FENN News
Gambling Made Legal
In 2045, the Franconian Government made gambling illegal due to rising addiction rates. Our parents and grandparents shared stories about it, but now our grandchildren will hear the same tales as adults.
Recently, Parliament voted 47-44-4 to legalize gambling again, with significant changes to earlier laws from the 2030s. These changes include raising the minimum gambling age, setting time limits for playing at casinos, increasing taxes on casinos for local revenue, and allowing family fun centers to have gambling areas for adults.
One major change is the minimum gambling age. Back in 2034, it was set at 15, which allowed teens to gamble their allowances after school. The new law allows tourists aged 18 and older to gamble, and individual states can set their minimum age at 18 or older. Most regions have chosen a minimum age of 21, requiring valid ID for entry. Casinos and family fun centers will check IDs of anyone appearing over 21.
Another change is the introduction of a 2-hour time limit for players. Casinos must use timers on games like video slots and poker tables, allowing players to complete their current round if time runs out. Video slot machines will have timers and an alert to remind players to leave once their time is up. Surveillance will be enhanced using facial recognition technology to monitor play.
The new gambling law also affects taxes. The tax on casino revenue will increase from 1% to 10%. The extra funds will support rail repairs, road maintenance, environmental protections, and efforts to defend the Kobra Naturreservat coastline from rising sea levels.
Furthermore, family fun centers can expand to accommodate children while adults gamble. This expansion targets tourists who want a relaxed day while their kids play. The gambling areas will have a maximum playtime of 4 hours and a small admission fee of 2 Valentes. Only guests with valid ID will be allowed in. Taxes in these areas will be higher at 12%, to cover additional energy costs, road repair, playground equipment for schools, and environmental protection. Smoking tobacco and nicotine products will be banned to protect children from the health risks associated with second-hand smoke.
This law takes place 5 March 2082.
Joint Naval Exercises
**Date: 29 Nov 2081**
**Location: Cosmic Sea, Franconian Archipelago**
In a significant show of strength and cooperation, the Franconia Empire, Mydic Empire, Sartoria, and Zollern have successfully conducted joint naval exercises in the Cosmic Sea, close to the picturesque Franconian Archipelago. The exercises, which took place from November 24 to the 28, involved a diverse array of naval vessels and aimed to enhance readiness, interoperability, and maritime security among the allied forces.
The Franconian Navy spearheaded the operation with its formidable task force, including the destroyer recently bought from Mydia, the FSS Tapperhet, accompanied by two cruisers, FSS Skjoldbryter and FSS Stormklokke . This impressive trio showcased advanced missile systems, radar technology, and a strong emphasis on anti-air and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Sartoria contributed significantly to the exercises, deploying one cruiser, a state-of-the-art frigate, and a stealth submarine. The Sartorian naval presence illustrated their commitment to collective defense and maritime safety, employing their advanced maneuvering techniques during substantial joint operation scenarios.
The Mydic Empire played a crucial role in the exercises, fielding three highly capable submarinesANS Phrigalia, ANS Lamia, and ANS Amphipolis alongside the cruiser ANS Dion. The Mydic submarines provided valuable expertise in sub-surface operations, focusing on intelligence gathering and anti-submarine exercises that were vital to the joint missions objectives.
Zollern's naval forces rounded out the coalition with the deployment of two destroyers, DSK Weilrod and DSK Dreieich, and 4 frigates: DSK Narzisse, DSK Sonnenblume, DSK Rose, and the DSK Ringelblume, which were instrumental in forming a perimeter defense and supporting surface operations. Their advanced sensor technologies and agile maneuvering contributed to the overall effectiveness of the joint exercises.
Commander Astrid Hansen of the Franconian Navy, overseeing the joint exercises, remarked on the importance of collaboration among the allied forces.
(Commander Astrid Hansen): These multi-national exercises foster a profound sense of expertise and preparedness among our naval forces. Together, we are capable of addressing regional maritime challenges and ensuring the security of our waters, she stated during a briefing.
During the exercises, the coalition forces engaged in a variety of scenarios, including anti-piracy maneuvers, tactical formations, and search-and-rescue operations. These drills tested the nations' abilities to communicate effectively, coordinate strategies, and respond swiftly to simulated threats in diverse maritime environments.
