The Citizen's Dispatch - the official publication of the Game Engine

[Peanut]

The Game Engine
Office of Peanut,
11th Game Moderator of the Republic of Atlasia


Source.

Ground rules:

1. The Citizen's Dispatch is the official publication of the Game Engine. It releases one regular issue each Sunday, covering regional, national, and international business.

2. During the week, updates may be posted via Twitter @atlasiagm. These are considered canon upon their publication, will be posted on the forum at the earliest convenience, and their contents may be expanded upon in the next regular issue of the Citizen's Dispatch.

3. Every citizen of Atlasia may request clarification or a GM ruling on any subject where the in-game events may differ from real life. Requests will aditionally be heard from officeholders for official reports on any situation in the game reality under the purview of the Game Moderator, which will be published as soon as possible in a special edition of the Citizen's Dispatch upon their request.

4. The Citizen's Dispatch publishes several special editons on topics that affect the Republic. COVID special editions will be posted each Wednesday until April 14th, after which they'll be published every two weeks until the end of the pandemic. Special editions concerning the NPC elections will be published twice a month under Lumine’s schedule. Monthly elections will remain the same as those used by Lumine.

[Peanut]

The Archives:
A Remembrance of GMs Past.

GM Kalwejt: August 2016
GM Clyde1998: September - November 2016
GM Kalwejt: November 2016 - February 2017
GM Dkrolga: February - June 2017
GM 1184AZ: June - November 2017
GM R2D2: November - December 2017
GM Harry S Truman: December 2017 - December 2018
GM Mr. Reactionary: December 2018 - December 2019
GM Ninja: January - April 2020
Pontifex Maximus Lumine: April 2020 - March 2021

During Kalwejt's first tenure:

• A military coup in Paflagonia deposes democratic President von Bongbong, installing Field Marshal Freiherr von Kummerspeck as the European country's new leader.
• Tensions started to rise between Atlasia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia over the use of the death penalty on Atlasian citizens in the last two nations.
• British PM Theresa May is deposed by a Conservative Party coup after a month in office, Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn is brought down by Labour MP's and replaced by Owen Smith. Following the installation of a caretaker government led by Lord Heseltine (CON), a snap 2016 United Kingdom general election results in a deeply hung Parliament.

During Clyde's tenure:

• Tensions arise within the UK and Atlasia over a proposed Common Market, the British public being initially reluctant towards the initiative. The Common Market treaty (ACBMA) is approved in Atlasia, and will pass the House of Commons later on an unspecified date.
• The city of Los Angeles votes to hold the 2028 Olympics via referendum.
• Russia and Atlasia engage in a controversy over Atlasian support for Ukraine.
• The rise of nationalist movements in Europe reinforces a push for Scottish and Catalonian referendums.

During Kalwejt's second tenure

• Kalwejt sets a crucial precedent by ruling that State Governments exist as NPC's.
• Turkey and President Erdogan charge Atlasia with having supported the failed 2016 military coup.
• Violent mass protests by Cuban exiles take place following President Blair's lifting of sanctions on Cuba.
• A coalition government is formed in the UK on January 2017, led by Ken Clarke (CON) as PM and Owen Smith (LAB) as DPM.

During DKrol's tenure:

• Turkey and Atlasia continue a tense diplomatic stand-off. A Presidential visit by DFW to Iran causes domestic backlash.
• In the aftermath of North Korea ramping up missile and nuclear tests, Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un dies of an illness. His brother Kim Jong Chul and ambitious general Choe Pu-il struggle for the succession.
• Following the 2017 Dutch general election, Mark Rutte forms a majority coalition government alongside VVD, CDA, D66 and CU.
• Prime Minister Ken Clarke triggers Article 50 on March 30th, 2017, starting the Brexit process. The collapse of the Northern Irish Executive in Stormont leads to deadlock in the province. A minor terrorist attack takes place outside Parliament.

