ECONOMIC REPORT. Paris, France. The global recession continued to worsen this year as layoffs increase and the price tag of doing business in most countries enlarges. The recession is believed to have been exacerbated by the outbreak of war in the Middle East between some of the largest oil exporters in the world. A blockade established by New Holland has further choked the world's oil supply, causing a sharp decline in global stocks and trade. A shortage of oil has even brought some nations to an economic standstill, particularly in the Americas and Europe. As before a summary of economic changes is provided below:
SIOUX BUSINESS IMPROVE RAIL SYSTEM. Geronimo, Lakota Sioux. This year efforts made by a local mass transportation company have made efforts in expanding the infrastructure of the nation as a whole. New and modern rail lines have been laid between the main cities, including different stops within metropolitan areas, allowing for citizens to use them to travel within their own communities. The rails are of course privately owned and the company's stock has significantly improved as even observers from Mexico and other larger nations are impressed with the quality output. The company has however guaranteed free government shipping in times of crisis or national emergency. (+1 Infrastructure)
NEW TEMPLE IN THE PLAINS. Youngsville, Deseret. The Mormon theocracy announced the completed of the Second Temple in Youngsville this year, completing efforts to expand religious training and the devoutness of the population. The new temple has instantly become a place of pilgrimage for Mormons, and sports a beautiful fresco of the young nation's history of trials and tribulations. The temple has even been opened for secular viewing for tourists from other nations, and several Mexican visitors have already raved back at home about the new structure. Some of the more fervent have called the construction the Eighth Wonder of the World, though critics often just call this vast exaggeration and propaganda from the Mormon people.
FOX REPUBLIC ELECTIONS. Fox Falls, Fox Republic. Elections were held in the Fox Republic this year, as the Traditionalist Party faced significant opposition from the left. The Social Democratic Party condemned the recent attempts to build ties with Virginia and the eastern nations, rejecting plans to develop and improve the nation's military. Claiming that the nation has no viable neighboring threats and no need for a strong army, they said that the resources of the country would be better suited to develop living conditions and the nation's infrastructure. This platform has played off very well with the Fox population, as the people rallied in support of the liberal pacifism. The Social Democratic Party won in a landslide, securing control of the nation's Council and have appointed the new High Chief. (+1 Stability)
TENNESSEE ELECTIONS. Nashville, Tennessee. Elections in Tennessee were a heated affair this year as the war with Georgia emerged as the greatest issue among the electorate. The heavy fighting in eastern Mississippi, frequently involving Tennessean troops, gave surge to new support for conservatives, but not enough to build up the local parties. The Liberal Party and the Conservative Party devastated each other in frequent debates and despites, leading to the rise of the moderate Centrist Front. The moderates have promised a balanced approach to government, assuring that while the war was fought to its successful conclusion, Tennessee would remain separate from the negotiations regarding the occupation and distribution of Georgian territories and counties. Social programs would also continue to be developed, though no new ones have been championed for the moderates. (+1 Stability)
QUEBECOIS REJOICE AS ANCIENT FEUD ENDS. Quebec City, Quebec. The people of Quebec have had numerous celebrations this year as it seems that at long last the unending feuding and warfare with Canada have come to a conclusion. Conservative members of government have lauded the success to ultimate victory through force of arms. Regardless of the means of unification, it seems that the frequent violence which accompanied the existence of both neighboring nations has come to a end. This of course is in despite of the fighting which is still occurring as the Canadians resist Quebec's occupation. Many feel that the back and spirit of the Canadians may be at last broken in the long run. (+1 Stability)
GEORGIA IN FLAMES, AGAIN. Oglethorpe, Mississippi. As has happened many times in the past, the Georgian government has given into militarist tendencies and declared war upon Mississippi, revoking recognition as an independent state. The local governments condemned this action and soon a new coalition was assembled against the Georgian regime. The Floridian and Tennessean militaries both deployed numerous forces to subdue the Georgian threat, as well as gaining unexpected support from the French Empire. The fighting began with the early Georgian invasion of Mississippi, which made some progress against the locals until the arrival of Tennessee's army which halted the attack and helped drive them back. The situation was further contained as Florida launched a major invasion of their own, smashing through the weakened Georgian lines and quickly pushing north. The Georgian resistance was finally wiped out when a French air strike and commando attack led to the death of the President and much of the civil and military leadership in Savannah. The military soon crumbled after this strike and the coalition forces have occupied much of Georgia, as talks continue upon the nation's postwar status, or lack of status.
