The Atlasian Democrat: Your Official Atlasian News Service

[Dr. Cynic]

The Atlasian Democrat

Atlasians Students Protest Senate Bill

Atlasian college students from all economic backgrounds are holding forth a so far peaceful protest over a bill which would make college tuition more affordable. Students complain that public universities should not be subject to tuition since much of the funding already comes from tax dollars. We spoke with one of the leaders of the protest, Sarah Meyer, a college sophomore.  "The difference of public and private colleges seems cut and dry to me," she said. "We're asking the Senate and President Lumine to do the right thing for the students who have either chosen or are forced economically to go to publicly funded universities."

Meyer and other protest leaders did not comment on regional laws, such as that in the Northeast which outlaws tuition for NE students who attend NE universities. The Atlasian Universal Education Bill now being debated does things such as place maximum fees on courses and allows low interest loans to be taken. More on this to follow...

Broad International Support for President's IS Plan

Although thought at first that it might be moderately controversial, President Lumine's efforts through executive order to combat ISIS were met with positive reactions both from the public at large and from the international community. After devastating attacks on Atlasian soil which eventually escalated into the Atlasian Civil Conflict, there has been a great deal of public paranoia over terrorism in recent weeks. The State Department has been charged with providing humanitarian aid, whilst the Defense Department has been instructed to lead the coalition in drone and airstrikes. As of yet, the President has not authorized any boots on the ground.


If you wish to apply for a position with the Atlasian Democrat, please send a PM to the GM, Dr. Cynic.

[Dr. Cynic]

MIDWEST GOVERNOR SURVIVES RECALL

It seems after a tense recall campaign that Midwest Governor LeBron Fitzgerald has survived barely thanks to the 3\5th removal rule. The recall was not due to any law being broken or inactivity, but rather because the Governor simply happened to be unpopular. Most Midwest citizens have expressed disappointment, both in the Governor and the leaders of the recall campaign.

"I cant really understand what purpose it serves," said Midwest citizen Owen Melling. "I'm a nominal Labor voter, so I voted against the recall. I can understand that the Governor is unpopular, but I just don't see what it does to help us. It was surely just a political move."

Still, we found plenty of individuals who supported the recall effort such as political activist, Scott Whitman. "We are sick and tired of the Labor cabal that conspires to rob the Midwest of political competition. This recall effort shows that Atlasian citizens are not happy and Midwesterners aren't happy and we want some change!"

So far, the election has been a peaceful affair and this paper does not believe there will be any kind of unrest caused by the voting. Tensions are high though, so we advise citizens of the Midwest to be a bit more vigilant when it comes to their own security for the time being.

[Dr. Cynic]

The Atlasian Democrat

Your Source for Atlasia's News!

Should Midwest Governor Resign?

Even though the vote of confidence is split among the voters, several Atlasian citizens have publicly called for Midwest Governor LeBron Fitzgerald to resign from the region's executive. Polling results performed by The Atlasian Democrat have shown that Labor supporters line up solidly for the Governor and feel he should be given another chance. The other parties and most crucially, independents, seem to believe that even if the recall was wrong, that there is such a lack of confidence in the Governor, that he should resign and save face.

Senator Deus' Legislation Protested

Along with protests from most members of the Senate, recent legislation introduced by Senator Deus is causing heavy protest from public groups. Consumer protection agencies are hopeful that President Lumine will follow through on his promise to veto the legislation even if it's passed, which is unlikely given the makeup of the Senate. Chamber of Commerce leaders however have praised Senator Deus for bringing forward a bill which would, in the words of business analyst Mark Stewart, "Increase the rights of both large and small businesses in Atlasia, which have been stifled for far too long by the democratic socialist left represented by Labor and their secret enablers in TPP. For too long, economic growth has been stifled."

Weekly Economic Forecast

The Following is an economic forecast for the Regions and Atlasia at large:

Northeast: Unemployment: 7.8%
IDS: Unemployment: 7.4%
Mideast: Unemployment: 8.3%
Midwest: Unemployment: 9.6%
Pacific: Unemployment: 10.8%

National: Unemployment: 9.1%

[/font]

OVERALL ANALYSIS

Nationally, there was a general uptick in unemployment from the previous statistics. In the Northeast, the situation in Buffalo resulted in minor investor panic that trickled down to affect employment in the NE which had generally been stable. The Midwest saw upticks in unemployment due to the instability of the regional government and the Pacific again is a region in desperate need of leadership as unemployment is shooting back up thanks to the lack of effort and activity from regional executives.

