Boo Party, Government Continue to Rise in Popularity
Polls this week continued their trend of rising for major parties, despite last week's upset. The Boo Party have now broken the 30% mark, but are closely followed by AAPA and the CCP, with just a few percentage points between each. The Alliance, meanwhile, has slid further down into the ratings, polling just half of the CCP's, the third place party (despite being in government), share. There is little really to account for these changes, however it could be that the the governmental leaks coming out of the cabinet are contributing. Though with such a cross-party cabinet, it's not really certain where exactly these events would have an effect and who they would benefit. Ultimately though, rises and falls are so small this week as to be insignificant, thus making it a relatively boring one in terms of politics. Full polls are below:
Boo - 31.1% (+2.1)
AAPA - 28.2% (-1)
CCP - 27.5% (+1.6)
Alliance - 13.2% (-2.7)

Cross-Country Outpouring of Grief for Deceased Wolish Leader
Yesterday evening His Holiness Patriarch Diligence XXIII of the Church of Wo and head of the country of Wo itself was found dead in his residence in Wolantine. As news of his death spread around the country, sadness and grief have abounded. Already pink ribbons have been made available around the country, worn as a sign of solidarity for those of the Woish Faith. Many faith leaders have stated their admiration for the man who brought Wo into the modern age. As well as this, leaders from across the political spectrum have expressed their condolences to both his family and subjects. Round condemnation has equally been dished out to whoever his supposed killer was, his death having been established as a murder. What follows is a brief obituary:
Diligence XXIII was born in 1943 in the rural North of Wo, the eldest of six children. The family were not particularly religious, however they were members of the Church of Wo and kept a copy of the Gei San as is customary in Wo. At age sixteen he travelled to the capital Wolantine, seeking work and the “thrills” of the big city. Instead he found religion. After being attacked on his first night in the capital, Diligence (his real name is not allowed to be spoken) experienced an epiphany. Coming to consciousness in one of the city's many religious hospitals, he immediately asked for the Gei San and was given it. Upon his return to full health he enrolled at Wolantine University on a religious scholarship, receiving a doctorate in theology. Starting off as a regular priest, he rose through the ranks after being noted for his passion and conviction, and attained the rank of Bishop of Thimle in northern Wo, near to his family, in 1969. Upon the death of the previous Patriarch, Charity XVI in 1987 he was unanimously chosen as replacement Patriarch, and hence went on to become head both of the Church and Wo itself. His reign was marked in its earlier years by remarkable public works projects, aimed at improving the country, although arguably his first major challenge was the 1993 collapse of Democratia. By the early months of 1994, Wo already has a substantial force in Democratia, aiding fighting against Autocratia, which appeared in late 1993. This remained a popular move right through to the sad loss of Democratia in 2008. In 2007 he was instrumental in the ending of the Pollabay Incident, in which Aspar all-but invaded Nellapaland. He is survived by three siblings.

Poison Murderer Trial Postponed
In light of the current detainment and row over an accomplice to the murderer who sent Valaxia into fear this past half-year, the trial of the main suspect, still unnamed, has been postponed for two weeks. The trial for the original suspect was due to go ahead tomorrow, Tuesday September 1st, however the court may take the decision to try them both together. There remains also the question of who gets to try the second man, Valaxian and Olinian authorities are still arguing over whose responsibility he is, with both wishing to have him tried in their respective states. The man was based on Apeiron, Olin, while most of his exploits took place in Valaxia itself. The date for the new trial has been tentatively set as Septembr 15th, however this could well change if circumstances require it. Meanwhile both suspects are being held in secure and undisclosed locations. They have been granted access to state-appointed lawyers, however Vox Valaxia understands that both declined the offer, retaining their silence. The Valaxian state-government has ruled out the use of torture as a method of extracting evidence, with Governor Ronalds stating that it would “drag us down to their level”, not to mention being a breach of human rights. The Olinian government has remained silent on this issue, however it is understood that they to do not wish to resort to torture.

The Week in Politics
The biggest event this week was arguably Diligenxe XXIII's death, which will undoubtedly influence the Assym issue. In debates, Contracts and Death were defined, two defense pacts, with Wo and Eronam, were proposed, Gender Reassignment was given legal standing and the house unanimously voted for extend condolences to Wo. In legislation proposed, an old bill dealing with minimum wages was resurrected due to the economy improving. Some of the biggest news though comes courtesy of another paper, The Informer, which has called governmental security into question as well as revealing supposedly secret information...