Korosian News Broadcasters Association

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The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

At 11AM GCT-2, a televised and live streamed address lasting for one hour thirty minutes took place. Though the First Speaker spoke in Austrel, Sign Language interpretors were standing beside them, translating word for word. In addition closed captions in Aboriginal Languages were available to any withing the DSK. In this address, the Korosian First Speaker Tahki Odina expressed disappointment on the countries foreign affairs during its 18 years of state socialism. They stated that many opportunities for reconciliation and truth had been lost, and that it would now be due to Korosian effort that international shame could be avoided. “The ministry of foreign affairs is being replaced. We will oversee the creation of a new body, its members elected in, and its leader selected based off merit. This will be the new Head Ambassador and they will help direct domestic and foreign relations.”

These comments come amid a Cordillian Political Theatre gripped more by recent terror attacks and a potential Multinational Union, than Northern Cordillian Economic and Diplomatic policies.

Tahki Odina also touched on the Korosian GDP growth from approximately 3 to 4.5 trillion. This growth was the end result of substantial restructuring within Koros; the state releasing several companies as cooperatively owned buisinesses. “Essential Services such as food, water, housing, electricity, and the internet remain nationalized,” the First Speaker explained, adding “corporate welfare will continue as before, acting as funds to grow local buisinesses so their income may be taxed and utilized towards public welfare, education, and healthcare. The end goal should be a wave of new buisinesses supported by corporate welfare then in turn supporting new businesses and so on.”

Afterwards the First Speaker took 25 minutes to answer live questions from viewers. One of these questions commented on neighboring Akon Island, and more broadly the state of Ikaranara. The anonymous commentor allowed it to be known that he was a resident of Hillside City, and had mentally benefitted from the large Dolphin Bay Conservation Park to the city’s east; they had asked whether the foreigners would respect that place, and the heavy restrictions to fishing and boat travel in the park’s waters. Tahki Odina responded that it was the responsibility of the soon to be Head Ambassador to propose an in depth plan on shipping lanes outside of the park yet respecting of Ikaranian input.

Closing off the address, they wished for the safety and human rights of all peoples to be recognized, and expressed sympathy for innocent victims of violence.

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Justin Mestanpeway

Independent Fisheries within Upper Plains sea waters relieved after government puts forward bill banning cruise ships from operating. Such ships have come under critisism in recent years for the amount of marine wildlife left dead, and the amount of diseal required to burn to move locations. It is expected that the undersea ecosystem will increase in health as a result of an abscense of the ships; an increase that hopefully will translate into better fishing harvests.

“Environmental sustainability is our main objective,” explained Nîkihk reprenstative Wapun Soyala. “With cruise ships out of the picture Korosians will still be able to enjoy ocean ameneties like kayaking and swimming. These activities - and others - can bring plenty of entertainment value without endangering the very environments they take place in.”

In related news the elections for the International Relations Committee have finalized, with a total of 40 ambassadors elected. Each member has recieved journalistic training from the KNBA and are eager to serve their government and their people well. The Head Ambassador is expected to be selected later within the day, and will likely begin arranging meetings with neighboring states.

This election process comes at a time where most are more concerned with the outbreak of war between several Cordillian nations. It is unclear how this conflict of arms will influence Korosian politics as they continue to stabilize foreign relations.

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Justin Mestanpeway

On Sept 28th the Union of Genetic Resesrchers, primarily based out of Hillside City and Minôs Cliffs, released a report explaining the Unions stance against sterilized crop seed. The report claimed that such seeds would introduce financial dependency to seed suppliers (locally known as Big Seed) and would ultimately destitute farms and communities.

“Big Seed drained my bank account, my savings account, my credit, and more,” one part time geneticist, part time farmer named Ayesha Mitima claimed. “Plants for agricultural use must be able to bear fertile seeds; extorting communities for such a basic good is immoral to it’s core. I was only able to save my farm plot, and room filled with sterile equipment, through the Minôs Workshop Society. This shouldn’t have to happen!” When questioned why she wore only a white lab coat and gardening gloves, she mentioned her freedom of expression, and went inside.

