Four Dead In BIE University Murder-Suicide

Police: professor shot three students, then himself

GERBANNON, BIE--Four people are dead after a gunman opened fire at a university in Gerbannon Thursday, police said.

Police say 57-year-old Joseph Walker Sunmore, an economics professor, walked into a classroom at Renstad University, where he worked, and shot and killed three of his students. He then turned the gun on himself, firing a fatal shot to the chest.

The shooting occurred at around 10:45 a.m., just as hundreds of students were going to classes. Police say Sunmore walked into the Chefmore Science Building armed with a .48 caliber hand gun and stormed into the classroom and opened fire, killing three female students, and then shooting himself. Seven other students and a teacher were still inside the room when the shooting took place. Many of them took cover behind desks and tables, police said. At least two male students attempted to tackle the shooter, but their efforts were unsuccessful. No one else was injured in the shooting.

The names of the victims have not been identified, pending notification of kin. However, authorities say the killings were not random. According to police, just three weeks earlier, university officials had received complaints from two female students that Sunmore had inappropriately touched them and made unwanted sexual advances toward them. Two of the victims were the same women who filed the complaint with school administrators. The third victim was a friend of the other women.

Police believe the motive for the killing was vengeance for the sexual misconduct case pending against Sunmore, who had been placed on unpaid leave while school officials investigated. University officials tell GNN News Sunmore, who had no prior ethical issues, adamantly denied the accusations leveled against him by the two female students. He had also expressed anger at the way school officials were handling the case.

At a press conference, police and university administrators expressed disbelief and sadness.

"We are all shocked at what happened today, and we are mourning the loss of three wonderful, vibrant students," Dr. William Giblet, the university's president, told reporters.

Gerbannon Police Chief, Jim Rix, also spoke with reporters, saying it was a "very sad day" for the entire community.

School officials also praised students and staff for following emergency procedure. Although the shooting happened very quickly and occurred without warning, school officials sent out emergency alerts to students' and staffs' cell phones via text messaging. The school also sounded an alarm, which triggered automatic lock-downs at nearby buildings, and posted alerts on its website. This was the first time the school has had to use its text messaging service for a real emergency.

"What happened today was very sad, and I'm not trying to downplay what happened. But it could have been much worse had we not had this text messaging system in place to warn students and staff to stay out of the area," Giblet said.

The university will be closed tomorrow, and will offer counseling services to students and staff. A candlelight vigil will also be held tomorrow night at the Billmore Commons in the central part of the campus.

Conservatives Want Gymbal To Decide On Re-Election

Lial governor's indecision is frustrating party leaders

CLOTHEN, LIA--It's still 2009, but already political leaders are planning for the 2010 mid-term elections. And officials from all political parties are busy trying to recruit candidates for important races next December.

But Conservative party officials in Lial are frustrated, because CNS Governor Gavin Gymbal has yet to announce if he will seek re-election when his first term is up in 2010. Gymbal previously hinted he would not seek re-election, but recently has suggested he may seek a second term after all. And those mixed signals are upsetting party officials, who need to know if Gymbal will seek re-election so they can find another candidate if he chooses to step down.

"Basically, the governor is telling us two different things," one party leader, who asked not to be identified because of party protocol, told GNN News. "He said earlier he didn't think he would run, and now he's saying he's prepared to lead our state in the future. And no one knows if he'll run again or if he's going to pass."

But Gymbal insists he's not being coy about his future plans--he says he hasn't revealed his plans because he still hasn't decided.

"I'm still in the process of deciding what is best for myself and my party, and also what's best for the people of Lial," Gymbal told GNN's Michael Micardi on Awakening A Nation.

Conservative party leaders are hoping the governor will seek re-election because, Gymbal aside, the CNS has few viable candidates. Sen. John BiGadi appears to be strongest candidate, though he has indicated he intends to run for re-election to the Senate. Rep. Katie Bronure, who in 2008 ran unsuccessfully for the Senate, is also considered a possible contender, though it's unlikely she would risk her safe Assembly seat for a risky run for governor. Lial's Secretary of State, Allan Dillion, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate, though he has relatively low name-recognition.

Former Senator Steven McIntosh was long thought of as a strong candidate; however, the moderate senator, who lost his re-election bid in 2006 to Stephanie Manning (NAT), eliminated any possibility of running for governor last month when he accepted President Menuhaeo's nomination for and was later confirmed as Secretary of Environmental Affairs.

