Category Archives: Politics and Governance

San Francisco

San Francisco’s Comeback Play: From Crisis to Clarity

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Something has been in the air here for more than a year now — and, unusually, it isn’t fog or another round of hype about the next big thing in tech. It’s something far less fleeting: clarity.

After years of becoming a national shorthand for urban dysfunction, the city is quietly charting a new course. This shift is not being driven by ideological upheaval but by a series of pragmatic changes — moves that, taken together, amount to a recalibration of what it means to govern a modern, progressive city.

City leaders have bolstered law enforcement resources, passed tax cuts for both small and large businesses, and ended the public distribution of drug paraphernalia. Supporters say these are not signs of abandoning progressive ideals, but of grounding them in real-world priorities like public safety, economic vitality, and livability.

“We’re not turning away from our values,” said one city official involved in the recent reforms. “We’re making sure those values actually work in practice.”

Story Highlights

  • Law Enforcement: Proposition E, passed in March 2024, gives police expanded investigative powers, including the use of drones, with a goal of fully staffing the department.

  • Crime Trends: Homicides reached a 60-year low in 2024; auto burglaries fell to a 22-year low.

  • Business Climate: Proposition M, passed in November 2023, offers tax relief to small businesses, the hospitality sector, and major employers.

  • Economic Context: Between 2018 and 2024, the Bay Area lost 156 corporate headquarters, while Dallas gained 100.

  • Drug Policy: Mayor Daniel Lurie ended the city’s program distributing free drug paraphernalia in public spaces.

The shift follows a decade in which some of San Francisco’s policies — adopted in the name of compassion — proved difficult to sustain. In hindsight, many residents say those years helped pave the way for problems now familiar in other progressive cities, including Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle.

In some cases, the most visible advocates for change were not the most effective problem-solvers. The consequences, critics argue, included the spread of public drug use, worsening mental health crises, and an erosion of public trust.

“The loudest voices weren’t always the wisest,” said a longtime civic leader. “We mistook activity for progress.”

Economic indicators reinforced the urgency for change. According to the San Francisco Business Times, between 2018 and 2024 the Dallas–Fort Worth area gained 100 corporate headquarters, while the San Francisco Bay Area lost 156. Combined with a five-year population decline — accelerated by the early pandemic years — the city faced an $800 million budget deficit in its most recent budget cycle.

To counter that trend, voters in November 2023 approved Proposition M, a tax relief measure aimed at helping small businesses, the hospitality industry, and larger employers stay competitive in the city.

“Businesses provide the jobs and tax revenue that make our social programs possible,” said a representative from the city’s chamber of commerce. “If they can’t survive here, neither can our budget.”

The new approach has also focused heavily on public safety. Proposition E, approved in March 2024, gives police expanded tools to investigate crimes, including drone technology. Officials say the city is now working to fully staff the police department after years of shortages.

These steps appear to be showing results. Homicides hit a 60-year low in 2024, while auto burglaries dropped so sharply — to a 22-year low — that local glass repair shops have reported a significant loss of business.

Another high-profile change came from Mayor Daniel Lurie, who ended the practice of distributing free drug paraphernalia in public spaces. For years, the program was defended as part of a “harm reduction” strategy, but critics said it amounted to enabling addiction without accountability.

“We can’t keep pretending this is compassion,” Mayor Lurie said when announcing the change. “It’s cruel — to the unhoused, to families, to workers, to visitors. Harm reduction without accountability often results in only harm.”

Taken together, these steps suggest San Francisco is pursuing a post-performative form of governance — one that blends progressive values with pragmatic execution.

“We’re proving that you can still be a Democratic city and take public safety seriously,” one city supervisor said. “This isn’t about moving right or left. It’s about moving forward.”

Whether other West Coast cities will follow suit remains to be seen, but San Francisco’s leaders believe the city’s recalibration could offer a new template — one rooted in lessons learned the hard way.

San Francisco’s recent steps may not satisfy every political faction, but they mark a noticeable shift in tone and priorities. By tightening its focus on public safety, strengthening its economic base, and rethinking policies that once defined its progressive brand, the city is betting that practical governance can restore confidence among residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Whether these measures become a long-term model or a brief course correction, they signal that San Francisco is no longer content to be a cautionary tale — it intends to be a case study in recovery.

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Colombian Senator’s Tragic Death Shakes Nation Amid Rising Political Violence

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Colombian politics has been shaken once again with the tragic death of Senator Miguel Uribe, a rising star and presidential hopeful, who succumbed to his injuries early Monday morning. Uribe, 39, had been fighting for his life since a brutal assassination attempt on June 7 during a campaign event in Bogota.

Story Highlights

  • Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe died early Monday after being shot during a campaign event in June.

  • The attack marks Colombia’s worst political violence incident in nearly 20 years.

  • Six suspects arrested; a teenage gunman claims he was hired by a local drug dealer.

  • Uribe was a vocal critic of President Gustavo Petro’s administration and a prominent right-wing leader.

  • Uribe’s family has a tragic history linked to cartel violence, with his mother killed in 1991 by the Medellin Cartel.

  • The government offers a substantial reward and international support is assisting in the investigation.

Known for his sharp criticism of the current government and a member of the right-wing opposition Democratic Center party, Uribe was shot in the head as he addressed supporters in his bid to secure his party’s nomination for the 2026 presidential elections. The hospital treating him confirmed that his condition worsened over the weekend due to complications from a hemorrhage in his central nervous system. He passed away at 1:56 a.m. local time.

His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, shared the heartbreaking news on social media with a message filled with grief and resilience. She wrote:
“I ask God to show me the way to learn to live without you.”
“Rest in peace, love of my life, I will take care of our children.”

The shooting has been described as the worst political violence outbreak in Colombia in nearly two decades, a grim reminder of the country’s turbulent past. The 1980s and 1990s were marred by cartel-related violence that claimed the lives of four presidential candidates in separate attacks, and this latest attack has revived fears of a return to such instability.

