HNS: The Hungadada Report - Issue I Edition IV

[Emperor Tristar Majestica]

Hello and welcome to The Hungadada Report. In the headlines today:

 

Lionsgate Court: 'United Technologies guilty of Environmental Crimes; Fined $2.5bil'

The jury convened after barely 2 hours of debate to provide a final verdict in the long, drawn out legal battle between CEI, local residents and United Technologies of Hungadada, which stood accused of violating over 50 different laws regarding the protection of the environment. From the dumping of industrial chemicals to emissions regulations violations, UTH had done it all, said the prosecutors.

But the final verdict would reign supreme, with the damning verdict coming after only 2 hours of debate between the jury. As the jury, made up of 5 men and 6 women came to a decision, jury forewoman Angela Vineleg made the final verdict: "This jury of the Lionsgate Provincial Court finds the defendant United Technologies of Hungadada Incorporated guilty of the 53 charges filed against the company. UTH Incorporated engaged in the shameful destruction of the environment, and while doing so, sought to mislead and misled the public with their so-called "efforts to protect the environment". This jury believes that the maximum penalty should be applied: a fine of a maximum of $2.5 billion, and a jail time of 2 months for the chairpersons of the Board of Directors, the CEO, and all other individuals found guilty in this trial. 

The judge agreed with the jury, and passed the final verdict: "I agree with the jury, and find United Technologies of Hungadada Incorporated guilty of all charges filed against the defendant. In finding the defendants guilty, I hereby apply the maximum penalty allowed by the law, and hereby fine United Technologies of Hungadada Incorporated a total of $2.5 billion. Furthermore, I sentence those already found guilty to 2 months in prison. Dismissed". 

The trial itself was a long and at times strange one, with UTH defense lawyers at one time claiming that the company had been the victim of sabotage and that the dumping of industrial acid into the local environment was "corporate sabotage" on part of various other technology companies. Various experts from across the board have repeatedly said that this decision is one that sets precedent for future environment crime decisions. The $2.5 billion fine makes up almost two-thirds of UTH revenue. 

Meanwhile, local Lionsgate residents celebrated the landmark decision with pomp. Many were pleased that such a large company was seeing the face of justice and being treated to the full extent of the law. Among the many charges brought against the company, at least 12 were related to public health and safety violations, including contamination of water sources and contamination of drinking water sources. A spokesperson for CEI released this statement: "We at CEI are happy to see that the environment is being protected and that those who violate the laws there to protect not only the environment but also the public are being subject to the full extent of the law. The fine money will be used to help finance the large-scale cleanup operations caused by the disregard for the environment by UTH Inc. We thank those who have supported CEI."

UTH lawyers say that they are considering their options and may appeal to the Royal Empire Court. 

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Military Detachments Sent to TEA Base in Crete; New Equipment Being Researched

The DSDH has confirmed to HNS that a military detachment comprising of 2 destroyers, an aircraft carrier, the 42nd Squadron of the Airforce, and the 17th brigade of 2000 troops will be sent to boost TEA forces in Crete. The naval base there was recently renovated for a cost of $50 million so that it could accommodate more military personnel and equipment. The military detachment will boost the current Laurentian forces already there, as well as relieve some of the Med Force also in Crete. The DSDH has called the deployment "needed" not only to honor the military agreements as per the TEA Accords but also to help secure TEA and Hungadadian interests in a volatile region of trade. 

The DSDH also told HNS that it is working on creating a new, state-of-the-art multi-role fighter jet to supplement current jets in the air force. From sources inside the DSDH, HNS can confirm that the project is in its early stages, with blueprints and capabilities planning still happening. According to DSDH as well, a new tank is also in the works, although specifics are yet unknown. 

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Emperor Approves New Funding for Healthcare

The Emperor, today, approved $5 billion in funding for the Health Services (HS), which is expected to cover the funding gap expected from reduced funding in the past year. The funding gap was caused by the decision to fund environmental policies than healthcare, thus resulting in about $2.5 billion going to environment policy instead. However, with the environment in a good place right now, as well as less need to fund grassroots projects or to continually fund environmental groups, enough funding has been recuperated to devote it back to healthcare. The new funding will allow the HS to train more paramedics, of which there was a growing shortage, as well as allow the HS to upgrade their systems to reflect the increased capacity needs. 

The Doctors Union had this to say: "We are happy to have received the funding that we have gotten. It allows so many new opportunities for the HS so that we can continue to give the public access to great quality healthcare". 

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