Other possible candidates, should Gymbal not run, are Reps. Andrea Doorfield, Ryan Moore, Hans Phickinson, and Robert Shipton. The governor's younger brother, Rep. Luke Gymbal, may also seek the governor's mansion, should his older brother step aside. Paul Bronure Jr., the son of the late billionaire Paul Bronure Sr. and Wellington Senator Lauren Bronure, and the brother of Reps. Katie Bronure and Lindsey Bronure (C-WEL), has also been suggested as a possible candidate, though the young businessman has never sought public office.

The NAT is also gearing up for next December's election, and is hoping to take back the governor's mansion, which it held from 1990 until Gymbal's victory in 2006. The leading contender for the NAT nomination is former Lieutenant Governor Todd Pergich, who lost to Gymbal in 2006. Complicating matters, Pergich's old boss, former Governor Kylee Thompson had previously said she would run again, but dropped out of the race back in March, leaving the field virtually open for Pergich.

Governor Gymbal says he will make a final decision on his political future by July 1st, and plans to make public announce if he will seek another term.

Menuhaeo, McCaren Condemn North Korean Nuclear Test

President calls test a "blatant act of defiance"

MAVOCKE, CEA--In a morning press conference, President Menuhaeo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Jim McCaren condemned a recent underground nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) government.

President Menuhaeo called the test a "blatant act of defiance," and told the Collester press corps he is concerned about the stability of the Korean peninsula.

"I'm deeply concerned about the threat North Korea is posing both to the Korean peninsula and the rest of the world," Menuhaeo said. "And I'm also concerned about the possibility of the North Korean government selling arms or secrets to other rogue nations, primarily Iran."

Secretary McCaren shared the same concerns as the president, calling the North Korean government's action a "bold move."

"I think this is an extremely bold move by the North Korean government, and it's testing the strength and unity of the international community. We must respond appropriately," McCaren said.

But the administration stopped short of calling for immediate action by the United Nations.

"I don't think sanctions are necessary at this point, that would be counter-productive," Menuhaeo said. "But I think, yes, the United Nations should react and the world community needs to make it abundantly clear to the DPRK that this kind of behavior is not appropriate."

Secretary McCaren told reporters the state department is "working overtime" to set up a multi-nation conference to address the threat. McCaren said he is working closely with Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt on coordinating a muli-lateral approach.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and British Foreign Minister Jack Straw have also spoken out against the North Korean nuclear test. South Korea's government, as well as Japan's, have heightened security and launched emergency intergovernmental meetings to deal with the crisis.

Conservative Opposition Not Enough To Stop Geisner's Confirmation

Pro-choice nominee confirmed despite protests from anti-abortion groups

MAVOCKE, CEA--A bombardment of opposition from conservative organizations and political leaders was not enough to stop the nomination of Annette Geisner to the Department of Social Services.

The Senate voted 53-37 to confirm Geisner, who was nominated by President Menuhaeo for Under Secretary, the department's second-highest position. But Geisner's nomination brought on a barrage of criticism from pro-life groups, who attacked Ms. Geisner for her overtly pro-choice past.

Geisner, who is a registered nurse, has never held public office. But she has worked with pro-abortion organizations over the past 17 years. She began her work at a women's clinic in Wilmington, Trinton; then took over the reigns at an abortion clinic in Fairfield, Ceona; and most recently served as the director of an inner-city abortion clinic in Grassadella City. She also served as an advisor to Sen. Debbie Madronas (N-DMG) on women's rights.

Her nomination for under secretary riled conservative groups, who were hoping for a more moderate nominee from President Menuhaeo. Chief among the critics was the Coalition for an Abortion-Free Grassadella (CAFG), which sent letters of protest to every senator and dozens of representatives in the National Assembly, as well as the president himself. CAFG also organized a protest outside the Senate chambers on the day of Geisner's confirmation vote. Around 2,000 people were in attendance.

Some conservative senators also voiced criticism of Ms. Geisner's nomination. Leading the fight in the Senate were Evelynn Blankenship (C-VER) and Roger Gzarno (C-EDS), who contended Geisner's support of abortion amounted to an "ideological tilt at the DSS (Dept. of Social Services)."

"This is not a position for a passionate ideologue to hold," Blankenship said on the Senate floor. "This is a governmental position. The person that holds this job should be fair and unbiased, and we've seen with Annette Geisner that that is not possible. She is uncontrollably partisan and slanted in her work."

