User:Symposium/News of Kalseri/2020

December

Ureska: "It's been a tough year"

EVALRIA, 2020-12-25. In the traditional Christmas Night message, broadcast at 7 PM across all nationwide channels, President Maksimilianus Ureska said that "there are many adjectives to describe this year, but uneventful and normal are not among those."

He mentioned the many acts of sacrifice, the many small deeds previously given for granted that had to be called off due to this extraordinary fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He then lauded all Kalșerians, both in Kalșeri and outside, for their resilience, never-ending courage and kindness.

The President concluded his message with his personal hopes that 2021 will be the first of the "era of a new normality". With his message over, he read five letters from children throughout the country and congratulated the Henriville Calansériens (KIHC), Olympia Takalim (Premier) and Zeitgeist Chalmersville (National), the Evalria Hawks (AKBL), Las Encinas Stars (KBF) and the Bluegolds of Cowhill (KALMORA) for their victories in their respective disciplines and their ability to show that "nothing can stop the excellence of sports in Kalșeri".

No more public dress codes in Tigupoke starting on New Year's Day

COWHILL, TG, 2020-12-17. The Clothing Freedom Act, passed by the General Assembly 39-2, has been signed into law by Governor Bobby Blanchard Jr, which will become effective on January 1, 2021.

The Act will abolish all dress codes in public spaces, including museums, schools and cantonal offices, as well as decriminalize nudism and put an end to the "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service" policy in many stores across the canton. The Act provides an exception for "workplaces or situations in which the lack of proper gear may lead to severe injuries or death".

Why the Audacia experiment failed

HOLBEK, EV, 2020-12-14. In light of Audacia FC's relegation to the Challenge League, and a somewhat embarrassing one at that, considering that owner Furqan al-Jurjani proudly stated that winning the Premier League was "very feasible", the question almost raises itself: what happened? Why did Audacia's bold plan to win the Premier League right after winning the Challenge League fail – and why so spectacularly?

1. Audacia didn't have the players necessary to pursue such a goal. Audacia wasted no time in reinforcing their squad, buying the likes of Harts's hot prospect Jon Pettey and Ted Pulanski, Folkestone City's experienced striker. Despite their remarkable expenditure, through big salaries and shrewd moves, the squad had serious problems in the defense department, and Pulanski wasn't as prolific a striker as they had made him out to be. Of course, Audacia's marketing wasn't always successful, as the last-minute steal of their star right-back Danny Mohus by the Eagles was entirely preventable, or as the much-hyped Nuno Alves da Souza routinely transformed into a nervous wreck when placed in front of bigger clubs.
2. Audacia didn't have the structures necessary to pursue such a goal. Fenshaw Road seats about 5,300 people: Haughey Field in Carnafarry, NK, the next smallest stadium, can seat three times that number – and it's not even Carnafarry AFC's primary stadium. Audacia also has little say over the pre-existing structures surrounding the stadium, which is owned by the Borough, meaning that squabbles and schedule conflicts are frequent, making for an awkward training session, either at improbable times or at improbable places, sometimes having to go to Emin.
3. Manager Jake Raysom's gambits didn't fool anyone in the PL. This should be obvious, but apparently Audacia didn't get the memo: just because your tactics work against one club doesn't automatically mean that they will work against someone else. Raysom's attempts at appearing weaker than the opponents and then crushing them worked brilliantly in the Challenge League, where most clubs lack the tactical experience, but they failed miserably in the Premier League, often backfiring: the 3-0 loss to relegation favorites Hutch Ferox gave an improbable ray of hope to the Janvalian team. The most damning factor, however, wasn't that the trick didn't work: it's that they had no plan B for when the gambit inevitably failed, often leading to a cowardly retreat to try and stop a barrage of goals from happening.
4. Audacia's lack of history hurt their credibility. Al-Jurjani's goal was clear: become the best club in Kalșeri. While funding was in their favor, the club lacked passion: even as the club tried to forge a fan base in the city, especially in their home borough of Holbek, Audacia's reputation as just another soulless Man City clone played against them. It's true that they are still a young club, but unlike Harts, whose history can boast three titles in the 1980s, when they were still named Hartleyville City SC, Audacia's background is unremarkable at best: neither Holbek Borough Recreational Club ("HolRec") nor St. John's Sports Union, the two clubs from which Audacia was born, went much higher than the former Gateway League Two, and often played in amateur championships. The only reason Audacia started in the National League was that they bought their way in there.
5. As a natural consequence of #4, who even supports Audacia? This isn't to say that Audacia didn't try to build its own base of loyal supporters, as the numerous ad campaigns and crazy merch promotions had some degree of success, but they failed to tackle their main problem: the Evalrian soccer market already has three big options, and their names are Citizens, Jucunditas and Cavaliers. And that is without mentioning the many local clubs that make up the Evalrian sporting ecosystem, including their neighbors of Evalria United.
6. It just wasn't feasible. Let's face it: defeating Evalria Citizens, Olympia Takalim FC and Gymnasium Percy 58, three of the most experienced and decorated clubs in the country, is no small talk, especially when we take into consideration that these three were the strongest contenders to win the League this year. We all love the story of a minnow defeating a titan, but Audacia's hopes of featuring as the "unlikely winner" – sometimes taunting the other party – were sorely misplaced. As a matter of fact, it was Audacia, of all clubs, who allowed Olympia Takalim to win the League one week in advance, thanks to a 5-0 battering at the hands of Ol' Miss.

Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic certainly didn't help things, but Audacia could – and should – have worked on their weaknesses to mitigate this humiliation, if not outright prevent it.

Sen. John Q. Smathers not seeking re-election

CARNAFARRY, NK, 2020-12-08. In a press conference, John Q. Smathers (LDP), Senator for New Kerry since 1997, has announced that he will not stand for re-election in 2021.

It is unclear whom the Liberal Democrats will choose to succeed Smathers. The Social Cooperation Party, however, are expected to count on activist Shauna McMilligan, whose charisma may give the Reds the first Senate seat in thirty years.

Tom Kowalczyk appointed Governor of Quincollia

VEMÍN, QN, 2020-12-07. In a three-day voting session that came to a close just this morning, Tom Kowalczyk (LDP), Mayor of Eustace, QN, has been appointed temporary Governor by the mayors and managers of the 38 Quincollian counties, who constitute the Constituent Assembly.

His tenure is expected to cover the entirety of 2021 at least. "I don't know when my time will be up," said Kowalczyk, "but what I do know is that I'll have to work hard to put Quincollia on the map." Depending on how long it will take for the Constituent Assembly to ratify the Cantonal Constitution, Kowalczyk's term may cover from one year and a half to two years.

Greg Stephanidis confirms 2022 TK governor run

LENNOXTON, TK, 2020-12-05. Greg Stephanidis, 2019 presidential candidate for the Liberal Democratic Party, has made clear his intentions to run as Governor of Takalim.

Stephanidis can rely on his experience within the Canton, as he served as Kalșerian Representative for the District of Daly (TK) from 2007 to 2017 and as Spokesperson for the Majority in the Takalim Cantonal Assembly from 2007 to 2009.

An Absolut poll has shown high support for Stephanidis as Governor, overtaking fellow Liberal Democrats such as Dave Rehmer.

"Which Liberal Democrat do you think should be elected Governor of Takalim?", Absolut, 2020-12-01

Candidate	% of preferences
Greg Stephanidis	35
Judy Bernese	28
Mike Arnaud	13
Renata Hías	5
Dave Rehmer	2
Others	5
Undecided	12

Since 2014, a candidate may be elected Governor of Takalim twice, meaning that if Stephanidis wins in 2022, he will be able to seek re-election in 2026.

Lulu Phillips praises Ramy X on program

EVALRIA, 2020-12-04. Model and presidential candidate Lulu Phillips has posted a Tweet in which she praised Ramy X's program and positions. "For the first time in in my life, I can openly state my support for someone", said Phillips. "If I drop out, he's my first choice."

Ramy X thanked Phillips a few hours later, stating that "together, we can bring sense back to Kalșeri."

Ramy X 2024 campaign website launched

EVALRIA, 2020-12-02. Rapper Ramy X has announced the launch of his 2024 presidential campaign website by tweeting its link.

Between the time of the announcement and the day of the launch of the website, Ramy X has asked his followers, as well as political pundits, to help him develop his own view by asking questions, to which he answered.

Issue	Position
Restrictions imposed due to COVID-19	"Restricting the God-given freedoms is something a dictator would do, and that's unacceptable."
State financing of renewable energy	"We oughta stop killing the planet. We need to go green."
Minimum hourly wage	"Everyone has the right to live a comfortable life. Most politicians think people can live with ħ40/h. While I don't disagree with that, I think we can go further: how about ħ50/hour?"
Creed Organizations Act 2016	"I think it's wack. Get that shit off."
Online defamation	"We need to do everything we can to stop people from feeling like they're not welcome on the Internet."
LGBT+ marriages	"Live and let live. Love and let love."
LGBT+ discrimination and defamation laws	"I can respect the idea behind them, but applying them is hella tricky. Until we can draw clear boundaries, I'm afraid I'll have to say no."
Abortion	"Every time a baby is denied the right to live, God weeps. I can't stand for that."
Legalization of cannabis	"Weed doesn't kill. It should be legal."
Capital punishment	"Everyone has the right to live, no matter what they've done. We need to give a second chance."
Defunding the police	"We need to put an end to police brutality, and if it means defunding the police is necessary, I'll more than allow it."
Permanence in the NATO	"We need to ask the citizens before we jump the gun."
Religion in schools	"If students wish to learn about the word of God, let 'em."
Naming laws	"Who are these people to tell me what I can or can't name my child? Like, shut up, already."
Mandatory vaccination	"I don't know, it sounds like a plot to enslave us all."
Conscription	"Forcing people to serve is what a madman would do."
Sale of firearms	"We need to stop killing. We need to stop violence. We need to stop giving out weapons like candy."
Status of the Health Service	"Keep it! Why on Earth would you put the right to a good life behind a paywall?"
Education	"Learning is a fundamental right. Learning the basics of anything is a duty. But we need to change how we're learning: teachers should be looked up to in respect, not fear."
Universal Basic Income	"We need to lend a hand to the poor. Everyone should have enough money to get through the day."

