General news

• Tunisia suspends Emirates flights over security measures targeting women

  24-12-2017 23:23 via theguardian.com
  Flights to Tunis grounded after public outcry over ‘discriminatory and racist’ examinations targeting women from the north African countryTunisia suspended flights by Emirates airlines after a public outcry over security measures in the United Arab Emirates targeting women from the north African country.The transport ministry said it has suspended Emirates flights to Tunis until the airline finds the appropriate solution to operate flights “in accordance with international law
  
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• Pope compares plight of migrants to Christmas story

  24-12-2017 23:14 via theguardian.com
  Francis uses Christmas Eve mass to express hope that no one should feel ‘there is no room for them’ and urges faithful to turn fear into charity Pope Francis has likened the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to the migrations of millions of people today who are forced to leave homelands for a better life, or just for survival, and he expressed hope that no one will feel “there is no room for them on this Earth”.Francis celebrated Christmas vigil mass on Sunday in th
  
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• China and Russia oppose UN resolution on Rohingya

  24-12-2017 22:40 via theguardian.com
  Resolution calls on Myanmar to allow access for aid workers, ensure the return of all refugees and grant full citizenship rights to the RohingyaThe UN general assembly has urged Myanmar to end a military campaign against Muslim Rohingya and called for the appointment of a UN special envoy, despite opposition from China, Russia and some regional countries.
  A resolution put forward by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation was adopted by a vote of 122 to 10 with 24 abstentions. Continue reading..
  
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• Venezuela releases 36 jailed government opponents

  24-12-2017 22:31 via theguardian.com
  Freed activists include former mayor, opposition adviser and police, while President Maduro denies they are ‘political prisoners’Three dozen opponents of Venezuela’s socialist government have been freed from prison and reunited with their families as part of a wider Christmas prisoner release, a local rights group said. Following condemnation by critics at home and abroad for holding about 270 activists in prison, President Nicolás Maduro’s administration said on S
  
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• Biggins slams attempts to tone down panto amid Weinstein scandal

  24-12-2017 21:08
  Qdos Pantomimes has removed part of its Palladium production involving a male character looking up a female performer's skirt following the sexual abuse allegations surrounding Harvey Weinstein.Also, earlier this month, one mum called for Manchester's Dick Whittington to be axed for being "lewd and offensive".Panto veteran Christopher Biggins - who is starring as Widow Twankey in Aladdin in Richmond - says the calls to tone down the traditional Christmas shows have gone too far.
  
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• NFL teams say Packers should have to cut Aaron Rodgers over IR rule – report

  24-12-2017 19:43 via theguardian.com
  ESPN reports teams unhappy with Packers re-placement of QB on IR listRule says team must waive player if placed on IR again with no new injury‘Nobody expects’ Rodgers will be cut, which is why they’re complainingSeveral NFL teams reportedly believe the Green Bay Packers have violated league rules by re-placing star quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the season-ending injured reserve list without specifying a new injury after the team was eliminated from play-off contention with Atlan
  
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• Police investigate pork attack on Belfast Islamic centre

  24-12-2017 19:32 via theguardian.com
  Local MP condemns attack in which pork was forced through letterbox of Islamic Centre in south BelfastPolice in Northern Ireland are treating as a hate crime an incident in which pork was forced through the letterbox of an Islamic centre on Christmas Eve.Raied al-Wazzan, the treasurer of the Islamic Centre in south Belfast, described those responsible as “ignorant people”. He said: “We believe these people do not represent the vast majority of Northern Ireland. We have received
  
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• 200 skiers stranded in chair lifts at French Alps resort

  24-12-2017 19:25 via theguardian.com
  Most skiers evacuated after one or two hours stuck at Chamrousse resort
  Helicopters dropped rescue personnel over every car to open roof hatchesFrench authorities said about 200 skiers were stranded in chair lifts after a gondola broke down at a resort in the French Alps. Rescue operations were under way and there were no injuries reported injured. Related: David Poisson, French Olympic skier, dies in training accident aged 35Continue reading...
  