Five days later, at 5:40 UTC -2, the Korosian Federation Government passed legislation prohibiting the sale and production of sterile seeds. Research into new GMO crops will also be stalled as federal reviews into sterility of seed batches are put into place. Despite these new observation measures, the Korosian scientific sector is projected to continue it’s growth; the cooperative attitude the government took in it’s understanding of the needs of agricultural and biological scientists was noted by many members of the Union of Genetic Researchers.

Also of note within Korosian science policies is the closing week of meetings and negotiations with foreign and domestic space advisors. The announcement of a Korosian Space Agency is expected by most citizens; 78% of responders from a poll conducted by the KNBA in the Upper Plains said it was “absolutely certain to occur” within 1 month. This overwhelming response was more pronounced in the Upper Plains than other Korosian States, highlighting an eagerness for space research and exploration inside of UP’s younger demographic.

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Dohason Fala
Article Date: October 5th

Bittersweet day for Korosians as Rycca lets loose chemical weapons hours after Korosian Space Agency declared.

At 10 AM UGC -2 on Oct 4th, the Korosian Federation Government announced the new aerospace organization. First Speaker Tahki Odina was live streamed seated in a conference room; next to them was Paytah Elu, appointed head of the Korosian Space Agency. Also seated was the Head of Federal Public Education, numerous regional library union representatives, noted astrophysicists, public internet service directors, and foreign & free market scientific advisors. A Cordillian Sign Language interpretor was on screen for the duration of the speech, and aboriginal language subtitles was shown where available. They took turns explaining the privileges and responsibilities that the government body was expected to have. They outlined the key objectives of coordination and civilian participation in the program. Plans for the progression of a Maxima research mission, Balteuma probe missions, and the intent to cooperate with the CPSC. The presentation took one hour and thirty minutes, ending it off with another thirty minutes of answering public questions.

After all the words had been said, those speakers went about their buisiness, typically government service or independent efforts.

At 1:30 PM UTC -2 The Ryycian Military Junta engaged Peonic Military Troops, and in the fighting deployed Serin Gas, officially a banned chemical weapon. Videos of canisters, missiles, and possibly drones spreading the nerve agent were steadily uploaded online, intensifying after Peocracy officials confirmed the usage an hour later. Less shown was Doge Land evacuation efforts, as the Public Transit system strained and roads filled with traffic as millions were displaced from their homes. Ikaranara has not issued evacuation orders despite evidence of gas deployed within the town of Xorobal. Already international humanitarian aid has started its delivery process to the effected regions.

Most Korosians felt the shift of societal perceptives as that awful day dragged on. KNBA journalists interviewed many within public spaces, asking them their opinion on the days events. River Passage City university student Citana Ikras was quoted as saying “One step forward, two steps back, that’s just how humans can be. The usage of violence to project an immoral goal has been an issue since we first gained consciousness. I’m happy about the space program, but Pacifica’s hurting.”

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Justin Mestanpeway
Article Date: October 8th

Koros Tax Code Amended With Higher Tax On Domestic Turned International Businesses

Legislation introduced by the Upper Plains Socialist Party was ratified this afternoon by the Korosian Federation Consensus Chamber. These amendments are “intended to insure businesses do not forget its duty to the government, but also its duty to the citizens that the taxes ultimately benefit.” The changes take the form of a seperate income bracket with a higher tax percentage for all gross income levels for businesses that cross the Korosian border into seperate nations.

Though the move was pitched as an effort to prevent jobs leaving Koros, it’s unclear whether this will have the intended effect.

“Why grow your business and expand your customer base across international lines when the government’s cut increases over time?” Questioned Catori Senna, an online business owner living in the Outer Settlements. “I would’ve paid a fine amount of tax, but under the new codes I’ll have to rebalance my expenses so I don’t go in the red. Yeah that tax would still go into the same programs but, c’mon.”

