New Arcadia news:
Attack thwarted by new vigilantes: A massive terrorist attack on the federal courthouse by unidentified gunmen was stopped by a group of new metahuman vigilantes. Reports are conflicting, but the vigilantes appear to have a mix of powers and included: A flying robot or power armor unit, a man manifesting some kind of fire weapon, a man generating energy fields capable of stopping heavy weapons, a humanoid capable of superhuman speed and a cyborg of some sort. Other metas may have been present as well. The gunmen have been linked to the Syndicate, a new drug cartel that is consolidating all other criminal organizations in the city and it appears they had access to banned super soldier drugs and OGRE class weapons. Police have not made a statement in regards to the vigilantes but sources inside the police department say that police are unsure about how to proceed - the leadership is divided between supporting them or hunting them down.
A new hero? A new vigilante has taken the fight to the Syndicate. Calling himself the Knight Errant, the hero has raided several drug labs controlled by the Syndicate. Clad in high tech armor stylized as a medieval knight and wielding a sword crackling with an unknown energy source, Knight Errant has promised to take down the Syndicate. His latest battle sprawled across Chinatown, as he chased down several heavily armed gang members armed with automatic weapons. Seven civilians were injured in the crossfire.
UFO Sightings In Fiddler's Green: Strange lights have been seen flying around the abandoned skyscrapers of Fiddler's Green over the last week. Appearing as bright balls of light that fly without regards to the laws of physics, the lights have startled observers and some believe that they are scouts for a new alien attack on Earth. The Department of Defense has denied this rumor, saying that their detection systems are capable of detecting any alien craft in the solar system.
Judge Allan Chambers missing: The judge went missing last night and was last seen entering his home. Police have not stated if the judge has simply left on his own or was taken. The judge was presiding over 20 cases, most notably a class action lawsuit against Von Junzt Traders by thousands of investors that claimed the company defrauded them for over $3 billion by misrepresenting the value of the financial instruments it offered for sale.
Building condemned for toxic waste: An empty building has been condemned for housing excessive amounts of toxic waste. It was detected after building inspectors ran routine tests on the building after nearby residents complained of odd smells. It is not known how the waste got there because the chemicals detected are typically used in high end pharmaceutical production. One compound, trioxin is associated with NATO super soldier drug manufacture. The DEA declined to comment.
'Rock'em Sock'em Bandit' strikes again! A new stick up artist equipped with oversized armored gauntlets has stolen over $100,000 in jewelry when he crashed a gala ball hosted by the Vanderburgs at the Metro Opera. The thief ripped several necklaces off the necks of women attending the ball while being chased by security officers. The bandit demonstrated his metahuman strength yet again by knocking a hole through a nearby wall to make an exit. Some witnesses mentioned that the artist (who wore a mask and hoodie) sounded like a teenager. The gauntlets have not been identified. The Vanderburgs have offered a $10,000 reward for the capture of the thief. The bandit's name came from his battle against a police riot control 'Lawgiver' robot two weeks ago. The thief literally knocked the head off the two story robot with a single punch. The robot, a one of a kind gift to the New Arcadia police by Avalon given in 1994, is currently undergoing repairs. Critics of the Lawgiver program point out that prohibitive cost of maintaining the machine does not equal the benefit as proven by the latest defeat. Supporters state that the Lawgiver is the only real measure the police now have against metahuman villains since the disappearance of the Ideal.
Police break up dispute between homeless and religious group: The Crystal Children, a new age religious group was attacked by a large group of homeless squatters at the tent city by the Interstate highway. The Children claim the squatters were agitated by bigots fearful of change while the squatters claim the Crystal Children are a cult. The Crystal Children had been providing charity. No serious injuries were reported.
Sense Memories a big hit! The newest craze to hit the streets of New Arcadia, Sense Memories are small devices that attach to a finger, the tongue or the nostrils. After placing the device on the appropriate location, the user experiences a sense memory - touch, taste or smell. The sensation lasts for about ten minutes or until the user removes the device. Each one costs $20-100 and can be only used for about a dozen times before needing to be recharged. They can only be recharged at the Sense Memories kiosks, which are the only vendors for the devices. Popular sensations including the taste of a delicious steak, the caress of a light hand, the feel of ocean water on one's feet. The mysterious company Euphorics owns the patent for the technology and the kiosks but little else is known about the company. Some critics claim that Euphorics has used illegal alien science but the company has denied all charges through its law firm - Richardson and Smith.