Almone: China needs to listen to Hong Kong amid unrest

MAVOCKE -- In her first major world crisis as Foreign Secretary, newly-appointed Donna Almone is taking on the Chinese government over unrest in Hong Kong.

A semi-autonomous island territory of China formerly governed by the British, Hong Kongers have long enjoyed more rights than their mainland Chinese counterparts.

But in recent months, the Communist Chinese government has aimed to curtail liberties in the former British colony.

This has led to unrest, with pro-democracy protesters taking to the streets and clashing with pro-national government forces in violent exchanges.

Many Western governments have called on China to find a peaceful resolution, but the Chinese government has dug in its heels and refused to negotiate with dissidents.

"This has been going on for months now, it's beyond time for the Chinese government to listen to Hong Kong citizens and negotiate a compromise in good faith," said Secretary Almone in her first official statement since taking over the state department last month.

Asked about the situation last week, Grassadellian President Jim McCaren agreed with his foreign secretary.

"The Chinese government is finding out that it's very hard to maintain peace and order when you take away peoples' rights," McCaren said.

"Now is the time for the Chinese Communist government to end its crackdown and to begin negotiations so that a peaceful ending can be had in this situation," said McCaren.

China's Ambassador to Grassadellia, Lee Hyung Chi, issued a written statement following Almone and McCaren's comments.

"The China-Hong Kong issue is an internal matter for the Chinese government," said Chi. "This is an issue that does not require outside intervention or commentary from uninvolved parties."

China's government has previously rebuked the Grassadellian government for its criticisms of the Chinese leadership.

Grassadellia's Ambassador to China, William Reel, said Grassadellia is not attempting to intervene in the situation, but is concerned.

"This is a matter for the Chinese government to resolve, and Grassadellia does not want to interfere. But Grassadellia does have a vested interest in peace in Hong Kong, and because of that, we will speak out when we have concerns."

Before she became Foreign Secretary, while running for president, Almone called China's government a group of "bullies" and a "roomful of old men" who have little concern for democratic reform.

Her comments earned strong scorn from China's government, with the state media calling her "a vile woman."

China's government has frequent diplomatic clashes with Western countries, despite being a significant trade partner.

Right now, the Chinese government is in a stand-off with US President Donald Trump over tariffs and trade deficits.

BREAKING: 19 killed at Damoign Comic-Con event

GRASSADELLIA CITY -- The state of Damoign is reeling after a gunman opened fire at the Grassadellia Comic-Con event in Grassadellia City, Saturday evening.

Gun shots suddenly rang out at the nation's largest Comic-Con gathering at 6:01 pm in the Sequester Lane neighborhood in Middleboro, about five miles south-southwest of the city's Central Business District (CBD).

Initial reports from Grassadellia City Metropolitan Police (GCMP) put the death toll at 19, with an unknown number of injured.

GCMP Commissioner Barry Whitemore said the lone suspect was shot and killed by police.

The shooting lasted only about three minutes, with multiple officers firing their weapons at the gunman.

"I can tell you we are confident there was only one suspect, a male, and he was taken down by multiple officers," Whitemore said at a hastily-arranged press conference.

"Active shooter situation in Sequester Lane -- avoid if you can, if in area, stay inside buildings & lock doors," tweeted GCMP as the event unfolded.

The shooting took place outside on Cayhill Street and in street-front businesses, where people rushed inside to take cover, police said.

The Comic-Con event was being held at the Deely Arts Centre, with most festivities taking place inside the building. However, there were many attendees and Comic-Con-related activities taking place out on the street.

"Most of the Comic-Con-goers were not outside on the street, but we're still talking about hundreds or thousands of people walking outside near the entrance, as well as customers of neighboring businesses," Whitemore said.

Nineteen deaths have been confirmed, but that number is likely to rise, Whitemore cautioned.

It's unknown exactly how many people were injured, because Whitemore said police were focused on eliminating the threat.

"In the chaos that unfolded, there were a lot of people injured and GCMP was not able to ascertain an exact number, but we are working on that," said the chief.

No information on the gunman's identity has been released yet, all Whitemore would disclose is the gunman was a male.

Witnesses who survived the shooting described the shooter as a young, white male who did not attempt to hide his identity with a mask or hat.

