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Kanye West Shares Nude Video of Wife Bianca Censori for Her 30th Birthday

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Kanye West Shares Nude Video of Wife Bianca Censori for Her 30th Birthday

Kanye West marked the 30th birthday of his wife, Bianca Censori, by sharing a provocative video on Instagram. The 47-year-old rapper posted a black-and-white clip showing the Australian architect in a bath, where she gazed at the camera with her hair tied in a bun. Kanye captioned the video, “happy birthday baby.”

Censori, who celebrated her milestone birthday on Sunday, also hosted an extravagant party. The event featured Bianca dancing with Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, 50, on the dance floor to Azealia Banks’ hit “212.” Bianca wore a sultry black bodysuit that highlighted her cleavage, paired with high-heel boots, smokey eye makeup, and a sleek bun. Kanye dressed in all-black attire for the occasion.

In a separate video, Bianca was seen dancing with Kanye, her legs wrapped around his waist as she smiled brightly. She later shared photos of the couple sharing intimate kisses on her Instagram Stories. Other attendees at the birthday party included Australian basketball star Elizabeth Cambage, with several guests posting photos from the celebration.

Bianca also shared a picture of herself standing beside a towering white birthday cake, captioning it, “happy birthday to me.” She posted another snap of the ocean from a plane, tagging Kanye in the caption.

Censori, who is known for her bold fashion choices, recently shared daring social media photos, including one where she went braless in a sheer black top. She also posted images in revealing outfits, including a black thong bodysuit with sheer tights and a barely-there bikini paired with blonde hair.

This celebration comes after Kanye’s ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, shared holiday photos with their four children—North, 11, Saint, 9, Chicago, 6, and Psalm, 5—while Kanye has not been seen with his children in several months. Kim filed for divorce in 2021, and their divorce was finalized in November 2022.

Kanye and Bianca’s marriage, initially thought to be a non-legal ceremony, was later confirmed as legally binding in October 2023. The wedding took place for religious reasons.

U.S. Delegation to Attend Mahama’s Inauguration; Ten Heads of State Confirmed

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U.S. Delegation to Attend Mahama’s Inauguration; Ten Heads of State Confirmed

U.S. President Joseph R. Biden Jr. has named a delegation to represent the United States at the inauguration of Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.

Shalanda D. Young, Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, will lead the U.S. delegation. A White House statement announced her designation and added that she would be joined by Virginia E. Palmer, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana; Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles; and Frances Z. Brown, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council.

The ceremony will mark the return of President-elect Mahama to the highest office in Ghana after his overwhelming victory in the December 7 elections. Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo will formally hand over the presidency. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for the John Dramani Mahama Transition Team, confirmed that the event will be attended by 10 heads of state, along with two vice presidents, one speaker of parliament, two former presidents, and representatives from organizations such as the Commonwealth and the African Development Bank.

In addition to the swearing-in, there will be a parliamentary session held temporarily at Black Star Square. To manage the large crowd, access to the venue will be restricted to invited guests only, with Mr. Ofosu emphasizing that no one will be allowed into the swearing-in area without their invitation cards.

For the duration of the event, several roads in Accra will be closed, including 28th February Road, Castle Road, and Starlet 91 Road. Traffic will be diverted, and designated parking areas will be available, such as those behind the Independence Arch, at the State House, and at other nearby locations. Unauthorized parking or driving through roadblocks will be prohibited.

President-elect Mahama has pledged to focus on economic transformation, job creation through a 24-hour economy, empowering women with a Women Development Bank offering low-interest loans, and improving access to affordable tertiary education.

The inauguration will highlight Ghana’s dedication to democracy and peaceful transitions of power, reinforcing its reputation as a stable nation. Guests are expected to arrive by 8:30 AM, with formal proceedings set to begin at 11:00 AM.

Five Feared Dead as Tanker Fire Razes Banks and Properties in Delta State, Nigeria

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Five Feared Dead as Tanker Fire Razes Banks and Properties in Delta State, Nigeria

Tragedy struck in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, on Sunday afternoon when a petrol tanker exploded along the busy Old Lagos-Asaba Road. The incident reportedly left five people feared dead, while multiple properties, including two banks, vehicles, and houses, were destroyed by the ensuing fire. 

The tanker reportedly overturned and burst into flames near the First Bank branch located in the Agbor Central area. Witnesses said the driver lost control while attempting a turn, igniting a massive fire that spread rapidly. 

