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Saturday, August 9, 2025
2 hours ago
Lauren Gallagher
Science
TECH

China Makes Significant Breakthrough In Planned Moon Landing

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: China successfully tested its first manned lunar lander in landing and takeoff.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: China Manned Space Agency and U.S. Transportation Secretary and interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy

📍WHEN & WHERE: The test took place on Wednesday in Huailai County, Hebei province, northern China.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’re in a race to the Moon, in a race with China to the Moon. And to have a base on the Moon, we need energy.” – Sean Duffy

🎯IMPACT: Major breakthroughs for China’s manned lunar exploration program allow China to demonstrate the ability for a crewed spacecraft to land and take off from an extraterrestrial body for the first time.

IN FULL

China is progressing towards its objective of landing astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The communist country announced a significant milestone in its lunar exploration program, successfully completing the first “comprehensive landing and takeoff test” of its manned lunar lander, Lanyue. The test was conducted at a facility in Huailai County, northern China, and was described as a breakthrough by the China Manned Space Agency.

This event was the first time China tested the “extraterrestrial landing and takeoff capabilities” of a manned spacecraft, a major breakthrough in the research and development of its manned lunar exploration program. The Lanyue is a two-part lunar lander with a landing and propulsion module. It’s designed to transport two astronauts between the Moon’s orbit and surface. The design resembles the Apollo Lunar Module, which featured an ascent rocket engine and a lower stage for descent.

In addition to China’s moon landing mission, the country has constructed a network of 16 space facilities in Latin America while operating Tiangong, a modern space station. China is also advancing another moon mission aimed at building the International Lunar Research Station, a scientific experimental facility located on the Moon’s surface and orbit. The project’s completion is scheduled for 2025 and 2050.

Meanwhile, U.S. Transportation Secretary and interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy announced a plan to construct a nuclear reactor on the Moon on Tuesday, stating, “We’re in a race to the Moon, in a race with China to the Moon. And to have a base on the Moon, we need energy.”

Currently, the United States is the first and only country to land humans on the Moon, with its next planned moon landing mission set for 2027. NASA launched the Apollo program in 1961, which landed the first humans on the Moon in 1969. The program included six lunar missions with twelve astronauts and ended in 1972.

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3 hours ago
Economy

Trump Admin Eyes IPOs for Mortgage Giants Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac: Report.

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❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration is reportedly planning to take Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac public later this year, potentially raising $30 billion.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Trump administration, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and market analysts tracking the mortgage giants.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Expected later this year, with details surfacing on Friday, August 8, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is a highly complicated potential transaction here… I’ve heard more years-long timelines with regards to bringing Fannie and Freddie public here.” – Analysts following the developments.

🎯IMPACT: Shares of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have risen, with Freddie up 3 percent and Fannie up 4.5 percent, amid speculation about the IPO timeline.

IN FULL

Speculation is mounting that the Trump administration is planning to take Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac public later this year. The plans could involve selling between 5 percent and 15 percent of their stock, valuing the mortgage giants at approximately $500 billion.

The two companies, which have been under government control since the 2008 financial crisis, might remain under government conservatorship, though this detail remains unclear. Analysts suggest the transaction could raise $30 billion, but questions remain about the feasibility of the timeline.

“This is a highly complicated potential transaction here,” said one analyst, noting that most observers have anticipated a years-long timeline for such a move. The possibility of an IPO later this year has raised skepticism among those who have tracked the government-sponsored enterprises for years.

Shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have reacted positively to the news. Freddie Mac’s stock rose 3 percent, while Fannie Mae saw a 4.5 percent increase. The market appears to be pricing in optimism about the potential IPO and the two companies’ future.

Further developments are expected as the Trump administration finalizes its plans. The timeline and structure of the IPO, including whether the companies will go public as one entity or two separate ones, remain key details to watch.

Image by ehpien.

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3 hours ago
News
UK

UK’s Labour Govt Tanking Among Voters as Nigel Farage Soars.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: New polling shows Keir Starmer’s lead over Nigel Farage as the preferred prime minister has significantly narrowed, reflecting a decline in public confidence.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch, Jeremy Corbyn, Ed Davey, and other political figures.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The polling data was collected earlier this month, reflecting public sentiment as of August 2025 in the United Kingdom.

