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Top News of the Day: Areas most affected by Cape Town Floods | Court dismisses tobacco sales ban during lockdown

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 15, 2022
  • Disaster Risk Management Centre investigates flooding across the Cape Town metro
  • SCA finds regulation banning the sale of tobacco products during lockdown invalid
  • Kanye West accuses the head honcho of Adidas of stealing Yeezy shoe designs 

Cape Town disaster management reports damaged properties – EWN

According to the disaster risk management centre (DRMC), Plainview, Strand, Riverside, Bonteheuwel, Delft, Khayelitsha, Nomzamo, Gugulethu, Nyanga and Bellville South have been the worst hit by Cape Town’s floods and blocked drains.

“During the last 24-hour measuring period, rainfall stations in the metropolis recorded between 34 and 123 millimetres of rain in a short period.”

EWN reports that this has put the capacity of the stormwater systems to the test. Fortunately, it is not a “life threatening situation”. It is predicted that the storm will last until Wednesday evening. Read more here

SCA dismisses minister’s appeal on tobacco products ban during lockdown – Sowetan Live

In March 2020, co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma banned the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes. Three months later, British American Tobacco and JT International SA took the matter to court to declare the ban “invalid”. 

According to Sowetan Live, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) agreed with a ruling from the Western Cape High Court stating it was illegal to sell tobacco products during the lockdown.

“In its judgment on Tuesday, the SCA said assuming there was a causal link between smoking and the risk of contracting a more severe form of Covid-19, the minister would have had to show that stopping smoking during the tobacco ban would have reversed or reduced the risk of contracting a severe form of Covid-19.” Read more here 

Kanye West Accuses Adidas CEO Of Imitating His Yeezy Slides – Huffington Post

Ye, who used to be called Kanye West, is back on Instagram after a three-month break. On Monday, the rapper and fashion designer said that Kasper Rorsted, the CEO of Adidas, stole the design of the Yeezy slides.

 “This Ye with the blue paint on my face These shoes represent the disrespect that people in power have to the talent This shoe is a fake Yeezy made by adidas themselves I’m not talking to DC about this either Kasper come talk to me.” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Ramaphosa sticks to his guns on Mkhwebane’s suspension – News24

Headline: Trophies or not, it seems Pitso Mosimane can’t win – Times Live (for subscribers) 

Headline: KZN social development MEC urges parents to support youth – Times Live 

Headline: BTS Is Taking a “Temporary Hiatus” To Focus on Solo Careers – Nylon

Headline: ‘We didn’t pitch up’: Bavuma on T20 loss to India – News24

Weather: Your weather: Heavy snowfall expected in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

Top News of the Day: Rain and severe weather expected over the Western Cape | Farewell, Pitso

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 14, 2022
  • Cape Town is on high alert as heavy rains are expected to continue until Wednesday
  • Pitso Mosimane has announced his departure from Al Ahly club
  • Lizzo changes a lyric in her new song after critique over ableist

Cold front brings heavy rain, wind and localised flooding to Western Cape – Times Live 

The disaster risk management centre (DRMC) has warned that the heavy rains in the Western Cape could cause flooding until Wednesday evening. These floods are caused by the cold front, strong winds and rough seas. 

“Emergency teams have been dispatched. Please switch on your headlights, maintain a safe following distance and drive carefully,” the municipality reported for Times Live. 

According to Times Live, Stellenbosch municipality said that there was flooding on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, near the Mooiberge Farmstall. Times Live has also reported blocked drains in Langa, Khayelitsha, Ottery, Lwandle, Strandfontein, Crossroads, Philippi and Gugulethu. Read more here

Pitso Mosimane leaves Al Ahly – Times Live

Yesterday, news broke that Al Ahly and Pitso Mosimane reached an agreement to part ways. It is reported that Musi Matlaba, Kyle Solomon, and Kabelo Rangoaga, three of Mosimane’s trusted lieutenants, will leave the club with him.