Environmental concerns were also a priority, as the participating nations adhered to strict policies to protect the delicate ecosystems surrounding the Franconian Archipelago. Teams conducted assessments to ensure that the naval operations had minimal impact on local marine life, emphasizing the need for sustainable military practices.
The culmination of the exercises featured a joint demonstration, where all vessels participated in a mock defense scenario, showcasing their collective firepower and strategic capabilities. The display was attended by military officials and dignitaries from each participating nation, highlighting the importance of regional solidarity in maintaining peace and security.
As the exercises concluded, the Franconia Empire, Mydic Empire, Sartoria, and Zollern issued a communiqué reaffirming their commitment to enhancing naval cooperation and ensuring stability in the Cosmic Sea. The success of these exercises suggests a continued partnership among these nations, ready to face future maritime challenges with shared strength and coordination.
With increasing maritime traffic and potential threats in the region, the collaboration between these naval powers underscores a unified front in safeguarding the Cosmic Sea and its vital trade routes, and ensuring secure passage for all maritime activities in the years to come.
ChipCo Successfully Tests E-Jet in Sartoria
In a pivotal moment for the aviation industry, ChipCo, a pioneering Franconian technology company, has successfully completed the test flight of its revolutionary electric commercial jet, marking a historic first for Franconia. The flight, conducted on November 17, 2081, took place over the scenic route from Chiavere to the bustling city of Cittá Gialla in Sartoria, demonstrating a groundbreaking advancement in sustainable air travel.
Franconian Prime Minister Odin Anker was on hand at Chiavere International Airport to witness this landmark event.
(Prime Minister Anker): Today is a remarkable day for Franconia and the global aviation industry. The successful test flight of ChipCo's electric plane symbolizes our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. We are ushering in a new era of clean air travel.
The electric jet, named the EcoHorizon E1, boasts a state-of-the-art design and is powered entirely by electric engines, a feat previously unseen in commercial aviation. Designed with sustainability at its core, the EcoHorizon E1 aims to drastically reduce the carbon footprint associated with air travel, a goal that resonates deeply in todays environmentally-conscious society.
The test flight was piloted by Magnus Nilsen, an experienced aviator known for his work in advanced aircraft technologies, alongside co-pilot Ingrid Håland, who has extensively tested numerous prototypes in various weather conditions.
(Pilot Magnus Nilsen): The EcoHorizon E1 performed exceptionally well. The aircraft's handling was precise and responsive, showcasing the advanced engineering behind this revolutionary project.
The Sartorian government, represented by Minister of Infrastructure, Ignazio Pagliaro, expressed pride in collaborating with ChipCo on this ambitious project.
(Sartorian Infrastructure Minister Pagliaro): This flight marks a significant step forward for Sartoria as we support innovations that strengthen our environmental goals and improve transportation solutions. The EcoHorizon E1s successful test flight signifies our nations shared commitment to a more sustainable future.
In addition to being the first commercial electric jet from a Franconian company, the EcoHorizon E1 represents a leap toward reducing dependency on fossil fuels in aviation. Equipped with cutting-edge battery technology, the aircraft can fly medium-range distances efficiently and quietly, allowing for seamless travel between cities with minimal environmental impact.
As the test flight progressed smoothly from Chiavere to Cittá Gialla, passengers and observers alike were captivated by the aircrafts unobtrusive ascent and quiet operation, a far cry from the thunderous roar of traditional jet engines. The flight took approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes, nonstop. This showcases the feasibility of electric-powered travel for commercial routes.
Following the successful test, ChipCo CEO Henrik Jansen highlighted the importance of collaboration between Franconian and Sartorian engineers and government officials.
(ChipCo CEO Henrik Jansen): We are proud to demonstrate what can be achieved when innovative minds come together for a common goal. The EcoHorizon E1 is designed for paving the way for future generations of sustainable air travel.
With plans for further testing and certification on the horizon, ChipCo aims to launch the EcoHorizon E1 commercially by late 2085. The company envisions that its electric jet will not only transform transportation, but also serve as a model for sustainable aircraft in global markets.
The success of the EcoHorizon E1 test flight is a beacon of promise for both Franconia and Sartoriainfusing the aviation landscape with innovation, unity, and a commitment to environmental stewardship in the years to come.
-FENN News
Mentions:
Justinian Kalominos
Mydic Empire
The Kindom of Zollern