🎯IMPACT: The data highlights growing dissatisfaction with Starmer’s leadership and signals potential shifts in voter preferences toward Farage ahead of future elections.

IN FULL

According to the latest polling, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer‘s lead over Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as the preferred prime minister has shrunk. In May, Starmer held a 44 percent to 29 percent advantage over Farage, but this has now fallen to 35 percent to 28 percent in August. The decline reflects a shift in public sentiment, particularly among left-of-center voters.

The polling also reveals that Starmer’s advantage against other political figures, such as Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal leader Ed Davey, has narrowed. When compared to Badenoch, Starmer’s lead has dropped from 36 percent to 30 percent, while support for Badenoch has also declined from 25 percent to 20 percent. Meanwhile, Starmer and Davey are now tied at 20 percent each, down from 27 percent to 25 percent in May.

Nigel Farage has also gained ground against other figures. For instance, Farage now leads Kemi Badenoch 23 percent to 21 percent, reversing her previous 29 percent to 25 percent advantage. Similarly, Ed Davey’s lead over Farage has dropped from 14 points in May to just 31 percent to 27 percent in the latest poll.

Public dissatisfaction with Starmer’s premiership is evident, with only 9 percent of Britons rating him as a great or good prime minister. The majority describe his performance as poor or terrible, and even among his own Labour Party voters, only 18 percent view him as above average. Nigel Farage scores the highest among potential leaders, with 24 percent of Britons believing he would be a good prime minister.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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4 hours ago
Economy
News

India Halts U.S. Arms Deals in Response to Trump Tariffs.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: India has reportedly paused arms purchases from the United States and canceled a visit by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to Washington following new tariffs imposed by President Donald J. Trump.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Indian Defense Ministry.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The tariffs were imposed in August 2025, with the arms purchase developments emerging shortly after, according to Reuters.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It is clarified that the various cases of procurement are being progressed as per the extant procedures,” said the Indian Defense Ministry, rejecting Reuters’ report.

🎯IMPACT: The situation could affect U.S.-India defense ties and trade negotiations amidst broader geopolitical shifts.

IN FULL

India has reportedly begun pushing back against the recent wave of tariffs imposed by President Donald J. Trump, with officials indicating that key defense agreements with the United States have been paused. According to three Indian government sources, New Delhi has temporarily shelved plans to acquire American military equipment and has also canceled a scheduled visit to Washington by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.

These developments follow President Trump’s announcement earlier this month of sweeping trade measures targeting India. The White House introduced a blanket 25 percent tariff on Indian exports, along with a punitive 25 percent levy specifically aimed at Indian purchases of Russian crude oil. The combined 50 percent tariff burden is expected to take effect on August 26. Sources close to the matter suggest that the defense freeze could be lifted if the two nations reach a breakthrough in trade talks before the deadline.

In recent years, India has worked to diversify its defense partnerships, especially since the 2020 border clashes with China prompted a reassessment of its military readiness. While India has traditionally relied on Russian defense hardware, Washington made significant inroads under Trump’s previous term, securing over $24 billion in arms sales. However, this growing defense cooperation now faces uncertainty amid the escalating trade dispute.

Indian defense officials have reportedly halted negotiations on several major arms deals, including the Stryker armored vehicle, the Javelin anti-tank missile system, and the Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft. The Stryker purchase had already encountered headwinds due to India’s ambition to develop local alternatives. Meanwhile, the P-8I deal was reportedly under review due to rising costs and evolving strategic priorities. Notably, Indian media had flagged delays in these procurement programs prior to the newest reports.

In response to the new reports, the Indian Defense Ministry strongly denied any freeze in defense talks, labeling the report as “false and fabricated.” In an official statement, the ministry asserted, “It is clarified that the various cases of procurement are being progressed as per the extant procedures,” and further emphasized that there is “no pause in talks related to buying U.S. arms.”

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5 hours ago
News
Politics

Melania Trump Forces Carville Apology Over Epstein Smear.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Democratic strategist James Carville issued a public apology after making a false claim about First Lady Melania Trump’s introduction to Donald Trump.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: James Carville, Melania Trump, President Donald J. Trump, and leftist writer Judd Legum.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred during a recent episode of the Politics War Room podcast.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I also take back these statements and apologize.” – James Carville

🎯IMPACT: The video containing the false claims was removed, and Carville’s comments were edited out of the podcast episode.