“Mosimane’s decision was discussed and it was decided to approve his request to part ways with the club and to thank him for his achievements with Ahly.” Read more here

Lizzo Changes Lyric In New Song After Criticism Over Ableist Slur – Huffington Post

Lizzo has changed a line in her new song “Grrrls” after being told it was a slur against people with disabilities. In the first verse of her new single, Lizzo sings, “Do you see this shit? I’ma spaz.”

After numerous people spoke out on social media, Lizzo changed the lyrics. 

“It’s been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song,” Lizzo wrote on her latest Instagram post. “Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language. As a fat black woman in America, I’ve had many hurtful words used against me so I understand the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case, unintentionally).” Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Pressure mounts on Ramaphosa as Niehaus also lays criminal complaint against him – EWN

Headline: Pitso’s worth: R2.6m a month – Sowetan Live

Headline: Lawyer disputes Pretoria high court’s jurisdiction over Meyiwa murder case – Times Live

Headline: If only ANC NEC had the mind and feelings of a seven-year-old – Times Live (for subscribers)

Headline: Marilyn Monroe Dress Kim Kardashian Wore at 2022 Met Gala Has Allegedly Been Damaged – Complex

Weather: Your weather: More heavy rain, potential flooding in Western Cape on Tuesday – News24

Image credit: Stellenbosch Municipality, Facebook

Top News of the Day: Charges against Gupta brothers to be finalised | Father who allegedly poisoned 4 children dies

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 13, 2022

Top News of the Day: Charges against Gupta brothers to be finalised | Father who allegedly poisoned 4 children dies

  • The Gupta brothers, who are now in Dubai, may only be extradited if they’ve been charged with or “convicted of an extraditable offense”.
  • Family members confirmed the death of a Ratanda man who allegedly poisoned his four.
  • Twitter is going crazy with rumors that Beyoncé might be dropping new music this month. 

State vs the Guptas: NPA under pressure to file further state capture cases against Rajesh, Atul – News24 (for subscribers)

“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has less than 50 days to formally charge Atul and Rajesh Gupta with further state capture offenses if it wants them to face more than just the R24.9 million Nulane scam prosecution.”

Karyn Maughan writes that South Africa’s extradition agreement with the UAE says that the brothers, who are currently in custody in Dubai, can only be sent back to South Africa if they have been charged with or convicted of a crime that can be sent back to South Africa. Read more here 

Heidelberg man who allegedly poisoned four of his sons, killing three, has died – Times Live

On Friday, the man from Ratanda who allegedly poisoned four of his five children died. The 39-year-old was taken to the hospital last month after he tried to kill himself.

“Several hours earlier, the man had reportedly given his children energy drinks which were believed to have been laced with rat poison.”

According to Times Live, two of the kids died at school, one died on the way to the hospital, and the fourth was taken to the hospital in a very bad way. It is reported that the fifth sibling had turned down the drink. Read more here

Twitter Reacts to Hints That Beyoncé Might Be Dropping New Music On Her Website – Elle Magazine 

Fans are confident Beyoncé has something major planned. On June 10, her social media profile photos vanished. Now, the musician’s Instagram profile picture is a grey figure. 

“Some fans then noticed that on Beyoncé’s website, a funny thing happens when you type in the date, June 11.” According to Elle Magazine, Beyoncé’s picture with the text “Image, B7” appears. Some fans have predicted that Beyonce’s seventh album is coming. Read more here

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Thomson Reuters puts CaseLines subcontract on hold following news reports – News24 

Headline: FNB consultant accused of stealing R37m from deceased’s account bought fancy cars and gave money to church – Times Live 

Headline: Lewis Hamilton: Toto Wolff says Mercedes driver is doubtful for Canadian GP with back injury as Christian Horner questions complaints – Sky News

Headline: After Mkhwebane suspension, Public Protector’s office chases 30-day deadline for Farmgate report – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Rebel Wilson: SMH denies outing actor as LBGTIQ+ group denounces ‘appalling’ situation – The Guardian

