added another potential danger of a caldera collapse, given that the eastern slope of Mount Rad’inga ends abruptly over the sea and records of landslides in the past. A caldera collapse would possibly be catastrophic, generating a tsunami wave that will devastate the Bay of Amernany, and could reach neighbouring countries as well.

“Last time a landslide happened, Amantapurna was just a small port city swept by high waves. In the meantime the city had gained three hundred thousand people calling it home, and it might not be the case for the next month.”

Viratupura, head of National Disaster Mitigation Center, assured us that contingencies have been made to prepare for such scenarios.

“We have been reinforcing the coast [of Amantapurna], if such a scenario becomes a reality. Our seismographs are also actively monitoring the east side of any signs of soil disturbance that might lead to such catasthrope. Additionally, almost the entire coast would be cleared of people,” he emphasised.

Related News:

• State Government of Kanegrie has deployed State Guards to help with evacuation effort in the Port of Dakkerat
• Hangkang bills voting might be suspended as Amantapurna is evacuated
• Kotapura has raised KKM 300 thousands for the evacuation effort

Writer: Rad'ata Neraga
Editor: Ellias Benner

[Doravo]

Domestic: Elementary child dies due to harsh beating at school, teacher placed on administrative leave
Markos Scafidis

Sofia Musa, aged eight, died yesterday at South Tarina Elementary School after what parents say was an “excessive, barbaric, and sadistic attack on our daughter” for a “minuscule disruption” in the classroom.

Sofia passed yesterday evening at River Bay Regional Hospital after suffering a severe beating by her teacher. Natalia Comakou, the teacher who performed the disciplining violently hit the child after she back-talked Mrs. Comakou and refused to say the morning pledge. Sofia soon after refused to perform push ups as a punishment before continuing to back-talk Mrs. Comakou.

This is when, reports say, that Mrs. Comakou allegedly grabbed the child by the arm and hit her on the head with a wooden baton multiple times before pushing her to the ground.

School principal, Vasso Marellis, says that “we are reviewing all reports from parents, students, staff, and medical professionals in accordance with the law to investigate Sofia’s death.”

Vasso Marellis further went on to express his “deepest and sincerest apologies and condolences to the Musa family in this time of tragedy.”

Staff reports that Mrs. Comakou commonly went “overboard” when disciplining her students and was overly aggressive with her fellow faculty as well.

Mrs. Comakou is a decorated veteran of the Imperial Army who after being honorably discharged, pursued her passion and calling for teaching.

While corporal and physical punishments such as lashings, spankings, push ups, sit ups, and hitting are commonplace and widespread in Doravan elementary through high schools for classroom disruptions and behavioral issues, the extent of which has very rarely caused the death of a child.

The last child death due to school disciplining occurred in 1901 when Karolos Mitrou, aged 16, died from a heat stroke after being forced to perform push ups outside on school grounds in a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius.

Sofia’s death has brought forth a multitude of other reports of child “abuse” on school grounds.

Last week, Sakis Gerotsis, aged 9, was hospitalized after almost a dozen lashings left deep cuts on his back after he refused to sit down in class. Two weeks earlier, Eliza Kostalli, aged 17, was also hospitalized after suffering from a heat stroke after being forced to run until collapsing after back-talking her teacher.

While the policy of obedience and submission of students to their superiors is paramount to Doravo’s education system, recent reforms have been proposed; though their likelihood of occurring is slim.

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Domestic: Rail strike massacre occurs after Imperial Guard opens fire on crowd, “they refused to disperse”
Nik Chaconotis

Tragedy struck the Central Kyrina Rail Terminal as 12 people died and 58 were injured after Imperial Guard soldiers of the 201st Division, commonly known as the “Emperor’s Fist” opened fire on an amassing mob in support of the 22nd June Rail Strikes.

The mob had amassed to nearly 200 people in and around the rail terminal and were engaging in “civil disobedience" while displaying "aggressive behavior.”

After repeated attempts from the 201st Division to dispel the growing crowd with less-than-lethal weaponry, and after repeated taunts and violent acts from the mob, the guard was forced to engage in lethal action with the crowd to defend themselves.

After the first shots sounded, the mob dispersed, and in the chaos 4 people died and 32 were wounded. The remaining deaths and injuries occurred from the actions of the Imperial Guard.

201st Division commander, Captain Kimon Birotis, said this in regard to the incident, “my soldiers acted in the best interest of their own safety and the safety of the greater good of the people involved. While the consequences are not desirable, and it brings me no joy in knowing twelve citizens have lost their lives today, I stand by the actions of my men.”

A memorial is being organized by the families of the deceased.

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Domestic: 5,000 people affected by Doravan Imperial Airways cancellations, “my wife is dying in a hospital across the country”
Alexia Zappouli

Around 30 Doravan Imperial Airways flights carrying up to 5,000 passengers have been canceled due to staff and pilot shortage.

Additionally, Imperial Airways announced plans to cut 7% of its 100,000 flights scheduled between July and September.

The move came after Concordia International Airport, Imperial Airways main airport, said it will reduce the number of flights taking off from its airport during the peak summer season because of staff shortages.

Tens of thousands of passengers have been hit by airport disruption and flight cancellations in recent weeks.

Some airlines might be able to combine flights with Imperial Airway, meaning some passengers will not have their journeys postponed. The number of how many however is currently unknown.

"We apologize unreservedly for the disruption passengers have faced over the course of this weekend," the Imperial Airways said.

Alesian Air told INN it had made a "small number of cancellations" as a result of similar issues of staffing along with minor logistical issues.

Alesian Air will be able to re-accommodate the vast majority of customers onto new flights.

Hundreds of flights across the Empire were canceled in June, and concerns have been raised of further travel woes during the summer.

The disruption has been caused by several factors, but staff shortages have left the aviation industry struggling to cope with summer demand.

Imperial Airways also confirmed there would be flight cancellations at other airports across the airline's network, but it has not yet worked out a precise number.

Last week, Concordia Imperial Airport said it would cap the number of passengers allowed at the airport over summer, leading to a 16% fall in planned flights.

Imperial Airways said customers would be given advance notice and the potential to rebook onto alternative flights. It added many would be able to rebook on the same day they had originally planned to travel.

If your flight is canceled, you have the right to either a full refund, or a replacement flight.

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Domestic: Severe drought reveals long forgotten 2,000-year-old city covered by River Liri
Camillo Cericola

Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient metropolis of the Alesian Republic once submerged below the River Liri. The settlement was revealed when the levels of the Liri reservoir plunged earlier this year due to extreme drought in southern Doravo.

The extensive city with a palace and several large buildings could be the city of Ambiani—believed to have been an important center in the Alesian Republic between 2-566 CE.

This led to the reappearance of a Bronze Age city that had been submerged decades ago without any prior archaeological investigations. It is located near the city of Milea in the Milea-Tirina Fief.

The unforeseen event sent archaeologists scrambling to excavate and document at least parts of this large, important city as quickly as possible before it was resubmerged.

