Shāhanshāh (Governor): 
The Imperial State of Afsharid Persia
WA Delegate (non-executive): 
The Republic of The Turkish-State (elected )
Founder: 
The Imperial State of Afsharid Persia
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Regional Power: Moderate
Greater Middle East contains 133 nations, the 222nd most in the world.
Today's World Census Report
The Highest Food Quality in Greater Middle East
Professional food critics dined out at restaurants and popped into home kitchens to judge ingredient quality, creativity, and diversity of food.
As a region, Greater Middle East is ranked 6,481st in the world for Highest Food Quality.
 | Nation | WA Category | Motto | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | The Imperial State of Afsharid Persia | Inoffensive Centrist Democracy | “Long Live Persia! | !زنده باد ایران” | |
| 2. |  The Republic of Belarus of The Great Expanses | Liberal Democratic Socialists | “May you forever prosper, Belarus!” | |
| 3. |  The The Yugoslav Empire of Dvaistic Republic of Serbia | Scandinavian Liberal Paradise | “Brotherhood and Unity” | |
| 4. |  The Armed Republic of Tusausiland | Democratic Socialists | “Laissez notre merde brune verser sur le monde!” | |
| 5. |  The United States of Hanakii | Capitalist Paradise | “E Pluribus Unum” | |
| 6. |  The Federal Republic of Great Isratin | New York Times Democracy | “United despite differences” | |
| 7. | The Respublikasi Turkiston of Kavkazian | Authoritarian Democracy | “Туркестанга Шон-Шухрат ~ Glory Turkestan” | |
| 8. |  The Islamic Visadahyum of Ihsalihna | Democratic Socialists | “Mahsa Amini, You Will Not Die” | |
| 9. |  The Republic of United Huskain | New York Times Democracy | “Stand United... Justice For All” | |
| 10. |  The Republic of South Africa3 | Civil Rights Lovefest | “ǃke e꞉ ǀxarra ǁke | Unity in Diversity” |
1234. . .1314»
Regional Happenings
- :
The Kingdom of Italy of Itailica departed this region for Machtpolitik.
- :
The Kurdish Republic of Billuria departed this region for The Union of Democratic States.
- : Djazir ceased to exist.
- : El sahara ceased to exist.
- : Iraqiyah ceased to exist.
- : The Imperial State of Afsharid Persia proposed constructing embassies with The Persian Empire.
- :
The Union of Norden of Maritime Cascadia arrived from Commonwealth of Liberty.
- : Hellas- ceased to exist.
- : Mazvienth azerueld ceased to exist.
- : Kerajaan majapahit ceased to exist.
Greater Middle East Regional Message Board
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RMB is for RP only, so I'll have to supress your message I'm afraid. I highly recommend going over to our discord, the link to which is on the main world factbook entry page, or feel free to send a TG to any of the moderators and we'll be happy to help. This is where we can communicate outside of roleplaying. Currently India and Italy are unavaliable.
La Nacion
May 6, 2024
Santa Cruz province signs landmark legislation reforming agriculture, enhanced wetland and forest protections
The province of Santa Cruz spans 400,000 km² and is the largest province by land area in Argentina. With idyllic conditions, the province relies heavily on agriculture. Santa Cruz also contains some of the most diverse biodiversity in the country, but is increasingly challenged by logging and the expansion of the agricultural industry. In addition, the discovery of natural gas and consequent exploitation has added further strain on local ecosystems.
The governorship of Beatriz Zaytzeva was elected to power in 2021 on a Green Party ticket. Zaytzeva pledged to reform environmental protections but also to support agriculture. Local farmers were cautious in their support; some feared a Green administration would jeopardize their employment and the agricultural industry. In early 2022, Zaytzeva promised a package of legislations that would support both agriculture and environmental protections. However, delays from Federalist filibuster and pressure from local growers meant her planned bill was delayed for almost two years.