Santa Fe Foundation hospital in Bogota, where Uribe was treated and underwent several surgeries, became a site of constant vigil and hope for his supporters. The hospital reported that his condition deteriorated rapidly over the weekend before his eventual passing.

Former President Alvaro Uribe, who leads the Democratic Center party but is not related to the deceased senator, expressed profound sorrow and frustration on social media. He wrote:
“Evil destroys everything; they killed hope.”
“May Miguel’s fight be a light that illuminates Colombia’s right path.”

On the international front, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also conveyed his condolences and support. He stated:
“The United States stands in solidarity with his family, the Colombian people, both in mourning and demanding justice for those responsible.”

Investigations have moved swiftly since the attack. Authorities have arrested six suspects connected to the assassination attempt, including two men believed to have planned the shooting in Medellin. Among those detained is a 15-year-old boy accused of carrying out the shooting, who reportedly claimed he was hired by a local drug dealer. Police continue to pursue the so-called “intellectual authors” behind the crime.

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez vowed a determined response to the tragedy. In a statement on social media, he said:
“We will not allow the violent to intimidate or silence political voices needed in our democracy.”

The Colombian government has also announced a 3 billion peso (approximately $740,000) reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. Investigative support is being provided by the United States, Britain, and the United Arab Emirates.

The death of Senator Uribe is especially poignant given his family’s fraught history. His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991 during a failed rescue mission after being kidnapped by the Medellin Cartel, one of Colombia’s most infamous drug organizations led by Pablo Escobar.

Uribe’s own political trajectory was rapid and marked by vocal opposition to the leftist government of President Gustavo Petro. On the day he was shot, Uribe had released videos urging respect for the separation of powers and opposing a referendum on labor reforms proposed by Petro. He also criticized Petro’s restrictions on the oil sector, promising plans to boost investment and provide legal certainty for businesses.

At just 25, Uribe entered Bogota’s city council, frequently challenging then-mayor Petro’s policies on social programs and waste management. In the 2022 legislative elections, he was the lead Senate candidate for the Democratic Center party. Since the attack, his Senate seat has been draped with the Colombian flag as a tribute.

Adding to his political legacy, Uribe hailed from a prominent family: his maternal grandfather, Julio Cesar Turbay, was president of Colombia from 1978 to 1982, while his paternal grandfather, Rodrigo Uribe Echavarria, was a key figure in the Liberal Party, supporting the successful 1986 presidential campaign of Virgilio Barco.

Senator Uribe is survived by his wife, son, stepdaughters, father, and sister. As the nation mourns, the investigation continues, with hopes that justice will be served and political violence will not regain its former foothold in Colombia’s democracy.

The death of Senator Miguel Uribe marks a sorrowful chapter in Colombia’s political history, underscoring the persistent threat of violence that continues to challenge the nation’s democratic process. As investigations proceed and justice is sought, the hope remains that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for renewed efforts to protect political voices and ensure a safer future for Colombia’s leaders and citizens alike. The nation mourns the loss of a young leader whose promise was cut short but whose legacy may inspire the fight against intimidation and violence in the country’s fragile democracy.

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Chicago Alderman Takes On Window Sign Overload to Boost Safety and Style

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On a routine drive past a gas station just two blocks from her Chatham office, Alderman Michelle Harris notices something that has become all too familiar: bright green vinyl signs plastered across the station’s windows, loudly advertising pop, chips, and tobacco products. The sheer coverage makes it impossible to see inside.

Story Highlights

  • Ald. Michelle Harris leads effort to curb large window signage in Chicago to enhance safety and neighborhood aesthetics.

  • Proposed ordinance restricts window coverage to 25%, bans non-reflective tints and bright LED border lights.

  • Supporters say it improves public safety and community appeal; critics warn it could harm small business marketing and creativity.

  • Enforcement shifts to Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection with a complaint-driven model.

  • Exemptions planned; 10-day cure period before fines.

  • Harris actively engages with local businesses for compliance and neighborhood beautification.

This sight is not unique to one corner. Near her own home, Harris points out how storefront windows have become overwhelmed with tall orange stickers pushing Family Dollar items, while a beauty shop’s large photographs of painted fingernails completely block any view into the store’s interior.

“It’s everywhere,” Harris sighs. The veteran South Side alderman describes this creeping signage problem as more than just an eyesore. It’s become a double-edged issue — a safety concern as it prevents police and the public from seeing inside, and a detriment to neighborhood character.

“We know you do nails!” she said last week, exasperated as she drove by the salon. “You tell me that this would be something that you would be proud to have in any community?”

The problem, she argues, extends beyond mere aesthetics. The overwhelming presence of window advertisements and signage has sparked a citywide effort, led by Harris, to clamp down on how businesses use their storefront windows. The initiative seeks to tighten existing, yet under-enforced, rules that limit retail displays.

The proposed ordinance would not only restrict the amount of window coverage but also ban the use of non-reflective window tints and flashy LED lights that border windows — lights Harris describes as resembling something “from an alien spaceship.”

Yet, the proposal has sparked a lively debate. While aldermen representing Chicago’s South and West sides largely back the effort, others from the North Side, along with business owners and chamber of commerce heads, worry about the potential fallout.

In a recent Instagram post, Lincoln Square’s Del Sur Bakery voiced concern, calling the ordinance a threat to the “creative displays that make our neighborhoods feel festive, unique, and alive.” The bakery cautioned that window decorations have long been an extension of a business’s personality and charm.

“Taking that away feels not only unnecessary but disheartening,” the bakery wrote.

The bakery also warned that restricting window coverings could endanger employees’ safety after hours by preventing them from drawing curtains while cleaning or cashing out, leaving them “visible and vulnerable, even when we’re closed.”

“This isn’t just inconvenient, it’s a potential safety issue,” the post said.

