News Items (EU2012)

The news ticker on the Situation Room will display news headlines from around the globe according Storyline progression, panic levels and XCOM missions performed.

North America

USA

USA level 1

• Rumors of alien activity near New York City have been met with skepticism from the general public
• Residents of Los Angeles claim to have seen unusual lights near the downtown area...officials blame unspecified weather phenomena
• Claims of an "alien creature" prowling the streets near the Joe Louis Arena in downtown Detroit are laughed off by local residents
• Baltimore man claims to have shot "alien": police believe the incident may have been drug related
• Business as usual in the southern United States despite claims of alien sightings near several major cities

USA level 2 and 3

• National News Radio reports on an upswing in membership of armed militia groups in the Midwestern United States attributed to frequent alien sightings
• Brazen alien abduction in California caught on video; concern grows over validity of alien reports
• New Yorkers weary after repeated alien sightings in Manhattan; some claim government conspiracy
• Colorado man claims aliens have settled in the Great Sand Dunes and are attempting to colonize Earth: local residents report unusual sightings
• News helicopter crashes outside of Boston: eyewitness accounts claim "alien" weapons fire
• Concern grows after notable political figure claims to have direct knowledge of alien attack near Houston
• Ongoing reports of alien activity across the United States raises concerns among once skeptical populace

USA level 4

• Religious leaders across America warn that the presence of aliens is a sign of dire times to come
• As reports of alien activity in the eastern United States continue to climb, some people have taken to stockpiling food and other supplies
• Unknown number of fatalities after alien attack strikes southern California; officials have not released a statement
• Allegations of government coercion with the aliens as American presidential candidates blame various sources for growing crisis
• Armed troops seen patrolling near the U.S. Capitol raise concern over safety of major cities

USA level 5

• National Guard troops have taken up positions around government facilities across the United States as "alien war" escalates
• Looting reported across the United States as many citizens give up hope for defeat of alien invasion
• National Center for Health reports alarming increase in suicides as alien attacks continue unabated
• World economy grinds to a halt as many U.S. businesses close due to lack of employee attendance
• Coalition of U.S. governors demands aggressive response from feds as nation appears to be on the brink of shutdown

Canada

Canada level 1

• An alien was sighted near a small town north of Montreal this morning...skeptics question authenticity of the account
• Excited tourists visiting the CN Tower claim to have seen mysterious lights hovering over the Toronto area
• Police cite lack of evidence in investigation of "alien abduction" taking place near Niagara Falls
• Alien phenomenon sweeps across Canada; Vancouverites welcome visitors with open arms
• Enterprising businesses across Canada have taken to selling "UFO" merchandise in light of recent reports

Canada level 2-3

• Restaurant patrons in downtown Edmonton report alien attack: several city blocks cordoned off by police
• Toronto residents claim police and local government officials are ignoring alien threat within the city as spreads
• Scientists deny that lights seen over northern Canada can be attributed to Aurora Borealis, citing multiple reports of other unusual activity
• Petition to the mayor of Winnipeg demands more police coverage after residents claim woman was abducted in the city center
• Missing persons reports across Canada continue to climb... government officials remain baffled
• Pro-alien advocacy groups in Vancouver say reports of alien attacks on civilians are "exaggerated"
• Growing concern across Canada as initial reports of "alien activity" now lead to claims of attempted abductions

Canada level 4

• Unrest in Ottawa as several high profile alien abductions rattle the Canadian capital"
• Economic forecast indicates reduction in Canadian industrial output due to increasing fears of impending alien attack
• Leaked evidence suggests several provincial governments in Canada creating emergency plans due to alien activity
• Anger over lack of local response to alien attacks leads to protests in downtown Toronto
• Alien corpse discovered on Edmonton city street causes near- among local residents, threat can no longer be denied

Canada level 5

• Authorities in Manitoba say aliens have killed dozens in an apparent attack aimed at intimidating government officials
• Canadians hunker down as alien crisis reaches breaking point across North America
• Many across Canada turn to religion as little hope remains for end to alien conflict
• Electrical grid disruptions throughout Canada as a result of alien attacks on infrastructure
• Leaked government communication indicates expected disruption to GPS and other satellites

