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Category: News
April 29, 2025
Health
News

Federal Departments Are Implementing Trump EO Against Child Surgical and Chemical Mutilation.

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❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order banning the federal funding and facilitation of puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgeries for minors.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

📍 Where & When: United States, Executive Order signed on January 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: A Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) alert emphasizes that providers must “follow the highest standards of care… especially as it comes to America’s children.”

⚠️ Impact: Federal grants supporting related treatments have been rescinded, saving taxpayers $477 million, and further actions are underway to ensure adherence to the order.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump’s executive order banning the federal government from funding transgender surgeries or therapies for children has now been implemented on several fronts. A White House report released April 28 details what measures have already been implemented since the order was signed in January.

This directive, Executive Order 14187, calls for agencies to reverse policies based on the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s (WPATH) standards, which are criticized for lacking a scientific foundation. A notable element of these earlier policies was the absence of age restrictions for surgeries, influenced by health lobbyists.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to conduct an extensive review of existing literature regarding best health practices for children with gender dysphoria, assembling an expert team to ensure scientific accuracy.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) is tasked with promoting accountability across taxpayer-supported research to uphold data quality and transparency. This includes rectifying the nondisclosure of study outcomes that have been withheld due to political reasons.

With the order’s implementation, HHS has already terminated federal grants supporting medical treatments involving child gender modifications. This has reportedly saved taxpayers approximately $477 million, including substantial funding previously allocated to entities such as the Center for Innovative Public Health and Boston Children’s Hospital.

As part of enhancing medical safety, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a cautionary memo warning providers about the risks of these interventions. “It is of the utmost importance that all providers follow the highest standards of care and adhere closely to the foundational principles of medicine, especially as it comes to America’s children,” the memo states.

Image by Quinn Dombrowski.

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April 29, 2025
News

Asian Imports to US Plunge as Trump Tariffs Begin to Work.

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❓What Happened: The number of canceled sailings from Asia to the U.S. has significantly increased due to tariffs deterring the importation of cheap Chinese goods to the U.S.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, China, and other Asian nations like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.

📍 Where & When: The transpacific route between Asia and the U.S., from late March onwards.

💬 Key Quote:  Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence, said businesses were “adjusting their short-term supply chains for now and waiting for things to settle down (one way or another), before making longer-term network adjustments.”

⚠️ Impact: The tariffs are contributing to difficulties for Chinese businesses like Temu and Shein.

IN FULL:

Asian exports to the United States have dropped due to high tariffs on foreign goods, particularly from China, leading to increased “blank sailings” on the trans-Pacific shipping route. These shipping cancellations have escalated from the equivalent of 60,000 containers in late March to about 367,800 by mid-April.

This follows President Donald J. Trump‘s announcement of high tariffs on foreign goods to stop U.S. producers from being undercut by imports from nations that often restrict access to U.S. exporters while advantaging their own producers through low pay and conditions, state subsidies, currency manipulation, and other dubious tactics.

The political climate related to these tariffs has been labeled “extremely volatile,” causing businesses to exercise caution. Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence, said businesses were “adjusting their short-term supply chains for now and waiting for things to settle down (one way or another), before making longer-term network adjustments.”

E-commerce companies such as China’s Shein and Temu have started adapting through price changes, reflecting the new realities of tariffs in their operational costs.

Although tariffs remain a point of contention, tensions between the U.S. and China have slightly eased. Adjustments such as the reduction in Chinese retaliatory tariffs on U.S. semiconductors suggest a possible future trade agreement.

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April 28, 2025
War
World

Pakistan Claims Indian Attack Imminent, Warns of Nuclear Response.

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❓What Happened: Rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a militant attack in Indian Kashmir have put both countries on high alert, with the possibility of military action being considered.

👥 Who’s Involved: The main parties involved are the governments and military forces of India and Pakistan, with mentions of Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and alleged militants.

