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DIEM TRIBUNE
Written By: Jana M.
July 18, 2043
INTERVIEW AT THE DIEM: Discussing the Works with Lily Hale
Lily Hale is a household name in America's pop culture, as well as in the industries of comic book stores and coffee shops, and in the realm of research exploring the impacts of SA/CSB on reproductive health and psychological frameworks. When Lily's addiction became public due to a leak, she faced an unthinkable level of fame and ire. She faced public shunning due to past partners exposing private intimate encounters, anger from many, including women who considered themselves to be activists, and a lot of contempt for daring to create something beautiful out of everyone's underestimation.
Over a cup of steaming coffee, Lily shared, "My daughter, Luna, years ago, came home from school and told me how I remind her of a dragon and phoenix. I had never thought of myself that way, and she passed me two things: a sticker to wear on my arm for the entire day and a list. She had compiled all the ways she could combine dragon and phoenix. The list had scribbles of: Dragonix, Dragix, Drax, Drix, and even Denix. That sticker featured a drawing of a phoenix and a dragon combined. I never forgot that day. I never forgot that sticker. I still have it."
Indeed, Lily is nothing short of a dragon and phoenix, or as Luna perhaps says, a dragonix. Many young women and fans admire Lily. They admire her strength, her ability to be 'reborn' from the flames of fame, and all that she had done. Along with being a successful business visionary, Lily is also the brains behind the Hale Co. x Aspirations 616 program that consists of certain sub-programs:
Biz Lattes, a program designed for youth in and out of school who aspire to start their own businesses, something that can be financially funded by the program, along with mentorship from business executives, including Lily herself, her husband, and Hale Co.'s leaders.
Halway's Summer Office, a three-month summer program strictly for high school students who desire to pursue a career in the arts, including comic illustration, writing, etc., who can find themselves being mentored by the big names to come out of Superheroes & Scones and even have the opportunity to do an internship with a Hale Co. subsidiary.
Lighthouse Beans Project, a project that is designed for youth in and out of school/work, who deal with addiction, mental disorders, and abuse, to help them secure housing, consistent CBT therapy, a payable job, and education in the arts and business, with a guranteed placement in Hale Co., Superheroes & Scones, and Halway Comics, with weekly checks until program caseworkers feel they are well-sufficient to continue without them.
The CACHE Coding Room Project, aka the Capital One and Samora Banking Co. x Abbey Games Cobalt Inc. x Hale Co. Electronics Coding Room Project, which is designed for high school students who want to pursue careers in finance and technology who, upon applicant approval, will have a multi-year mentorship from the best of the best from Capital One and Samoring Banking Co.'s merger division, Abbey Games, and Hale Co. Electronics.
Now, Lily is looking to expand Superheroes & Scones with a unique collaboration with tabletop and card game publishers, from Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast to small businesses and indie publishers. This collaboration's name is Pawns & Scones, a board game and card game cafe chain that has no wifi inside. Designed for social interaction that also accounts for individuals who may deal with social anxiety, general anxiety, and depression, this project not only bears the work of Lily and countless game designers but also Lily's son, Xander Hale, who has provided his input on the games, interiors, and the weekly teen-centric programmes and workshops that Pawns & Scones will hold.
Xander Hale has gone from what many called a recluse to now being seen on New York City's streets with his best friend, Easton, and bodyguard, Paul Donnelly. He has rented out coffee shops, specific floors in multi-storey bookstores, and other areas to hang out peacefully, without his fans plaguing and ruining his time. Additionally, he has been spotted grabbing lunch with his father at restaurants near the Hale Co. headquarters and non-caffeinated beverages with his mother at the Madison Avenue Superheroes & Scones location.
With the newfound involvement in his mother's business, some are wondering how much Xander Hale has changed. And some are wondering how?
Anyway, when asked about how Pawns & Scones had come to be, Lily answered, "Friendships and social interactions are important. I want to provide a safe yet fun space for people to gather with people they see as valuable."
When asked what her safe space is, Lily shyly said, sipping on her coffee, "Loren Hale."
Catching up with Lily has not only heightened the excitement for Pawns & Scones but also showcased the enduring love she and her husband share. A love that their four kids forever carry.
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EMPIRE HERALD
Written By: Marianne Watts
July 19, 2043
Who will lead Bergstein Group?
The Sadler family and Fitzpatrick family have owned the Bergstein Group since its start. The company is a devious monopoly that has somehow found loopholes in business law to continue operating, despite its blatant hoarding of business contracts, cost-cutting, and overall accumulation of wealth. This company saves money for Fitzpatrick Co. and Sadler Ventures, two of the most prominent companies in the country and globally, which were established in the late 1860s.
As some dark truths surfaced in public, changes are needed, and one of them is the toughest decision: choosing a new CEO for the Bergstein Group.
From September, it will become clear who the top candidates are for the ultimate choice.
Who do you think will become CEO of such a renowned and crucial company?