The First War: Media

Evening Edition for December 29th

Budget Entered Just Before Deadline
by Dean Ingold

LONDON - The Minister for Magic called for a special session of the budget committee to meet and at the end of it an complete budget proposal was submitted for approval just days before the New Year's deadline. Final approval for the budget will occur within the next two days, just in time to be implemented in early January.

Unsurprisingly, the lion's share of the budget went to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, against the urgings of Financial Adviser Edward Nott. Plans were also included in the proposal for several cases of urban development and government subsidies of local industry.

Final Game of Regular Quidditch Season Ends in Draw
by Susan McCormack

CAERPHILLY - The Caerphilly Catapults ended their game with the Appleby Arrows in a draw after the Snitch was pushed out of bounds in the 34th minute of play. The game ended at 60-60, giving the Catapults enough points to enter the Championship Cup in January, but leaving the Arrows short by 20. A fight almost ensued between the Arrows coach and the ruling official, with John Mirrow asserting that a foul was committed just before the Snitch defaulted, making the end of the game invalid. He was unable to get the ruling changed.

With the end of the final game comes a finalization of the list of teams eligible for the Championship Cup: Caerphilly Catapults, Pride of Portree, Puddlemere United, Falmouth Falcons, Holyhead Harpies, and the Ballycastle Bats. Cup games begin on January 17th.

Dark Mark Appears Over Local Home, No Deaths
by Barnabas Cuffe

DIAGON ALLEY - The Dark Mark appeared over the home of Diagon Alley resident Peter Armsby, who lived with his wife and two sons. Neighbors who saw the mark frantically called the MLE, but when authorities responded they found all four members of the family eating dinner, apparently with no knowledge of what was in the sky above their home. The entire family was taken into custody and the home was searched, but no bodies or evidence of Dark Arts were found.

Despite this fact, the Armsbys were kept in custody for over 30 hours and questioned under suspicion of Death Eater activities. The eldest son, home from Hogwarts for the holiday, remains in custody still although no charges have yet been filed against him.

Proposal For New Prison Submitted to Minister
by Reginald Howard

DENBIGH - A proposal for a new prison facility in Denbigh, Wales was finalized and submitted this week, with confident contractors already making preparations to begin the construction. The new facility will be intended to relieve the overcrowding in Azkaban by removing low-risk, non-Death Eater prisoners to their own prison, which would have comparatively relaxed security and better amenities such as prisoner-run kitchens, work programs, and socialization opportunities.

"The new prison would be more focused on rehabilitation than containment," says project manager Dean Updyke. "Azkaban currently has one goal - get them out of society. Prisoners that are later released are just going to go back to their old ways, and probably worse than before. For petty crooks and other non-violent criminals to be lumped in with Death Eaters... It just doesn't make sense. Especially if they have a short sentence."

Evening Edition for December 26th

Ministry to Remain Closed Through New Years
by Dean Ingold

LONDON - According to Ministry of Magic representatives, the main Ministry facility in central London is to remain closed to visitors until early in January of next year to install several new security upgrades. Increased security comes on the heals of several breaches which occurred recently and allowed an unknown party to leave bodies inside Ministry entrances.

"No violence has been directed at the Ministry or at Ministry personnel so far," said Marlene Hulch, a security professional at the Ministry. "But we aren't taking any chances." None of the incidents have happened inside the current security measures, and this is being described as an 'expansion' rather than a 'fix' of any existing problems.

Citizens who need to access the Ministry services for any reason can still visit the various satellite offices located around the country, but even those offices are experiencing a draw-down thanks to the holidays, resulting in long lines and many dissatisfied residents. "It's the holidays," says Vertick Alley resident Glenda Updyke. "I don't want to have to spend four hours in line for something that takes five minutes. This is ridiculous."

Graveyard Attack Blamed on Muggles Terrorists, Stumps Hit Wizards
by Barnabas Cuffe

BELFAST - A violent attack left the Shankill Rest Garden outside Belfast in partial ruins last night. Muggle police were the first responders on the scene and following Hit Wizards were unable to keep the area contained. Belfast Police have reportedly concluded that the attack was caused by some sort of large explosive being set off in one of the crypts, but were unable to make a definitive report on the case.