Supporters of the ordinance, however, emphasize that heavily covered windows make it hard for customers to know what kind of businesses they are entering. More importantly, they argue, such coverings can obstruct police when they respond to calls and allow illicit activities to go unnoticed.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has lent his support to the measure. Under the new rules, stores that cover more than one-quarter of their windows, use window tints, or have excessive LED lighting could face fines up to $500 per day — but only after being warned and given a 10-day period to fix the violation.

Harris paused the ordinance’s vote last month as some aldermen voiced concerns during a City Council Zoning Committee meeting but said she intends to move forward with it in the coming months, even as the city faces a challenging budget season.

One major change in the ordinance is shifting enforcement from the Department of Buildings to the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Advocates say BACP is better equipped to enforce the rules effectively.

At the zoning meeting, BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali sought to ease fears of heavy-handed enforcement. He said his team’s approach will be “complaint-driven” and will target only the most egregious violations.

“We are not going to come after festive decorations,” Capifali assured. “The purpose here is public safety.”

Ciere Boatright, commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development, echoed the sentiment.

“The goal is not to be punitive,” Boatright said. “The goal is to ensure that we have aesthetically pleasing corridors that welcome the foot traffic that our neighborhoods are known for.”

Capifali added that a 90-day outreach and education effort will precede enforcement. Some businesses, such as hotels, marijuana dispensaries, medical facilities, and child care sites, would be allowed exemptions. Store owners could also apply for permits if they want window signage beyond the 25% limit.

Despite concessions that earned neutrality from the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, some aldermen remain wary. Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) noted past incidents where good businesses were heavily fined.

“In past practice, we have seen many of our good businesses really hit with the fines,” he said.

Ald. Anthony Quezada (35th) acknowledged that while the ordinance is “misunderstood,” the city must avoid harming businesses that do not cause safety issues.

“The last thing we want is for people who have not caused or not contributed to any public safety issues to somehow be inadvertently affected,” Quezada said.

Northwest Side businesses have also expressed opposition. Logan Square’s Fleur flower boutique rallied against the measure on social media, fearing vague language could lead to hefty fines and damage the unique character of their storefront displays.

“We understand the need for thoughtful design and safety,” the boutique wrote, “but we also believe there’s room for that alongside the creativity, personality, and individuality that make small businesses so special.”

On the South Side, the perspective is different. Ald. William Hall (6th) described the ordinance as a reality check.

“They don’t have the problems we have,” Hall said, referring to some North Side neighborhoods. “What we want is to be able to have neighborhoods where there’s no hide-and-go-seek.”

Ald. Ronnie Mosley (21st) pointed to Eddie’s Food Market in his Far South Side ward, where windows are plastered with outdated signs and menus. Several nearby businesses share the same appearance, with windows completely blocked by ads.

Attempts to reach the owners of these businesses for comment were unsuccessful.

Some experts warn that in neighborhoods with many vacant buildings, window advertisements remain a critical tool to signal that businesses are open. Beth Kregor, director of the University of Chicago Law School’s Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship, said enforcement could be uneven across the city, forcing costly changes.

“I don’t think it’s the city’s role to decide what looks pretty and what doesn’t look pretty,” Kregor said. “I think businesses should be allowed to do whatever they think is best.”

Garrett Karp, executive director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that small businesses could face logistical and marketing challenges if required to reconfigure displays.

“People are disappointed because logistically, it’s a problem. Marketing-wise, it’s a problem,” Karp said. He added his chamber was not consulted before the ordinance was proposed and aligned with other North Side chambers in opposition.

Meanwhile, Ald. Harris has taken steps within her own ward. She and her staff are actively visiting businesses suspected of violating window display rules.

At Big Daddy Express, a corner store in Avalon Park, owner Mahmoud Shaltaf recently removed some vibrant ads covering windows to meet city concerns. Shaltaf said one reason for the signage was to hide a crack in the store’s bulletproof glass.

“The other reason is I do have the register behind the glass,” he said. “It’s not good to let people see you count the money.”

Harris encouraged him to seek permits to protect the storefront legally.

“This would be a perfect opportunity to get it permitted,” she said. “Get the permit to protect the front of the store.”

Shaltaf defended his LED lights bordering the windows, saying they help the store “show up a little bit.”

Harris responded: “It’s showing up, baby, you’ve got a brand new sign. The problem is that the community is a more established, settled community, and the lights around the windows, they just hate them.”

Shaltaf agreed he could remove the lights, and Harris offered support to help with permits and neighborhood cleanup efforts.

“It’s going to be looking good,” Shaltaf said.

“I want it to be looking good,” Harris replied. “That’s my thing. Looking good, looking clean.”

In balancing community safety and business creativity, Chicago faces a complex challenge. Alderman Michelle Harris’s ordinance aims to bring clarity and order to storefront signage, addressing genuine concerns about public safety and neighborhood appearance. Yet, the pushback from some business owners and North Side representatives highlights the need for careful enforcement and ongoing dialogue. As the city moves forward, finding a middle ground that respects small businesses’ marketing needs while ensuring transparent, welcoming streetscapes will be key to the ordinance’s success and the health of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.

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Vox Media Shakes Up Eater Network with Sudden Layoffs Impacting Vegas Editor

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Vox Media this week announced another round of staffing cuts, eliminating 15 positions nationwide and striking a major blow to its Eater network. The layoffs, confirmed on August 7, hit local digital outlets across the country, including Vegas Eater, where editor Janna Karel lost her job.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • 15 layoffs announced August 7 across Vox Media’s Eater network

  • Vegas Eater editor Janna Karel among those affected

  • Cuts follow a previous round earlier in 2024 that reduced Eater’s cities network

  • Union says layoffs eliminate about one-third of Eater’s union jobs

  • Vox Media cites long-term business strategy for restructuring

  • Eater is celebrating its 20th anniversary amid the staff cuts

Karel confirmed the news in an Instagram post.

“I was impacted by a round of mass layoffs yesterday. Vegas Eater no longer has an Editor,” she wrote.

