Selected news articles from various times within our game. These are all fictional accounts of a fictional world. Any perceived similarities to real people, places, or events are purely coincidental.
¶ January 1, 2011
¶ Mobster Killed in Brutal Drive-By Attack
Port Bowen, ME
Nora Hobson
A shopping plaza on Revere St. was the site of a vicious drive-by attack this morning, which left five dead and another two victims wounded. The Steam Room Cafe took the brunt of the gunfire as what appeared to be a yellow taxy spewed bullets indiscriminately at the patrons. The car was quickly found by the police, but the driver and any occupants had fled.
Among the dead is a reformed gangster, Anton Cardozo, who is thought to be the target of the attack. The two wounded victims were taken to Lapierre Memorial Hospital and are receiving care, but there is no word on their status as of yet.
If you have any information that could help the police, you are urged to contact their emergency response line at 555-5555.
¶ October 29, 2010
¶ Sorority Shut Down by Police
Port Bowen, ME
Nora Hobson
The University of Maine chapter of the Rho Tau Epsilon sorority is under investigation today after police found evidence of sex crimes at the sorority's house. Four women, whose names have not been released, have been taken into custody for questioning about the group's activities. Two students outside the sorority are also being questioned.
The university released a statement saying, "The University of Maine is committed to maintaining a safe and prosperous environment for all of our students. We take allegations of sexual misconduct very seriously and will cooperate fully with the police in their investigation."
The sorority has temporarily been suspended by both the school and national chapter while its activities are investigated.
¶ October 24, 2010
¶ 3 Dead in Attack on University
Port Bowen, ME
Maxine Linton
A grisly scene greeted first responders at Port Bowen Municipal College as the recreational center was torn apart by a series of explosions. The center was hosting a community event when the blasts occurred, killing three of the attendees.
Police arrived at the scene to find 40 people outside of the James Wade Ice Rink. They quickly discovered enormous gouges in the ice where at least one bomb had detonated, and the remains of its three victims. The police have named no suspects thus far, and no groups have come forward to claim responsibility.
Superintendent in Chief Louis Forester made a brief statement at City Hall earlier this evening, saying, "Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of today's attack. We are working closely with the FBI's counter-terrorism task force to find and follow leads. Rest assured, we will bring those responsible to justice."
¶ August 12, 2010
¶ Police Killings May Herald Terrorist Plot
Port Bowen, ME
Editorial by Susan Tunstall
The recent deaths of 14 police officers may be the first volley of a terrorist plot targeting Port Bowen. Police and FBI officials have so far been mum on the question, but one off-duty officer was willing to speak anonymously on this dangerous possibility. [Interview follows; omitted. Editorial continues; omitted.]
¶ August 10, 2010
¶ Police 'Targeted' in New Wave of killings
Port Bowen, ME
Police are on high alert today after 14 of their fellow officers were killed in the line of duty. The killings were all committed during normal police operations in the last two weeks.
A fifteenth officer is listed in critical condition at the Port Bowen Medical Center, after suffering a non-fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Police Commissioner Dale Williams said at a press conference, "We are working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to track down the criminal organization behind the killings. The people who committed these attacks will be found, and they will be punished."
Eleven of the perpetrators were also killed. Three, however, are known to have escaped police custody. If you see any of them, notify police immediately. Do not approach these people. They are said to be armed and extremely dangerous.
Pictures follow of the three escaped attackers, with names.
¶ Are Recent Police Deaths As New As We Think?
Port Bowen, ME
Editorial by Susan Tunstall
The police in this city have had a rough year. The still unattributed attacks on the city's industrial base this June strained their resources, and their credibility. Earlier that month was a spot of pride, though: a major sting against the city's drug lords which robbed them of at least $200 million in illicit drugs. Now, it seems the police are being targeted. Who is to blame?
Police killings are nothing new. The work is demanding and dangerous, but death rates are typically low: maybe half a dozen in a bad year. To put that in perspective, the last two weeks have seen more more police officers die in the line of duty than are typically seen in two entire years. The real shock is that even before the recent killings, the police had suffered more than the usual number of deaths.
Between January and May of 2010, two policemen died in the line of duty. That's about the normal rate. In June, another three perished; and in July, four. The increase seems to have culminated in the recent tragedy of 14 in two weeks. In total, 23 officers have lost their lives in the last eight months: almost four times as many as usually die in a whole year.
So who is behind all of these deaths? One clear suspect is whichever drug cartel was busted after the freak hurricane. No one is saying exactly which group was busted in the sting, but there is more than one group in town which might kill in retaliation.
Another obvious suspect is the unknown terrorist group which was behind the industrial blasts in late June. No one has claimed responsibility, however, and killing to send a message is ineffective when no one knows who the message is from.
Everyone hopes that the FBI will take pressure off of the local police and give them some much-needed breathing room. Until the killers are found, though, the situation remains tense.
¶ Spike In Homicide Rate Worries Many
Port Bowen, ME
It isn't just the police who are worried. Ordinary citizens are finding it more and more dangerous to go out at night. [Remainder of article omitted.]