In February this year, Zaytzeva's bill passed with overwhelming support. Some murmurs from Federalist legislature were overcomed and in May the bill passed into law. Contents of the act legislated the reform of the land use code which would establish proper separation between areas for industry (which included agriculture) and nature reserves. Zoning reforms would split agricultural zones into subcategories for different crops to minimize expansion while maximizing land usage. In addition, the legislation would add a Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) scheme, compensating growers for the environmental benefits their land provides, such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, or wildlife habitat.
The legislation further expanded on the protection of the province's wetlands and forests. The Pantanal swamplands stretches into Santa Cruz boundaries and are an important source for water catchment and biodiversity. Parts of the Amazon reaches into the province, but there have been significant retreat in the last few decades. Zaytzeva legislation would induce a comprehensive reform in protection measures. The law would redesignate lands for protection and establishing buffer zones in "frontier areas" between farmlands and natural ecosystems. Reforestation efforts are also a key pillar in Zaytzeva's plan, which she hopes would introduce jobs and restore much needed balance in natural systems. Finally, monitoring programs would be implemented. These would take inspiration from similar monitoring schemes in Rio Negro, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and unmanned crafts to oversee expansion of farmlands and ensure proper enforcement of protection laws are in place.
2024 05 06
Tokyo
国民への高市早苗内閣総理大臣の演説
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's address to the nation
- 皆様、
本日は、日本の首相として貴方方の前に立ち、謙虚で光栄に思います。共に、我々は歴史的な勝利を収めました。これは選挙における勝利だけでなく、より強く、より繁栄し、より安全な日本を目指す共同の追求でもあります。将来への展望に対する信頼と自信をお寄せいただいた皆様に、心からの感謝を表します。
まず、最も緊急かつ重要な課題は、日本の経済を再活性化し、人口構造の危機に立ち向かうことです。高齢化と出生率の低下という現実を無視することはできません。これに対処するため、家族を支援し、労働力の参加を奨励し、技術革新を促進する大胆かつ革新的な政策を実施します。教育と医療への投資は最優先事項であり、すべての日本国民が質の高いサービスにアクセスし、個人的な成長の機会を得ることができるようにします。また、起業家精神と中小企業を奨励し、経済成長を促進し、若者に新しい仕事の機会を創出するイノベーションの文化を育成します。
日本の経済を再活性化するためには、大胆で断固たる行動が必要です。我々は包括的な経済改革の取り組みに着手し、重要なインフラへの投資、デジタル化、持続可能な開発に焦点を当てます。イノベーションとテクノロジーの力を活用することで、社会のあらゆる層に利益をもたらす、強靱で競争力のある経済を築き上げます。経済の再活性化は包括的であり、誰一人取り残されることはありません。産業界と学界の連携を促進し、環境に配慮した取り組みを推進し、再生可能エネルギーや医療技術、先端製造業などの新興分野で新しい機会を創出します。共に、21世紀の世界経済の牽引役として、日本の全ての潜在力を解放し、我が国を世界的な経済大国として位置づけます。
日本は長らく自由主義的国際秩序の堅実な擁護者として、民主主義、人権、法の支配の原則に基づく秩序を築いてきました。本日、我々はこの秩序への献身を再確認し、世界中の同盟国やパートナーと肩を並べて立ちます。日本は大国として、グローバルな問題の形成に先鞭をつけ、平和と安定の促進、気候変動やパンデミック、地域紛争といった喫緊の課題への対処に先駆的役割を果たします。外交関係を強化し、国際機関との連携を拡大し、共通の利益を推進し、普遍的な価値観を守ります。
複雑で不確実な安全保障環境の中で、日本は主権を守り、地域の平和と安定を確保するために防衛能力を強化する必要があります。我々は軍事力の近代化に投資し、先端技術を取得し、米国との同盟を強化します。同時に、紛争の平和的解決を求め、対話と協力を促進する積極的外交を貫きます。我々の目標は攻撃ではなく抑止力であり、日本の安全保障を確保し、より安全で安定した世界に貢献することです。
最後に、希望と決意を持って共にこの旅に乗り出しましょう。前進する道は困難かもしれませんが、日本人の強靭さ、独創性、そして精神を活用すれば、どんな障害も乗り越えて偉大なる未来を実現できると確信しています。共に、日本が経済的に繁栄し、民主主義と人権の擁護者として高くそびえ立ち、世界的リーダーとしての責任を果たす未来を築いていきましょう。この尊い使命に皆様一人一人が参加してくださることを心から呼びかけます。勇気と団結、揺るぎない決意を持って、日本の歴史の次章を共に描いていきましょう。
最後に、平和と繁栄の祝福が我が愛する国に訪れることを心より願っています。
誠にありがとうございます。
Ladies and gentlemen, Today, I stand before you humbled and honoured to address the people of Japan as your Prime Minister. Together, we have achieved a historic victory, not just in an election, but in our shared pursuit of a stronger, more prosperous, and more secure Japan. I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who placed your trust and confidence in our vision for the future. Our first and most urgent task is to revitalise Japan's economy and confront the challenges posed by our demographic crisis. We cannot ignore the reality of an ageing population and declining birth rates. To address this, we will implement bold and innovative policies to support families, encourage