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SBC NEWS

Naval Forces dispatch vessels to assist in search for Ethian One

KARISTE, VA — The Commander of the Scalvian Naval Forces’ Western Fleet, Rear Admiral Karl Tsahkna has announced that the Scalvian Naval Forces will deploy frigate Commonwealth and heavy corvette Pakri to assist in the search of the downed Ethian One.

Background
Ethian One, the state aircraft of the FEU is believed to have crashed into the ocean off of Ethia’s Eastern Coast earlier today. Scalvian coastal radar stations informed that they had lost radar contact with the aircraft around six hours ago. The Prime Minister has convened an emergency session of the National Defence Committee and Federal MPs have been recalled to Kariste.

Scalvia Responds
The Scalvian Naval Forces have been quick to react, with the latest announcement of two ships to be deployed immediately to assist in the search. The Scalvian Air Force has launched ten sorties in an attempt to also find the aircraft. The President of the Commonwealth has issued a statement urging for calm and patience as Commonwealth and FEU units continue to try and locate Ethian One.

L'Aventure de l'Année Begins in Dessaix
The roughly 700km trip is the biggest competitive paddling race in Lanceria.

The race began to cheering crowds lining the start area.

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Marc Tonnac - Sept. 10th, 2024
The biggest paddling trip of the year began in Dessaix today as more than 250 paddlers begin the onerous journey from Dessaix to the southern shore of Lac Rouyer, a race with a distance of about 700km crossing almost half of Lanceria. Boats of many kinds are present in this year's race including kayaks, tripping and marathon canoes, and six to eight person voyageur canoes of up to 8.5 metres long.

"I've been a competitive marathon paddler for a while now, but I have yet to take on a trip of this length." said Frédéric Laburthe d’Humeaux, a renowned paddling athlete who travelled from Saintonge to participate in the race. "The race is gathering more and more notoriety around Eras and my partner and I are excited to push our limits to conquer it." Frédéric is one of around 50 participants that have travelled internationally to undertake the trip, many of whom have international competitive experience.

The race began with a sprint from the start line to each respective boat after which crews set out from Dessaix down the river to their first milestone of Lac du Verre Rouge. The intense journey is known to scratch out more than a few racers along the way following the river through the forests in Berthier and into the valleys of the mountains before reaching Lac Rouyer.

This is the 19th year the race has been organized and there's already rumors of big promotions for the 20th anniversary next year. To spectate, the Point Harlonne campground at Lac Rouyer will be open to receive the racers finishing the race. Regular pictures, updates, and the route can be found at aventureannee.com.

BAWASEKO SLIPS FURTHER INTO CHAOS AS PRESIDENT FLEES

7th October 2024

1 hour ago



[Downtown Sekongo, fires from unrest are visible]

The island nation of Bawaseko is no stranger to turmoil, the tiny nation of 1.5 million sitting at the crossroads of the world. A stretch of rock and jungle suspended in the blue of the Meterran sea, Bawaseko has been a colonial port, a dependency of the Astragonse Empire and until recently a major hub for shipping and oil production. The 70s saw the nation enter boom times as oil reserves and its position as a primary arterial shipping lane allowed the economy to grow rapidly.

Since 1995 the countries economy has been in sharp decline owing to a combination of shipping routes re-routing to the more profitable Tyrooz and Rio ports and shrinking oil revenue as its offshore deposits dried up. Inflation in the early 2000’s led to the local currency, the Kongelo, becoming essentially worthless. Corruption has been firmly entrenched ever since, kickbacks, graft and bribery, all everyday occurrences.

Some relief came in 2010 when Bashadh and Kashka purchased land in the countries’ rural zones in order to establish several research facilities. By large however the island continued to grow increasingly volatile, its economy shifting from stagnant to terminally in decline. By 2020 the republic of Bawaseko was an Astragonese economic dependency in all but name, its failing government propped up by Astragonese troops and its currency superseded by the Kashai in all walks of life.