Casualty List
Georgia: 33 Militia Brigades, 5 PT Boats, 17 Population
Mississippi: 6 Militia Brigades, 4 Population
Tennessee: 2 Class D Infantry Brigades
Florida: 4 Class D Infantry Brigades
QUEBEC ESTABLISHES CANADIAN ADMINISTRATION. Toronto, Quebec. The Quebecois government have established a new set of laws and regulations to help administer the recently annexed Canadian state. The region is slated to be locally autonomous allowed to establish its own domestic laws but still tied to the foreign policy of the central government. The Quebecois have even allowed very lenient terms for the average Canadian, allowing immediate participation in the local government, though the military has remained in place. So far cooperation with the Quebecois authorities has been minor at best, as so-called "collaborators" have been attacked, physically or psychologically by their neighbors. The military has not had to fight any major guerilla battles, but the efforts have continued to contain any resurgent Canadian nationalist threat.
NEW FRANCE OFFERS CORPORATE INCENTIVES. New Caen, New France. The New French government has been providing funds to help spur the development of local logging and fishing industries, offering financial incentives for expansion of the current facilities. So far the effort has given negligible results, as the local industries protest against what appears to be an attempt to usurp local control in favor of foreign investment. Protesters have claimed that the effort diminishes New France's sovereignty, by inviting Chinese and Mexican big business to move in. The government has denied these claims, stating that the effort is strictly to spur local businesses, not international ones.
KENTUCKY ESTYABLISHES PPA. Mayfield, Kentucky. The Kentuckian government announced the establishment of the Pennyroyal Plateau Authority this year, modeling its establishment upon the Tennessee Valley Authority in their southern neighbor. The new agency is slated to help expand agricultural development and energy distribution in region, providing more jobs and better infrastructure for the local people. The effort has begun fairly well, though many foreign observers have suggested that it is highly unlikely to ever reach the scale or profitability of the TVA.
NEW ENGLAND-VIRGINIA WAR. New York City, New England. Fighting in the northeastern part of North America has continued this year, as Virginia and New England clash for dominance. The Virginians started the year with a massive assault against New Englander lines in Virginia and Maryland, only to find the bulk of troops and planes had been withdrawn. The New Englanders then launched a series of raids and attacks over the course of the year on the Virginian coast, landing marines and shelling various communities. The worst of these was the attack on Charleston, in which the Royal Carolinian Academy and Museum of Art was looted and burned by the New Englander troops. Further north, the fighting renewed over Harrisburg, as Virginian and Pennsylvanian troops attacked the city in order to reclaim control. The New Englander forces managed to hold part of the city for most of the year, leading to increasing violence and house-to-house combat. The main Virginian push came at Albany, where overwhelming New Englander air superiority and larger numbers have inflicted a heavy cost for every foot gained. With no control of the skies, the Virginians have only succeeded in times of bad weather, finding their supply depots wiped off the map and armored units devastated. By the end of the year Albany was taken, but at a heavy cost for little gain as local New Englander resources were blown up or otherwise booby-trapped for the Virginian arrival.