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• Sanders attacks tax plan as Trump celebrates with friends: 'You all just got a lot richer'

  24-12-2017 18:56 via theguardian.com
  Sanders says the benefits will mainly go to the wealthiest Americans
  Jeff Flake says Republicans supporting bill are ‘spasms of a dying party’Senator Bernie Sanders on Sunday refreshed his attack on Donald Trump’s tax cuts, criticizing the measures for making cuts to middle class Americans temporary but those to corporations permanent.Sanders’ criticism came as a report claimed Trump had said to wealthy guests at a dinner at Mar-a-Lago on Friday evening, “You all ju
  
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• Wagamama apologises over sick leave embarrassment

  24-12-2017 18:51
  A chain of noodle restaurants has apologised after a photograph of a notice prohibiting staff from calling in sick was shared online.Wagamama faced calls for a boycott after Twitter and Facebook users circulated a photograph of a rota with a highlighted panel telling staff that they would face disciplinary action if they called in sick over the festive period.It added that employees would have to arrange for other staff members to cover their shift if they were unwell.
  
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• UK passports to ditch EU burgundy

  24-12-2017 18:25
  British passports will change to a blue and gold design after Brexit, Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis has announced.
  
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• Jonny May red card angers Leicester and helps Saracens to stop the rot

  24-12-2017 18:25 via theguardian.com
  • Leicester 17-29 Saracens
  • Jonny May sees red for hosts after two deliberate knock-onsJonny May’s red card for two deliberate knock-ons ultimately ensured this thrilling if error-riddled match ended in Saracens’ favour. The decisions over May’s transgressions – one in each half – appeared, to the letter of the law, the right ones but that did not stop the Leicester head coach, Matt O’Connor, calling for the relevant legislation to be revised.&ldquo
  
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• EU negotiator Guy Verhofstadt mocks Brexiteers with offer of blue passports

  24-12-2017 18:14
  Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt has taken a swipe at the UK’s decision to revert to blue passports following its break from the European bloc.
  
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• Messi deals with Madrid yet again as Barcelona look impregnable

  24-12-2017 18:09 via theguardian.com
  Though the season is only at its halfway point, the title looks certain to return to the Nou CampLeo Messi ended the clásico in a state of undress again but it was Real Madrid who had been stripped bare. At the very end of the last Madrid-Barça, Messi stood to the left of the goal at the north end of the Santiago Bernabéu, shirt off and held up for all to see; at the very end of the latest Madrid-Barça, exactly eight months later and a little over eight metres away, h
  
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• Samaritans Volunteers Prepare For Around 10,000 Calls On Christmas Day

  24-12-2017 17:36
  Volunteers for the Samaritans have spoken of their experiences helping those in need over the festive season as they gear up for around 10,000 calls on Christmas Day.
  
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• Serena Williams to make comeback in Abu Dhabi on Saturday after giving birth

  24-12-2017 17:26 via theguardian.com
  • Williams to face Jelena Ostapenko in a Mubadala exhibition match
  • American plans to make competitive return at Australian Open in JanuarySerena Williams will make her playing comeback following the birth of her daughter at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.Williams has not played since she won the Australian Open in January, while six weeks pregnant, but will return to court to play the French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in an exhibition match. Conti
  
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• Bristol University urged to rethink plans to scrap live-in pastoral care

  24-12-2017 16:55 via theguardian.com
  Proposed changes to welfare services under scrutiny after six Bristol students killed themselves in little over a yearBristol University is being urged to reconsider plans to scrap its system of live-in pastoral care in halls of residence amid concerns that students may lose vital face-to-face support.The university’s provision of welfare services has come under particular scrutiny after six students there killed themselves in little over a year.Continue reading...
  
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• Brexit MPs suggest UK visa charges for EU nationals

  24-12-2017 16:27
  A group of Leave-backing Conservative MPs is suggesting that European nationals should be charged £10 for a visa to enter the UK after Brexit.A report written by Tory MP Craig Mackinlay proposes a system similar to America's ESTA programme.Mr Mackinlay's report is being backed by the Brexit-leaning European Research Group.
  