Likewise, liberal senators rushed to Geisner's defense.

"I've known Annette Geisner for years, and I know these things you're saying about her aren't true," Sen. Hanna Gorbachy (N-MON), told Blankenship.

Geisner's former boss, Senator Madronas, also spoke up in defense.

"Of course, this is what we have come to expect from the radical, religious-right wing of the Conservative party. They're so bent on shoving their religious beliefs down everyone's throats, that they're willing to attack a woman, a wonderful person like Annette Geisner who has done more for women and families in this country than anyone else I know; they're willing to attack this good woman to advance their extreme agenda," Madronas said. "And I think that's appalling."

With two different views of Ms. Geisner, the radical ideologue and the compassionate advocate, the Senate went to a vote on her nomination. And just like with past nominations, the moderate group of CNS senators, known as "the sideliners," were key to Geisner's confirmation. Altogether, eight Conservative senators voted to confirm Geisner. Two of those eight senators, Ruth Bennet (DES) and Greg Baxter (TRI), normally reliable conservative votes, unexpectedly voted in favor of Geisner's nomination. Bennet's vote particularly angered voters because she gave no prior warning she would vote yes until the actual voting session.

"We were shocked, to say the least, that Senator Bennet voted for [Geisner]," one CNS senator, who asked not to be identified because of party unity, told GNN News.

Already, conservative groups are pounding Bennet with criticism. Upon hearing the Deschire Conservative voted to confirm Geisner, the CAFG released a web video attacking Bennet's vote, and is planning on mailing negative advertisements to some 80,000 voters in Deschire.

Christy Maynard, a spokeswoman for Senator Bennet, told the GBC the senator's office has received hundreds of calls since Friday's vote. The spokeswoman added that while the senator disagrees with abortion, she has "a spirit of individualism" and does not "always vote in lock-step" with party leaders.

"I know Senator Bennet, and I think it's fair to say that she votes with her heart, and my guess is she felt Annette Geisner was the right person for the job. And while she may have had concerns about Annette's views, I think the senator reasonably assumed that Ms. Geisner can put aside those views and do her job in a fair manner," Maynard said.

Only one Nationalist, Sen. Michael Kreighorn of Biereland, voted against Geisner. Kreighorn, who is facing re-election in 2010, is pro-choice but stated he could not vote against the will of his constituents.

"The majority of Bierelanders don't approve of abortion, and I have to keep that in mind when I vote," he said.

It's unclear how big an impact Bennet's vote will cost her. It is clear, however, that Ms. Geisner's confirmation is a big victory for the Menuhaeo administration, who in recent weeks has seen five of the president's nominees fail confirmation in the bitterly divided Senate.

"This is clearly a victory for President Menuhaeo, who has previously nominated some really lackluster nominees," Dr. Scott Mendenhall from City University in Grassadella City told GNN.

The president will hold a swearing-in ceremony Monday for the new Under Secretary. DSS Secretary Elizabeth Deedrick will also be at the ceremony, which is slated to begin at 10:00 a.m. ESGT.

Menuhaeo To Tap Etheridge For Public Lands Chief

President expected to announce nomination tomorrow

MAVOCKE, CEA--President Menuhaeo will nominate Congressman Tom Etheridge (N-REM) tomorrow for Public Lands secretary, sources close to the president say.

Etheridge, who is serving his fourth term in the National Assembly, had previously been mulling a bid for the Senate in 2010. Sources within the Menuhaeo administration, however, say the congressman has agreed to take the top job at the Department of Public Lands and put aside his political ambitions.

First elected as a Conservative, Mr. Etheridge switched parties in 2008, citing differences with the CNS party's platform. He currently represents Remmington's third district, which encompasses most of Remmington City. Throughout his more than seven years in the National Assembly, he has held a moderate voting record, supporting the logging and mining industries, and also supporting gun rights.

An official announcement will be made tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. GNN News will have live coverage from Collester.

Duschowitz Forms Commission To Investigate Train Safety

Governor says state must 'ensure' train safety

BROOKINGS, BIE--Biereland Governor Jenny Duschowitz is forming a special commission to investigate the safety of the Brookings-Sebotnee Rail system following a derailment incident back in early February that sent dozens of passengers to the hospital.

No one was killed or seriously injured in the accident, but the derailment did raise questions about the safety of the cities' light-rail system.