A team for the rescue excavations was put together within days. Funding for the work was obtained at short notice from the Antonis Glarakos Foundation. They were under immense time pressure because it was not clear when the water in the river would rise again—and the exposed walls of large buildings in the old city complex would vanish.

Fortunately, the researchers succeeded in largely mapping the city. In addition to a palace, several other large buildings were uncovered—a massive fortification with walls and towers, a monumental, multi-story storage building and an industrial complex.

The research team was stunned by the well-preserved state of the walls—sometimes to a height of several meters—despite the fact that the walls are made of sun-dried mud bricks and were under water for more than 40 years.

This good preservation is due to the fact that the city was destroyed in an earthquake around 481 CE, during which the collapsing upper parts of the walls buried the buildings.

Of particular interest is the discovery of five ceramic vessels that contained an archive of over 100 engraved tablets. They date to shortly after the earthquake disaster struck the city. Some clay tablets, which may be letters, are even still in their clay envelopes.

The researchers hope this discovery will provide important information about the end of the Republican period and the rise of the Alesian Empire.

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Other News:

• Bus crash kills 9, shuts down highway
• Firefighter saves baby from house fire
• Lord Melaenis challenges Lord Sergius to honor duel

[San Jimenez]

San Jimenez, June, 2022

|SAN JIMENEZ - YURSEA DIPLOMATIC MEETING||INTERNATIONAL|

Roughly two weeks ago, ambassadors from San Jimenez and Dormill and Stiura met in Gran Teran to discuss a variety of topics. The meeting opened the door toward improving relations between the two countries and promoting mutual interests in increased trade. Today, it was Yursean ambassadors that were met in San Jimenez. Analysts are pointing out that the Canone Administration has taken an interest in cultivating positive relations with countries in Gael and other nations in the Eterna Sea.

Ambassador Gerald Bates of Yursea arrived in Gran Teran early this morning to meet with Jimenean Ambassador Fletcher Estrada. As is custom with diplomatic meetings, the Yursean ambassador was taken on a tour of the Jimenean capital where he and Ambassador Estrada were able to meet with Jimenean officials.

The primary discussion of the diplomatic meeting was trade relations. The ambassadors discussed certain steps towards eliminating existing trade barriers. Because of the general proximity to one another, both San Jimenez and Yursea could have much to gain from an active trade agreement. With both countries having a Catholic majority, the overall Jimenean opinion towards closer ties has been steadily positive.

The discussions lasted a few hours and were kept brief. The Gran Teran Gazette was able to receive an official statement from Ambassador Estrada concerning the outlook on future discussions between San Jimenez and Yursea.

"I know I share the same sentiment as my colleagues at the Department of Foreign Affairs when I say that we were delighted to receive the Yursean ambassador to Gran Teran. It is always a pleasure to welcome foreign diplomats in the name of cooperation and diplomacy. Our two countries find themselves with much to learn from one another. The Yursean and Jimenean people already share so many of the same values. I regard our future partnership to be virtually inevitable as San Jimenez looks toward the Eterna Sea for international cooperation."

The GTG followed up with Ambassador Estrada about the suggestions that President Lucas Canone was taking an interest in the Eterna Sea as well as Gael.

"Now, my contact with President Canone has been fairly limited but I can say that I am convinced the president is taking great interest in our foreign neighbors. I would also add that he is rightfully taking an interest, especially as so much uncertainty grows across the Isles. What the president is doing must be welcomed by our elected representatives in Gran Teran. A safe, friendly, Eterna Sea means a safe, friendly, San Jimenez. There is no one in San Jimenez, our elsewhere for that matter, that should be opposed."

[Yursea]

The National Informer
Prince Joseph Cousineau reaches 40th year on the throne, celebrates Ruby Jubilee!


His Serene Highness seen waving to supporters outside the Cathedral of Saint Agnes, Yukcaster.

Celebrations have launched across the nation today as our Prince has reached a goal that few are able to boast about. When he was crowned Prince in 1982 he had vowed that he would rule for 4 decades, many doubted him though. The Prince himself has many health issues that render him bed-ridden most of the year, but that hasn't stopped him from interacting with the population via public events that see the Royal Commission on Public Relations invite ten people each week to meet the Prince, the selection process is completely random and sees average citizens get to spend a day with the Prince in the Cousineau Palace outside Yukcaster. The program is very popular with the general public, with most crediting His Serene Highness for his kind behavior and showing of interest in their private lives. The program was started in 1984 via royal degree and with the support of the National Convention, the tax payer doesn't pay anything either, all costs are covered by the Cousineau Foundation (for viewers who aren't aware, it's a foundation that manages all of the Prince's estates and business deals. It's been accused of tax fraud in the past). The Prince himself has left a legacy that few can find anything negative about. Just to list some of his actions, he played an important part in the overthrow of Prime Minister Owens in the 1985 popular revolt and also granted the workers of his private Palace the right to unionize, which they did soon after. He's been called a Socialist by some and reactionary by others for his interesting views on government tax rates but we can all agree that he's left a permanent mark on Yursean history.

Other News:

• Lofthus joins Eastern Tripartite as Observer.
• Amantapurna evacuated due to threat of Explosive Eruption.
• Lesva abandons the institution of marriage.

[Stosal]

Pro Domino Scribimus

Volume 21, 2022

MAIN EVENT

Ahnslen Foreign Minister to visit Stosal

Teobaldo Mancini, Legal Correspondent

An application to the Supreme Court of Stosal has been filed by the legal team of the HC for the Interior, Scapha Pertinax. The application has requested the court force the secular government to reveal who voted each way in the recent no-confidence vote against Amator Isaia, based on a six-decade old law. His suit supports the notion that releasing this information is in the interest of the Lucian religion.

The court case has split legal experts across the country, and has sparked debate on just how influential the Church should be within secular government. Some Bishops have declared they will work to repeal this law if the case is successful, and given the margin Isaia had in the no-confidence vote this ending looks very possible. There is also debate within the Church's lower ranks about the case, and how detrimental to the Church's reputation the suit may be. The High Cardinal is now obliged to respond to the application within three weeks, but the hearing is expected to take a while yet.

EDITORIAL

Francesco Piso: If Isaia must open Stosal up, he must be patient

Amator Isaia is clearly determined to open up Stosal's foreign affairs, and his sentiment is shared by many in the Colleges. There are many good arguments for and against this move, and a new, updated foreign program is not an entirely bad thing. However, Isaia is pursuing his goals with reckless abandon. There was no vote in the Colleges when the first visit by the Ahnslen minister was approved, and minimal consultation of the Church. In fact, the no-confidence vote is the first time the new foreign affairs plan has been voted on, directly or indirectly. He is only going faster, with embassies opening with Nhoor and Yursea, and Stosalic culture being promoted overseas. There are even rumours of Stosal spearheading a Christian bloc! The High Cardinal must remember tradition, he must remember that the Church is still part of Stosal's government system, and he must remember the word of the Saint urging caution. Above all, patience is key. With new tensions, now is not the time to break Stosalic politics.