"He just walked down the street firing his guns," said one woman, who ducked inside a nearby stairwell and prayed for her life.

GCMP confirmed the gunman had more than one gun, but he declined to release more details.

"Right now, we are focused on responding to the victims and containing the scene. Once that has been finished, then we will move on to analysis and getting more details out to the media."

With 19 casualties, it's by far the worst shooting in decades in Grassadellian history.

In 1956, a gunman opened up at an overseas Grassadellian military base, killing 22 people.

It appears this shooting may become the worst on domestic Grassadellian soil.

Grassadellia City Mayor Kellan Kastol was in Tolston at the time of the shooting, over an hour away. He rushed back to attend the press conference.

"Our heart is breaking right now, collectively, as a city," Kastol said, with tears in his eyes.

"This isn't who we are, it isn't fair, and the pain is just very raw right now," he added.

Damoign Governor Jenna Duvan was at the state capitol in Mattinow and flew by helicopter to Middleboro for the press conference.

"'Horrific' -- that is the only way I can describe what happened earlier this evening. Just horrific," she said.

President Jim McCaren held a televised news conference at Collester in Mavocke, thanking the first responders and pledging to act on gun violence.

"This attack happened in Grassadellia City, the heart of our nation. And while Grassadellia Citians feel the pain most directly, the shock and pain reverberates across this country."

"We are so deeply grieved by this heinous attack, and to everyone who is struggling, to every person who was at the Comic-Con or who was in the vicinity, and to every person who lost a loved one, we will do whatever we can to make sure this is the one and only time this horrible violence happens in our country," said McCaren.

Damoign's four senators joined McCaren at the press conference, and all spoke with emotion.

"How many shootings will it take before Conservative lawmakers get a clue and take action on gun violence?" asked Senate Majority Leader Debbie Madronas (N-Damoign).

Senator Deborah Kay, one of the most outspoken anti-gun senators, said she was "appalled" at the scope of the violence.

"I couldn't even bring myself to look at the screen," she said, about watching news coverage of the shooting on her iPhone.

Senator Roman Chatskovy, the only Conservative in Damoign's senate delegation, said he shared in the grief.

"This is our city, it's where many of us grew up, where we went to college, where we started our lives as young adults, hoping to strike it big and make a name for ourselves, and it's a city where millions of people live and work and call home."

"We can't have this in our city. We can't have this in our country. We have to do better," he said, pledging to act on gun control legislation.

Finally, Senator Jean Chaveau, who at age 77 is the dean of Damoign's Senate delegation, saved her harshest words for the gunman.

"I don't even know his name yet, I don't want to know it. Whoever he is, or was, he was a coward, he was filled with hate, he was a low-life scum bag. And he won't be remembered for what he did, he will be remembered for spurring the Congress to finally act on gun legislation," said Chaveau.

Other prominent Damoign politicians and celebrities, many of whom attended the Comic-Con event earlier this weekend, spoke out on the shooting.

"Angry and in shock at what happened in #SequesterLane today," wrote former Grassadellia City Mayor and Damoign Governor Sid Hoffa.

"Please know, to the people of Sequester Lane and GC, we are one city, and no attack can ever defeat us," he added.

"Was just at GC Comic-Con yesterday with my 11 yo son," wrote actor Sean Tweed on Twitter. "Horrified. Simply horrified. Love to all."

Actress April McCabe also attended the Comic-Con on the preceding day.

"My heart is breaking right now," she wrote on her Twitter account. "Literally was just there, so many happy people."

"To see it shattered by something so awful and evil as this just makes me sick to my stomach."

Politicians outside Damoign have widely condemned the shooting, but Conservative lawmakers mostly offered support, thoughts and prayers.

NAT lawmakers were much more vocal about gun control legislation.

"What happened tonight in Middleboro at the Comic-Con is despicable and vile, and Conservative Senators universally condemn this act of terror," wrote Ansleigha Senator Jon Ralston, the Conservative Senate Minority Leader.

Many political leaders labeled the shooting an act of terror, but GCMP Chief Barry Whitemore said it's too early to know if there is a connection to international terrorism or domestic terrorism.

