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Gang Violence Rocks Tacoma

Several neighborhoods in west Tacoma were shaken last night by a series of violent clashes. Local clubs were targeted by teams of tattooed men with automatic weapons. Witness reports indicate that the attacks appeared to be directed at specific individuals. Lone Star officials declined comment, releasing a statement that an investigation is underway. Street level sources suggest that the violence was directed at several local mafia establishments. A total of four people were killed and over a dozen seriously injured in the hail of gunfire.

Last night’s conflict continues the recent increase in gang conflicts in the city. Lone Star Security Services and Governor Brackhaven have come under increasing pressure for their inability to control the escalating violence.

Drug Use on the Rise

UDEA officials confirmed reports of increasing street-level availability and usage of a new recreational drug. First appearing on the Seattle club scene in mid-May, the substance (variously known as ‘flipside’, ‘tempo’, ‘aura’, and ‘karma’) reportedly has mild hallucinogenic, stimulant and awakened properties. Users claim to be able to experience intense emotional connections, heightened awareness of their surroundings and a powerful rush of pleasure after taking the drug.

UDEA officials are unsure of the source of the drug, but blame local crime syndicates for it’s introduction to the city. Legal experts question whether current drug enforcement laws are adequate to deal with a magically active substance such as flipside.

Do or Die Tonight

The President’s Cup winning Toronto Maple Leafs will be desperate to stay away from the golf course tonight, facing an 0-3 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final series against the Portland Dreamcatchers. Insiders have revealed that coach Dominic Valikovski is planning on benching star forward James Garnier after his disappointing showing in the last three games.

Despite their league-leading season, the Maple Leafs look to continue to extend their dubious record of being the team that has gone the longest without winning the Cup. The franchise last hoisted Lord Stanley’s trophy over 100 years ago, in 1967. The Dreamcatchers have won the Cup twice since joining the league in the 2050 expansion season.

Take-Over Rumors Abound

Rumors continue to circulate that Triple-A megacorporation MCT is in merger discussions with local technology firm MicroDeck Industries. Representatives from both firms vehemently deny the rumors, claiming that recent high level meetings are planning sessions for ‘future cooperative ventures’. MicroDeck president and CEO, Brian W. Gates III, downplayed claims that the merger rumors are fueled by sales losses after the recent failure of the firm’s WinSys-72.01.21 operating system upgrade.

The rumors continue to fuel speculative investing that has driven stocks in both companies to record high levels. A takeover action would leave MCT with the largest market share in the North American computer technologies sector, giving it a clear edge over competitors Horizon, NeoNET, and Renraku Computer Systems.

Journalist Found Dead

Jania Shields, beat reporter for the NSI, was found dead in her home early last evening. Best known for her 2069 expose on the Or’Zet rock culture, Shields was seen as a cutting edge journalist willing to take every risk to get her story. It is unknown what story she was working on at the time of her death, but sources close to the Intelligencer indicate that it had something to do with the new recreational drug, flipside. Lone Star has promised an investigation into her death. She is survived by her mother and sister.

Deceased Scientist’s Legacy Continues

University of Toronto research scientist, Carrie McGrath, passed away last evening at the Aurora Medical Center in Denver. She had been in a coma since an explosion destroyed her lab in early May. The scientist had been moved several times following a series of unusual events, including riots, fires, medical errors and spirit sightings. McGrath was moved to AMC in mid-July and her condition was improving slowly. Hospital representatives did not give a cause of death, but unofficial sources indicate that her passing was sudden and unexpected.

Members of the scientific community expressed their sorrow at the loss of such a promising young researcher. Days prior to the explosions, McGrath had published a paper describing early progress that promised a cure for HMHVV. The University of Toronto is reportedly considering a posthumous honor for the scientist.

McGrath is survived by her husband Garnet, daughters Violet and Dawn, and her brother Arthur Garrison. The family have declined comment, and their representatives have indicated that they will be having a private ceremony at an undisclosed time and place.

Desert Wars Preparations Heat Up

This summer’s Desert Wars are looking to start a bit early as explosions rocked Renraku’s Dalandzadgad staging area in the Gobi desert. Witnesses report that three unmarked Augentöter-class aircraft descended on the compound after midnight, evading security countermeasures. Despite the apparent defenselessness of the compound, the attackers destroyed only one building before departing.

Renraku has not released a statement regarding the attack, and no-one has claimed responsibility. Desert Wars officials have declined to comment on the likelihood of an investigation.