Things came to a head in early 2024 when a nationalist revolt led by 500 officers from the islands self-defense force seized large areas of the capital in a bid to oust incumbent President Feliz Kadongo, the president’s cabinet soon began to fracture as multiple ministers fled the country or joined various rebel groups. As of yesterday President Kadongo is believed to have quit the country on the last flight out of Sekongo international airport likely headed for Saintonge.

With civil society in total collapse and thousands of refugees fleeing rebel groups, Astragon has reluctantly acted to stabilize the situation. The 14th expeditionary fleet of the Imperial Navy has blockaded the island, astragonese troops have created a fortified green zone in the former harbour area and marines from the 123rd Naval Infantry regiment are currently acting to secure all Astragonese interests on the island.



[Astragonese Marines on Patrol in Bawaseko]

The potential for things to escalate is immense, already communist groups in the rurals are believed to be clashing with nationalist militias and criminal gangs essentially rule the capital. Worse still is the looming humanitarian crisis, hundreds of thousands are without water, power or basic amenities and the refugee centres along the coast are overwhelmed. With the island lying on a few thousand miles from mainland Astragon the Exalted Empire has no desire to see the situation spiral.

“A no-fly zone is in effect around the island, our military will work with aid agencies to restore order to the island and ensure the safety of its people, we ask that all citizens of Bawaseko co-operate with peacekeeping forces and follow any and all instructions given” declared a spokesperson for the imperial government during today’s press conference

It remains to be seen if this struggling island nation can be pulled back from the brink of collapse.

The Empire is back!
Today, 27/10/2024, the despotic tyrant Micheal Duc was expelled from the Republic of Italy born a few years earlier following the march on Oswalburg by the red shirts.
The strong Italnovo people have decided to want the monarchy back! Former Kaiser Oswald III von Slowenien has been restored to his rightful throne!
General Franz von Richthofen was elected as Reichkanzler!
Long live the Kaiser and Italnovia!

SBC NEWS

MANHUNT FOR KAARLI SHOOTER EXPANDS

KAARLI, VA -- A massive manhunt is intensifying as law enforcement agencies across Scalvia continue their search for a suspect believed to be responsible for a deadly drive-by shooting earlier this week. The attack, which left four dead and several others injured, occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the Kaarli Primary School. Authorities are now urging the public to remain vigilant as the search expands nationwide.

The Attack
The attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon, around 3:24PM, when a lone gunman opened fire from inside a maroon sedan with an automatic rifle. Children were just being let out, and there was utter panic. Eyewitnesses report hearing at least twenty gunshots and panicked running and screaming as people dove for cover. Three children were pronounced dead at the scene, six others were taken to hospital, three of them critically injured. The shooting claimed its fourth victim yesterday, as another child died at Kariste University Hospital of their injuries, two others remain in critical, but stable, condition.
The Chief Superintendent of the Scalvian Federal Police, General Andrus Vahho released a statement that evening, reading in part:
"This senseless act of violence is unprecedented, as it targeted the most vulnerable members of our society in an utterly callous and inhuman manner. [...] We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

Expanding the search
The search initially confined to Kaarli and the local area has now been expanded to cover most of Eastern and Central Vaiga, and Central Selia, as law enforcement believes the suspect may have left the Kaarli area and may have crossed into Selia or gone west towards Kariste. The Scalvian Federal Police, Vaigan National Police, Pakri Police Service, and the Selian State Police are in close coordination as they attempt to track the suspect's movements. Traffic camera footage is being combed through across several major highways and increased Police patrols are underway along several major highways. The Commander of the Criminal Investigation Bureau of the SFP, Colonel Jānis Endzelīns, said in a statement:
"We are following up on several promising leads. At this point we are leaving no stone unturned, our Troopers are working around the clock to find the perpetrator."