During 1184AZ's tenure:

• General Choe Pu-il wins a power struggle in North Korea on July 2017, becomes Supreme Leader and takes on a bellicose attitude, ramping up nuclear testing even further.
• Russian-aligned terrorist group "Free The People" (FTP) becomes a serious global threat after July on account of its actions against Western nations. French government hacked, President Emmanuel Macron shot dead by a FTP supporter. Acting President Gerard Larcher presides over new elections.
• August-September 2017 French presidential election results in the victory of Édouard Philippe (LR) against Marine Le Pen (FN).
• Talks over Brexit continue. An initial plan for a 2nd Scottish Referendum falls through.
• Domestic terrorism arrives in Atlasia on behalf of the Lincoln-secessionist National Lincoln Liberty Coalition (NLLC), which led by Jason Martin - under the "Liberty for Lincoln" rallying cry - partakes in several gruesome acts of terrorism. As hundreds die in separate bombings, the federal and regional governments lead a crackdown and Martin is arrested on July 24th attempting to flee to Ireland.
• President Goldwater launchs an infamous preemptive strike in North Korea on September 4th, failing to destroy their military capabilities. A state of war takes place between North Korea and Atlasia, the latter of which negotiates two separate arrangements with Russia (involving Crimea recognition and lifting of sanctions in return for an end to hostilities in Eastern Ukraine) and China (a joint war effort on North Korea).
• The Second Korean War lasts from September to October 2017. It is a bloody conflict involving significant aerial warfare. Joint PLA-Atlasian efforts result in the liberation of Pyongyang and the collapse of the North Korean regime. Supreme Leader Choe Pu-il is killed in an air raid, leaving Premier Pak Pong-ju to formally surrender.
• Free The People resumes terrorist attacks, attempting a failed assassination of Chancellor Angela Merkel, attacking Kiev with a bomb, attempting to hack the Atlasian government, and launching a bloody terrorist attack at Houston on Black Friday, November 2017, which results in over 380 casualties. An FBI report blames the Kremlin from being behind FTP, an accusation angrily denied by Moscow.
• In the aftermath of the Second Korean War, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe calls a snap general election in Japan to bolster his position, winning a major landslide. North Korea faces major internal strife due to the unpopularity of Pak Pong-ju's provisional government - supported by the Allies -, leading to Pak's assassination in November 2017. Revanchist and hardliner general Yun Jong-rin seizes power
• Free The People resumes terrorist attacks, attempting a failed assassination of Chancellor Angela Merkel, attacking Kiev with a bomb, and attempting to hack the Atlasian government. An FBI report blames the Kremlin from being behind FTP, an accusation angrily denied by Moscow.
• A serious constitutional and civil crisis takes place in Spain after Catalonian regional premier Carles Puigdemont declares Catalonian Independence on October 12. PM Mariano Rajoy (PP) removes Puigdemont from office and reestablishes direct rule, leading to mass protests. A last minute compromise opens the way to an independence referendum in early 2018, with a 2/3 threshold.
• Reports fom Saudi Arabia charge the ruling King and his government with the mass execution of thousands of homosexuals, leading to the collapse of the Atlasia-Saudi Arabia relationship.

During R2D2's tenure:

• A bloody terrorist attack takes place at Houston on Black Friday, November 2017, which results in almost 400 casualties. Seven people are arrested and charged as would-be culprits.

During Truman's tenure:

• Following Édouard Philippe's victory at the French presidential election, a presidential legislative majority is formed under PM Francois Baroin, LREM collapsing as a party.
• The suspects of Houston Massacre killed by police, it is generally believed they are linked to Free the People.
• North Korean general Yun Jong-rin attempts to cement his rule with a violent crackdown, prompting the remnants of the Pak government to establish themselves in Seoul - with Japanese and South Korean backing - as the legitimate PRK, led by Choe Ryong Hae. Following the repeal of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution by Shinzo Abe and a series of internal uprisings, PRK forces start seizing territory against General Yun's "nationalists" with Allied support in the North Korean Civil War. In January 2018 a "loyalist" Kim government is formed under Kim Jong-nam with implicit Chinese backing. Following battles in January-February 2018 the Allies enter Pyongyang on March 4th and General Yun is killed. On March 31st the People's Liberation Army crosses the Yalu River, starting the Beijing Pact and expanding the war.
• British Prime Minister Ken Clarke survives an attempted leadership challenge by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson by sacking him and a third of the Cabinet. Clarke announces on January 2018 that a Brexit Deal has been concluded with the EU. The proposed "Soft Brexit" (Hammond-Barnier Treaty) sees the UK remaining in the single market and the customs union, and is ratified in Parliament by a 414 to 172 vote. Clarke's Conservative Party threatens to disintegrate over Brexiteer backlash, leading to a Eurosceptic slip led by Michael Gove.
• In Paflagonia, Field Marshal Adolph von Kummerspeck holds legislative and presidential elections in which the opposition is generally barred or obstructed from standing. The pro-junta elements secure a legislative majority and a landslide victory for President von Kummerspeck.
• The 2018 Italian general election produces good results for the M5S and the center-right, but the resulting Parliament is deadlocked. After Silvio Berlusconi dies in March 22nd from a cerebral hemorrhage, talks lead to the formation of a M5S-Lega Nord coalition led by new Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio (M5S).
• Atlasia moves its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem on March 2018.
• Following controversy over complains of interventionism from Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy ("Rajoy Dossier"), Catalonia registers a significant pro-independence victory with a 59% YES vote, but fails to surpass the 2/3 threshold. Regional elections later in the year will see a crushing victory for the Catalonian nationalists.
• In Germany, the CDU-SDP Grand Coalition is renewed, allowing Chancellor Merkel to carry on.
• Deputy PM Owen Smith ends the coalition government after the successful passage of the Brexit deal, which leads to the 2018 United Kingdom general election. Smith wins a majority for Labour, and the Northern Irish executive at Stormont is subsequently restored thanks to Clarke's efforts. With Smith having promised the SNP a new independence referendum, Scotland votes to stay in the UK (55 to 45%) in September 10th, 2018. Nicola Sturgeon resigns as First Minister and SNP leader.
• The second phase of the North Korean Civil War sees substantial Atlasian involvement as troops are sent into North Korea, a series of bloody naval and land battles resulting in the annihilation of the Chinese fleet, the capture of Shanghai and the Allied liberation of Korea by August 2018. China faces protests in Hong Kong and significant economic trouble due to an Allied naval blockade.
• Controversy over the May 2018 Venezuelan Presidential Election - and Nicolas Maduro's attempts to bar the opposition from standing - results in mass protests and riots across the nation. The Venezuelan army revolts against Maduro and deposes him on June 2nd, elevating General Vladimir Padrino to the presidency in a military coup. Padrino leads a violent crackdown of his own, killing hundreds of citizens from June to August and being subsequently deposed in a counter-coup in August 29th. A transitional government is formed with Chavista and Opposition members.
• Elections in North Korea give democratic President Choe Ryong Hae a strong victory.

During Reactionary's tenure:

• An independence referendum in New Caledonia results in a defeat for the pro-independence movement, which leads an unsuccessful general strike against French authorities.
• The Dutch government pursues the expansion of the so-called "Burqa ban".
• Amidst cyber attacks by the Chinese, peace talks end the North Korean Civil War by January 2019 with an Allied victory. As the Kim family flees into Cambodia, China hands over several key North Korean officers to stand trial. A subsequent raid by the Royal Cambodian Army results in the arrest of Kim Jong-nam and his two sisters, and their transfer to Allied authorities. Kin Jong-chul the sole family member to escape death or arrest.
• The Atlasian vessel Wubbalubbadubdub is seized by the Singaporean Navy citing piracy and gun regulations, leading to talks to secure their return.
• Former President Andry Rajoelina returns to power in Madagascar after a controversial election.
• Russia is charged with breaching Norwegian airspace on a series of aggressive military exercises. An unrelated incident leads a Russian satellite to collide with an Argentinian one.
• The long-planned Fremont High Speed Railway is reported to be making progress while facing a huge budget strain.
• Among other domestic developments, Los Angeles continues to prepare for the 2028 Olympics and Church attendance is reported to be on the rise across the nation.
• Riots take place in Malawi on June 2019 after former President Joyce Banda is killed on the orders of President Peter Mutharika.
• A series of statehood referendums on Atlasian territories end in chaos and disaster.