Ureska signs Quincollia Act into law

EVALRIA, 2020-12-01. As promised, President Maksimilianus Ureska has signed into law the Act of Cantonal Constitution of Quincollia.

"Quincollians, you now have a canton to call home." tweeted Ureska, soon after signing the bill. He then replied to his tweet, saying that "[t]his goes beyond the usual dialectic. It's a matter of keeping your word and giving people what they wish for."

Quincollia will become the first canton to be formed since 1991, when Cape Sundervale was handed over from the United Kingdom. As part of the act, the 38 mayors of the now-Quincollian counties will nominate one among them to serve as Governor while the Constituent Assembly drafts the cantonal constitution.

November

Senate approves Quincollia Act

EVALRIA, 2020-11-26. The Senate has approved the Act of Cantonal Constitution of Quincollia, with nineteen senators voting for, one against and six abstained.

President Maksimilianus Ureska reiterated his support for the Quincollian cause, tweeting that "[he] will sign the Quincollia Act into law as soon as it is presented to [him]."

Kalșerian celebrities pay tribute to Maradona

EVALRIA, 2020-11-25. Following the death of Argentine soccer legend Diego Armando Maradona at age 60, several famous Kalșerians paid their tributes.

President Maksimilianus Ureska tweeted:

Today, we have lost a legend. Even with his flaws, Maradona was unmatched. My deepest condolences to Argentina, to Naples and to everyone else around him.

Senator Tony DeLuca (SCP-LG) set his profile picture to black on Twitter and wrote:

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Diego Armando #Maradona. He was an important part of my childhood, and the main reason I became a footballer. Ciao Diego.

Former President Alejandra Ríos Soriano wrote on Facebook "Hoy murió el fútbol. Gracias por todo, Diego." ("Today, football died. Thanks for everything, Diego.")

Renatus Lágan suspended on Twitter

STERLINGTON, LN, 2020-11-22. After months of uneasy tolerance, Twitter has had enough: Renatus Lágan's account on the website was suspended earlier today. When confronted about the suspension, Twitter stated that Matthew Chandler's cousin has been permanently suspended for several instances of violation of their rules, including:

1. making unsubstantiated claims about the existence and origin of COVID-19;
2. making hateful remarks towards Jews, Muslims, transgender individuals and black people;
3. promoting white nationalists;
4. making "pro-pedophilia" remarks;
5. making unsubstantiated claims about the US election;
6. harassing several actresses and activists;
7. publishing home addresses of several journalists;
8. incitement – when Lágan posted his own home address and told a Twitter user to send him a bomb package following an argument.

Lágan had previously been warned about his tweets – and temporarily suspended – several times prior to the suspension. His daughter Margerita tweeted:

just learned that my father has been banned for good. normally i'd fight for him, but he has really let himself go.

Other family members have not commented on the permanent suspension yet.

Skelling seat to hold vote on January 10, 2021

HENDRICKS, LG, 2020-11-21. In the afternoon, Tom Kenney, Cantonal Secretary of Internal Affairs, announced that Governor Michael O'Toole has accepted the joint proposal of the Provincial Magistrates of Emin and Rișen to hold the by-election for the Skelling House seat on Sunday, January 10, 2021.

Lág is one of the majority of cantons which have set a 90-day deadline to fill a vacated House seat.

The district of Skelling, split between the provinces of Emin and Rișen and consisting of the counties of Midway and Coleman, was formerly occupied by John Hellwig (L), who had won thanks to an LDP-Libertarian coalition in 2012.

Rick Gosling appointed Libertarian House Whip

EVALRIA, 2020-11-20. Following the resignation of John Hellwig, Representative for Lág and Spokesperson for the Libertarian Party in the House, Hon. Rick Gosling, Representative for Westgate (JV), has been appointed Spokesperson for the party.

Quincollia Act approved by House of Reps

EVALRIA, 2020-11-19. The Act of Constitution of the Canton of Quincollia, submitted on November 12, has met the quorum of votes in favor. More precisely, 158 representatives voted for, 19 against and the remaining 23 did not vote. The quick times under which the bill was approved may be explained by the House Rules, which state that "a clear outcome" of either approval or rejection must be made known within eight working days after the submission of the bill.

The next step towards the establishment of Quincollia is the forwarding of the act to the Senate; there, the bill will have to meet the same 3/5 quorum to be sent to the President.

Kalúen 2021, SCP members choose Iensi for Governor

PERCY, KL, 2020-11-17 Today, the Kaluonic section of the Social Cooperation Party announced in a press conference that Kamila Iensi, Mayor of Falșak since 2015 and presidential candidate in 2019, has been nominated as the party's candidate for Governor of Kalúen, defeating Senator Grant Hornwood in the second round. More than fifty thousand party members sent their votes by mail from November 1 to November 15.

Due to restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, an online debate was held on October 26. Polls stated that Iensi and Hornwood were the only credible candidates for the nomination.

Results of the SCP postal primary

Candidate	First round votes (%)	Second round votes (%)
Kamila Iensi	20,454 (36.4%)	29,408 (54.4%)
Grant Hornwood	18,487 (32.9%)	24,650 (45.6%)
Martin Caldwell	8,036 (14.3%)	Eliminated
Leonard Jonckheer	4,552 (8.1%)	Eliminated
Jacob Ray Hennings	3,259 (5.8%)	Eliminated
Francene Holstadter	1,011 (1.8%)	Eliminated
Blank votes	225 (0.4%)	–
Invalid votes	169 (0.3%)	–
Total votes	56,193 (100%)	54,058 (96.2% Total)

John Hellwig resigns

EVALRIA, 2020-11-16. In a press release published across all social media, the Libertarian Party announced that John Hellwig, Party Whip in the House and Representative for Skelling (LG), has resigned from both offices, after being investigated for possession of child pornography.

Kalșerians,
It has been an honor serving as the main voice for the Libertarians. Under my term as the Party Representative in the House, our party has reached its highest ever consensus.
But today, I have something to confess: I did it. I owned that account spreading that material harmful to society. I will not try to hide behind fleeting lies, because that will only make this unenviable situation even worse.
I have failed you. I have brought shame to the Party, to my colleagues, but most importantly, to you all. I have tainted my own reputation and hurt others. The electors in my constituency of Skelling, Lág, elected me to duly serve as their voice in Congress. Now, though, I have breached such trust, and I no longer deserve to represent my district. For this, I have no other choice but to resign both as Party Representative and as a member of the House of Representatives.
I take the opportunity to clarify to Party President Mr. Damian Feynman that the police officers in Geeseekulkoo did not try and get a confession out of me by force: I collaborated with them, and they collaborated with me.
I ask not for forgiveness, for I understand that such a vile act cannot be justified in any way.
Let this moment of shame be the tipping point for the Party – and everyone else – to start taking the menace of pedophilia seriously.
Farewell.
Hon. John M. Hellwig, 2020-11-16.

Under New Lothian law, Hellwig will potentially be stripped of his ability to run for any public office for fifteen years after his release from prison.

Libertarian Whip John Hellwig confesses to owning "suspicious" account

GEESEEKULKOO, LN, 2020-11-14. In a public briefing, Sheriff W. Sherman McNally said that Libertarian House Whip John Hellwig confessed to owning the Reddit account distributing lewd material featuring minors, apparently "unable to cope with the associated guilt". The Sheriff also mentioned that Hellwig "may resign from his position" in the next days.

Damian Feynman, President of the Libertarian Party, questioned the truthfulness of Hellwig's confession, stating that it was "released under stress and probably cohercion".

Rick Garner hints at 2024 run, Antenucci not interested

2020-11-13. In an interview with SBXA-TV (Channel 7, Chalmersville), Rick Garner said that he "might run in 2024" if his campaign for Mayor of Chalmersville fails.

Richard Yancy Garner, son of former President Phil Garner, served as President of the Chalmersville Transportation Authority from 2005 to 2018.

On the other hand, entrepreneur and fellow Liberal Democrat Giancarlo Antenucci denied having any interest running for President. "There are people who are better-suited for that office than me", said Antenucci. "I'd bring nothing new to the table."

Ramy X confirms 2024 run

EVALRIA, 2020-11-09. Rapper and singer Ramy X has confirmed his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election through an Instagram post.

He later tweeted that his program and campaign website "are in the works".

Quincollia referendum results are in, McDarby new Representative

VEMÍN, QN, 2020-11-09. The Quincollia referendum was approved in the House districts of Tweehauzen, New Cromartyshire and Poxton, for a total of about 450,000 inhabitants. It was rejected in the districts of Varșvai and Hiram Daly, meaning that these two will stay in New Lothian.

Results of the Quincollia referendum

House District	% Yes	% No
Tweehauzen	57.5%	43.5%
New Cromartyshire	63.1%	36.9%
Poxton	54.6%	45.4%
Varșvai	42.9%	57.1%
Hiram Daly	46.3%	53.7%

The next step towards the creation of the Canton of Quincollia is the submission of the Act of Constitution of the Canton of Quincollia in the House of Representatives, which will then have to approve it with a 3/5 majority for it to go to the Senate. There, Senators will vote on the Act, with a 3/5 majority being the quorum for it to be forwarded to the President, who will then sign it.

Meanwhile, in New Cromartyshire, Liberal Democrat Jane McDarby reached the absolute majority of votes in the first round, with a lead of almost 30 percentage points over runner-up Tomas Sílorsi (SCP).

Results of the New Cromartyshire by-election

Candidate		Votes (%)
	Jane McDarby (LDP)	51,367 (52.2%)
	Tomas Sílorsi (SCP)	23,322 (23.7%)
	Kamila Noși (L)	12,202 (12.4%)
	Henry Chandler II (M4A)	8,561 (8.7%)
	John T. Busch (Ind.)	789 (0.8%)
	Tyler Cobb (K4C)	414 (0.42%)
	Egidius Șansi (SRG)	315 (0.32%)
	Betty Smith (Pirate)	298 (0.3%)
	Anna Takale (ȘS)	211 (0.21%)
	Tucker Wojcik (Comm.)	198 (0.2%)
	Harry Pentek	38 (0.038%)
Invalid votes		689 (0.7%)
Total votes		98,405 (100%)

SCP and LDP introduce changes to primaries

EVALRIA, 2020-11-08. Following internal votes, the two major parties have introduced changes to how their primaries will be carried out in 2024.