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• Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's Husband Hopes For Boxing Day Birthday Release

  24-12-2017 16:12
  Jailed British woman Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe could be eligible for early conditional release next month after completing a third of her sentence, an Iranian judiciary spokesman has said.
  
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• UK Weather: White Christmas ‘Quite Likely’ For Some Parts Of The UK

  24-12-2017 16:02
  Dreams of a White Christmas could be realised for some, with rural Scotland having the highest chance of experiencing the enchanting event.
  
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• 'No Polish fishermen' sign removed after outcry

  24-12-2017 15:47 via theguardian.com
  Owner of Field Farm fisheries says there have been threats to his family after he put up sign in response to alleged theftsThe owner of a fishery in Oxfordshire that displayed a sign saying “no Polish or eastern bloc fishermen allowed” says he has taken it down. Billy Evans, of Field Farm fisheries, said he erected the sign after he was told “there’s Poles or somebody stealing fish”, but subsequently took it down after alleged threats to his family. Continue reading
  
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• Theresa May 'Set To Abandon Free Vote Pledge On Fox Hunting Ban', Report Claims

  24-12-2017 15:36
  Theresa May will reportedly abandon her Conservative general election manifesto pledge to give MPs a free vote on whether to overturn the fox hunting ban.
  
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• Landlords ‘unwilling’ to rent to universal credit recipients

  24-12-2017 15:26 via theguardian.com
  Landlords’ association reports huge rise in non-payment of rent in areas where universal credit has been introducedUniversal credit will lead to a “steady decrease” in the number of landlords willing to rent out properties to benefit claimants because it encourages tenants to fall into arrears, the National Landlords Association (NLA) has warned.Only 18-20% of private landlords accept tenants who pay their rent with local housing allowance (LHA), the housing benefit that will e
  
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• Wagamama apologises over Christmas sick leave threat

  24-12-2017 15:25 via theguardian.com
  Unite says apparent threat of disciplinary action for calling in sick is ‘a shocking example’ but quite normal across industry The restaurant chain Wagamama has apologised after workers at a branch in London were threatened with disciplinary action if they called in sick. A staff notice appended to a rota for the Christmas period told workers that “calling in sick during the next two weeks will result in disciplinary action being taken”, according to a copy sent to the Un
  
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• Union criticises Wagamama branch's Christmas sick leave threat

  24-12-2017 15:25
  Wagamama has 166 branches in the UK.The restaurant chain Wagamama has said it is investigating union claims that workers at a branch in London were threatened with disciplinary action if they called in sick.A staff notice appended to a rota for the Christmas period told workers that “calling in sick during the next two weeks will result in disciplinary action being taken”, according to a copy sent to the Unite trade union.
  
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• UK cabinet ministers 'concerned over Brexit campaign tax demands'

  24-12-2017 15:10 via theguardian.com
  Boris Johnson and Michael Gove reported to be critical of tax bills, while others deride complaints as ‘bungs’ for wealthy donorsSenior UK cabinet ministers have reportedly expressed concerns after prominent leave campaigners who donated large sums to the Brexit campaigns during the 2016 referendum recently received tax demands from HMRC.The demands from HMRC hinge on inheritance tax rules that require tax to be paid upfront on large gifts. Party political donations, as well as donat
  
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• UK cabinet ministers 'concerned over Brexit campaign tax demands'

  24-12-2017 15:10
  Senior UK cabinet ministers have reportedly expressed concerns after prominent leave campaigners who donated large sums to the Brexit campaigns during the 2016 referendum recently received tax demands from HMRC.The demands from HMRC hinge on inheritance tax rules that requires tax to be paid upfront on large gifts.Party political donations, as well as donations to charities, are usually exempt, but HMRC has said that does not apply to individuals who donated to the referendum campaign.
  
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• Damian Green: Kate Maltby Considering Legal Action After Text Messages Leaked

  24-12-2017 15:10
  The woman whose allegations sparked the inquiry leading to Damian Green’s sacking is considering legal action or complaining to the press regulator after “inaccurate” text messages between her and the former cabinet minister were leaked.
  