Predictons show Korosian Economic growth slowing. Previous estimates of a 6.6 trillion GDP rating in the first week of October seem optimistic compared to new estimates at 6 trillion.

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Dohason Fala
Article Date: October 10th

Head Ambassador Appointed, Awaiting Acceptance into the World Forum

Following elections earlier in the week that appointed 40 people as Koros state ambassadors, a 2nd internal vote has concluded. Breixo Ullman was chosen by his peers to direct their efforts and to represent Koros in the world forum (pending on a vote from WF members to allow Koros to join.)
Breixo released a ten minute video presentation with a Cordillian Sign Language interpretor visible and aboriginal closed captions where available. He wore a ceremonial blindfold as his religion instructed it. In this medium length video Breixo thanked his voter base, promising that Korosian values such as inclusiveness and ecology would be demonstrated to other nations. Breixo expressed his excitement towards better integrating Korosian Public Transit with it’s neighbors, as well as mapping shipping lanes around Akon Island. Breixo ended the announcement with 30 seconds of silence for those who had died from the heinous chemical attacks launched by the Ryccian Junta.

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Justin Mestanpeway
Article Date: October 12th

Federal Govt Diverts Business Subsidies to Religious and Spiritual Construction Projects

In a move labeled as bizarre by an increasingly athiest population, the Korosian Federation Government ratified a bill altering the federal budget for the 2022 Q4. The bill is set to pull 450 billion dollars worth of funding away from corporate aid. First Speaker Tahki Odina explained his position of support for the bill, saying “a crucial step in decolonization is reconstructing places of worship and orginzation for aboriginal religions. Without a place suitable for practice many of these spiritual practices will die off. Use of these facilities will be up to independent organizations or individuals. Local councils and land leasers have been contacted for cooperation in regards to potential sites; once construction begins we will open the process for permanent occupancy of structures, leasing of structures, and holiday coordination.”

Though the bill represents yet another freedom the government encourages its citizens to have, critics question if its necessary when the scope of Korosian religious freedoms is understood. Constitutional freedom of religion, immigration aids, optional spiritual studies in public schools, and freedom of dress are crucial building blocks for religious tolerance and understanding. Despite this secularist rates continue to rise within Koros, estimates ahead of an official census claiming a federal rate of 21%.

“The seperation of church and state is essential for the prevention of the rollback of won rights in other categories.” Noted book writer, public skeptic Howard Bablin said in an interview. “The federal government mandates evolution to be taught in state education systems for a reason. So called truth sayers have no place in government policy at any level other than local.”

The Korosian economy is now projected to sit at 5 trillion, the loss of corporate aid resulting in an overall loss of wealth. This combined with earlier taxes have lead to a recession wiping away most of the efficiency gained by allowing free markets. How the government will guide itself through it’s first ever bout of economic downturn will shape the speed at which the situation improves.

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Justin Mestanpeway
Article Date: October 18th

Korosian Armed Forces Announces 2023 Q1 Summit, Federal Government May Hear AI Art Legislation

An odd, mixed start to the mid October week as government branches go about their business. To start, the Korosian Armed Forces has, following several technical failures with old fighter plane models, announced the intent to design and produce replacement models domestically. The 2023 Q1 Summit for designers and military engineers is to be hosted sometime January and in the Outer Settlements.

This announcement comes as the country is attempting to regain economic footing following a recession. Pacifists argue that there are many more government projects that could make better use of the money. Militarists claim that Koros must be able to produce a domestic air fleet to counteract it’s abandonment of drones.

