HeadlineSquare[Thursday, October 23] US News Headlines from r/Conservative
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DAILY BRIEFING
By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare
October 23, 2025
Executive Summary
- Shutdown Crisis Deepens: Partisan gridlock intensifies as Senate Democrats block a bill to pay essential workers, with one Democrat quoted using “leverage” to describe the suffering of families. A GOP Governor declares a state of emergency over SNAP benefits, while President Trump announces a $130 million private donation to pay troops.
- Foreign Tensions Spike: The U.S. and EU escalate sanctions on Russia, prompting a top Russian official to call the actions “like an act of war.” In the Middle East, both the President and Vice President issue sharp, public warnings to Israel against annexing the West Bank.
- Major Domestic Operations: The administration’s war on narco-terrorism expands with military strikes at sea and a large-scale FBI raid on cartel and gang targets in Wisconsin. The FBI also announces it is close to unmasking Antifa’s funding.
- DOJ Investigation: Reports emerge of a controversial memo signed by top DOJ officials greenlighting an investigation, code-named “Arctic Frost,” into former President Trump and other GOP lawmakers.
1. Federal Governance & Political Landscape
1.1. Government Shutdown Standoff & Funding Debates
The ongoing government shutdown is precipitating a severe political and social crisis, defined by a sharp partisan divide and escalating rhetoric. Senate Democrats are reported to have blocked a specific proposal intended to fund pay for essential workers, an action that has drawn immediate and sharp criticism from Republicans [1]. Top GOP figures accuse Democratic leadership, with Rep. Katherine Clark specifically named, of explicitly admitting that the suffering of American families is being used as “leverage” in the broader spending fight [2]. This “leverage” narrative is being amplified at the state level; Virginia’s Republican Governor, Glenn Youngkin, has declared a state of emergency over a potential disruption to SNAP benefits, forcefully stating he refuses to let “hungry Virginians be used as ’leverage’ by Congressional Democrats” [3]. Amid the fiscal impasse freezing government funds, President Trump announced that an anonymous billionaire has stepped in with a $130 million contribution to ensure the military continues to receive pay without interruption [4]. In a notable defection from the Democratic line, Senator John Fetterman has publicly stated his intent to put “country over party” to resolve the shutdown, signaling potential fractures in party unity on the issue [5].
References:
[1] Senate Democrats block bill to pay essential workers during shutdown, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/essential-workers-left-unpaid-after-senate-democrats-kill-pay-bill
[2] Top Republican slams Katherine Clark for admitting suffering families are ’leverage’ in shutdown battle, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/top-republican-slams-katherine-clark-saying-dems-have-leverage-shutdown
[3] Republican Virginia Gov. Youngkin Declares Emergency as SNAP Crisis Looms – “I refuse to let hungry Virginians be used as ’leverage’ by Congressional Democrats.”, https://www.newsmax.com/us/glenn-youngkin-virginia-snap/2025/10/23/id/1231623/
[4] President Trump reveals an anonymous billionaire has just sent in a check for $130 MILLION to keep paying our troops, https://x.com/nicksortor/status/1981465755343605915
[5] Fetterman breaks with Democrats over shutdown, vows to put ‘country over party’, https://www.foxnews.com/media/fetterman-breaks-democrats-over-shutdown-vows-put-country-over-party
1.2. Political Conduct & Investigations
Senior Justice Department officials have reportedly authorized a significant and politically sensitive investigation into leading political figures. A memo allegedly signed by Attorney General Garland and an individual named Wray has greenlit the “Arctic Frost” investigation, which is said to be targeting former President Trump and other GOP lawmakers, raising questions about its scope and timing [1]. In a separate matter of conduct involving a high-ranking state law enforcement official, New York Attorney General Letitia James is accused of launching an online portal that effectively enables the doxing of ICE agents [2]. At the state level, a report on Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones claims he avoided potential jail time on a reckless driving charge by performing community service hours at his own political action committee, raising ethical concerns [3].
