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Renovations and Preparations
With the Imperial Ball nearing, the renovations on the Imperial Palace have taken high priority. The renovations are scheduled for completion in 13 weeks (13 IRL days). With leaders reserving themselves for the Ball, chefs, musical artist, and show performers are preparing themselves for the show to represent Vashnal.
Infiny and Kolfronia
"From what I can tell, he's quickly growing to like it." Friedrich said pausing for a moment. "But from the looks of it he's liking the manor we bought him even more. Quite the view and the manor itself is incredibly beautiful. Personally I'm quite pleased that we could buy him such a nice place so close to the University."
Reichministry of Foreign Affairs
~ RSVP
On Behalf of His Majesty, The Kaiser of Eraus and Mascovia, we would like to announce our plan to send an official to represent his Majesty. If the Kaiser himself can not attend, which at this current time seems possible. As the event nears we will send another message announcing who the Reich plans to send to represent us.
Department of Defense
Work on the USS Union (CVN-82), USS Saratoga (CVN-83), USS George Patton (DDG-1014), USS Curtis Lemay (DDG-1015), and USS Leslie Groves (DDG-1016) has reached the 80% mark and once completed will begin 6 months of sea trials and weapons testing in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In addition to this announcement, the following ships have completed their sea trials and are now in full service on both the West and East Coast: USS Panama (OPV-01) USS Virgin Islands (OPV-02), USS Maui (OPV-03) and USS Kauai (OPV-04). The following ships will begin work at a more steady pace in shipyards in Texas, Puerto Rico, Florida and Maine: USS Yorktown (CVN-84), USS Lexington (CVN-85), USS Lewis Nixon (DDG-1017), USS George Custer (DDG-1018) and USS Daniel Inouye (DDG-1019). Work on the USS Arizona (BBG-01) and USS New York (BBG-02) has reached the 30% mark and will proceed as normal and that the USS South Dakota and USS Washington are now undergoing deactivation and the handover process being handled by the Department of the Navy and the South Dakota Class Battleship Society.
Usari National News: Discussion Panel
Utility vs Lethality: A talk on Knives in the Usari Union
"Hello, Everyone, I'm Joshua Yusef and today we have something different for you. It has been a few months since the Mass Stabbing that took place at the Johannesburg Downtown Marketplace, and yet the debate has still been raging on. So today he have invited two of the most vocal government officials who have talked for both sides of the debate." The camera pans to show two men sitting at the ends of a table, with Yusef off to the side out of frame. "To the left, we have Captain Joel Newman from the Johannesburg Police Department representing the Pro-Weapons side of the debate." From the left side of the screen, Captain Newman's name appeared, as he tipped his hat to the camera. "And to the right, we have Mayor Samier Thompson, Speaking for the Anti-Weapons side of the debate." The Mayor adjusted his tie as his name appeared below him.
"For this segment, I will be acting as a mediator and making sure neither of you get too rowdy. Now let us begin with some viewer sent questions." The sound of papers ruffling offscreen could be heard. "Our first question comes from 'A Concerned Citizen'. They asked 'Ever since the ban on weapons from Director Yuso, I've been hearing of an increase of crimes involving deadly weapons. Is there anything to these claims?' Mayor Thompson, You may go first."
The mayor cleared his throat and began to speak. "Well um... Concerned Citizen, As far as I know, there has been no increase in such violence. In fact, In Johannesburg, the ban has lowered it drastically. There has been a total decrease in deaths involving deadly weapons like guns and knives, As I'm sure Captain Newman can attest to."
The moment the Captain was mentioned, he reached into a bag he brought and placed a document down on the table. "Yes, Statistic show there have been a decrease in deaths. But strangely while there has been a change in crime numbers, it's definitely not decreasing. The reason for this is that Mayor Thompson's staff has decided to lump in suicides by deadly weapons with deaths caused by crime. And what he has not said is the fact that crime has actually increased after this ban was put in place."
"Where are the studies to prove such a claim?" The mayor asked, to which the Captain slammed another document down.