Mexico

Mexico level 1

• Government officials in Mexico offer no official response to unsubstantiated reports of alien abductions taking place within the nation
• Media reports of alien sightings in Mexico City are being heavily criticized by local officials as 'sensationalism'
• Initial reports of alien abductions near Guadalajara brushed off by local law enforcement as "cartel infighting"
• Trade groups reporting brisk business in Monterrey as UFO sightings draw tourists and local spectators alike
• Crowds gather near Tijuana to view unusual lights seen flying erratically over the city

Mexico level 2-3

• Growing concern across Mexico as the number of people reporting alien sightings rises
• UFO sightings over Mexico City confirmed by pilots, anonymous military personnel; some residents alarmed by lack of government action
• Opposition party in Mexico claims president has failed to properly address growing threat of alien attacks across the nation
• Tijuana businesses report rapid decline as tourists stay home due to fear of ongoing alien attacks
• Mexican military forced to shift priorities as reports of alien attacks across the country spur demands for increased security
• Talk shows across Mexico inundated with requests for frank discussions on the scope of alien threat spreading across the country
• Port operations in Veracruz disrupted as workers demand assurances of protection against alien attackers

Mexico level 4

• Mexican President defends administration's response to alien crisis; opinion polls show little confidence
• News media across Mexico thrives on talk of alien abductions as general public grows increasingly concerned
• Crossings at Mexican border stations slow as both sides struggle to deal with increasingly visible alien attacks
• Economists forecast lower than usual exports from Mexico as supply chain disruptions emerge as a result of alien attacks
• Residents of Mexico City find little solace in police promises to secure city streets from alien attackers

Mexico level 5

• Mexico reports large-scale immigration as migrant workers choose to return home rather than risk involvement in alien conflict
• Government offices across Mexico are vandalized as public shows little confidence in official response to deadly alien attacks
• Demand for vehicles and fuel declines rapidly in Mexico as residents refuse to travel for fear being attacked by aliens
• Residents of Mexico City seen boarding up windows, securing structures as ongoing alien conflict reaches tipping point
• Absenteeism in Mexican public schools reportedly over 80% as parents refuse to risk sending children in light of brutal alien attacks

South America

Argentina

Argentina level 1

• Villagers of a small settlement in the Andes claim an alien entered their village at night; no evidence has been found
• Fans refused to leave the stadium after a football match between rival Argentinean teams was briefly interrupted by hovering lights in the sky
• Security guard in Buenos Aires claims 'alien life form' attempted to kidnap him... police continue to investigate
• Continued sightings of unusual lights across the South American continent cause stir...residents report on best viewing locations
• Police refuse to accept continued reports of alien activity, blame unemployed teenagers for 'prank calls'

Argentina level 2-3

• Police in Argentina report apprehending suspect in 'alien' attack...some residents remain skeptical of police account
• Police investigate site of alleged abduction in Buenos Aires as residents demand more protection from alien threat
• Manhunt in La Plata underway after residents report alien attack kills three, mob demands justice
• Supporters of alien-peace movement cry injustice as mobs form to defend local residents from 'alien aggression'
• Alien sightings skyrocket across South America as local governments struggle to address public concern
• Increasing number of alien abductions reported across Argentina as residents demand official response from government leaders
• Despite assurances of increased police patrols, residents of Rosario grow increasingly weary of alien attacks on civilians

Argentina level 4

• Armed forces in Argentina claim to have killed an alien during abduction attempt; citizens being urged to respect local curfews
• Residents of Mendoza, Argentina are being urged to remain indoors and ration available supplies until alien threat has been reduced
• South American nations are on high alert after a recent upswing in violent attacks leaves no doubt as to the extent of alien activity on Earth
• Major grocers report shortages of non-perishable goods as fear grows that alien threat may be ongoing
• Villagers from several remote South American towns fearful of alien abductions taking place 'unchecked.'