"Did it cause terror? Of course. So in that sense, yes it was definitely an act of terrorism. But does it officially meet the technical definitions that law enforcement uses to classify these events? It's too early for me to speak to that," said Whitemore.

A candlelight vigil is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, August 28 near the crime scene. It is open to the public, and President Jim McCaren will be speaking.

A spokesman for the president said McCaren could visit the city sooner, but has chosen to wait until the public vigil so as not to get in the way of the investigation.

"Frankly, having the president there right after a traumatic event can really be more of a distraction than a help," said spokesman Jared Franks.

An area of about eight square blocks was initially cordoned off by police as they searched the streets near the shooting sight.

Most areas have been re-opened, but Cayhill Street remains closed for one block, as does Underhill Street for two blocks.

The Deely Arts Centre will remain closed until Tuesday, a spokesperson said.

Businesses near the crime scene will remain closed but police have said they will re-open the area as quickly as possible to allow business to return to normal.

Greg Kelley will not run for Damoign governor in 2020

SEXTON, Damoign -- An outspoken liberal politician has announced he will not seek the Damoign governorship in the 2020 election.

State Senator Greg Kelley, a prominent left-wing leader in Damoign politics, was previously considering running for governor in 2020, challenging incumbent NAT Governor Jenna Duvan.

On Tuesday, Kelley said he would ultimately back Duvan in her 2020 bid for re-election.

"Running for governor would not be helpful for the Damoign NAT party. It would create division and it would ultimately help the Conservative party," said Kelley.

"I have some real disagreements with Jenna Duvan, but I would much rather have her as my governor than Sid Hoffa or any Conservative," he added.

Kelley, from Sexton, has been a champion of the working class.

He has been a rarely vocal critic of the governor from her own party.

"I wish Governor Duvan would cut her ties with the big corporations," Kelley said back in May 2019. "We need a governor who is empathetic to low-income and middle-class Damoignites, not the wealthy businesspeople who are wallowing in money."

Kelley's decision to stay out of the governor's race is surely to be good news for the Duvan campaign, which is hoping to avoid a tense primary and intra-party fight before the 2020 election.

The Duvan campaign did not comment on Kelley's announcement, but an advisor to Duvan -- who asked to remain anonymous because they were not permitted to speak about internal campaign rumblings -- said Kelley's decision to back Duvan is welcomed news.

"We need Greg Kelley's endorsement, or at least not his opposition," said the source.

Kelley added that he will push Duvan over the coming months to adopt more progressive positions favored by the party's left-wing.

"I'm still going to lean on her to embrace more progressive policy positions, I'm definitely going to tell her what I think and what policies will be best for Damoignites."

Brumley’s comments about Duvan 'sexist and misogynist,' say Duvan allies

TAMPICO, Damoign -- Allies of Damoign Governor Jenna Duvan are reacting with strong criticism to comments about the governor they say are "sexist."

The brouhaha started when Mattinow businessman John Brumley made a veiled swipe at Duvan in an interview with a local television station.

Duvan, a Nationalist, is running for re-election in 2020. Brumley, also a Nationalist, is considering challenging the governor in the NAT primary election, scheduled for May.

Brumley was asked by Mattinow's 3GBC what qualities Damoign's next governor should have.

"I think we need less vanity," he said of the next governor. "We need someone who isn't so concerned with image and celebrity and someone who is focused on solving problems and governing."

Immediately, Brumley’s comments came under intense scrutiny.

Allies of Duvan, a 39-year-old former model who is known for her sexy fashion choices and her close relationships with celebrities, said the comments were "sexist and misogynist."

"John Brumley is essentially saying the next governor of Damoign needs to be a man," said NAT political activist Evan Buyer, a close friend and associate of Duvan.

"It's unthinkable that in 2019, a candidate for governor in the state of Damoign would make comments so stunningly sexist and anti-woman," said Elena Candela, an advisor to Duvan's campaign on women's reproductive health.

Members of the media chimed in on the controversy also.

Betty MacGlover, a well-known news anchor for the local GBC TV station in Grassadellia City, called Brumley’s remarks "asinine." 

"I find it ironic and sad that in this day and age, women politicians are criticized because they wear fashionable dresses and nice shoes. Somehow that makes them unfit to be elected officials," MacGlover said.