[Jeriga]

The Socialist's Daily
Montien, Jeriga
04-07-22

Celebrations Mark 115 Years of Women's Suffrage

Today, major celebrations will be held in every major city and town across Jeriga in honor of the 115th anniversary of women's suffrage in Jeriga. They will feature stages, major official appearances at each commencement, and a royal appearance in Montien. Yet, as if to oppose the revelers' joy, they will also be wearing black feathers in honor of Princess Maria Monreno, who died supporting women's rights at the hands of a conservative government.

The story of Jerigan Women's suffrage starts in 1902, in wake of a series of laws passed by parliament, known as the April Laws, banning women from work, confining them to their husbands and male authority in their lives, and revoking their rights of property, as little as they existed at the time. They also repealed the recently passed Femicide law, which increased punishments for harming a woman. The laws were thought by the hard-liner Tradicionalistas to officially codify what was the "rightful place of women in God's world." In particular, the Tradicionalista MP Raymundo Hernando, who was the minority leader in Parliament and had missed election to Prime Minister by only a few votes in Parliament. He believed that all women acted as he thought the women of Varl did: "Willfully subservient to their better knowing male authorities."

The reaction to the April Laws proved MP Hernando to be incredibly wrong.

On the day of their enactment on April 3rd of 1902, the women took to the streets of Montien, Ascillia City, Alensvin, and Saranei. They purposely left their homes and offices as dirty as they could. Factories, where women had worked prior to the April Laws and had expected some time to replace the female workers in their lines, were left without workers immediately. As the well dressed, the dirty, the rich, and the poor marched spontaneously toward the city squares, Princess Maria watched and petitioned her father, King Lucio Moreno to veto the bill. His response was a dismissal of his daughter with a note that read "Women do not belong in Royal Politics."

The note, so typical a way of King Lucio to dismiss his daughters now that he had an infant son, enraged the Princess. Now, on top of his recent proclamation that the boy would be the heir to the throne rather than Maria, he was dismissing her at the very moment all the issues she cared about were erupting. Rather than back down, she left the Palace and rode, with no guard but in full courtly attire, out to the crowds in Montien.

The scene she found there was one of a bomb ready to explode. The police, having been given orders to clear the square by the Chief of Police, had formed a line and leveled bayonets at the crowd. According to Maria's diary from the day, the policemen "held bayonets at the ready, pointing them down at some poor, dirty factory workers, which were barely dressed and at their knees, near inviting to be shot." The scene was set for a massacre, but the Princess rode out in front of the women in between the police and the protesters. Upon seeing the royal among the muck, the policemen's faces fell from one of cold sadism to one of utter confusion. She looked down upon the soldiers and said her famous line:

"¡Deténgase! ¡Si dañas a uno solo, estarás dañando a tu princesa!"
"Stop! If you harm even one, you will be harming your Princess!"

With this, the Princess had thrown her gauntlet in with the protestors and became the symbol of resistance. This added immediate fire and righteous energy to the protests, which began not only to demand a repeal of the April laws, but for equal pay, voting rights, and the right for all women to own property and receive inheritance. Princess Maria quickly became the focal point of the uprising. She organized the women of the court into formal protest, petitioned on behalf of women across the nation, and forced her audience upon the King. However, the most important of all the roles she played was one lent to her by the crown itself.

When Maria had stood between the protestors and the police and named herself as one of them, the police across Jeriga had heard her. Despite orders to clear squares by force, individual policemen refused to follow the orders, often even turning against policemen that did. In the climate, Maria's bold move also prevented King Lucio from deploying the army to restore order as to deploy the army against his own daughter would have untold consequences throughout the land. And, so, Maria became the heroine of the protesters, a shield of fairness and boldness against the repressive tendencies of the Tradicionalistas.

Princess Maria also became a symbol and a target.

Frustrated by his men's disobedience and the Princess's resilience against being a virtual prisoner in the court, Raymundo began a devious plot: he would assassinate the Princess. He moved slowly throughout the months of July and August, finding little support until the crowds began to demand Maria be named heir to the throne by Parliament. Once this chant was heard, more Tradicionalistas agreed to the plan.

So it was that, on January 3rd, 1903, Princess Maria was assassinated by agents of Parliament and the Tradicionalistas.

The whirlwind response would see a vast majority of men in the nation swing to support their wives and sisters. The Democractic Socialists regained the majority in 1904 and, on July 4th 1907, they passed the largest women's rights bill in the history of Jeriga, allowing all of the protesters points, including equal pay. The King vetoed it, but was countered by parliament. The laws went into effect on August 5th, 1907.

Thus, revelers today will be celebrating the greatest victory civil rights protests in Jeriga short of the constitution's adoption. Yet, they will be mourning the loss of the most popular woman in Jerigan history.

[Lesva]

Lesva prepares to hold a second military parade

Throngist Republic of Lesva is preparing to hold a second military parade as a late anniversary commemoration of the original June 21st general election that brought the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva to power, which led to the creation of the Throngist Republic of Lesva

Flag of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva.



One of ideological posters promoting the second military parade.

Honorable First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Giva Tesin has spoken today from a podium before the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva at the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. The Leader addressed the upcoming second military parade that the Throngist Republic of Lesva will be holding in its' national capital Saela this Friday. The second military parade will be a late anniversary commemoration of the original June 21st general election that brought the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva to power, which then led to the creation of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. The Nation would be celebrating the event that led up to its' birthday.

The second military parade in Saela would be watched over by Honorable First Secretary of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva Giva Tesin, Honorable Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Pacton Inca, Honorable President of the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Taica Berislavić and others, including Party Members from the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva and Officials of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. Residents of Saela will be invited to observe the parade and they would be provided with symbols of the Throngist Republic of Lesva to wave alongside the national symbols, which are flags of the Throngist Republic of Lesva.

During the second military parade in Saela, the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces will be displaying and showcasing its' equipment supplied by Eastern Tripartite (ET) allies - the Federation of Balnik and the Aprosian People's Democratic Union.

In other news

---

• Minister of the Interior of the Throngist Republic of Lesva: "There are some international infrastructural projects underway in Gael that the Throngist Republic of Lesva is partaking in it. Our Fellow Party Colleague Honorable Minister of Economy of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Yoca Bames has a lot of enthusiasm for it and rightfully says that ideological differences should not keep us from cooperating with certain countries of Gael, especially our closest nieghbors. I am doing my part on a more local level to make sure that Lesva could be integrated into this new infrastructural web or network that will stretch across Gael. I promise not to let the Party and the People down. I serve the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva and I serve the Throngist Republic of Lesva."

[Laeden]

Arcadia, 04/07/2022

ECONOMY Roendavarian delegation arrives at Arcadia
A delegation comprised by the Roendavarian minister of culture and other high ranking enterpreneurs was welcomed by the Consul Gaspard d'Albignac and is expected to negotiate with Laedenian investors and authorities on various topics relating to the entertainment culture

An illustrious delegation from Roendavar arrived today in the capital of Arcadia to discuss partnership proposals with the government and the private sector of Laeden. The delegation, led by Aridhianas Taelendorn Aesilisfalin, the Elenthir of Culture and Arts of Roendavar, who was accompanied by the president of Stales Entertainment and a chairperson of Aithaniel Animation Studios. On the Laedenian side, the meeting was chaired by Consul Gaspard d’Albignac, who was accompanied by representatives of Paragon Entertainment and La Lune Broadcasting Company.