She called covering Las Vegas restaurants a privilege, adding:

“Las Vegas is one of the most exceptional food cities around — even if the rest of the world is still catching up. I’m sad for me. I’m sad for my bright, bold, brilliant coworkers — some of whom were laid off, some navigating yet another shift away from the version of Eater I loved.”

Karel noted this was the second major round of layoffs at Eater this year. She described the move as one that “eliminates roughly a third of Eater’s union jobs” and criticized the company’s direction.

“It is also a cowardly capitulation to the fallacious insistence that generative AI is the future of search and publishing,” she wrote. “We are devastated that our colleagues have lost their jobs, and we are deeply worried about the future sustainability of Eater without them.”

Another Eater employee based in Las Vegas confirmed being laid off but declined further comment. Sources familiar with the restructuring said the cuts also reached Texas, Chicago, and other major cities.

The Vox Media Union Committees released a statement condemning the move.

“Today, 15 members of the Vox Media Union working at Eater were notified without warning that their jobs were being eliminated as part of a major restructuring of the 20-year-old brand,” the statement read.

The union said the decision was especially surprising given remarks by Vox Media CEO Jim Bankoff just a week earlier, when he told Puck’s Dylan Byers that he did not anticipate any impending layoffs.

“But, of course, we’ve learned that we cannot trust Jim Bankoff’s word when it comes to layoffs,” the union added. “We will have more information forthcoming about ways to support our laid-off colleagues in the coming days.”

In a statement issued Friday, Vox Media defended the decision, saying Eater remains committed to its audience.

“Eater is committed to operating all current Eater sites and continuing its best-in-class restaurant recommendations, local dining news, national tastemaking, and trade coverage across all the places that audiences can currently find us: on the sites, on social platforms, via our newsletters, in the app, and more,” the company said.

The representative added that the layoffs were part of a restructuring intended to “reorient the business around our long-term strategy” and ensure sustainability.

This is not the first time Vox Media has made deep cuts to its lifestyle and culture brands. In December, the company announced layoffs affecting Eater, Thrillist, and PS (formerly PopSugar). The union later said those reductions had “essentially shuttered” Thrillist.

The recent layoffs also come during what was supposed to be a celebratory year for Eater, which is marking its 20th anniversary. Instead, the newsroom faces uncertainty over staffing and coverage capabilities.

Industry data shows the media job market remains turbulent. According to PR Newswire, at least 3,875 layoffs have been reported across newspapers, broadcast, and digital media in 2024 alone.

The latest cuts at Vox Media underscore the mounting pressures facing digital media outlets as they adapt to shifting business models, evolving audience habits, and the growing influence of generative AI in publishing. For Eater, the loss of seasoned local editors like Janna Karel raises questions about the brand’s ability to maintain its hallmark city-specific coverage. As the industry contends with continued layoffs and restructuring, the challenge will be balancing financial sustainability with preserving the editorial depth and local expertise that built these outlets’ reputations in the first place.

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Justice Department Targets Letitia James in High Stakes Trump Legal Showdown

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The Justice Department has issued subpoenas to New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office as part of a widening criminal investigation linked to former President Donald Trump. The grand jury in Albany is probing alleged violations of constitutional rights connected to James’ investigations of the Trump Organization and the National Rifle Association. While James’ lawyer calls the move political retaliation, the Justice Department remains silent. This development adds a new chapter to the ongoing legal battles between Trump and one of his fiercest critics, raising questions about justice, politics, and power in today’s volatile climate.

Story Highlights

  • Federal Subpoenas: Issued to NY Attorney General’s office over probes into Trump Organization and NRA.

  • Albany Grand Jury: Investigating alleged constitutional rights violations against Trump.

  • James’ Response: Lawyer calls the probe political retaliation and vows to defend office’s actions.

  • Wider Pattern: Other Trump critics, including Comey, Brennan, and Jack Smith, also under investigation.

  • Mortgage Fraud Probe: FBI pursuing separate case; James denies wrongdoing.

  • Civil Fraud Judgment: Trump ordered to pay $450M; appeal pending with $175M bond posted.

  • NRA Case: James’ office secured reforms in the gun rights group’s leadership structure.

The Justice Department has moved into uncharted political and legal territory, issuing subpoenas to the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James in connection with a criminal investigation, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

Two separate grand jury subpoenas, sent from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, seek records tied to James’ ongoing and past investigations into two high-profile targets: the Trump Organization and the National Rifle Association. Sources say a grand jury has been convened in Albany to explore whether James engaged in “deprivation of rights,” a legal term for violating constitutional rights — allegations tied directly to her office’s handling of matters involving former President Donald Trump.

The Justice Department itself has declined public comment on either the subpoenas or the grand jury’s scope.

Abbe Lowell, an attorney representing James, issued a pointed statement calling the federal move “the most blatant and desperate example” of using government power for political payback. “Weaponizing the Department of Justice to try to punish an elected official for doing her job is an attack on the rule of law,” Lowell said, warning that it marked a “dangerous escalation.” He added that if prosecutors were genuinely interested in the truth, James’ office was “ready and waiting with the facts and law.”

The subpoenas place James among a growing roster of Trump’s longtime political adversaries who have found themselves under federal investigation since leaving office or clashing with the former president. This list includes former FBI Director James Comey, former CIA Director John Brennan, and several officials involved in election security or investigations into Russian interference in 2016 — among them former DHS official Miles Taylor, former CISA head Chris Krebs, and former special counsel Jack Smith, who indicted Trump twice in 2023.

In May, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed a separate investigation into James, this one in the Eastern District of Virginia, focused on allegations that she committed fraud on a mortgage application. Lowell characterized those accusations as “baseless and long-discredited.”

The Civil Fraud Case at the Center of the Storm

The most prominent clash between Trump and James began in September 2022, when the New York Attorney General’s office filed a sweeping civil fraud lawsuit against Trump, his adult sons, and the Trump Organization. The case alleged the former president’s business empire repeatedly inflated the value of properties and assets to secure favorable terms from banks and insurers.

