People to Know

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Recording of President Ashcraft Press Conference - 11/15/2016

My fellow citizens,

We have been given a series of terrible blows recently, between what has happened in Frey, Owain, even near our headquarters and at Ilvermorny.  And for longer than I should have I remained silent, because what could I say?  To say that I mourn with you feels shallow, to say that that I was angry would imply that someone was at fault.

So instead I will say this.  I am saddened by the tragedies that occurred.  And we are working to make sure that we won't have to witness these horrors again.  We've had peace for a time, and I believe that together we can all restore what we had.  We will get through this, and we will become stronger.  That is what we have always shown no matter the difficulty. And I have no reason to think that we will not prove this yet again.

However, today we have received the last of the information from the investigations of these incidents. And all information as given us this one piece of information: that these were all isolated incidents. There have been rumors, that they were connected due to the timing, however we have determined that they were not connected.  Frey, was as was first reported, a man who overdosed on phoenix ashes. Ilvermorny, a potions accident. Owain, a glitch in the new magi-tech that was being introduced.  New York, a duel gone wrong do to a difference in opinion about the werewolf crisis.  

Now, I ask everyone to let go the theories of one of the werewolf packs being behind this, as they are innocent. Let go of the idea that some of the senators were behind this, as I work with them daily and know them to be good and honest people.  And lastly, let go that the Scourers were behind this. They are no more than a legend, a fairy tale, a scary story to tell around the fire.  We are safe, we are strong, and we will get through this.

Thank you.

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Recording of Senator Sebastian Astor Press Conference - 10/26

People of MACUSA,

October twenty-fourth is a date that will forever be marked in our history books. Future generations will remember the tragedy that resulted in the loss of twenty-eight lives across MACUSA. We have all been effected by the explosions that rocked our world.

My son, Bash, was among those injured in the explosion at Ilvermorny. I feel your pain. I feel your fear. I feel your anger. I know that no words I could say could possibly make up for the suffering and loss many of you are feeling now. No words, no matter how sincere, can replace a child, a husband, a wife, a mother, a father, a friend. All I can offer are my sincerest condolences and my reassurance that I will do everything in my power to find out the full story what this terrible tragedy.

To my fellow public servants, I say this: all eyes are on us. Your actions in the aftermath of this terrible tragedy will reflect not just your career, but your character. I charge you to investigate this matter fully, to let no preconceived notions restrict your view. We owe it to not just the victims, but the country to discover the full truth. And never forget, we are at our strongest when we stand together.

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Disaster Throughout the MACUSA

by: Jeremy Stein

Yesterday was one of the saddest days the WW has seen since the aftermath of the Battle of Hogwarts. We’ve grown accustomed to the peace that the end of Voldemort had given the world, and never thought that anything horrible would happen again.  Yet yesterday showed us exactly how flawed that line of thinking was.

Yesterday we lost 28 of our own, from the ages of 13 through 87.  None of them had been asking for this to happen, none of them had believed that yesterday would be their last.  We finally are allowed to release the names of those who tragically died yesterday.  

Ilvermorny:

Savannah Tulley – Study of Magical Creatures Teacher

Mel St. Grace – Senior

Carlos Santiago – Senior

Jessalyn Hastings - Junior

Theo Everett – Sophomore

Robert Lovelace – Freshman

Richard Lovelace – Freshman

Andrea Parker – Freshman

Frey:

Peter Starling

Tyler Reid

Anastasia Stevenson

Lexi Hart

Nathan Hart

Jennie Hart

Owain:

Anthony Harris

Anton Kuragin

Janessa Kuragin

Sora Choi

Braelynn Robinson

Trinity Gonzalez

Jesus Dominguez

Viririanna Dominguez

Cassidy Small

Harper Avery

New York City:

Charles Collinsworth

Peter Montenegro

William Montenegro

Angela Santiago

October 24th is going to be a day that we do not forget for a long time, however this reporter wonders if it really is as accidental as it seems.  We were given four different causes, accidents that happened: at Ilvermorny there was said to be an accident in the potions lab very similar to the one in 1966, an addict overdosing on phoenix ashes setting off the marketplace when they caught on fire in Frey, Owain having a new piece of MagiTech malfunction, and in New York City a duel gone wrong just steps away from where all of our government is run.  And while many choose to believe that this was all coincidence, to this reporter it seems like we’ve gone over what is allowed to be thought as coincidence after the second explosion.  The more information that we receive, the more it seems to be an attack.  Why else would there be more students at Ilvermory killed than just those in the potions lab?  Why else would an overdose, which is known for a small fires destroy the majority of a town?  Isn’t it strange that two men would have a duel just outside our government – especially as our laws specifically bans duels from anywhere the Non-Maj population can see?