The meeting dealt with important partnership and cooperation projects between Laeden and Roendavar in the fields of culture and entertainment. Roendavar's delegation suggested measures such as outsourcing to Laeden some productive activities, such as the production of components for amusement parks, movie sets and other forms of entertainment infrastructure. Outsourcing would also include some activities related to Information Technology and the video game industry. It was also offered the institution of an exchange program for young Laedenians, such as actors, directors, designers and musicians, so that they can study and intern in Roendavar, to improve their talents, obtain new skills and knowledge, and insert themselves in the business market. It was also suggested to build a large theme park in Laeden, which would be the largest of its kind in the South Mesder region.

On the other hand, the Laedenians suggested establishing partnerships in the area of ​​audiovisual production. The representatives of La Lune and Paragon were very interested in learning more about techniques and technologies of visual effects and computer graphics, which will allow the Laedenian film industry to have a real qualitative leap in its productions. Discussions about the importation of graphic, sound equipment and design software were held between the Laedenians and the Roendavarians. It was also proposed a partnership in the production of musical material and equipment, such as musical instruments, recording equipment, speakers, music manipulation software and sound equipment for other non-musical activities, such as the film industry itself, for example.

In the context of virtual cooperation, the possibility of purchasing, on the part of the Roendavarians, of action from the social network Parler, the main virtual forum in Laeden that is very popular among the young people of the country, was the subject of discussions. Currently, Parler has 50% of shares controlled by the Ministry of Culture and another 50% controlled by the private initiative of Laeden. The idea would be to reorganize this division, including the Roendavarian investors in the shareholding and making the government, the Laedenians and the Roendavarians each own 1/3 of the shares. The proposal included an attempt to popularize Parler in Roendavar, as the network is currently used mostly by Laedenians. The Laedenian entrepreneurs at the meeting were also interested in creating software for sharing music and movies through cell phones and computers, offering Roendavarians the possibility to jointly participate in this project. The Minister of Culture of Laeden presented his counterpart in Roendavar with the Livret platform, a type of virtual library in Laeden that brings together works of art in various formats, such as books, paintings, films and music, that are artistically and culturally relevant and precious, placing them in the public domain to allow free access by the population.

Cooperation in the area of ​​video game production and creation was also discussed. Laedenian initiatives to enter this sector are still very limited, mainly due to the lack of specialized software and trained human resources to create these games. Nevertheless, Laedenian entrepreneurs were very interested in participating in the creation of new video games together with Roendavarian studios and did not hide their ambition to, in the near future, make Laeden a video game production hub.

The Minister of Culture of Laeden also suggested the creation of a joint course in Creative Writing at the National University of Arcadia, open to Laedenians and Roendavarians, which will include a pole of artistic and literary production and will receive direct investment from the private sector, such as publishing houses of books, magazines and newspapers, in order to serve as a center for the promotion and creation of literary production, both for commercial and purely artistic purposes. This course would serve as another instance of cooperation between Laeden and Roendavar, allowing for cultural approximation between the two countries and, in the long term, the production of more literary material involving the joint effort of Laedenian and Roendavarian authors.

The negotiations ended in a spirit of optimism, with numerous agreements being signed between the representatives of the two countries. The new joint initiatives promise to heat up the entertainment sector in Laeden, which will now operate in conjunction with that of Roendavar, which is recognized as a regional leader in terms of culture and entertainment, and it is believed that the new agreements will prove useful in generating jobs, heating up the economy and promoting artistic production. Consul Gaspard d’Albignac invited visitors to a dinner at the Government Palace, in Arcadia, after the end of the discussions to reinforce the bonds of friendship and partnership built at the meeting.

CULTURE The Harfleur International Film Festival finally comes to an end
The Festival, a major cultural event in the Isles, brought together members of the film industry from more than twenty nations, who revelled in the four-day long celebration enjoying the finest Laedenian hospitality while waiting with great anticipation for the reveal of who would be this year's winner of the coveted Golden Apple prize

The 2022 Harfleur Internatonal Film Festival (HARIFF) ended yesterday morning. The event was attended by celebrities, producers, studios and directors from different countries, including the presence of film critics and lovers of the cinematic universe in general. At the festival, the main film productions from across the region were publicized, with the traditional awards given to the actors, directors, sound effects and visual effects that stood out. The main award, however, was the Golden Apple, the award given to the best film of the year, chosen by a vote of the specialized critic and by the evaluation of a commission of judges specially chosen for this purpose.

Although intense discussions took place, especially because of the very high quality of the films shown during the festival, the victor was The Dark Blade, by director Grégoire Thomas, of Thromsa. The Golden Apple award was given to the Thromsa delegation, which received much applause for their excellent film and for their contribution to the film industry. Notwithstanding Thromsa's victory, the Minister of Culture of Laeden, heading up the organization of the event, made a point of personally greeting all the heads of the delegations from the numerous countries that were present at HARIFF, enhancing the celebration and honoring the artistic tradition of the movie theater. The Minister followed the tradition of requesting from each delegation permission for their films to be stored in the Audiovisual Archive of Arcadia, the Laedenian national library dedicated to the preservation of films that reach the highest degree of excellence, either for their performance or for their plot or for its sound and visual effects.

No less important than the award was the event itself, where producers from different countries were able to socialize, talk, get to know each other and have fun, in addition to discussing future projects and socializing. One of HARIFF's avowed goals is to make the film industry one big family, and the socializing that takes place at this event is key to making this vision a reality. In recent years, HARIFF has established itself as the premier regional event in the field of cinema, and is recognized as an elegant, sophisticated and top-notch festival, which is reflected not only in the distinguished guests who attend the event, but also in the place where it is held and, mainly, in the meal menu, whose refinement and luxury is a source of pride for the organization. The city of Harfleur prides itself on being the temple of high culture in Laeden, so the local authorities provided all the support needed to ensure that the event was an absolute success.

At the end of the night, the festivities came to an end, with the artists going to their respective hotels (most of them accompanied) and, the next day, returning to their countries of origin, all looking forward to next year's Festival, when they will compete again the coveted Golden Apple, the highest artistic award in regional cinema.

OTHER NEWS

Culture: With the end of June, the typical celebrations of the days of São João and São Pedro, in the last week of the month, come to an end. The Laedenian population gathered in large popular celebrations, wearing traditional clothes, eating typical foods and participating in collective dances and performances. In the city of Arcadia, a huge music festival with some of the most popular artists in the country was organized to celebrate the end of the festive week. The Catholic Church, following its liturgy, presided over religious celebrations to celebrate the spiritual importance of the dates and remember the lessons of the two great saints. The week of celebrations is a national holiday, so young people did not have classes in schools and adults only worked part-time, which contributed to the general atmosphere of celebration and revelry. With the end of the “Laedenian Carnival” the population returns to their usual duties, although the atmosphere of joy remains for a few more weeks.