A local source described the scene as catastrophic. “The petrol tanker fell by First Bank in Agbor when the driver tried to make a turn at the Old Lagos-Asaba road. Many people died, though the exact number is uncertain. Initially, five deaths were reported, while several others sustained injuries,” the source said. 

The blaze engulfed nearby structures, including First Bank, Access Bank, two houses, and vehicles within the vicinity. Victims caught in the flames were rushed to the hospital, though the lack of an immediate firefighting response reportedly worsened the situation. 

“We couldn’t see firefighters at the scene, which escalated the fire further,” another witness recounted. 

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the incident but reported a lower death toll. Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe stated, “Two deaths were recorded. First Bank, Access Bank, two houses, and two vehicles were affected by the fire.” 

The explosion has left the Agbor community in shock and mourning. Efforts to determine the exact cause of the accident and assess the full extent of the damage are ongoing. 

This incident highlights the persistent dangers posed by tanker accidents along busy roads in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for stricter safety regulations, emergency response preparedness, and better road management to prevent similar tragedies. 

Punchng

Church of England Faces Uncertainty as Archbishop Welby Resigns Amid Scandal

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Church of England Faces Uncertainty as Archbishop Welby Resigns Amid Scandal

The Church of England is navigating turbulent waters as Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby steps down on Monday, concluding his tenure under the shadow of a high-profile abuse cover-up scandal. Adding to the institution’s challenges, his interim successor, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, is also under scrutiny for his handling of a separate abuse case, leaving the Church in a precarious position. 

Justin Welby, 69, announced his resignation in November following the findings of an independent inquiry that criticized his insufficient response to one of the Church’s most egregious abuse cases. The case involved John Smyth, a man accused of abusing young boys during Christian summer camps decades ago. Smyth passed away in 2018, but the inquiry revealed that Welby had failed to take adequate action to address the allegations. 

In his resignation statement, Welby accepted “personal and institutional responsibility” for the Church’s failures in addressing what he called “heinous abuses.” 

As the leader of the Church of England and spiritual head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, representing over 85 million Anglicans, Welby’s departure marks a significant moment for an institution grappling with declining faith in Britain and deep internal divisions over its stance on LGBTQ+ issues. 

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the Church’s second-ranking cleric, will assume Welby’s duties on an interim basis while a permanent successor is chosen—a process that could take up to six months. However, Cottrell himself faces allegations of mishandling a sexual abuse case involving a priest, David Tudor. 

According to a BBC report, Cottrell allowed Tudor to remain in his role despite being aware that the Church had barred him from being alone with children. It was only later that Tudor was suspended and ultimately banned for life from ministry in October. 

Cottrell has apologized for not acting sooner, stating that he took action “at the first opportunity” once additional information came to light. The case has cast a shadow over his interim leadership, further complicating the Church’s efforts to rebuild trust. 

The Church of England is also contending with broader challenges, including a steady decline in religious affiliation. A 2019 British Social Attitudes (BSA) report found that only a third of Britons identified as Christian, a sharp drop from 66% in 1983. 

Internal divisions over the Church’s approach to same-sex couples have also fueled tensions, raising questions about its relevance in modern society. 

Adding to the turmoil, former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey resigned as a priest last month following allegations of mishandling the same abuse case involving Tudor. 

Experts warn that the current situation could leave the Church vulnerable. Linda Woodhead, head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at King’s College London, expressed concern about the lack of stable leadership. 

“The Church could soon find itself with no archbishop at the helm,” she said. “This would create significant problems, even in the safeguarding realm, let alone other aspects of Church governance.” 

In his Christmas Day sermon, Cottrell acknowledged the gravity of the scandals, urging the Church to confront its failings. “The Church must strip off her finery and kneel in penitence and adoration,” he said. 

As the Church begins the search for its next leader, it faces immense pressure to address its internal divisions, regain public trust, and strengthen its safeguarding practices to prevent further harm. 

Mali Rebels Accuse Army and Russian Fighters of Killing Nine Civilians in Vehicle Attack

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Mali Rebels Accuse Army and Russian Fighters of Killing Nine Civilians in Vehicle Attack

Nine civilians, including women and children, were reportedly killed last week in Mali’s Segou region when their vehicle came under fire, according to statements from a civil society group and a coalition of Tuareg rebels. The groups have accused Malian armed forces and Russian Wagner mercenaries of carrying out the attack. 

The attack occurred on Thursday as a vehicle traveled from the town of Niono to a refugee camp in Mauritania, said Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for a coalition of Tuareg groups seeking independence in northern Mali. 

Local civil society association Kal Akal and Ramadane claimed Malian troops and fighters from Wagner, a Russian private military contractor, were responsible for the assault. 