Casualty List
New England: 15 Militia Brigades, 14 Class D Infantry Brigades, 1 Class B Armored Brigade, 7 Fighter Squadrons, 2 CAS Squadrons, 3 Bomber Squadrons, 3 Destroyers, 1 Frigate
Virginia: 16 Class D Infantry Brigades, 7 Class C Infantry Brigades, 4 Class B Armored Brigades, 4 Destroyers, 2 Frigates, 4 Submarines, 5 Fighter Squadrons, 4 CAS Squadrons, 2 Bomber Squadrons, 2 Attack Helicopter Squadrons
Pennsylvania: 2 Militia Brigades, 180 Population
Central/South American News
PARAGUAY'S SHINY ARMY. Asunción, Paraguay. In recent months it has become readily apparent to members of the international military community that Paraguay's army has been showing particular skill in local war games. The Paraguayan military has taken full credit for the effort, stating that improved training doctrines and policies have been the cause of the recent effectiveness. Foreign observers suggest a different solution. The believed factor influencing the recent development has been the recent influx of new officers and recruits into the mass body of the army population. These new leaders and individuals have been observed to express increased enthusiasm and skill in their endeavors. The reasoning why is uncertain, and is believed to be mostly random chance rather than any specific doctrines. (+1 Army Training)
BOLIVIAN PRESIDENT SETS ELECTION DATE. Sucre, Bolivia. The Bolivian President Acevedo has offered significant new reform to dramatically change the workings of the electoral process. For the first time in recent local history, universal suffrage has been declared for all male and female citizens of the republic of Bolivia. The president has vowed to personally step down from office next year, in order for free elections to take his place. He has already announced a lack of any intention to run for political office following his resignation after the elections, having already performed service for his country. Various factions have begun to assemble as the political process begins in Bolivia's transformation to a true republic. (+1 Stability)
COUP ATTEMPT IN GUATEMALA RESULTS IN BLOODSHED. Guatemala City, Guatemala. Resenting recent reforms and consolidation with the despised Mayan minority, elements of the military in Guatemala launched a bid for power. Some of Menso's former supporters have turned against him as he totally disregards the lisist platform which put him in power. Most of the military backed the coup, storming the capitol and attempting to secure control of the main civic apparatus. Unfortunately for the rebels, President Menso escaped from the capitol and was able to rally some support from the masses. A civil war soon erupted, filling much of the year with brutal violence and retaliations. Ultimately amid the vicious bloodshed, President Menso's forces managed to restore him to power, though he has been forced to move away from his previously lisist ideals for a more moderate approach to governance. A large number of his supporters have even demanded that truly free elections and reform occur. (+2 Stability, -10% French Influence, -19 Militia Brigades, -156 Population)
REBEL GROUP ROUNDED UP IN HONDURAS. Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Members of a Free Honduras resistance group to the Banks regime were detained this year, as local police managed to track them down to their strongholds. Over the course of a single evening, the military struck against the nerve centers of the resistance movement. The various leaders were quickly either shot or arrested and then shot after a trial. The Honduran President Banks has vowed that opposition will not be tolerated, smashing official and unofficial resistance. Several protestors were also arrested during the trials, cementing further control over the populace. (+1 Stability)
SUSA ELECTIONS CREATE NATIONALIST TENSIONS. Cidade do Povo, Socialist Union of South America. The Socialist Union of South America held its anticipated elections this year, transferring power away from the executive branch to the legislature. The elections were solely between the two legal political parties in the Socialist Union, the Socialists and the Neosocialists. The elections were condemned by some as political movements outside of those two were forbidden from participating in the elections, particularly the various rising nationalist ones. Groups calling for independence, such as Rio Grande do Sol, Pernambuco, and Uruguay all were forbidden from running candidates for the Workers and Farmers Congress. This led into an embargo of the elections in the disputed regions, which ultimately voted Socialist over Neosocialist. This proved telling as the seats in the Congress were distributed by the masses, and the Socialist Party ultimately won the majority of seats, establishing a similar government and restoring Director Pelotte to his position. (-1 Stability)
CHILE FACES CONDEMNATION. Santiago, Chile. The Chilean government has been faced with international condemnation after last year's coup by General Torres led to the fall of the republican government. The Socialist Union of South America denounced the fall of the republic, and issued a stern embargo of Chilean goods and recalled their ambassador, threatening harsh punishment for failure to restore elections. Despite this, the Socialist Union's call for international support has been met with lackluster enthusiasm as other world affairs take precedence. Only the government of Italy followed with support, withdrawing their own ambassadors and declaring an embargo on Chilean goods. Chile's new government has vowed to stand strong against "Socialist warmongering" and has pledged to maintain their stances to prevent further socialist-inspired civil disorder.
ARGENTINA SEIZES FALKLAND ISLANDS. Buenos Aires, Argentina. As war continues between Virginia and New England in North America, further actions have been taken by other governments to take advantage of the situation. The Argentines have launched an attack upon the Falkland Islands garrison, easily overwhelming it and forcing the surrender of the Virginian-held islands. Argentina has announced that the islands historically and traditionally should belong to them, and that its control by Virginia has represented a island sword always pointing at the heart of South America. The Argentines have announced the Falklands annexation, to harsh diplomatic protests from the Virginian Empire.
