News from Volkia

News Broadcasts
41


Peaceful Protests Outside of Vulshainian Embassy

VOLKGORODA - Several thousand people gathered outside of the Vulshainian embassy yesterday, in protest of the news agency The Confederate Sentinel and its article on Dobycha, which has accused the news agency of defamation.

Several thousand people showed up in support of the mining company Dobycha, peacefully protesting The Confederate Sentinel and its article about Dobycha, which the mining company has accused of defamation following the release of an article that had “an untold number of lies”, according to a company spokesman. The protesters were kept in check by uniformed police officers, and remained relatively peaceful.

Several large banners and signs were held up by the protesters, calling for an investigation of the news agency, while some went as far to call for a boycott of the newspaper. Chants were heard throughout the time of the protest as well, calling for the firing of the author of the article. The protest eventually came to a close as the sun began to set, and no arrests or injuries have been reported.

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Dobycha Denies All Involvement in Events in Vulshain, Claims They’re Being Framed

LETOV - The mining company Dobycha has announced they’ve had no part in any of the events that occurred in Vulshain yesterday, and are being framed by an unknown entity.

Dobycha has announced there is no connection between the company and the recent events in Vulshain, especially in the rape of Yun Elene. Upon hearing of the events in Vulshain, the FBO turned their attention to the mining company, who released even more documents voluntarily, including once top secret documents, to the federal government, and discovered that there was no man by the name of “Isaac Yuknoff” on any document, and there was no evidence pointing to the hiring of corporate spies by the Board of Directors, which has led investigators to believe the company has been framed.

Laiatanese investigators have called on Vulshain to further investigate the matter, while Dobycha has announced it will continue seeking a lawsuit against The Confederate Sentinel for defamation, citing the drop in the company’s stock by nearly 200 points following the articles released by the paper.

Department of Justice Opens Case Against Green Paw

VOLKGORODA - Following new evidence uncovered in Green Paw offices in several cities across Laiatan, the Department of Justice has opened a case against the environmental organization for several violations of federal law.

Following new evidence uncovered in the investigation of the environmentalist organization Green Paw, the Department of Justice has announced they will be prosecuting several high ranking members of the Laiatan Chapter of Green Paw for multiple felony charges including: forgery, fraud, blackmail, and extortion. The Federal Court District 1 has issued multiple arrest warrants for four high ranking members, two of which have already been arrested following a thirty minute police chase through downtown Volkgoroda.

Police have said that the other two members wanted have locked themselves in their office building, which is currently surrounded by the Volkgoroda Skopa unit.

No Republican Guard in Vulshain, Source Says

VOLKGORODA - Claims made by The Confederate Sentinel are false and misleading, according to an anonymous Republican Guard source.

According to an anonymous source from the Republican Guard, there are no Republican Guard units inside of Vulshain. Therefore, according to the source, there is no way the “active sergeant in the Republican Guard” is who The Confederate Sentinel claims he is. The source also denounced the Vulshainian paper, claiming the paper is “not doing any research” and is “making wild claims that damage the relations between our countries”.

Claim of Green Paw Member in Administration False, Wolfsden Announces

VOLKGORODA - The Wolfsden announced that a claim made by The Confederate Sentinel in regards to a relative of a high ranking government official are false.

The Wolfsden made a statement earlier today that announced the claim made by The Confederate Sentinel yesterday was completely false, and has asked the government of Vulshain to get the newspaper in check. “The Confederate Sentinel has gotten out of hand with their news stories, and really needs to be reigned in before they do even more damage to the relations between our countries,” the statement said.

Volkgoroda PD: Vulshain Overreacted to Protests

VOLKGORODA - The Volkgoroda Police Department released a statement about the deployment of exosuits during a peaceful protest, stating that Vulshain had overreacted as there was no threat of violence.

Volkgoroda PD issued a statement on the Vulshainian reaction to protest in front of the embassy, calling them “excessive” and a “blatant overreaction to a peaceful protest that was being kept in check by [Volkgoroda] police officers.” The protest eventually dispersed, believing they made their feelings towards the newspaper clear.