However, the leader of Kel Ansar, one of the largest Tuareg groups, issued a separate statement calling for an investigation but suggested Malian forces were not involved in the incident. 

Neither Mali’s army nor Wagner representatives responded to requests for comment. 

Wagner fighters have been present in Mali since the military seized power in two coups in 2020 and 2021, expelling French and U.N. troops. They now assist Malian forces in combating Islamist insurgents and Tuareg separatists. 

The incident follows reports of civilian abuses in the region. In December, Human Rights Watch accused Malian armed forces, supported by Wagner fighters, of committing serious violations of the laws of war, including attacks on civilians. 

Human rights organizations and local groups are calling for a thorough investigation into the attack to determine responsibility and ensure justice for the victims. 

The ongoing violence underscores the volatile situation in Mali, where tensions between government forces, Russian allies, Islamist militants, and separatist groups continue to escalate. 

REUTERS

Heaviest Snowfall in a Decade Possible as Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc Across the U.S.

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Heaviest Snowfall in a Decade Possible as Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc Across the U.S.

A powerful winter storm brought snow, ice, high winds, and plummeting temperatures to parts of the central United States on Sunday, creating hazardous travel conditions and the potential for what the National Weather Service called the “heaviest snowfall in a decade” in some areas. 

Snow and ice covered roads across Kansas, western Nebraska, and parts of Indiana, where the National Guard was mobilized to assist stranded motorists. Over 8 inches of snow were expected in some areas, particularly north of Interstate 70, as blizzard conditions hit Kansas and Missouri with wind gusts reaching 45 mph (72 km/h). Winter storm warnings were also issued for New Jersey, extending through early Tuesday. 

“For locations receiving the highest snow totals, this could be the heaviest snowfall in at least a decade,” the National Weather Service reported Sunday. 

Approximately 63 million Americans were under some form of winter weather advisory, watch, or warning, according to meteorologist Bob Oravec. The polar vortex, a mass of ultra-cold Arctic air, stretched southward, bringing freezing temperatures to areas as far south as Florida. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency of such events to a warming Arctic. 

The storm brought widespread disruption to transportation. Major highways, including parts of Interstate 70 in Kansas, were closed due to “impassable” conditions. Snowfall reached 10 inches in Kansas, with predictions of up to 14 inches in some areas. 

In Kentucky, Louisville shattered its snowfall record for the date, with 7.7 inches (19.5 cm), surpassing the previous mark of 3 inches set in 1910. Lexington also recorded 5 inches (12.7 cm), breaking its own record. 

Upstate New York faced lake-effect snow, with accumulations exceeding 3 feet (0.9 meters) in some areas. 

Governors in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kentucky declared states of emergency as roads became treacherous. In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear urged residents to stay off the roads, citing numerous car accidents, including one involving a state trooper on Interstate 65. 

Virginia reported at least 135 crashes, with injuries but no fatalities. Kansas closed 220 miles (354 kilometers) of Interstate 70 due to dangerous conditions. 

The storm also wreaked havoc on air and rail travel. Nearly 200 flights at St. Louis Lambert International Airport were canceled, and Amtrak suspended multiple routes, including services between Chicago and New York. 

“If local authorities are advising people not to travel, it’s counterproductive to maintain a full schedule of services,” said Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari. 

The eastern two-thirds of the country braced for dangerously cold temperatures starting Monday, with wind chills making conditions even more hazardous. Temperatures were expected to drop 12 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 14 degrees Celsius) below normal in some areas, with single-digit lows anticipated along parts of the East Coast. 

Chicago experienced temperatures in the teens (-7 to -10 degrees Celsius) on Sunday, while International Falls, Minnesota, saw a frigid -11 degrees Fahrenheit (-24 Celsius). 

School closures were announced across multiple states, including Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, and Maryland. Kentucky’s Jefferson County Public Schools canceled classes for nearly 100,000 students on what would have been their first day back after winter break. 

The storm’s effects are expected to linger, with cold air gripping the eastern half of the U.S. into the coming week. Meteorologists also warned of possible tornadoes in the Deep South, with damaging winds reported in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. 

As the storm progresses, officials continue to urge residents to avoid travel and stay indoors to ensure safety. 

Former French President Sarkozy Faces Trial Over Alleged €50 Million Gaddafi Campaign Financing

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Former French President Sarkozy Faces Trial Over Alleged €50 Million Gaddafi Campaign Financing

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy goes on trial Monday, facing charges of accepting €50 million in illegal campaign financing from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The case, a result of over a decade of investigations, adds to a series of legal troubles shadowing Sarkozy since leaving office in 2012. 

