Paragon City is set to open its doors on April 28 2004 according to the official announcement made recently from City Hall. This re-opening of the City follows a major period of rebuilding and repairing the structural damage caused by the Rikti Invasion.

Heroes are already in Paragon City working as part of the Beta Project - a campaign designed to test the reliability and systems of the re-built city - but widespread access into the City has been restricted to this point. For those especially interested heroes (or just those who wish to look at what the City offers) special limited edition VIP entry into Paragon City can be pre-purchased. Heroes on these VIP passes have been let in as of the last week of March.

It is understood that there are limited numbers of these pre-purchase invites left for those heroes who still haven't purchased them and that they also arrive with extra bonuses included.

"The announcement of Paragon City's re-launch day is a great thing for all potential heroes," says UnSub, owner of The Beholder. "It marks the end of a long period of waiting and worrying for the community that has formed around what Paragon City is and could be. Soon (but perhaps not soon enough!) we will finally be allowed into this City of Heroes."

Supergroup The Union has burst onto the scene in recent months, quickly becoming one of the teams to watch when Paragon City opens its gates some point during this year. Well-known for their strong teamwork and dedication, the four members of the Union - Strikebreaker, Rosie Riveter, General Public and The Worker - are less recognised for their political affiliations and attempts to create a union for their fellow superheroes.

"It's true - we are a very politically motivated team," says Strikebreaker who serves as the main spokesperson for The Union. "Some heroes are content to just look after citizens, whereas we like to look at the big picture and try to help the heroes themselves."

Despite keeping up a strenuous crime-fighting campaign against the Lost and the Fifth Column ("Our focus is on anyone who seeks to force an ideology on those weaker than themselves," says Strikebreaker), The Union has also been active around City Hall, managing a host of petitions and protests for more hero-based rights. "We want to see heroes given better support by both the police and public and feel that political action is the only way to accomplish this," comments The Union spokesman.

These demands include:

• Overtime influence increases for heroes that work the long hours. "It doesn't have to be those who work into the night - many heroes prefer this time - but for heroes that work longer than 8 hours at a stretch there needs to be more compensation", says Strikebreaker.
• Free enhancements and inspirations for all heroes. "It's insane to make heroes pay for things that make them better at protecting citizens. City Hall should cover the cost of this specialised equipment and uniform repairs out of its own budget."
• Increased legal protection and recognition of sidekicks. "If you accept that heroes need more support, then sidekicks are downright neglected. Sidekicks need to be made aware of their rights and that it is wrong for their mentors to use them as 'point men' or always make them go first into possible villain hideouts."
• The development of dress standards for work and safety purposes. "Too many heroes operate wearing unsafe costumes - too many of them forget they aren't resistant to their own powers. We are currently lobbying for all fire-based heroes to wear full-fitting asbestos suits for their own protection."

The Union angrily denies any claims of links to the Family or any other type of organised crime. "We are simply looking out for the other heroes and are certainly not getting kickbacks of any kind from anyone," comments Strikebreaker. Anyone who wishes to join The Union is welcome he adds - just drop The Union a line and they will be happy to sign you up.

After the Rikti War, the remaining veteran heroes had decided that while some of them may be unable to continue the good fight, they can all still contribute to the protection of Paragon City.

Certain heroes have been chosen for their experience and wisdom to teach the new generation of heroes unique ways to utilize their inherent or learned gifts to better protect the citizens of our city.

Though these "Trainers" are currently only available full-time to heroes under the Beta Project, they have taken time out of their busy schedules to teach even unlicensed heroes more about their powers. In weekly seminars, the Trainers have been publicly demonstrating techniques in how heroes can use their powers. These range from attacks and defensive maneuvers, to special crowd control methods.

This reporter has noticed a huge benefit for the community as more and more young heroes grow anxious to don outfits and learn from these great teachers.

