In the News

For the adventure starting January 29:

• Sniper II: One, or possibly more, snipers have killed several members of Sargu Smith's inner circle.
• Masks: A new gang, wearing hockey masks and carrying machetes, have appear in southern Houston. The previous gang in that turf, an ultra-violent lesbian gang, has practically vanished overnight. Members of the gang have rarely been seen in public, and only at night. So far, none have been arrested (or even questioned) by patrol officers.
• Changes: The new police chief has ordered sweeping changes to the HPD. First, the SCU budget has been cut in half. Riot police are prohibited from using less-than-lethal munitions.

• Strike: Starting four days ago, significant numbers of patrolmen began calling in sick. Currently, some 45% of all HPD uniformed officers are not reporting for work. Some 10% of plainsclothes officers have joined them. Detectives not involved in priority cases are being given temporary assignments as patrol units. The mayor and police chief have said that officers not reporting for their normal shifts, starting afternoon tomorrow, will be permanently fired.
• Cop Killer Caught: The sniper who killed five officers from substation 14D20 was killed in a gun battle in an appartment complex two days ago. No officers were injured, although 9 civilians living in the complex were killed and another 8 were seriously injured. The police claim that the civilians were either aiding the sniper or obstructing the police, although several witnesses claim otherwise. Five of the 17 casualties were children aged 12 or younger. The substation commander said that appropriate force was used and that this should serve as an reminder for anyone else who thinks they can attack his police officers with impunity.
• Other News: Scattered thunderstorms are expected for most of the week. The Maulers have won two games in a row but are still in last place.

• Blue Flu: With growing displeasure over pay raises and department funding, there are rumors of a large percentage of uniformed officers calling in sick for at least a week. The police chief is threatening to fire any officers who do this.
• Cop Killer: Two more officers involved in the raid from substation 14D20 have been killed. The substation commander claims that the killer is still at large only because the citizens in the precinct are deliberately misleading police.
• Davenport Suspended: The celeberity Tanner Davenport has been suspended from HPD for unspecified reasons. When asked for comment, he said "It gives me more time with the band."

Other News: Heavy rains are expected for most of the week. A large ghoul colony in west Texas was discovered and destroyed last week; the Special Unit of the Rangers are currently tracking any that may have escaped. Detective Richard Hoskins of HPD's Organized Crime Unit is credited with uncovering the colony.

• Simsense Chips Flood Streets: In the past three weeks there has been a noticable increase in the number of illegal pleasure chips found on the street. They are almost all of Russian  manufacture and are believed to have been shipped in by the Russian mafia. The identity of the local dealer(s) is unknown.
• Cop Killer: Four officers from substation 14D20 were killed in ambushes in the past week. The substation was in the news six weeks ago when a botched drug raid was conducted by its vice squad, resulting in the deaths of three adults and eight children. The DA refused to pursue charges, despite the fact that the officers entered the wrong apartment in the wrong complex. The Chief of Police has sworn to use all available resources to bring the killer to justice. One unidentified citizen said "There won't be justice until eleven cops are dead in the street."
• Mother Kills Children: A mother killed all four of her children yesterday morning, claiming they were the "spawn of a demon." As she undergoes psychiatric testing, a Catholic priest and a demonologist are examining the bodies.
• Other News: The hot weather continues, with no rain in sight. The Maulers, under new coach Red McDaniels, lost to Dallas 44-6. Increased security prevented another riot. A new type of car has been unveiled by Mercedes-Benz. It supposedly has the ruggedness of an SUV but the performance of a sports car. Cost and delivery date to dealerships have not been announced.

• Police Union Unhappy: After two years of pay raises only equal to that of inflation, this year the Houston City Council passed only token pay raises and hinted that layoffs may be inevitable. After the council meeting, a police union spokesman said "the situation is intolerable and there will be consequences to this act of disrespect."
• Madman Still On Loose: A killer who has only been leaving parts of his victims remains at large. So far, ten victims have been attributed to him over past six weeks.
• Biker Rally: Reports of a biker rally next month in an undisclosed north-east location have been confirmed. Plans are being made to increase police presence in the general area, including having riot police on constant standby.
• Other News: The hot weather continues, with heavy rains expected in two days. The Maulers (local arena combat football team) lost it's fourth straight game, leading to several thousand fans storming the field at the end. The rioters were dispersed with tear gas and 349 were arrested. The Maulers' head coach was fired that evening, which was cheered by those still in holding cells. A local area man won the biweekly Republic of Texas Lottery, estimated to be worth $14.9 million. He immediately bought the small store he worked at and fired all the employees, then had the store bulldozed.