"While it's not exactly a study, Crime Analyst from around the nation have all been reporting the increase in crime after the ban took place. Specifically Muggings, Shootings, Murders, Robberies, Break-ins, Rapes, and similar crimes."
"Well that's not-"
Yusef interrupted him by clearing his throat. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but we have reached the time limit with that question. Now unto the next. From another person who wishes to stay anonymous. 'Before asking my question, I feel a background is needed. I'm a young adult soon to be coming out of collage, And can only afford to live in what is considered the bad side of my town. If the current ban is amended to include knives as deadly weapons, are there any alternatives for use in self defense?' Mayor Thompson?"
"Ah yes, Should knives also be grouped inside the weapon's band, then I am certain things such as retractable baton's, Tasers, and pepper spray will still be an option."
"Actually, None of those are." The Police Captain said, in a matter of fact tone. "Retractable Batons were in the ban at the start because they could bludgeon someone to death, Tasers were added on after certain people started to modify them to go past their recommended voltage in order to kill, and many brands of Pepper Spray were found to be flammable, which lead to their addition to the ban. So really, you either have to go to expensive self defense classes to learn hand to hand combat or have to hope you can fend off anyone trying to attack you long enough for police to arrive."
The room was quiet for half a minute before the mayor gave a quite "Oh" in response. Yusef then cleared his throat and began to talk again. "Well um... I guess we'll head to our last question for now until next time. This comes from a Margret Fulter. 'My question is simple. Will knives for cooking still be allowed inside a home or will the ban come for those as well?' Mayor?"
"Ah well Mrs.Fulter, That would be fully up to the government to decide. Should the call for another ban go through, there will likely be a number of exceptions made for knives such as that, But I can not know for sure."
Captain Newman chuckled as the mayor finished. "I hope they would, otherwise people may need kiddy knives to eat their steaks."
"Well, I thank you both for coming out here to be part of this segment, but now we are out of time." Yusef said as the camera panned back to him. "Join us next time for more news on the Knife Ban Debate. I have been Joshua Yusef, along with Mayor Samier Thompson and Captain Joel Newman, Signing off."
Current RSVP List for Imperial Ball
As the Imperial Ball nears, a list has already been created for current RSVP-ed nations. The list is as follows:
(Nation - Representative)
Infiny - Empress Valeria
Vestlanda - Prime Minister Halstein Fauke & Kristian Fauke
Orange-bourgogne - Queen Claudia & Prince Alexander
Kolfronia - President Evald Raud & Kristi Raud
Eraus - TBA
Emperor Engelbrecht hopes that more nations do RSVP, but said is he fine if at least one shows. The Ball occurs in 13 weeks from now (13 IRL days) and preparations are still under way.
Infiny, Vestlanda, and Kolfronia
Gay Marriage Legalized
In light of showing the world that the Empire of Vashnal is a welcoming nation despite the negative connotations with the word "empire", Emperor Engelbrecht has put into law that gay marriage is now legalized nationwide. To his surprise, this law has been taken quite passively with the population of Vashnal. This mainly comes from the fact that the Emperor wants Prime Minister Halstein Fauke and his husband, of Vestlanda, to feel welcome in Vashnal. Engelbrecht also feels that marriage shouldn't be limited to an age-old doctrine or belief, and that love is universal between humans.
Infiny and Vestlanda
Response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In response to the invitation by 
The Refounded Nation of Vashnal, we are pleased to announce that the Kingdom of Gerdalle will send its representative to attend the Imperial Ball. The Kingdom of Gerdalle will be represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Luc Leclercq and his wife.
[signed]
Jean-Luc Leclercq
Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Queen Regent Irene has expressed an interest in attending the upcoming ball in Vashnal,” says the headline.
President Maria Asborn puts down her newspaper and ponders it for a moment.
Aside from coronations, the Queen hasn’t attended a formal ball or event in years, choosing to mainly remain within the safety of her palace. So why, is she attending this ball now? Asborn thinks to herself.
The door opens and she jumps up, startled. Alas, it is merely a chef from the kitchens, bringing her requested meal.