The Social Cooperation Party has merged the primaries of New Kerry and Cape Sundervale: Sundervellian party members will therefore vote on Great Wednesday, and their votes will be counted together with those of New Kerry.

The Liberal Democrats have accepted 2019 candidate Chris Gershwin's proposal to award party delegates proportionally in a single round of voting.

Feynman denies that high-ranking Libertarians own CP

EVALRIA, 2020-11-07. Following the Geeseekulkoo's claims, Damian Feynman, President and former Secretary of the Libertarian Party, has bluntly denied that any of his high-ranking colleagues within the party owns child pornography "to [his] knowledge, at least." He went on to state that it is party policy to expel "openly problematic" members.

Secretary Fulgêncio G. Skrippner declared that "if you touch children, you violate the NAP; if you violate the NAP, don't bother calling yourself a Libertarian."

Suspicious social account linked to Hon. Hellwig

HENDRICKS, LG, 2020-11-06. The Geeseekulkoo Police Department claims to have found a Reddit account posting, asking for and encouraging the possession of sexual content involving children, most often lewd Japanese-style drawings of underaged characters.

Upon investigating that account and Libertarian House Whip John Hellwig's online mannerisms, police officers concluded that the likelihood of Hellwig owning that account is "suspiciously high".

Șáșnegi not planning to run for President in 2024

HORACE, LG, 2020-11-05. Aleksandrus Șáșnegi, President of the Social Cooperation Party, has stated that contrary to what The Golden Sun reported, he is "not interested" in running for President in the next election right now.

Șáșnegi lost to Sebastianus Linș in 2009, and withdrew months before the nomination process in 2019.

Alannah Friel appointed Senator for life for New Kerry

BALLINA, NK, 2020-11-03. Alannah Friel, one of New Kerry's finest artists and art critics, has been appointed Senator for life for the canton by President Maksimilianus Ureska, on advice of Governor Vivian O'Keeffe.

Born in 1961, Friel graduated from the University of New Kerry, and has since become a prominent voice for the New Kerrian artistic scene, hosting several programs of cultural importance, such as On the Green on Kal2 for the first three seasons. She currently runs an art studio with her husband.

Friel will be sworn in next Monday. Physical attendance for the inauguration ceremony will be restricted to relatives of the new Senator; the ceremony will be broadcast live on the website of the Senate.

Geeseekulkoo raid reveals suspected involvement of Hon. Hellwig

GEESEEKULKOO, LN, 2020-11-02. "During the interrogation, Jim Pritcher, Secretary of the Geeseekulkoo Libertarian Party, revealed that the indecent material he downloaded was given to him by Dick Uppschlaf, the President of the New Lothianer section of the golden party, who supposedly had a phone call with House Party Whip John Hellwig." These are the words by W. Sherman McNally, a Sheriff of the Geeseekulkoo Police Department.

Hellwig, noted for proposing a "streamlining" of age of consent laws and famously called for the Libertarian abstention from voting on the Sexual Interspecies Relations Act of 2018, will be questioned in the next days to determine the truthfulness of Pritcher's claims.

Bob Blaskin, the other detained Libertarian politician, admitted to possessing images depicting "minor-like characters" in sexual situations on his computer, while pointing out that the characters in the pictures only looked minor, hiding their true age.

Under New Lothian law, possession of "indecent content featuring minors in sexual situations of any kind" is a felony, and can lead to a seven-to-ten-year prison sentence and a lifetime registration in the cantonal Sex Offenders Log, which will ban the accused of "handling any tasks involving minors".

October

SCP to hold Kalúen gubernatorial primaries by mail

PERCY, KL, 2020-10-30. The Kaluonic section of the Social Cooperation Party stated on dispatchr that the party primaries to select the candidate for the gubernatorial election on October 17, 2021 – the same day as the election for the second cantonal seat in the Senate – will take place from November 1 to November 15, 2020.

During this period, party members living in Kalúen will be able to request a ballot paper to be sent from their county's electoral office to their home by mail.

17 people arrested in CP police raid

GEESEEKULKOO, LN, 2020-10-28. The Geeseekulkoo Police Department has arrested 17 people, as part of an operation to crack down on possession and distribution of pornography featuring minors.

Among the arrested are Jim Pritcher, 39, Secretary of the Geeseekulkoo section of the Libertarian Party, and Bob Blaskin, 32, President of the Jenkins County section of the same party. Both Pritcher and Blaskin define themselves as "minor-attracted person[s]" on Twitter, and both advocate for the lowering of the age of consent in New Lothian – from 16 with parental consent or 18 without, to 14.

New Whig Party website launched

PERCY, KL, 2020-10-26. The New Whig Party has published a post on dispatchr, liked by Governor Kortin Sau, which links to the newly-created website of the party, newwhigs.kl

The New Whigs state that they are a "spiritual successor" to the Whig Party of the nineteenth century, which was a prominent voice in the Kalșerian politics of the time, and that they promote social liberalism and the "improvement of the State-citizens dialogue".

Kortin Sau to run on a Whig ticket

PERCY, KL, 2020-10-25. Incumbent Kalúen Governor Andréas Kortin Sau has declared that he will be running under a "Whig Party" ticket, where he will group all Kaluonians who "want to keep walking down the path of progress without turning the establishment upside-down", defining the project as a "center party of sorts".

It is yet to be specified whether the Whig project is intended to be a one-time solution or the future of Kortin Sau's political career – and maybe not just his –, and it is still unclear whether he and the Libertarians have reached an agreement.

Jefferson Davis Municipal Arena to be renamed

VEMÍN, LN, 2020-10-24. Following the Black Lives Matter protests throughout Kalșeri and the subsequent Confederate Removal Act signed by Governor Henry McIntyre, Vemín Sports and Tourism Councillor Karl Faulkner announced that The Jefferson Davis Municipal Arena will be renamed to "rid it of the racially insensitive nature of everything connected to the name". The social media pages of the Arena had already dropped the "Jefferson Davis" part in 2018, calling itself "Vemín Municipal Arena".

Built in 1978, the Arena was named this way by then-Mayor George E. Barnstone, in honor of Jefferson Davis, who served as the only President of the Confederate States. The first signs of protest came from the Black community in the city, who filed a failed petition to rename the place. Since 2011, the Arena has been home to the Vemín Riflemen, a basketball team playing in the KBF.

NK Senator for life Bob Durnin to resign

EVALRIA, 2020-10-23. Bob Durnin, New Kerry's Senator for life, stated that he will resign within the next week, citing his old age and "reduced physical capabilities". Editor-in-chief of the Rinnacade Daily Star from 1972 to 2013 and President of the New Kerrian Journalists' Association from 1977 to 2013, Durnin was appointed Senator for life in 2013, by President Sebastianus Linș, following the death of legendary Carnafarry Emeralds coach Chuck Hoygren. At 87, Durnin is the oldest of all Senators.

Once the letter of resignation is sent to Senate President Lisa Smithson-Ricciardi, President Ureska will have to appoint a new Senator for life within the next three months. Senators for life are often appointed following the advice of the cantonal Representatives, the Governor and the cantonal legislature. Should the President not meet the three-month deadline, Governor Vivian O'Keeffe (NKP) and the New Kerry Cantonal Assembly will appoint one.

Perennial candidate Arthur Mulls passes away

TANKWOOD CO., LN, 2020-10-22. Arthur Mulls, mechanic, artist and perennial candidate from Ridgewood, Tankwood County, LN, has passed away at the age of 63. His brother Robert was the first to announce it on Facebook:

Arthur,
You always fought for what's right. You never gave up or settled for less than the best. Everyone around you loved and respected you. We still do now, more than ever.
Rest In Peace. 💔😢

Born in 1957, Mulls graduated from a professional formation school in Hartleyville with a title in Vehicle Engineering; in his spare time, he liked to create works of art from pieces of scrap metal he got while working. His involvement in politics begain in 1998, when he announced that he would be running for President, also running in 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2019. He also achieved national fame after creating a blog, in which he documented his thoughts on several matters, such as UFOs, the Rosby Bay Military Aviation Center, the Murphyville Murders and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last moments of his life, he was in hospital for a serious form of pneumonia, with which he had been diagnosed a few months prior.

Mulls is survived by his mother Ruth, Robert and Janice, his brother and sister-in-law, respectively, his ex-wife Suzanne, his son Arthur Jr, and his niblings George, Simon and Diana.

Falkorian activists praise Quincollians on referendum

HAYWORTHSVILLE, KL, 2020-10-21. After two years of online inactivity, the Falkorian Cantonhood Association, based in Hayworthsville, published a post on Facebook:

We would like to congratulate our Quincollian brothers for achieving this fundamental step toward establishing themselves as a free voice in the Kalșerian political landscape. We are aware that the referendum has yet to take place, but it is still good news that Quincollians have decided to hold this once-in-a-generation vote on such an important matter.

The Falkorian Cantonhood Association is one of the more prominent unions for the secession of the so-called Kaluonic Panhandle from Kalúen. The relationship between the Panhandle and the cantonal government in Percy has always been rather uneasy: one prime example is the municipalities of the area blocking the construction of Highway 1 before reaching an agreement with Percy, under which the affected municipalities would be financially compensated for any distress.

Nakamura Jr. to run for Senator

PERCY, KL, 2020-10-20. Kenny Nakamura, son of former Minister Richard Nakamura and President of the Japanese-Kalșerian Solidarity Association, announced that he is running for Senator in 2021, seeking to defeat Grant Hornwood (SCP), who is also trying to achieve the party nomination for Governor of Kalúen.

He has also denied The Golden Sun's rumors of a potential presidential run in 2024.

Kalúen, LDP eyes Hennings, SCP to hold primary election, Kortin Sau goes indy

PERCY, KL, 2020-10-19. With the withdrawal of Andréas Kortin Sau from the Liberal Democratic Party, the Kaluonic section of the blue party is currently considering Jacob Ray Hennings, defeated in the 2017 primary by Kortin Sau, as one of their possible candidates for the gubernatorial election of October 2021. Party members will get to choose the Blue candidate in December.