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2 Green Paw Members Shot Dead, One Officer Wounded in Shootout in Office Complex

VOLKGORODA - The standoff between the Volkgoroda Skopa unit and two Green Paw members indicted on several felonies has ended in bloodshed, leaving the two Green Paw members dead and one Skopa officer wounded and fighting for his life in the hospital.

Skopa officers stormed the office building following heavy smoke rising from the top floor of the building. Once inside, the officers immediately came under fire from automatic weapons, which wounded one officer and kept the other officers from advancing. According to police, a second team entered from the roof via helicopter, and were able to flank the Green Paw members and neutralize them. They were declared dead on the scene by paramedics. The wounded officer was taken to nearby Spirit of Odin Hospital, and is in critical condition.

Fire crews were able to extinguish the flames before they were able to engulf the building, which investigators believe was started in order to burn evidence.

New Evidence Uncovered in Green Paw Office Building Leads to More Indictments, Arrests

VOLKGORODA - Evidence uncovered in the office building that was the site of a bloody firefight between police and Green Paw members has led to even more indictments and arrests of Green Paw members across Laiatan, and even some Vulshainian members.

Further evidence uncovered in the office building of Green Paw in Volkgoroda has led the Federal Court District 1 to issue twenty new arrest warrants following indictments by a grand jury. Fifteen of the warrants have fulfilled thanks to a nationwide sweep made by police departments across the country, and most of those not arrested in Volkgoroda are being extradited to Volkapita to face trial in the Federal Court District 1.

The remaining five unfulfilled warrants are of Vulshainian members, and currently remain just out of the grasp of Laiatanese law in Vulshain. The government has asked Vulshain to arrest and extradite the members so they can face trial in Laiatan.

Feds: Documents Released by Dobycha Point to Documents Uncovered by DIEIS Being Forgeries

LETOV - The federal government has once again backed Dobycha, announcing that documents the Vulshainian intelligence agency DIEIS uncovered are likely forgeries.

All documents released by Dobycha indicate “Isaac Yuknoff” was never employed by Dobycha or any of its subsidiary companies. This was supported by the Federal Tax Agency, who pulled financial records on Dobycha and found that Yuknoff was never employed by Dobycha or its subsidiaries. The government said that all evidence therefore points to the evidence found by DIEIS to be forged, and has asked Vulshain to further investigate the matter.

Nationwide Protests Against Green Paw Begin

VOLKGORODA - Protests against Green Paw are sweeping the nation, as the people of Laiatan appear to have had enough with the environmentalist group.

Thousands have taken to the streets of Laiatan following indictments, arrests, a shootout and police chase involving members of the Laiatan Chapter of Green Paw. Protests have congregated in large squares across the country, most notably Revolution Square in Volkgoroda, where an estimated 75,000 people are currently protesting. In Letov, the numbers are estimated to be nearly 100,000, and in Kosma, 80,000 are estimated to be protesting. In several interviews of protesters across the country, it was found many of them are supporters of Dobycha.

Police presence around the protests are heavy but are not interfering with the protests unless violence breaks out. Police have been surprised by the low number of arrests in relation to the protests, numbering around 500 to a thousand arrests made - mostly due to brawls between drunken individuals. An unidentified police officer in Volkgoroda said to Reliable News that, “The protesters have been very respectful to police, and there have been very few incidents that have required police intervention. I’m very happy to see that the people can have their voices heard without any crackdowns.”

In response to the anti-Green Paw protests, several pro-Green Paw demonstrations have popped up around the country, but their numbers are far less. Some departments have estimated that the pro-Green Paw demonstrations have numbers that don’t exceed 10,000, but are just as peaceful as their larger counterparts.

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Dobycha: Trial Happened, Crimes Did Not

LETOV - Dobycha has openly admitted they were put on trial, but say the company was not responsible for the crimes they were accused of.

With the backing of the federal government, Dobycha has once again fought back against Vulshainian accusations. A spokesman for the mining company announced to reporters at a press conference that, “We’ve not once denied we were put on trial - we’ve denied we committed any of the crimes that we were put on trial for.” The federal government has once more backed the company, stating that “Dobycha has never once committed a crime against unions or the environment within the boundaries of Laiatan, and it’s highly unlikely they would even think about violating laws in Vulshain.”

