Airlines, AI Rights, Veganism and other news!

Glatixian Airlines

In a sudden turn of national policy, Glatixland has subsidized a new airport in Katesville and opened our borders to non-dignitary foreign nationals. The chancellor has also extended an olive branch to airlines of other nations, promising that they may now fly through Glatixian airspace, and apologizing for the two dozen or so planes that have been shot down over the past three years. While emigration from Glatixland remains illegal, immigration to Glatixland is welcomed, as well as applications for tourist visas.

Robots, are they people?

Following the recent malfunction of an AI surgeon in a Jojopolis hospital, many in the nation are questioning whether robotic entities should be held accountable for malignant actions. Some feel that artificial intelligence has progressed to the extent where self-awareness is arguable, and therefore certain highly-advanced automatons should be granted person hood (as well as the obligations that come with it). Others argue that perceived sentience is merely an intended result of their programming, and that AIs are merely a highly advanced tool without the capacity for abstract thought.

The debate rages on in earnest, though this reporter feels that we should give the bots control over military installations!*

*Some articles of Glatixland State News may be written via automated algorithms.

Veganism laws repealed

Following economic growth and the conclusion of several conflicts, the state has lifted the ban on meat products. Supposedly, the chancellor himself had no idea that veganism had been made compulsory until he attempted to order a hot dog from his favorite food stand, only to be served a large cucumber in a bun. Assuming it was an insult, the chancellor proceeded to furiously beat the vendor before several concerned citizens informed him that he himself signed the law into action following a bad experience involving under cooked steak and a porta-john. After the incident, the law was hastily repealed, and Glatixland has begun importing farm animals in a scramble to restock hot dog stands nationwide.

National records lost in fire

A massive fire in the National Department of Paper Records and Pyrotechnics has left the nation shocked, with some questioning the wisdom of housing the paper copies of Glatixland's most precious documents in a building that also actively conducts research on fire, fireworks, and explosive devices. The NDPRP has called the accident "completely unforeseeable", with the director claiming that "raging infernos and dry paper are supposed to go hand in hand. There's no possible way that anyone could have seen this coming."

In response to the lose of vital records, the chancellor has ordered a contingency branch to be opened. The new National Department of Digital Archiving and Extremely Powerful Magnets is expected to begin operations shortly.

Stolen valor now punishable by conscription

A recent rash of incidents in which non-serving Glatixian posed as former service members has led to an outcry from actual military personnel. Numerous fake Rattlese-Glatixian war veterans have been appearing across the nation, with many claiming to have fought in battles that never occurred while sporting plastic medals. In response, the chancellor has signed a new bill into law that compels those convicted of stolen valor to join the Glatixlandwehr, including those who would normally be deemed incapable of front line service.

Glatixian recruiters are thrilled at the new "Service out of Spite" law, and have begun regularly raiding costume parties for fresh recruits!