Nationally, the unemployment rate saw a slight rise thanks in part to these factors. It remains to be seen if they will stabilize.

[Flake]

I'm so proud of the IDS.

[Oakvale]

This tenure is off to a very good start indeed.

[windjammer]

This tenure is off to a very good start indeed.

[Senator Cris]

This tenure is off to a very good start indeed.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

This tenure is off to a very good start indeed.

[Kaine for Senate '18]

This tenure is off to a very good start indeed.

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

This tenure is off to a very good start indeed.

[Dr. Cynic]

Well, thank you, I appreciate it. News is a bit slow to start as there are some things I'm waiting on before I can do them.

Any requests though should go in the official GM office, which I hope someone will sticky!!!!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Awsome job, so far! And I'm sure it will only get better

[sentinel]

You're better off PMing the two mods for this board to ask them to sticky it and include the link.

[Prince of Salem]

This tenure is off to a very good start indeed.

[Dr. Cynic]

The Atlasian Democrat

Your Source for Atlasia's News!

Franco-Atlasian Relations Hit Rough Spot

In what has been called by a top French diplomat as a communication breakdown over the situation with ISIS, Atlasia's relationship with France is now in a seriously frayed state. So far, neither Atlasian nor French officials are willing to tell The Atlasian Democrat in detail as to what this situation is, but most sources seem to confirm that strategic differences over how to deal with the threat from ISIS seem to be at the root of the difficulty.

According to several sources, the French Foreign Ministry is outraged over the Lumine Administration's war preparations. Sources say that France is unwilling to put troops on the ground and they believe that the Lumine Administration is pushing the coalition hard to allow this. As of right now, the Administration has not commented officially, but our source tells us that the President doesn't yet feel boots on the ground are necessary. We actively await a response from President Lumine or the Administration to French concerns.

Attorney General Brings Charges Against Former Senator

Although President Lumine seemed somewhat open to relations with the rather eccentric, but generally harmless residents of a small community called The Papal Patch. However, his Attorney General, generally perceived as one of the two most conservative members of the administration, has brought charges against former Senator Alfred F. Jones, a resident and leader of the Papal Patch community. It is generally felt that this is continued fallout from the now ended Civil Conflict and as such the move is unpopular with the general public who want very much to see hostilities at an end.

"I can't stand this anymore," said Northeast resident Emma White. "We all want to get on with our lives. Those Papal Patch people are generally peaceful and don't mean harm."

A spokesman for the Attorney General's office stated that "We take potentially treasonous actions very seriously, even when done by former officials such as the former Senator."

As of right now, the Supreme Court has yet to grant the Attorney General's petition of certiorari. More on this story as it becomes available.

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[Dr. Cynic]

The Atlasian Democrat

Your Source for Atlasia's News!

BREAKING NEWS:

BRITISH PLANE CARRYING HUMANITARIAN AID SHOT DOWN!

A British plane carrying humanitarian aide was shot down over Northwest Iraq this evening, The Atlasian Democrat has learned. The plane had been accompanied by military escort planes, but was shot down from fire on the ground. So far, precious little information has been made available to us, but Foreign Secretary, Phillip Hammond spoke to the BBC less than a half hour ago on this tragedy and it was determined that ISIS were most likely responsible. Here in Atlasia, we await comments from Secretary of State Potus and President Lumine with regards to what, if any, Atlasian aid will be forthcoming. Already there is high anxiety in the nation thanks in part to the administration's decision to put boots on the ground to combat ISIS in Iraq. President Lumine has said he will be mindful of protecting Atlasian humanitarian planes, but with a British plane being shot down, will the administration extend escorts to other nations? More on this as we learn it...

Civil Rights Bill met with Furious Opposition and Support

The 64th Senate has certainly been a controversial session. Probably the bill generating the most though is Senator TNF's new Civil Rights bill. As of right now, the bill has undergone several amendments and modifications, but much of it has been met with both strong support and furious opposition. Senator TNF, a self-described communist, has authored many bills in an attempt to lead the left of Atlasia. However, even many leading left wing politicians, mostly social democrats, have expressed opposition to much of the legislation, one individual even condemning it as "fascist". However, many others on the left have been supportive. "It's about time someone stands up for everyone's right to be treated with dignity and Senator TNF has done just that," said one man.

President Lumine has vowed to veto the legislation, even a scaled down version so far.