Although Vulshain has much stricter laws on the treatment of the environment and unions compared to Laiatan, it was found Dobycha went above and beyond minimum requirements set by the government in Laiatan, actually meeting the ones set by Vulshain’s government. In the same statement, Dobycha said that “Vulshain’s claims our company is responsible for intimidating witnesses for a sham trial set up by the Vulshainian government to remove us from competing within the country is ridiculous; Vulshain’s government was likely the responsible party in witness intimidation.”

Feds: DIEIS Will Not See Any Documents Released by Dobycha

VOLKGORODA - The federal government has denied DIEIS’ request to all documents, including financial records, released by Dobycha to the government.

Citing the Royal Family-led raid on the agency several years ago, as well as DIEIS being an entity of a foreign government, the federal government has refused to hand over anything to Vulshain’s intelligence agency. “There is no reasoning to hand over anything to DIEIS. This decision was made due to the fact the agency was compromised only several years, as well as the fact DIEIS is a foreign entity. Releasing anything to them will likely result in a breach of national security,” according to a statement released yesterday.

When asked about the request this morning at a press conference, President Kreskov shook his head several times before speaking. “It’ll be cold day in Gormes before we hand over anything to DIEIS.”

Skopa Officer Wounded in Shootout in Stable Condition

VOLKGORODA - The Skopa officer that was wounded in the shootout between police and Green Paw members is reportedly in stable condition, according to a Skopa spokesman.

The Skopa officer that was shot in the confrontation between two armed Green Paw members and members of the Volkgoroda Skopa unit is reportedly now in stable condition, according to a Skopa spokesman. The officer - Sergeant Vladimir Resonivich Nerov - is off oxygen and breathing on his own, according to the family. Nerov received several shots to his chest from the Green Paw members, one of which penetrated his body armor, collapsing his lung.

The family said Nerov is “very happy to be alive” and expects him to be released from the hospital sometime next week.

AVR: No Agents Operating in Vulshain

KOSMA - The Internal Intelligence Agency (AVR) has shot down another theory put forth by DIEIS, claiming no operational AVR agents are within Vulshain as per the SITO treaty.

The AVR has rejected DIEIS’s theory on the Laiatanese citizen in a coma within a Vulshainian hospital, stating that “due to the SITO treaty, the Internal Intelligence Agency has no operational agents within Vulshain”. In the same statement, the agency requested DIEIS “stop with their wild conspiracy theories, and start releasing evidence based on fact”.

Protests Continue into Fifth Day, Return to Vulshainian Embassy

VOLKGORODA - Protests than began several days ago against Green Paw have continued into their fifth day, and have spread to include protests around the Vulshainian embassy once again.

Anti-Green Paw protests have continued into their fifth day, and have spread over to the Vulshainian embassy. The chants and signs continue to call for the extradition of Green Paw members indicted in Laiatan so they can face trial, as well as the removal of Green Paw from any territory controlled by Laiatan. Some groups applauded Lazlowia for the outlawing of the environmentalist group, revealing the public is fed up with the group.

Protests around the Vulshainian embassy have been even harsher, calling for the removal of several Vulshainian government officials, as well as DIEIS officials. Others have called for King Samuil to “clean up the mess Vulshain has made”, a chant heard across the country. The protests are still under the careful eye of police departments across the country.

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Green Paw trial underway as protests die down

VOLKGORODA - The high profile trial of twenty Green Paw members, both Laiatanese and Vulshainian, has begun following jury selection, while the nationwide protests have begun to die down.

Following jury selection in the federal case against twenty Green Paw members from Laiatan and Vulshain, opening statements have begun, beginning what will likely be a highly publicized trial. All of the defendants have entered a not guilty plea, and are facing up to twenty-five years in a federal prison if convicted on all charges.

As the trial came underway, the mass protests that were sparked in the country have finally begun to die down since “Green Paw will finally be facing the consequences”, according to one protester. Another stated she was pleased that “Green Paw will probably never be seen in Laiatan again”. She cited the recent news story that revealed a majority of Laiatanese Green Paw members dropped their membership in light of recent events.