She sits back down at her desk, moving on to the next article.
Official correspondence
To: Engelbrecht, Emperor of Vashnal
From: Department of External Affairs, Orange-bourgogne
Subject: Imperial Ball
Encryption: None
Your Imperial Majesty,
The Cabinet of Orange-bourgogne has agreed that the Royal House of our nation sends a delegation in the name of His Majesty King Henry. However, as we noted that several other attendees send representatives of their governments as well, we would like to ask for permission to send a second delegation, this time in the name of the Cabinet.
If approved, the delegation will consist of these people:
1) Miss Nichola Pankhurst, Prime Minister;
2) Miss Madeleine FitzGerald, Secretary of State for Economic Affairs; and
3) myself.
[Signed]
Franklin Henderson
Secretary of State for External Affairs
President Roosevelt arrives in Orange-bourgogne
After a delay in his flight, President Roosevelt has arrived in Westminster to begin his State Visit in the United Kingdom. He has so far been greeted by crowds in the city as he has taken a tower of the Tower of (London) as he requested his detail to plan a visit to the location. He is expected to meet with the King and Prime Minister at a later date in the trip. Once he has completed his State Visit, he will head across the Channel and head to 
Labyrnna
Imperial Message
To: Department of External Affairs of Orange-bourgogne
From: Emperor Engelbrecht of Vashnal, via Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Dear Mr. Henderson,
I welcome any delegation as long as they are friendly to each and every one of my guests, no matter their feelings for each other. This second delegation is welcomed warmly into Vashnal. I hope to see everyone there.
Signed,
HIM, Wolfgang Engelbrecht
Announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Kingdom of Gerdalle would like to reach out to all nations of the world and estabilish diplomatic relations with all nations that are willing to do the same in regards to us. We're looking forward to your proposals.
[Signed]
Jean-Luc Leclercq
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Message from the Vashnallian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Empire of Vashnal would like to establish relations with the nation of Gerdalle. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sends Dr. Stepka Andrichuk. Dr. Andrichuk has a master's degree in political sciences.
[signed]
Katerina Burgos
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Speech from Emperor Engelbrecht
As we all know, I am holding a ball that is coming up soon. Many high-ranking persons from many nations are attending. I wish to show them the glory of Vashnal and that we are a great country, despite our past. For the ball, I've hired the finest chefs in the nation. I've hired the best musicians in the nation. The best theatre groups in the nation. I want to show the greats of Vashnal, showing the worst. The plays will tell the whole history of Vashnal.
You may ask why I am talking to you of these things. I am talking to you all because you are the ones I've hired. I didn't take some people that were established in the government. I want new. I want fresh. I want the visiting parties to have fun and be refreshed. My plan for this ball? Better relations with these nations. We need to make ourselves in this world. It is past time that we break out of our shell of isolation. No more isolationism for Vashnal. We will help nations, we will trade with nations, we will talk with nations. We are making Vashnal takes its first step onto the forefront of the world stage.
Today, the premier watched a series of military demonstrations held in the interior of the nation, commonly thought to be a show of force to their Korean enemies across the border, afterwords making a short speech encouraging the preservation of peace and stating that it would be in the national interest of Korea to avoid conflict with their neighbors.
Prime Minister Halstein Fauke has applauded the progressive and inclusive thinking of Emperor Engelbrecht of Vashnal. He wishes to make clear that the move towards legalizing gay marriage should not be attributed to himself, nor any other single person, but hopes that his openness around his own marriage can and has helped change the minds and hearts of many, including the Emperor.
Imperial Eagle and Unum deum
Imperial Broadcast Network/제국 방송 네트워크
In response to the act of Qiandan aggression, Empress Yi Dasom Ri has announced that the Imperial Army will increase its presence at the two nations shared border. As well as an increase of the Korean naval preciseness in the Sejong Sea (Yellow Sea) to insure that the Qiandans do not attempt to attack the great Korean State, with the navy being instructed to fire upon any and all Qiandan ships civilian or military that enter Korean Waters. As well as the airforce ordered to do the same to any civil or military aircrafts that enter Korean Airspace.