A Shifting Investigation
There have been rumours that the shooter is affiliated with "The Ten Rings," a designated terrorist organisation which aims to internationally isolate Prydania through the use of terrorist attacks. These rumours are unconfirmed.
"We are not ruling anything out at this point" said Colonel Endzelīns, "This is a complex case and we are exploring all possible angles. We will be thorough and transparent with the public as we move forward."
Law enforcement has issued a formal warning for anyone who may have seen the suspect. They are asking residents to come forward with any sightings or information that could lead to an arrest.
"If anyone knows anything, no matter how small it may seem, please come forward. Your cooperation is vital to our investigation." said Colonel Endzelīns.

If you have any information, you are encouraged to contact the Vaigan National Police tip line at +31 6800101, the Scalvian Federal Police tip line at +31 670121, or the local Police Detachment. Tips can be submitted anonymously.

SBC NEWS

Scalvian Federal Police Trooper Ambushed on Trans-Scalvian Highway by Suspect in Kaarli Primary School Mass Shooting

KARISTE, VA — A violent ambush along the Trans-Scalvian Highway tonight left a Scalvian Federal trooper critically injured, and a suspect in the recent Kaarli Primary School shooting in custody following a tense standoff with law enforcement. The attack marked a shocking turn in the ongoing manhunt for Erik Vainola, the 31-year-old man now accused of carrying out a mass shooting at Kaarli Primary School, which left four people dead and five others injured.

The ambush, which unfolded just east of Kariste, involved a suspect thought to have been on the run for a week. Vainola was wanted for his brutal attack at the primary school on November 12, 2024, where he carried out a drive-by shooting as students were being let out. Authorities had issued a nationwide alert for Vainola, who had vanished seemingly without a trace following the shooting.

The Ambush

The incident occurred at approximately 5:45 PM when Trooper Jacques DeJean, a 16-year veteran of the Scalvian Federal Police, was conducting a routine patrol along the Trans-Scalvian Highway, which stretches from Kariste to Dogaži. DeJean, 41, had been briefed on the manhunt for Vainola and was actively monitoring traffic for any signs of the suspect. A maroon sedan, which matched the description of a vehicle linked to Vainola’s escape, was flagged by the trooper.

When DeJean initiated a high risk stop, the suspect opened fire from inside the vehicle as DeJean gave commands, catching the trooper off guard. At least three rounds struck Trooper DeJean, including one in the shoulder and another in the abdomen. Despite his wounds, DeJean managed to dive behind his patrol car, returning fire with his patrol rifle while simultaneously calling for backup.

“It all happened so fast,” Trooper DeJean said from his hospital bed. “I didn’t have time to think. I just reacted, tried to get behind the car, and radioed for help. I knew if I didn’t survive, he’d just keep going.”

Vainola, realizing the officer was still alive and alerting dispatch, sped off into the nearby suburbs, attempting to escape the scene on foot, his vehicle having multiple tires shot out in the exchange. Trooper DeJean remained behind cover, with his call for backup leading to a rapid response from the Kariste Metropolitan Police Department and the SFP, as well as troopers from the Vaigan National Police.

The Response

Within minutes, KMPD officers, including the elite STAR unit, were on the scene, as well as local SFP and VNP reinforcements. The area was quickly surrounded. Despite the overwhelming presence of law enforcement, Vainola’s previous military background and knowledge of the neighbourhood gave him a distinct advantage.

"We knew we were dealing with someone highly dangerous and trained," said Lieutenant Viktor Mäeots, commander of the KMPD STAR unit. "He wasn’t going to go down easily. Our first priority was making sure there were no civilians in harm’s way while we contained the area."

The search for the suspect was intense, with officers systematically closing in on his last known location. A helicopter identified Vainola in a cul-de-sac, attempting to acquire a new vehicle to disappear once more. Officers quickly established a cordon around the area, as law enforcement urged people to stay inside their homes. Vainola, taking cover behind a parked car, fired sporadically at the advancing officers, wounding two KMPD officers as they pulled up in a patrol car.