Weather: Monday’s weather: Wind, rain warning issued for Western Cape – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

Top News of the Day: EFF tried to stop President Ramaphosa from delivering address | Treasury withholds disaster relief

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 10, 2022
  • President Ramaphosa’s budget speech descended into chaos
  • Finance Minister says they are not responsible for delayed KZN and EC relief funds
  • Britney Spears marries Sam Asghari

Ramaphosa tells Parliament state being rebuilt, but MPs want answers on farm theft cover-up – News24 

Thursday’s budget speech by President Cyril Ramaphosa was thrown into “chaos by EFF MPs” who said that a criminal shouldn’t be allowed to address them.

Jason Felix reports that all the EFF MPs who were present at the National Assembly were kicked out for making the same points of order over and over again.

When President Ramaphosa finally got to address the MPs, he said that the government would keep going after corrupt people. Ramaphosa also talked about the arrests of the Gupta brothers, Atul and Rajesh, who are accused of corruption, as well as the arrests of former Transnet executives. Read more here 

Cut the red tape, stop the blame game and get the funds to the flood victims – Times Live 

Flood victims in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have waited two months from government officials. Times Live says that President Ramaphosa told people that help is on the way to help with water, housing, and rebuilding communities.

“We will make financial resources available to meet this challenge. The minister of finance has said that R1bn is immediately available.”

But things seem to have changed since then. Last month, finance minister Enoch Godongwana said that the provinces won’t get the money “immediately” and “his department would not take responsibility for the delay in accessing funds”. Read more here (for subscribers) 

Britney Spears And Sam Asghari Are Officially Married After Intimate L.A. Wedding – Elle Magazine 

Britney Spears married Sam Asghari in Los Angeles last night. Page Six reported that the couple got married in a small ceremony in the backyard of Spears’ Thousand Oaks home. According to Elle Magazine, Spears wore a Versace dress in an intimate setting with “60 guests” present. Read more here 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Cyril, talk to us and put the matter to bed – or quit – Times Live (for subscribers)

Headline: REVEALED | ‘Cooperative’ Gupta brothers arrested at their luxurious Dubai home, remain behind bars – News24

Headline: Johnny Depp’s Lawyer Camille Vasquez Calls Out ‘Sexist’ Rumors of Romance With Actor – Complex

Headline: ‘Killer’ Miller teams up with hitman Rassie to sensationally take out India in first T20 – News24

Headline: Vettel questions if Formula 1 still excites Hamilton – Planet F1

Weather: Your weather: Cold front, heavy rains to hit Western Cape this weekend – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing increased pressure to tell the truth | The Springboks are treating Jantjies as innocent

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 9, 2022
  • Deputy President Mabuza Defends Ramaphosa
  •  Jacques Nienaber “We are handling the situation as if Elton is innocent”
  • Queerwell brings awareness to the fight against discrimination of LGBTQ+ individuals

No need for Ramaphosa to resign, David Mabuza tells MPs amid outcry over farm theft – News24 

President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing increased pressure to tell the truth about an alleged cash theft at his game farm in Limpopo. 

But it looks like Deputy President David Mabuza already fully backs President Cyril Ramaphosa. On Wednesday, Mabuza spoke to MPs defending the incumbent President.

“I don’t think we have reached any point that seeks to say the president must step down,” he said. Mabuza further stated that a case has been launched and that South Africa’s institutions will investigate and decide. Read more here 

Springboks backing Elton Jantjies after flight incident: ‘He hasn’t been found guilty of anything’ – Sports24

According to Sports24, Jacques Nienaber, the head coach of the Springboks, said that the team was handling the situation as if Elton Jantjies was “innocent until proven guilty” before any action could be taken.

Accusations are pending against Jantjies for causing deliberate property damage as well as violating the Aviation Act. Read more here

Continue to advocate for LGBTI+ rights this Pride Month, says Queerwell 

Queerwell is a non-profit organization with its headquarters in South Africa that serves the LGBTIQ+ community intending to provide free mental health treatment and support services. 