📍 Where & When: The developments are unfolding primarily in the disputed region of Kashmir and along Pakistan’s Afghan border as of April 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now,” said Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, of a potential Indian attack.

⚠️ Impact: Potential military actions could escalate into greater conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with risks of regional instability.

IN FULL:

Pakistan’s Defense Minister issued a warning of a possible military attack by India on April 28 as tensions mount following a militant attack in Indian Kashmir that resulted in 26 deaths. Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that Pakistan‘s armed forces are prepared and have increased vigilance due to the perceived imminent threat.

“We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now. So, in that situation, some strategic decisions have to be taken, so those decisions have been taken,” he said.

Over recent days, troops from India and Pakistan have been exchanging gunfire in Kashmir, a region claimed by both countries and historically fraught with conflict between them. This ongoing skirmish has exacerbated already frayed relations, leading to fears of further escalation.

In response to the recent militant activity in Kashmir, Pakistan has elevated its military readiness. Asif emphasized that Pakistan is prepared to resort to nuclear weapons if “a direct threat to our existence” is presented.

The Kashmir attack led to a backlash in India, which attributes continued militancy to Pakistan’s alleged support and funding of extremists in the contested region. These accusations are rejected by Pakistan, which has instead called for a neutral investigation into the recent attack to establish accountability.

Meanwhile, Pakistan reports heavy clashes on its border with Afghanistan, claiming to have eliminated 54 militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban as they attempted to enter Pakistani territory.

Image by SyedNaqvi90.

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April 28, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War
World

Aircraft Carrier Loses Fighter Jet at Sea, May Have Been Under Houthi Fire.

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❓What Happened:

The USS Harry S. Truman lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor overboard in the Red Sea on April 28, 2025, possibly while evading Houthi fire during a sharp turn.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Navy personnel aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 1, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, and Houthi forces in Yemen.

📍 Where & When: Red Sea, during operations aboard the USS Harry S. Truman on April 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: The U.S. Navy stated, “The F/A-18E was being towed in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft, resulting in both the Super Hornet and the tow tractor going overboard.”

⚠️ Impact: The incident, potentially linked to Houthi aggression, underscores the risks faced by U.S. naval forces in the region, reinforcing the need for a robust military response to protect American assets.

IN FULL:

The USS Harry S. Truman lost a valuable F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor overboard in the Red Sea on April 28, 2025, an incident that may have been triggered by evasive action against Houthi fire. The U.S. Navy reported, “The F/A-18E was being towed in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft, resulting in both the Super Hornet and the tow tractor going overboard.” While the Navy has launched an investigation into the mishap, unconfirmed reports suggest the carrier executed a sharp turn to evade Houthi attacks, highlighting the escalating threats faced by American forces in the region.

The F/A-18E belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, part of Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked on the USS Harry S. Truman. Quick action by the tow crew ensured all personnel moved clear before the aircraft fell into the sea. All personnel were accounted for, with one sailor sustaining a minor injury. Despite the loss, the Navy emphasized that the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which includes the flagship USS Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 1’s nine squadrons, three guided-missile destroyers from Destroyer Squadron 28, and the USS Gettysburg (CG 64), remains fully mission capable.

The potential Houthi involvement in this incident aligns with their recent aggression against U.S. assets in the Red Sea. The Houthis claimed attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman in March 2025, using ballistic missiles and drones, though no damage was reported. The Iran-backed group has also targeted the USS Carl Vinson, with strikes reported earlier in April 2025.

The Houthis have seriously disrupted shipping routes since 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians, and their actions have prompted U.S. retaliatory strikes, including operations involving Super Hornets.

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April 28, 2025
News
Politics

Dem Rep. Gerry Connolly to Retire Following Cancer Return.

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❓What Happened: Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) announced that his cancer has returned, leading him to decide against seeking reelection. In addition, Connolly announced on Monday that he would be stepping down as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, who was the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee.

📍 Where & When: Connolly’s announcement came via social media on Monday, April 28.