The Standoff and Capture

After nearly an hour of tense standoff, law enforcement teams had finally cornered Vainola in the cul-de-sac. He continued to fire at officers, who had by now formed a secure perimeter around the area. The standoff came to a violent conclusion when a police sniper, positioned at a safe distance, neutralized the threat by shooting Vainola in the arm, incapacitating him. He was immediately subdued and taken into custody, bloodied but alive, having also received wounds from his previous confrontation with Trooper DeJean.

"We have accomplished what we set out to do," said Major Iveta Dūka, spokesperson for the Scalvian Federal Police. "And that was to ensure that the public was safe, and that the person responsible for this was arrested without any other persons being killed."

Vainola was found to be armed with an automatic rifle, a handgun, and several magazines of ammunition, which had been stashed in the vehicle he had used to flee. Officers also discovered explosives, which were safely disarmed by bomb disposal experts on site. Vainola, now in police custody, faces multiple charges, including four counts of first degree murder, twelve counts of first degree attempted murder, and two counts of terrorism.

Trooper DeJean’s Condition

Trooper DeJean was airlifted to the University of Kariste Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to treat his injuries. Doctors have reported that while his condition remains serious, his prognosis is positive. He is expected to make a full recovery, although it will be weeks or even months before he is able to return to duty.

"I’m just grateful to be alive," Trooper DeJean said in a brief statement. "I couldn’t have done it without the backup from my colleagues. They’re the real heroes in this."

DeJean’s courage in the face of a dangerous, armed assailant has drawn praise from both his fellow officers and the general public. His quick actions, despite being wounded, are credited with preventing a potentially much larger tragedy.

The Kaarli Primary School Shooting

Erik Vainola’s violent rampage at Kaarli Primary School had occurred just seven days before the ambush, on November 12. Armed with an automatic rifle, Vainola opened fire from his vehicle as school was being let out, killing four children and injuring five others. Vainola, a former teacher’s aide at the school, had reportedly been experiencing personal and financial stress, leading him to harbor grievances against the school administration and the Government as a whole.

The attack sent shockwaves through the town of Kaarli, with many struggling to make sense of the horror of an act of violence in such a typically safe town. Authorities quickly launched a manhunt for Vainola, but he managed to evade capture for several days, using his local knowledge and training to stay one step ahead of the police.

"We never expected something like this to happen," said Anna Sandre, a teacher at Kaarli Primary School. "We knew Erik had issues, but no one ever imagined he would do something so terrible."

The Road Ahead

With Vainola in custody, police are now piecing together the details of his actions leading up to the shooting and his attempt to evade capture. Investigators are analyzing his personal and professional life, hoping to understand the deeper motivations behind his violent outburst.

"The motive is still unclear, but we are working tirelessly to understand what led to this," said Colonel Jānis Endzelīns, Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigation Bureau of the SFP. "What we do know is that Vainola was a man with deep-seated grievances, but we are committed to ensuring that justice is served for the victims."

Commonwealth Prosecutors have already announced that they will be seeking the death penalty for Vainola.

In the meantime, Kaarli and Scalvia as a whole continue to mourn the tragic events at Kaarli Primary School. The ambush of Trooper DeJean, while resolved, underscores the growing threat of lone-wolf violence in a world increasingly marked by radicalized individuals.

"The road to healing is long," said Mayor Harri Kala of Kaarli. "But today, we can at least take comfort knowing that this man will face justice, and the threat is finally over."

For now, Trooper DeJean’s family, colleagues, and the cities of Kariste and Kaarli await the full recovery of their hero, and reflect on the resilience and courage that define the officers who keep them safe.

Adonai-Jireh- Yaakov Ben Domnall, better known as the Viedéo star Mr. Feast, has announced his entry into politics. Mr. Ben Domnall announced, at a rally in Adonai-Jireh, that he would stand as a candidate for the Protect Against the IBC Party in the upcoming A-J municipal elections. Mr. Ben Domnall, next to PAIBCP founder Ezra Baum, promised he'd bring the same work ethic to representing the people of the country's capital that made him Viedéo's most subscribed Iraelian content creator.