workforce participation, and promote technological innovation. Investing in education and healthcare will be paramount, ensuring that every Japanese citizen has access to quality services and opportunities for personal growth. We will also incentivise entrepreneurship and small businesses, fostering a culture of innovation that will drive economic growth and create new job opportunities for our youth. Revitalising Japan's economy requires bold and decisive action. We will embark on a comprehensive economic reform agenda, focusing on investment in critical infrastructure, digital transformation, and sustainable development. By harnessing the power of innovation and technology, we will build a resilient and competitive economy that benefits all segments of society. Our economic revival will be inclusive, leaving no one behind. We will foster collaboration between industry and academia, promote green initiatives, and create new opportunities in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare technology, and advanced manufacturing. Together, we will unleash Japan's full potential and position our nation as a global economic powerhouse in the 21st century. Japan has long been a stalwart defender of the liberal international order, built on principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to this order, standing shoulder to shoulder with our allies and partners around the world. As a great power, Japan will play a leading role in shaping global affairs, promoting peace and stability, and addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and regional conflicts. We will strengthen our diplomatic ties and expand our engagement with international organisations to advance common interests and uphold universal values. In an increasingly complex and uncertain security environment, Japan must enhance its defence capabilities to protect our sovereignty and ensure peace and stability in the region. We will invest in modernising our military forces, acquiring advanced technology, and strengthening our alliance with the United States. At the same time, we remain committed to a proactive diplomacy that seeks peaceful resolutions to conflicts and promotes dialogue and cooperation among nations. Our goal is not aggression but deterrence – to safeguard our nation and contribute to a safer and more secure world. In closing, let us embark on this journey together with hope and determination. The road ahead may be challenging, but I am confident that by harnessing the resilience, ingenuity, and spirit of the Japanese people, we will overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness. Together, let us build a future where Japan thrives economically, stands tall as a champion of democracy and human rights, and upholds its responsibilities as a global leader. I invite each of you to join me in this noble endeavour, as we write the next chapter of Japan's history with courage, unity, and unwavering resolve. Thank you, and may the blessings of peace and prosperity be upon our beloved nation.
PHASE 3 OF GENERAL ELECTIONS BEGIN
As the world's largest democratic exercise is underway, the third phase of the general election has commenced with another 143 constituencies voting for their MPs in the Lok Sabha. Among the districts include all of Gujarat, southern Maharashtra, northern Karnataka, northern Chhattisgarh, northern Madhya Pradesh, as well as parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Among these constituencies includes Amdavad Center, the constituency of Prime Minister Amit Shah, Surat North, and the constituency of Home Minister Narendra Modi. Many of these constituencies are considered BJP strongholds, especially Gujarat, widely regarded to be the BJP's unofficial mother state due to the large presence of Gujaratis in cabinet positions - among them, Prime Minister Amit Shah, and Minister of Health & Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya, among others.