Immediately after the derailment, investigators with the state's Department of Transportation and investigators from the Federal Bureau of Transportation Safety (FBTS) determined the accident was caused by a malfunction in the train's hydraulics system. A subsequent investigation by both agencies determined the train to be safe for use. The train resumed served just a week later.

The Biereland Transportation Department (BTD) and the FBTS consider the case closed. That's why administrators in both departments are confused.

"We've already conducted our investigations and published our reports," said FBTS Director Martha Kallen. "It now seems like the governor doesn't believe our report or doesn't trust our investigation, so now she has to commission her own task force to investigate. It's really quite insulting."

The governor says her request for a special investigation has "nothing to do with trusting or distrusting anyone."

"I just want to see the safety of our train system as a whole, not just one small line of track," Duschowitz said at a press conference Friday at the capitol. "These reports and investigations by the BTD and the FBTS are focused just on this one stretch of rail. And I would like to see something that assesses the integrity of the system as a whole, and also what can be done to ensure the safety of the system."

The six-member commission, which will likely consist of former legislators and agency administrators, is expected to be announced sometime next week, Duschowitz said. The commission's investigation will "probably take around three months."

The director of the BTD, Russell Garmon, declined to comment Friday when GNN News called his office. But a spokeswoman said Garmon was "unaware the governor wants more looking into" of the incident.

A spokeswoman from Duschowitz's office said later that the governor "didn't intend to insult or offend anyone by commencing an investigation."

"We should be working together, agency with agency, on this issue. And the governor knows that and welcomes the input of the FBTS," the spokeswoman said.

FBTS Director Kallen has yet to respond to the governor's comments.

Kelly Alienating Some Nationalists In East Deschire

Outspoken lieutenant governor calls rural Nationalists "backward hicks" and "losers"

DEROSA, EDS--East Deschire Governor Lynn DeMont (NAT) is playing damage control after his lieutenant governor, Tatem Kelly (NAT), became involved in a shouting match Friday at a party meeting with local Nationalist party officials.

The incident happened in the small town of Belletown in the southwest corner of the state. Kelly was attending a rally and fundraiser for local NAT candidates. However, during a speech the lieutenant governor was making, some audience members took offense to Kelly's comments.

"It was very condescending. She started talking about how she's from the big city and we're just little country folks and we don't know anything," Ethel Minster, a local NAT precinct worker told the Derosa Tribune newspaper. "That's when me and a couple others raised our hands and asked her why she was being so rude."

It was then that the lieutenant governor, who has a history of controversy, reportedly engaged in an argument with the aforementioned audience members, calling them "backward hicks" and "losers."

"I was appalled," said Belletown City Councilwoman Beth Barry, who is also a Nationalist. "I couldn't believe that our state's second-highest-ranking official was here calling my constituents 'losers' and 'hicks.' I just can't believe someone would have the nerve to say something like that."

According to the event's organizers, the lieutenant governor abruptedly ended her speech, and left the luncheon moments later. The Derosa Tribune reported that the paper was "unable to find anyone who was in attendance at the luncheon that said the lieutenant governor apologized."

Tribune writer Rob Miller wrote in Saturday's edition that "no one we interviewed remembered Ms. Kelly apologizing for her outburst."

The lieutenant governor's office has also refused comment. However, Saturday, Governor Lynn DeMont, who was attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new soccer field and athletic facility in Christenkerr, publicly repudiated Kelly's comments and apologized.

"I have to say that hearing what happened is a shock, and a huge disappointment. What Tatem said was more than inappropriate. It was hurtful and inexcusable," DeMont said. "I'd just like to say sorry for her comments, and I'd like to personally apologize to those community members in Belletown for her behavior."

Back in Belletown, locals appreciate DeMont's apology. However, most say it would be nice for Kelly to apologize personally.

"Ultimately, he can't take responsibility for what she did. And I think most people would like to hear from the lieutenant governor herself," Councilwoman Barry told GNN.

Friday's incident is not the first for the lieutenant governor. Back in July, Ms. Kelly walked out of an interview with Christenkerr's Daily Telegraph newspaper after the reporter challenged her view on teen contraceptive use.

UPDATE: On Saturday morning, the lieutenant governor's office announced Tatem Kelly will be holding a press conference Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the south wing of the capitol building in Derosa. GNN will have live coverage.