Two Peas in a Pod?
The move shocked a number of people. Mr. Ben Domnall, who first rose to fame on Viedéo in 2012 with his shidachila (eating contest) videos, had never previously shown any political inclination one way or another. Indeed, such a move would have been deemed bad for his brand. As the self-styled Mr. Feast transitioned from shidachila videos to charity challenge videos (often still involving food in some way) his channel grew into a bonafide production company. Mr. Ben Domnall has lent his likeness and name to a fast food franchise, Mr. Feast Burger, and a chocolate bar, Snackables. The latter of which has become somewhat infamous for his repeated claims that it's "the best chocolate bar in the world," and claiming it's better than long-standing chocolate bar mainstay, the Santonian Vanceunebrock. Staying politically neutral allowed Mr. Feast's content appeal to a wider range of viewers. And his audience, mostly aged 10-20, was never particularly politically active.

Still, there is common ground here. The Protect Against the IBC Party's sole immediate policy goal is the elimination of the IBC rights fees, arguing for a less burdensome system akin to Saintonge or Prydania where said fees for national broadcasters are worked into the tax structure, or like Scalvia's CBC where the national broadcaster is self-sufficient through independent means. By aligning with the Protect Against the IBC Party Mr. Feast garuntees he won't alienate anyone who might lean blue, red, or orange too much. Yellow, after all, is a friendly colour.


Additionally, the Protect Against the IBC Party was, like Mr. Feast's fame, born on Viedéo. Ezra Baum, an IBC accountant for over twenty years, took to Viedéo to start the "Ezra Baum One Man Broadcasting Station" after he turned whistleblower to expose some corrupt IBC accounting practices. His content began small scale, talking about a culture of stagnation and ideological conformity at the IBC (indeed, the national broadcaster has been accoused of having a right wing bias) before his channel exploded with unfounded allegations that the IBC had ties to organized crime. It was the success of his Viedéo channel that allowed Mr. Baum to launch the Protect Against the IBC Party. So bringing on another Iraelian Viedéo star- indeed Iraelia's most subscribed to Viedéo star- isn't that crazy.

Mr. Feast Hopes to Gobble Up the Political Arena
"The IBC represents old media," Mr. Feast said at the rally where he announced his new affiliation. "Be it the IBC offices in Adonai-Jireh or the movie industry in Sharhazed, old media has been surpassed by what I and others have done on Viedéo, and this party is proof! Lets hear it for the Feast Gangstas!" Mr. Feast proclaimed, calling on his online fanbase.
"So when I decided to get involved, I decided to join a party that shares my values, the values of the next generation. We're gonna win, 'cause that's what we do, Feast Gangsta Nation!"

There are Skeptics Because... Come On
Still, skepitcs remain. Firstly, as stated, Mr. Feast's online audience ranges to primarily male 10-20 year olds. Most of whom cannot vote. So translating his immense online popularity into electoral popularity might be tough.

Additionally Mr. Feast has landed in hot water recently. He's been feeling some negative pushback for the first time since he hit it big by hosting a challenge on Viedéo called "The Greatest Kosh Challenge of All Time" where he gave away ₪500,000 (over 135,000 IBU) to the winner of a Kosh-themed shidachila in Astragon. Kosh food and drink products are banned for sale in Iraelia (and most of the world) due to severe health concerns over the ingredients used, and Mr. Feast faced criticism that he was putting desperate teens and young adults at risk by consuming dangerous products to win money.

Still, Protect Against the IBC Party leader Ezra Baum was bullish.
"Mr. Ben Domnall is a trusted man to millions of Iraelians, and he's going to make believers out of the rest of them! Mark my words!"

A NATION MOURNS

NOVO ETHIUM, F.E.U.