Argentina level 5

• Death toll continues to climb as untold numbers are killed in brazen alien attack on Argentinean capital
• Economic turmoil across South America as supplies run short due to stockpiling
• Requests for government aid have been largely ignored as officials struggle to deal with growing over alien attacks
• Fear grows throughout South American nations with no apparent end in sight after continuous alien attacks
• Some residents of Argentina have begun informal ceremonies pleading with the aliens for mercy

Brazil

Brazil level 1

• Beach goers in Rio de Janeiro claim to have seen unusual lights on the horizon: local police blame excessive alcohol consumption
• Police in the capital city of Brasilia are responding to multiple reports of an \"alien creature\" found in an outlying district
• Eyewitness in central Brazil claims she was abducted by aliens but escaped; neighbors believe history of mental problems are behind the *account
• Local residents of Santa Cruz clamor to catch a glimpse of purported alien corpse found washed up along the Atlantic coast
• Brazilian officials offer no response to increasing reports of alien UFOs streaking across the night sky

Brazil level 2-3

• Rumors persist that missing Brazilian politician was abducted by aliens...some residents spooked by lack of official response
• Overnight reports of missing persons in Sao Paulo double; growing unrest over unknown source of abductions
• Citizens of several small towns across Brazil create self-imposed curfew in attempt to reduce over alien activity
• South American leaders issue joint statement condemning media reports they blame for fueling 'alien panic.'
• Vocal politician in Brazil says citizens should prepare for "disruptions" caused by alien attacks, spreading fear among many in the nation
• Reports of Brazilian military mobilizing near government buildings raises specter of legitimate alien attack
• Researchers in Brazil studying unusual lights over Sao Paolo say government explanations not plausible as citizens grow concerned

Brazil level 4

• Death toll from alien attack near Sao Paolo continues to climb as emergency personnel attempt to rescue victims
• Brazilian politician issues statement blasting scientific institutions who claimed alien attacks were simply 'weather related phenomena.'
• Economists report revised economic growth outlook for Brazil must take into account disruptive alien activity
• Tourism down heavily as most choose to stay home rather than risk alien attacks during summer vacation period
• Reports of cartels across South America attempting to cooperate with the aliens are 'disturbing' says anonymous government official

Brazil level 5

• As fear spreads, many Brazilians turn to religion for answers
• Government officials across South America urge residents to band together, protect communities from alien aggression
• Crime skyrockets throughout Brazil as unsavory elements take advantage of overwhelmed police
• Unseemly merchants prey on resident's fears in Brazil, begin selling 'anti-alien' technology which scientists call 'nonsense'
• Controversy spreads as insurance companies in South America refuse to payout for damages sustained in alien attacks

Africa

Egypt

Egypt level 1

• Government officials in Egypt claim continued reports of alien abductions are distracting from legitimate domestic concerns
• Brightly colored lights seen over Cairo are believed to be the result of low flying aircraft, not aliens as originally reported
• Reports from North Africa indicate the disappearance of large numbers of livestock; local opinion is split as to the cause
• Police in Alexandria say residents are using claims of \"alien activity\" to cover for local troublemakers
• Egyptian president urges calm despite increasing number of alien sightings; general public still weary

Egypt level 2-3

• Attack on military officers stationed in Alexandria raises specter of legitimate alien invasion
• Alien sightings near the Great Pyramid bring renewed interest in theories surrounding alien involvement in their construction
• Egyptian newspaper claims 'inside story' on alien plot to colonize Earth, public reaction mixed
• Locals shocked by disappearances throughout South Africa as belief in possible alien threat grows
• Egyptian authorities urge calm as continual reports of alien sightings causes stir across the nation
• Unusual aircraft spotted hovering near Cairo caught on film; experts baffled as to unknown origin
• Local resident in Luxor claims to have seen aliens abducting neighbors; local police are investigating

Egypt level 4

• Egyptians defy risks of further attacks to protest against lack of government response
• Rumors of a conspiracy involving government collaboration with the aliens spread across Africa as fear grows
• Food shortages continue to climb throughout the African Union as fear of ongoing alien conflict rises
• Operations at the Suez port disrupted by absentee laborers as alien attacks strike fear in Egypt
• Egyptian authorities attempt to appease concerns over alien attacks as public outcry grows

Egypt level 5

• Reports of aliens killed in Egypt provide little hope that invasion will end anytime soon
• Egyptians find little solace in government claims of reduced alien threat
• Media speculation indicates death toll across the African subcontinent could be in the hundreds as aliens attack indiscriminately
• Police in Cairo nowhere to be found as public outcry over alien attacks grows increasingly volatile
• Businesses close across Alexandria as aliens meet little resistance in attacks on the city