Defense: A mixed military commission, headed by the Laedenian military attache in Cour Rouge, initiated contact with representatives of Kapolder Electric Works and White-Liang Technologies for the purchase of electronic warfare systems for the Laeden armed forces. According to sources from the Ministry of Defense, the objective is to acquire material capable of guaranteeing the security of communications and Laedenian electronic systems and, at the same time, of interfering with the functioning of enemy systems, acting in an offensive and defensive manner. The deal will include not only purchasing new equipment, but also upgrading current systems used on Laedenian military ships and aircraft. Political commentators still debate the motive behind the Laedenian military's effort to upgrade and improve its combat capabilities. It is unclear whether this is still a reaction to the operational weaknesses seen in the Sunset Isle Affair or if there is another reason behind the constant attempt to improve the equipment of the armed forces.

[San Jimenez]

San Jimenez, July, 2022

|YOUTH DAY OF PRAYER||INTERNATIONAL|

This week, the joint Youth Day of Prayer took place in Laeden. The event was the first of its kind to be organized in the Western Isles. The Catholic Church in San Jimenez and Laeden, two Catholic-majority countries, had organized the event with the aim of raising devotion in young Catholics and creating a sense of unity between the Church in the Eterna and Mesder Seas. Joining approximately 1 million attendees was Jimenean Archbishop Florencio Casias of the Archdiocese of Del Agua and Jimenean President Lucas Canone. President Canone was joined by his wife and his two children. The Jimenean leaders were followed by countless thousands of young Jimeneans on the pilgrimage to Laeden. Coverage of the event was prominent in San Jimenez, being covered in its entirety by the archdiocese's Del Agua News Network.

The Youth Day of Prayer lasted for a total of five days. The attendees of the Youth Day of Prayer were all aged 16-35 and mostly comprised of Laedenians with a strong showing of Jimenean pilgrims. Significant minorities of citizens of other Catholic countries in the region were also in attendance. Individual priests led most of the pilgrimage groups from the Jimenean archdiocese. Those in San Jimenez who were unable to make their trip relied on diocesan events which followed along virtually.

Pilgrims gathered for the rosary vigil on the fourth day of Youth Day of Prayer

The first day of the Youth Day of Prayer comprised mostly of the arrival of pilgrims in Laeden. While no official events were planned by the Youth Day of Prayer, individual Laedenian parishes and organizations hosted a variety of activities and festivals to welcome the incoming pilgrims. President Lucas Canone, upon his arrival, met with Laedenian political leaders and Archbishop Casias.

On the second day of the event, the opening ceremony was conducted which included Laedenian and Jimenean clergy in a massive renewal of faith, when the attendees were asked to renew their baptismal promises as Catholics. Following the renewal of faith, hundreds of stations of priests were available to the crowd for the sacrament of reconciliation. Most of the evening comprised of prayers and speeches being led by the various religious and political leaders of both Laeden and San Jimenez.

On the third day, morning Mass offered by the Laedenian bishops is how most of the pilgrims began their day. Mass was then followed by individual sessions on the sacraments, the saints, and keynotes on how to live faithfully as a Catholic. In the afternoon, the Youth Day of Prayer Festival was conducted. The festival included games and activities for the attendees with musical performances from various Laedenian musicians. The festival allowed for an energetic cultural exchange between the different attendees.

The fourth day began similar to the third, with more sessions being offered for the attendees. The Stations of The Cross were conducted by various Laedenian parishes, each parish being one of the fourteen stations. From there, tours of (city name here) were offered for the attendees. The fourth day ended with a Mass offered by Archbishop Casias which was followed by a rosary vigil. Jimenean clergy led the rosary vigil which included the unveiling of an icon of Our Lady of Del Agua, a depiction of the Virgin Mary's apparition in San Jimenez in the early 9th century.

The fifth began with the closing ceremony of the Youth Day of Prayer. The fifth day involved local festivities that pilgrims were invited to take part in and some groups were able to visit Laedenian parishes and cathedrals. The heads of government of San Jimenez and Laeden met and discussed a variety of topics, the foremost being a possible trade agreement as well as plans to tie the two countries together culturally, economically, and militarily. In a press conference following the meeting, President Canone spoke with the GTG.

"I was honored to be able to be here in Laeden for such a beautiful display of faith. It was refreshing, for me particularly, to see so many young people gathered in one place. These young people are the hope of both our nations. To see their faith and devotion being improved with such enthusiasm ought to give hope to our people, hope for our future. Their understanding of one another, Laedenian and Jimenean, ought to be an indication of a future friendship that can be built on a firm foundation.

The Laedenian people received me and thousands of young Jimeneans with great compassion and for that I am grateful. It was a pleasure to speak with you, eat with you, and pray with you in your great country."

[Lesva]

Thursday, July 7

President of the Supreme National Carto Honorable Taica Berislavić replaces Honorable Pacton Inca as Chairman of the Council of Ministers

Honorable Taica Berislavić returns to the position of Chairman of the Council of Ministers, replacing Honorable Pacton Inca

Ahead of Friday's military parade in the national capital of the Throngist Republic of Lesva - Saela, as a late anniversary commemoration of the original June 21st general election that brought the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva to power, the Top National Leadership has performed another swap of some of the key Government Positions. The Throngist Movement Party of Lesva has nominated President of the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Honorable Taica Berislavić to assume the position of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva and Head of Government for a second time, succeeding incumbent Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Honorable Pacton Inca. Meanwhile, the position of President of the Supreme National Carto left by Honorable Taica Berislavić, would once again be assumed by incumbent Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Honorable Ari Iotuke, who previously was the first and longest-serving President of the Supreme National Carto prior to being appointed Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development. In turn, the position of Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development would be taken over by Honorable Pacton Inca, who is handing over the position of Chairman of the Council of Ministers.

In accordance with the traditional order of transfer and succession of government positions, outgoing Chairman of the Council of Ministers Honorable Pacton Inca addressed the Members of the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva at the Supreme National Carto, speaking in front of them from a podium. During the address, outgoing Chairman of the Council of Ministers Honorable Pacton Inca offered resignation and endorsed the succession. After the resignation was accepted and greeted with applause, outgoing President of the Supreme National Carto Honorable Taica Berislavić follow up with his speech, leaving the High Tribune occupied by the President of the Supreme National Carto and switching to the podium used by all speakers in front of the Party. In the speech, the outgoing President of the Supreme National Carto offered his own resignation from the position, which was accepted by the Party and greeted with applause. The final act by Honorable Taica Berislavić as President of the Supreme National Carto was declaring that the Party had accepted his own nomination for the position of Chairman of the Council of Ministers. Afterwards, Honorable Taica Berislavić returned to the podium for a second time, giving an address before the Party in acceptance of the position of Chairman of the Council of Ministers.

Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development Honorable Ari Iotuke returns to the position of President of the Supreme National Carto

Honorable Ari Iotuke returns to the position of the President of the Supreme National Carto, succeeding Honorable Taica Berislavić

What followed at the Supreme National Carto afterwards, was outgoing Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development of the Throngist Republic of Lesva Honorable Ari Iotuke addressing the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva from a podium, offering resignation from the position. After the Party had accepted it, Honorable Ari Iotuke then gave a second address from the podium, this time accepting the position of President of the Supreme National Carto of the Throngist Republic of Lesva, which he held the longest so far and has now comfortably returned to. Following the second address, the Party has voted in the new President of the Supreme National Carto.