Meanwhile, the Social Cooperation Party announced that a mail voting session will take place on November 1, a Sunday. Candidates include Grant Hornwood, Junior Senator for Kalúen, Kamila Iensi, mayor of Falșak since 2015, Leonard Jonckheer, former Representative for Percy-within-Walls, Martin Caldwell, a lawyer from Percy, and Francine Hohlstadter, former President of the Union of Kaluonic Consumers.

Kortin Sau stated that he is seeking re-election as an independent, and that the Libertarians have indeed approached him about forming an alliance.

What Quincollian secession means for New Lothian

HARTLEYVILLE, LN, 2020-10-19. With Quincollian secession from New Lothian looking increasingly likely with each passing day, let's take a moment to recap what might – or will – happen to New Lothian if Quincollia becomes its own canton.

1. Tourism in New Lothian will go down. One of New Lothian's main sources of tourism is Quincollia, with its cabin lodges and breathtaking scenery. The area is among the most visited attractions in Kalșeri and by Kalșerians, more so in winter, with its skiing facilities.
2. The LDP will see its support within the canton go down. Quincollia is among the most consistent supporters of the Liberal Democrats, and has had a non-negligible amount of influence within the canton's political life.
3. Three seats will be added in the Senate. Another reason both the Social Cooperationists and the Liberal Democrats are fine with Quincollian cantonhood is that the creation of the new canton will add three seats in the Senate, two of which elected. These two seats are essential to break the tie in the upper house of Congress.
4. Provincial restructuring. Based on straw polls, much of the judicial province of Varșvai might be absorbed into Quincollia, while Varșvai itself may choose to stay in New Lothian. This means that from the day of Quincollian secession on, Hartleyville might consider carrying out Varșvai's judicial duties.
5. New Lothianer politicians living in Quincollia will most likely have to resign.
6. Henry McIntyre, the Quincollian. He hasn't said anything about this yet, but it is entirely possible for him to run for Governor of Quincollia – that would make him the first person in Kalșerian history to run for Governor of two different cantons. Depending on when the first gubernatorial election of the new canton takes place, he might either resign or not run for a second term.
7. Goodbye to the New Lothian People's Party? Much of the NLPP is composed of Quincollians, which is why it allowed the referendum to take place. If voters say Yes, the NLPP might consider merging with the Quincollian Party.

The Quincollian Question

VEMÍN, LN(?), 2020-10-17. Among the "cantons that never were", one that stands out is Quincollia, whose name is derived from quinque colles, the Latin form of "five hills". Proposed by the Quincollian Party, a referendum on the matter was organized no fewer than five times: 1836, 1888, 1911, 1934 and 1985, all rejected because the absolute majority of voters hadn't been reached. For the 2020 referendum, though, there will be no such lower limit, meaning that if the Yeses edge out the Noes, the process of creation of the new canton will take place regardless of turnout. The referendum will take place on November 8, the same day as the House by-election in New Cromartyshire.

The proposed canton meets the 150,000-inhabitant requirement set by the Charter. The question, most likely "Are you in favor of establishing the Canton of Quincollia by separation from the Canton of New Lothian?" or similar, will be shown in the municipalities within these House districts: Tweehauzen, New Cromartyshire, Poxton, Varșvai and Hiram Daly. The Act of Cantonal Establishment for Quincollia was submitted by three members of the New Lothian Legislative Assembly

The outcome will be "flexible", meaning that the border for the new canton will be decided according to the more popular option in each House district. According to straw polls, reception of the Quincollian proposal is warm in the districts of Tweehauzen and New Cromartyshire, whereas Varșvai does not seem to be interested in it. The hypothetical canton of Quincollia might have from two to five Representatives, depending on how widespread the will to secede from New Lothian is.

As per Section IV of the Charter, if the referendum is approved, the formal Act of Cantonal Establishment will be sent to Evalria, where the Congress will vote on the matter – an absolute majority is required in both chambers for the approval to be taken into account. If the Act passes, it is then sent to the President, who will either sign the Act into law or veto it. This procedure does not seem to bother Quincollian activists, as the four major parties all stated that they will vote in favor of the act if Quincollians wish to secede. President Maksimilianus Ureska said that he will "respect the will of aspiring Quincollians" and sign the bill if it is presented to him.

Therefore, it won't be a matter of if Quincollian secession will be approved, but rather of how long it will take before Quincollia becomes a fully functional canton. A temporary Legislative Assembly, composed of the Mayors of the Quincollian municipalities, will be formed, and it will ratify the Charter of Kalșeri and appoint a temporary Governor, who will in turn appoint a Cabinet. The Legislative Assembly will also have to draft a Cantonal Constitution. This may take from a few months to about a year, during which the Assembly will also adopt several provisions affecting daily-life practices.

Quincollia might not have much influence in national politics, but its creation might spur other cantonalist movements, such as Falkor – western Kalúen – and the Piligan-Esiskio Islands combination, in north-western San Rafael.

The Sun's Thoughts: Who might run for President in 2024?

2020-10-16. The creation of Lulu Phillips's campaign website has sparked a series of talks about who might be running for President in 2024. Officially, registrations for the next presidential election will not be open until January 1, 2023; however, that has not dissuaded some people from announcing their intention to run for President.

Who is running? Right now, the number of confirmed candidates for the next presidential election is scarce, but The Golden Sun thinks that the few who have spoken about it so far might be interesting.

• Lulu Phillips (Independent-EV): as of now, Phillips – born Maria Luisa Cozzolino – has no political experience, and her program has yet to be developed, but that has not stopped her from setting up her campaign. Right now, however, some pundits expect Phillips's campaign to be nothing more than a stunt.
• Dave Rehmer (LDP-TK): a perennial candidate, Rehmer has consistently run for President since 2004, and just as consistently, has received the fewest votes in the primary every time. As a commentator for Kal1 once put it, he "may just be the embodiment of quixotic perseverance".
• Dushyant I. Pramanik (L-LG): contrary to 2014 and 2019, the Indian-Kalșerian author believes that he will have an "edge" compared to the other candidates for 2024. He has yet to specify what this "edge" may be, but he is optimistic about his chances to become the Libertarian candidate in 2024. Questions about his candidacy being legal have been raised due to his mysterious birth place, but he has specified in his website that his campaign is perfectly fine, as he was born in Kalșeri.
• John Simmonds (L-EV): another perennial candidate, the broadcasting engineer for Evalria's Channel 4 claims that he deserves to have his platform recognized.
• Arthur Mulls (L-LN): known for his conspiracy theories, one of his main theories is that he is being "oppressed by the World Order", who is allegedly "trying to force [him] into complacency". Running for President since 1999, his campaign consists of declassifying every document related to the state, setting up a formal inquiry on Ioen Rovuan's alleged death and legalizing all drugs.
• Ron Ditch (Independent-CS): unhappy with the transition from British control to Kalșerian sovereignty over Cape Sundervale, the public employee is seeking to rectify that: if he is elected President, he will hand his home canton back to the United Kingdom. Unlike other perennial candidates, he has enjoyed varying levels of success, enough to become a somewhat serious candidate in Cape Sundervale.

Who is not running?

• Presidents Maksimilianus Ureska (SCP-EV) and Robert Havlichek (SCP-EV): both stated that their interest in politics is waning, and that they would like to focus on personal and family matters.
• Presidents Phil Garner (LDP-CH) and Alejandra Ríos Soriano (LDP-SR): both have expressed that they will not run for President – or any other office – again. Age is also a problem for both: they would respectively be 83 and 75 by October 1, 2024 if they chose to run, and either would break the record for the oldest President to be sworn in. The proposed upper age limit for presidential candidates, set at 70, would also ban them from running.
• Cassandra Newell (K4C-LG): her resignation from the posts of High Summoner and President of Kalșerians for Change might suggest that her time in politics is about to come to an end. When that day comes, the party created by her might either opt for an alliance with the Social Cooperation Party or cease to exist.
• Damian Feynman (L-EV), Matthew Chandler (M4A-LN) and Jordan Heath (BIP-CS): all three declined to run for roughly the same reason: they would like to see new faces lead their parties in the next elections.

WIth these facts in mind, several pundits working for The Golden Sun have thought of potential candidates for several scenarios:

• Social Cooperation Party:
  • SCP-K4C alliance: as mentioned before, the Reds might opt to renew the alliance with Kalșerians for Change. In that case, Winston Jackson Leary (LG), who has fulfilled Cassandra Newell's tasks as President of the party and as Representative for Branbury during her term as High Summoner, may be the first choice for both parties involved, as he is popular across the left and is a prominent fighter for the rights of Black Kalșerians.
  • Alone: should the red-green alliance break down, the Reds might opt for Party President Aleksandrus Șáșnegi (LG), who lost the party primary to Maksimilianus Ureska in 2019, Senator Tony DeLuca (LG), who ran in 2019, Party Representative William Kusznieski (KL) or Representative and former Ambassador Zehra Altın (EV).
  • Other potential SCP candidates: Sen. Stephanie Kaye (LG), Hon. Tomas Șínisi (JV), Viliam Gerna, Esq. (UR).
• Liberal Democratic Party:
  • Alone: as the party is undergoing a shift to the right and becoming the main party for Christian Democrats, former Vice President Judy Bernese (TK) might be the perfect candidate: she is the main voice for the Christian voting base and has political experience.
  • 2022 alliance: considering that parties that only operate in their home canton have their chances annihilated outside their reach, the New Kerry Party, the New Lothianer People's Party, the British Interest Party and the Cartierois National Party may choose to renew the 2022 alliance with the LDP for the next presidential election. Hon. George Calhoun (NK), Lord Lieutenant Jerry McNamara (LN), James Poole (BIP-CS) and either René Rodian, Esq. (PNC-CI) or Hon. Jeanne-Catherine Moriseau (PNC-CI) are all suitable candidates for this scenario.
  • Blue-gold alliance with LDP candidate: even though this scenario is becoming increasingly unlikely, there still may be a chance for it to survive for 2024. In this case, Kenny Nakamura (KL), President of the Japanese-Kalșerian Solidarity Association, will probably do, as he is seen as a mediator between the Libertarians and the Christian Democrats. His popularity among older-generation Asian Kalșerians may also play a factor in this choice.
  • LDP-Movement for Action alliance: just a few years ago, this theory would have been unthinkable, but it may have a remote chance of becoming reality. If it does, the Blues will probably field 2020 Tigupoke candidate and political commentator Liza Tillson.
  • Other potential LDP candidates: Sen. Jim Babich (CH), Hon. Iosefina Malsi (TK), Hon. Ioanis Hornata (KL), Giancarlo Antenucci (LG), Henry Boix (KL), Peter Yarmolenko (EV).
• Libertarians:
  • Alone: seeing that the Libertarians are more popular than ever, they may choose to keep the momentum going and rely on someone they trust. Party Representative John Hellwig (LG), Hon. Rick Gosling (JV) and Hon. Marco Iannicelli (TK) are all established Libertarians with political experience.
  • Blue-gold alliance with Libertarian candidate: if they want to keep the blue-gold alliance alive, Nakamura may be the best option. If, however, they want to have the final say on the candidate, they may rely on Hellwig, or perhaps an external figure.
  • Other potential Libertarian candidates: D. I. Pramanik (LG), John Simmonds (EV), Arthur Mulls (LN).
• Kalșerians for Change:
  • Alone: if the aforementioned red-green alliance were to break down, the Greens may rely on Jackson Leary.
  • K4C-Libertarian alliance: an unlikely scenario, but still a valid one: if this theoretical combination becomes reality, Hon. Abigail Morato (K4C-UR) might be the right person for it, with her highly relaxed stances on drugs, clothing – represented by her refusal to wear shoes – and sex work. This hypothetical alliance might have to sort out the hurdle of economic policies, though.
  • Other potential K4C candidates: Peggy O'Hanrahan (TG), Ramy X (EV).
• Potential candidates for other parties: Renatus Lágan (M4A-LN), Luis Logi (Comm.-TG), Alișa Térdasi or Jorj Halmens (ȘS-LG), Peter Deane (CD-JV).
• Potential independent candidates: Narái E. Ólorsi (LN), Lord Lieutenant Kurt Rawlins (KL), Rt. Hon. Teri Holbrook (TK).