If there is a cover up, we do believe that we will get to the bottom of it.  However for now, there are more questions than answers.  Questions that nobody has the answer to.

If people are targeting us, perhaps the rumors that the Scourers are back hold more merit than we first believed.  However, as it seems like it might be more.  President Ashcraft has not been available for comment, instead sending out a memo about how the accidents were unfortunate and he apologizes to the families for their losses.  It seems to be like the President doesn’t believe that there is a threat.  Yet, it would not hurt to be prepared for the worst. The peace that we’ve had since 1998 has completely vanished, and now we must wait: paranoid, with breaths held, for what will happen next. 

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We interrupt your regular programming to give you this news update:

This is Sandra Livingston, standing outside of the MACUSA headquarters where moments ago the alley leading up to it was the setting for the first unsanctioned public duel in twenty years.  Both men involved were killed in the process that seemed to go awry, causing an explosion between the two that killed two others.  This brings the death toll up into the twenties of wizards who have died today, but of the different explosions that happened this seems to be the least deadly.

If anyone knows any of the motivations behind the duel, the Magical Law Enforcement Brigade is desperate for answers, considering the other three incidents that happened earlier today.

As to everyone else, please do your best to stay safe tonight.  Hopefully there will be no more incidents, but in the meantime, it is better to be safe than sorry.

This is Sandra Livingston, reporting for the Wizarding News Network, and I wish you all a very safe goodnight.

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We interrupt your regular programming to give you this news update:

This is Larissa Zager, live from outside what used to be the Capitol building in Owain, Aton. Mere minutes ago, a new piece of MagiTech went haywire, exploding in the room where it was being presented to the National Quidditch team.  There has been no news as to if there have been any survivors…No, this just in: Half of the team and many of the staff have just stumbled out of the inferno – however it seems not all.  Team members Anthony Harris and Anton Kuragin seem to still be missing.  

This is the third accidental explosion that has occurred within the MACUSA today – the first happening when a potion experiment went wrong at Ilvermorny this morning, followed by an addict overdosing on phoenix ashes setting off the marketplace in Frey.  

It seems like it isn’t a lucky day to be a wizard, and with fate seeming to frown on us today, I urge you to hug your families, stay inside, and wait out whatever else may happen today. Maybe it’ll be nothing, maybe we’ll still have more horrors to face.  

I have just received word that there are currently 10 unaccounted, and we will update you once we have received more information.  This has been Larissa Zager, reporting for the Wizarding News Network.

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We interrupt your regular programming to give you this news update:

 This is Lincoln Barrow, live from Frey where I am currently standing near the remains of what used to be their town marketplace.  Startling, considering the explosion that happened to be at the school not five miles from here.  Both explosions have been ruled accidents – though we have not received any comment on the cause of either incident.  

 At this time, we have found 20 injured and 5 deceased at the scene, though as the embers seem to fade and the volunteer rescue crews can safely get in, we are led to believe that these numbers will only grow.  

 We would like to remind anyone that if they have any information – whether it be for Ilvermorny or Frey, please send it to your local chapter of the Magical Law Enforcement Brigade.  As we gain more information about both incidents we will keep you informed.  

This has been Lincoln Barrow, reporting for the Wizarding News Network.  

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Scourers: A Halloween Guide Part 2/4 Of the DIY Costume Series

With Halloween coming up, we've received quite a few suggestions for potential costumes for people to make.  This week, by popular demand, we will tell you how to make the perfect Spooky Scourer costume.