References:
[1] Garland, Wray signed off on memo that greenlit Arctic Frost investigation into Trump and GOP lawmakers, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3862100/garland-wray-memo-greenlit-arctic-frost-investigation-trump/
[2] Letitia James Launches Portal to Dox ICE Agents, https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2025/10/23/letitia-james-launches-portal-to-dox-ice-agents-n4945172
[3] Democratic Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones dodged jail for reckless driving with 500 community service hours at his own PAC: report, https://nypost.com/2025/10/01/us-news/virginia-ag-candidate-jay-jones-dodged-jail-for-reckless-driving-with-500-community-service-hours-at-his-own-pac-report/
1.3. Presidential Administration & White House Affairs
The Executive branch has advanced several key initiatives while facing scrutiny over its operational conduct. President Trump has exercised his clemency power by granting a presidential pardon to Changpeng Zhao, the convicted founder of the major cryptocurrency exchange Binance [1]. In a separate development, a report characterizes direct communication between President Trump and the Mayor of San Francisco as a positive example of what can be achieved with cross-aisle dialogue [2]. Architecturally, a major renovation is planned for the White House, with the entire East Wing slated for demolition to construct a new ballroom; the President has reportedly revealed a new price tag for the project [3]. This plan has drawn comparisons to a $376 million White House renovation during the Obama Administration, as reported by CNN in 2010 [4]. Meanwhile, the administration’s press operations are under a critical lens, with a report alleging that the White House press office has used the unprofessional phrase “your mom” in response to disfavored questions [5].
References:
[1] Trump pardons convicted Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/trump-pardons-convicted-binance-founder-changpeng-zhao
[2] Trump Talks to SF Mayor: Amazing What Can Happen When People Just Communicate, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/10/23/trump-talks-to-sf-mayor-amazing-what-can-happen-when-people-just-communicate-n2195408
[3] Entire White House East Wing will be demolished to make way for ballroom – as Trump reveals new price tag for the project, https://nypost.com/2025/10/22/us-news/entire-white-house-east-wing-will-be-demolished-to-make-way-for-ballroom-as-trump-reveals-new-price-tag-for-the-project/
[4] A CNN report from 2010: $376 million White House renovation during the Obama Administration., https://x.com/CollinsforTX/status/1981051305637675119
[5] Ask the White House a question they dislike? They’ll reply ‘your mom’, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/10/23/white-house-question-your-mom/
1.4. Party Politics & Electoral Outlook
The Democratic Party is reportedly contending with considerable internal fractures that are impacting its financial standing and strategic direction. A persistent “party schism” is allegedly causing major donors to “sit on the sidelines” and withhold contributions, signaling a crisis of confidence among key supporters [1]. Senator John Fetterman offered a public critique of his own party, pinpointing a specific moment where he believes Democrats “lost the plot,” directly linking this failure to the campaign of former Vice President Kamala Harris and her eventual election loss [2]. From the Republican side, one columnist dismisses widespread concerns about the party’s future, arguing that fears of an “electoral death in 2026” are unfounded and pushing back against negative forecasts [3].
References:
[1] Democratic Donors Sit on Sidelines as Party Schism Persists, https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/democratic-donors-sit-on-sidelines-as-party-schism-persists-b81b1247?st=LV4yfU
[2] Fetterman pinpoints moment Dems lost ’the plot’ — and Kamala Harris lost herself the election, https://nypost.com/2025/10/23/us-news/john-fetterman-pinpoints-moment-democrats-lost-the-election-to-trump/?utm_source=chrome&utm_campaign=android_nyp
[3] Kurt Schlichter: Forget the Nonsense – Republicans Are Not Facing Electoral Death in 2026, https://townhall.com/columnists/kurtschlichter/2025/10/23/forget-the-nonsense-republicans-are-not-facing-electoral-death-in-2026-n2665294
2. Economic Affairs
2.1. National Economy & Fiscal Policy
Conflicting signals are emerging regarding the nation’s economic health, with positive forecasts juxtaposed against concerning fiscal milestones. A significant indicator of fiscal strain is the U.S. national debt, which has now surged past the $38 trillion mark for the first time in history due to what one report calls surging spending [1]. In stark contrast to this sobering statistic, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has projected optimism for American consumers, stating he expects consumer prices to begin dropping as early as next month as part of an ongoing and successful economic recovery [2]. This presents a bifurcated picture for leadership: a message of imminent relief against a backdrop of unprecedented national debt.