Vandalized Dobycha mining site restored, back to work

NOVMOSK - The mining site that originally sparked the outcry against Green Paw has returned to operational status following repairs and the end of the investigation of Green Paw, according to a Dobycha spokesperson.

The Dobycha mining site that was the target of vandalism by former Green Paw members is back up and running, a Dobycha spokesperson announced last night. In addition to the return of operational status, the company announced it has upgraded the security systems at most of their mining sites to “better stop these types of crimes” at their mining areas.

First Tabakov-class Aircraft Carrier Launched

IZMUROD - The first of four planned Tabakov-class aircraft carriers has been launched, and is expected to be commissioned sometime within the next few months.

The carrier, christened the LNS Tabakov a few months ago, is the first of four planned, and will be replacing the aging Krasnoperov-class and Nekrasov-class carriers currently in service with the Navy. The Navy announced that it will be maintaining the four carriers already in service until at least late 2014, giving the crew of the Tabakov time to get accustomed to the improvements over the earlier carriers.

It’s expected to be commissioned sometime later this year, and enter active service sometime after that. While it hasn’t been announced which carrier it will replace, it is speculated that it will replace the aging LNS Morya, flagship of the Roaming Fleet Bravo, which is approaching its 50th year in active service.

46


Green Paw members found guilty, sentenced

VOLKGORODA - Jurors on the Green Paw trial have returned from a roughly two and a half hour deliberation, finding the defendants guilty on all charges.

Following an eight day trial, the jury has returned from a relatively short deliberation, finding the twenty defendants guilty on all charges against them. The prosecution was seeking the maximum sentence in the trial, which the judge granted. All twenty defendants have been sentenced to twenty five years in a federal penitentiary with no possibility of being paroled. The Vulshainians prosecuted will be deported immediately after they serve out their time.

Attorney General Artyom Goraya called the trial a “success in Laiatanese justice”, and said that the federal government was pleased with the result of the trial. Dobycha also announced they were quite pleased with the trial, and was also “incredibly happy that Laiatan is free of such a hostile group”, according to a company statement.

47


FBR conducts nationwide sweep against lobo, arms, drug trafficking

VOLKGORODA - A freighter docked in the Port of Izumord was one of the many targets in a FBR raid against traffickers that began Wednesday morning.

The past three days have seen elements of the FBR and local law enforcement agencies working together against lobo, arms and drug traffickers across the country. The operation, National Blitz III, is the third in a series of similar operations that have occurred over the past 12 months. The operation included enforcement actions in 76 cities across 47 FBR divisions nationwide, and led to the recovery of 217 men, women and children likely intended for prostitution or forced labor. Also recovered was nearly 500 thousand rublas in narcotics and 300 thousand rublas in weapons.

It was found that 30 of those recovered were illegally immigrating to Laiatan, and will be deported to their country of origin - which was undisclosed. They will, however, be receiving counseling from the Laiatanese embassy in their country so they can pursue citizenship legally.

On top of everything and everyone recovered, the FBR and local agencies arrested and charged nearly 300 people on provincial and federal charges. The FBR declared the operation a success, and was “ecstatic to deliver another blow to trafficking in Laiatan.”

48


Welfare reform bill signed into law

VOLKGORODA - The National Welfare Overhaul Act was signed into law this morning by President Kreskov.

The National Welfare Overhaul Act, introduced into the Narodnoe in July has been signed into law by the president. The Act will replace the current National Welfare Act in place by the beginning of 2014. The new law will pull several hundred million rublas of funding from welfare and unemployment programs, as well as increase restrictions on how long one can be on unemployment and welfare. Special exceptions were also outlined in the law - single parents and those unable to work due to injury or illness have been declared exempt from the restrictions.

The law outlines the new basic national welfare and unemployment system, but is allowing the provinces to overhaul their welfare systems in their own way as long as they are in compliance with the new law.

49


Belila arsonist sentenced to death

BELILA - Yermolai Kashkanov, the 29 year old lobo responsible for 16 burned buildings and 10 deaths has been sentenced to death.