Following a lengthy and contentious trial that stretched across late 2023 and into 2024, a judge found Trump liable for fraud and ordered him to pay more than $450 million in penalties. Trump’s legal team, led in part by attorney Alina Habba — who has since taken a role as acting U.S. Attorney in New Jersey — filed an appeal. While the appeal is pending, Trump posted a $175 million bond.

The courtroom exchanges were anything but restrained. Trump used both the witness stand and courthouse hallways to denounce James, describing her as “a political hack” and accusing her of orchestrating “a political witch hunt.” James, often present in the courtroom gallery behind her attorneys, countered through press statements and social media videos defending her office’s work.

Beyond Trump: NRA Litigation and Broader Reach

James’ office has also taken on other powerful entities, notably the National Rifle Association. Her legal action against the NRA led to court-ordered structural reforms within the organization. A spokesperson for the attorney general’s office stressed that “any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American” and underscored that they “stand strongly” by their litigation outcomes.

With grand juries now examining her actions in multiple jurisdictions, James faces a multi-pronged legal battle even as she continues to hold one of the most visible law enforcement positions in the country. The unfolding investigations underscore both the high stakes and the deeply personal nature of the ongoing feud between the former president and one of his most persistent critics.

The subpoenas against Letitia James mark an escalation in a long-running and highly public legal confrontation between the New York attorney general and former President Donald Trump. While James defends her actions as the fulfillment of her duty to enforce state laws, the federal inquiries place her under the same kind of scrutiny she has brought to others. As the grand jury proceedings unfold and Trump’s appeal in the civil fraud case moves forward, the clash between these two figures remains a high-stakes battle—one that blends law, politics, and personal rivalry, with implications reaching far beyond New York’s courtrooms.

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Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Water Slide Mishap Leaves Passenger Injured

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A day of leisure aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas took a sudden turn when a passenger was injured after a water slide malfunction. On August 7, the acrylic glass panel of the slide shattered mid-ride, sending water gushing out as shocked passengers shouted for it to be stopped. The injured man, whose identity remains undisclosed, is in stable condition. Royal Caribbean confirmed the slide will stay closed pending investigation. The incident adds to recent unusual events on the ship, including last month’s infinity pool fall.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Incident Date: August 7, 2025

  • Ship: Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

  • Cause: Acrylic glass panel on water slide broke mid-ride

  • Injured Passenger: Male, identity not disclosed, in stable condition

  • Response: Immediate medical care provided; slide closed for remainder of sailing

  • Return to Port: Ship due back in Miami on Saturday

  • Earlier Incident: July 27 infinity pool fall; passenger unhurt

A leisure-filled day aboard the Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s flagship cruise liner, turned unexpectedly tense on Thursday, August 7, when a passenger was injured in a water slide mishap. According to ABC News, the incident took place when an acrylic glass panel along the slide unexpectedly broke apart as the guest was passing through, sending water gushing out in an uncontrolled stream.

The passenger, whose identity has not been released, is reportedly in stable condition. Fellow travelers onboard captured the startling scene on video, which shows the moment the water burst out and passengers began yelling in alarm. “Stop the slide. Stop the slide,” can be heard repeatedly in the footage recorded by Jim Muldoon, highlighting the urgency and confusion as crew members rushed to respond.

In an official statement, Royal Caribbean Group said, “Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide. The guest is being treated for his injuries.” The cruise company did not detail the extent of the injuries, but confirmed that the slide will remain closed for the remainder of the journey while a full investigation is conducted.

The Icon of the Seas, one of the largest and most talked-about cruise ships in the world, is currently sailing on a voyage set to conclude in Miami on Saturday. Passengers are continuing to enjoy the remainder of the trip, although the incident has cast a brief shadow over the otherwise festive atmosphere on board.

This is not the first time in recent weeks that an unusual incident has made headlines from the Icon of the Seas. On July 27, another guest was filmed losing balance and tumbling over the glass railing of the ship’s infinity pool while trying to retrieve his sunglasses. The clip, widely circulated on social media via Only in Florida, shows the man leaning precariously over the edge before falling onto the pool gutter. Fortunately, he escaped without injuries.

Both episodes serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of life at sea, even amid luxury settings designed for relaxation and fun. For now, Royal Caribbean has assured guests that safety measures remain a top priority, and the investigation into the water slide malfunction is underway.

While the Icon of the Seas continues its voyage toward Miami, the recent water slide malfunction serves as a stark reminder that even aboard state-of-the-art cruise ships, unforeseen mishaps can occur. Royal Caribbean’s swift medical response and immediate closure of the slide underscore the company’s focus on passenger safety. Yet, with two unusual incidents reported in just weeks, the spotlight now rests on how quickly and effectively the cruise line can address safety concerns to reassure guests that their journey remains as secure as it is spectacular.

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Trump Fires Jobs Chief Over ‘Rigged’ Report Claims

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In a move that has rattled Washington, former President Donald Trump announced the dismissal of U.S. Commissioner of Labor Statistics Erika McEntarfer, accusing her of manipulating national employment data for political motives — without offering evidence to support the claim.

Trump made the announcement on August 1 via his social media platform, Truth Social, where he criticized the July jobs report that showed only 73,000 jobs were added — significantly below the projected 105,000. He also pointed to downward revisions for May and June totaling 258,000 jobs, calling the entire reporting process “rigged.”

“We need accurate Jobs Numbers,” Trump wrote. “They can’t be manipulated for political purposes.”

A Sudden Shakeup at the Bureau of Labor Statistics

In a stunning and highly controversial move, former President Donald Trump has fired Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the U.S. Commissioner of Labor Statistics, accusing her of deliberately skewing employment data to serve political ends. The dismissal, announced on Trump’s Truth Social platform on August 1, has sent ripples through Washington, with economists, statisticians, and political analysts questioning both the timing and the rationale behind the decision.