References:
[1] National debt surpasses $38 trillion milestone for first time in US history as spending surges, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/national-debt-surpasses-38-trillion-milestone-first-time-us-history-spending-surges
[2] Treasury Secretary Bessent expects consumer prices to drop starting next month amid economic recovery, https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/treasury-secretary-bessent-expects-consumer-prices-drop-starting-next-month-amid-economic-recovery
2.2. International Trade & Sanctions Policy
The administration is actively leveraging economic sanctions as a primary tool of foreign policy, with a clear focus on Russia. The Trump administration has implemented significant new sanctions against Russia’s top oil firms, a move explicitly designed to cripple its war funding and coerce a ceasefire in Ukraine [1]. These actions appear to be part of a coordinated international effort, as the European Union is reportedly joining the U.S. in applying additional sanctions to pressure Moscow into peace negotiations and create a united economic front [2]. In a separate and notable North American trade development, Canada has fully reversed its prior stance, dropping its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. aluminum that were originally imposed to fight actions by President Trump, signaling a de-escalation in that specific trade dispute [3].
References:
[1] Trump administration hits Russia’s top oil firms with sanctions to stunt war funding, urges ceasefire, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-administration-hits-russias-top-oil-firms-sanctions-stunt-war-funding-urges-ceasefire
[2] EU Joins US in Heaping More Sanctions on Russia to Push Putin into Ukraine Peace Talks, https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/russia-ukraine-war-europe-us-sanctions/2025/10/23/id/1231510/
[3] Canada Drops Tariffs on U.S. Aluminum After Vowing to Fight Trump, https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2025/10/22/canada-drops-tariffs-on-u-s-aluminum-after-vowing-to-fight-trump/
2.3. Corporate & Labor Market News
The corporate sector shows evidence of both contraction in the broader labor market and extreme growth at the executive level. On one side, retail giant Target has announced substantial job cuts, eliminating 1,000 existing positions along with hundreds of open roles, suggesting potential headwinds in the consumer and retail sectors [1]. Simultaneously, executive compensation in the technology industry remains high, with a report noting that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s annual pay package has now climbed to $96.5 million, highlighting a growing disparity between executive and general workforce trends [2].
References:
[1] Target cuts 1,000 jobs, eliminates hundreds of open roles, https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/target-cuts-1800-corporate-jobs
[2] Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s annual pay climbs to $96.5M, https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadellas-annual-pay-climbs-96-5m
3. National Security & Foreign Relations
3.1. Russia-Ukraine Conflict & European Security
Tensions between Russia and the West are escalating, highlighted by a reported Russian violation of the airspace of NATO member Lithuania. This move is particularly alarming as it coincides with a public warning from President Putin regarding the use of long-range missiles, suggesting a more confrontational posture [1]. From the Russian side, former president and senior official Dmitry Medvedev issued a harsh statement in response to unspecified U.S. actions, describing them as being “like an act of war,” a clear signal of the dangerously deteriorating relationship between the two powers [2]. The specific U.S. policies that prompted this reaction are not detailed in the headlines.
References:
[1] Russia violates NATO airspace in Lithuania amid Putin warning on long-range missiles, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/russia-violates-nato-airspace-lithuania-amid-putin-warning-long-range-missiles
[2] Medvedev: Trump’s Actions Are Like Act of War, https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/russia-u-s-trump/2025/10/23/id/1231530/
3.2. Middle East Policy & Relations
The Trump administration has delivered a direct and unified warning to Israel against the potential annexation of the West Bank, signaling a major point of friction with the Netanyahu government. Vice President JD Vance strongly rebuked a reported Israeli vote on the issue, publicly labeling the prospect of annexation “very stupid” and a strategic error [1]. President Trump amplified this position in the most unequivocal terms, stating that if Israel were to proceed with annexing the territory (referred to as Judea and Samaria in one headline), it would “lose all of its support from the U.S.,” a threat of a fundamental schism in the bilateral relationship [2].
