JEDI HoloNet

Scientists on Kidron have discovered a fungi that contains several types of healthy bacteria. These plants are known locally as one of the staple foods for the native Slorks who roam the swamplands. The bacteria is said to feed off calcium, which the fungus produces. Scientists are in the process of testing if the fungus works to treat calcification in the joints and muscles.

Health Minister of Kidron states, “We have been welcoming the research parties for some time now in a hope they can produce some effective research. This is certainly a breakthrough”.

However, locals worry that this discovery may have a negative impact on the system.

“I don’t want some industry moving in here building over the habitats to harvest the mushrooms. This might be good for others off world but they don’t realise the impact it has on the people who live near the resource”.

Local resident Kirea Xloma is concerned over the potential of the industry affecting the environment. “I agree that there may be some jobs from it, if it develops; but I don’t think thats worth the cost of my home! Been living here for fourty-eight years and I don’t think there’ll be any good of it!”. Armay Yaraness reporting.

The common Pemblehov District has claimed its 34th victim today, in light of a new drug epidemic sweeping the region. The ‘spice’, is a depressant. It attaches to the nervous system and numbs the senses whilst suppressing the user with a feeling of euphoria. It also slows the system so much that it renders it unconscious, often causing users to stop breathing. Its potency is surprising officials, but not the instance of it happening. A statement from municipal minister Drannen Wrep claims, ‘Sadly there’s always been a drug issue in this district but this most definitely not an epidemic. This new drug is much more devastating than ones developed before, but the government is going to provide CR300,000 to purchase new resources in the war on the criminal figures at fault for the recent increase in deaths’.

Reporting, Giyl Maran with Core Press.

The Senate has just voted to establish a quarantine zone around a large majority of Republic-held systems in the core, in response to the continued outbreaks of the unknown illness. The vote was unanimous, with all Senators acknowledging the severity of the situation.

The continually increasing rate of infection, that has repeatedly surpassed predictions made by the Republic’s top microbiologists, has led to a death toll that continues to skyrocket. Coruscant’s chief medical scientist, Juan Hull, has described the disease as;

“one of the most aggressive viruses in the Galaxy’s recordable history which is showing no sign of slowing down”.

The Jedi Order has come out in support of the quarantine, with its High Council declaring full compliance with the travel limitations and expressed hopes to see the number of deaths quickly subside.

Today the Secretary for Health, Kov Glorin, informed the people of the Republic the feverish illness is treatable and somewhat preventable, but no cure has been found.

Cases have spread drastically in the core. Consequently, this outbreak is now an epidemic. Take under advisement it is now against Republic law to enter or leave the core worlds under quarantine. The military has been set in place to ensure full cooperation, so the Republic may better contain and study this disease.

Secretary Glorin advised to visit the nearest pharmaceutical center to acquire a rebreather and gloves to better your chances of not obtaining the illness. Cases have shown if it goes untreated, it can possibly result in death. Glorin said he and his health advisers can not determine what the illness is attacking specifically. It starts from the lungs, then spreads in a cancerous manner. Glorin conveyed his deepest sympathies and ensured their drive to find a cure is unrelenting.

Factional warlord and deputy leader of the newly formed “United Republic Coalition”, Senator Sandria, has declared in a recent interview the need for an official senate inquiry into the “culture of cover up” allegedly present in the Jedi Order.

Senator Sandria has routinely condemned the Jedi Order in the past, labelling it an “institute for indoctrination” that needed to learn accountability for its actions. She said;

“Reflecting back on my time in the Order, it was clear that some were doubtful over whether they were actually doing the right thing. For me, I realized good intentions were not enough and more often than not, it seemed like field assignments achieved very little in the way of actually helping people. Jedi would often leave regions they were deployed without any legal follow up, regardless of whether they left the place better or worse. The Republic needs to stop allowing this to continue and make members of the Order accountable.”

The Senator has in the past proposed bills that would remove legal and tax exemptions allowed for the Jedi Order, but all have failed to pass in the Senate. A similar bill would likely gain more traction in the new political landscape, after the faction reshuffling pioneered largely by Sandria in 329 ABY. However, commentators are doubtful the Senator’s proposal would gain a majority vote.

Sandria’s political enemies have attacked her comments today, with Senator for Tanaab, Fey Karul, stating the remarks as “more of the same”. She said;

“The Senator for Corellia has repeatedly turned this into a political issue. I think it’s time for her to move pass her personal grudges and bias against the Jedi Order as well as reconsider her priorities and start actually represent the people.

Sandria has a new memoir coming out next year that details, she describes, the  “scandal” of her time with the Alzoc III branch, where one student reportedly committed suicide. The Senator has teased she will talk about her relationship with the deceased and how she felt his death was a result of poor care and neglect.