South Africa

South Africa level 1

• South African officials urge calm and restraint after groups purportedly go in search of 'alien' attackers
• Police spokesperson in Cape Town refutes early reports of an alien abduction within the city limits, cites lack of evidence
• Pilot approaching the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg reports UFO sighting; passengers provide differing accounts
• South African officials warn residents against filing "false" police reports involving alien activity
• Residents of Durban dismiss claims by some that strange lights are actually "alien craft" moving through the night sky

South Africa level 2-3

• South African officials urge calm and restraint after groups purportedly go in search of 'alien' attackers
• Unconfirmed reports this morning that dozens are missing across Johannesburg causes public outcry for police support
• South African man claiming to have been abducted by aliens finds increasingly receptive supporters through the nation
• Residents of Soweto report late-night flyovers by mysterious craft moving at a high rate of speed
• No official confirmation from police forces in Durban after leaked memo indicates "alien" task force being assembled
• Alarming number of mysterious disappearances in Cape Town puts residents on edge
• Massive building fire in downtown Johannesburg attributed to alien attack, increasing in the region

South Africa level 4

• Local police in Cape Town blame rash of burglaries on fear of alien invasion"
• Ongoing reports of armed civilians attempting to repel aliens in South Africa are dismissed by government officials as 'irresponsible'
• African Union chairperson requests special session to address public outcry over alien attacks taking place across the continent
• Media reports indicate increasing number of alien attacks across Johannesburg as residents grow increasingly fearful
• South Africans gripped with fear as alien attacks spread across the country unopposed

South Africa level 5

• Refugees flood less affected areas as alien conflict escalates into 'war'
• South Africans plead for assistance as fear grips the nation
• Reduced foreign aid during alien conflict compounds death toll from alien attacks across Africa
• Residents in Johannesburg seen carrying weapons and other materials during everyday activities as fear of alien attacks grows unchecked
• South African government offers small subsidies to those whose homes were destroyed by aliens; Offer does little to appease public concern as attacks continue

Nigeria

Nigeria level 1

• Foreign journalists report that claims of local villagers capturing an "alien" are without merit
• Increasingly common reports of alien abductions within Nigeria are met with skepticism by much of the local population
• Unusual activity outside the Nigerian capital of Abuja has been blamed on migratory birds, negating rumors of alien activity
• Government of Nigeria reportedly disrupts smuggling operation dealing in fake "alien" body parts, increasing public skepticism of sightings
• Residents of Benin City believe oddly moving lights are tied to secret government program; no official response from government representatives

Nigeria level 2-3

• Frequency of unusual lights over Nigerian villages continues to climb; residents have varying theories as to the cause
• Three confirmed dead in small African village after \"energy weapon\" strikes house
• Merchants in Nigeria profit from growing alien concern as demand for emergency supplies and weapons grows
• Nigeria struggles to contain growing unrest as reports of alien sightings and attacks continue to climb
• Laborers in Port Harcourt demand action as witnesses claim aliens have repeatedly scouted local industrial district
• Unconfirmed reports of Nigerian village welcoming aliens onto their land draws ire of government officials
• Brazen abduction attempt in Lagos, Nigeria spreads throughout the city

Nigeria level 4

• Economy suffers as oil exports in Nigeria are slowed by infrastructure damage sustained during alien attacks
• Nigerian president requests additional foreign aid to deal with aftermath of alien incursions
• Sporadic reports of Nigerians fleeing Lagos in hopes of escaping alien attacks
• Strange behavior seen in annual migration patterns of animals across Africa; some scientists blame UFO activity
• Residents of Kano, Nigeria say government forces have done nothing to slow progression of alien attacks in the state

Nigeria level 5

• Nigerian government reports troops lost in attempt to resist alien assault near the capital
• African nations especially hard-hit after aliens destroy pipelines and other key infrastructure across the continent
• High ranking official in Nigeria says nation faces 'insurmountable' odds in deterring alien attacks; public confidence shaken
• Economic activity in Port Harcourt effectively cut off as laborers refuse to report in following increased alien attacks in the region
• Residents in the central Nigerian city of Zaria shelter in their homes as government forces prove too little to slow threat of alien attacks

