[Gardavasque]

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You’re listening to [nation]Gardavasque[/nation] Radio and Information for the People. Live from GRIP News Studios in Eternity, I’m Dee Pendable Mosely with these Headlines for Wednesday, January 1st, 2020.

Snollygoster Announces Illegal Shutdown of Refugee Program
President Biff Snollygoster announced via Twitcher yesterday that Gardavasque would no longer accept refugees from two nations experiencing political and economic instability. Gardavasque has a longstanding policy of accepting refugees, asylum-seekers, and migrants from across the[region] International Democratic Union[/region], and the mere suggestion of reversing course prompted a strongly-worded letter from World Assembly Commission on Migration warning Gardavasque not to violate WA Resolution #57 concerning Refugee Protections. The two named nations, [nation]Kerlile[/nation] and [nation]Vulkaria[/nation], have been a focus of intense diplomatic tensions recently as hardliners in those two countries have struggled to contain dissent from within their nations. It was recently reported that Kerlile has sent an untold number of clandestine operatives, called Auroras, to over 10 IDU nations including Gardavasque, an act the Kerlian government denies. Vulkaria is in midst of an escalating civil conflict with the latest terrorist attack from the so-called Malvarian Liberation Front (MLF) occurring three days ago in Amstelveen, killing 48. Snollygoster’s announcement came just minutes after an inflammatory and inaccurate reporting linking the two nations as “innately violent” on the Reactionary News Network. Within 24 hours, over a dozen lawsuits were filed by Civil Liberties Union of Eternity (CLUE) which has vowed to prevent any such illegal executive orders from taking effect. Staffers at the Office of the Press Secretary were apparently caught off-guard by the sudden policy reversal; when asked to comment, the staffer gave this reply:
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[justify]“Uh… Whatever the President may or may not have said on Twitcher, he’s completely in his right mind, and, uh, knows what he’s doing, and it’s definitely for the good of the country, and not just his personal gain. Allegedly. I mean, Officially. But at this time we can neither confirm nor deny the accuracy of any reports at this time or any other, due to national security concerns… at this time, I believe.”[/justify]
That was an unnamed People’s House staffer reached by phone at the Office of the Press Secretary earlier today.


Nation Mourns loss of 30+ Rare Dinosaurs In Fire at National Zoo.
Zoologists at the world famous National Zoo of Gardavasque in Eternity Central Park are in shock and grief today as they mourn the loss of 30 rare dinosaurs following an early-morning fire that broke out in the Sauropod Enclosures just after midnight on New Year’s Eve. Among the dead were three of the oldest dinosaurs in captivity: an 89-year old female brachiosaur named Marge, known for her gentle nature and loud nighttime snores, as well as Hollister, a 71-year old male apatosaur known for his love of puzzle grass, and Cokie, a 75-year-old camarasaur who was one of the very first dinosaurs at the Eternity Zoo, introduced in 1974. Despite arriving on the scene with minutes, it took firefighters nearly half an hour to extinguish the blaze due to the extensive security barriers at the enclosure. The damage was contained to the sauropod enclosures and adjoining structures. At least two velociraptors were rescued and are currently being treated for smoke inhalation. No official reports on what started the blaze have been made, however several witnesses saw cylindrical paper lanterns with little fires inside flying in the night sky shortly after midnight Wednesday. The National Zoo will remain closed for the remainder of the week to allow for reconstruction of the affected areas, and rehabilitation of the injured species. No other animals at the zoo were harmed.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Controversial Voter ID Law in Modesto
In yet another blow to Conservative C3 Party’s attempt to discourage voter participation, Federal District Court Judge Luka McGown formally struck down a controversial law in Modesto Province that would have required voters to show a valid government-issued photo ID before being allowed to vote in the 2020 elections, claiming the law unnecessarily interfered with the Free and Fair Elections Act of 2009 because it placed an undue burden on poor and minority voters in the province. A key witness in the case was Gordon Slothmore, the Director of the Modesto Department of Motor Vehicles, who testified the Provincial Legislature slashed budgets for processing of applications for photo IDs at the same time the controversial bill was passed. According to the injunction, the defendants cannot implement the new voter-ID requirements and must stop any communications to the public that say a photo ID will be required for all 2020 elections. The far-right group Fervid Union of Conservative Knights vowed to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of Gardavasque.

New Years Crowds Undeterred By Threats From Vulkarian Separatists
Despite wide circulation of a video threatening a “New Years ‘gift,’” from violent terrorist organization Malvarian Liberation Front, New Years festivities went off without incident last night. Security had been increased at major events such as last night’s Fireworks By the Bay and today’s Battle of Flowers Parade down Broadway. Despite the chilly temperatures and wet weather in many areas, crowds of revelers gathered across the country for various local celebrations such as fireworks displays, outdoor music concerts, and political speeches. Airport security will remain on high alert as holiday travelers begin returning home this weekend; advisories are recommending arriving an extra thirty minutes early for departing flights to account for longer lines due to stepped up inspections and closer scrutiny of passports and other travel documents.

Latest Olympic Results
Following a poor showing in Gardavascan Men’s and Women’s Cycling earlier in the week, Sports fans in Central, [nation]Shuell[/nation], were delighted with major wins in Men’s and Women’s Basketball. In men’s hoops, Team Gardavasque claimed a sweet victory over [nation]The Lavender Country[/nation] 79-51, while[nation] Great Tequila Island[/nation] took some amazing shots to beat [nation]High Fells[/nation] 68-61, and Ecclesian Doves from [nation]Ecclesiastical Dominions[/nation] had their wings clipped by the [nation]Christos[/nation] Captains 63-76. In ladies’ court action, the Tequilans sacrificed the Ecclesian Doves 90-74, while The Lavender Country told Comhar where to go beating them 82-70. The teams will have the rest of the week off to rest and enjoy New Year’s Holiday Shuell style. Look for more results this weekend.

Support for GRIP comes from: Techla Motors, accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy, one extremely satisfied driver at a time. Now with Autonomous Mode available for all models. Look, Ma; no hands. Techla.

And from the Gardavasque Ferry Service. Our mission is to make a positive contribution to the livability and economic vitality of Gardavasque by providing a safe, reliable, and efficient ferry transportation system. Gardavasque Ferry Service offers 10 routes at 20 terminals that are served by 22 vessels darting back and forth across the Deep Blue Sea. Gardavasque Ferry Service: Service to the People is our North Star.

And from listeners like you. Thank you for helping to keep this station on the air. You’re listening to GRIP News. I’m Dee Pendable Mosely wishing you a very Happy New Year and all the best in 2020. Goodnight.

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