The weeklong trial of the arsonist was widely publicized in Belila, where Kashkanov burned down 16 buildings, mostly abandoned apartment buildings as well as several store fronts which resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including two children.

Kashkanov was charged and convicted of arson resulting in death, and first degree murder. His execution is set to take place early next year and he will be executed by hanging.

50


Gusty armored car attack leaves 12 dead

SOLI - An attack on an armored car carrying several million rublas in jewelry has left 12 dead and four wounded.

The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, where the armored car was ambushed by two men in a van who blocked the road while another van pulled up behind it. The car was able to alert the police before the door was blown off by one of the men. The driver and guard of the car were killed as the attackers swarmed the vehicle, stuffing jewelry into bags.

Skopa officers quickly arrived on scene and in the ensuing gun battle, killed ten of the attackers, the other two being wounded. Two uniformed police officers were also wounded. All of those wounded are currently in stable condition in the Centennial Hospital.

The two wounded attackers, believed to be high ranking members of the Basin Dogs, are facing multiple federal charges including armed robbery, attack with a deadly weapon, and first degree murder. They could be facing a death sentence if convicted.

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Volkgoroda on lockdown following blasts in Revolution Square

VOLKGORODA - Volkgoroda is under lockdown following several explosions that rocked Revolution Square during New Year celebrations.

A manhunt is underway in the capital for two men suspected of detonating improvised explosive devices in Revolution Square during New Year celebrations that killed at least 100 people and wounded another 523. Volkgoroda PD have closed off and evacuated 20 blocks around Revolution Square as well as all shutting down all roads leading out of the city. Police are requesting all residents stay inside their homes and remain off their phones unless they have an emergency or a tip about the suspects - Vladimir and Dmitri Matrovich.

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Lockdown lifted following arrest of terror suspects

VOLKGORODA - The lockdown placed on the city of Volkgoroda following blasts that rocked Revolution Square during New Years celebrations has ended following a province wide manhunt that led to the arrest of the suspects.

Brothers Vladimir and Dmitri Matrovich have been placed in custody of federal law enforcement following their arrest by Volkgoroda PD when the freight train they were attempting to escape on was searched. The duo surrendered peacefully, giving up their weapons to police. Two 9mm pistols and an AK-47 style rifle was handed over to the police, while a bag of handmade grenades was found on the other side of the boxcar.

Federal prosecutors will begin building a case against the brothers, and have hinted at seeking the death penalty for the two.

Rescue crews and other emergency personnel are still cleaning Revolution Square and assisting those wounded while area hospitals are filled with victims. The explosions shattered glass and caused the collapse of the performing stage, also destroying a small cafe. Casualties are now up to 143 dead and another 634 wounded.

53


Fourth bomb found in Revolution Square

VOLKGORODA - A fourth, unexploded bomb has been found in a trashcan inside Revolution Square, prompting an evacuation of emergency crews.

The bomb was found in the trashcan following an interrogation of suspect Dmitri Matrovich, who revealed the bomb’s location after voicing disappointment it did not go off. The twenty blocks surrounding the Square are still off limits to the public - as well as residents and the business owners of the area - so there was a minimal threat to lives. Police successfully completed a controlled demolition several blocks away, allowing emergency crews back into the Square.

The death toll has stabilized at 149 people killed, while the number of those wounded seems to have come to a stop at 652.

Federal prosecutors have officially charged the brothers, Vladimir and Dmitri Matrovich use of a weapon of mass destruction, first degree murder and several other violations of federal law.

54


Matrovich brothers sentenced

VOLKGORODA - The Matrovich brothers have received their sentences following pleading guilty to all charges.

Responsible for the deaths of 149 people and the injury of 652 in the New Year’s Eve Bombing, a federal judge sentenced the brothers to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The brothers narrowly avoided a death sentence by pleading guilty. Officials have not released the prison the two will be incarcerated at, though it’s believed they will be split up.

55


UZ upsets Norvos in NUAV Championship 73-72

LETOV - The University of Zukovisk Rebels upset Norvos University Riders last night during the biggest college basketball event of the year.