The NPO has brought attention to the significance of continuing to fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals all around the world during Pride Month. Read more here 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: With theft case hanging over his head, Ramaphosa may face rowdy House for budget vote speech – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Oil price expected to rise further – eNCA

Headline: Ria Ledwaba explains why she went to court to try to stop Safa elections – Times Live

Headline: SAFA election date under threat – SABC

Headline: Dwyane Wade Discusses Fears for Daughter Zaya Amid Increasing Anti-Trans Laws – Complex

Weather: Your weather: Cold front expected in Western Cape by Sunday – News24

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Suspect in Ramaphosa burglary paid R1.7 million for flat | Kim Kardashian accused of stealing makeup brand name

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 8, 2022

Ramaphosa farm theft ‘suspects’ went from bumming bus tickets to paying R1.8m cash for flat – News24 (for subscribers) 

It is alleged that one of the burglars suspected of stealing millions of dollars from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo paid R1.775 million in cash for a flat in Bloubergstrand. 

“The flat is in an upmarket development in Table View called the Sandown Lifestyle Center, where properties regularly fetch between R1.5 million and R2 million.”

According to News24, the flat was paid for almost a year after the theft at Phala Phala farm. The article further states that the property is owned by Erkki Shikongo, who was named as one of the burglars in an affidavit given to the police by former spy boss Arthur Fraser.

Hamilton Ndlovu’s opulent empire implodes as he’s ordered to pay back the millions – Daily Maverick 

After flaunting his expensive cars worth R11 million on Twitter, Hamilton Ndlovu soon became the target of The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) back in 2020. 

According to News24, the SIU found that 19 contracts awarded to Ndlovu and his businesses were illegal. The total value of the contracts was R172,742,175.

“The businessman has been ordered to repay R157-million fraudulently acquired through personal protective equipment contracts. In addition, the contracts worth R172-million have been declared unlawful, invalid and set aside.”

UCT beefs up security after mid-exams disrupted – EWN

Earlier this week a group of intruders disrupted an examination session at UCT over insourcing. On UCT’s upper campus, a group of men can be seen on video walking through the exam venue, scattering exam papers as they go. 

“The lack of insourcing of casual workers who’ve been working for the university for years means they don’t [have the] benefits of their sweat, like other workers,” the spokesperson for UCT said. 

Times Live says that UCT has since called in the SAPS and will charge the intruders who broke in with trespassing and property damage.

Kim K causes stir once again as she announces launch of SKKN care line – Times Live

SKKN, Kim Kardashian’s latest skincare line, was introduced on Instagram last week. There has been a mixture of joy and criticism at the announcement. “Dissatisfied users took to social media to call out the reality star for the theft, urging her to rebrand her products.” 

Social media users claim that Kim K stole the brand name from Lori Harvey, the creator of SKN.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Justice dept confirms arrests of ‘fugitives’ Rajesh and Atul Gupta – but no word on extradition yet – News24 (for subscribers)

Headline: Senzo Meyiwa Trial | Mosia accused of tampering with evidence – SABC News

Headline: ‘Life With Kelly Khumalo’ season 3 drops amid Senzo Meyiwa trial – EWN 

Headline: There’s one IPL innovation Proteas’ Dwaine Pretorius would love to see at the highest level – News24

Headline: Disqualified Safa election candidate Nomsa Mahlangu: ‘I expected this’ – Times Live 

Weather: Wednesday’s weather: Northern Cape at risk of fires in several municipalities – News24 

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Gupta Brothers arrested in UAE | Jerusalema Creates History as Highest-Earned Gold Status Song

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 7, 2022

On Monday evening, News24 reported that Rajesh and Atul Gupta had been arrested for money laundering and fraud in Dubai.

