HEFRY HERALD

034-1105

Jans Larcombe, Editor in Chief
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TENSIONS IN RUIE
   The recent increase in tensions on Ruie have led many to wonder if civil war is possible.  The Central Union and the Rim Republics failed again today to resolve key differences according to Ambassador to Ruie, Alice Masters.  The Regina Governor's Office has made it clear that the Subsector Navy will not be sent in and that differences must be settled locally.
   Complicating the issue is the increased violence demonstrated by the Free Air Rangers and other terrorist groups on Ruie.  The FAR has led raids on police stations and rural government offices, striking quickly in the night and claiming responsibility shortly after.  Two dozen people have died in clashes this week alone, and a large bomb was defused at the last moment in downtown Kargna.
   Ambassador Masters has threatened to pull out and return to Hefry if the FAR cannot be dealt with effectively and local transportation is placed at risk.  The Ambassador is sorely missed at The Breakfast Bar; the fiesty owner/operator has been abroad nearly eight weeks now.

ECONOMY STILL GROWS
   The Hefry economy had another strong quarter, according to economists at the Hefry Bank.  The shipyard and the mercantile quarter continue to lead the upward trend.
   Lending rates have been reduced for the eighth consecutive quarter (down .25%), and many shops and apartment buildings are receiving long overdue facelifts.

GOLD IN THE BELT
   Facts are few, but several sources have indicated that gold has again been found in the outer belt.  Miners have surged to the area, and dozens of new claims have been filed.  It is not clear yet how much additional valuable ore has been shipped to the Assay Office, but Mr. Chon Doughner reported that business was brisk.

PIRATES STRIKE AGAIN
   Pirates have taken another mining ship in the outer belt, according to witnesses.  Twelve crewmen were killed and another six marooned, when a corsair attacked the LUCKY LINDSAY and stole 72 cubic meters of high grade silver ore.  The Close Escort, SWIFTSWORD, is enroute to patrol the area with two 400 ton SDBs but miners are not optimistic that arrests will be made.
   "They jumped clear within hours.  Ain't no way they could be tracked - too many destinations," said miner, Wilbur Tadgoddy.  "Same as the last one.  We need more patrols out here all the time, not just after it's too late.  Lucky more people haven't been killed so far, and it's just a matter of time."  Tadgoddy and other miners submitted a petition this morning requesting a two additional SDB patrols per month in the outer belt, but City officials would not comment.

BEAUTY CONTEST
   Tonight's beauty contest will begin at 8 p.m. in Central Park.  The contest will be followed by the annual Midnight Ironman Race.