Hit Wizards, as well, were stumped. While they have been able to determine that it was a magical fight that produced the damage, they have not released a report at this time saying who was involved in the battle or what they were after. No Dark Mark was reported and no bodies were found, but in the damage created by the attack it is impossible to say if anything was missing from the cemetery.

Minister Delivers Ultimatum for Budget Council
by by Reginald Howard

LONDON - The Minister for Magic has called a special meeting for the year's budget council to happen shortly after the holiday to complete the new year's budget. The council was due to deliver the new budget for Minister approval by December 5th and is now grossly overdue. Reportedly, the Minister for Magic has declared that the task must be complete by the end of the year or 'drastic measures' will be taken. Never before has a budget propsal been so delayed, and it is unclear what the Minister will do, or even what he can do, if it is not turned in on time.

Evening Edition for December 2nd

New Bodies Discovered, Serial Killer Suspected
by Barnabas Cuffe

LONDON - Two more bodies were discovered on the steps of Gringott's Bank early this morning, causing the bank to remain closed for most of the morning. The two victims, muggleborn Astra Wilder (42) and her 16-year-old son Cyrus, were discovered by goblins shortly before the bank was due to open. Hit Wizards were called and cordoned off the scene to conduct their investigation, but eye-witnesses described it as "the most depraved thing I've ever seen." Both victims had elements of the Dark Mark carved into their bodies.

Aurors believe this attack to be connected to several other brutal crimes committed over the past couple of weeks. Other mutilated bodies were discovered on the 26th and 28th of November with scars and symbols carved into their bodies. All of the victims have been muggleborns, but the connection was not previously made due to the difference in the mutilations and in the disposal methods.

"It's a sign of escalation," said Hit Wizard Bilius Weasley, who responded to the latest discovery. "The first bodies were dumped in an alley - they were a test. The next were left right outside the Leaky Cauldron - that means the killer is getting more confident. Serial killers will often refine their style with each crime, but a few aspects are always the same." In this case, those constant aspects appear to be the carving of purist symbols and a very public disposal.

It is almost certain that the criminal is a Death Eater, or a Death Eater supporter, and it is suspected that he or she is responsible for at least 7 deaths so far. Lead Auror on the case Gabrielle Perrault commented, "The public can rest assured that I and my colleagues will not rest until the person or persons responsible are brought to justice."

Budget for New Year Delayed
by Dean Ingold

LONDON - The Ministry of Magic budget committee is behind schedule compiling the 1979 yearly budget, which is due to the Minister by December 5th. The budget discussions, which started in early November, are traditionally conducted by a committee of Minister-appointed advisers. Discussions this year, however, have been delayed by a badly divided committee. Two parties have emerged, the more conservative of which is headed by Financial Adviser Edward Nott and calls for an increase in both taxes and long-term government investing. The more progressive party, lead by Tiberius Ogden, calls for increased government spending to stimulate the economy, to run in conjunction with some radical new policies. Talks have come to a proverbial stand-still, and it is uncertain whether or not the committee will meet their deadline.

Falmouth Falcons Upset Qudditch Standings, Beat Tornadoes 290-80
by Susan McCormack

FALMOUTH - The Falcons created a huge upset in their game against the Tutshill Tornadoes last night, winning the game 290-80. The Falcons were ranked 9th in League standings and expected to fall easily to the #1-ranked Tornadoes. This raises the Falcons' standing to 5th place and ensures them a place in next year's Championship Cup.

The Falcons's defense was especially firm, no doubt thanks to the new changes Captain Micheal Tanner put in place. Reserve Chaser Mopsa Mullet was brought forward despite an injury last month and replaced starting Chaser Andrea Hornblower, who's record this season has been steadily declining. Mullet made an impression in her first full-length match that was surpassed only by Benjamin Beery, who surprised fans by taking up the Keeper position instead of his usual Beater. The musical brooms did not end there, as everyone on the pitch seemed to fulfill multiple jobs throughout the course of the game, throwing the Tornadoes into confusion. Tanner may have just struck upon something worth keeping, if he can keep his teammates from getting similarly confused, that is.