The number 16 Rebels remained behind the number 1 Riders for most of the game, remaining within twenty of the elite Riders for the entirety of the first half, as well as most of the second half. As the clock reached 3:00, the Rebels had a scoring run of 17-0 against the Riders to bring the score to 70-67 with 30 seconds left on the clock. The Riders pulled ahead again after the Rebels tied the game 70-70, bringing the score to 72-70 with a mere five seconds left.

In what could easily be the greatest shot taken in NUAV Championship history, Aleksander Torov took the ball to the half-court marking and released the ball just as the buzzer sounded, sinking the shot and bringing the Rebels to a 73-72 victory over the Riders.

The Rebels made history by winning their first NUAV Championship, as well as NUAV Championship history by being the first 16 seed team to win a championship game.

Also in the news:
Laiatan - Nation prepares for 257th Laiatan Day
Opinion - Leave Rygard, NOW.
Opinion - SITO: not all it’s cracked up to be

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Communist Party leader, three others shot during rally

Communist Party leader, Vanya Matveev, was shot during a rally in Modasiti.

A man, identified as Feliks Kozlov, fired off five shots from a .45 caliber pistol before being swarmed by the crowd. Matveev was shot three times while two others were struck by stray fire. Another bystander was struck by a bullet when he rushed at Kozlov to subdue him.

Following emergency surgery, Matveev is expected to survive her injuries. The other three victims, identified as 35 year old Koyla Garin, 22 year old Stasya Trapeznikov and 19 year old Foka Markovich, are also expected to survive their injuries.

Kozlov was arrested after being subdued and carried to the nearest officer by the mob.

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Nation celebrates Laiatan Day

The nation celebrated its 257th birthday with fireworks, cookouts and parades.

Citizens across the nation celebrated the birthday of their country with friends and family at cookouts and parades. The annual Laiatan Day Parade went off without a hitch as nearly fifteen million people watched the parade from the streets and on television. Floats included the likeness of the Founding Fathers, several presidents and other icons of Laiatanese culture. A battalion recently returning from service in Rygard was also included in the parade.

The president spent the day at his home in Okezuka with his family and friends. The Federation Assembly also took the day off to celebrate the nation’s birthday.

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Mass grave dating from early 1750s discovered

A mass grave with an estimated 1,500 bodies has been discovered in northern Vysoki.

Investigators determined it to be roughly 250 years old, putting it around the time of the Laiatanese Revolution. It’s believed those buried are victims of the Ipatiev Death Squad; the group responsible for the killings of nearly ten thousand loyalist citizens who were seen as threats to the new government. The killings were sanctioned by the Liberation Council for at least a year following their takeover.

It is also possible they are victims of the Empire, slaughtered because of their allegiance to the revolutionaries. Mass killings committed by the Empire are estimated to be at least twenty thousand people in its last years, mostly because of the rising dissent and allegiance to the revolutionaries.

Investigators plan on running DNA tests to determine living relatives of those killed, as well as to determine the responsible party.

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Revolutionaries determined to be buried in Vysoki mass grave

With the discovery of several early revolutionary uniforms, investigators are confident that the mass grave found in Vysoki was used by the Laiatanese Empire to bury dissidents during the Revolution.

Due to the uniforms showing signs of being a version that preceded the one known across the nation as the revolutionary’s uniform, investigators have determined that the soldiers were killed and buried sometime after 1744 but before 1747, when the revolutionary’s uniform became standardized across the Revolution Army.

It’s likely that the soldiers were ambushed by imperial forces as the Revolution was just getting underway, and any survivors were executed and buried.

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Tano invaded by Dveria, military on full alert

Following a massive invasion of the neighboring country of Tano by Dverian forces, President Kreskov ordered the entire military to go on full alert.

Several cruisers from the Roaming Fleet Bravo, located off the coast of southern Rygard, are reportedly heading south as a show of strength to Dveria. It’s unknown if troops will be deployed to Tano in order to halt the invasion, though military officials announced the invasion is a direct threat to Laiatan’s sovereignty.

Operations are underway in the East Military District, ensuring the military is prepared to respond accordingly.