In a time of intense struggle and turmoil, Paragon City finds itself in dire straits in terms of reconstruction of the city’s infrastructure. The onslaught of the Rikti invasion was devastating enough, but now the battles between super-powered heroes and villains en masse leave the city’s construction resources clamoring to keep up, much less rebuild.

Donald Barber, CEO of Barber Construction, elucidates. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate what these heroes are doing for our city. It just seems to me that some of them have a super-powered sense of carelessness. Yes, we’re all impressed when you can rip up a light pole and swing it like a baseball bat to take down the bad guy. But really, why not just use a bat?”

Epic struggles between good and evil have been causing major headaches for city construction crews in nearly every block of Paragon City, and this is creating some backlash for the otherwise adored costume-clad do-gooders. As one construction worker comments, “I seen a purse snatcher thrown through a big plate glass window the other day by this huge guy with red tights. At first I was like ‘Wow! All right, man!’ but then I realized I was going to spend like eight hours replacing that glass the next day. If you’re so strong and whatever, just hold the guy down and take the purse back or something.”

The outcry of construction workers citywide has been heard, but overall, city officials endorse the work of Paragon City’s heroes. A city hall spokesman made a comment in a press release yesterday stating that “[the construction teams] are undermanned and overworked, and their complaints are understandable. They fail to take into account, however, the shape the city would be in without such valiant effort and strength as displayed by our heroes.”

While heroes citywide are still working with the general approval and absolution of City Hall, Paragon City officials are advising endowed heroes to be cautious when enforcing justice, and to be “as determined to save the city’s buildings and properties as they are its citizens.”

This reporter was shocked and apalled to learn that the economy of this city which has been so damaged by the recent attack by the Rikti must brace for another onslaught from a nefarious and unexpected source.

Recently hired so-called hero, The Economizer, tried to ease the minds of employees last week at a company meeting. "This will not be an easy time for any of us, but in the interest of keeping shareholder value at its highest possible level, some, possibly all jobs in the enforcement, human experimentation, and web development sections of Crey Industries must be moved overseas". He declared as he stood before a stunned audience of employees, oily smile oozing insincerity.

Countess Crey applauded the statement and expressed support for the move.

"I have long suspected that we were suffering from a bloated payroll" the Countess says, "The Economizer has been able to show without a doubt that if we force our employees to train their replacements in Asia and the Subcontinent that morale would improve, profits would skyrocket, and efficiency would... Well... What is the opposite of plummet?"

"Also, with all of these cuts, I'll be able to justify a much larger bonus than usual for myself at year's end," she added happily.

When this reporter approached the elusive Economizer for proof of his claims that laying off 80% of the local workforce (which amounts to nearly a third of the population of our fine city) would improve life in our community he proceeded to present his case.

"Before I begin, I would like you to examine this pocketwatch." which he dangled by its chain in front of this reporter's gaze. A remarkable sense of calm and well-being was felt by yours truly as the watch swung back and forth, turning slowly...

"So you can see, even though we are going to plunge nearly half the city's population and our most loyal customers into what seems like desperate poverty, this move is actually a good one for Crey Industries. Profits will rise, consumers will spend more than ever, and the economy will thrive." He concluded after an indeterminate period. Then for some reason he snapped his fingers, apparently signalling the end of the interview.

As I struggled to recall the rather pointed questions I had prepared for the interview, I had to admit that his presentation made sense, even though at the time of filing this story I cannot exactly recall many of the details, apparently it was so engrossing that I completely forgot to take any notes.

Thus it is with unwavering support that this reporter declares that this paper, this city, this entire planet owes the Economizer a debt of gratitude for showing us the error in our ways. He has convinced me that the citizens of our fine city are adaptable, and enjoy a good challenge. Standing in line at the unemployment office will present numerous opportunities for creative thinking and surely result in a string of breakthroughs in the food service and landscaping industries.

In conclusion, I would like to say The Economizer is a fine man of outstanding moral value and I would be proud to have him take my daughter in marriage if he so chooses.