Now for the people who live under a rock, Scourers are the reason we have Rappaport's Law in the first place.  Simply put, they're evil Non-Maj's who want nothing more than to kill everyone in the WW.  So definitely super appropriate for Halloween, especially if you want to scare your friends.  

Now if we look back at history, the last sighting of Scourers was in 1790, which means that in order to really get this right, you're going to need tight pants, tall boots, a button down shirt, and a really long jacket.  Now all of these, if you can’t find them in your closet or an attic, are easily found at a second hand store.  I’d also recommend finding lighter colored pants and darker colored jackets and bright shirts, because for some reason they thought that was fashionable.  From there, buttons were all the rage, so all you need to do is charm all of the buttons into your house to stick to your jacket and shirt.  

Now remember that with costumes are only as good as their accessories, and with a Scourer it is essential to get the effect. Anyone who reads the old stories know that they had long beards, eye-patches and hats with skulls on them.  These again are easily found at any store pretty cheap, or you can make your own.  Eye-patches are just a swatch of fabric with two strings tied on either side, the beard can be made from charming cotton balls to stick on your face (with the exact same spell you’d use for the buttons, just make sure to know the counter-charm or it will hurt taking them off!).  Last but not least, what Scourer would be complete without their old time walking-stick?  This after all was their weapon of choice, used to beat the Wizards of old to death.  This is easy enough to find: all you’d have to do is break a branch of a tree and you’ll have it.  Or if your family happens to have some classy background, it’ll easily be found up in your attic as well. 

Now in case you want to spice things up, instructions for our Sexy Scourer costume will be on the hyperweb by the end of the day, for all of you who want that extra bit of danger in your love life. 

So there you have it: the guide to make the perfect Scourer outfit to scare the robes off of your friends.  Though overall, it also reminds us of a time in our history that we don’t want to repeat.  So that just shows us that it’s a good thing that we still have Rappaport’s Law in place, despite what some influential people might be saying.  Repealing the law would bring back the very things that we were forced to fear so many years ago.

And nobody wants that. Do they Senator Cyrano?

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Recording of Senator Eowyn Rose Press Conference - 9/19

My fellow citizens,

As many of you have heard, there was a tragedy that struck a few nights ago within Wayfarer Woods. Many of the Vellamo werewolf pack were hunted and murdered.  Those murdered were peaceful, completely in control of themselves. They posed no threat to anyone, and were occupying a place long thought to be a safe haven during a full moon.

These people are fathers, mothers, children.  They're our teachers, our coworkers, our friends, our family.  And they were treated like animals. Slaughtered, like animals.  

And what pains me, what sickens me, is that there are people who still think that this is acceptable.  We have made great strides in helping fight against the stigma of the big bad wolf, and yet this event has caused us to not just take steps back, but leaps. These poor people are known as wanderers, unable to hold on to a job due to discrimination.

These actions that we have witnessed are the reasons that werewolves have continually aligned themselves with the wrong part of history. They're promised by those motivated by evil equal rights, that they won't have to be outsiders anymore, that they will belong.  And shouldn't we, those who say that we believe in what is right, offer them the same?  To stop making these people feel like monsters, and instead let them live as equals?

Now, Senator Cyrano had some harsh words for our government in regards to Rappaport's Law, and despite his unprofessional way of bringing attention to the matter, I do agree with some of his points. However, given recent events, I believe that it is our duty to fix the problems within our society before we move on to changes to that extreme.  Let's learn to treat those who are different with respect and compassion, then as we meet the Non-Maj population, we then will be able to do the same for them.

Thank you for your time, and I hope and pray that you'll take my words to heart.  I've set up multiple relief sites around Vellamo, and will be going around Melia to hear people's concerns about the matter later this week.  I only hope that together, we can help make each other better. Have a good day.

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Elliot’s Fundraiser a Benefit for All!

It's rare during election season that politicians focus on something other than the election, yet it seems like Senator Samuel Elliot has been doing just that.  Instead of putting all of his time into endorsing a candidate, he's shown the reasons that he's constantly been re-elected - that even right now he puts the people first. A refreshing take coming from a politician, a profession that has seemed to become a bed for corruption and fighting.  