During Ninja's tenure:

• North Korea votes YES (87%) to reunification in a referendum on January 2020. South Korea later passes a resolution recognizing the start of the reunification process, leading to the start of talks in Pyongyang.
• The Coronavirus pandemic begins. As Wuhan faces a lockdown, the first two Atlasian cases appear in Seattle and Newark.
• Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu fails to secure immunity against a corruption trial, is sentenced to 3 years in prison. Removed from office as he appeals to the Supreme Court, Speaker Yuli Edelstein takes over as interim PM and acting Likud leader on the eve of the March 2020 Israeli legislative election.
• Legislative elections in Peru give President Martin Vizcarra a boost after a high profile battle with the previous Fujimorista Congress.
• Venezuelan government plans to hold new elections on April, deciding to adopt an Atlasian-like system with a weakened President.
• An international crisis takesplace between Eritrea and Djibouti after Eritrean troops attack their neighbor.

During Lumine's tenure:
Full summary of my illustrious predecessor coming soon!
__________________________

[Peanut]

WORLD LEADERS:

Atlasia: President Sestak
Argentina: President Alberto Fernandez
Australia: Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Austria: Prime Minister Sebastian Kurz
Bolivia: President Luis Arce
Brazil: President Jair Bolsonaro
France: President Édouard Phillipe & Prime Minister François Baroin[/size
Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
China: President Xi Jinping
Costa Rica: President Carlos Alvarado
Cuba: President Miguel Diaz Canel and First Secretary Raúl Castro
Germany: Chancellor Angela Merkel
Hungary: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán
Iran: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei & President Hassan Rouhani
Israel: Prime Minister Benny Gantz and President Reuven Rivlin (President-elect Miriam Peretz to take office July 7)
India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Ireland: Taoiseach Micheál Martin
Italy: Prime Minister Mario Draghi
Japan: Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga
Mexico: President Andrés Manuel López Obrador
Netherlands: Prime Minister Mark Rutte
New Zealand: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
Nicaragua: President Daniel Ortega
North Korea: President Choe Ryong Hae & Prime Minister Thae Yong Ho
Paflagonia: Acting President Kurt Narriman
Pakistan: Prime Minister Imran Khan
Palestinian Authority: Mahmoud Abbas
Peru: President Martin Vizcarra
Philippines: President Rodrigo Duterte
Russia: President Vladimir Putin
Saudi Arabia King Salman
Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
South Korea: President Moon Jae In
Syria: President Bashar al-Assad
Turkey: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
United Kingdom: Prime Minister Owen Smith
United Nations: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Vatican City: Pope Francis
Venezuela: President Leopoldo López

[Peanut]

The Citizen’s Dispatch
Volume I

Nobody expects the French resignation
Chief Justice Windjammer’s decision not to take office causes protests in Nyman, constitutional scholars question action.

NYMAN- After President Sestak took office in a political development that surprised even the most avid political observers, shocked protesters took the streets in Nyman. Seven arrests were made in relation to unruly behavior in the capital during the event, among these Mr. Clay Frelinghuysen (30), from Summerhill, New York. Mr. Frelinghuysen was reportedly wearing a shirt emblazoned with a picture of former President Leinad, bearing a slogan affiliated with new political organizations: ‘It’s really not that [expletive] serious.’. When approached by the Citizen’s Dispatch for comment, Mr. Frelinghuysen’s wife Abigail Power insisted she knew nothing. It remains to be seen whether further developments take place in this intriguing series.

Additionally, prominent constitutional scholars have raised concerns regarding the legality of the political shakeup in Nyman some days ago. Popular attorney Oakvale was joined by some experts who recommended the Congress take action to statutorily clarify the situation: Notre Dame Law professor Constanza Irene Tution was quoted saying that “the smart thing for the federal to do is ensure Atlasian democracy remains stable and well-codified, Gd knows that’s why the United States became the Republic of Atlasia. If we hadn’t changed, we’d probably have an all-out assault at the Capitol by now. I urge competent authorities to take action if they judge it necessary.”