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• Green accused of 'smearing' woman who accused him of inappropriate behaviour

  24-12-2017 14:58
  The former first secretary of state and de facto deputy prime minister Damian Green has been accused of plotting to discredit the woman who accused him of sexually inappropriate behaviour.The Mail on Sunday has reported on a series of text messages, apparently between Mr Green, 61, and journalist and Conservative activist Kate Maltby, whose allegations against the close ally of Theresa May partly led to his resignation.In contrast, The Sunday Times has a story about MPs accusing Mr Green of leak
  
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• Brexit: EU Nationals Should Pay £10 For UK Visa, Report Suggests

  24-12-2017 14:33
  European Union nationals should be charged £10 for a visa to enter Britain after Brexit, a report backed by an influential group of Leave-backing Tory MPs recommends.
  
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• Vice Admits ‘Boy’s Club’ Culture Allowed Sexual Harassment To Flourish

  24-12-2017 14:26
  Vice Media has issued an apology, admitting the media company allowed a “boy’s club” atmosphere in which sexual harassment was able to flourish.
  
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• Israeli chess players denied visas for event in Saudi Arabia

  24-12-2017 14:26 via theguardian.com
  Israel Chess Federation says it may take legal action after players barred from travelling to speed chess championshipIsraeli players have been denied visas to participate in a speed chess championship hosted by Saudi Arabia this week, a vice-president of the World Chess Federation (Fide) has said. Seven Israeli players had requested visas for the tournament, taking place from 26-30 December. It would have been the first time Saudi Arabia had publicly hosted Israelis, as the Gulf state does not
  
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• Trump voters see his flaws but stand by president who 'shakes things up'

  24-12-2017 14:00 via theguardian.com
  Northampton County, Pennsylvania flipped from reliably blue to backing Trump – and despite his disappointments, many still say there was no better alternativeEvery Christmas, Jeff and Denise Fox have the neighbors over. The door stays open all day. People come and go for food, coffee and conversation.The tradition continued after Jeff, 58, was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. Even with chemotherapy and the medical bills racking up, the Foxes found reasons to celebrate. This year, those reaso
  
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• Jackie Kay: ‘The longest winters are the ones when you are away from home’

  24-12-2017 14:00 via theguardian.com
  The Scottish makar remembers a heavy late-1960s Glasgow winter, and a race against time to be out of hospital in time for ChristmasI remember the snow in Scotland in the big winters. Thick-lying snow. The kind of snow that packed it in fast and made up its mind. The kind of snow that wasn’t going anywhere for mysterious days upon days, until one day the snowman you had lovingly built suddenly vanished, leaving behind its weight in sadness.I remember the kindness of the neighbours who would
  
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• Santa, beard baubles and a snow maiden: Christmas Eve's top photos

  24-12-2017 13:48 via theguardian.com
  The Guardian’s picture editors bring you a selection of photo highlights from around the world including festivities in Monrovia, Sydney and Bethlehem Continue reading...
  
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• London Zoo reopens after fire that killed aardvark, meerkats

  24-12-2017 13:03
  London Zoo reopened on Sunday, a day after a fire that killed an aardvark and likely four meerkats and which left staff suffering from smoke inhalation and shock.The Zoo said an initial post mortem showed the aardvark named Misha most likely died from smoke inhalation whilst sleeping, while the four meerkats unaccounted for were presumed to have died."We are all naturally devastated by this but are immensely grateful to the fire brigade, who reacted quickly to the situation to bring the fire und
  
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• Data sketch: the most pirated Christmas movies | Mona Chalabi

  24-12-2017 13:00 via theguardian.com
  It’s the perfect time to sit back and watch a Christmas classic – and Home Alone tops the chart for the most popular holiday film based on illegal downloadsIf ever there were a time to rest on the couch and silence your anxious thoughts with a movie, the holiday season is it. But which films are people watching? I drew this data visualization to find out. Continue reading...
  
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• Two Dead In M40 Crash In Oxfordshire

  24-12-2017 12:56
  Two men have died after a multi-vehicle crash on the M40 that left another with serious leg injuries.
  