Marisol Ureska plays for The Rucki in upcoming album

EVALRIA, 2020-10-16. The Rucki have announced on their website that Marisol Ureska, President Max Ureska's daughter and therefore singer Lily's niece, has taken part in the registration of the band's new album, playing the backing guitar.

This is the second time one of Lily's relatives got to work for her band; Max Ureska took part in The Rucki's first album back in 2015, playing the bass in his free time.

Tigupoke, Prisoner Welfare Act signed into law

COWHILL, TG, 2020-10-15. As expected, Tigupoke Governor Bobby Blanchard Jr. has signed the Prisoner Welfare Act into law.

The bill, which seeks to improve the psychological welfare of prisoners in the canton, was approved 38-3 two days ago by the General Assembly. With the law in place, Tigupoke has become the first canton to ban solitary confinement.

Jackson Leary appointed new Vice President

EVALRIA, 2020-10-15. Jackson Leary (K4C), who served as President de facto of the party during Cassandra Newell's tenure as High Summoner, has been appointed as Vice President by President Maksimilianus Ureska, becoming the first non-Minister since Dame Louise Beckmann to be appointed to the post, as well as the first Black Kalșerian to serve as Vice President.

Born in in Lafayette, LG in 1976, Winston Jackson Leary – born simply Winston Jackson – was raised by an adoptive couple in Branbury. Pushed by the hardships of his own people and the discrimination he had to face throughout his youth, he graduated from the University of Evalria, becoming a champion of equal rights for Black Kalșerians, pushing for anti-discrimination laws. In 2012, soon after the appointment of Cassandra Newell as High Summoner, Jackson Leary became one of the few Black Kalșerians to serve in the House of Representatives; he was re-elected in 2017. He was one of the main voices for the appointment of actress Michelle Ndiaye-Foster as Senator for Life for Lág.

Lulu Phillips launches 2024 presidential campaign website

EVALRIA, 2020-10-14. As foreshadowed by her #Lulu2024 tweet, model Lulu Phillips has launched the website for her presidential campaign, lulu2024.kl. The page states that her platform will be fleshed out through time, and that donations will open on January 1, 2021.

Phillips is one of the first potential candidates to have filed the paperwork to run for the election.

Tigupoke General Assembly approves bill to ban solitary confinement

COWHILL, TG, 2020-10-13. Tigupoke might become the first canton to ban solitary confinement. The Prisoner Welfare Act, backed by the Social Cooperation Party, the Communists and the Libertarians and approved 38-3, places an emphasis on rehabilitating prisoners and improving their psychological conditions. The Act will also introduce additional social activities for detainees, greater access to ways to contact relatives, greater access to health care for physical and psychological needs, and a program in which inmates get to sort out housing and employment before leaving prison.

The approval of the bill in the GA was met with positive feedback from Governor Bobby Blanchard Jr, who stated that "the right to a respectable existence trascends one's social status".

Libertarians eye Gov. Kortin Sau for 2021

PERCY, KL, 2020-10-13. Andréas Kortin Sau going gold for the next election might be more likely than expected. The Kaluonic section of the Libertarian Party stated that they are in contact with the Governor about the event, and that the meetings have been productive so far.

If the talks fall through, Oliver Grassley, Member of the Rosby Municipal Council, will most likely represent the Golden in the next gubernatorial election.

ȘS, Renewal program approved

HARTLEYVILLE, LN, 2020-10-12. With 2,582 votes for and 948 against, Térdasi's Renewal program has been approved. The new program will do away with the more controversial anti-Christian ideals and promote a line of co-existence. The 73-27 result can be explained by several important Komanșists leaving the party and inviting party members to boycott the vote.

"This is a thrilling result", said Jorj Halmens, who has announced that he will be starting the legal procedure to merge his Moderate Șin Gea Party back into Șin Seri. Laura Sílorsi, Grigor Komanș's widow, has stated her support of the new program, stating that "we don't need any more conflicts than what's already going on."

Tigupoke, death penalty referendum in early 2021

COWHILL, TG, 2020-10-10. Today, the 18th World Day Against the Death Penalty, Governor Bobby Blanchard Jr. stated in a public conference call that a referendum to abolish capital punishment in the canton is in the works; when asked for a date, he said that it may take place in early 2021.

Officially, the death penalty is contemplated in the Cantonal Constitution, but executions were suspended by the Cowhill Provincial Court in 2014, following the botched execution of murderer Ray John Villar Jr, the perpetrator of a shooting in a restaurant where he murdered three children.

ȘS, last three secretarial elections rigged

HARTLEYVILLE, LN, 2020-10-10. In a dispatchr post, Șin Seri Secretary Alișa Térdasi issued a statement:

While going through the files of the party for scheduled housekeeping, party officials have found inconsistencies in the official documents for the 2011, 2015 and 2019 secretarial elections within Șin Seri, all of which were won by the late Grigor Komanș.
All of the aforementioned elections have things in common: the sheer margin of victory, often featuring a >30% lead over the second candidate, documents mentioning e-mails persuading alleged dissenters not to vote for a fictitious reason, complicated procedures to be eligible to run for Secretary, and voter turnout that exceeded the number of members of the party at the time of election.
I am dismayed and appalled at how these documents were made at all and kept secret for so long. The Hartleyville Police Department has been contacted, and we shall collaborate with all law enforcement agencies involved. This is simply unacceptable.
Alișa Térdasi, Secretary

Șin Seri ready to welcome back Halmens, bids farewell to Ólorsi

HARTLEYVILLE, LN, 2020-10-09. Șin Seri is going through a renewal phase, but it might not stop there: former Secretary Jorj Halmens announced that his Moderate Șin Gea Party, founded as an alternative to Grigor Komanș's radical ideals, might be merged back into Șin Seri if the Renewal program is approved by party members. This means that the party would go back to its pre-Komanș roots.

On the other hand, former Party Treasurer Narái E. Ólorsi, who had been critical of Alișa Térdasi, has announced that he will quit Șin Seri; several members, including former party officials appointed by Komanș, have followed suit.

Early version of Șin Seri Renewal program released

HARTLEYVILLE, LN, 2020-10-09. Șin Seri has released its Renewal program, penned by Secretary Alișa Térdasi, other party officials appointed by her and several members of the party. The revised party program will rid itself of the more controversial stances adopted by Grigor Komanș. Members will be allowed to send feedback about the program at any time, and they will get to vote on the new program on Sunday.

The following table sums up the major changes to the party program:

Komanș's 2004 program	Renewal program
Abolish the Congress in favor of direct national referenda	Favor national referenda for important matters
Break up all "too big to fail" corporations	Uphold existing anti-trust laws
Foster local craftsmanship and small companies
Have the State directly monitor the national economy	policy deemed impractical and removed
End all subsidies to the unemployed
Establish a monthly salary cap of ħ25,000
Establish Șin Gea as the sole religion of Kalșeri	policy deemed uncharterly and removed
Establish Kalhan as the sole language of Kalșeri	policy deemed uncharterly and removed
Introduce the Old Kalhan alphabet as the sole script for Kalhan	Uphold existing legislation
Revert Kalhan-to-English and other such geographical name changes	Uphold existing legislation
Protect the groups traditionally discriminated by Christianity	Uphold existing legislation
Introduce the obligation for every able-bodied man to own at least one firearm	Make access to firearms easier to people in need
Introduce the obligation for every able-bodied citizen to have a job	policy deemed impractical and removed
Ban the construction of Christian churches	Promote a line of Christian-Șin Gea coexistence
Close all Christian private schools	policy deemed uncharterly and removed
Abolish the "Christian clerical élite" and seize their properties	Uphold existing legislation
Abolish all affirmative action and any racial quotas	Uphold existing legislation
Re-introduce capital punishment for child predators and terrorists	policy deemed uncharterly and removed
Replace Christian holidays with Șin Gea celebrations	Make Șin Gea celebrations bank holidays for believers
Rehabilitate Ioen Rovuan as a valiant warrior who fought for Kalșeri	policy deemed impractical and removed
Condemn Saint Joseph of Lág and his acts	policy deemed impractical and removed
Condemn the actions performed to Kalșeri by the British Empire	policy deemed impractical and removed
End Kalșerian membership in the NATO and in the Commonwealth of Nations	End Kalșerian membership in the NATO
Cut all ties with the Vatican City	policy deemed impractical and removed
Support self-determination	Reaffirm Kalșeri's role in world politics
Ban advertisements from foreign companies	policy deemed impractical and removed
Ban foreign-based fast food chains	policy deemed impractical and removed

Another important change is that the party will no longer seek to appoint Father Lerfuan as Perpetual President.