CDC issues warning about recent E. coli outbreak
An outbreak of E. Coli that first started in Arizona has spread to 22 other states today as the Center for Disease Control issued warnings about romaine lettuce and that stores, and those who have bought it, either whole heads of romaine lettuce or other, to throw it away at once as it cannot be determined which is clean and which is not. So far 98 people have been affected, with 46 being hospitalized due to the outbreak and so far, the CDC cannot determine where the outbreak came from and that it was only noticed in the lettuce first. If there are other farm goods affected by the outbreak, the CDC will issue warnings ASAP and advice that stores and major suppliers watch for signs in livestock for symptoms as well. So far, the CDC has stated this when it issued it's warning: “Do not buy or eat romaine lettuce at a grocery store or restaurant unless you can confirm it is not from the Yuma, Arizona, growing region,” the agency warned. It went on to state that “unless the source of the product is known, consumers anywhere in the United States who have any store-bought romaine lettuce at home should not eat it and should throw it away, even if some of it was eaten and no one has gotten sick.”
The CDC specifically advises:
Don’t eat or buy romaine lettuce unless you can confirm it is not from the Yuma, Ariz., growing region.
Product labels don’t always identify growing regions, so if you’re not sure, don’t eat it.
Avoid whole heads and hearts of romaine, chopped romaine, and salads and salad mixes containing romaine lettuce."
The lettuce is coming from the Yuma region, and it is specifically contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The bacterial infection generally causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that is often bloody, and vomiting; it may also cause a fever. Like many other food-borne illnesses, some infections are mild, whereas others can be dangerous.
According to CDC data, the last multistate outbreak of this magnitude was back in 2006. That outbreak was traced back to spinach and was linked to 238 illnesses and five deaths.
Like the 2006 outbreak, the CDC says the bacteria strain behind the current outbreak tends to cause more serious illnesses. Forty-six people have been hospitalized, including 10 with a form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The most recent illness began a week ago. No deaths have been reported.
Recalls of bagged greens seem to be happening with more frequency. In mid-April, more than 8,700 pounds of bagged ready-to-eat salads were recalled due to possible E. coli contamination. In December, the CDC warned of a multistate outbreak of E. coli linked to leafy greens, and in October, the FDA issued a recall of several types of salad kits due to potential listeria contamination.
In response to recent Korean actions, Qianda will similarly begin gradually increasing their presence at the Korean border and has issued reciprocal orders to its armed forces to terminate any Korean violator of its territory with “extreme prejudice”.
The Desk of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sotriuvania
Mr. Leclercq,
The Kingdom of Sotriuvania would be delighted to establish proper international relations with Gerdalle. If it so pleases your government, we have appointed Luigino Sordi, a former Foreign Intelligence Adviser to former President Gorna.
Regards,
Fabio Pisani
Minister of Foreign Affairs
_________________________________
From the Desk of Her Majesty Irene I of Sotriuvania
To His Majesty Emperor Engelbrecht of Vashnal
Emperor Engelbrecht,
The Queen of Sotriuvania, Irene I, would be happy to attend the ball being hosted in Vashnal. She will arrive a day in advance, if this is no issue to Your Majesty.
Sincerely,
Umberto Longo
Chief Adviser to the Crown
Post self-deleted by Imperial Eagle.
Freedom Station on track to completion
NASA's latest space venture, Freedom Station, a rotating wheel space station with partial earth gravity due to its unique design, is on track to be completed within 3 years and ready for a rotating crew to be stationed in orbit for several months at a time. The station will be fitted with living quarters, a greenhouse, water reclamation plants and a treatment plant for human waste, making it one of the most ambitious projects NASA has done in earth orbit. The planned manned mission to Mars has begun to take shape with astronauts being trained in a desert environment akin to that found on the Red Planet and NASA has planned to build what it is calling a biodome to see if such a structure can be built in the future on both the Moon and other celestial bodies in the Sol System. So far, this project will tkae several years or more to complete before being used in any future attempts a colonization of other stellar bodies in the Earth Sphere.
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