Honorable Pacton Inca becomes Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development, succeeding Honorable Ari Iotuke

Honorable Pacton Inca succeeds Honorable Ari Iotuke as Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development

The third and final appointment was Honorable Pacton Inca. After transferring the position of Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Throngist Republic of Lesva back to Honorable Taica Berislavić, who would now hold it for a second time, and after Honorable Ari Iotuke transferred the position of Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development, Honorable Pacton Inca now approached the podium with the acceptance of the nomination and the appointment as Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development of the Throngist Republic of Lesva. After the address, the Party has voted in Honorable Pacton Inca as Minister of Technocratic Advancements and Development.

In other news

---

• Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Noie Verant in the Federation of Balnik, finalizing an arms deal. The Minister will return to the Throngist Republic of Lesva ahead of Friday's military parade.

[Veleste]

Velestian Civil Service bill is passed!

After months of debates, proposals and writing, the "VCS" bill originally proposed by Exterior Representative Moro-Aldo passed with majority in the General Council. Taking into effect in the next semester, young adults of 18 to 24 years old that served the 6 month obligatory Military Service will now have an option to be granted an apprentice job at any city of the Confederation (paid transport not included).

The bill goes almost the same as it was proposed: the service program will last for 6 months up to 2 years (depending on the job and the techinical difficulty of being an apprentice). After graduating as an apprentice the individual will recieve the third-class Medal of Labour, a Merit Diploma and an opportunity to keep working in the branch (if the enterprise or institution approves his continuation). The youngster will have the chance of changing the branch of the graduation in the first 3-4 months in case he finds it unsuitable for him as a profession.

The changes, however, is that the civil service is not obligatory to those who already got a more than 6 months job before the Military Service. Single children of parents who are past the 60 years old are also not obliged of the service and are counseled, if they want to partake in the service, to do it in a city nearby his parents.

Marshall and Exterior Representative Moro-Aldo spoke to the media after the resolution of the bill:

I am very happy to grant this opportunity to the young adults of Veleste who have been struggling in the post-modern market and its numerous complications. This bill represents more than you might think, it can be a life changer for someone's life.

RFID Minichips are at final testings!

After many researches, development and testing, the Radio-Frequency IDentification technology has just been introduced into the first velestian! Giacomo Tedesco, the head researcher of the confederational project volunteered to be the first human to test the technology.

I have been conducting this for so long, so why not me? Besides, I have been anxious to finally test in practice the benefits of NFC! - he points.

Debates in the General Council about the technology are intensifing and many opinions are divided, many councilers affirm that the official position of the Interior Representative Stupebant Konstantin will decided whether the RFID is going to be mandatory or voluntary. However he have avoided the case since the beginning of the project, "specialists" note that if he does not take a firm point the nation will be divided as the Council.

Viper Motors factory in Laeden under way!

The nation of Laeden is becoming the second nation of The Western Isles to recieve direct investments of VM, the construction of a assembly factory in the country will create jobs to thousands of inhabitants and will provide a great cut of price of the Trasso not only in Laeden but world-wide. The prediction of conclusion is uncertain but we have asked insiders of the company whom said it would take just a few months and it will come together to with a new facelift of the model! We wait for great expectations from the industry in the next few weeks.

[New Gough Island]

7/8/2022
Hartridge Times
New Gough Island

Heatwave and Drought Blasts New Gough Island



The last week of June began to show a warming trend across the country. That trend intensified starting on July 3, with temps reaching the heatwave threshold of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and then exceeding it. The New Gough Island Weather Service issued heat advisories and heat warnings for the entire country starting on July 4. The country already has been dealing with a severe drought, which started in the spring. The country has received 1/3 of what should be average precipitation to date. The average precipitation from January 1 to June 30, should be 500 mm to 650 mm (19.68 inches to 25.6 inches). Instead, the country in this year has received 167 mm to 217 mm (6.57 inches to 8.54 inches) of precipitation.

Most of the precipitation fell between January and March. With the months of April and June recording little to no precipitation at all and above normal warmth. Lakes, rivers, streams and other fresh water sources are running low. Yesterday has been the hottest day of the year so far and the hottest day since 1977. The worst is yet to come, with an extended stretch of 30+ degrees Celsius (86+ degrees Fahrenheit) days in the forecast. Temperatures could reach a level never seen before in country; temperatures could blast to 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) in the interior, away from the effects of the ocean.

Another record, never seen before could be the first tropical night ever recorded in the country. 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher for a low temperature. The highest probability is for the south of the country, urban centers, or the Southern Isles. Because of the threat of heat related injury or deaths, the country has opened cooling centers in buildings, such as community centers, libraries, and transit centers. There is hope that comes with a catch. There are predictions that welcomed rainfall could return, as early as Sunday and continue for next week. Sunday, high temperatures, combined with high humidity, could present a severe thunderstorm risk. The risk of lightening, high winds, heavy rainfall, and even hail are all possible Sunday.

Hartridge City Weather Forecast in Fahrenheit


Hartridge City Weather Forecast in Celsius

[Costavozka]

The Truth of Costavozka

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July 12^th, 2022

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Accident at Nuclear Power Station Prompts Safety Reviews

NEW EDEVAR, July 7-
Following a nationwide power outage on the 11th of June- caused by a power surge- an investigation was launched to find the cause. Until just two days ago, it was unknown. Now, officials from the Costavozkan Nuclear Power Department have revealed the source of the troublesome power surge, which was only the tip of the iceberg.

At 18:45:21 hours (local time) on the 10th of June, the Jorgi Velderik National Nuclear Power Station underwent a loss of power in Reactor Unit No. 3. The reactor had been stalled by an experimental automated control software, so manual control of the reactor was assumed at 18:46:21 hours. As scheduled, the plant underwent a shift change at midnight, with the shift supervisor informing the oncoming shift of the problem and cause. A manual restart of the reactor unit was then attempted at 03:40:00 hours. However, a glitched caused by the experimental software led to incorrect calculations of Xenon-135 levels within the reactor, which- in turn- led to a loss of control over the reaction rates, leading to the power spike- which began at 03:52:45 hours- which caused the blackout, prompting multiple alarms from the runaway reaction and power outage. At 03:53:00, the emergency power generating systems were enabled automatically, and the reactor was shut down by the ESB-3 (Emergency SCRAM Button) a second later. The reactor was supposed to have been flooded with coolant water when the button was pressed, however, the power outage had caused a short-circuit in the electronic valve opener due to the wires being damaged from an unknown source, preventing this from happening. This was noticed by the one of the technicians (who shall remain anonymous) who reported this, donned a protective suit, and entered the reactor building at 04:12:32 hours, opening the valve by 04:15:18 hours. The technician noted that the radiation levels inside the building exceeded normal, however, were not high enough to be considered unsafe to be in the building at the time. The technician left the building at 04:19:10 hours. Disaster response teams assumed control of the plant at 04:20:00 hours. No other further incidents occurred. No other reactor units were damaged, and the remaining three are continuing to operate. While the release of emergency cooling water did aid in cooling the core, it was not enough to save it entirely. A significant portion of the core is believed to have melted, and corium is believed to have been formed within the core, but there is no sign of any breach of the secondary containment structure or the corium spreading chambers. At this time, the full damage to the core remains unknown. There were no major radiation leaks outside the building. No one was harmed. We assure you, the reactor design is safe, and the software problem has been fixed. There is no risk to the general public. We believe this to be an INES-4 event at the most, given the available information at this time.