BREAKING NEWS: Governor Kortin Sau rescinds LDP membership

PERCY, KL, 2020-10-08. Kalúen Governor Andréas Kortin Sau has just announced that he is no longer a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, citing the "subtle but unbearable shift to the right" as the main reason for ceasing membership of the party. In his closing statement, he thanked the party for giving him the opportunity to become Governor.

The relationship between the Kaluonic section of the Liberal Democrats and Kortin Sau has always been marred with controversies and fights; for instance, the Governor publicly stating that he preferred Maksimilianus Ureska over Alejandra Ríos Soriano in 2019, Kortin Sau's progressive policies putting him at odds with the Christian Democrats – the legalization of LGBT marriages in 2017 being a prime example of that – and causing the party to split in the Kaluonic Assembly over such issues, and the Governor's recurring criticism of the party for "not wanting to adapt to the current times".

Kortin Sau also announced that he will still run for re-election in 2021, but not under the LDP; this means that the party will have to find another candidate.

Vemín meeting deemed productive

VEMÍN, LN, 2020-10-07. "The meeting with Bishops Simmonds and Peskwith has been productive", said Șin Seri Secretary Alișa Térdasi. "We got to talk about every aspect of the Șin Gea-Christian coexistence, as well as important issues in the Kalșerian society."

Both clergymen were likewise satisfied by the meeting. "Șin Seri is indeed renouncing the hateful platform it was sadly known for", stated George Simmonds in an interview with local newspapers and Christian groups; the two were presented an early version of the party's Renewal program, which will do away with the more controversial, anti-Christian positions.

The Sun's Thoughts: Are the Liberal Democrats shifting to the right?

2020-10-06. "Are the Liberal Democrats shifting to the right?" A question that happens to be very popular among the Kalșerian pundits of all spectrums; a good portion of them have tackled this issue, often citing four reasons for a hypothetical yet somehow tangible shift to the right:

Reason #1: Simon Harris, a Christian Democrat, as Secretary. Before being appointed Secretary of the LDP, Simon Harris was a major Christian Democrat. After the party election, he promised that he would not favor any faction over the other; however, Harris's political statements about the party needing to "adopt a clear stance and go with it" may suggest otherwise, as shown by the #ImOuttaHere hashtag, launched by Liberal Democrats who voiced their disappointment in their new Secretary. Harris's apparently reluctant acceptance of the legalization of same-sex marriages throughout the country, as well as his vocal opposition to the decriminalization of cannabis, also contributed to the perceived shift to a more traditionalist platform. With these factors in mind, another thing to consider is that former Secretary Alan Parr was seen as more of a mediator than an effective secretary, regularly adopting the strategy of leaving freedom of choice on several matters to the single party members.

Reason #2: The LDP-Libertarian alliance breaking down in Tigupoke and Cartier Island. Liza Tillson (LDP-TG) and René Rodian, Esq. (PNC-CI) embraced ideals compatible with those of the Christian Democrats, especially with those of Secretary Harris, who pushed for the nomination of both as the Liberal Democratic candidates for their respective gubernatorial elections. In both cases, the Libertarians initially played along, only to withdraw their support and choose their own candidate – eventual winner Bobby Blanchard Jr. for Tigupoke and local Secretary Kévin Du Mont for Cartier Island: the reason behind the double case of pulling the plug on the blue-gold alliance is due to Tillson's fervent religiousness becoming increasingly prominent throughout the campaign, attracting the interest of the Movement for Action, and due to Rodian's platform focusing on the welfare of the more conservative French Kalșerians.

Reason #3: Alejandra Ríos Soriano's nomination for the 2019 presidential election. The controversial nomination of a former President with a non-immaculate background may have been seen as an attempt to please the more Christian members of the party. While Her Excellency is indeed a Christian Democrat, this reason could be explained with a chain of events independent – at least nominally – of the control of either Ríos Soriano or the party: every other prominent candidate withdrew, leaving only Julius Lyeman, who had – and still has – no real political experience. Whether these withdrawals were "piloted" to favor Ríos Soriano is still up for debate.

Reason #4: The migration of Liberal Front members to the Libertarian Party. Perhaps a simple – if not simplistic – explanation, but still a logical one: the shift to the right may just be the natural consequence of many Liberal Front members switching to the Libertarian Party. This has always been an issue for the Blues, more so after the 2019 presidential débâcle, where the LDP was almost overtaken by Damian Feynman, pushed by dissatisfied Liberal Democrats. Ever since the election, the Libertarian Party has established itself as a credible central alternative to the Social Cooperation Party and the Liberal Democrats.

Ultimately, The Golden Sun believes that there are good reasons to believe that such a shift is happening.

Térdasi to meet Christian bishops

VEMÍN, LN, 2020-10-05. Alișa Térdasi announced that she will meet Methodist Bishop George Simmonds, Chairman of the North-Western New Lothian Annual Conference, and Catholic Bishop Julius Peskwith of the Diocese of Vemín at the Vemín City Hall in two days. The theme of the meeting will be a reconciliation between Șin Seri and Christianity; some other high-ranking party officials appointed by Térdasi, as well as some Șin Gea priests, will also attend the meeting.

"This is a step in the right direction", commented Jorj Halmens. Both Simmonds and Peskwith were supporting of Șin Seri's intentions to "shed itself of the hateful messages spread under Komanș". However, not everyone appreciated Térdasi's announcement: some of Grigor Komanș's closest followers have criticized the move, including former Party Treasurer Narái E. Ólorsi, who denounced the Secretary as a "sellout" and a "traitor".

Sílorsi and McDarby to run for New Cromartyshire seat

VEMÍN, LN, 2020-10-03. The Social Cooperation Party and the Liberal Democrats have announced that their respective 2017 candidates, Tomas Sílorsi and Jane McDarby, have filed the necessary paperwork to run for the position of Representative for New Cromartyshire. The two are currently the only ones to actively run under their party.

As of right now, Kamila Noși (L) and Henry Chandler II (M4A) have not yet submitted the documentation.

Phillips to run for President in 2024?

EVALRIA, 2020-10-02. In a Twitter post, social media influencer and model Lulu Phillips has launched the hashtag #Lulu2024, probably hinting at a possible campaign for the 2024 presidential election. She had previously announced that 2024 "[would] be a special year".

High Summoner Emerita Newell steps down as President of K4C

BRANBURY, LG, 2020-10-02. Kalșerians for Change has issued a public statement across all social media:

Kalșerians,
During these 13 years in the movement, I have witnessed the rise of an important force: the willpower of this future generation. Being the leader of this change has meant very much for me; we have had to go through hardships, but the result speaks clear: we are the fourth force in the country.
With this in mind, I feel that the time has come for me to make way for new faces. For this reason, I will step down from the post of President of the Party after thirteen years of fighting for what's right, no matter what. I am well aware that some of you will be saddened by my departure, but I feel that this is the right decision, as we need to let the young generation speak free, loud and clear.
Cassandra Newell

ȘS Secretary Térdasi hints at Șin Gea-Christian coexistence

HARTLEYVILLE, LN, 2020-10-01. In a dispatchr post, Șin Seri Secretary Alișa Térdasi wrote that a revised party program "is coming along well". She addressed the rumors about the new program, stating that it will no longer be as "hateful" of Christianity. Some of the officials appointed by Grigor Komanș have been replaced with younger figures.

Moderate Șin Gea Party Secretary Jorj Halmens commented on the post, stating that "[he has] faith in Alișa. [He] can't wait to see the new program."

September

Șin Seri adopts new logo

HARTLEYVILLE, LN, 2020-09-29. The old and controversial logo is no more: the new logo for Șin Seri has been unveiled at the party headquarters in Hartleyville, LN.

"I know some won't like it," stated Secretary Alișa Térdasi, "but it's a fundamental step if we want to be taken seriously." She also announced that a revised party program is currently in the works.

Iakob Ureska to retire

CAPE SPURRY, JV, 2020-09-22. In a press conference, Wehnberg LMC driver and four-time Champion Iakob Ureska has announced that he will retire from KALMORA after 30 seasons, saying that he is "well past [his] prime now, and that the current situation does not help".

Ureska drove for the Pan-Evalrian Racing Team before moving to Lág SC in 1997 and then to Wehnberg in 2006. His most important achievement was winning four championships in a row, from 2004 to 2007.

Komanș trial has started

VEMÍN, LN, 2020-09-21. The People of the Canton of New Lothian v. Pierre Gustave McDuffy: as announced by Eustace PD Chief Jon Devereaux two days ago, the trial for the murder of Grigor Komanș has officially started. Several journalists are camping outside the Vemín Provincial Courthouse, following the proceedings; in New Lothian, recording devices are usually not allowed inside a courthouse, unless the Provincial Magistrate says otherwise.

"Won't be long until we get to the bottom line", said the prosecutor, who chose not to reveal their identity yet.

Bobby Blanchard wins the race!

COWHILL, TG, 2020-09-21. With 46% of the preferences, Bobby Blanchard Jr, semi-retired KALMORA driver and Libertarian candidate, has been elected Governor of Tigupoke, defeating incumbent Thomas Hartovich (SCP). This election is a historical moment for the Libertarians, not just because they won their first ever governorship, but also because they unseated the Social Cooperation Party, which had been governing the canton almost continuously since 1954.

Hartovich was initially considered to be well ahead of the other candidates, but when the idea of the KALMORA icon being nominated as the Libertarian candidate turned into reality, the incumbent governor's chances became increasingly uncertain.

Born in Cowhill in 1978 to a bricklayer and a teacher, Robert Byron Blanchard Jr. joined the world of KALMORA at twelve, when he joined the Bluegolds of Cowhill; there, he developed his above-average driving skills, debuting at a senior race at just sixteen. He raced for the Bluegolds until 2018, when he partially retired from racing and created his own team, Junior Motorsports. Given his election to the highest office in the canton, he will pass the control of his team to his brother Johnny, as promised.