Charity Fund for Destroyed Store a Success
by Maggie Smith

LONDON - Last week, Rose and Tyler Blunsburg were dealt a devastating blow when the bakery and tea shop that they opened together 5 years ago, The Rose Garden, was destroyed in a Death Eater attack. The Blunsburgs, both muggleborns, were taken in by neighbors after the loss of both their livelihood and their home, but they refused to give up. Though friends and family members both urged them to sell the property and move to a safer location, the Blunsburgs began plans to rebuild the very same day of the attack. Inspired by this steadfast refusal to accept defeat, the patrons and other residents of Diagon Alley have gathered around the Blunsburgs to offer help and to set up a charity fund that will go toward the rebuilding of The Rose Garden. Shops all up and down the Alley have put out collection jars, plates, hats, ect and have told anyone asking the story of the Blunsburgs and by this simple act alone have managed to raise almost a third of the rebuilding cost in only six days! Rose and Tyler say they are touched beyond words at this display of community and support. They plan to stay in Diagon Alley, not matter what the future holds. "This place is our home," says Rose. "It's our lives. Why would we ever let someone make us leave?"

Evening Edition for November 22, 1978

Aurors Promise Safe Shopping Season
by Reginald Howard

Department of Magical Law Enforcement representative Marshalla Booth has announced the Department’s intent to make this holiday season safe for all shoppers in Diagon Alley and other popular shopping areas. Booth did not give details of how this assurance was to be carried out, citing security reasons, but was confident that it would be a successful season.

Local business owners are counting on the protection assurances to turn out big crowds for the holiday shopping season, which traditionally is said to begin this month. Much of their yearly revenue is eared during such peak seasons, and businesses on average have been taking a hit this year. Even with the protection in place, it is estimated that sales for November and December will be as much as 17% lower than they were last year, which could threaten many of the small, family owned businesses that are the trademark of Diagon Alley.

Says Louis Candle, economist, “We may be seeing a turning point in the way businesses are run. Small time won’t cut it in an economy run on threats and paranoia; people want to be assured of stability and that can only be reasonably provided by larger chains or corporations. The muggles figured that out already – it’s time for the rest of us to get on board.”

Others do not share Candle’s views and insist that the small business rights should be protected by the Ministry. Thus far, the Ministry itself has not stated a position on either side of the issue.

Lestrange Cleared, Death Eaters Judged Conspirators
by Barnabas Cuffe

In an historic ruling passed down early this morning, the Wizengamot cleared Rabastan Lesgrange of all charges but ruled that all captured Death Eaters are considered part of the same conspiracy.

By this ruling, Death Eaters can be charged as an accessory and co-conspirator in all Death Eater crimes, regardless of their personal involvement. The Wizengamot sent down this ruling during the trial of Mr Rabastan Lestrange, who was on trial under suspicion of being a Death Eater. However they also ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove Lestrange’s involvement and he was released early this morning with the courts’ apologies. Lestrange, who was picked up 11 days before and released on bail, received the fastest trial to date of any suspected Death Eater.

Criminal advisor to the Daily Prophet, Damien Hall, says, “This ruling is a bit of a double-edged sword. Obviously, it will mean much harsher punishments for Death Eaters caught in the future. And hopefully that will make more people think twice before joining. But the courts are going to be much more resistant to convicting people now. Still, this should be seen as a victory for Crouch, who has been trying to get the court to make this decision for years now.”

Local Explosion Frightens Leaky Patrons
by Maggie Smith

A small explosion at a muggle shop gave guests at the popular wizarding pub The Leaky Cauldron a scare today, before it was determined that the attack was no directed at magical persons. The explosion was localized to a muggle store down the street, and aurors have determined that it is unrelated to the magical community.

Evening Edition for November 13, 1978

Vandal Suspect Beaten, Arrested
by Barnabas Cuffe

DIAGON ALLEY - Early Friday morning, aurors responded to a disturbance on Diagon Alley. A mob had caught and beaten a young wizard, approximately 20 years old, and claimed that he was one of the ones responsible for the recent vandalism attacks. Aurors took the youth into custody and arrested him on the spot, but transported him to St Mungos for treatment. His identity has not been released to the public and no official statement of charges has come down. The suspect is still recovering, but was released from intensive care this afternoon.

Witnesses on the scene this morning report that the young man was discovered by Horatio Oliphus, an employee heading in to open his store early. Mr Oliphus dragged the man into the middle of alley and began yelling and shouting, alerting other residents who came down to investigate. Aurors have not been able to tell who threw the first punch, but everyone there agrees that it was not Oliphus. Once the first hit landed, the scene quickely digressed as the man was beaten by several people in the crowd, while others called the authorities.