Will it take Sestak and Yankee to go to China?
President Xi Jinping questions Atlasia’s priorities, offers invitation to leaders to visit Beijing.

[BEIJING- In a strongly-worded statement, Chinese President Xi Jinping has criticized recent legislative efforts to condemn his government’s policies. “It seems clear that, even after the events of the past few years, the Atlasian government keeps diverting attention from their people to focus on China”, the translated statement reads. “We stand by our economic actions, always aimed at strengthening our people and our allies. We are always open to negotiation with the Atlasians: in fact, I have instructed my government to extend an official invitation to the Secretary of State to visit Beijing, along with high-ranking congressional leaders. It would do well for us to have an open discussion on trade that prioritizes the rights and sovereignty of our nations, and I look forward to hearing Atlasia’s answers and proposals.”

Reportedly, the invitation has arrived at Secretary DevoutCentrist’s office. Atlasia’s response, if any, remains to be seen.

Go South, young… homeowner?
Prospective homeowners look South

FAIRVIEW, TN- The recent passage of S.21.1-5, sponsored by Delegate Tmthforu94 (DA), has brought renewed interest in the South as a destination for young families and prospective homeowners, who claim the tax deduction recently codified into statute makes it more likely for them to secure a future. The Citizen’s Dispatch interviewed a young family in a local restaurant in Fairview, Tennessee:
   “You know, I never expected we would have the financial means to own our own home here in the South”, said Mrs. Doris Chiles (27) while her wife Lauren(29) carefully distributed pancakes among their children. “I hear that some guy Tmth proposed the idea - this definitely makes it more likely we’re voting for his party, the Democratic something or other, next state election, though we have never been very political, right, honey?”
   Ms. Lauren was not available for comment, as she was unaware of recent legislative developments (perhaps surprisingly, given the depth of political knowledge traditionally demonstrated by diners). Reportedly, similar sentiments in support of the DA’s policies has resulted in a favorable political environment in anticipation of March’s state and local elections, but the full effects remain to be seen.

DeSantis under fire
Governor of Virginia makes gaffe widely seen as racist, pressure mounts on Federalist leaders to respond

RICHMOND - Governor Emily DeSantis (Fed) of Virginia has appeared on tape discussing the state of education in her state, mentioning that African-Atlasian students “just naturally do worse [...] nothing we can really do about it.”

The Governor’s comments, made during a recorded Zoom forum with local education leaders, have brought concerns to the forefront regarding their perceived racist implications. Several local officials have called for her resignation, and regional and Federalist authorities have faced pressure to respond: Southern Governor LouisvilleThunder and Senators North Carolina Yankee and Spark have been asked to speak out against Governor DeSantis, and perhaps even join calls for her resignation.

Another surprise win(djammer)
The Atlasians becomes surprise hit in the 63rd Grammys

LOS ANGELES- After the rule change allowing more recent music to compete in the Grammys (changing the eligibility period from September through August, to March through February), several recent records have been hits in the ceremony. Not only has the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album gone, as expected, to Reuental Production’s The Atlasians, the stirring musical has also claimed the titles for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The former award has been awarded to To Wait so Long, performed in the album by Russell Crowe in his role as Windjammer. The latter has been awarded to Registration Madness, one of the most well-known songs from the musical (doubtlessly in no small part due to Renee Elise Goldsberry’s performance as Notary Peebs). The musical, however, lost the Album of the Year Award to Taylor Swift’s hit album folklore.

During the ceremony in the Los Angeles Convention Center, the original cast performed the show stopping closure to the musical’s second act, featuring such lauded artists as Lin-Manuel Miranda in his role as YoungTexan.

[Peanut]

https://twitter.com/atlasiagm/status/1371290305060872192?s=19

And here we have the first Twitter update! This may or may not be incorporated in a full story next issue, it's still a new feature and I'll see how I make it work.