Blanchard's electoral promises include:

• the abolition of the statute of limitation for murder and abuse crimes within the Canton;
• a ħ500 cap for yearly tuition fees for universities operating in the Canton;
• more accessibility to firearms to civilians;
• decriminalization of sex work within the Canton;
• reduction of police expenditure; the remaining money will be used to improve other fields, such as infrastructures and education;
• the abolition of the capital punishment in the Canton – the death sentence is contemplated in the Constitution of Tigupoke, but executions have been suspended in 2014;
• the abolition of the alcohol tax on beer;
• the abolition of all dress codes in workplaces where such a change is deemed safe (eg. schools and offices);
• copyright reform concerning video games: all consoles no longer supported, and games released during the period of support, will be given public domain status;
• the abolition of paid subscriptions for nationwide sports events;
• introduction of the right for individual municipalities to deny access to loud forms of transport within their borders on non-cantonal roads;
• introduction of working and learning from home beyond the COVID-19 emergency;
• introduction of the right for individual restaurants to deny entry to people below a certain age;
• introduction of a system of logging of safe ownerless buildings into which to move homeless people and help them to get a job.

Here are the results of the election:

• Robert B. BLANCHARD Jr. (L): 46%
• Thomas HARTOVICH, Esq. (SCP-K4C): 41%
• Elizabeth P. TILLSON (LDP-M4A): 7%
• Érika LIȘEN (TNP-Farmer): 4%
• Others, invalid or blank votes: 2%

Rodian re-elected President of Cantonal Council

HENRIVILLE, CI, 2020-09-21. The celebrations for the re-election of René Rodian as President of the Cantonal Council of Cartier Island have been pretty quiet, as few pundits had doubted Rodian's confirmation. The opponents, aware that they had a difficult task, did their best, but it was seemingly not enough to stop Rodian from winning re-election with a comfortable 53%.

Ever since his debut in politics, René Rodian has fought for the protection of French Kalșerians outside Cartier Island. When it comes to Cartierois independence, he has never adopted a clear postion: sometimes he hinted support for independence, while other times he expressed appreciation for the Kalșerian federal model.

Here are the results of the election:

• René RODIAN (PNC-LDP): 53%
• Jean-Louis GIACCONE (SCP-K4C): 34%
• Kévin DU MONT (L): 6%
• Philippe GIRARD (M4A): 4%
• Others, invalid or blank votes: 3%

By-election for New Cromartyshire seat on November 8

EUSTACE, LN, 2020-09-21. The by-election to fill the New Cromartyshire seat in the House of Representatives will be held on November 8, a Sunday: the Vemín Magistrate's proposed date has been accepted by Governor Henry McIntyre.

The deadline for filing the paperwork to run for the by-election is on November 1. Potential candidates include Tomas Sílorsi (SCP), Jane McDarby (LDP), Kamila Noși (L) and Henry Chandler II (M4A), all of which contested the seat at some point in 2019.

McDuffy trial to begin on Monday

EUSTACE, LN, 2020-09-19. In a public briefing, Chief Jon Devereaux has announced that the trial for the murder of Grigor Komanș will formally start on Monday, September 21.

The lawyers have been appointed for the respective parties, and the trial will be held in the Vemín Provincial Courthouse.

Kalșerian F1 Team may have Castiroli backing, rumors say

BRANBURY, LG, 2020-09-19. In an interview with our editorial staff, Ray Sherman stated that he received a phone call from Castiroli Motors CEO James O'Feeney, with whom he discussed the plan to create a Formula One team.

Executives of Castiroli have yet to express themselves on the matter.

LDP-NLPP-NKP agreement for 2022 ratified

EVALRIA, 2020-09-19. Three days after an informal agreement was reached, the Liberal Democrats, the New Lothianers and the New Kerrians have ratified the agreement for a joint run in 2022, after the joint-run act was passed by all three parties.

"Today will be a memorable date for all of the parties involved", wrote LDP Secretary Simon Harris on dispatchr.

Confederate Sons Party and CSA government in exile dissolved

EUSTACE, LN, 2020-09-19. "SONS OF FREEDOM! Given that we cannot fulfill our democratic functions in time of peace, and that a war would only lead to disaster, we have no choice but to dissolve. Our enemies may have defeated us, but our ideology will live on and avenge us!"

So reads the note pinned in the bulletin boards throughout Eustace and published on the website of the Confederate Sons Party. The note is a joint CSP-CSA Government in Exile declaration, meaning that after 59 years, both entities will cease operations.

Alișa Térdasi elected Șin Seri secretary

HARTLEYVILLE, LN, 2020-09-18. Alișa Térdasi, President of the Lágan section of Șin Seri, has been elected Secretary of the party.

Térdasi, one of the many to have joined the party during Komanș's tenure as Secretary, declared that the party "will go back to its roots", hinting several times that she might be toning down the party's political positions. She has also rejected the theory of a joint Șin Seri-Movement for Action run for 2022 and 2024.

Rodian in for an easy win?

HENRIVILLE, CI, 2020-09-17. At the last televised gubernatorial debate on 5AIC, PNC candidate and incumbent President of the Cantonal Council René Rodian seemed relaxed, as most polls at the time had predicted an easy PNC victory.

The climate has not changed since then, and when Rodian was asked to comment on the polls, he said "I know you're supposed to take polls with a pinch of salt, but when virtually all of them say the same thing, I think we can be pretty sure."

"This will not be easy, I'll admit", said SCP candidate Jean-Louis Giaccone. "The PNC is very popular within the canton because it attracts all sorts of people."

Tigupoke election will be a two-horse race, pundits say

COWHILL, TG, 2020-09-17. Even with the blackout period in place, pundits for Absolut and KalStat say that the main candidates for the gubernatorial election in Tigupoke will be between incumbent Governor Thomas Hartovich (SCP) and KALMORA pilot Bobby Blanchard Jr. (L); latest polls said that each candidate had about 30% of stated preferences, with the difference between the two being minimal.

Liza Tillson (LDP+M4A), blogger and pundit for Channel 7, was initially considered to be a forerunner, but she lost consensus within centrists due to her strong religiousness. Luis Logi (Comm.), Érika Lișen (Tigupoke National Party+Farmer) and Hișan Dornis (Ind.) have consistently polled below 10%, and their chances of winning the election are said to be slim.

Eustace: bombing site reveals nothing new

EUSTACE, LN, 2020-09-16. The Eustace Police Department confirms that after a second inspection of the building that used to host the Confederate Sons Party and surrounding areas, officers could not find any evidence regarding either the maker of the bomb or the reason behind the bombing.

Residents of the affected area have also been asked to report what they know about the bombing.

Daily Tittle to stop printing physical copies

EVALRIA, 2020-09-16. "The Tittle Goes Full Digital!": today's headline for the Daily Tittle, as the newspaper stops printing physical copies; it will thus become the first major newspaper to switch to a digital-only publication.

When asked about the switch, editor-in-chief Paula Wiskers said that "publishing costs have been rising, and the model has been unprofitable for a good while now." The Daily Tittle had already been operating mostly online, and the paper had become a simple collection of the more relevant news published on dailytittle.kl.

Eustace bombing corpses identified

EUSTACE, LN, 2020-09-15. Through a document published in its website, the Eustace Police Department has revealed the identities of the corpses found at the site of the explosion:

• Ronald Joshua "Ron" McBride, 57, Secretary of the Confederate Sons Party (CSP), President of the Confederate States Government in Exile (CSAGE) since 2017;
• Tecwen Simon Jones, 61, Vice President of the CSAGE;
• William Jefferson Davis "JD" Tubbs, 58, President of the CSP;
• Beauregard "Beau" Smithson, 68, Secretary of State of the CSAGE;
• Steven Terry Pritcher, 49, Treasurer of the CSAGE and the CSP;
• James Orrey McManahan, 39, freelance journalist, "Minister of Popular Culture";
• Josephine Dimpert McBride, 59, Ron McBride's wife;
• Henry Quincy O'Mallory, 66, webmaster working for the CSP;
• Hubert Hulbridge, 54, singer of the country group The Eustace Dixies.

The Eustace police officers were helped in the task by fellow officers from Amitgig, Haynes and Mullerson.

Even though suspicions of the boming being an episode of retaliation are widespread, no tangible evidence about the culprit was found during the inspection of the site.

In the meanwhile, Governor Henry McIntyre has issued an ordinance, telling citizens to go to Eustace "only if strictly necessary" for the next two weeks.

Bomb explodes in Eustace, LN

EUSTACE, LN, 2020-09-14. A bomb has just exploded by the headquarters of the Confederate Sons Party in Eustace. Following an inspection, nine corpses have been found: they have yet to be identified, but officers suspect that the bombing was an episode of retaliation for the death of Șin Seri Secretary Grigor Komanș. Access to the building is currently precluded to unauthorized people, and Mayor Tom Kowalczyk has invited people to go to the affected area "only if alternative solutions cannot be found".

"This has been a black week", said the Mayor in a Facebook post, after learning of the explosion. "These unprecedented events may be forcing us all to take unthinkable measures." The normally quiet town of Eustace, LN, home to 7,358 people according to the 2016 Census, has been living in a climate of unrest after the events of September 9.

Komanș: McDuffy admits to planning murder

EUSTACE, LN, 2020-09-14. In the second public briefing in the span of four days, Eustace PD Chief Jon Devereaux has confirmed that Pierre Gustave McDuffy is indeed detained at the local Police Station. He also said that McDuffy admitted to writing down every plan found in his house and the "hit list".

"With this, the trial will take three months, tops. Perhaps not even that", said Associate Chief Laura Jenkins. "[McDuffy] himself said he did it. A lot of guesswork will be spared."

Pockets now mandatory in pants sold in Kalșeri

EVALRIA, 2020-09-14. The Comfort in Clothing Act has been signed into law by President Ureska: this means that trousers and skirts for general sale in Kalșeri are now legally required to have pockets. The law had been passed by Congress.

Under the new law, the pockets must have a depth of at least 10 cm, and that the opening must be of at least 2.5 cm. Exempted from the provisions are underwear and athletic gear.

"Finally!" exclaimed former High Summoner Cassandra Newell. "For far too long have we women had to put up with ridiculously short pockets, if they were there at all."

Hon. Rick Gosling (L-JV) tweeted: "This ain't an issue of restricting freedom. It's an issue of sparing the anger for faulty clothing."