Shortly after News24 published the story, the minister of Justice and Correctional Services released a statement on Twitter confirming the Gupta arrest.

“The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services confirms that it has received information from law enforcement authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that fugitives of justice, namely, Rajesh and Atul Gupta have been arrested. Discussions between various law enforcement agencies in the UAE and South Africa on the way forward are ongoing. The South African government will continue to cooperate with the UAE.”

According to the Daily Maverick, it is unclear why Ajay, the last Gupta brother doesn’t seem to have been arrested yet.

Meanwhile, in local entertainment news, hitmaker Nomcebo Zikode announced that the single Jerusalema has become the “highest earning gold status song in Mzansi”.

The singer wrote about her musical journey on her Instagram page after the song she wrote and sang went viral and became a worldwide hit in 2020.

Here are the top trending stories of the day.

Headline: Rajesh and Atul Gupta arrested in Dubai – but don’t expect them in SA too soon – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Nomcebo happy ‘Jerusalema’ reached the highest earning status, despite the drama – Times Live 

Headline: Senzo Meyiwa trial: Defence claims woman was seen cleaning house after shooting – News24

Headline: Boris Johnson survives motion of no confidence – News24

Headline: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Release 1st Birthday Photo Of Lili — And She Has Dad’s Hair – Huffington Post

Headline: Goodall steers Proteas to comfortably win, levels T20 series in Dublin – News24

Headline: Nadya Karpova: The Russia striker speaking out against war in Ukraine – BBC

Headline: Comair grounding: Here’s why other airlines won’t be able to plug the gap any time soon – Business Insider

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Ramaphosa ” I’ve not stolen taxpayers’ money’ | Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey have broken up

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 6, 2022

In February 2020, thieves broke into a house on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm near Bela-Bela in Limpopo and stole an “undisclosed” amount of cash.

According to News24, Ramaphosa’s spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, said that as far as he knows the head of Ramaphosa’s police protection unit, Major-General Wally Rhoode, did not report the burglary. He also said that he could not explain or discuss why Rhoode did not report the crime.

“All these issues will be ventilated in proper and appropriate forums. What we know is that he [Rhoode] conducted his own investigation and it ended there. Those are some of the issues that investigations will have to deal with,” said Magwenya. 

Cyril Ramaphosa swore that he has never stolen money from taxpayers.

According to food manufacturers and retailers, groccery prices are expected to go up even more in the coming months. This will hurt consumers who are already facing a high cost of living.

“The pain will be felt across the board, as the cost of groceries in South Africa — be it meat, bread, pasta or cooking oil — will go up, some by double digits.”

According to the Daily Maverick, Tiger Brands, the largest food manufacturer in South Africa, revealed that basic groccery prices will “go through the roof” in the next six months.

Tiger Brands predicts inflation for bread, maize meal, and baking flour (sensitive to volatile commodities like wheat and grains) will increase by 15 to 20%. “For context, inflation for these food categories, mainly bread and cereals, was measured at 4.8% in April, according to the latest figures from Statistics South Africa.”

Meanwhile, the Fenty launch took place at the Saxon Hotel in Sandton on Thursday evening in entertainment news. Fenty, owned by pop star and businesswomen, Rihanna “is viewed as an overall game-changer for the global beauty and skin industry”. Makeup fans from all over South Africa got together in Sandton for a master class on skin and beauty products.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Ramaphosa burglary: Head of SAPS protection unit did not open case after ‘millions’ of dollars stolen – News24 (for subscribers) 

Headline: Michael B. Jordan & Lori Harvey SPLIT After 1 Year of Dating – E! News

Headline: Afrikaans quiz on South Africa travellers sparked outrage this week – SABC News

Headline: Water woes in KZN — Umgeni Water gives us a rundown – Times Live

Headline: OBITUARY | Long John Berks: mensch, change-maker, SA radio legend – Times Live (for subscribers) 

Headline: Sub Mohamed upstages Liverpool stars with late Egypt winner – EWN 

Headline: SA Rugby responds to Rassie’s hacked account: ‘He no longer has access’ – News24

Headline: Shakira denies she went to hospital after spilt – Citizen 

Image credit: Pixabay

Top News of the Day: “Corruption runs deep in the ANC” | Inside Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson’s relationship

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 3, 2022

Many South Africans may be shocked by the news that President Cyril Ramaphosa may have engaged in “criminal behaviour” this week. 