[Peanut]

https://twitter.com/atlasiagm/status/1371870451727761429?s=19

[Peanut]

The Citizen's Dispatch
First Pandemic Update

A New Hope as Vaccines Strike Back


The Atlasian vaccination effort has continued very successfully: congressional, executive, and regional coordinated efforts have resulted in a dip in the number of new cases and a stunning drop in death rates (last week, we saw a 25% drop in deaths from the week immediately prior, which had itself presented fewer fatalities than those before). The only states still showing strong negative trends are Arizona, New Mexico, and Puerto Rico, as large Southern states (like Texas and Oklahoma) have proved successful at greatly reducing positivity rates.

Some attribute this success to Southern authorities' efforts, such as their early strike regarding vaccinations and their contained reopening efforts.

Vaccination levels have kept up a steady pace, as Atlasia is distributing a little above 3 million shots daily, with the percentage of citizens who have received at least one dose quickly climbing up. Currently (perhaps ironically, given they have faced more challenges regarding positivity rates and the spread of the virus), the nation's best performer in the vaccination race appears to be Fremont, with the South and Lincoln comparatively lagging behind.

However, the nationwide pace is still astounding, as we soon approach the place where vaccine supply will overtake demand: a stubborn 25% of Atlasians still claim they will not get the shot. Once we get to that point, authorities will have to make a series of decisions as to what point is deemed the correct one to speed up reopenings, or what campaigns (if any) can be made to foster the use of vaccines. Other nations have not fared as well: several EU countries have been struggling with vaccine rollout, and many have stopped using the AZ vaccine. This raises concerns, both as a lack of supply is seen as growing imminent and as concerns over the safety of the vaccines take hold in the minds of the public, but Atlasians do not seem to have a strong opinion on the matter. This could change, of course, if the government appears to take a position, similar to European nations' course of action.

Ms. Elise Vincent, who formerly worked at the CDC and now has a position as a commentator, has claimed that there is "a light at the end of the tunnel so close I can almost touch it" in the COVID-19 pandemic. How quickly we reach that light, however, is still dependent on good measures from governments everywhere from federal to local.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Mr. GM, will we be getting polls of the states up for election? A lot of campaigning has taken place since you announced the start of the campaign season.

[Peanut]

Mr. GM, will we be getting polls of the states up for election? A lot of campaigning has taken place since you announced the start of the campaign season.

Yes, today. My schedule hasn't allowed me to post them, but I'm free today and will get it done

[S019]

Could the GM provide an update on the Vermont situation?


Also a general question that I had, how does debt work? Like Lincoln was in debt from the passage of its 2019 budget until whenever this one is passed, so since that debt was in effect for multiple months when it is paid off is interest involved? If so, what would the rates be?

[Peanut]

Could the GM provide an update on the Vermont situation?

Yes: after conversation with legislative leaders, the Governor reconsidered her position and we are now (thankfully) at a point where the bill can be efficiently implemented.

Also a general question that I had, how does debt work? Like Lincoln was in debt from the passage of its 2019 budget until whenever this one is passed, so since that debt was in effect for multiple months when it is paid off is interest involved? If so, what would the rates be?

This question doesn't really fall under the jurisdiction of the Game Moderator, I'm afraid.

[AGA]

Is it possible to have an NPC referendum?

[OBD]

Is it possible to have an NPC referendum?

There was some talk of this RE Kansas and Lumine said he'd be open to it iirc (never materialized though). Peanut might think differently though.

[Peanut]

Is it possible to have an NPC referendum?

Hmm. If the proper legislative means were put in place and did not contradict regional Constitutions or laws, I'd be open to it if the governments were so inclined.

[Sirius_]

Could we get an update on the settlement status of Bir Tawil? Does anybody live there since it became an Atlasian territory, or is it still barren?

[Peanut]

The Citizen’s Dispatch
Volume II

Crouching resolution, hidden crisis
PRC government "livid" over ROC Act of 2021

BEIJING- As the House has passed HB 29-06 recognizing the Republic of China, President Xi Jinping has changed his tone on the new Atlasian administration. In a now furiously-worded statement, he has claimed the Atlasian Congress and the executive branch are "walking dangerous paths".