References:
[1] Vance rebukes Israel on ‘very stupid’ vote to annex West Bank, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vance-rebukes-israel-very-stupid-vote-annex-west-bank
[2] Trump: Israel Would ‘Lose All of Its Support from the U.S.’ If It Annexed Judea, Samaria, https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2025/10/23/trump-israel-would-lose-all-of-its-support-from-the-u-s-if-it-annexed-judea-samaria/
3.3. U.S.-China Relations & Strategic Minerals
The United States is taking concrete steps to counter China’s dominance in strategic global markets, particularly in critical resources. President Trump and the Prime Minister of Australia have signed an $8.5 billion agreement aimed at jointly developing critical minerals and rare earths supply chains, an explicit move to build an alternative to China’s near-monopoly in the sector [1]. Beyond overt economic competition, a separate report alleges a covert and systematic Chinese strategy to “cheat its way into US Law Schools,” suggesting a different, more subtle avenue of strategic competition that warrants attention [2].
References:
[1] Trump, Australian PM sign $8.5 billion critical minerals deal to counter China dominance in rare earths, https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/trump-australian-pm-sign-8-5b-critical-minerals-deal-counter-china-dominance-rare-earths
[2] How China Cheats Its Way Into US Law Schools, https://freebeacon.com/campus/how-china-cheats-its-way-into-us-law-schools/
3.4. International Relations & Other Developments
An unverified claim originating from a self-published user post asserts that “Private Property Is DEAD in Canada” [1]. The sourcing is highly questionable, as it attributes the statement to “The Mayor of BC,” a non-existent official title. There is insufficient reliable information to analyze this claim further, and it should be treated with extreme skepticism.
References:
[1] Private Property Is DEAD in Canada — The Mayor of BC Just Confirmed It, /r/Conservative/comments/1oduvip/private_property_is_dead_in_canada_the_mayor_of/
4. Domestic Security & Justice
4.1. Counter-Narcotics & Anti-Cartel Operations
The administration reports an intensifying military and law enforcement campaign against narco-terrorism on multiple fronts. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has confirmed another U.S. military strike targeting alleged narco-terrorists, indicating a sustained kinetic effort [1]. This “war” has expanded its geographic scope, with reports of naval operations against narco-terrorists now occurring in the Pacific Ocean, far from traditional theaters of operation [2]. Domestically, federal forces are also highly active, as demonstrated by “Operation Chalkline,” a “massive cartel/gang bust” conducted by FBI SWAT teams in Wisconsin, signaling a major push against cartel infrastructure within the U.S. [3].
References:
[1] Hegseth says US conducted another strike targeting alleged narco-terrorists, https://www.foxnews.com/world/hegseth-says-us-conducted-another-strike-eastern-pacific-targeting-alleged-narco-traffickers
[2] Trump’s War Against Narco-Terrorists at Sea Expands to Pacific Ocean, https://www.breitbart.com/border/2025/10/22/trumps-war-against-narco-terrorists-at-sea-expands-to-pacific-ocean/
[3] Operation Chalkline: FBI SWAT Teams Storm Wisconsin in Massive Cartel/Gang Bust, https://www.breitbart.com/border/2025/10/23/operation-chalkline-fbi-swat-teams-storm-wisconsin-in-massive-cartel-gang-bust/
4.2. Crime, Justice System & Law Enforcement
Federal and state law enforcement agencies have announced several high-profile actions aimed at different forms of criminal activity. FBI Director Kash Patel claims the agency is “on the verge” of a breakthrough in identifying and exposing the financial sources that fund the group Antifa, a long-stated goal of the administration [1]. In a separate major operation targeting organized crime, the FBI arrested 31 individuals—including NBA players and a coach—in a crackdown on an illegal sports betting ring, with the scale of the alleged fraud described in the headline as “mind boggling” [2]. At the state level, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Decarlos Brown Jr., the accused killer in a gruesome train stabbing in Charlotte, a case that has drawn significant public attention [3].