European News
EUROPEAN PIPELINE COMPLETE. Kiev, Russian Federation. After less than two years and with massive expense, the Russian Oil Company has announced the completion of a pipeline connecting Russia with the consumer nations of the west. The outbreak of war in the Middle East has led to oil prices skyrocketing outside of Russia, and the company has reported that the pipeline has been completed just in time for profit from the bloodshed. Regardless, oil demand has risen, and so have prices and the European nations and companies have begun paying through the nose for the recently provided Russian oil, though perhaps not as much as they would have without the pipeline. Several additional other pipelines have been created as alternatives due to war or other violence in the consumer nations, in order to prevent sabotage towards the line.
NORWEGIANS SET FIRST OFFSHORE OIL RIG. Bergen, Norway. The Oslo University have fielded the first offshore oil rig this year, a fixed platform off their coast at an area known for scant oil resources. The effort has been moderately successful, though the university researchers say that at the time, the costs have proven too much to make the endeavor profitable for private business. Efforts by the
Pandora and
Prometheus have continued to scout and attempt to discover other sources of off shore oil near Norway and across the world. Various oil companies have taken an interest in the effort, but the current lack of profitability has lead the corporations to provide lackluster support at best.
NORWEGIAN ELECTIONS. Oslo, Norway. Elections in Norway were once again heavily in favor of the reigning liberal Democratic Party, which campaigned upon its internal and scientific successes of the past few years. The campaign was futilely resisted by the conservative members of the National Party, who condemned the nation's growing reliance on relations with Italy. The recent rise in oil prices has also raised some concerns, making a small dent in the Democratic Party's control over the Storting. Real crisis emerged however when several members of the Democratic Party were implicated in embezzlement scandal. It was revealed that key members of government were using spending into scientific endeavors to enrich themselves, particularly in relation to the Oslo University. Investigations are ensuing, but the National Party have seized the opportunity to secure a majority in the Storting. (-1 Stability)
RUSSIAN ELECTIONS. St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. The Russian government held new elections this year, dominated once again by the Orthodox Party. With most other parties illegal or suppressed by various actions, the Russians have once more confirmed the reign of the Orthodox Party. Despite this, some tensions have been raised as the Orthodox Party is questioned over its handling of the Baltic War. The heavy casualties and prolonged fighting has exacerbated the situation, particularly as resistance continues to fester in the occupied states. Resistance to the Orthodox Party continues to grow politically as the opposition gains strength as information on the death toll expands. (-1 Stability)
BLOODSHED AT RALLY IN BAVARIA. Munich, Bavaria. The Germanist unification movement, which has been gaining underground strength lately, staged a major demonstration in Munich this year. The movement calls for increased efforts to restore a unified German nation and to resist French domination of the Germanic peoples. The local French forces in Bavaria caught wind of the movement, and after a refusal of Bavarian military leaders to crush the protest, moved in their own forces. The arrival of the French sparked several agitators to throne stones and debris at the soldiers, resulting in immediate fire upon the crowd according to official reports. The violence soon escalated as the French relentlessly went on the offensive, moving into buildings and homes in what some have called an "orgy of violence, rape, and destruction." The situation continued to escalate as French troops kept Bavarian ones detained and out of the combat. Munich burned as civic centers were protected and the French soldiers helped themselves to various goods. (-8 Population, -1 Stability, -10% French Influence)
AUSTRIA DEVELOPS NEW WEAPON. Vienna, Austria. The Austrian government has recently helped with the establishment of a local arms market, helping provide funding for a research grant on a new standard weapon for the military. A new automatic weapon has been distributed to the Austrian soldiers this year, and many believe it to be fairly comparable to the previous generation of French arms. The so-called Project Glock has yielded at least some results for the Austrian military, as the nation works to develop its military in an increasing tense European environment. The Austrians have suggested that the team which worked on Project Glock may yet develop new arms, hoping that the military will continue to develop and expand over the next few years for their own protection. (+1 Army Equipment Quality)
SWEDEN COMPLETES PROJECT. Stockholm, Sweden. The Swedish Infrastructure and Employment Project was announced to have reached a successful conclusion this year, as the influx of foreign funds from the loss of the empire spurred its development. While the loss of colonial infrastructure and economic system has prevented any sort of economic recovery at home, the efforts being made have not helped the local economy. Instead, while they have provided jobs to some of the newly unemployed, significant improvements upon the Swedish local infrastructure have been noted. Newly paved roads and well built rails have shown Swedish efficiency in their progress, as they help build up their nation on the home front, leading to one of the most modern and developed transportation systems in the world. (+1 Infrastructure)
WARSAW RECEIVES CENTER OF NEW TRANSIT SYSTEM. Warsaw, Poland. A new airport was completed this year in Poland, eliminating the local zeppelin transit authority, condemned as a relic by many. The new airport provides longer landing strips for more planes as well as a modern, centralized terminal and radar stations. The safety of the passengers of flights is stated to be the primary concern as all efforts are being made to establish their comfort in travel. The government also provided funds for the expansion of a railroad network connected directly to this new hub, providing speedy transportation from the Warsaw Airport to nearly all other major cities in Poland. The system has been lauded by foreign observers, who claim it to be the best organized in Central Europe.
