Human/Equestrian Alliance Growing Stronger?: Since their arrival in Equestria, the humans of the "USS Vector" have been both venerated and reviled by the public at large. While they are officially credited with the liberation of Trottingham by the Royal Press Office and ceded the territory now known as "Apex" as a result, tensions still continue to run high with circulated rumors blaming them for the initiation of the Gryphos/Equestria war in the first place. However, such points may very well be moot. Earlier this morning, a human "dropship" was sighted arriving at Canterlot castle. Following several reports of a battle involving Celestia herself, the royal press office released a missive declaring the ratification of a "Mutual Defense Treaty" between Equestria and the sovereign colony of Apex. Under the terms of the treaty, the humans of Apex and the Vector would be allowed to station military assets within Equestrian borders, especially in those areas- (Continued on page 2)

Riots Break Out Across Equestria: *A picture is embedded in the page, depicting a large protest. Ponies can be seen holding signs, “WHERE ARE THE PRINCESSES?”, “BURN APEX”, “EMBRACE THE USC”* Throughout Equestria, though especially in the southern regions such as Dodge City and Appleoosa, tensions have reached a boiling point. This week alone, royal guards have been dispatched to quell no less than four protests that turned into riots, and unconfirmed reports continue to trickle in regarding "unofficial" peacekeeping operations. On an official level, Princess Luna spoke out yesterday at a public forum in Canterlot, calling for the cessation of hostility, and peaceful reconciliation between all parties. Admiral Becker, the head of the Vector and target of many protesters anger, was unable to comment. However, Commander Kira Feros of the Apex colony agreed to an interview, which will be published in tomorrow's issue.

Changelings?: After the Changeling invasion of Canterlot, it was widely assumed that there would be no further dealings between their kind and Equestria. This point was emphasized when Princess Celestia officially severed all diplomatic ties with the Changeling monarchy, and thereafter banished all changelings from Equestrian soil. However, in a shocking move, Changeling representatives of the "New Changeling Republic" have been sighted, bringing supply caravans to the human colony of Apex. There has been no word from the royal press office at this time, but Commander Kira Feros was quoted as saying "I know there's bad blood between these 'changelings' and ponykind, but I don't see that as any reason to decline their diplomatic overtures. The USC is an inclusive organization, committed to spreading unity between species. I don't believe this mission has changed."

Equestrian Economy on Verge of Collapse?: Ever since the foundation of the Apex colony on Equestrian soil, the citizens of our nation have felt the burden of it's constant subsidies. While Equestria may soon be seeing the benefit of these subsidies in the form of the recently enacted "Mutual Defense Treaty," for some families, this price is growing too high to pay. Already, increased demand has nearly doubled the price of essential commodities such as vegetables and grasses, and projections from the Equestrian chamber of commerce only predict further increases.

Refugees From Gryphos Flood The Northern Lands: To the surprise of Manehattan residents, a large caravan of griffons arrived today from Gryphos, claiming to be refugees from human persecution. While their claims are currently unsubstantiated, their arrival has brought to light previously silent concerns regarding the human presence in Equestria. Princess Celestia is scheduled to address the ponies of Manehattan personally to clarify any fears towards pony/human relations.