A spokesman for Brumley said the Mattinow businessman was not referring to Duvan's wardrobe when he spoke.

"The line they keep quoting, it was totally taken out of context," said Brumley spokesman Josh Evans. "John was alluding to Governor Duvan's penchant for publicity and fame, not her actual clothing choices."

"It's clear from following the governor's media strategy and her public appearances and social media activism that she is more concerned with projecting a celebrity image. She's more concerned with being popular that being governor. It has nothing to do with what clothing she wears, it has everything to do with persona, attitude and priorities."

Brumley later said, in an off-hand comment to a reporter outside a Mattinow restaurant Tuesday night, that Duvan "can wear whatever she wants."

"If she wants to wear leopard print or tie-dye or whatever, she can wear whatever she wants," said Brumley.

Duvan herself has not commented on Brumley’s criticism.

The governor is widely-known for her stylish clothing.

She frequently dons expensive stiletto shoes and chic, designer-label outfits, including some with low neck lines and skirts above the knees.

Many of her outfits are personally made for her by top-name fashion designers. She is personal friends with many in the fashion industry.

Brumley previously ran against Duvan in the NAT gubernatorial primary in 2016.

After losing to Duvan in the primary, Mr. Brumley endorsed Duvan in her general election race against Conservative Mercer Diego.

"By and large, I think Jenna Duvan has done a great job as governor," Brumley said back in a January 2020 radio interview.

But in recent months, the Mattinow businessman, who made his fortune in the paper pulp industry, has stepped up his criticism of Damoign's first female governor.

In June, he took issue with what he called Duvan's "habit" of picking fights with Conservatives over highly-charged social issues like abortion and immigration.

"In my view, it's better for a governor to focus on economic issues and infrastructure and creating jobs," said Brumley in another radio interview.

Brumley’s more centrist views are often at odds with Duvan's more mainstream NAT positions, and the two have opposite approaches to politics.

Where Ms. Duvan is not afraid of confrontation, Mr. Brumley shies away from it.

But ultimately, Brumley’s more moderate views would be a tough sell to an NAT party base that leans increasingly to the left.

Duvan herself is facing pressure from the party's left wing, with several potential left wing candidates also considering challenging the governor in the 2020 NAT primary.

No polls have conducted yet on the NAT primary election for Damoign governor. But recent polling from The Grassadellia City Times and Dulkalow University have found Duvan leading nearly all potential big-name Conservative rivals.

Only Damoign Assemblywoman Pat Leemore, a moderate Conservative from Arnelleson, tops Duvan in a hypothetical general election match-up.

Leemore ran unsuccessfully for governor in the 2016 Conservative gubernatorial primary election, taking third place.

Ms. Leemore has not said whether she is considering running in 2020, but said she would announce her candidacy by spring if she decides to run.

Other potential Conservative candidates include former Grassadellia City Mayor Sid Hoffa, Assemblyman John DeGallio of Tolston, former National Security Director Robert Austin, and Assemblyman Ron Wilder of Kentwick.

McCaren to nominate Kiesling for Education Secretary

MAVOCKE -- Another former senator may be returning to Mavocke as a member of the president's cabinet.

President Jim McCaren is poised to nominate former POG Sen. Max Kiesling to be his next Education Secretary.

Kiesling, a moderate Nationalist, left the Senate in 2018 to run for POG governor. He lost in the NAT primary to then-POG Attorney General and now-POG Governor Ramon Ramos.

While in the Senate, Kiesling made a reputation for being a consensus builder.

He was well-liked by his colleagues from both parties, and his affable, southern charm won him many friends in the capitol.

But his more conservative positions on certain issues upset liberals.

Kiesling has a mixed record on abortion rights, voting to allow abortion but with restrictions. He also said he is personally opposed to abortion due to his religious faith.

On immigration, he was accepting of refugees but voted for more vetting of immigrants.

And on taxes and business issues, he frequently sided with his CNS colleagues, favoring business-friendly legislation, which earned him many foes in the labor sector.

But his congenial attitude did a lot for him.

The first-term senator negotiated a compromise between the two parties on school funding.