In other news the Upper Plains Court is in the process of hearing a bill that would make it illegal for AI Art Programs to use specific Artists names in image prompts. Though current generation AI Art is handled by foreign companies, Korosian artists are hoping this is one of the first steps to avoiding their work being copied and profited off of. “We can’t prevent AI Art from using already made works as inspiration; beyond that being literally impossible for current AI to do, its also a standard that many actual artist’s won’t be able to adhere to,” explained Artist and Civil Servant Tarlo Joseph. “Artists get inspired by art they see, by techniques others learn first. AI does similar by looking at images and taking specific or common elements and using them in a whole new image. The problem comes when people direct the AI to copy the style of specific artists. That opens up a whole can of worms of copyright legality and personal opinions. The short of it is that specific rare and valuable art styles are being flooded by AI copycats. Artists rely on their styles to garner contracts and commissions. This bill is to protect the livelihood of one of society’s pillars.”

Should the bill be ratified, artists living in the Upper Plains will ideally see their art recognized as theirs. Similar bills might be proposed in other Korosian state, and should the original or other bills be passed, then the federal government will review the same, a different, or a modified bill for it’s own adoption.

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Dohason Fala
Article Date: October 20th

Embassy Discussions to be Held With Koros Neighbor States, Debates on WF Committee Applications Begin

The Koros Foreign Relations body released a paper at 5 PM GTC-2, detailing it’s intent to establish permanent embassies with specific countries. These proposed buildings will house the primary ambassador as well as their staff and equipment. Such arrangements should ease the current strain of lack of diplomacy between Koros and it’s neighbors.

“That the Federation didn’t have such programs in place already is a disgrace,” Head Ambassador and World Forum Representative Breixo Ullman wrote in a personal message at the bottom of the paper. “Such basic steps may feel inconsequential, but the potential of these diplomatic houses will aid us greatly.”

The plan was announced the day after the Ryccian Junta threatened Nuclear strikes against it’s opponents, before apparently collapsing as cease fires were put into place today. Many Korosians feel scornful towards the government for it’s total political inaction inregards to the Ryccian Cordillian Conflict; such complaints have taken the form of thousands of letters and millions of online messages directed towards Breixo and other ambassadors. Though the reformed Foreign Affairs body has made dramatic strides in comparison to it’s predecsessors, the body still feels sluggish in reacting to world events.

In related news politicians and influencers have begun the domestic debate on which World Forum commitee to join first. The possibility of joining all 5 is quite high given the various committees sharing goals and objectives with Korosian government policies. A referendum on the issue is expected to be started sometime next week; no matter the outcome Koros will not be allowed to join any until the next Speaker election. At the same time Breixo is likely to speak positively in regards to the Resolution on Orbital Safety.

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Justin Mestanpeway
Article Date: October 21st

Light Pollution Legislation Dominates Local Consensus Houses as Federation Government Prepares AI Art Legislation Hearing

Wrapping up this week’s government activity, urban communities across Koros have begun implementing measures to curb light pollution. The legislation typically requires outdoor lighting to be shielded, defines specific areas as “wasteful overlap”, and occasionally put soft limits on lights during the day. The long term goal of reducing light pollution overall is obvious, what isn’t is how these seperate laws will define success. One spokesperson in the River Passage City Consensus House named Nuna Koko has been advocating reducing Radians per 1k population; ideally by 3 points every year. “These are strategies that have been proven to work, results should be both readily visible in terms of data, but also visible from looking at the night sky.” Some economists wonder if this is the natural response to higher energy costs during the October recession.

While these bills are being put into place the Koros Federation Government is set to vote on a mended version of the Upper Plains AI Art legislation. The Upper Plains parliament passed the bill aimed at preventing AI Art Programs from using specific artists names in their image prompts. Though this State level protection was a nice starting ground, politicians are hoping to springboard these protections to apply across the whole of Koros. If the Federation adopts the bill then the Koros Supreme Court could eventually enforce foreign tech companies to comply with the ruling.

The results are expected to be announced at 6pm UTC -2 following a half day debate and vote.

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Justin Mestanpeway
Article Date: November 28th

Koros Foreign Relations Gets Act Together Amid Increased Domestic Criticism

A little under two months since the firing of the old foreign relations body, calls upon the government to repeat the process have begun. The reason given by many is the sluggish pace by which the new body, under Breixo Ullman, has gone about establishing embassies. In less words:

too !@#$ing long!