The Congress-led INDIA Alliance has struggled to mobilize significant forces against the juggernaut of the BJP, despite a nearly 35% approval rating of INDIA-affiliated parties. The BJP is expected to make significant gains, especially within the swing state of Karnataka, which is generally considered to be at the forefront of the BJP-Congress rivalry, and a key state in which both parties aim to make large gains in.
As the election continues to heat up, voter turnout has risen to 67.4%, which is roughly equal to the turnout in the previous general election. India still continues to face varied levels of voter turnout, ranging from an abysmal 50% in rural, poorer states such as Bihar and Chhattisgarh to upwards of 85% in wealthy states such as Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. As parties continue to target the untapped ST (Scheduled Tribe), SC (Scheduled Caste), and OBC (Other Backward Class) voters in their favor, time will tell as to how voter turnout will be at the end of the election.
Homily on the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord by Pope Julius IV at The Pantheon
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, we gather to celebrate the solemn feast of the Ascension of the Lord, a cornerstone of our faith and a beacon of hope for all Christians. On this day, we commemorate our Lord Jesus Christ’s triumphant ascent into heaven, marking the completion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of a new era for the Church.
1. The Historical and Scriptural Context
The Ascension is not merely an event of historical significance but a profound mystery that speaks to the depths of our faith. As recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, forty days after the Resurrection, Christ gathered His disciples on the Mount of Olives. Here, He offered them final instructions, promising the Holy Spirit, and then ascended into heaven before their very eyes (Acts 1:9-11).
This moment, vividly described in Scripture, is not just an ending but a powerful beginning. It marks the moment when Jesus passed the torch of His ministry to His disciples, entrusting them to continue His work through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
2. The Theological Significance
Theologically, the Ascension is pivotal. It signifies the glorification of Jesus, affirming His divine nature and His rightful place at the right hand of the Father. This event also symbolizes Jesus’s role as the eternal priest, interceding on behalf of humanity, a bridge between God and man.
Furthermore, the Ascension reassures us of our own hopeful destiny. In his humanity, Jesus ascends to heaven, paving the way for all who are united to Him through grace to follow. It is a promise of what is to come for us all, an affirmation that our ultimate home is not of this earth but with God in heaven.
3. The Spiritual Implications
Spiritually, the Ascension challenges us to lift our hearts and minds to what is above. As St. Paul writes to the Colossians, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:2). This is not an invitation to disdain the world but to transform it by living out the values of the Gospel, guided by the Holy Spirit whom Jesus promised to send from the Father.
The Ascension thus calls us to be a people of hope, energized by the joy of the Resurrection and the assurance of Jesus’s ongoing presence in our lives through the Church and the sacraments, most especially the Eucharist.
4. Conclusion
As we move forward from today’s celebration, let us hold fast to the joy and hope of the Ascension. Let us strive to be ambassadors of Christ, spreading the good news of His love and salvation to all corners of the earth. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, let us transform our communities, inspired by the ascended Christ who reigns forever in glory.
May the grace of the Ascension fill your hearts, and may the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds. Amen.
CentroVision | Noticias Nacionales y Internacionales
Sistema Informativa de la Radiodifusion Centroaméricana
Central America and Japan deepen defense ties
Tokio - Central America and Japan deepen defense ties as the country joins Japan's F-X fighter program as part of a multi-defense agreement signed in Tokyo. The agreement would allow the State to invest financially in the program and include the participation of companies such as CIDAAT S.A. and among others. Other agreements also include the purchase of up to 4 Asahi-class destroyers for an estimated amount of $3.9 billion, which are valuable in the Navy's expansion and modernization program. The agreements would also allow for Japanese usage of naval and aerial facilities located in Chaguaramas for security and military purposes in the Atlantic.