This reporter was lucky enough to attend the Senator's latest fundraiser for the underprivileged families of New York City, one that I would like to note was not attended by the elite of the city, but instead the families that he is vowing to help. I was amazed that he and his always beautiful wife took the time to talk to each and every one of them, finding out what their concerns were and how they could help.  Time after time I saw Vivianna Elliot take out her checkbook and give their own money to these families, only showing their generosity and how much they cared for people.

Overall the Elliot's message was clear, that these were the people that they are working for.

However what was one of the most interesting parts of the night was an issue that this reporter is ashamed that she didn't know about. The kidnappings of a society only known as the WW. Many families came forward to talk about their children disappearing, often times from these very families that the Elliots are trying to help. And what was most heartfelt was his promise to personally stop the WW from tearing apart any more of these families. Supported by Lyanna Pollux, whose own son Jackson was abducted almost two decades ago, it almost seemed like the man had a plan already in place to not only get back these family members who have been lost for so long, but to also keep us safe from any potential threats coming our way.

So in a time where politicians seem to only be in it for themselves, it seems like a breath of fresh air to see that there are still some out there who only care for the greater good.  Let's hope that others follow in his footsteps.

Note: All Non-Maj born students are delivered a copy of the NYT to their dorms as a courtesy in trying to make their decision on whether to stay in the WW or in the Non-Maj world. 

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Broadcast of Senator Bayard Cyrano’s Speech - 8/22

As a boy growing up in Libitina, I was introduced to the Non-Maj world in a way that was different than most.  Yes, we were always told that we had to stay separate, that everything that came out of their world was something worth avoiding. But we had a place called the Border, a small little restaurant on the edge of town right where you could see the Non-Maj town of Ajo. And as a child I would go out and watch them and see that they were more like us than we were taught.  Non-Maj people have families, they work hard, they play, they do everything that we do.  They just do it without magic. This gives us no reason to continue to live in fear that they would destroy us, when in fact it seems to me that it would be the opposite.

Rappaport's Law was made for a different time, and maybe the senators of the MACUSA at the time thought that it was necessary.  But are we really going to let one childish mistake shape how us as a nation are going to interact with people?  Are we truly going to live in fear of the Scourers who has been reduced to the equivalent of a bedtime story, used to make sure our children behave? The answer to that should be no.  It's time that we stop separating ourselves into us and them, and start really letting ourselves truly get to see the culture that has developed by our side since the birth of our nation.

This is why I am now calling for a repeal of Rappaport's Law.

I have brought the matter to the attention of the senate, multiple times since I was elected into office, and unfortunately it seems like my fellow senators are either too scared to do something or too set in the old ways to think that this is the time for change. This is why I now urge you, write to your senators.  We were elected to serve you, to do what you as a people want.  And why not show your leaders that you want to end the oppression that we have been under, and embrace who we are both as Americans but also as wizards.  

So I ask you the following questions: Why not make things better for our children?  Why not stop living in fear?  Why not get rid of what might be what is most old-fashioned about our world and work to make things better for our future?  I thank you for your time in listening, and I hope that you take these ideas to heart.  

Thank you.

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Senator Alexander Ishikawa

Age: 70 Affiliation: Magical Congress of the United States of America Region: Andraste  Status: Wizard

To say that Alexander is very comfortable in his senate seat is an understatement when the man has run unopposed for the last 20 years.  It’s not that other people don’t want it, but instead the whole idea of his region that they don’t like change.  Everyone is happy with the way things are, and don’t see the point in drastically doing anything different.  As a result, he’s been doing as little as possible in the Senate when it comes to major changes.  Especially now that he’s older, Alexander has been thinking about retiring, but what’s the point when he knows what to expect from how things currently are?

Stances:

Rappaport’s Law - For

Believes the Scourers are a threat? No

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Senator Bayard Cyrano

Age: 39 Affiliation: Magical Congress of the United States of America Region: Evadne Status: Wizard

Growing up in Libitina was an adventure to say the least.  The Non-Maj society that he was so close to was something that Bayard had always been fascinated by, and yet never truly got a chance to know. He spent his entire life trying to figure out what was so wrong with them that they weren’t allowed to interact.  And as a result he was certain that once he was grown up he was going to find a way to make it possible to interact with the Non-Maj population again.