He also secured legislative victories on disability rights and hospital construction.

And he led a Senate delegation and represented Grassadellia's governments to various countries during the breakout of the Syrian Civil War.

But it's education that makes Kiesling an attractive candidate for Education Secretary.

Before he was elected to the Senate, Kiesling served as POG's Secretary of State. He used his office to increase civics education and English language classes for immigrant kids, something no secretary of state had previously done.

Sources inside Collester say President McCaren has a strong relationship with Kiesling and believes the veteran POG politician is well-suited for the job.

He has yet to be formally nominated, but when asked about rumors Kiesling was on the cusp of being nominated, a Collester spokesman declined to deny the rumors.

His prospective nomination has strong support among his former Senate colleagues, however, some have expressed concerns about President McCaren choosing prominent POG politicians to hold high-ranking positions in his cabinet.

Just last month, McCaren nominated former POG Governor Donna Almone to be Foreign Secretary.

POG is the second-most populous state in the nation, and many are concerned its large population and corresponding political clout may be outstripping influence of other states.

"There is a concern when a president only nominates cabinet secretaries from the largest states," said Jeni Onato, President of Grassadellians for Accountability, a Mavocke-based think-tank. "How can people in East Deschire or New Portsmouth feel represented when all of the president's cabinet members are from POG and Damoign, the two largest and most influential states?"

A spokesperson for Collester denied cabinet members have been chosen solely from large, populous states.

"If you look at all of this administration's cabinet members and advisors and appointees, you will see people from all over the country represented. There is no active plan to pack the cabinet with only people from POG," said spokesman Kevin Ranker.

A representative for Kiesling would not comment on the matter.

Since leaving the Senate in 2018, Kiesling has spent most of his time back in Lansdale, but he retains a home in suburban Mavocke, where he stays part-time.

Swollen reservoir forces evacuations in western Veroche

PENDLETON, Veroche -- Authorities in rural western Veroche have evacuated hundreds of people after heavy rains have raised water levels and caused concerns about the stability of an earthen dam.

The Billy Budd Reservoir, southwest of the city of Pendleton, is at dangerously high levels following six inches of rain that fell over the past three days in the region.

The area near the reservoir is rural, but there are still hundreds of homes in the direct vicinity downstream.

The Ebley County Department of Emergency Management and the Veroche Department of Public Lands has evacuated almost 300 people in the area, and Veroche Governor Tom Harper has asked the Civil Guard to bring in sandbags and other reinforcements for the earthen dam.

"Very concerned about the situation in Ebley Co. and other western Veroche communities," Harper tweeted Sunday night. "I've asked @CivilGuard to assist, and will continue to monitor."

However, local officials have criticized Harper for what they call a sluggish response.

"We called the governor's office three days ago and asked for his help, and he only finally called the Civil Guard today," said Ebley County Commissioner Harlan Thomasson.

Harper's office refuted that claim, saying the governor "has been engaged since before the storm hit."

Ebley County is a deeply conservative county, and many residents are not fond of Harper, a Nationalist. Some have suggested the dispute between Harper's office and local officials is politically-motivated.

"He isn't the most popular guy around here, no," said Thomasson. "But the safety of our residents shouldn't be hung up or delayed because he's a liberal and the people here are conservative."

While the political battle continues, residents with homes along the reservoir and the Swan River, which forms the reservoir, are on high alert.

The National Weather Observancy Bureau (NWOB) says it expects the water levels to drop over the next week.

"Every day without rain is good, but the earthen dams are especially vulnerable," NWOB Meteorologist Chad Covington told the GBC.

No rain is forecasted until Saturday.

Long-shot candidates consider primary challenge to Duvan

GRASSADELLIA CITY -- She's widely popular with her party, but Damoign Governor Jenna Duvan (N) may have a primary election on her hands next year, as she runs for re-election.

Earlier this year, Damoignites voted to amend the state's constitution and allow sitting governors to run for re-election. For the last thirty years, governors were barred from running for re-election consecutively.

With the constitutional change in effect, incumbent Governor Duvan is permitted to run for re-election. She announced her intention to run for re-election before the constitutional amendment even passed.