According to EWN, this case has political ramifications. John Perlman discussed the ramifications with Xubera Institute for Research and Development political expert Xolani Dube. 

Listen to the interview with Dube here: https://omny.fm/shows/afternoon-drive-702/analysis-why-are-we-shocked-that-ramaphosa-might-s

ANC corruption and criminality go deep, according to Dube, and we need to be vigilant of what we hear from the government and the African National Congress (ANC).

“He also stated that the cause of this issue did not come from a single person but the entire institution and that no one who came out of the institution was likely to be any different to what we have seen.”

Meanwhile, in entertainment news, Kim Kardashian reveals that she “made the first move in her relationship with Pete Davidson”.

According to News24, in the latest episode of The Kardashians on Hulu, Kim finally told what happened after she and Pete met in October 2021, when she hosted Saturday Night Live.

“I did SNL, and when we kissed in-scene, it was just a vibe,” Kim said in a confession. 

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Why are South Africans shocked by claims of criminal conduct by Cyril Ramaphosa? – EWN 

Headline: Kim Kardashian was ‘DTF’ after SNL kiss with Pete Davidson – News24

Headline: Durban residents challenge UPL: ‘Stop ignoring us. We are not legal ghosts’ – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Queen Elizabeth to miss thanksgiving service due to mobility ‘discomfort’ – News24

Headline: Mmodi keen to join Amakhosi – Sowetan Live

Headline: Red Bull won’t cut more jobs to stay under the budget cap, citing a ‘superfluous situation’ – News24

Headline: Kelly Khumalo working on new ‘December hit’ – News24

Headline: Me Too Founder Tarana Burke Reacts To Depp-Heard Trial Verdict – Huffington Post 

Image credit: Gallo Images

Top News of the Day: Witness Claims Kelly Khumalo ‘Accidentally Shot’ Senzo Meyi | Local flight prices are increasing at an alarming rate

Morning Newsletter, Newsroom / June 2, 2022

“A witness due to testify in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial will allege that the footballer was shot by mistake by his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo, the high court in Pretoria heard on Wednesday.”

According to Times Live, Malesela Teffo, a lawyer for the defense, said that the same witness says Longwe Twala brought the revolver that Khumalo used to shoot Senzo in the home of Khumalo’s mother.

Teffo further stated that the “witness would also allege that removing Meyiwa from the crime scene [the house] by taking him to the hospital was intended to conceal the circumstances in which he had been shot.”

Meanwhile, in other local news, Comair suspended all Kulula and British Airways flights because it didn’t have “enough money”. 

Since then, fares on other airlines have gone up sharply for flights in the next week, especially for people who need to fly before the weekend. According to Business insider, some airlines are extending these price hikes into next week. Since Comair’s announcement, SAA’s midweek flights from Johannesburg to Durban have gone up by 69 percent.

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Johnny Depp wins defamation lawsuit – News24

Headline: ‘Kelly Khumalo shot Senzo Meyiwa by mistake’, witness will say: advocate Teffo – Times Live 

Headline: Flying around SA just got more expensive – thanks to the grounding of Kulula and BA, again – Business Insider 

Headline: Ukraine beat Scotland to keep World Cup dream alive – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Jury hears Bill Cosby sexual assault claims as new civil case begins – EWN 

Headline: PSL awards show only Shalulile has been consistent – Sowetan Live

Headline: Messi stars as Argentina beat Italy in Finalissima – EWN

Headline: The poor’s winter of discontent: We are heading for a meltdown – News24

Image credit: Pixabay

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