However being a relative newcomer to the senate, Bayard has found that getting Rappaport’s Law appealed is a lot easier said than done.  And while he has a plan in place that he hopes will work, he can’t help but hope that everyone just sees reason and repeals it now to make it easier for everyone.

Stances:

Rappaport’s Law - Against

Believes the Scourers are a threat? No

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Age: 41 Affiliation: Magical Congress of the United States of America Region: Eira Status: Witch

It’s very rare to hear Jang Chobin speak, in fact she’s famous for only speaking when she has a point to be made.  She doesn’t feel like it’s necessary  to get into pointless arguments that some of the politicians feel the need to get into, instead she bides her time and waits for the opportune moment for her words to have the most purpose.  Nobody knows where she got the talent, that is other than the woman herself.  Growing up she was the middle child of nine children, and she had to learn how to make her voice heard among her brothers and sisters.  Often times called the voice for the voiceless, she’s has a strong presence that would force everyone to listen, that is should she decide to make her voice heard.

Stances:

Rappaport’s Law - For

Believes the Scourers are a threat? Yes

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Age: 54 Affiliation: Magical Congress of the United States of America Region: Polymnia  Status: Wizard

Politics had never been Mordred Harrison’s calling.  Most of his life was spent around books after inheriting the bookstore his parents had owned his entire life at age 23.  Over the course of his years working there, he learned a lot about people, what they liked, what they wanted, and what they wished the government would do better.  So as a result after giving over control to his daughter, he ran for office.  Mordred was one of the first senators in years who had been one of the people for the majority of his life, and while the ones that he serves love him, most of the politicians obviously think that he doesn’t belong.

Stances:

Rappaport’s Law - For

Believes the Scourers are a threat? No

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Age: 81 Affiliation: Magical Congress of the United States of America Region: Perun Status: Witch

In her fifty years serving in the senate Jocelyn Ward has gained a reputation in being ruthless in getting what she wants.  She’ll say whatever she needs to say, do whatever she needs to do, to get what she wants passed in motion.  And while she’s celebrated for the good that she’s done, she’s also intimidating to almost anyone who tries to cross her - leaving her without an opponent in most elections that she’s been in.  And while Jocelyn has kept most of her promises to the people over the years, she’s not afraid to lie a little to get the support that she needs, just as long as she has another lie as to what what she’s promised 

Stances:

Rappaport’s Law - For

Believes the Scourers are a threat? No

Connections:

The Future President - Grandson

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Age: 33 Affiliation: Magical Congress of the United States of America Region: Aton Status: Witch

Currently holding the honor of being the youngest person in the senate, Vijaya feels like so much of  her career so far has been based on her youth and less on her politics.  Not that she minds, considering that she looks at the president and knows that it could easily be the boost that a person, and the country needs.  Finishing up her first term, most of what she has done has been learning from her mistakes and trying her best to do what’s right.  And while she likes to think she’s done a good job, part of her is afraid that she’s about to be voted out of office.  

Stances:

Rappaport’s Law - Against

Believes the Scourers are a threat? Yes

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Age: 35 Affiliation: Magical Congress of the United States of America Region: Melia Status: Half-Veela Witch

Eowyn never met her mother, growing up her father had always told her that she had been a gift.  Little did she know exactly how true that was.  Her mother was a veela that she had never met, and had left her on her father’s doorstep after being born.  It wasn’t until years later that her father explained to her why she seemed to be different than the other kids she knew, and why Eowyn had to keep it a secret.  The jarring truth that wizards who weren’t 100% human weren’t as accepted within the American society didn’t sit well with her, and from that moment on she vowed to do everything that she could to help other people like her be accepted.  She got her start as an activist for werewolf rights, her campaigns only growing.  After being elected as senator after Remus Ashcraft was elected president, she provides a a different perspective towards the rights of the minorities within the community, despite the fact nobody knows that she is part veela herself.

Stances:

Rappaport’s Law - For 

Believes the Scourers are a threat? Yes, however thinks that there are more pressing matters in the Wizarding World that need to be focused on first.