A strong liberal, Duvan is largely popular within her own party. She's strongly pro-choice, has taken a tough-on-crime approach first as attorney general and now as governor, and she has made LGBTQ and immigration issues signature pieces of her agenda.

However, some Nationalists, especially far-left, liberal members of the party, are displeased with the governor.

They feel she is compromised by campaign donations from big corporations. Additionally, Duvan is friends with many prominent celebrities and businesspeople in Damoign and across the country.

These cozy relationships, particularly with business leaders, concern many on the far left, who consider Duvan to be too close with corporate leaders.

Because of this distrust, there have been calls from more progressive Nationalists for someone to challenge Duvan in the 2020 governor's primary election.

Several potential candidates have arisen, though none have officially decided to run.

The most prominent and well-known person is progressive state Senator Greg Kelley of Sexton.

Mr. Kelley has frequently been critical of Duvan for being too weak and timid when dealing with Conservatives.

Over the past week, two other candidates have emerged. Billionaire businessman Bill Bondi, who has donated millions of dollars over the years to progressive candidates and organizations, has expressed interest.

Bondi is founder and owner of Presidio Corp., a conglomeration of numerous successful companies, mostly in real estate. The corporation also includes the upscale Taylor & Kimmitch Furniture company, which has franchises across the country.

Sources close to Bondi say he has uttered frustration with Duvan's "slow-moving" agenda.

Former Tolston Mayor Marty Rafferty, a less wealthy but well-known champion of workers rights, is also interested in running, sources within the state NAT party say.

And businessman John Brumley, who is considerably more moderate and more business-friendly, is also considering running to the right of Duvan and any potential far-left candidates.

There's also former senator Brian Altamont, a Conservative-turned-Nationalist-turned-Independent, who lost re-election by a dismal margin in 2012.

Altamont began as a moderate in the Senate, but over the years, his policy stances became more liberal.

But friends of the former senator say he has his eye on running for mayor of Grassadellia City instead.

The flood of potential challengers from her own party has to be disappointing to the Duvan campaign, but not unexpected.

"Jenna Duvan knew when she announced she was running for re-election, the first governor in 30 years to do so, she knew that would draw challengers from her own party, especially because of how divisive the constitutional amendment process was," Dr. Jordan Gallagher, a political science professor at Dulkalow University, told the GBC.

But out of the rumored challengers thus far, only Bondi is considered a viable candidate, because of his excessive wealth.

And with left-wing voters unhappy with Duvan for being too close to wealthy corporations, Bondi probably wouldn't be a better alternative. In fact, he'd probably be less desirable for those voters.

If Duvan does face a primary challenge from members of her party, she will be the odds-on favorite.

Experts say it's more worthwhile to look at potential Conservative challengers to Duvan.

Recent polling by The Grassadellia City Times and Dulkalow University found that only one hypothetical Conservative candidate would defeat Duvan in a head-to-head match-up.

That candidate is Assemblywoman Pat Leemore, from downstate Damoign.

Leemore is a moderate, and receives strong backing from independent voters and even some Nationalists.

Conservative state Representative Andrew Liang, who is relatively unknown outside his east Grassadellia City district, comes within one percentage point of Duvan, when matched head-to-head.

But other high-profile candidates, including former Governor Sid Hoffa and Assemblymen Ron Wilder and John DeGallio, trail Duvan by seven to eight points.

Dr. Gallagher, the political science professor at Dulkalow, says Duvan has the edge heading into the 2020 elections.

"Right now, she has the advantage. Most of the potential Conservative candidates who are thinking about running against her don't come close to beating her," said Gallagher.

But Duvan's advantage could disappear if an unexpected Conservative or Independent candidate decides to challenge her.

The one person everyone is wondering about is Grassadellia City Mayor Kellan Kastol, who is officially an Independent but could challenge Duvan either as an Independent or a Nationalist.

Kastol is popular and is believed to have set his eyes on higher office. However, the young, handsome mayor previously dated Duvan several years ago, and the two remain (in public) good friends, so it's difficult to imagine the mayor challenging his ex-lover and political ally.

Gallagher says above all, it's way too early to predict which candidate will win the election.

"So much can happen in 15 months. Candidates come, they go, they drop out, scandals happen, sometimes they die, you just never know what will happen."