References:
[1] Kash Patel Claims FBI ‘on the Verge’ of Unmasking Funding Behind Antifa, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/10/21/report-kash-patel-claims-fbi-is-on-the-verge-of-unmasking-funding-behind-antifa/
[2] NBA stars, coach among 31 arrested in FBI sports betting crackdown: ‘The fraud is mind boggling’, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3861305/nba-stars-coach-among-31-arrested-in-fbi-sports-betting-crackdown/
[3] Iryna Zarutska’s accused killer Decarlos Brown Jr. could face death penalty after gruesome Charlotte train stabbing, https://nypost.com/2025/10/22/us-news/iryna-zarutskas-accused-killer-decarlos-brown-jr-indicted-after-gruesome-charrlotte-train-stabbing/?utm_source=chrome&utm_campaign=android_nyp
4.3. Immigration, Border Security & Related Incidents
Recent criminal incidents are being directly linked by some to the immigration and border policies of the previous administration. A fatal vehicle crash in California has placed scrutiny on the accused, identified as an “illegal immigrant trucker” who was reportedly apprehended and subsequently released into the U.S. by the Biden administration in 2022 [1]. In a case with national security implications, the indictment of an alleged Hamas terrorist who had been living in Louisiana has prompted Senator Tom Cotton to issue a public call for the Department of Homeland Security to launch a comprehensive review of all visas that were issued during the entire Biden era [2].
References:
[1] Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing, https://www.foxnews.com/us/illegal-immigrant-trucker-accused-fatal-california-crash-released-biden-admin-after-2022-border-crossing
[2] Cotton Urges DHS To Review Biden-Era Visas After Indictment of Alleged Hamas Terrorist Living in Louisiana, https://freebeacon.com/national-security/cotton-urges-dhs-to-review-biden-era-visas-after-indictment-of-alleged-hamas-terrorist-living-in-louisiana/
5. Social & Cultural Issues
5.1. Political Discourse, Protests & Ideology
The political climate remains fraught with intense rhetoric, protests, and concerns about politically motivated violence. Rallies featuring the slogan “No Kings” have been described in one report as “violent protests,” with the headline promising an exposé on their nature [1]. This activity occurs amid broader, more general concerns about “America’s Growing Political Violence Problem” [2]. A specific and extreme example of heated rhetoric comes from a report alleging a Texas Democratic lawmaker, Jolanda Jones, stated a desire to “wipe out” every Republican and “slash their necks” [3]. In a separate but related arena of ideological conflict, the California Attorney General is reportedly suing a Catholic hospital while simultaneously filing a motion to protect abortion access, highlighting the collision of legal, religious, and social issues [4].
References:
[1] Inside the No Kings rallies — violent protests EXPOSED, https://www.theblaze.com/shows/come-take-it-with-sara-gonzales/inside-the-no-kings-rallies-violent-protests-exposed
[2] America’s Growing Political Violence Problem, https://www.thefp.com/p/americas-growing-political-violence
[3] Texas Democrat Jolanda Jones Says She’s Going To ‘Wipe Out’ Every Republican And Slash Their Necks, https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/23/jolanda-jones-wipe-out-republican/
[4] California AG files motion to protect abortion while suing Catholic hospital, https://www.liveaction.org/news/california-ag-protect-abortion-suing-catholic-hospital
5.2. Public Monuments, Heritage & Arts
Conflicts over public art, memorials, and cultural heritage are ongoing and contentious. In Chicago, some local residents are reportedly criticizing the nearly completed Obama Presidential Center as a “monstrosity” and are voicing fears of being displaced from their community by the project [1]. Meanwhile, an unnamed “blue-state city” is reportedly in a prolonged legal battle with the ACLU over its plan to install a statue of the archangel Michael as a tribute to its police force [2]. These specific disputes are framed by commentators as part of a larger cultural struggle, with one arguing that a shared American heritage is the “source of our liberty and peace” [3], while another criticizes “Left-Wing Cultural Revolutionaries” for allegedly “decapitating statues and calling it art” [4].