IN FULL

Democratic strategist James Carville issued a public apology after claiming that First Lady Melania Trump was introduced to her husband, President Donald J. Trump, by convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The comments were made on the Politics War Room podcast during a discussion with leftist writer Judd Legum.

Following a letter from Melania Trump’s legal team, Carville stated, “In last week’s podcast episode, we spoke with Judd Legum. After the episode, we received a letter from Melania Trump’s lawyer. He took issue with our title of one of those YouTube videos from that episode and a couple of comments I made about the First Lady.”

Carville continued, “We took a look at what they complained about, and we took down the video and edited out those comments from the episode. I also take back these statements and apologize.”

The controversy follows a similar incident in late July when The Daily Beast removed an article alleging that a modeling agent connected to Epstein introduced Melania to Donald Trump. The claims, attributed to author Michael Wolff, were later retracted after Melania’s attorneys intervened.

In her 2024 memoir, Melania Trump clarified that she met Donald Trump in September 1998 at a Fashion Week party at the Kit Kat Klub in New York City. She described the moment, writing, “I saw my friend wave at someone behind me. When I turned around, I noticed a man and an attractive blonde woman approaching us. ‘Hi. I’m Donald Trump,’ the man said when he reached my table.”

The long-time Democrat strategist, who worked for former President Bill Clinton, is well-known for blusterous comments. The “ragin’ cajun” had a meltdown last year when young voters refused to show enthusiasm about former President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign. In another instance, he labelled gun control activist David Hogg as a “contemptible little twerp” when Hogg announced plans to try to use Democratic National Committee money to oust Democrats not viewed as progressive and woke enough.

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5 hours ago
Immigration
News

Trump Seeks SCOTUS Intervention to Restore Full ICE Powers in L.A.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump’s Solicitor General is asking the Supreme Court to override restrictions on ICE operations imposed by judges in Los Angeles and California.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Solicitor General D. John Sauer, U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Central District of California, with an appeal filed with the Supreme Court late Thursday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Every day that the district court’s order remains in effect, law-enforcement officers throughout the most populous district in the country are laboring under the threat of judicial contempt.” – D. John Sauer

🎯IMPACT: The case highlights a clash between enforcing federal immigration laws and judicial curbs that critics argue hinder ICE operations.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump’s legal team has taken its case to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to overturn judicial limitations on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in California. These limitations were put in place by Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong in the Central District of California and have sparked ongoing conflict between federal immigration officials and the courts.

Solicitor General D. John Sauer criticized the restrictions, claiming they have significantly disrupted federal immigration enforcement in an area that includes approximately two million illegal immigrants. He defended ICE’s discretion and decision-making during operations, remarking, “Needless to say, no one thinks that speaking Spanish or working in construction always creates reasonable suspicion.”

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Judge Frimpong’s ruling, agreeing that characteristics such as language, ethnicity, occupation, or race do not amount to reasonable grounds for initiating stops. According to the court, these elements form a generalized profile rather than pointing to particular unlawful behavior.

Sauer cautioned that the order continues to hamper law enforcement efforts in the most densely populated federal district in the nation, stating, “Every day that the district court’s order remains in effect, law-enforcement officers throughout the most populous district in the country are laboring under the threat of judicial contempt.” He further argued that such legal constraints hinder agents’ ability to fulfill their duties under federal law.

Supporters of the court-imposed limits, including Democratic lawmakers and some business sectors, argue that these measures benefit the economy by enabling access to lower-cost immigrant labor, rather than pushing companies toward higher wages or automation. In contrast, the Trump administration has maintained its commitment to fostering a high-wage, high-tech economy and opposing a system that relies on mass migration and lower wages.

Image by Billy Wilson.

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6 hours ago
Christopher Tomlinson
Politics
World

Poland’s New Conservative President Rails Against Illegal Migration and the EU.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Poland’s new conservative President Karol Nawrocki assumed office this week, using his inaugural speech to rail against illegal immigration and his opposition to Poland joining the euro.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Polish President Karol Nawrocki, European Union (EU).