Edinough To Switch To Democratic-Reformist Party, Sources Say

Trinton's lieutenant governor to leave Conservative party as soon as Monday, according to sources

VRISTO COLONADO, TRI--Trinton's Lieutenant Governor, Marcus Edinough (CNS), is likely to switch political parties, according to sources close to the situation.

Rumors Edinough might defect to the Democratic-Reformist (DR) party have been swirling around for months. However, friends close to the lieutenant governor say he is finally ready to make the switch official.

"I think it's about 90% for sure that he is going to leave the Conservatives and join the DRP," one source, who asked not to be identified, told GNN News.

Edinough, who at 39-years-old is widely considered a rising star in the CNS party in liberal-leaning Trinton, is the son of Trinton's former and highly popular Governor Tracey Edinough. Like his father, the younger Edinough holds many moderate views, particularly on social issues, which is the main reason he is leaving the party, friends say.

"He's been growing very weary of the Conservative party's drift to the right on things like abortion and gay marriage and stem-cell research," another source, who also asked to remain anonymous for this article, said. "He really feels like the Conservative party is not the same party it was when his dad was in politics."

Edinough, a married father of three, lives with his wife in Ocean City. He and his wife own a chain of small businesses in the southern Trinton area. In late 2008, Conservative party leaders convinced Edinough, who had never held elected office, to run for lieutenant governor. He ran unopposed in the CNS primary, and in the general election, easily defeated NAT state representative Hannah Osher 58.33% to 41.67%, respectively.

If he does defect to the Democratic-Reformist party, Edinough will become the first DR lieutenant governor to hold office since 1980.

Jepsey Seeks Support For Same-Sex Marriage

If successful, Wilkonshire would become second state to recognize same-sex marriage

PROVINCETOWN, WIK--Wilkonshire Governor Caroline Jepsey (NAT) is hoping to drum up enough support in the state legislature to pass legislation that would legalize gay marriage.

That may be difficult to do, despite the fact the Nationalist Party controls both houses of the state legislature, because recent polls in the state have shown a majority of Wilkonshireans are opposed to legalizing same-sex marriage. The last poll, conducted by Opinion Research, showed 58% of Wilkonshireans opposed, with only 42% supporting gay marriage. These poll results have made many legislators, even Nationalists, reluctant to take up such a hot-button issue.

"We should be worrying about the economy and getting Wilkonshireans back to work instead of things like this," State Sen. Les McCallister (NAT) told the NPF.

Still, despite the public's disapproval, Jepsey is not backing down.

"It's time for Wilkonshire to get current with the society we live in," she said at a press conference Thursday.

Religious conservatives in the state appear to be mobilizing at news the governor is aiming for same-sex marriage. Already, conservative Christians, and even a conservative Muslim group, are organizing a large rally at the Capitol set for next Thursday.

Roger Cathmore, Director of "Wilkonshireans For Traditional Marriage," the group leading the opposition to the governor's efforts, told the GBC his group is "prepared for battle."

"We are prepared to take this all the way to the Head Court if we have to," Cathmore said. "What the governor's doing is unfortunate, because she's basically saying that the opinion of the majority doesn't matter."

A spokeswoman for Jepsey, however, told GNN the governor is trying to protect the rights of every citizen.

"Governor Jepsey believes that homosexuals are real people and have real rights and deserve the same freedoms as everyone else," spokeswoman Sandy Higgins said.

If the governor is successful, Wilkonshire will become the second state to legalize gay marriage after Damoign, which did so back in 2003. Four other states, New Portsmouth, Trinton, Kalnier, and Harvannah, all have similar proposals to legalize same-sex marriage pending, however those measures could take a while to get through the legislative process. Two states, Remmington and Monomi, have constitutional amendments prohibiting same-sex marriage.

A poll last month conducted by STAR TV and The Grassadella City Times shows 54% of Grassadellans oppose same-sex marriage; however, that number has been shrinking since the late 1990s. Back in 1998, a similar poll showed 63% of Grassadellans opposed to same-sex marriage. The number of those opposed has steadily dropped over the last decade.

Car Carrying Kemmes Involved In Minor Collision

Lt. Gov. uninjured in car accident

MAINE CITY, ARA--A car carrying Armana's Lieutenant Governor, Leandra Kemmes, was involved in a minor collision, according to officials.

WMCY-TV, a GNN affiliate, is reporting the accident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Maine City's north side. According to police on-scene, it appears the driver of the sedan carrying Kemmes accidentally rear-ended another vehicle at a busy intersection. It's unclear why Kemmes' car collided with the other vehicle.