The core of the issue stems from July’s jobs report, which revealed that the U.S. economy added only 73,000 jobs—far below economists’ forecast of 105,000. Additionally, job gains for May and June were revised downward by a combined 258,000, sparking concern over a possible economic slowdown. But Trump saw more than just economic warning signs—he saw what he called political tampering.

Trump’s Claims: A Battle Over Trust and Data

Without offering concrete evidence, Trump alleged that McEntarfer—who was appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in early 2024—was involved in a scheme to “manipulate” jobs data to make the Republican-led economic performance appear weaker and to bolster Democratic nominee Kamala Harris during the 2024 election.

“We need accurate Jobs Numbers,” Trump declared. “Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate—they can’t be manipulated for political purposes.”

He went further, accusing McEntarfer of overseeing previous reports that were later revised downward, asserting that the agency had released overly optimistic data before the election, only to quietly correct them afterward.

However, official records tell a different story. The U.S. Department of Labor publicly disclosed in August 2024—well before the election—that job creation between April 2023 and March 2024 had been overestimated by 818,000. This type of benchmarking revision is common and part of the agency’s routine process of aligning survey data with tax records.

Who Is Erika McEntarfer?

Dr. McEntarfer is no political novice. A seasoned labor economist with more than two decades in federal service, she has held positions at both the U.S. Census Bureau and the Treasury Department. Her appointment to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was met with bipartisan support at the time, largely due to her professional track record and nonpartisan background.

Yet, in Trump’s view, her leadership raised questions—not for her credentials, but for what he calls “untrustworthy numbers.” Speaking to reporters, he didn’t mince words:

“I fired her because I think her numbers were wrong.”

Pushback from the Statistical Community

The reaction from former Labor Department officials has been swift and unequivocal. A statement released by a coalition of former BLS commissioners and staff—signed by William Beach, who served as commissioner under Trump—called the accusation “baseless” and “damaging.”

“The Commissioner does not determine what the numbers are but simply reports on what the data show,” the statement clarified.

Experts emphasized that the methodology behind jobs data is purposefully decentralized. Hundreds of career civil servants contribute to the report each month, ensuring that no single individual can alter the outcome. The final report goes through multiple layers of verification before release.

Heidi Shierholz, former chief economist at the Labor Department, said it would be “literally impossible” for any one person—even the commissioner—to manipulate the figures without a massive number of people noticing.

“They’re not political,” she added. “There’s no way those numbers could be faked without widespread objection.”

The Complexity of the Jobs Report

Keith Hall, who led the BLS from 2008 to 2011 under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, explained that the final employment figure is built from inputs provided by hundreds of economists and survey specialists. According to Hall, even eight to ten staff members see the final number just before its release.

“It’s essentially impossible for the numbers to be fudged,” he said. “All the detail must add up, and many eyes are on it.”

Hall further criticized Trump’s remarks, noting that if there is a downturn in employment trends, such developments are typically reflected across multiple economic indicators—not just the monthly jobs report.

“If the president wants to know what made the numbers weak, he needs to look in the mirror, not at BLS,” he said.

Fallout and What Comes Next

Despite the backlash, Trump has not yet announced a replacement for McEntarfer, stating only that he plans to appoint “someone much more competent and qualified.” The sudden vacancy in one of the government’s most respected statistical agencies has left both markets and officials wondering how politicized the traditionally neutral BLS might become under future leadership.

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer initially did not challenge the July jobs report but later issued a statement expressing agreement with Trump’s emphasis on data integrity.

Meanwhile, many in the economic community have expressed concerns that this episode could undermine public trust in government-produced statistics at a time when the economy is facing new challenges.

The firing of Erika McEntarfer marks a rare and deeply controversial moment in the history of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—an agency built on decades of nonpartisan credibility. While Donald Trump’s accusations have fueled political debate and drawn sharp responses from former officials and economists, the broader concern now lies in the precedent this sets. If statistical agencies become political battlegrounds, the reliability of critical economic data could be called into question by the very institutions meant to uphold it. As the dust settles, the country finds itself not only facing uncertainty in the job market but also confronting the fragility of trust in facts themselves.

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Medical Emergency Behind the Wheel Triggers Fatal MTS Bus Crash on California Highway

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A morning commute turned tragic on State Route 163 after a Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus driver suffered a medical emergency, leading to a crash that claimed his life. The incident unfolded shortly after 9:00 AM on Tuesday in the northbound lanes, just past University Avenue in California.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • MTS bus crash occurred around 9:00 AM on SR-163 northbound

  • 60-year-old driver suffered a sudden medical emergency

  • Bus veered off road and struck right shoulder guardrail

  • University Avenue on-ramp was briefly blocked

  • Driver was taken to hospital and pronounced dead

  • No injuries reported among passengers

  • Alcohol and drugs ruled out as contributing factors

  • CHP investigation remains ongoing

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the 60-year-old driver was operating the MTS bus when he suddenly began experiencing a serious medical issue. What followed was a swift and alarming chain of events. The bus, unable to stay on course, veered off the roadway and struck the metal guardrail along the right shoulder of the highway.

While the exact nature of the medical emergency has not been disclosed, CHP officials confirmed that the driver was in distress before the crash occurred. Emergency personnel arrived on the scene and quickly transported the man to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

For a brief period, the crash led to a partial blockage of the University Avenue on-ramp to northbound SR-163, disrupting traffic flow in the area. Authorities worked quickly to clear the scene, and normal traffic operations were restored soon after.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the passengers onboard the bus at the time of the incident. CHP officers noted that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle and did not require medical attention.

The California Highway Patrol also stated that there is currently no indication of alcohol or drug involvement in the crash. Their initial findings suggest the crash was solely due to the driver’s medical condition.

At this time, the identity of the driver is being withheld until next of kin have been notified. Officials emphasized that the ongoing investigation aims to piece together a clearer picture of the incident and determine whether all safety protocols were followed.