💬 Key Quote: Connolly stated, “After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.”

⚠️ Impact: Connolly will step away from his position as ranking member of the House Oversight Committee and will not run for office again, ending his 15-year congressional tenure.

IN FULL:

Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) announced he will be stepping down as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee and will not seek re-election. The Virginia Democrat who has served for 15 years in Congress revealed in a social media post on Monday that his esophageal cancer has returned.

“After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned,” Connolly wrote on X (formerly Twitter). The Democratic Congressman continued: “I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.”

“The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress,” Connolly said, adding: “With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years.”

Connolly had initially revealed his battle with esophageal cancer in November 2024, undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The Virginia Democrat’s national political journey began with his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, serving the 11th district of Virginia for nine terms. Before his federal career, Connolly spent 14 years on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors.

Rep. Connolly is a noted foe of President Donald J. Trump and one of the more vocally partisan Democrats in the House of Representatives. During former President Joe Biden’s lawfare campaign against Trump, the Virginia Congressman pushed a proposal to rename a federal prison after Trump—a subtle reference to Democratic Party efforts to see the America First leader imprisoned.

In December 2024, Connolly defeated the far-left Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) for the ranking member seat on the House Oversight Committee. Now that he is stepping aside, the self-described New York “democratic socialist” may once again pursue the coveted committee seat.

Image by April Brady/Project on Middle East Democracy.

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April 28, 2025
War

Putin Declares Temporary Ceasefire in Ukraine.

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❓What Happened: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine next month for “humanitarian reasons.”

👥 Who’s Involved: Vladimir Putin, Donald J. Trump, and Volodymyr Zelensky.

📍 Where & When: Ukraine, a pause in hostilities starting May 8 for 72 hours.

💬 Key Quote: “Maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently,” President Trump remarked.

⚠️ Impact: Continued uncertainty over the potential effectiveness of the ceasefire and its influence on U.S.-backed truce efforts.

IN FULL:

On April 28, the Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a three-day pause in hostilities in Ukraine next month. This decision marks the second instance in two weeks that Russia has promised a temporary cessation of its military operations. The ceasefire is set to begin on May 8 and last for 72 hours, coinciding with the May 9 celebrations in Russia commemorating the Soviet victory over Germany in World War II.

The announcement follows increased international pressure, particularly from U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who has been vocal in his demands for Russia to pause its military activities in Ukraine. In a recent social media post, President Trump emphatically appealed to President Putin to “STOP!” the bombardment.

“Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Trump has expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions towards peace, questioning if the Russian leader is earnestly pursuing a resolution or merely stalling. In discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the weekend, Trump openly questioned whether Putin genuinely wants to end the hostilities. Writing on Truth, the President speculated, “Maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?'”

Ukraine has not yet publicly responded to the news of the planned ceasefire. Previously, Russia declined to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, despite Ukraine’s acceptance of such terms. An earlier one-day truce declared by Putin to observe Easter failed to hold, though it reportedly led to a temporary reduction in violence.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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April 28, 2025
William Upton
Crime
Immigration

Trump Forces Media to Cover Deportation of Dangerous Illegals.

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❓What Happened: Images depicting the most serious criminal illegal immigrants arrested since the beginning of President Donald J. Trump’s second term are being displayed on the White House lawn.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Trump Administration organized the display, focusing on individuals arrested for serious criminal activities.

📍 Where & When: The event took place this morning, Monday, April 28, on the lawn of the White House.

💬 Key Quote: “Between President Trump’s inauguration and April 1 of this month, only nine illegal aliens were released into the United States. A staggering 99.99 percent decrease from the more than 184,000 illegal aliens who were released into the country under Biden during the same period last year,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced.

⚠️ Impact: This event is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to showcase its commitment to tightening immigration controls and removing dangerous individuals from the U.S.

