Alex Rustic, CEO of Asphyxiation Point Savings and Loan, returned home on Saturday, after being in Chicago on family business. Once home she found that the trial of the man accused of abducting, raping and extorting her, Mr. Stubworth McCaw,  had been expedited and the man had been cleared of all charges.  Mrs. Rustic reached out to the AP Times and this reporter sat down with her to hear her side of the story.

 "I am far from pleased to have found out in my weeks of absence the trial had been held without my knowledge." She went on to say "the fact I was not notified of the date of the trial while being in Chicago for my fathers death would make a person think" 

Mrs. Rustic made her feelings of intimidation clear by stating, "I'm not safe in this town now and I know more people are not safe because they stuck out their necks to get him convicted and he just gets community service? I do not know how far the arm of Mr. McCaw reaches but the fact the judge only gave him such a mild punishment and everything regarding my kidnapping and the bank got acquitted for, says a lot!"

 Just a few short weeks ago, Mrs Rustic had gone to the police to protect herself and her family from threats she claims were made by McCaw. It was under the influence of these threats that she alleges Stubworth McCaw gained access to the AP Savings and loan computers and began cyphering an unstated amount of funds from the accounts of AP residents.

 In an effort to correct the situation, Mrs. Rustic has promised to pay restitutions to the effected customers. 
 
 "The bank and its computers were corrupted. With every transaction money was taken away. Now there are new computers arriving Monday and every account that was infected will get a hundred thousand dollars for inconveniences , everyones money was and will be safe"  Alex told the Times.

 "I am going to show I am not scared anymore. I got my bodyguard, I have an order of protection coming from the DA for me and my daughter and if he threatens me I got 911 on speed dial" she said, but would continue "I wish I could trust the system "

 She went on to speak on behalf of the AP Savings and loan to let the patrons know "that there won't be issues at the bank no more and that I was just a victim as much as many others."  

Reported by Pen Dragon

Facts and figures reported on this article have been updated since this article was published. Information on changes can be found at [Life] Alex Rustic Speaks [CORRECTION].

Asphyxiation Point Times seeks several reporters to contribute to its coverage, writing news stories and short features on topics of broad reader interest.

You would be part of the growing team based right here in your locality, and help shape our efforts to take bracingly creative approaches to covering all manners of news. Developing fresh ways to look at news and trends and translate them into interesting, provocative articles, with a solid grounding in facts, is a central challenge of this job.

We are looking for journalists with professional reporting experience, facility with data, an entrepreneurial approach to their work, and the ability to convey curiosity and humor in their writing. The reporters should have a track record in and passion for framing and writing stories with social potential.

To apply, simply show up at our new address at 18 1st St W and look for the Help Wanted Sign ! Its right by the motel so you can't miss it (if you are looking that is).

What's behind all the construction on the island? Is it a good time to invest in Real Estate at Asphyxiation Point? Should you be buying or selling right now? I am sure more than a few of you have been wondering about such questions and more. 

Unfortunately, our requests for comment to the construction business have gone unanswered so far. A cloak of secrecy seems to surround the construction industry operating at Asphyxiation Point. And so your friendly neighborhood reporter finally decided to jump the official channels and go straight to the field. What follows is a brief summary of what I learned by talking to the engineers and laborers on the ground. 

So first... The good news ! Turns out that the Real Estate market in Asphyxiation Point is booming right now. The record influx of tourists this summer has driven property prices through the roof. Existing businesses are reaping the benefits of an extremely good tourist season and most of the construction has actually been remodeling to provide better services, better facilities to the ever increasing tourist population.

The housing market too has benefited tremendously from the ever increasing influx of tourists. Vacation homes are being rented pretty much as soon as they are being put on the market. A few land owners have even decided to use this boom to their advantage, replacing disused rundown warehouses with new upscale apartment complexes.

Fortunately, the sudden increase in the number of houses does not seem to have put a strain on city infrastructure either. With most folks preferring to walk or bike in the lovely weather, cars haven't really been a concern. Concerns about water contamination via the storm drains running under the town have proven unfounded so far as well.

So what's the bad news then? Well... The only dark lining in the silver cloud has been the fact that some of the businesses had to  undergo renovation by necessity not by choice. Hurricane Daphne back in April hit some businesses harder than construction crews had originally thought. The recent flooding of the PD Prison brought safety concerns to light once more and has prompted most businesses to take a second look at their foundations.

While buildings are by no means in danger of collapsing, concerns of mold and rot have prompted more than one major renovation project around town. In some cases, businesses decided to downsize to cut down on labor and material cost. Of course, almost every renovation has been also accompanied with newer and better facilities such as the Dew Drop Inn pictured below. Smaller... but newer and better.

To summarize, I would like to reassure the residents of Asphyxiation Point that there is no better time to be here. If you are an existing business or home-owner, all that much the better. Even if Hurricane Daphne did leave behind some residual damage, the record influx of tourists will more than cover any renovation costs. In fact, the only real sufferers are probably incoming vacationers given the cutthroat competition for vacation homes.

Reported by John Doe

Are you a people person, can you style your butt off? Then good, because we need you here at Salon Chic.  

Salon chic is having a grand opening next week and we are hiring all essential staff.

Positions currently open:
Receptionist
Senior Stylist
Jr Stylist
Shampooist

Salon Chic is an upscale salon, where we cater to the chic and elite. Located in Uptown Asphyxiation Point on the corner of Highland and 7th Street.

To apply please contact Yaniah Jameson or stop by and pick up application.

You heard it, top dollar for all your gold and silver, and pick up a new piece while here, Pawnty Lines....because all our pockets need to be filled now and then. No Questions Asked!

Pawnty Lines, 2nd, 2nd Street, Asphyxiation Point.

Skin Deep Tattoos and Piercings is currently seeking detail oriented tattoo artists  and piercers, as well as a store manager. Hours are from 8am to 9pm. If interested contact Ivy Rae (ivylarae)." 

"Local coffee shop seeking friendly upbeat personalities for full or part time help as a barista. All hours available. Must have a passion for serving up great coffee as well as customer service. We are willing to train. Please contact Harley Mason ((Sydney Lee)) at 'Flick The Bean' for more information."