The 69-year-old politician, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012, is accused of concealing embezzlement of public funds and illegal campaign financing. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. Sarkozy has denied all allegations, calling them part of a conspiracy against him. 

Prosecutors allege that Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign was financed with funds illicitly provided by Gaddafi’s regime. In return, Sarkozy and senior officials purportedly pledged to rehabilitate Gaddafi’s international image, despite Libya’s ties to the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie and other attacks. 

The case gained momentum in 2012 when investigative outlet Mediapart published a document alleging an agreement between Sarkozy and Libyan officials. Sarkozy, however, has insisted the document is a forgery. 

The accusations intensified after Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine claimed he delivered up to €5 million in cash from Gaddafi to Sarkozy’s campaign in 2006 and 2007. Takieddine later retracted his statement in 2020, fueling suspicions of witness tampering. 

Sarkozy has already been convicted in two separate cases. In December 2023, France’s top appeals court upheld a one-year prison sentence for influence peddling, which Sarkozy is serving under electronic surveillance. Another campaign financing conviction was confirmed by a Paris appeals court last year. 

Sarkozy and the late Libyan leader, Gaddafi

In October 2023, Sarkozy was also charged with illegal witness tampering, while his wife, Carla Bruni, was charged with concealing evidence in the same case. 

The trial, scheduled to run until April 10, includes 12 other defendants, among them Sarkozy’s former chief of staff Claude Guéant, campaign financing head Eric Woerth, and ex-minister Brice Hortefeux. 

Defense attorneys have dismissed the allegations as unsubstantiated. “There was no Libyan financing of the campaign,” said Sarkozy’s lawyer Christophe Ingrain. 

Prosecutors argue the alleged pact dates back to a 2005 meeting between Sarkozy, then interior minister, and Gaddafi in Tripoli. However, Sarkozy’s defense maintains no evidence of illegal funds was ever found in the campaign accounts. 

The alleged campaign financing ties are set against a backdrop of Western countries’ attempts to re-engage with Gaddafi in the mid-2000s. Gaddafi visited Paris in 2007, pitching his tent in the city center during a highly publicized state visit. 

However, relations soured by 2011 when France backed NATO-led military action that helped oust Gaddafi during Libya’s civil war. Sarkozy has since claimed the accusations stem from personal vendettas among former Gaddafi officials. 

M23 Rebels Seize Strategic Town of Masisi in Eastern DR Congo

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M23 Rebels Seize Strategic Town of Masisi in Eastern DR Congo

The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured the key town of Masisi in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, raising alarms over an escalating humanitarian crisis, local officials said. 

Masisi, a major administrative and economic hub in North Kivu province with an estimated population of 40,000, fell under rebel control after heavy fighting. The town is located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of the provincial capital, Goma, and is rich in agriculture, livestock, and mineral resources. 

The March 23 Movement (M23), an armed militia supported by Rwanda, has expanded its territorial control in eastern DRC since 2021, displacing thousands of civilians and triggering widespread insecurity. Angola-mediated peace talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame were abruptly halted in December due to disagreements over the terms of a proposed deal. 

Alexis Bahunga, a North Kivu lawmaker, expressed dismay at the capture of Masisi. “The seizure of Masisi center by the M23 is deeply troubling,” Bahunga told AFP. He called on the Congolese government to strengthen the logistical and operational capacity of its military forces, the FARDC, to address the growing crisis. 

The fall of Masisi adds to the worsening humanitarian situation in eastern Congo, with thousands already displaced by M23’s ongoing campaign. Bahunga warned, “The capture of the town plunges the territory into a serious humanitarian crisis,” urging immediate action to alleviate the suffering of affected communities. 

The United Nations and other international organizations have highlighted the need for urgent aid to the region, where prolonged conflict has compounded existing challenges of poverty and displacement. 

The M23 rebellion, which began in 2012, was named after a failed peace agreement signed on March 23, 2009, between the Congolese government and former Tutsi rebels. Although officially defeated in 2013, the group resurged in 2021, claiming the DRC government had failed to honor past agreements. 

The conflict has further strained relations between Rwanda and the DRC, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of supporting the rebels—a claim Rwanda denies. 

French Authorities Arrest Two Algerian TikTok Influencers Over Alleged Incitement to Violence

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French Authorities Arrest Two Algerian TikTok Influencers Over Alleged Incitement to Violence

French authorities have arrested two Algerian men with significant TikTok followings, accusing them of publishing content inciting violence. The arrests come amid heightened tensions between France and Algeria, driven by political discord over the Western Sahara conflict and the imprisonment of a French-Algerian novelist.