Despite the reassurances from reliable sources, this accident has led several notable critics of nuclear power to once more voice their concerns, and a sizable protest on nuclear power has occurred just earlier this morning in New Edevar. An outcry from other groups is advocating for more transparency within government reports. We here at the Truth of Costavozka will keep you informed as the situation continues to progress.

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Costavozkan Armed Forces to Hold Parade Celebrating Jorgi Velderik's 150th Birthday

NEW EDEVAR, July 12-
The 150th birthday of the famed Jorgi Velderik- the war hero and Costavozka's First Chancellor- has been a celebration in planning for years. With the date of the 20th of July rapidly approaching, the Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that the Costavozkan Armed Forces will be holding a parade in Capital Square in New Edevar on the date. Foreign nations are invited to provide media coverage and even send representatives or military units to participate in the parade.

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|| Other News: Ministry of Transportation announces creation of national airline- Air Costavozka- to start operations in Fall 2022. | Ministry of Economics requests foreign tech companies to expand to Costavozka. "We would be most grateful for your support and happy to do business with you". | Ministry of Economics eyes further relaxation of international trade restrictions. | Military to resume readiness drills. ||

[Lesva]

Lesva buys air defense system from Balnik

The Throngist Republic of Lesva has made a purchase of an air defense system from the Federation of Balnik

Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Captain General Noie Verant is in the Federation of Balnik, finalizing the purchase of an air defense system from the Federation of Balnik. According to the Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces, this purchase has been negotiated between Balniki and Lesvan governments for a while and now it has been finalized, with the specific purchase having been made. According to Captain General Noie Verant, there have been negotiations made to purchase other weapons' systems and military equipment as well, but not everything that Lesva is looking for, was immediately available at this point at time, therefore, the allies settled on an air defense system, which the Ministry of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces and the General Staff of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces concluded that Lesva needs the most right now and something that was the most scarce for the military and the homeland overall.

Following the finalization of the purchase, Minister of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces Captain General Noie Verant stated the following to the journalists:

"We are not at war with anybody and we are not planning to go to war with anybody, so there should be no discomfort felt over Lesva arming itself or undergoing the process of healthy and necessary militarization. All is done in the name of national security. The Ministry of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces and the General Staff of the Lesvan Throngist Armed Forces have concluded that Lesva's air defense capabilities are not in line with what the Throngist Movement Party of Lesva wants to see. We felt that our air defense capabilities do not match our set goals and our country was too vulnerable to hypothetical hostile aerial attacks, until today. So instead of waiting for the more difficult days to come and not be prepared for them, when Lesva might be in the face of a direct military threat, we do not want our country to be an easy target. We can't afford to let our country be an easy target. This purchase is, for lack of a better word, an "investment" into our security for the uncertain future when we might face security challenges, so it is better to take pre-emptive, preventive measures, which could also help work for the sake of deterrence, so that we do not have any security challenges in the first place. We are not doing anything unusual here. Our people should sleep calmly and enjoy life, because we are doing everything to ensure that they have peace. The Party is here to serve our citizens."

[Stosal]

Pro Domino Scribimus

Volume 21, 2022

MAIN EVENT

[size=150]Holy Council passes media bill/size]

Ida Sione

The Holy Council of the Lucian Church has passed a new bill to create a religious media organisation. It has been funded heavily, and is reported to be across all platforms of communication. A spokesman for the Council stated it was to benefit education and lessen so-called secret heretical influence in Stosal. It is also rumoured to be entering the online space, despite only one in three people in Stosal having access to a computer, and even less to the internet.

[Scaedia]

Online Edition

Concerns Over Reproduction Rates as Scaedia Dips Below Replacement Rate

ALLIN — Economists in the Bureau for Economic Growth have raised concerns over Scaedia's decreasing birth rates. In the year 2020 the average adult woman had 1.83 live births, with projections suggesting that the rate will continue to decline. With economists also predicting an oncoming recession, many are concerned that the fertility rates will drop drastically as couples avoid having children because of the financial burden. Along with the financial burden a child brings an concerns over economic opportunity, there are several factors that are believed to contribute to declining fertility. Contraceptives were legalized in Scaedia in the year 1998 and since then there has been an expected decline in the birthrate, though many choose not to use contraceptives over religious concerns. Women have also entered the workplace at much higher rates in recent years leading many of them to avoid having children over concerns of them interfering with their career ambitions. Theorists may disagree on the primary factor contributing to this decline, though one thing remains clear: Scaedia is heading towards a crisis economists are preemptively calling "Greydia."

The current generation of senior citizens in Scaedia are experiencing the longest life expectancy the nation has ever seen, especially when compared to the relatively short life expectancy found during the years of the Nationalist regime. This has the inadvertent effect of causing financial strain for the city, county, and national governments of Scaedia. Research funded by the National Commission for Aging suggests that the life expectancy of Scaeds will continue increasing as higher quality medical care is becoming more accessible. Increased state pensions and expansions of the Scaedic Health Care System have also allowed elderly Scaeds to find a better quality of life with earlier retirements. Unfortunately, this also means that the financial burdens of the elderly in Scaedia have almost entirely fallen on the state's shoulders. Should the birth rate continue to stay in its downwards trend, there may come a day where the elderly so greatly outweigh the young in the nation that the government will no longer be able to care for them.

Solutions for the problem have been discussed by various government organizations. Some members of the Conservative Party as well as the smaller Family Values Party have advocated for a return to the illegality of contraceptives. More liberal politicians, including President Ashi Banglar, have suggested expanding the tax credits granted to growing families. Universally politicians are opposed to budget cuts that will directly affect the elderly, such as reducing state pensions. However there are some politicians, including the president, who have voiced support for reducing funding for the Scaedic Health Care System and allowing the expansion of private health insurance companies. Supporters of the Scaedic Health Care System observe that reducing its funding may contribute to the declining fertility rates as many expecting mothers will lose access to pre-natal and post-natal care necessary to keep many pregnancies safe. Whatever the solution may be, many Scaeds worry about the greying of the nation.

International Conference for Religious Unity to Be Hosted by the Scaedic Humanists Society

TAFDE — The Scaedic Humanists Society, a humanitarian non-profit headquartered in the city of Tafde, has announced the International Conference for Religious Unity will take place from the 8th of August until the 11th. The conference will be hosted in the capital city of Allin in the newly constructed Bomarned Conference Hall. The conference hall is found in the Public Annex of the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is currently being expanded to house a greater number embassies in a centralized campus. The conference, while not state-sponsored, has received the full endorsement of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Scaedia who believes the event will help “form connections with foreign nations by finding common ground in spirituality.”