📍WHEN & WHERE: President Nawrocki made his comments after assuming office on August 6.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Traditional values and legitimate authority prevail when citizens defend their identity and future.” — Karol Nawrocki.

🎯IMPACT: The election marks a shift back to the conservative right in Poland, which split over the Ukraine conflict and lost the last national elections in 2023.

IN FULL

Conservative Karol Nawrocki was officially sworn in as President of Poland on August 6. In his inaugural address, he stressed his administration’s focus on national sovereignty, security, and the defense of traditional values.

At the center of his speech were firm positions on illegal immigration and monetary policy. Nawrocki reaffirmed his opposition to illegal immigration and to Poland joining the eurozone, stating that these stances are aligned with principles that “prioritize social stability and order.”

Nawrocki, a historian and former head of the Institute of National Remembrance, won the presidency with 50.89 percent of the vote in the second round of elections held on June 1, 2025. His candidacy was backed by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party, the former governing party of Poland prior to the 2023 national elections.

His inauguration marks a significant political shift in Poland. Nawrocki has presented his victory as a rejection of policies emanating from Brussels, calling out what he described as the “impositions of European bureaucracy” and defending what he views as Poland’s cultural and political autonomy.

According to official statements from his campaign, the election outcome is interpreted as a “strong message against globalist policies that threaten the traditional social fabric.”

In his address, Nawrocki pledged to implement several domestic reforms, including reducing the value-added tax (VAT) from 23 percent to 22 percent and instituting tax exemptions for families with two or more children. He described these initiatives as a means of reinforcing “the family as a fundamental pillar of society.”

On economic policy, Nawrocki signaled opposition to “excessive regulation of cryptocurrencies” and committed to addressing “unfair competition” within the Polish economy. His campaign has framed these efforts as part of a broader “pragmatic and patriotic approach.”

The new president’s remarks also conveyed a message to the European Union, asserting that “sovereign peoples will not yield to agendas that undermine their traditions and security.” His administration is expected to take a more confrontational stance toward EU institutions than his predecessor.

Supporters argue that the election result reaffirms Poland’s commitment to conservative principles and national self-determination. “Traditional values and legitimate authority prevail when citizens defend their identity and future,” Nawrocki said in closing.

Meanwhile, political analysts say the result represents a significant setback for Poland’s left-leaning and pro-European parties, which Nawrocki’s allies have accused of promoting a “globalist agenda and disdain for traditions.”

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7 hours ago
News
War

Is the U.S. About to Take Military Action Against Drug Cartels?

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump has reportedly ordered the Pentagon to prepare military options for targeting drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, the Pentagon, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and former Department of State lawyer Brian Finucane.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The possible military operations were revealed on Friday, August 8, 2025, involving border operations and actions targeting cartels in Venezuela and Mexico.

💬KEY QUOTE: “President Trump’s top priority is protecting the homeland, which is why he took the bold step to designate several cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.” – White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly

🎯IMPACT: The designation of cartels as terrorist organizations enables the use of military and intelligence resources to target these groups, raising questions about legality and operational scope.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has directed the Pentagon to devise military strategies to target international drug cartels that his administration has labeled as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs). According to individuals familiar with the decision, U.S. defense officials are actively evaluating possible missions to either capture or eliminate high-value individuals involved in global narcotics trafficking.

The move marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s approach to transnational crime. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly explained the administration’s rationale, stating, “President Trump’s top priority is protecting the homeland, which is why he took the bold step to designate several cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.”

Among the groups recently classified under this new designation are MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and the Venezuelan Cartel of the Suns. Officials argue that treating these organizations as terrorist threats will allow a broader use of U.S. power beyond law enforcement.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the strategic benefits of the designation: “Labeling cartels as terrorist groups allows the U.S. to use other elements of American power, intelligence agencies, the Department of Defense, whatever, to target these groups if we have an opportunity to do it. We have to start treating them as armed terrorist organizations, not simply drug-dealing organizations.”

In conjunction with the policy shift, the administration also unveiled a major bounty targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. A reward of $50 million is being offered for information leading to his arrest, as part of a broader crackdown on what U.S. officials allege is a criminal narco-state network.