The men were detained separately—one in Brest, western France, and the other near Grenoble in the southeast—on charges related to urging violent acts. The arrests reflect increasing strain in Franco-Algerian relations, particularly over post-colonial disagreements.

Influencers Arrested Amid Allegations of Terror Incitement

Authorities confirmed the arrest of “Imad Tintin,” a 31-year-old blogger, outside Grenoble on Friday. The influencer allegedly posted a TikTok video encouraging followers to “burn alive, kill, and rape on French territory.” Although the video was removed, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the content as “vile” and vowed swift legal action. “Nothing will go unanswered,” Retailleau stated on social media. 

Imad Tintin, who entered France in 2021, had applied for residency in 2023 following his marriage to a French citizen. The application was denied, and he now faces an expulsion order. Authorities arrested him alongside his twin brother, uncovering evidence used to produce videos that garnered over 800,000 views. Prosecutors have not disclosed the twin’s legal status. 

Second Arrest Linked to Alleged Terror Advocacy

In Brest, prosecutors charged a 25-year-old identified as “Youcef A.,” also known online as “Zazou Youssef.” He allegedly posted videos on December 31 calling for violent acts in France and Algeria. Living on a temporary French residency permit, he now faces trial on February 24 for “publicly advocating an act of terrorism.” A conviction could lead to seven years in prison and a €100,000 fine. 

TikTok confirmed banning accounts linked to both influencers for violating policies against hate speech. 

The arrests coincide with France’s renewed support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a contested territory claimed by the Polisario Front separatists backed by Algeria. Algerian dissident Chawki Benzehra accused the Algerian regime of orchestrating social media campaigns to incite unrest, alleging the involvement of influencers like Imad Tintin and Zazou Youssef.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed concerns over Algeria’s commitment to a 2022 roadmap aimed at easing post-colonial tensions. Barrot criticized Algeria’s justification for detaining French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal, imprisoned since November on national security charges, and voiced worries about the writer’s health.

The French government’s crackdown on online extremism underscores its broader strategy to address rising tensions with Algeria while maintaining domestic security. 

Ghanaian-American Innovator Dr. Victor Lawrence Receives National Medal of Technology from President Joe Biden

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Ghanaian-American Innovator Dr. Victor Lawrence Receives National Medal of Technology from President Joe Biden

Dr. Victor Lawrence, a Ghanaian-born electrical engineer and telecommunications expert, has been awarded the prestigious National Medal of Technology by President Joe Biden in a ceremony at the White House. The medal is the highest honor for technological achievement in the United States, recognizing individuals whose innovations have significantly advanced technology and improved quality of life. 

Dr. Lawrence is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in digital signal processing, which was instrumental in the transition from analog to digital communication networks. His contributions laid the foundation for modern internet access technology and global data communications, marking him as a trailblazer in the field. 

With more than 20 patents to his name, Dr. Lawrence has been a driving force behind the digital infrastructure that underpins today’s interconnected world. Notably, he is the first African-born recipient of the National Medal of Technology, underscoring the global impact of his achievements. 

National Medal of Technology: A Legacy of Innovation 

The National Medal of Technology, established by Congress in 1980 and administered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, honors innovators whose work has had a transformative effect on the economy and society. 

During the ceremony, President Biden commended this year’s recipients for addressing critical challenges such as climate change, disease treatment, and technological advancement. “These medalists embody the promise of America by pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” Biden said, highlighting their role in inspiring the next generation of scientific and technological leaders. 

Recognizing Excellence in Science and Technology 

Since its inception in 1985, the National Medal of Technology has recognized individuals and organizations whose vision, creativity, and determination have strengthened the U.S. economy and improved the quality of life globally. This year’s honorees include leaders in diverse fields, from lifesaving medical advancements to groundbreaking communication technologies. 

The 2023 recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation include: 

– Martin Cooper 

– Jennifer A. Doudna 

– Eric R. Fossum 

– Paula T. Hammond 

– Kristina M. Johnson 

– Victor B. Lawrence 

– David R. Walt 

– Paul G. Yock 

– Feng Zhang 

Organizational recipients: 

– Moderna, Inc. 

– Pfizer Inc. 

Dr. Lawrence’s accomplishments exemplify the transformative power of science and technology in addressing global challenges. His innovations continue to inspire progress in telecommunications and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the field and solidifying his legacy as a global pioneer. 

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