WMCY is also reporting no one, including the lieutenant governor, was injured in the accident. Local police are still working on clearing the scene.

A spokeswoman for the lieutenant governor said Kemmes was en route to a speaking engagement at an elementary school in Mirtenboro, about two hours northeast of Maine City. That event has been cancelled, according to the spokeswoman.

The lieutenant governor had previously been in Maine City the night before for a political fundraiser.

Halitz Has Unpaid Taxes

Senator says accountant's error is to blame

CHRISTENKERR, EDS--East Deschire Senator Denna Halitz (CNS) has over $4,000 in unpaid taxes, according to a financial report released Tuesday by the Federal Taxation and Revenue Agency (FTRA).

The report says Halitz failed to pay more than $3,000 in taxes on a 160-acre property she owns in southeastern East Deschire. The senator also failed to pay just over $1,000 in taxes on annual earnings from the year 2007-2008.

When confronted by reporters Tuesday, the senator said the unpaid taxes are due to a "simple mistake" made by her accountant.

"I can say emphatically and unequivocally, there was no attempt to avoid paying taxes or to hold back money from the government," Halitz told reporters. "What this boils down to is a simple mistake made by my accountant, and my failure to recognize that mistake until it was brought to my attention."

A spokeswoman for the FTRA says the senator is being treated just like any other citizen who fails to pay their taxes.

"Like every other tax-payer, she will have 30 days to pay. She may also file an appeal in that time, which could extend her window to pay the outstanding balance," spokeswoman Leann Sho told the media.

It is up to the FTRA to determine if an investigation will be conducted. So far, officials have said there is no reason to conduct investigate.

"It looks like it was just a simple error, but we'll see," Sho said.

Halitz could also face an ethics investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee. The committee's chairman, Sen. John BiGadi (C-LIA), says he will meet with Senate Majority Leader George Landers (C-CEA) and members of the committee before possibly opening an investigation.

In the meantime, Senator Halitz says she is cooperating fully with the FTRA and Senate leaders. She also said she does not intend to appeal the FTRA's findings, and will pay back all owed taxes.

Vanderhoogen, Alnon Confirmed To Administration Positions

Nominees criticized for economic philosophy, inexperience

MAVOCKE, ARA--The Senate confirmed two of President Menuhaeo's nominees Tuesday, after nearly two hours of debate.

First confirmed, by a vote of 60-30, was Jan Vanderhoogen, nominated by Menuhaeo to hold the number two position at the Treasury Department. Supporters praised Mr. Vanderhoogen for his leadership and commentary while serving as chair of the Economics Department at Holden University in Grassadella Falls, Armana over the past four years.

"I can think of no one better prepared to serve our country in this time of economic turmoil than Jan Vanderhoogen," Sen. John Morandi (N-LIA) said on the Senate floor. Kalnier Senator Kallie Murray also hailed Vanderhoogen's "commitment to economic solvency."

Critics, mostly far-right Conservatives, criticized Vanderhoogen's past support for expanded government.

"We can't have someone who advocates quasi-socialism and government take-overs working in the Finance Department," Sen. Shannon Barbieri (C-POG), told his colleagues. Senator Ty Jaimeson (C-CEA) also told the STAR Radio Network he "didn't see much that made [me] want to vote for him."

When it came down to voting, however, fourteen Conservative senators voted to confirm Mr. Vanderhoogen, who will now serve under Finance Secretary Jay Goodling.

Also confirmed Tuesday, though by a narrower margin of 49-41, was Eric Alnon, nominated for Under Secretary of Education. President Menuhaeo nominated the 32-year-old Alnon, who previously served as Deputy Superintendent of Treeton Public Schools in Treeton, Monomi, for the position, to be served under Education Secretary Deborah Nassey.

Mr. Alnon came under fire from Conservative senators for his relative inexperience. Ceona Senator Megan Sellious (CNS), who served as Education Secretary under President Dan Byelle, said Alnon "lacks the necessary qualifications for the job," and told the NPF he would not be her "first choice" for the job.

"When I served as Education Secretary, and it wasn't that long ago because I was there right before I came here [the Senate], you had to have some qualifications. Yes, Mr. Alnon is serving in a prominent position at a large school district, but he has only been on the job for a few months. And that aside, he has very little experience," Sellious said on the Senate floor.

