The Intelligence from The Economist
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We’ll be right over here: Europe’s populists sour on Trump
28 januari 2026 · 19 min
Many of the continent’s populist-right leaders once saw President Donald Trump as an example-setting fellow traveller. But his actions and policies on Venezuela, Greenland and Canada have them pulling back. Dating apps from the West failed to make inroads in India; now the country has its own crop of them. And scientific spying in the jungle reveals where predators hunt. Lees meer
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General ejection: China’s military purge
27 januari 2026 · 23 min
The two men under investigation are in the army’s highest echelon, and are some of President Xi Jinping’s closest counsel. We examine the probable motives for a surprising purge. In Ukraine’s freezing capital thousands upon thousands of people suffer unpredictable cuts to electricity, heat, even water; we ask them how they cope. And why Strava is leading the fitness-app footrace. Lees meer
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Resistance is fatal: another killing in Minneapolis
26 januari 2026 · 26 min
For the second time this month, federal agents in Minneapolis killed a citizen under disputed circumstances. We take a wider look at the immigration-enforcement effort and what, if anything, might limit it. OpenAI remains a generative-AI darling but it is burning through eye-watering amounts of money; 2026 may be its make-or-break year. And the effort to save Britain’s red squirrels. Lees meer
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Trailer: Boss Class Season 3
24 januari 2026 · 2 min
AI is changing how we work. It's turning us all into managers. Be a good one. Lees meer
The Economist’s management columnist, Andrew Palmer, takes on the bots in the third season of Boss Class. From cloning to coding, agents to entry-level jobs, he tackles the threat head on and figures out how to turn anxiety into opportunity. Along the way he meets bulls and bears and the people who can help you to master management in the age of AI.
Full Season 3 out 29th January 2026.
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ISIS control: Syria’s prison camp changes hands
23 januari 2026 · 27 min
Our Middle East correspondent reports from the largest holding camp for ISIS fighters in northern Syria, which government troops have just retaken from Kurdish control. What will happen to the inmates? Custom-made drugs are a medical milestone. And our obituaries editor remembers Cecilia Giménez, whose “Monkey Jesus” transformed the fortunes of a Spanish church. Lees meer
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Grave new world: the Greenland row’s lasting damage
22 januari 2026 · 22 min
After an astonishing week, Donald Trump has said America will not take Greenland by force, nor put tariffs on those who oppose his acquisition plan. Our correspondent asks if America-Europe relations can ever be repaired. A deal to transfer TikTok to American ownership is due today––why is no one watching? And pop songs get gloomier. Lees meer
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House of Kurds: on the ground in northern Syria
21 januari 2026 · 21 min
In recent days Syrian government troops have tried to retake territory held by the country’s Kurdish minority. Our correspondent reports from the region. Factions are fighting to control Vietnam’s Communist Party Congress: the winner will change Vietnam’s future. And are millennial fathers more hands-on than their crusty forbears? Lees meer
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Power ballot: Japanese PM’s electoral gamble
20 januari 2026 · 24 min
Japan’s prime minister Takaichi Sanae has called an election three months into her term. Can she capitalise on her popularity, or will her less-popular party be punished at the ballot box? Will a new treaty curb the destruction of the oceans? And how fancy restaurants are responding to the age of Ozempic. Lees meer
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Thin ice: could the Greenland clash kill NATO?
19 januari 2026 · 24 min
Donald Trump has promised to impose a 10% tariff on eight countries, all NATO members, that oppose his plan to acquire Greenland. As the argument over the territory’s future continues, our correspondent analyses the fragile state of international relations. American megachurches are becoming more like businesses. And the rise of vodcasts: why audio is becoming video. Lees meer
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Clutching at shahs: Iran’s would-be revolutionary
16 januari 2026 · 27 min
Reza Pahlavi, son of the shah deposed in the 1979 revolution, tells us he sees himself as the people’s choice to lead. We ask how that might work. Our correspondent reckons that, in a full accounting of buying versus renting a home, the smart choice has become clear. And our obituaries editor on Aldrich Ames, a prolific CIA double agent for Russia. Lees meer
To see much more of our interview with Reza Pahlavi, and deep analysis with our editors and correspondents on how he might fit into Iran’s future, watch the latest episode in our Insider series for subscribers.