References:
[1] Chicago residents call Obama Presidential Center a ‘monstrosity,’ fear they’ll be displaced: report, https://www.foxnews.com/us/chicago-residents-call-obama-presidential-center-monstrosity-fear-theyll-displaced-report
[2] Blue-state city battles ACLU to install archangel Michael statue honoring police, https://www.theblaze.com/news/city-battles-against-aclu-to-install-archangel-michael-statue-honoring-police-and-firefighters
[3] American Heritage Is No Myth, It’s The Source Of Our Liberty And Peace – A shared American identity and cultural heritage isn’t some nativist delusion, it’s the only reason we’re not a collection of warring tribes., https://thefederalist.com/2025/10/23/american-heritage-is-no-myth-its-the-source-of-our-liberty-and-peace/
[4] Left-Wing Cultural Revolutionaries Are Decapitating Statues And Calling It Art – When they told you Confederate statues were going to museums, you didn’t know they meant this., https://thefederalist.com/2025/10/23/left-wing-cultural-revolutionaries-are-decapitating-statues-and-calling-it-art/
5.3. Media, Academia & Public Figures
The conduct and statements of prominent figures in media and academia are a subject of significant criticism from conservative sources. TIME Magazine’s latest cover features President Trump under the headline “TRUMP’S WORLD,” with the accompanying article reportedly focused on his diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza [1]. In a starkly negative portrayal of academia, a report from the Daily Caller claims that a Harvard College Dean expressed a hope for President Trump’s death while describing police in general as “racist and evil” [2]. A different headline from The Federalist offers a sweeping critique of The New York Times, asserting that the paper “Wants An America Without Americans” [3]. Finally, a Hill op-ed that called for military generals to treat climate change as a “national security threat” has been summarily dismissed as “crazy” by a critical media watchdog [4].
References:
[1] “TRUMP’S WORLD” 🔥🔥 “TIME’s latest cover: Trump’s world. President Donald Trump talks to TIME about his efforts to end the war in Gaza”, https://x.com/ThePatriotOasis/status/1981327239149944839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1981327239149944839%7Ctwgr%5Ebd5a687de3daf708d3a172c27fa695bc226f0809%7Ctwcon%5Es1_
[2] Harvard College Dean Hopes Trump Dies, Says Cops Are ‘Racist And Evil’, https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/22/hate-the-police-harvard-college-dean-hopes-trump-dies-says-cops-are-racist-and-evil/
[3] The New York Times Wants An America Without Americans, https://thefederalist.com/2025/10/22/the-new-york-times-wants-an-america-without-americans/
[4] Crazy Hill Op-Ed Demands Generals Respond to Climate Change ‘National Security’ Threat, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/business/joseph-vazquez/2025/10/23/crazy-hill-op-ed-demands-generals-respond-climate-change
6. Commentary From The Conservative Forum
6.1. Internal Forum Discussions & User Anecdotes
This content originates not from news outlets but from user-generated discussions within an online conservative forum, offering a raw glimpse into grassroots sentiment. Common themes include direct policy opinions, such as the recurring belief that members of Congress should not receive a salary during a government shutdown [1]. Posts also feature personal anecdotes related to current events, such as one user’s account of having “fired a protester today” [2], and discussions about specific public figures, like a user losing respect for pundit Curtis Sliwa [3]. These threads reflect the specific priorities and viewpoints of the forum’s active user base, distinct from formal media narratives.
References:
[1] Members of Congress should not get their salary during a government shutdown, /r/Conservative/comments/1oeexj4/members_of_congress_should_not_get_their_salary/
[2] I fired a protester today, /r/Conservative/comments/1oehqyf/i_fired_a_protester_today/
[3] I am rapidly losing respect for Curtis Sliwa., /r/Conservative/comments/1oe5khw/i_am_rapidly_losing_respect_for_curtis_sliwa/
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