But Sen. Julie Wynmyer (DR-CAR), who is a former public school teacher, disagreed with Senator Sellious' argument.

"I'm a teacher, and I know a thing or two about education, and I think Mr. Alnon has some great ideas," Wynmyer said. "I think he could do some great things with what he's got, and I would like to see him employ those ideas."

Another Conservative Senator, Anna Corbev of Monomi, also disagreed with her colleague Sellious. Corbev spoke on behalf of Mr. Alnon's nomination.

"I've seen what he's done in Monomi, and he has done some great things for our state. I'm excited to see him take what he's done in Monomi and apply it at the national level," Corbev said.

In the end, Conservative Senators Corbev, Victoria Albright (CEA), Dick Ammons (HVN), Ayden Benning (NWP), Jay Burns (DES), Niles Gilcrest (VER), and Denna Halitz (EDS) helped push Mr. Alnon over the 45 vote-mark needed for confirmation. Three NAT Senators, Brian Altamont (DMG), Clinton Ashby (NWP), and Ann Kocheni (CAR), voted against Alnon.

Mr. Vanderhoogen and Mr. Alnon will both be sworn in tomorrow morning at a 10:00 a.m. ceremony in the Treasury building.

Rochey Looks Like Candidate For Governor--Again

Former governor appears likely to seek his old office

YANCEYBURG, NWP--Former New Portsmouth Governor Dale Rochey (NAT), who previously served as governor from 2007-2008, looks poised to run for office for a third time.

Rochey first won election as governor in December 2007, narrowly defeating Conservative Jacqueline Bosseau 50.95% to 49.05%, respectively. Then, in a December 2008 re-match, Bosseau narrowly defeated Rochey 50.62% to 49.38%, respectively. Now, it appears Mr. Rochey may seek to re-capture his former position.

The Yanceyburg Commoner newspaper is reporting that Rochey has created a political action committee (PAC), reportedly to be called "A New Direction For New Portsmouth." Rochey's office has not commented on the Commoner's article. But a source within the New Portsmouth NAT told the paper that Rochey is a "sure candidate" in the 2010 gubernatorial race. The source spoke on condition of anonymity, however, as Rochey has not made an official announcement.

A recent poll by the Grantham Institute shows Bosseau leading Rochey slightly 53%-47%. However, that same poll, which had a margin of error of 4 points, shows Bosseau more vulnerable when matched against NAT Congresswoman Jean Larae Dowd. The poll shows Dowd would beat Bosseau 56%-44%, respectively. The same poll shows NAT Senator Clinton Ashby would also defeat Bosseau, 53%-47%. However, according to the poll, Bosseau would defeat New Portsmouth's other NAT Senator, Chris McConnitch, 55%-45%.

Ashby has not ruled out a run for governor, though he has done little fundraising, suggesting he will stay in the Senate. And Dowd, who represents New Portsmouth's eastern half, announced last month she will take on Conservative Senator Nadine Pietrasaelis in 2010, effectively ruling out the congresswoman as a potential gubernatorial candidate.

Still, Rochey is not guaranteed the Nationalist party's nomination for governor in 2010. He could face a primary challenge from Secretary of State Richard Crux, Attorney General Welma Sidley, or State Senate Majority Leader Ronald Burcheau.

Regardless of who wins the NAT nomination, it will not be easy for the NAT to take down Bosseau, who reportedly has $1.2 million in campaign reserves and is beginning a fundraising blitz this month. The new governor has modest popularity numbers, but has made few mistakes, making her more difficult to defeat in 2010.

Warren: No Need To Panic Over Swine Flu

Public Health Secretary urges public to be 'cautious, but not afraid'

MAVOCKE, ARA--Public Health Secretary Dr. Pamela Warren is asking the public to be "cautious, but not afraid," amid the swine flu pandemic.

Appearing on all three major Sunday morning political television programs, Warren acknowledged the severity of the pandemic, but cautioned against "outright panic."

"Is this a pandemic? Technically yes. But the word 'pandemic' implies a sense of fear, and that's not something we want to convey to people," she told the GBC's Gene Caughley on Weekend Glance.

Warren also updated the latest figures for the disease in Grassadella. The number currently stands at 45 cases nation-wide, with Damoign having the most cases at 12. Five states have no reported cases.

When asked by GNN's James Madine on Sunday Tea what the government is doing to prevent the spread of the illness, Warren explained necessary steps are being taken to prevent "mass infection."