The conference will feature panels and presentations from various religious groups. The keynote speaker for the event will be Reverend Mikel Pandel of the Tafde First Lutheran Church, who will deliver a speech titled “Cooperation Across Faiths.” Other featured speakers will include foreign religious leaders of various indigenous, eastern, and western faiths. The conference will conclude with a closed-doors roundtable discussing how religions seemingly opposed to each other can cooperate to bring a better, more peaceful future to The Western Isles.

The Scaedic Humanists Society was established in 1989 following the end of the Second Scaedic Civil War. The organization was founded by concerned religious leaders who feared that the way the nationalist government utilized religion as a tool to control the public opinion would discourage individuals from trusting religious institutions in the future. The name of the society was chosen to disconnect itself from any specific organized religion, though most of the founding members were Christians. The society has since raised funds for various causes, such as establishing an orphanage in the Wake Isles following their floods or helping persecuted religious minorities seek asylum in safer nations. In recent years, the society has moved towards a more international humanitarian role as can be seen with their newly planned conference.

[Keverai]

First RSG Recruits gain full accreditation
Serratatl, Keverai

20 July 2022

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The first full batch of recruits in the Regional Security Group program established last September have passed their tests and are being sent back to their communities. The first three hundred, who are from the state of Newes, represent a triumph for the Keveraite Government who has been grappling with how to best assert control outside of the cities for years now. This program marks the first definitive step that a Keveraite Government has taken in the 1940s to tailor its approach in order for government authorities directly to be looking after its citizens far away from the main centres of the nation. With these new soldiers are the hopes of a nation weary about the division and inequality that exists between rural towns and the large, glistening cities. Now comes the time to assign them to their various posts, with the government saying that all graduates from the program will have the opportunity to be stationed in their own towns or they can volunteer to be moved to somewhere else. Darene Madara exclusively spoke to some of the members of “Class 1” in an undisclosed location in western Newes State.

Here’s what they said:

“In my town we had three choices. Either you work on the farm, work at a shop in town or go to the cities to get a job. This seems like a respectable profession that allows me to gain new skills and serve my community.”

“I am looking forward to being part of keeping our towns protected and not having to pay someone from out of town to do it.”

“There are so many threats our admittedly small, normally irrelevant towns have both from within and around us. These Regional Security Groups allow the people of Keverai to protect the people of Keverai. I am very happy to be a small part of that.”

The Home Affairs Director also offered his remarks at the graduation ceremony, which occurred in view of the Palai D’Amiens in Kertalin.

“You, graduates of Class 1, you represent the future not only of your own towns who should be very proud of what you have done over the past 8 months. You represent the hopes for a brighter tomorrow in the regions of Keverai. You represent a stronger Keverai. This is not pressure - it is a reality. You all have already exceeded our expectations in your commitment, your stamina and your loyalty to your communities and the things which make Keverai great. We look forward to seeing this program go to higher and higher heights, particularly with such a talented and committed class as you all are growing into senior ranks and becoming mentors for many years to come.”

The President also briefly mentioned the recruits in a press conference on an unrelated topic, stating that he was excited to see the possibilities that these recruits represent and embody.

However, the program is not without controversy. “Class 1” have already been criticised for some of the public comments that they have made since their graduation and also acts they have done in the past with many having links to or engaged in racism against Aprosians or ethnically charged confrontations between townspeople and the informal Aprosian communities that often spring up around formally gazetted Ahnslen townships. However, these have been dismissed by their trainers and low level Keveraite officials as being unsurprising given the places they are coming from. An anonymous bureaucrat in Kertalin described to Darene Madara this reality.

“They are all racist out there. If you were looking for someone who liked the Aprosians, they either live here in Kertalin reasonably far away from them or would simply refuse to pick up a gun, period. The Government had to make a strategic calculation and it chose the security of its people over the small chance that illegal immigrants may lose out under this program.”

Ultimately, it seems as if it is in how that calculation plays out in practice and how Keveraites will respond to it that will determine the success of this program. President Renaut since taking office has made a number of reforms, however it is quite possible that by announcing and backing this program he is prepared to make rural development - a vexed if not forgotten issue - his political legacy.

[Uprea]

14th Edition of 2022, Mid July

Government confirms abduction of Doraltic National

20th of July 2022,
Vasca, Federal Republic of Uprea

In an official statement from the Ministry of Interior, the existing rumors of the abduction of a doraltic tourist have now been confirmed. Ever since Mid June, when leaked footage of a security camera showed the abduction, many have speculated if this was a staged prank, overall fake footage or if it was actually real.
The footage showed the doraltic national, whose identity is still unknown, as he was standing outside of a shop on the main beach boulevard of Cantavila in the late evening. When a black van pulled up next to him, several black hooded people jumped out and dragged him into the vehicle. The whole sequence, which only takes about 20 seconds, seems highly organized and planned very strategically, despite happening in open public.
Minister of the Interior Lucas Flores in the statement released two days ago:

After reviewing the footage and interviewing with eye witnesses, we now have confirmation that this was a planned abduction of a doraltic national. A special task force has now taken over the case from the Abduction Crimes Unit and will continue to investigate in this matter. As a nation that prides itself for its safety, not only for its citizens but for tourists and foreigners in general as well, we take this matter incredibly serious. We have already reached out to the Government of Dormill and Stiura in order to collaborate in this matter and will do everything in our power to free the abducted person and bring the people who did this to justice.
If you have valuable information regarding this case, please contact the police or the Ministry of Interior directly. Because of the nature of this crime, we do not have any evidence pointing of the direction of more abductions that might occur in the future. As such there is no need to carry out anymore precautions than one does already.

Currently there is not much more information regarding many aspects of this case. The identity of the attackers, as well as the victim are still unknown. We will update you on further developments.

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Uprea in the Round of 8 of the TWIIBL

19th of June 2022,
Port Lesrell, Federal Republic of Uprea

The TWI International Basketball League is in full motion and the Group Phase of the Tournament is now finished. Starting in the Group A with Uprea where the nations of Corindia, Stosal, The Kayevies and Aeteros. Uprea came out victorous in all four games played in the Group Phase, clearly having the upper hand in all of the games. A magnificent, but also expected performance from the Islanders under Coach Paulo Florencio.
Paulo Florencio in a Post-Game Interview with PortaSport:

I am very satisfied with the team so far. We had our doubts coming into the League that we would struggle coming from a long NUBL season, but our doubts proved to be wrong so far. The Team has a good chemistry and we have high hopes going into the Round of 8. Thank you to all of the uprean supporters for coming out to the game and I expect to see al of you in the upcoming games as well!

Uprea will now advance into the Round of 8, facing of in a Three-Game-Series against the Number 2 Place of Group A, The Kayevies.

In other News:
- Lesva buys Air Defense System from Balnik.
- Worrisome Nuclear Power Plant Incident in Costavozka.
- Concerns over Reproduction Rates in Scaedia.