[Dr. Cynic]

BREAKING NEWS:

Sec. of State Pushes for Heavy Military Presence in Iraq & Syria

The Atlasian Democrat can confirm that the State Department has sent a recommendation to President Lumine that ground troop presence in Iraq, already a point of contention for many in Atlasia, be ballooned up heavily to over 50,000 troops. Secretary Potus issued a statement saying that "Evil is alive in the world and we should not be afraid to confront it". Also recommended was a significant increase in the bombing of targets in Syria. The Secretary is also meeting with the President to discuss further strategic and tactical matters this evening. More information will be printed as it becomes available....

[Dr. Cynic]

The Atlasian Democrat

Your Source for Atlasia's News!

President Addresses Nation After Speaking With Coalition Partners

President Lumine has addressed the nation regarding plans for how to deal with ISIS going forward. The President has only recently met with several world leaders in hopes of creating a broad coalition to combat the threat. This paper can confirm that President Lumine came away with at least tacit endorsement of the air strike campaign from a majority of those who he spoke with. The Chinese government, for example, heretofore moderately opposed to the airstrike campaign, has come away tacitly endorsing the action, though still unwilling to aid or participate. The one nation remaining stridently opposed to Atlasian military operations is Russia. Sources confirm to us that the conversation with President Putin was somewhat tense, though cordial on the surface. Russia continues to oppose any further escalation of action, especially within ally Syria.

In the backdrop of all of this, President Lumine has addressed the nation. While a pugnacious address, it also invited the Atlasian public to offer active participation in this matter. Polls show that Lumine's handling of this situation is almost a 60-40 favorable/unfavorable margin. More on this situation as we learn it.

[Dr. Cynic]

The Atlasian Democrat

Your Source for Atlasia's News!

Russia Issues Ultimatum to Atlasia

With foreign tensions high, the latest issue facing the administration comes from the tense relationship with Russia. President Vladimir Putin issued a statement today again warning Atlasia off of escalating airstrikes in Syria and putting any boots on the ground. Most international observers believe that Putin's language is deliberately incendiary, designed to provoke a harsh reaction from Atlasia, particularly from the hawkish Secretary of State Potus. Whether or not any Atlasian public official responds to Putin's statement will remain to be seen. In other foreign news, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has scheduled a trip to the U.S. to meet with both Vice President SJoyce and Secretary Potus. It isn't known if Putin's latest comments will be discussed.

Electoral Commission To Reboot Atlasia?

The three member Electoral Reform group has been meeting for a few weeks now. The members: Bacon King, Bore, and the Chairman of the group, RPryor, are considering several reforms to regional boundaries and the way we elect our Senators. When President Lumine formed the Commission, there were no specific instructions given to the group, merely that they investigate areas to fix the political system. One popular method discussed by the general public was a full reboot. Publicly, this has always been met with mixed support (including from me during my recent days as an active politician), however, the Atlasian public seems to want the matter discussed. Several Atlasians have brought forward the proposal for the members to consider. The Atlasian Democrat sees support for a full reboot as gaining steam once again. Time will tell if such a proposal is even considered, but it once again has been brought to the forefront.

Weekly Economic Forecast

The Following is an economic forecast for the Regions and Atlasia at large:

Northeast: Unemployment: 7.7%
IDS: Unemployment: 7.9%
Mideast: Unemployment: 8.6%
Midwest: Unemployment: 9.7%
Pacific: Unemployment: 10.8%
National: Unemployment: 9.5% Inflation: 8.3%

Overall Analysis

Compared to last week, unemployment was up slightly thanks to the lack of investor confidence coming from the trouble in foreign policy recently. Inflation wasn't measured last week, but according to our reports, it has been relatively stable. Employment should definitely look to be a major concern for lawmakers within the next few weeks as a holiday season with such a high unemployment rate could continue to hurt the confidence of both job creators and job seekers. While some firms are hiring to compensate for the holiday season, these creations have barely managed to keep up with the negative numbers. The feeling among the general public is that this situation demands immediate attention from regional as well as the national governments.

NOTICE

There will be no further issues of The Atlasian Democrat published until Friday as the editor will be abroad to plan his wedding which will occur this spring. We apologize for the inconvenience to readers.

[Simfan34]

INFLATION!

Holy s**t our inflation rate is through the roof!

I don't think we've had rates this high since the 70s, no?

And it appears that unemployment has gone back to what it was back when I was GM, huh...

[Dr. Cynic]

INFLATION!