The President, who currently holds what amounts to supreme control over the mighty - albeit weakened - PRC, and his political and economic influence extends far beyond his borders to other regions in Asia and even other continents, like Africa and South America. The result of recent conflicts with Atlasia has not been rosy for the Chinese government, but they remain defiant and heavily critical of the Republic's efforts to recognize democratic governments' self-determination. The bill to recognize the Taiwanese government (already passed by the House) is, in Xi's government's view, the last in a series of policy changes meant to undermine Chinese influence in Asia.

The statement from Beijing gave several interesting observations, such as decrying "the shameless silence from Administration officials like President Sestak and Secretary DevoutCentrist which has allowed poisonous rhetoric to enter the hallowed halls of Congress", or claiming that "the passage and signature of the resolution will signify a complete and utter breakdown of the relationship between Atlasia and the PRC" but that "there is still time to right the ship: if the Atlasian Senate kills the resolution, or President Sestak counters it, we are more than open to bilateral negotiations with the Republic of Atlasia to welcome a brighter future for all. We hardly dare to think what would happen were the resolution to become policy".

From Empire to Mount Rushmore
South Dakota and New York shine in vaccination efforts even as pace nationwide picks up

In what is great news as Atlasia fights the pandemic, the state governments in New York and South Dakota have proven extraordinarily successful in the vaccine rollout process.

While nationwide vaccination efforts have been among the best in the world, and the Republic appears on track to hit many of its targets before what has been usually predicted, the two states with the best numbers are New York (where cooperation between NYC Mayor Lewis Silver and Governor Patrick Denniston has, despite historical tension between both offices, allowed community targets to be hit and distribution to be equitable in vulnerable communities in the City and upstate) and South Dakota (where Governor Faith Spotted Eagle took efforts to make the vaccine widely available in every region of her state, particularly in Native Atlasian communities).

The makeup of both states is wildly different, so there is something for every state and region to find in their success: both have placed an emphasis on communities, and have proven adept at handling the situation from the bottom up, which has resulted in boons to their state government's popularity (particularly notable as South Dakota elects its state government this month, and New York is up in
April).

Sestak's choice (for now)
UN Secretary-General selection process begins heating up

NEW YORK CITY- The selection process to elect the leader of the United Nations from 2022 to 2026 is starting to heat up, with the first straw poll less than four months out, and the Atlasian -government has a clear choice to make as Secretary-General Antonio Guterres prepares to run for reelection.

While challenges to a sitting chief of the UN are astonishingly rare (having happened only once in the history of the almost octogenarian organization), Indo-Canadian UNDP official Arora Akanksha has reportedly launched a campaign for the office against the sitting Secretary-General. Despite being rightly seen as a long-shot campaign, with next to no chance of winning, Akanksha has backed concerns that Guterres has not lived up to the promise of the UN. She has joined criticisms of him and his methods for running the UN, which typically label him too close to authoritarian governments and too weak in the face of the challenges facing the world today.

Meanwhile, Guterres has quietly set the stage for his reelection, painting himself as a steady, experienced leader who can lead the UN in the next five-year period.

So, the choice facing Atlasia's delegation in the UN is simple. Will the Republic, as expected, avoid controversy and make Guterres's reelection little more than a pro forma coronation? Or will President Sestak and Secretary DC rock the boat and come out against his candidacy, thereby forcing a new Secretary-General to be selected, perhaps one who would hold a stronger hand against the rising threat of anti-democratic governments? The choice is theirs to make, but they need to make it in the coming weeks.

Rerum No-varum
Archbishop of Boston Sean O'Hara signs controversial letter arguing for "return to principles of life and family"

Cardinal Sean O'Hara, Archbishop of Boston, has authored a letter addressed to regional officeholders in all three regions urging the governments to consider pro-life policies, reviving arcane debates over abortion in Atlasia, despite it being widely seen as a settled issue, as well as arguing in favor of giving Churches broader temporal authority and a say in government matters. He points to regional efforts in Lincoln to limit abortion laws as a clear example of existing political goodwill for more traditional principles and statute. The letter has been signed by several religious leaders from all three regions, though most signatories are concentrated in the South and Fremont.