"I can tell you that the federal government is working with the state governments, and we are working on isolating and quarantining those that are already infected, and we are also working on increasing our supply of vaccinations and medications that can be used to combat this disease," she said.

Warren also said she's working closely with National Security Secretary Michelle Gates and Transportation Secretary Mike Gritzky to beef up security checks at national border crossings and international airports to prevent infected citizens from other countries from entering Grassadella.

"I can assure you, Secretary Gates and Secretary Gritzky and I and President Menuhaeo and everyone else in this administration is working tirelessly to keep this under control," Warren said.

Secretaries Warren and Gates, along with Agriculture Secretary Richard Atbage and Transportation Secretary Mike Gritzky, will make an appearance with President Menuhaeo tomorrow at the president's daily press briefing. GNN will have live coverage.

Nation's Governors Meet To Discuss Swine Flu Response

Governors work to coordinate containment efforts

PARKINS, CEA--The nation's governors are hoping a team-effort to contain the swine flu pandemic will pay off.

On Friday, the governors, from all eighteen states and two territories, met in Parkins, Ceona, to discuss the handling of the pandemic. Currently, there are 45 cases of the swine flu in Grassadella. Twelve of those are in Damoign, followed by six in Armana, five in Trinton, four in Monomi and Lial, and three in Veroche, Ceona, and Province of Grassadella. Biereland, Deschire, Harvannah, Kalnier, and Wellington each have one case. Five states--Carova, East Deschire, New Portsmouth, Remmington, and Wilkonshire--have reported no cases.

Grassadella's two territories, the Wexlar Islands and Banford and New Ambley, also have no reported cases.

At the emergency meeting, Gov. Donna Almone (C-POG), Chairwoman of the Governors' Board, asked her colleagues to "aim for 100 per cent containment, but prepare for pandemic." Almone added that the situation is "adverse, but not chaotic, at this point."

Damoign Governor Sid Hoffa (CNS), told reporters his state, which has the most documented cases, is taking proactive measures to make sure the ill don't spread their illness.

"In Damoign, we are taking very proactive steps to ensure that none of these people who are infected will pass it on. We have quarantines in place, and we are preparing for a wide-scale response, if it is warranted," he said.

Many governors cited concern, but stressed the situation not dire.

"Of course, this is a very scary situation and a lot of people are afraid," Armana Governor Dale Fulbright (CNS) said. "But the message we're trying to get across today is that people should be cautious, but they shouldn't panic."

Gov. Mark De Auonne (N-TRI) echoed Fulbright's words.

"I know, for example, in the state of Trinton, a lot of people are concerned. But we want to remind everyone that we are doing all we can and the government is working around-the-clock on this thing."

Three governors--Gavin Gymbal (CNS) of Lial, Christine Gabler (NAT) of Ceona, and Linda Van Auhn (NAT) of Veroche, announced they will be holding emergency sessions of the legislature to free up funding for the response process.

"I've asked the state legislature to hold an emergency session tonight to deal with the situation at hand, and my guess is they will free up that funding that is necessary for our state's response," Gabler told the GBC.

Monomi Governor Scott King (NAT), who has been embroiled in a corruption and prostitution scandal back home in Treeton, did attend the conference, but was unusually silent. King testified Monomi's health department is working with immigration officials to ensure no infectious people crossing the border from Tundra or West Woodward make their way into his state. Afterward, King refused to talk with reporters, only saying he is "focused on doing the work of the people of Monomi."

President Menuhaeo was not present at the conference, but did make an appearance via satelite. He told the governors he is "deeply concerned" about the swine flu outbreak, but confident the government's response will be adequate.

"I'm working with [Public Health] Secretary [Pamela] Warren and with others to make sure this does not have the outcome that we've seen in other countries," Menuhaeo said.

The end of the conference brought about an agreement between the governors that their governments will work together to contain the pandemic. Specifically, the governors agreed unanimously to coordinate communication between each state's health agencies.

Chairwoman Almone also reassured her colleagues she is working "overtime" with President Menuhaeo and Public Health Secretary Dr. Pamela Warren, to formulate a united and cohesive response.

"This is an emergency, and the last thing we need is for government bureacracy to impede our containment efforts," Almone said.

Secretary Warren is scheduled to hold a joint-press conference with President Menuhaeo tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. EGST. GNN will have live coverage.