“We wanted all of our boxes checked and our paperwork done,” Breixo was quoted as saying. “Establishing mutual embassies and consulates is work. These buildings are more than just the brick and stone used to build them. They’re hours of legal review and speaking with foreigners and seeking advise from others in the Koros government. I genuinely apologize for how long this has took, but please, be patient.” That short speech was the prelude to Breixo showcasing a roadmap detailing the few hurdles Koros still has to deal with before presenting Embassy requests with specific countries.

The complete lack of current diplomatic missions has hindered the perception of the Korosian state, as well as the average citizen. Many likely would not know of the Six Hour war, or other happenings within Pacifica. Agreements on internet expansion and connection are expected to be on the list of discussions with foreign states; though it is unlikely to top the priority given to linking public transportation networks.

In other political news, the federal government is expected to vote favorably on a bill detailing the safe handling and storage of heavy chemicals. While a small blow to manufacturing, the agricultural and fish sectors are likely pleased indeed.

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Dohason Fala
Article Date: December 10th

Koros Government Strikes Gold

After a grueling series of legal battles the federal government has seized the Dakota Gold Field. Located in the Lower Plains and capable of producing approximately 80 tonnes per year, the mine has remained unused since 2006. Shortly after federation foreign companies, especially those tied to natural resources, ignored government offers to purchase and takeover operations. These offers of compensation were intensified to threats of legal action in 2006, the government furious at the continued disregard companies showed to Korosian laws. It’s estimated that 240 tonnes of gold was illegally removed from Koros in just 3 years, sold to private buyers and rival governments.

The quality and quantity of the gold - though technically frozen since it’s closure - noticeably diminished in both categories because of the activity. Records detailing it’s changes before federation took place are unfortunately scarce.

The Federal Government finally stands ready to mine the Dakota Gold Field following a decision made by the Korosian Supreme Court. Though the mine had been forced to cease production, the government did not stop it’s legal case against the corporation in question. Lawyer Kitchi Mukki, representing the Government, explained: “Koros was established to be the federation of the first peoples, joined by the honorable newcomers. Because of this the Gold Field is rightfully the governments; before colonization it was operated by the first peoples. If this government is genuinely basing it’s mandate off the first peoples, then the Gold Field should be taken from free capital.”

Despite the ruling meaning Korosian gold mining will enrich Koros, domestic pushback has been oddly vocal. Political cartoons have been quick to draw comparisons between ecological policies clashing with the concept of resource mining. One cartoon showed Tahki Odina attempting to plant trees; by throwing handfuls of seeds into an unfathomably deep pit, alluding to the Gold Field by placing a shovel with gold nuggets at it’s edge. There is a sense of collective unease from the people KNBA has interviewed for this story; Koros has made strides limiting the mining industry, permanently closing it’s last coal power plant in 2007. Many are worried by a potential resurgence of international pressure to deregulate “dirty” mining.

“First it’s gold, then it’s black gold, then it’s anything buried beneath Korosian soils.” claimed IT Manager Sokw Briannah, referring to oil, and rare Pacifica metals. "It’s a basic fact that malfunctional democracies have an overabundance of natural resources. When the wealth of a nation is tied to the earth, and not to the people, the nation will suffer. Our government hasn’t sold it’s soul, or anything like that. But I do worry about how things are going. It would be so heartbreakingly easy for them to mine until the waters are all polluted and there are caverns everywhere.

Included in Kitchi Mukki’s report was guarantees of tonnes of gold being allocated towards the KSA and certain state R&D companies. State computer manufacturers were allocated less, though enough to maintain an avoidance of materials. Independent buyers and companies will be forced to conduct the sale of gold through the Korosian Dollar before acquisition; however they may use the gold in most matters afterwards.