The unexpected nature of the driver’s medical emergency serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine day on the road can take a tragic turn. Passengers and officials alike have expressed their condolences to the driver’s family, as the transit community reflects on the unfortunate loss.

As the California Highway Patrol continues its investigation into the fatal crash, questions remain about the sudden medical emergency that led to the tragic death of the MTS bus driver. While no passengers were harmed and foul play has been ruled out, the incident underscores the unpredictable nature of public transportation safety and the importance of emergency preparedness. For now, the focus remains on supporting the driver’s family and ensuring that future safeguards are in place to handle such unforeseen situations on the road.

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Texas Democrats Bolt to Illinois to Freeze GOP’s Redistricting Plot

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In a dramatic and politically charged move, dozens of  Texas House Democrats arrived in Illinois on Sunday evening, walking directly into the national spotlight as they took a firm and highly public stand against a redistricting push led by their Republican counterparts back home. Their decision to leave the state effectively denied the Texas House the quorum needed to pass a new congressional map — one critics say is designed to cement GOP control and protect former President Donald Trump’s influence heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

The Democratic legislators, some visibly fatigued but resolute, arrived at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and were immediately welcomed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. What followed was not merely a show of state-to-state solidarity, but a charged press conference in which accusations of political manipulation, racial gerrymandering, and even authoritarianism dominated the air.

At a late-night event held at the DuPage County Democratic Party headquarters in Carol Stream, Gov. Pritzker offered a full-throated defense of the visiting Texas Democrats. He criticized the motives behind the redistricting session, suggesting that the GOP’s intent went far beyond standard legislative duties.

“Let’s be clear,” Pritzker said firmly, “this is not just rigging the system in Texas. It’s about rigging the system against the rights of all Americans for years to come.”

Referring directly to Donald Trump, Pritzker did not hold back.

“Donald Trump is a cheater — we know that. And so is the attorney general of Texas, Ken Paxton. This isn’t about legislative fairness; this is about one man’s fear of losing power. A cult leader who’s now dictating political maps.”

The Illinois governor, who has clashed repeatedly with Texas Governor Greg Abbott in recent years over immigration and sanctuary policies, framed the latest controversy as part of a broader national struggle over democratic norms. According to Pritzker, the Republican-led special session in Austin — originally called to discuss disaster relief following devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country — had been repurposed to serve partisan goals.

Texas Democrats, on their part, said they had no other choice.

“This wasn’t a decision we made lightly,” said Rep. Gene Wu of Houston, chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus. “But it is one we make with absolute moral clarity.”

The Democrats’ move means the Texas House — which requires 100 of its 150 members to be present for quorum — will be unable to proceed with a vote on the redistricting plan, at least for now. With only 62 Democrats and 88 Republicans, the GOP was counting on Democratic attendance to push through the map.

But the walkout was not only symbolic; it was strategic.

“We are leaving our state to protect it,” Wu said. “To fight for our constituents, to fight for fair representation. What that looks like? We don’t know exactly. But we’re here. And we’re committed.”

Gov. Abbott was quick to respond. Dismissing the move as cowardly and unlawful, he vowed to act aggressively.

“Real Texans do not run from a fight,” Abbott said in a statement. “I will use every tool at my disposal to remove them from office and name their successors.”

He set a 3 p.m. Monday deadline for legislators to return and threatened to invoke a legal opinion that would allow him to declare the absentees’ seats vacant. The governor also warned that Democrats accepting out-of-state donations to cover fines might be vulnerable to felony bribery charges.

Attorney General Ken Paxton echoed the threats on social media.

“Democrats in the Texas House who try and run away like cowards should be found, arrested, and brought back to the Capitol immediately,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We should use every tool at our disposal to hunt down those who think they are above the law.”

As history shows, this is not the first time Texas Democrats have left the state to stall legislative action. A similar move occurred in 2021, when Democratic lawmakers went to Washington, D.C. to protest new voting laws, resulting in a new Texas House rule that fines absent members $500 per day. The current standoff is already shaping up to be more costly — a report from the Texas Tribune estimates the cost of the Illinois stay could run up to $1 million per month. Party fundraisers are reportedly already seeking donations to cover expenses.

Governor Pritzker, who is a billionaire and a potential 2028 presidential contender, said he would not personally pay for the Texas Democrats’ stay but confirmed that his campaign staff had helped coordinate hotel options and logistics. According to sources close to the governor, the idea for the Democrats to take refuge in Illinois began taking shape in late June, during a dinner meeting with Kendall Scudder, head of the Texas Democratic Party. The conversation gained momentum in recent days after a follow-up meeting on Chicago’s South Side.

Meanwhile, the redistricting plan itself is drawing intense scrutiny. The Republican-sponsored map would reshape five congressional districts to favor GOP candidates, with opponents alleging it would dilute the voting power of Black and Latino communities through tactics like packing and splitting. Republican Rep. Todd Hunter, who authored the bill, was unapologetic.

“Different from everyone else, I’m telling you, I’m not beating around the bush,” Hunter said. “We have five new districts, and these five new districts are based on political performance.”

Critics, however, say that’s exactly the problem.

“They’re not trying to govern,” Rep. Wu said. “They’re trying to hijack the system. And Gov. Abbott is doing this in submission to Donald Trump so that Trump can steal our communities’ power and voice.”

Illinois Republicans, meanwhile, were quick to accuse Pritzker of hypocrisy. Senate GOP Leader John Curran pointed out that Illinois’ own congressional map — drawn by Democrats after the 2020 census — heavily favors their party.

“This is the height of hypocrisy,” Curran said. “Gov. Pritzker should be focused on strengthening democracy here in Illinois, not chasing headlines in Texas.”

Pritzker defended the Illinois map, arguing it was passed through normal legislative channels and complies with constitutional standards. He dismissed Republican criticism by saying that Illinois voters support Democratic policies because “we deliver.”