Asia

China

China level 1

• Official Chinese media outlets report that alien sightings and other unusual activity are the work of "subversive elements"
• Rumors of alien abductions taking place throughout Shanghai are being dismissed by local residents as a suspected viral marketing campaign
• Local businesses in Beijing begin selling UFO merchandise in light of recent reports of alien sightings
• Tourists enjoy unusual light show over Hong Kong as mysterious craft make low passes across the city
• Chinese military official denies reports of "alien craft" violating China's airspace the past several nights

China level 2-3

• Residents of Beijing say 'alien' attacks are taking place with regularity, but police continue to deny reports as 'unreliable.'
• Activists in China say aliens are real and government officials should acknowledge their existence; no official response yet
• Dock workers in Hong Kong claim to have seen aliens moving near the city's central port
• State spokesman in China denies claims of alien attacks despite overwhelming evidence of intrusions in a number of cities
• Growing outrage in Guangzhou has the number of report alien abductions continues to climb unabated
• Rural Chinese village allegedly destroyed by alien attack as rescuers struggle to reach survivors
• Military spokesman says jets seen patrolling near Shanghai were conducting "standard drills" with no connection to purported alien attacks

China level 4

• Fear spreads throughout China as continued alien sightings are widely ignored by official government media outlets
• Leaked reports indicate Chinese military firefight with aliens resulting in multiple fatalities; government denies engagement occurred
• Alien attacks in Shenzhen send citizens running for cover as government officials continue to dismiss reports
• Chinese GDP forecast predicts slowing growth as a result of labor and supply disruptions caused by alien attacks
• Rumors of state collaboration with aliens sparks protests in some Chinese cities despite risks

China level 5

• Chinese abandon metropolitan areas in hopes of finding sanctuary in rural communities despite widespread attacks
• Displays of public opposition to government policies in China reach epic proportions as people fear outcome of alien conflict
• Hundreds dead in Beijing: Alien attack topples large office complex as rescuers now attempt to recover survivors
• Fear grips China as government response to alien attacks does little to appease civilian population
• Hong Kong port activity at a standstill as workers refuse to continue moving cargo without 'effective' response to ongoing alien attacks

Japan

Japan level 1

• Authorities in Japan are citing unusual atmospheric conditions as the cause of unexplained lights near several major cities
• Alleged alien abduction in downtown Tokyo has been blamed on costumed anime enthusiasts
• Residents of Osaka widely disregard claims of alien abductions reported near the city center
• Air traffic controllers at the Narita International Airport offer conflicting reports of unidentified aircraft detected on regional ground radar
• Some Japanese citizens urge vigilance despite public dismissal of claimed alien sightings

Japan level 2-3

• Japanese financial markets continue to decline as debates on alien activity dominate news media throughout the country
• Aliens become the new hot trend in Japanese entertainment media as sightings grow exponentially across the island nation
• Japanese economists predict downturn in tourism industry following deluge of media coverage focused on alien activity on Earth
• Residents of Osaka say alien attack leaves at least a dozen civilians dead as grips the city
• Unknown craft seen hovering near Tokyo are now "undeniably" confirmed to be extraterrestrial in nature
• In rare public statement, Emperor of Japan urges calm and cooperation in dealing with potential alien threat to the nation
• Heavy damage reported after alleged "alien weapon" strikes downtown skyscraper in Tokyo

Japan level 4

• Alien attack in Japanese Akihabara district leaves at least four dead, shuttering businesses and leaving local residents in shock
• Social media in Japan overwhelmed by cell-phone videos of alien sightings as fear continues to spread
• Residents of Osaka awoken by powerful blasts; specter of alien invasion weighs heavy on public opinion
• Japanese government forces offer little reassurance to the general public as alien attacks spread across the nation
• Reports indicate multiple casualties in alien attack on Tokyo; citizens grow increasingly concerned over lack of government response

Japan level 5

• Residents of Tokyo left with little place to run after defense forces attempt to combat aliens within the city
• Limited rations are available to residents of Japan as international shipping is widely disrupted by continued assault
• Concern grows over the welfare of Japan's aging population as alien attacks reduce access to public services
• Japanese opposition party accuses government leaders of failing to aggressively pursue response to alien attacks; Polls suggest public outrage growing
• Rolling blackouts instituted across Japan as infrastructure suffers heavy damage following alien assault