IN FULL:

The Trump White House has lined the driveway on the north lawn where the corporate media hold live reports with images of the most dangerous criminal illegal immigrants who have been apprehended during President Donald J. Trump‘s first 100 days in office. Prominently displayed, the photos posted on yard signs with the name and criminal charges for each illegal immigrant will be difficult for reporters to frame out of their live shots from the White House lawn.

Numbering 100 in total, the yard signs include an illegal Jamaican national arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Baltimore, who was convicted of first-degree murder. Another yard sign features an illegal immigrant from Burkina Faso who was arrested last week by ICE in Buffalo with a previous conviction for rape. A number of the criminals have prior convictions for violent sex crimes against minors, aggravated assault and battery, and crimes relating to their gang membership.


Early Monday morning, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and President Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, addressed the media regarding the display on the White House lawn and the administration’s success in removing dangerous illegal immigrants and securing the border since January.

“Between President Trump’s inauguration and April 1 of this month, only nine illegal aliens were released into the United States. A staggering 99.99 percent decrease from the more than 184,000 illegal aliens who were released into the country under Biden during the same period last year,” Leavitt announced. She added: “Total attempted illegal crossings at the southwest border hit a record low in February, only to fall to another new record low again last month in March.”

Meanwhile, Homan took the corporate media to task over falsely alleging that the Trump administration deported a two-year-old American citizen. “What we did is remove children with their mothers who requested it—that’s a parental decision. Parenting 101,” Homan said, arguing: “I’ll tell you what, if we didn’t do it, the story today would be, ‘Trump administration’s separating families again!'”

“We’re keeping families together. When a parent says, I want my two-year-old to go with me, we made that happen. They weren’t deported; the parents made the decision,” Homan added.

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April 28, 2025
Jack Montgomery
News
War

Trump Hints Zelensky Willing to Cede Crimea for Peace Deal.

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❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump says there has been a shift in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s approach to peace negotiations, noting he is “calmer” and now agrees that concessions to Russia on Crimea may be part of the peace process.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

📍 Where & When: President Trump and President Zelensky met in Vatican City and Rome over the weekend, with Trump commenting after returning to the U.S. on Sunday evening.

💬 Key Quote: Trump remarked, “I see him as calmer, I think he understands the picture, and I think he wants to make a deal.”

⚠️ Impact: The discussion suggests a potential shift in Ukraine’s stance on Crimea, indicating possible concessions in the ongoing conflict with Russia to secure peace.

IN FULL:

Following a recent meeting in Rome, President Donald J. Trump has commented on changes in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s stance in peace negotiations. The discussions, which took place around Trump’s visit to honor the deceased Pope Francis, suggest Zelensky’s attitude toward a possible peace agreement with Russia may be evolving.

“We had a good meeting, it was a nice meeting,” Trump said of the encounter, praising the Ukrainian—with whom he has occasionally had fractious relations—as a leader who “wants to do something good for his country; he thinks he’s doing a good job and he’s working hard.”

“I see him as calmer, I think he understands the picture, and I think he wants to make a deal,” the America First leader said.

President Trump also expressed sympathy for the Ukrainian leader’s situation, which he described as “very tough,” adding, “He’s fighting a much bigger force, much bigger.”

Zelensky had previously maintained a firm stance on regaining Crimea, a majority-Russian territory which was annexed to Russia proper under the Barack Obama presidency well over a decade ago, when Zelensky was still working as a comic actor. President Trump and the First Son, Donald Trump Jr., previously said that this stance indicated Zelensky was not serious about making peace, with Crimea’s status being a bare minimum concession.

Zelensky’s position is slightly complicated by articles of the Ukrainian constitution stating that the country’s borders are “indivisible and inviolable” and cannot be altered except by a national referendum—with an “eternal clause” in the constitution stating that it cannot be amended to remove these articles.

President Trump also issued a veiled warning to the Russian government, noting that he was “very disappointed” by a series of intense missile strikes in recent weeks, as a ceasefire is supposed to be getting negotiated.