Minister Kirke's Approval Rating Down
by Reginald Howard

LONDON - The Minister of Magic took a beating in recent polls, dropping from a 46% approval rating to 37%. This marks the lowest approval rating for any Minister this century, and is historically higher than none except Minister Grattin in 1864, who had only a 17% rating before he was impeached from office.

Critics of Minister Kirke cite his lack of a firm conviction in dealing with terrorists as the main reason for the record low ratings. Since being elected in 1968, Minister Kirke has experienced a steady decline in popularity for failing to deliver on most of his campaign promises, though supporters point out that many of his former platform issues have been overshadowed by larger concerns and that it would be irresponsible for him to divide his attention. Others still claim that Kirke's focus on the Death Eater problem is the worst of both worlds, since he has effectually solved nothing since taking office.

United Wins Shut-out Game
by Susan McCormack

PUDDLEMERE - Puddlemere United beat Holyhead Harpies yesterday 190-0. The shut-out victory marked the fastest win of the season, with the snitch being caught just 26 minutes after the start of the game. The attendance at the game reached 11,000, almost 3,000 more than the next most populated game. Fortunately, there were no major disturbances at the game, although several instances of public disturbance were reported by celebrating Puddlemere fans.

Puddlemere's win guarantees them a place in the January finals rounds, but Holyhead will have to win their next three games to qualify. Harpies manager Mathalda Marshbank is confident that they will be able to make the necessary wins and that fans will get to see another Puddlemere/Holyhead game.

Evening Edition for November 02, 1978

Vandalism in Diagon Alley

Ministry officials offer no comment on the appearance of the Dark Mark today in Diagon Alley which was left in green paint on the store fronts of several businesses. Several of the businesses affected have been known for supporting muggleborn sympathies, but many others that were affected showed no previous loyalties to any side, making the vandalism appear random. shop owners and patrons alike are baffled, and in many cases terrified, by this newest development.

Archibald Otto, criminal adviser to the Daily Prophet, says, "These acts of vandalism are likely not caused by true Death Eaters. It doesn't fit their MO." Continues Mr Otto, "There is no reason to panic." Current theories run that the vandalism was committed by Death Eater supporters, but the MLE will give no official word as the investigation is still running. However, they too are encouraging Diagon Alley patrons not to panic, as there have been no overt threats issued.

This has not kept shopkeepers from increasing their protections, however. Margret Snooter, owner of Obscurus Books, has admitted to purchasing new wards for her store. "It's hard to keep the customers in. Everyone's afraid. I can't get the paint off my front window and no one will come in while it's up. I'll have to get the glass replaced." But even then, Ms Snooter isn't sure she'll be able to get her customers back, as everyone is wondering if this is the prelude to something worse.

Ministry Offers Tax Incentives for Owl Orders

The Ministry of Magic is offering to suspend all taxes on any goods ordered, paid for, and shipped by owl order in an effort to boost business sales nation-wide. Economists are not hopeful that the plan will have any effect on the financial slump that is starting to make itself known in the wizarding world.

"It's not just that people are afraid to go shopping," says Marvin Howard, business analyst working for Galleon Solutions. "They're afraid to spend anything at all. With the future as uncertain as it is, everyone is tightening their belts and burying their gold in Gringotts vaults."

Small business owners have been hit the worst in this new trend, with sales for this quarter so far down almost 12% from last year. The Ministry as announced that their Owl Order Program is only the first part of a multi-tiered effort to get the economy back on track, including such steps as government subsidies and 24-hour Hit Wizard protection in major shopping centers. Efforts to increase sales and customer protection are being pushed through in the hopes of getting them in place for the holiday shopping season.

United, Harpies Game Anticipates Largest Attendance This Season

The final game between the Puddlemere United and Holyhead Harpies is projected to draw the largest spectator crowd of the season. Both teams are ranked in the top five and favored to be finalists in for the Championship Cup held in January.

Officials from both teams have been working round the clock on security for the event, assuring fans that the match will be perfectly safe. For security reasons, their exact methods will not be revealed until the game, but it's estimated that a budget increase of over 10,000 Galleons has been approved for the event.