India

India level 1

• Residents of Mumbai stand by reports of an unknown "creature" lurking in the streets; so far no evidence has been presented
• Indian newspaper exposé claiming new evidence of alien activity widely criticized by government officials as fraudulent
• Bangalore police apprehend man selling tickets to view purportedly tamed "alien" housed within the city
• Strange lights moving through the night sky over Kolkata spark rumors of alien invasion of Earth
• Bollywood star says there is no merit to report that she was abducted by aliens while filming latest movie

India level 2-3

• Government officials in Delhi deny reports of alien attacks despite growing numbers of eyewitness reports across the city
• Some Indian villagers now believe the aliens were sent to Earth as a warning against current government policies
• Witnesses claim Indian officials are ignoring widespread reports of alien abductions taking place in remote villages across the country
• Citizens across central India demand greater government protection of mass transit in light of increasing alien attacks
• Controversy erupts in Mumbai after local media reports imply government official in collusion with "alien invaders"
• Minor disruptions reported in Indian commodity exports as alien phenomena dominates headlines
• Flagrant alien attacks within the Indian capital city of Mumbai leave little doubt among residents that threat is real

India level 4

• India's parliament condemns alien attacks, but declaration widely viewed as 'futile;' citizens demand more action
• Residents of southern India say aliens have abducted multiple victims in small coastal villages
• Brazen alien attack on civilians in Bangalore causes widespread across the Indian subcontinent
• Members of Indian Parliament notably absent from recent session, increasing speculation of impending alien attacks
• Bombay Stock Exchange declines after repeated alien attacks scare off investors

India level 5

• Many Indians seen making unscheduled pilgrimages as faith in government resistance to aliens evaporates
• Governments across Asia seek unified front against continued alien aggression; pundits believe efforts are 'too little, too late'
• Ravaged neighborhoods in Delhi: Residents left with little after devastating alien attacks destroy hundreds of homes
• Government officials in India offering limited food and water rations to those directly affected by alien attacks
• Rogue Indian politician urges citizens to rise up against alien aggressors despite overwhelming dangers in facing powerful alien technology

Australia

Australia level 1

• Australian Navy official denies media reports of a naval engagement with UFOs off the coast of Queensland
• Sydney radio DJ sponsors "alien hunt" throughout the city after reported sightings...no aliens found so far
• Melbourne police deny reports that city officer was attacked by \"alien\" creature while on patrol
• Australian Prime Minister offers no official statement on repeated sightings of strange lights over several major cities
• Surfers in New South Wales say low flying aircraft have appeared along local beaches several nights in a row

Australia level 2-3

• Citizens across Australia grow weary as reports of alien activity continue to climb unabated
• Some businesses in Perth begin shortening hours as threat of alien attacks continues to grow
• Outrage after lack of official response following blatant abduction attempt in Brisbane is attributed to aliens
• Australian Parliament recalls members for closed door meeting; alien attacks presumably leading topic of debate
• Major newspaper in Sydney claims to have undeniable evidence of alien life on Earth as fear among residents grows
• Australian Navy seen conducting unusual patrols along the coast following sightings of "alien craft"
• Panic spreads across Australia as once skeptical populace grows increasingly concerned over alien attacks"

Australia level 4

• Australian Prime Minister issues public declaration urging citizens to exercise caution in light of undeniable alien threat
• Local journalist in Melbourne posts photographic evidence of alien creature moving near city center, sparking fear in residents
• Resorts across Australia report steep drop in tourism as fear of ongoing alien threat wards off potential visitors
• Residents of Darwin, Australia bunker down after spate of alien attacks strike nearby territories
• Fear grips Australia as government forces fail to slow increasingly powerful alien attacks across the nation

Australia level 5

• Australians brace for more attacks as government forces are overwhelmed by advanced alien technology
• Streets of Brisbane grow deserted as residents choose to stay home rather than risk falling victim to aliens
• Protesters defy warnings of alien threat, march on central government buildings in Canberra to express disbelief in lack of military response
• Some residents of major Australian cities fleeing to remote territories in hopes of avoiding further alien attacks
• Growing concern among world leaders as alien attacks lead to massive economic slowdown in Australia; Ripple effect seen in neighboring countries