One specific complaint that has surfaced from perceptive economists: if the Government began allowing private enterprise in September, why was the Gold Field still seized? Though the government had mentioned gold’s use in technology as one of the reasons it seized the field, many have pointed out that the gold could have been distributed in a more efficient method for this purpose. Another reason - avoiding gold being moved out of Koros - has been critiqued by pointing out that end result could have been achieved without a government gold monopoly. Indeed, the acquisition lays the groundwork for the government to seize other out of use mines across the country. If they do, the KNBA guarantees to cover it.

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Dohason Fala
Article Date: December 17th

How a Heavy Chemical Ban Bankrupted the Last Korosian Printing Press

On November 30th, the federal government passed legislation regulating the usage and storage of heavy chemicals. While destructive to the environment and human health, they are efficiently used in a plethora of industrial activities. One such activity is, unfortunately, the art of book publishing. Nitric and Sulfuric acids are present in many inks; the former creates vapors that are damaging to the lungs, while the latter can cause chemical burns and eye damage. Isocyanate prepolymers aid in the process of binding ink to pages, and can damage airways leading to occupational asthma. These examples are just a few on a unfortunate, suffering stained list. While the recent regulations on these and other harmful chemicals have been lauded domestically, the KNBA wishes to highlight the case of one Nadie Tuwa; former owner of the only book press in the country.

Nadie acquired the rights to operate a small factory in Hillside City in September, shortly after the government opened non essential economic sectors to free capital (individuals or organizations.) According to her, financing the operation was a 4 month struggle, but prospects were looking up. Tree growing and paper mill facility Hopi Skotch and Nadie were in talks about boosting paper supply, hopefully easing costs and widening the Korosian book market. Instead, the chemicals Nadie was instructing herself, and her workers, to use were made illegal.

“I had heard about the hearings and the votes on the bill, but I - somehow - couldn’t connect the dots that what I was using was to be banned,” Nadie described. “It wasn’t too bad, being informed; the government sent two pieces of mail, one to the factory and one to my house. They listed what things I had bought, explained that I couldn’t use 'em, and offered to reimburse me. Which, again, fine. But the suddenness of it means I didn’t have any backup plans in place. I don’t know where to buy replacement, nonharmful chemicals. I probably won’t be able to buy any before the business closes thanks to a lack of revenue. That’s another thing, Koros hasn’t had another book factory for over a decade, and I’ve had no sales. How?!”

State company Tumu Publishing was operative from 2004 to 2009; established shortly after federation, it was responsible for textbooks, newspapers, and research publication. It was never particularly prosperous, but it maintained it’s role as an important economic aspect. That was until the 2009 “University Digitization Act” when most academic institutions were mandated to use computer hardware as their primary method of teaching. While it lead to a dramatic increase of file sharing and overall efficiency, the same cannot be said of the Korosian book printing industry. Tumu was discontinued as professionals utilized digital tools and average citizens enjoyed government funded libraries instead.

“It’s actually a bit embarrassing how little Nadie’s factory closing effects the Korosian economy,” minister of finance Omusa Genesee explained in a short KNBA interview. “I think the desire for a book publishing industry is there - what people don’t enjoy reading? But the logistics of it are another thing. Tumu Publishing faced constant paper supply issues thanks to environmental legislation. That a free market company had the same problem was predictable, and that it was rended bankrupted as it was solving that issue was simply unfortunate. What I can say, is that Koros will continue to purchase books whenever possible to supply our local libraries; provided they follow similar health and safety standards as we do.”

2022 saw a record 1.6 million books borrowed and returned; while government audio book services had a further 0.6 million. Korosian libraries are well maintained, renovations taking place despite funding issues regarding the derelict state some buildings were in previously. People can find libraries as out of use places of worship, dedicated public grounds in or around parks, or online via audiobook and media services.

[devon]

The KNBA is a Non Government Organization functioning within every State of Koros. It takes on the responsibility of training new journalists, and acts as a protective body for free speech. The KNBA works closely with government internet services to ensure ease of access to information and the prevention of misinformation.