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• Vice magazine founders apologise over 'boys' club' culture

  24-12-2017 12:41 via theguardian.com
  Media company’s founders acknowledge company has taken action over ‘multiple instances of unacceptable behaviour’The founders of Vice magazine have apologised for allowing a “boys’ club” culture that allowed sexual harassment to flourish.After it was revealed that the company had made four settlements over allegations of sexual harassment or defamation against Vice staff, its co-founders, Shane Smith and Suroosh Alvi, released a statement acknowledging that th
  
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• Vice magazine founders apologise over 'boys' club' culture

  24-12-2017 12:41
  The founders of Vice magazine have apologised for allowing a “boys’ club” culture that allowed sexual harassment to flourish.After it was revealed that the company had made four settlements over allegations of sexual harassment or defamation against Vice staff, its co-founders, Shane Smith and Suroosh Alvi, released a statement acknowledging that the company had taken action over “multiple instances of unacceptable behaviour”.In a statement, Smith and Alvi said: &ld
  
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• London Zoo reopens after aardvark and meerkats die in fire

  24-12-2017 12:34
  London Zoo has reopened following a fire which killed several animals, destroyed a shop and cafe and left several people needing medical treatment.An initial post-mortem on the aardvark suggests she most likely died from smoke inhalation while sleeping.Dominic Jermey, director general of the Zoological Society of London, told Sky News that staff were "devastated" by the loss of Misha, describing her as a "very popular animal with us".
  
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• London Zoo Fire: ZSL Reopens On Christmas Eve After Blaze That Killed Aardvark

  24-12-2017 12:27
  ZSL London Zoo reopened on Christmas Eve after a blaze which killed an aardvark.
  
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• London Zoo reopens after animals die in fire

  24-12-2017 12:09 via theguardian.com
  Misha the aardvark dies in blaze at London tourist attraction and four meerkats are missing, presumed deadLondon Zoo has reopened after several animals died in a fire.
  The zoo confirmed that an aardvark died in the blaze and four meerkats who remain unaccounted for were also presumed dead. Continue reading...
  
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• Two die after M40 crash in Oxfordshire

  24-12-2017 11:52 via theguardian.com
  Multi-vehicle crash on M40 northbound late on Saturday leaves two men dead and another seriously injuredTwo men have died after a multi-vehicle crash on the M40 that left another with serious leg injuries.
  Police and paramedics were called to the M40 northbound in Oxfordshire, between junctions 10 and 11, just before 11.40pm on Saturday. Continue reading...
  
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• Leaders Urge Pride In Christian Heritage And Compassion To Others In Christmas Messages

  24-12-2017 11:52
  Theresa May has urged Britons to take pride in the country’s Christian heritage at Christmas because it gives everyone the confidence to practice their religion “free from question or fear”.
  
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• Two men die in multi-vehicle crash on M40 in Oxfordshire

  24-12-2017 11:46
  Two men have died and another has been left with serious leg injuries after a multi-vehicle crash on the M40 in Oxfordshire.
  
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• Rachel Johnson to appear on Celebrity Big Brother

  24-12-2017 11:23
  Rachel Johnson will follow her father Stanley into the Big Brother house. Photograph: David M Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for The
  
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• North Korea Describes UN Sanctions As ‘An Act Of War’

  24-12-2017 11:11
  North Korea has described the latest UN sanctions against it as an “act of war” and tantamount to a complete economic blockade against it.
  
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• Lazy days: the best loungewear for lounging about in – in pictures

  24-12-2017 11:01 via theguardian.com
  Christmas is for getting warm and cosy and staying in. But can you do it for three days straight in something vanilla-coloured? Asking for a friend ... Continue reading...
  
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• Christmas sounds a clanging chime of doom | Stewart Lee

  24-12-2017 11:00 via theguardian.com
  As the arctic ice melts, smartphones eat our brains and the ghost of Brexit future stalks the land, it’s getting harder and harder to believe in SantaThere is much we can learn from the ancient traditions of Winterval, each culture’s festive myths and rituals being equally valid, and equally instructive, irrespective of their veracity or worth.Upon the solstice night in Latveria, for example, Pappy Puffklap leaves a dried clump of donkey excrement on the breakfast table of each home.
  
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