Attorney General Pam Bondi tied Maduro directly to the narcotics crisis, saying, “Maduro uses foreign terrorist organizations like Tren de Aragua, Sinaloa, and Cartel of the Suns that bring deadly drugs and violence into our country. Today, the DEA has seized 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro, and his associates, with nearly 7 tons linked to Maduro himself, which represents a primary source of income for the deadly cartels based in Venezuela and Mexico.”

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8 hours ago
News

Trump Warns of ‘Great Depression’ If Appeals Court Rules Against His Tariffs.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump warned U.S. courts against blocking his tariff policy, citing its positive economic impact and potential consequences of a judicial reversal.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, U.S. courts, former House Speaker Paul Ryan, and Alan Wolff of the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 8, 2025,  on Truth Social.

💬KEY QUOTE: “If a Radical Left Court ruled against us at this late date… it would be 1929 all over again, a GREAT DEPRESSION.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Markets have responded relatively positively to tariff policy shifts, with much of the impact now priced in to long-term projections. An abrupt change initiated by the federal courts could spark a return of market volatility.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump took to Truth Social on Friday to warn of the economic risks of potential judicial actions against his tariff policy. He declared that a court ruling against his administration could lead to a severe economic downturn, likening it to the Great Depression of 1929.

“Tariffs are having a huge positive impact on the Stock Market. Almost every day, new records are set. In addition, Hundreds of Billions of Dollars are pouring into our Country’s coffers. If a Radical Left Court ruled against us at this late date, in an attempt to bring down or disturb the largest amount of money, wealth creation and influence the U.S.A. has ever seen, it would be impossible to ever recover, or pay back, these massive sums of money and honor. It would be 1929 all over again, a GREAT DEPRESSION!” Trump wrote.

The America First leader continued: “If they were going to rule against the wealth, strength, and power of America, they should have done so LONG AGO, at the beginning of the case, where our entire Country, while never having a chance at this kind of GREATNESS again, would not have been put in 1929 style jeopardy.”

“Our Country deserves SUCCESS AND GREATNESS, NOT TURMOIL, FAILURE, AND DISGRACE,” Trump added.

The comments come as a federal appeals court deliberates on the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA). Specifically, President Trump’s global reciprocal tariffs are under review by the full 11-judge bench of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C.

The court will determine whether Trump exceeded his authority by imposing reciprocal tariffs on various U.S. trading partners. The appeal follows a May ruling by a three-judge panel of the Court of International Trade, which blocked the tariffs. That decision has been stayed pending the outcome of this new hearing.

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8 hours ago
Politics

Major SC Primary Exit Boosts Project 2025 Architect Paul Dans’s Challenge to Sen. Graham.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Paul Dans calls for unity among conservatives to challenge Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in the South Carolina Senate race.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Paul Dans, Andre Bauer, Mark Lynch, and Sen. Graham.

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 8, 2025, in Charleston, South Carolina.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Andre Bauer’s decision to step aside reflects the humility and integrity that South Carolina conservatives cherish.” – Paul Dans

🎯IMPACT: Dans seeks to consolidate the anti-Graham vote and build a coalition to retire Lindsey Graham.

IN FULL

Paul Dans, a leading conservative candidate for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina, has extended an invitation for unity to his former rivals, Andre Bauer and Mark Lynch. Bauer, the state’s former Lieutenant Governor, recently suspended his campaign, while Lynch continues his efforts in the Republican primary against incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

Dans praised Bauer’s decision to step aside, highlighting it as a reflection of the humility and integrity valued by South Carolina conservatives. “Andre Bauer’s decision to step aside reflects the humility and integrity that South Carolina conservatives cherish,” Dans said, while also commending Lynch for challenging the status quo and emphasizing the need to consolidate the anti-Graham vote.

Dans, architect of Project 2025 and a former Trump administration official, underscored the urgency of uniting against Graham’s record on issues like endless wars and open borders. He called for a coalition to retire Graham and secure a Senator aligned with South Carolina’s values.

The campaign has gained momentum with national media attention and polls indicating Graham’s vulnerability. Dans’s leadership in Project 2025 has already achieved significant policy victories, making him a formidable candidate in the race.

Dans invited all South Carolinians who reject Graham’s policies to join his movement, aiming to make South Carolina a beacon of conservative leadership. He emphasized truth, unity, and a commitment to putting America first.

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