One of the largest cities in Ethia fell silent today as the presidential hearse made its slow and solemn journey from the Presidential Villa toward its final destination at All Faith National Temple, mourners lined the streets in deathly silence as the hearse passed, there were tears and hats removed but no outcry or stirring, the nation instead chose quiet, dignified grief. This silence was only occasionally broken as the nearby old Ethium arsenal conducted a salute with its artillery, the ancient guns booming ominously as the rest of the city remained still.

The Funeral was delayed by several weeks due to multiple factors ranging from the ongoing terrorist investigation and the sheer number of dead being recovered and identified from the Ethian one crash site, Finally after months of painful waiting the day of mourning arrived. At the head of the procession in his marine greys was President Cain, the acting president accompanied the presidential family including first wife Albertine Winters as they made the long march to the temple. A detachment from the storied 221st All-Ethian infantry division served as honour guard for the procession, overhead the 99th Naval Aviation Wing flew low with black smoke trailing in their wake.

When the procession arrived at the temple the presidents coffin was borne into the temple by six military officers, one for each state of the Union, the casket was then blessed in turn by the faith leaders of the country's major religions, the Patriarch of Volshan, the high druid of Tovaegh, the high priest of Messia and the Arch-Bishop of the Courantist church in Ethia. In a speech commentators have described as equal parts grim and vengeful the president had this to say:

"Today we mourn, we bury a great man who was taken from us by the worst scum eras could muster, we bury Jean Aristide Winters today, but i promise you that tomorrow his murderers will have caskets of their own!"

The late president was beloved by large sections of the country thanks to his impressive economic record, having steered the country out of the 2012 Aurorian Recession with innovative bailout policies and growth initiatives, Winters was also an avid supporter of job creation and promotion of Ethian industry to the wider world. A familiar face on the global scene, the President is widely considered to have been one of the greatest ambassadors the F.E.U has ever possessed, visiting countless countries on every continent during his tenure as president. The fact that he his death occurred at the height of his popularity during an election year will likely serve to make the nations grief even more intense, after several more speeches and commiserations from foreign dignitaries, the coffin was carefully interred in one of the sacred vaults of the national temple. President winters faded from the eyes of his people, but not from their hearts or minds where his spectre is likely to remain for generations after.

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OSAICHI CITY, SHINJI -- Osaichi, one of the eleven metropolitan wards of Shinji and the most populous, has officially banned drinking alcohol in public with the new law passed by the city council yesterday. The drinking ban, which was first proposed to the city council by councilwoman Sanae Yamaguchi last year in September, aims to curb the disturbance caused by drunk people in Osaichi's crowded streets - especially after 10 PM. The law now requires all purchased alcohol to be drunk strictly indoors, either at one's home, or inside an establishment selling alcohol, thus rendering public drinking in streets, parks and public areas illegal. The punishment has been declared ₩28,000 ($183) for drinks from 4% to 12% alcohol per volume, later progressing to ₩40,000 ($262) for 12% to 24%, ₩65,000 ($425) for 24% to 50% and ₩115,000 ($750) for 50% and higher. The Shinji Metropolitan Police has issued warnings both for tourists and the local population to not bring their alcoholic drinks outside and enjoy drinking in bars, hotels, restaurants, pubs and residences. Mayor Édouard Takeda has mentioned the new ban during his speech on NHK-Kyowara today with TV presenter Shizuka Toyotomi, addressing it as "beneficial for social harmony and a testament of the fact that one's liberties end as soon as it interferes with someone else's", while the ban remains controversial among the residents of the ward. Shops have been spotted to display warning signs about the hefty fines one can possibly face for breaking the law.

This is not the first time Shinji has witnessed laws restricting the use of alcohol. In 2018, all eleven wards of the Kyonese capital unanimously voted to ban alcohol sale from 22.00 to 06.00 for convenience stores, markets and liqueur stores to avoid disturbances caused by drunken people late at night. Research by not-for-profit research foundation Isaida-ta has shown that the new ban is mostly popular among citizens aged 45 to 65 and over, while the 18-24 age bracket has voiced opposition, expected to damage Takeda's approval rates coming from the young population for the local elections coming up in February.