The agreements between Tokyo and Guatemala City will also give a boost to the national defense industry, as the country is set receive a production license for vital equipment. Among the agreements, companies such as the Centro de Desarollo de Armamento y Sistemas Pesados (CIDASP S.A.) will produce the Type 16 ACV, one of the system selected to replace the hundreds of T-62 in service within the Central American Army. This will be done in cooperation with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which will continue to supply the Type-16’s technical components. Other equipment such as the Type 91 KAI MANPAD, Type 11 SAA system, and the Chū-PM anti-tank system will also be produced under license by for the Central American Army by the Empresa de Desarrollo del Armamento e Tecnología Militares (EDATM S.A.) and Centro de Desarollo y Investigaciones de Systemas y Alta Tecnologías (CIDSYAT S.A.)
Said agreements not only further solidifies the defense partnership between Central America and Japan but further links the country's defense sector with the Japanese military industry. Both countries have have already worked together on other projects, with the ongoing construction of the Mogami-class frigates “Mérida” and “Granada” at the Havana Shipyard in a joint partnership between Mistubishi, ASTIMAR and CIDNAV.
NCR United Authority
Friday 10 May 2024
Introducing the Green Manila Initiative 2054 – a transformative vision for the future of our beloved city. This comprehensive 30-year plan encompasses three key modules aimed at revitalizing Manila into a sustainable, globally competitive metropolis. Module One focuses on enhancing transportation and housing infrastructure. Module Two addresses the relocation of informal settlements to promote urban development. Module Three aims to boost Manila's appeal as a world-class global destination through strategic initiatives.
- Module 1
Today marks the beginning of a transformative journey for Manila with the launch of the Green Manila Initiative 2054. This ambitious 30-year plan, with an investment of $300 billion, aims to address the pressing issues faced by our beloved city through comprehensive infrastructural development and sustainable urban planning.
The first module of this initiative will focus on the strategic enhancement of our transportation system, extending from Lucena in Quezon to Dagupan in Pangasinan. This expansion will facilitate seamless connectivity, easing congestion and reducing travel times across the greater Manila region. Additionally, the construction of affordable state housing in neighbouring States will provide modern, comfortable living spaces for our citizens.
Module 2
The next pivotal module of the Green Manila Initiative 2054, aimed at fostering sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life for all residents of our great city. Starting in 2027, this module will focus on the relocation of informal settlement communities, marking a significant step towards revitalizing our urban landscape.
This large-scale endeavor will help repurpose spaces, paving the way for future green spaces, infrastructure development, and community-enhancing projects. This module emphasises our dedication to inclusive urban planning and social equity. It is an essential component of our comprehensive strategy to address urban challenges and promote sustainable growth. Throughout the process, we will prioritize community engagement, ensuring that affected residents are supported and empowered during this transition.
Module 3
Module 3 of the Green Manila Initiative 2054 – our bold vision to elevate Manila into a world-class global destination. This initiative marks a pivotal step towards enhancing our city's competitiveness and appeal on the global stage.
Infrastructure Development: We're committed to revolutionizing Manila's infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity and convenience for all. As part of this effort, we'll be investing in Innovative transportation systems, modernizing airports, and upgrading public amenities. These enhancements will not only benefit our residents but also enhance the experience for international travelers visiting our vibrant city.
Tourism Promotion: Manila is a city brimming with cultural heritage, diverse attractions, and a vibrant lifestyle. Through targeted tourism promotion campaigns, we'll showcase the best of Manila to the world. From historical landmarks to culinary delights, from festivals celebrating our rich traditions to our bustling urban scene – Manila has something for everyone.
Business and Investment Support: To boost our city's economic prowess, we'll create a conducive environment for businesses and investors. This includes streamlining regulations, offering incentives, and developing cutting-edge infrastructure to attract foreign direct investment. Manila will become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sustainable Urban Planning: We are committed to sustainable urban development that preserves our environment while enhancing quality of life. Our plan includes creating more green spaces, implementing eco-friendly initiatives, and preserving our historical landmarks. Manila will lead by example in sustainable practices, attracting environmentally conscious travelers and residents.