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April 28, 2025
William Upton
Crime
Immigration

Second Illegal in Noem Purse Theft Identified, Freed Into U.S. Despite Expedited Removal Order.

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❓What Happened: Two illegal immigrants from Chile have been arrested in connection with the theft of a purse belonging to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem on Easter Sunday.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana, and Mario Bustamante-Leiva.

📍 Where & When: The theft occurred on Easter Sunday, with the suspects being arrested on Sunday, April 27, in Washington, D.C., and Miami, Florida.

💬 Key Quote: Montecino-Sanzana, who was detained and arrested in Miami on Sunday, had previously received an order for “expedited removal,” but was instead released into the United States in January of 2021.

⚠️ Impact: Montecino-Sanzana and Bustamante-Leiva are believed to be members of an organized East Coast criminal organization comprised of illegal immigrants who have executed a number of notable robberies and thefts.

IN FULL:

A second illegal alien arrested for the theft of a purse belonging to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has been identified as Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana, a Chilean national. Montecino-Sanzana, who was detained and arrested in Miami on Sunday, had previously received an order for “expedited removal,” but was instead released into the United States in January of 2021.

Mario Bustamante-Leiva and Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana—both Chilean illegals—have been arrested in connection with the purse theft, which contained $3,000 in cash. Both men are suspected of being members of a large, organized criminal organization on the U.S. East Coast that has executed many thefts and robberies. Bustamante-Leiva was arrested earlier on Sunday by the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Over a decade ago, in the United Kingdom, Bustamante-Leiva was charged with 22 separate acts of theft over a half-year period, totaling around $28,000. The extent of Montecino-Sanzana’s criminal record is not yet known.

Secretary Noem was dining at The Capital Burger—a restaurant in Washington, D.C.—on Easter Sunday when a masked man snatched her purse, which contained the former South Dakota governor’s driver’s license, $3,000 in cash, passport, DHS identification badge, and her house keys.

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April 28, 2025
Religion

Vatican Sets Conclave Date for Papal Election.

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❓What Happened: A date for the conclave to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis was confirmed by the Vatican.

👥 Who’s Involved: The College of Cardinals, consisting of 135 members eligible to elect a new pope; notably, only those under the age of 80 can vote.

📍 Where & When: The conclave is set to begin on Wednesday, May 7, in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City.

💬 Key Quote: “The delayed start suggests that the Cardinals are asserting their authority over the Vatican insiders who were hoping for an expedited Conclave,” said Catholic journalist Raymond Arroyo.

⚠️ Impact: The conclave will determine the next leader of the Catholic Church, following the 12-year papacy of Pope Francis.

IN FULL:

The Vatican announced that the conclave to select a new pope will commence on May 7, following Pope Francis’s death last week. The election will occur within the historic confines of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City’s Apostolic Palace. This announcement was made after several informal meetings among cardinals, who gathered to discuss Church matters after the late pope’s funeral.

The College of Cardinals, consisting of 135 members, is responsible for participating in the conclave. However, only cardinals under 80 are eligible to cast their votes in this secretive election process. It remains uncertain how many eligible participants will take part in the voting. Known as a highly traditional and confidential procedure, the conclave has strict rules prohibiting communication with the outside world until a new pope is elected. This method dates back to 1621, when Pope Gregory XV introduced it to curb political influence.

Catholic journalist Raymond Arroyo notes that the conclave will have a delayed start compared to past papal elections, suggesting that some cardinals are pushing back against curial insiders who wished for a swift conclave to replace Pope Francis. “The delayed start suggests that the Cardinals are asserting their authority over the Vatican insiders who were hoping for an expedited Conclave,” Arroyo wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

More than 180 cardinals took part in the latest informal meeting held in Rome on Monday. The discussions centered on logistical arrangements and immediate Church affairs in the wake of Pope Francis’s passing on April 21. The conclave’s scheduled start date was withheld until after the late pope’s funeral, in accordance with established Vatican protocol.

Image by Nan Palmero.

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