Holy s**t our inflation rate is through the roof!

I don't think we've had rates this high since the 70s, no?

And it appears that unemployment has gone back to what it was back when I was GM, huh...

It should give you guys something to work on then while I'm gone. It was actually supposed to be a lower inflation number but I hit submit and just decided "f**k it, give you guys something to do". See you all on Friday!

[Sec. of State Superique]

INFLATION!

Holy s**t our inflation rate is through the roof!

I don't think we've had rates this high since the 70s, no?

And it appears that unemployment has gone back to what it was back when I was GM, huh...

It should give you guys something to work on then while I'm gone. It was actually supposed to be a lower inflation number but I hit submit and just decided "f**k it, give you guys something to do". See you all on Friday!

I would like to suggest a interest rate shock to destroy this inflation! Come on this is absurd... It's even higher than in Brazil...

[Dr. Cynic]

The Atlasian Democrat

Your Source for Atlasia's News!

Russia Backs Off of Threats

Presently, sources tell us that the Russian President is rapidly backing off of the strong language that had heretofore dominated the discussions between them and the Atlasian government. There was a major concern among many of those working in the intelligence sector that this disagreement would come to blows. Russia has backed off of the full on condemnation rhetoric and has spoken of a desire to try and work with the administration regarding terrorism. It's thought that the Syrian government's request for aid has caused the Russian position to change course.

Elections Underway While
Administration Faces Impeachment Effort

While Atlasians go to the polls, the administration is facing an impeachment effort led by several of the more radical members of the Labor Party. While polling indicates that the support for such a measure is low, those that support the action are citing inactivity as the primary motivating factor.

Meanwhile, the Senate election is underway. As of right now, it looks as though it's a close race for survival for incumbents JCL and Bacon King. Bacon King had been accused of being inactive after winning the special election and it has strongly harmed his momentum. He and JCL, whose views and personality remain an issue for many voters, are in a tight race for survival that it appears only one will make it out of. When we last checked, Bacon King was the one who would win out, but that could change at any time. It will be a close one that will see at least one new member elected.

[Dr. Cynic]

The Atlasian Democrat

Your Source for Atlasia's News!

Left Reasserts Control of Senate

After a tight at-large contest, it appears that Labor and TPP have reasserted control of the Senate while the Federalists and the DR's have clearly moved backward. Of the right wing candidates running, only Cris was victorious. Senators Deus and JCL, both controversial and outspoken libertarians, have seemingly been ousted. One thing of note is that it seems to prove that early campaign declarations can work out. In August, Dr. Cynic had been an early candidate and was victorious. Now, SWE, a longtime fixture of the Northeast Assembly, joins the Senate after having appeared to be behind for much of the contest. SWE was also an early declaration. Could campaigns be beginning earlier and earlier? Some Atlasian citizens are unhappy with such a prospect.

"I'd rather they actually get some work done for us rather than campaigning all the time," declared energy sector employee Charles Ford. "We need an active government, especially in regards to environmental concerns. Senator Polnut was especially good in that and I gave him first preference."

The most newsworthy item though to come out of the election is most likely that the stock market was down today after the left wing triumph. Investors in particular are cautious of any new regulations being placed on them by the new Senate. One stockbroker, who spoke to us under a condition of anonymity revealed that though Wall Street had anticipated a left victory, that they hadn't anticipated both JCL and Deus to lose. "If Labor and The People's Party take a sensible route when it comes to regulation, the market will recover quickly. However, the more we see TNF style communism, the more uneasy we investors feel."

Coalition Forces See Positive Signs in Iraq Front

While election results and recent efforts of impeachment probably bring no cheer to the administration, a spot of good news for President Lumine when coalition bombing strikes have hit ISIS targets all along the Iraqi-Syrian border today. While we have yet to receive a comment from the White House, Nyman officials are said to feel that these strikes have been a serious injury to Islamic State militants. We expect comment very soon from the Administration.

Mumps Outbreak Worries Health Officials in Pittsburgh and Elsewhere

Recently, there has been a mumps outbreak in Atlasia that has affected 5 NHL hockey teams, including the league's poster boy, Sidney Crosby. While this in and of itself might not have been a major issue, word has come to us that one possibly infected teammate, Beau Bennett, had visited Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. Patients and staff are being tested as we write this. As of right now, several public health advocates are calling on the Interior Department to find new ways to contain the infectious disease. More on this when we learn it.

[SWE]

Deus was not a candidate