Cultural Preservation and Promotion: Manila's unique cultural identity is one of our greatest assets. We will prioritize the preservation and promotion of our diverse heritage through cultural festivals, arts programs, and heritage initiatives. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Manila's rich traditions and experience the warmth of our community.
Education and Innovation: To drive progress and innovation, we'll invest in education, research, and technology. Our goal is to nurture a skilled workforce and foster a culture of innovation that attracts talent from around the globe. Manila will be a hub for creativity, entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge advancements.
Safety and Security: Ensuring a safe and secure environment is paramount. We are committed to strengthening law enforcement and implementing effective public safety measures. This will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also instill confidence in visitors exploring our beautiful city.
Collaborative Partnerships: By forging collaborative partnerships with international organizations, businesses, and governments, we'll exchange knowledge, resources, and best practices. Together, we will propel Manila onto the world stage as a premier global destination.
DE TELEGRAAF
May 11, 2024
Labor unions demand restrictions on labor migrants entering the Netherlands to fend off "miserable work and living conditions"
(THE HAGUE) -- A coalition of eleven Dutch labor unions, led by CNV, have issued a joint memorandum urging the coalition government led by the NSC to enact regulatory restrictions on the number of labor migrants allowed to enter the country, as the labor unions cite growing concerns over reporters of workers sleeping on the streets amid an influx of migrant workers. Piet Fortuin, CNV boss, spoke before the Tweede Kamer during a public hearing on the issue this Wednesday convened by the progressive GL/PvdA party of Frans Timmermans and urged the coalition government of Prime Minister Pieter Omtzigt to consider the possibility of restricting or temporarily issuing a moratorium on labor-based migration to the Netherlands.
"The situation is a major disgrace for this country," Fortuin said. "We have workers sleeping on the streets because of a rapid decline in work and living conditions. Wages are also declining. Something must be done."
Citing increasing cost of living in the Netherlands, Fortuin and other Dutch labor unions expressed concerns that migrant workers would only move to the Netherlands and be forced into government-funded shelters thanks to the current unaffordability of goods and homes. Fortuin also spoke at the public hearing at length on the matter of recent economic volatility in the European Union amid continued internal tensions over questions regarding Turkiye and Russia.
The government of Pieter Omtzigt has pledged to enact legislation to protect Dutch workers while allowing highly-skilled migrants to more easily and simply move to the Netherlands to bolster economic output. Of note, the GL/PvdA and other left-wing parties in government have been aggressively pushing for a measure to protect migrant workers from exploitation, a bill that the labor unions are currently backing.
The government of Omtzigt is reportedly preparing a bill strengthening the Labor Inspectorate, the government agency chiefly responsible for managing migrant workers and their status within the country. The bill is also expected to increase requirements for migrant workers to prevent oversaturation of the labor market, as well as impose new sanctions and fines on companies that fail to adequately protect migrant workers of all kinds in line with international law.
Opposition parties, including the center-right VVD and the far-right PVV, have criticized the government for not going far enough. "We are only restricting when we should be completely prohibiting. There is a crisis brewing, and the government is too cowardly to provide decisive action," Geert Wilders, the far-right leader of the PVV, told Dutch broadcaster NOS. Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, leader of the liberal-conservative VVD, spoke on Dutch media in favor of migrant restrictions, but urged for "national security implications" to be integrated into a possible bill as well.
|| The Patagonian ||
May 12, 2024
First 'extreme' solar storm in 20 years brings spectacular auroras to Ushuaia
The most powerful solar storm in more than two decades struck Earth on Friday (10/5), triggering spectacular celestial light shows from Tasmania to Argentina, and threatening possible disruptions to satellites and power grids as it persists into the weekend. The first of several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) – expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun – came just after 1600 GMT, according to the National Meteorological Service (SMN). It was later upgraded to an "extreme" geomagnetic storm – the first since the "Halloween Storms" of October 2003 caused blackouts in Sweden and damaged power infrastructure in South Africa. More CMEs are expected to pummel the planet in the coming days.