Article Writer: Dohason Fala
Article Date: December 20th

Collapsing Fish Stocks Force Koros to Adopt Strict Catch Limits

Marine wildlife scientists have sounded the alarm up and down the Korosian coast; saltwater fish species that make up the bulk of local catch have plummeted in number. It is the first time in the federations history that less than 35% of tracked fish stocks are in the “healthy” category. In response to the continual decline of stocks, minister of environment Dyami Hoteph held an emergency meeting between himself, First Speaker Tahki Odina, minister of finance Omusa Genesee, and a handful of advisors. In an act of transparency they decided to domestically broadcast the deliberations. Below is a small transcript of their conversation, as well as the final legislation put up for vote.

Tahki: "…Excuse me for needing to ask this, but how did we end up in this position in the first place?
Dyami: "It appears previous administrations did track fish stocks, but didn’t ease up on fishing directives even after decline became apparent. We’re just facing the inevitable.
Tahki: “So then what needs to be done?”
Dyami: “A lil less fishing.”
Genesee: “That’s it?”
Dynami: "Listen, we’ve been put into a loose loose scenario. Either we keep hauling at current rates: in which case there will be no more fish TO fish. That, or we drastically reduce our catch rate for the remainder of our administration, and enact measures to prevent stock decline in the future.
Genesee: “This recession seems to drag on and on… I told you, Tahki, not to pull funds away from business welfare for that frankly asinine ‘religious construction’ subsides idea. Now I get to handle the headache from that, the various complaints about our printing capabilities, and less fish sales!”
Tahki: “It was a piece of well intended legislation; though Koros seems to be moving further into secularism, we mustn’t let the needs and wants of the religious be ignored.”
Genesee: “Oh, is that right? How many of those construction projects - temples, I guess - are actually in service? I bet the paperwork for them to be placed isn-”
Dynami: "With all due respect, minister Genesee, we must get back on topic. We track, approximately, 147 different species of fish stock. Just 51 of those are regarded as “healthy”- that means they’re not endangered and can be freely harvested with most measures. Any stock that’s not healthy will need quota measures put in place to prevent disaster.
Genesee: “How many economically important species of fish are effected?”
Dynami: "HO! Ho ho, too many, my friend.
He slid a binder towards Genesee who started reading at a diligent pace.
Dynami: "It’s the total fish stock report, from a few post secondary schools close to to the coast, and a large group of alumni working as ocean scientists. They - in laymen’s terms - point out that every species of fish that Korosian fisheries prefer targeting for food is considered critical, or cautious.
Genesee brought up the pointer and middle finger of his left hand, and still reading, began rubbing his brow in a mix of anxiety and frustration. “There won’t be famine, right?”
Tahki: “No, of course not.”
Genesee: “My head feels light like I’m starving.”
Tahki let a breath of exasperation escape him. “While this feels like a colossal setback, it is not that dramatic. We can enforce catching quotas easily, and our large agriculture base means no one’s going hungry.”
Dynami: “I’d have to agree. We have to act decisively, and quickly; but not all is lost. A few migratory fish stocks will necessitate the creation of a cooperative body between ourselves and coastal neighbors.”
Genesee: “One more thing to finance…”
Tahki: “You speak as if no one’s watching.”
Genesee looked away from the material and towards who was, effectively, his boss. "These changes are doable, but tough. I’ll have to coordinate with my aides on how this impacts timelines for some of our propositions.
Tahki nodded. “That’s fine, thank you. If we’re done here?”
Dynami rose from his seat and walked off camera- presumably towards the “off” switch as the broadcast ceases shortly afterwards.

The harshest measurements have been placed on the Akon Bay Salmon and Akon Bay Whitefish species, and they require fisheries to incorporate a sustainable harvest strategy. This strategy, so named to promote sustainability, leads companies to avoid over fishing when stocks are healthy, and to fish less in times that “would cause irreversible harm” to the stock.