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Maria-view mirror: asking Venezuelans what they want now
15 januari 2026 · 21 min
As Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela’s opposition leader, meets with President Donald Trump, we talk through our exclusive polling on what the country wants for its future. Childhood in the age of AI promises to be bespoke and personalised—and perhaps also lonely and atomised. And on America’s National Bagel Day, our correspondent explores the foodstuff’s murky history. Lees meer
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Independence Jay? Inflation and attacks on the Fed
14 januari 2026 · 24 min
More inflation numbers, more jabs by President Donald Trump at Jay Powell, the Federal Reserve chairman. We ask what the Fed is doing, should be doing and is being pressured to do. Six years after the official Brexit divorce, we count the costs and ask what making-up is now possible. And how self-help books reveal the anxieties of their times. Lees meer
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Lowering the steaks: a Mercosur deal at last
13 januari 2026 · 23 min
From Argentinian beef to German cars, a freshly inked deal between the EU and a bloc of South American countries should ease trade barriers—and is a sign of global trade’s topsy-turvy time. Foreigner-bashing is politically fashionable in Japan, but focuses on the wrong problems. And a look at Parkrun, a free weekly event that has unwittingly made many Britons healthier. Lees meer
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Strike fear: Iran’s protests and Israel
12 januari 2026 · 27 min
Each country fears an attack from the other: Iran may wish to distract from internal conflict, Israel to exploit it. In an interview with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu we explore perspectives on the war-gaming. As the first cohort of graduates weaned on generative AI enters the workforce, we examine a changing career ladder. And why European pension systems badly need reform. Lees meer
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Shah caller: Iran’s protests are different this time
9 januari 2026 · 28 min
Demonstrations are growing once again—but this time the message is notably different, and the regime has little means available to calm tensions. Where will it end? Our World Ahead series lays out what to expect this year in China’s dealings with Taiwan, Japan and beyond. And a tribute to Nino Loureiro, a pioneering fusion physicist slain by a former classmate. Lees meer
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Oil pressure: America’s tanker seizures
8 januari 2026 · 23 min
It had real dramatic elements: a (slow) chase scene, faked locations, a literal false flag, a daring helicopter descent. But what is the broader picture of America’s bid to disrupt the Venezuelan-oil network? And how will the expanding oil saga affect an already weakened regime in Cuba? Also, we ask whether Hispanic football fans might avoid the World Cup in America. Lees meer
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In the line of fires: LA’s ashen suburbs one year on
7 januari 2026 · 24 min
We return to the Los Angeles suburbs that were consumed by wildfires a year ago. The varying rebuilding efforts reveal divides in wealth, but also strains in California’s insurance industry. Never mind the AI job apocalypse, if it comes: the technology will create plenty of new roles, too. And why “peak wine” may be a good thing for sippers of the fine kind. Lees meer
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Xi’s not there: what China’s Venezuela response reveals
6 januari 2026 · 20 min
The countries have a decades-long relationship—debt freely given in one direction and plenty of oil sold in the other. Yet America’s intervention has served as a reality check on China’s power in Venezuela and elsewhere. Our World Ahead series examines the risks to the American dollar as global reserve currency. And pricey handbags ain’t built like they used to be. Lees meer
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Nicolás caged: what next for Venezuela?