Social media lit up with people posting pictures of auroras from Northern Europe, Australasia, and Patagonia. The residents of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego witnessed magical scenes as the southern skies turned deep red colour, creating stunning images that were immediately shared online by locals.
SMN also said that the phenomenon was replicated near the Marambio scientific base, near Antarctica, but there the sky showed other shades, featuring greenish and orange tones. It is worth mentioning that this phenomenon is known all over the world as "aurora borealis" normally, but in this case, because it occurred in the south of Argentina, it should be called "aurora australis."
Authorities notified satellite operators, airlines and the power grid to take precautionary steps for potential disruptions caused by changes to Earth's magnetic field. Unlike solar flares, which travel at the speed of light and reach Earth in around eight minutes, CMEs travel at a more sedate pace, with officials putting the current average at 800 kilometres (500 miles) per second. The CMEs emanated from a massive sunspot cluster that is 17 times wider than our planet. The Sun is approaching the peak of an 11-year cycle that brings heightened activity.
Fluctuating magnetic fields associated with geomagnetic storms induce currents in long wires, including power lines, which can potentially lead to blackouts. Long pipelines can also become electrified, leading to engineering problems. Spacecraft are also at risk from high doses of radiation, although the atmosphere prevents this from reaching Earth.
The New York Times
May 12, 2024
The Scott-Beasley Bipartisan Police Reform Act is Being Implemented. What are the Effects?
(CHARLESTON, SC) -- The Charleston Metropolitan Police Department is one of the first police departments in the nation slated to be one of the first receivers of millions of dollars in block grants provided under the Scott-Beasley Bipartisan Police Reform Act, the major police reform bill passed last year by freshman North Carolina senator Cheri Beasley and South Carolina senator Tim Scott. The bill, among others, seeks to establish new rules against police corruption and sexual harassment, bolster police independence, integrity and transparency, and reform training programs to discourage the use of violence against members of the community and encourage more efficient operations to catch more criminals in a shorter period of time. The bill, praised by supporters as a "perfect balance" of demands from law and order Republicans and police reform Democrats, also includes protections for all American citizens, especially minority groups who have suffered under disproportionately aggressive police responses in the U.S. for years.
Already, the effects are being seen. Ever since CMPD implemented revised operational rules in line with the Scott-Beasley Act, violent crimes in Charleston have decreased somewhere between 2-4%, and case success rates (cases going from reporting of the crime to apprehension and prosecution of the accused successfully) increased by 7%. Police response times to 9-1-1 calls fell by 14% on average, with poll respondents indicating that overall, they feel that police are now responding faster to crimes. Eight CMPD police officers were either reprimanded or suspended temporarily under new rules against unlawful aggressive use of authority and against corruption, harassment or intimidation of members of the community.
Recidivism rates are projected by experts to decrease by anywhere between 5 to 15% over the next two years, but the time needed to measure recidivism rates is extensive, so accurate data for this won't come in for some time.
Vice President Gretchen Whitmer recently visited Charleston in mid-April to tout the success of the Scott-Beasley Act, together with South Carolina senator and former 2024 Republican presidential candidate Tim Scott - in a rare show of bipartisanship, and a rebuke of MAGA Trumpism (Trump had criticized the event and has been a vocal critic of the police reform bill, calling it too soft on crime). According to new polling by NYT/Sierra College, a plurality of voters (42%) still have not seen any positive or negative effect by the bill in their communities, while a close 35% of voters believe the bill has already made a positive impact.
Reporting of crimes committed by members of law enforcement, particularly unlawful exercise of authority and intimidation of members of the community, have also increased by 16% over the past three months.
However, it should be noted that Charleston is unlikely to be a strong example for whether or not the Scott-Beasley Act is a success. The city has already implemented strong law and order policies for years under moderate Democratic governance and under a Republican-controlled state legislature and governorship. As the law's provisions are rolled out in cities like Detroit and Chicago and New York over the next few months, its success or failure will become more clear.
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