Kalșerian Gridiron Football League to start in March 2021

CHALMERSVILLE, 2020-09-13. The Kalșerian Gridiron Football League will debut in mid-March of 2021: Commissioner Alfredus Olor Eigmingi has announced it during a press conference.

The GFL was established in July of 2020 as the result of a merger of the Kalșerian American Football League (KAFL) and the Professional Gridiron League (PGL). The two leagues will finish their seasons and play the last Kallie Bowl as champions of their respective leagues before the merger becomes effective. The KGFL will thus inherit all the sixteen teams from both leagues.

Komanș: murderer's house searched

EUSTACE, LN, 2020-09-13. The Eustace Police Department has finished the search of Pierre Gustave McDuffy's house: in it, officers found his Confederate Sons Party membership card, several sheets of paper depicting the blueprint of Grigor Komanș's house and a notebook containing a "hit list" with several names in it:

• Grigor Komanș, later stricken through
• Jackson Leary ("that damn [redacted] in Evalria")
• Maksimilianus Ureska
• Alejandra Ríos Soriano
• Cassandra Newell
• Diego Morales [sic] ("the Mexican [redacted]") [HS Diego Y. Morelos is of Nicaraguan descent, not Mexican. - Ed.]
• Hon. Robert McCullagh (LDP-LN)
• Father Lerfuan

The same notebook contained a rough plan of killing Jackson Leary, as well. With the search over, Chief Jon Devereaux said that "[he has] reason to believe in the suspect's confession". In that case, there will be no need to demonstrate the truthfulness of McDuffy's confession, as the murder of Grigor Komanș was planned. Under New Lothian law, successfully executing a plan to murder someone constitutes first-degree murder and is punishable by death.

Sherman to create Formula One team?

BRANBURY, LG, 2020-09-13. In an interview with us, Ray Sherman, who drove in Formula One for various teams from 1993 to 2001, has hinted that he may create his own Formula One team, with the intent of developing talented Kalșerian drivers. When asked to give a possible debut date, he said "[20]22, [20]23... Who knows?" He also said that he has the backing of several companies based in the country.

Sherman's would be the first Kalșerian team to compete in Formula One.

Man confesses to Komanș murder

EUSTACE, LN, 2020-09-12. In the evening, a man in his 60s showed up at the Eustace Police Station and confessed to killing Grigor Komanș. When asked about the reason for the murder, Pierre Gustave McDuffy, 63, declared that "[Komanș] got what he deserved for testing God's will." Komanș was a noted opponent of the Confederate Sons Party and of Christianity.

McDuffy is currently detained at the police station and his house is being searched at the time of writing. At the trial, lawyers will have to establish the truthfulness of McDuffy's claims, as scapegoating – the act of blaming oneself or someone else for a crime they did not commit – counts as perjury and is therefore a felony in New Lothian; inquirers will have to figure out whether his confession was born out of stress, as well.

Funeral for Komanș held in Eustace

EUSTACE, LN, 2020-09-11. Relatives and close friends of Grigor Komanș, as well as several high-ranking members of Șin Seri, were seen leaving the Sariaseri Eustace'e ("Gods' House in Eustace"), a wooden building that serves as the local Șin Gea building. About 500 followers gathered in the field adjacent to the buildings, where they could spectate the funeral through makeshift speakers.

Among the attendees was Jorj Halmens, Komanș's predecessor as Secretary of Șin Seri, who has since founded the Moderate Șin Gea Party. "Even though we had our differences, I still lost a dear friend of mine", said Halmens. "Justice shall be brought to the vile person who has murdered him."

The Sariaseria have been a point of contention in Northern New Lothian, and attacks by neo-Confederate organizations have been reported, as well as answers to said attacks by militant Șin Gea groups.

Komanș, note found at home "decisively right-wing"

EUSTACE, LN, 2020-09-10. During a public briefing on the Komanș murder case, Chief Jon Devereaux of the Eustace Police Department declared that the note found by the corpse had "decisively right-wing undertones", with multiple references to God, Jesus and the Confederate States of America, and ending with "sic semper tyrannis" and a crudely-drawn Confederate battle flag. Devereaux then affirmed that he and other officers had trouble reading the content of the letter, hinting that the murderer may have dysgraphia.

Northern New Lothian is known for hosting the largest community of Kalșerians of Confederate descent – the Konfederasióngia – as well as the Confederate Sons Party and the unofficial Confederate government in exile in Eustace.

Grigor Komanș found dead at home

EUSTACE, LN, 2020-09-09. Șin Seri Secretary Hon. Grigor Komanș, 49, was found dead in his house in Eustace, LN; the first to discover his corpse was his son. According to witnesses, Komanș was fending off a burglar when a gunshot was heard at around 2:30 AM.

The house is currently sealed off to unauthorized people. The Eustace Police Department currently suspect that a prominent political opponent murdered Komanș, as shown by a note found by the corpse, which had a strongly-worded message against him and his party.

As Grigor Komanș was the Representative for New Cromartyshire (LN), the seat is now vacant. New Lothian law states that a special election must be held within 90 days in a vacated House seat in the canton, thus setting the date for the election on or before December 8.

In an official note, Șin Seri has announced a seven-day period of mourning.

Reschner sworn in as Foreign Affairs Minister

EVALRIA, 2020-09-08. After a two-hour ceremony in Evalria, Mark Reschner has been sworn in as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, succeeding Seymour Tweed.

Born in Geeseekulkoo, LN with a German-Scottish ancestry, Reschner graduated from the University of New Lothian with a degree in International Relations; his fluency in German led him to be appointed Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. He is the first independent to be appointed Minister in the Ureska Cabinet.

In the meanwhile, Giuliana Rizzo, the Health Attachée, has been promoted to Ambassador pro tempore.

Ambassador to Switzerland appointed Foreign Affairs Minister

EVALRIA, 2020-09-06. The Presidential Office has issued an official statement:

With the consent of the Council of Ministers and of the nominee, His Excellency President Maksimilianus Ureska Finley has appointed Mr. Mark Oscar Reschner McGonagall as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kalșerian Republic. As per the Charter, Mr. Reschner will resign from the post of Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein, and will be sworn in as per additional provisions before taking office.
Presidential Office, Evalria, 2020-09-06
Signed by President Maksimilianus Ureska

Prior to the announcement, Mark Reschner had been serving as the Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein since 2015. He is scheduled to arrive to Evalria tomorrow, and his successor will be appointed during the week.

Minister Tweed resigns

EVALRIA, 2020-09-03. During the weekly briefing of the Cabinet, Minister of Foreign Affairs Seymour Tweed (SCP) has announced that he will resign with immediate effect.

Tweed, who had served since the inauguration of the first Ureska Cabinet, has stated that his ulcerative colitis prevented him from fully carrying out his tasks.

President Ureska commented that he "had seen it coming", and that he has a list of potential candidates to succeed Tweed.

August

Morelos succeeds Newell as High Summoner

EVALRIA, 2020-08-28. Hon. Diego Y. Morelos (L-EV) has been elected High Summoner, succeeding the outgoing High Summoner Cassandra Newell (K4C-LG). He is the first Hispanic, as well as the first openly bisexual person, to be elected High Summoner.

With 94 votes, Morelos, backed by the Liberal Democrats, has defeated Social Cooperation Party Whip Hon. William Kusznieski (SCP-KL), who received 66 votes in the third round; 50 Representatives were either absent or did not vote.

Grel will now be represented by George Manukian, the President of the local section of the Libertarian Party.

Former VP Chris Petrauskas passes away

SIENA, TK, 2020-08-08. Former Vice President Dr. Christopher David Petrauskas has passed away in his house in Siena, TK; his daughter has made his passing known through a social media post. He was 90 at the time of his death.

The first Lithuanian Kalșerian to hold a nationwide government position, Petrauskas had served as Vice President for 1981, under John Berschleider, as well as Minister of Health. Before his stint in politics, he was the Chief of the Dermatology Wing of the Siena General Hospital. He had been a long-time advocate for the establishment of the KHS.

After serving as Minister, Petrauskas was appointed Ambassador to Lithuania under Phil Garner, serving from 1993 to 1999.

July

Wave of party mergers sweeps the country's political scene

EVALRIA, 2020-07-16. In a move to attract new voters for the 2022 election, the Movement for Action, the Liberal Democrats and the Social Cooperation Party have announced that they will absorb smaller parties.

In Hartleyville, the Monarchist Party, the National Party and the Prohibition Party have agreed to join the Movement for Action, citing the similar ideologies and their common history throughout nationwide elections.

Meanwhile, in St. Adrian, the entirety of the Workers' Alliance, including the Workers' Party of Urgel, has voted to join the Social Cooperation Party, owing to the declining popularity of the political network; Iakob Klaunen's Justice Party and the New Kalhan Front have also chosen to join the Social Cooperationists.

The Liberal Democratic Party, while also taking part in the wave, has only absorbed New Choice.

John Keys, Secretary of the SCP, has commented that this move was "necessary and welcome to establish a dominant center-left force", whereas M4A Presdient Nav Krinkel stated that "the political landscape needed streamlining", and that "too many parties offering the same platform will do more harm than good in the long run".

In total, 21 parties have ceased operation this year.

President Ionas Filsak dies at 96

HARTLEYVILLE, LN, 2020-07-09. Former President Ionas Filsak was pronounced dead at the Hartleyville General Hospital just before noon, owing to the complications from a fall he had withstood on May. He is survived by his wife Liz, his children Ionas Jr, Melissa and Bobby, and seven grandchildren, as well as several great-grandchildren.

Born on June 9, 1924, Filsak started his political career in the New Lothianer section of the Liberal Democratic Party, going up the ranks and eventually becoming a Senator and Professor General under John Berschleider.

After Berschleider chose not to run for a second term, the Party nominated Filsak as its candidate, eventually winning; after three years in office, though, he resigned after the Social Cooperationist victory in that year's Representatives election, allowing his opponent Edward R. Schindler to be nominated President for the remainder of the term.

Filsak's achievements included the improvement of health care structures outside of big cities, the simplification of bureaucracy and the cutting of costs related to it, as well as the improvement of roads throughout the rural corners of the country.

President Maksimilianus Ureska has announced that a State Funeral for Filsak is in the works, within the limits imposed by COVID-19.