As the nation watches, the political standoff has added a fresh layer to the ongoing debate over gerrymandering, voting rights, and political power. What happens next will likely depend on the courts, the willpower of both parties — and the determination of lawmakers camped out far from home.

As the political showdown between Texas Democrats and their Republican counterparts escalates, the core issue of fair representation hangs in the balance. With Illinois becoming an unlikely haven and legal threats looming from Texas officials, the impasse reflects a larger national struggle over power, redistricting, and democratic norms. Whether this dramatic exodus will shift the political map or trigger deeper partisan divides remains uncertain—but one thing is clear: the battle lines over control of Congress in 2026 have already been boldly drawn.

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Austin Spins a New Traffic Tale with Safer Roundabouts

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You’re behind the wheel in Austin, following your usual route through a quiet neighborhood. Suddenly, the road opens up into an unfamiliar intersection. No red lights, no stop signs—just a wide concrete circle surrounded by signage and landscaping. There’s a moment of hesitation. Do you yield? Merge? Speed through?

If you’ve been in that situation, you’re not alone. Welcome to the age of Austin’s roundabouts—where traditional crossroads are being redesigned into safer, continuous loops of motion.

As part of an evolving urban mobility strategy, the City of Austin is replacing more and more traditional intersections with roundabouts. These circular junctions, while still a novelty to many locals, are increasingly being seen as tools of transformation in the fight against traffic crashes and congestion.

A Safer Spin on City Streets

According to city officials, Austin’s embrace of roundabouts is rooted in hard data: roundabouts reduce fatal and injury-related crashes by up to 80%. Traditional four-way intersections can contain up to 32 potential vehicle conflict points. Roundabouts? Just eight. The slower speeds they enforce also protect pedestrians, offering reduced risk and better visibility.

“The reduction in crashes is significant,” said Ruth Steiner, a professor of urban and regional planning at the University of Florida.

“Often, the reduction in severity is even more important, because with roundabouts, you have slower traffic.”

Roundabouts eliminate the possibility of head-on collisions and drastically reduce the likelihood of right-angle or “T-bone” crashes. Unlike signalized intersections, where drivers may speed up to beat a light, roundabouts encourage consistent caution—no green light to chase, no red light to run.

The Circle of Cost and Functionality

While safety is a major selling point, roundabouts aren’t cheap. The new roundabout at West Mary and Evergreen Avenue has a price tag of $1.3 million, funded by a $720 million mobility bond passed by voters in 2016. By comparison, a standard traffic signal in Austin costs about $500,000 to install.

But proponents argue the extra cost pays off in the long run. Roundabouts don’t require electricity, don’t malfunction during power outages, and reduce long-term maintenance needs.

“Roundabouts not only improve safety, but also reduce congestion and delay,” said Cody Stone, an engineer with Austin’s Transportation Department.

“We’ve gotten support from residents who say, ‘Why don’t you consider one here?’ That kind of feedback tells us the culture is changing.”

The Learning Curve: Yield or Yell?

Even so, confusion reigns. Many drivers still don’t understand that they must yield to traffic already inside the circle, including cyclists and pedestrians. That hesitation—or refusal—can create dangerous situations, especially for vulnerable users.

And not all residents are thrilled. For blind or visually impaired pedestrians, roundabouts pose unique challenges.

“One of the groups that’s been concerned about safety around roundabouts has been blind pedestrians,” said Steiner.

“They depend upon hearing traffic stopping at an intersection. And in a roundabout, it never stops.”

From Skepticism to Support

Austin’s roundabout experiment didn’t happen overnight. The city first dabbled with “traffic calming circles” in the late 1990s, but these early models were small and not up to modern engineering standards. The turning point came in 2010, with the arrival of Gary Schatz, then a city traffic engineer.

“When I came to Austin in April of 2010, along with having the interest in roundabouts, I was also on an international roundabout committee,” said Schatz.

“I kept seeing different intersections in Austin and thought, ‘That kind of wants to be a roundabout.’”

His ideas didn’t always go over smoothly. Schatz remembers a local real estate developer who was ridiculed for suggesting roundabouts in a housing development. Even city staff pushed back.

“We fear the unknown or the unfamiliar,” he recalled.

“Oh my God, what if I screw this up? What if I get in there and I go the wrong way or I do the wrong thing? What if somebody runs into me?”

But those internal fights helped shift the thinking. With time, traffic engineering teams began to recognize roundabouts not just as functional tools, but as community enhancements. Today, intersections that once caused concern are being redesigned into modern, multi-modal hubs.

Future Circles in Motion

The city has completed 47 roundabouts to date. Construction is underway for number 48 at Evergreen Avenue and West Mary Street, in the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood. Number 49 will be built at Bluebonnet Lane and Del Curto Road in 2026. A 50th roundabout is being designed for the junction of Rutland Drive and Parkfield Drive.

“Basically around 2013 or ’14 is when we started really pushing for roundabouts a little more,” said Mario Porras, supervising engineer at the city.

Yet, challenges persist. Designing a roundabout often requires slicing off corners of private property, which can spark opposition. And as the 2016 bond money thins out, city officials acknowledge that the pace may slow.

Still, the roundabout momentum remains strong.

“We’re trying to speed them up,” said Stone.

“They work. We know they work. And people are starting to see that, too.”

As more Austin drivers learn to navigate the spin, the city’s streets may just become not only safer, but smarter. Roundabouts may not be the future everyone asked for—but they could be the solution the city needs.

As Austin steadily replaces traditional intersections with roundabouts, the city stands at a pivotal point in its urban evolution. While these circular designs promise enhanced safety, reduced congestion, and modern functionality, they also invite hesitation, cost concerns, and accessibility challenges. Yet, with rising public support and proven crash reduction, roundabouts are quietly reshaping how Austinites move through their city. Whether embraced or questioned, they mark a deliberate turn—both literally and figuratively—toward a new rhythm of road design that prioritizes flow, caution, and community focus.

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