IRELAND LAUNCHES TOURISM CAMPAIGN. Dublin, Ireland. The Irish government sponsored a global media tourist campaign aimed at improving the local trade and economy. Fliers, cinema commercials, and other methods were distributed among the various wealthier trading partners of Ireland. So far, the effort has had a very limited success, as few people see any reason to visit Ireland, wealthier people preferring the tropical climate of the Caribbean these days. The Irish government has held out hope regardless, hoping that eventually the investment will take hold and suggest that Ireland is a better tourist spot than Cuba or the Bahamas.
RUSSIA INITIATES SPACE FUNDING. Milan, Italy. The Italian National Aeronautics Agency received an unexpected boost this year as the Russian government began financing parts of the research involved. Russian scientists and researchers have also begun limited participation in experiments and developments, offering a new edge to local research. Other agencies have viewed this combined effort warily, as Russian involvement could herald a new competitive era of space development.
RUSSIA INVADES BALTIC STATES. St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. After last year's various crises, the Russian government issued ultimatums to the Baltic States, which were ignored or rejected outright. In response the Russian military was fully mobilized and the Baltic States prepared themselves for war. The fighting has proven to be extremely brutal, as the Russian forces ran into line after line of prepared fortifications, leading to a bloody struggle from the border. Ultimately Russian forces managed to break through the Baltic lines in the north, occupying Estonia and driving the enemy into a pitched battle within Riga. Fighting in Riga proved intense and vicious, another meat grinder for the Russian army, once again eventually breaking through by sheer weight of numbers and air superiority. With the fall of winter, the fighting slowed down even more, as the Russians slogged their way into Lithuania, ultimately capturing Vilnius, and bringing the conflict to a close. The heavy casualties and devastating fighting have left the states occupied by the Russian Federation as disputes arise on the management of the subdued powers within the Russian Duma.
Casualty List
Latvia: 32 Class D Infantry Brigades, 9 Fighter Squadrons, 1 CAS Squadron, 477 Population
Lithuania: 42 Infantry Class D Brigades, 10 Fighter Squadrons, 230 Population
Estonia: 20 Class D Infantry Brigades, 5 Fighter Squadrons
Russian Federation: 66 Class C Infantry Brigades, 14 Class B Infantry Brigades, 3 Class A Armored Brigades, 5 Fighter Squadrons
FRANCE ENTERS SPACE RACE. Algiers, France. The French Imperial Aeronautics and Space Administration launched their first test satellite into space this year, being the first nation to do so outside of Florida and Mexico's efforts. The new satellite was launched from the station in Algiers, to much fanfare and celebration among the French people. The test was lauded as a symbol of French superiority and the lisist way of life, demonstrating that France is not isolated from humanity's growing presence upon the final frontier.
ITALIANS BEGIN BOMBING OF BULGARIA. Sofia, Bulgaria. Rising tensions between Bulgaria and Italy have erupted into a local war as Italian troops moved into Macedonia to oust Bulgarian forces in the region. The Bulgarians, having refused to move out and beginning the rounding up of Greeks into refugee camps forced the Italians to act. The Italian assault was relentless and immediate, consisting of a massive bombing campaign against Bulgaria, attacking transportation and industrial centers as well as Bulgarian military bases. While the Bulgarian air force has been essentially destroyed, the Bulgarian army has continued to dig in, stubbornly refusing to budge from their positions. The Italians have thus continued the bombing throughout the year, tearing apart the Bulgarian countryside and leaving possibly hundreds of thousands dead or homeless. Italian politicians have continued to demand Bulgaria's immediate evacuation of Macedonia, as rhetoric continues on the global forum.
Casualty List
Bulgaria: 4 Class D Infantry Brigades, 2 Destroyers, 1 Frigate, 12 Fighter Squadrons, 221 Population
Italy: 2 Fighter Squadrons, 1 Bomber Squadron