Whether regional officeholders deem a response to these efforts convenient remains to be seen.

Actress alive and well after refreshing nap
Arrested Development Emmy-winning actress Jessica Walter is alive and healthy

NEW YORK CITY- Despite panic over posts in several social media platforms that the actress had passed away in her sleep, the news has been revealed to be fake, reportedly emerging from confusion about the wording of a very literal-minded primary care physician's comment that Walter had "gone back to her home and is now sleeping peacefully". After news reached her of her death, she reportedly laughed and claimed she will feature in reaction gifs for years to come.

[Peanut]

Could we get an update on the settlement status of Bir Tawil? Does anybody live there since it became an Atlasian territory, or is it still barren?

Bir Tawil is still uninhabited, and no permanent settlements have been established there. That might change, though, if the federal government is still interested in pushing Atlasia's claim to the land.

[WMS]

Could we get an update on the settlement status of Bir Tawil? Does anybody live there since it became an Atlasian territory, or is it still barren?

Bir Tawil is still uninhabited, and no permanent settlements have been established there. That might change, though, if the federal government is still interested in pushing Atlasia's claim to the land.

Atlasia should build the largest Meow Wolf installation ever

[S019]

Would the GM provide an update as to whether or not the last Israel election occurred, and if so what were the results? Could the GM also provide the results of the Netherlands elections?

[Peanut]

Would the GM provide an update as to whether or not the last Israel election occurred, and if so what were the results? Could the GM also provide the results of the Netherlands elections?

The Israeli elections did not occur, as the coalition led by current PM Gantz has held on, albeit weakly.

And yes, I'll give Netherlands a spot in the next update for sure, but the results do not differ from real life.

[S019]

Will the GM provide results of provincial elections or not, such as the recent German elections as well as the recent Western Australia election?

[Peanut]

Will the GM provide results of provincial elections or not, such as the recent German elections as well as the recent Western Australia election?

I might, yes (particularly the German ones, with the federal election coming soon), but for future reference, unless otherwise stated the results of global elections are the same as in real life. Feel free to ask, though, I understand some situations (like the one in Israel) require clarification as to whether game reality has changed

[Peanut]

The Citizen's Dispatch
Special report

Private Atlasian citizen Hillary Rodham (formerly Clinton) from Illinois reportedly woman in picture
Official pictures of President Sestak in Chicago federal buildings stolen, replaced with portraits of woman

CHICAGO- A weird sight met officials coming back to several federal buildings earlier today, as most pictures of the President were replaced by those of a woman who has been taken into custody by the authorities. The woman, who is in her early 70s, was identified as Hillary Rodham, and reportedly was a high-ranking official of the United States government before the foundation of the Republic. A Chicago resident since her divorce in 2005, Ms. Clinton's apartment at Grand Plaza reportedly contained over 50 copies of a fictional political thriller (known as "timeline" in certain online political circles) titled What Happened in which she starred as a presidential candidate in the defunct United States of America.

Currently, it's unknown how the woman got into the federal buildings and managed to change the portraits, or if she had any help from within.

Situation categorized as a big, structural expletive
Giant inflatable blimps block Suez Canal, scaring officials

PORT SAID- Only a few days after the Canal was blocked by a ship, a stranger situation arose as not one but two giant figures blocked passage in the Canal. On one hand, a humongous golden retriever, and on the other, a baby resembling a popular New York magnate: it is currently unknown where these two inflatable figures came from, or who is behind the blockade, but it was quickly broken by local authorities as they did not prove impervious to several needles.

The Suez Canal authority reportedly laughed off the incident, commenting that the world, and Atlasians, are lucky to live in a reality where such sights aren't common.

[Peanut]

Also folks, I currently have these in the backlog to be completed next (real) issue:

A post clarifying the Fremont pensions situation
And a post with economists' opinion on HB 28-17


Friendly reminder that if you need anything else covered, feel free to PM me here or in Discord and I'll get it done as soon as possible.

[S019]

Putting Hillary Clinton in custody is very sad, she is a victim of the deep state and should be freed! But seriously nice update, RL cameos are always fun.