5 januari 2026 · 25 min
America’s National Security Strategy, released a month ago, suggested the administration’s focus was on dominance of the western hemisphere. But no one expected its first move would be a special-forces raid to depose President Nicolás Maduro. What is next comes with grave risks. And the video-games business wants to escape its rut by finding whole new markets—geographically and demographically. Lees meer
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State of the art: Chinese market flounders
2 januari 2026 · 22 min
Property wealth in China turbo-charged investment in art. Now house prices have crashed, art sales may follow. Are Britons really leaving the country in droves? And our obituaries editor on the death of the American cent coin. Lees meer
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What in the world: predictions for 2026
1 januari 2026 · 20 min
The editor of our annual “World Ahead” publication predicts the themes and events that will dominate the headlines in 2026, from geopolitics to tech. He also admits what we got wrong last year. And The Economist launched its first podcast 20 years ago. We chart the evolution of audio, from a basement broom cupboard to today’s bountiful offerings. Lees meer
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Years ending: notable lives lost in 2025
31 december 2025 · 22 min
Today’s show is a tribute to those whose lives we remembered this year. From Pope Francis, the most open-minded pontiff for decades, and controversial vice-president Dick Cheney, to champ of the chimpanzees Jane Goodall, bubblegum pop star Brian Wilson and Alice Tan Ridley, a New York subway busker who became a superstar. Lees meer
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Boom with a view: our economy of the year
30 december 2025 · 22 min
Announcing the return of The Economist’s annual ranking for best performing economy. Are you ready for the big reveal? Dalit cuisine is barely visible, in India or beyond. And why London’s river boats are making a comeback. Lees meer
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Generals’ selection: Myanmar’s sham poll
29 december 2025 · 21 min
Five years after seizing power in a coup, the military junta in Myanmar is holding an election. Yet all credible opposition has been banned. And war has inspired so many films over the past century. Our correspondents battle it out to pick the best one. Lees meer
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Battle of the texts: which books changed the world?
26 december 2025 · 41 min
So many books are published each year; few stand the test of time. Today we devote our whole show to asking which works have shaped the way we behave and how we think. Picks include “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, “A Suitable Boy” by Vikram Seth and “Lord of the Rings” by JRR Tolkien. Lees meer
Full list of books mentioned in the show:
The Bible
The Koran
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
“On the Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin
“Il Saggiatore” by Galileo Galilei
“Two New Sciences” by Galileo Galilei
“Capital in the Twenty-First Century” by Thomas Piketty
“Amusing Ourselves to Death” by Neil Postman
The novels of Philip Pullman
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
“The Satanic Verses” by Salman Rushdie
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
“A Suitable Boy” by Vikram Seth
“Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien
“A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf
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So this is quizmas: our inaugural holiday face-off
24 december 2025 · 28 min
Join our editors and correspondents in a gripping test of recall and reflexes. There are questions on business and politics of course—but also news noises to identify, one saucy limerick and quotes from “The Real Housewives” franchise that frankly no one expected. Which team will take the trophy? Lees meer
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Growing pains: a recession in recessions
23 december 2025 · 21 min
Recessions are, in their way, bad news. But so, paradoxically, is a lasting dearth of them. We explain the dangers that lie beneath the current run of continuous growth. Our correspondent looks into the hidden economics of online reviews, and whether to trust them. And a turkey-industry exposé that you’ll just gobble up. Lees meer
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Slop stars: why AI-generated content could help creators
22 december 2025 · 21 min
In a world of infinite content, who wins and who loses? Our correspondent explains what the proliferation of AI-generated art means for human artists. What the prevalence of male-female friendships tell us about a society. And why you should propose with a yellow-gold ring. Lees meer
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Country of the year: The Economist’s pick for 2025
19 december 2025 · 23 min
Each year, The Economist tries to identify which country has improved the most, whether economically, politically or in other ways. In a turbulent year, the choice was tricky. We unveil the result. And The Economist Educational Foundation helps kids worldwide be more news-savvy. We invite you to donate and support its work: https://economistfoundation.org/donate/. Lees meer
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Weight boss? Competition for Novo Nordisk
18 december 2025 · 21 min
Since Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in 2021, it has dominated the fast-growing market for slimming drugs. Now a new jab is eating into the Danish firm’s success. Why a slang expert thinks the first word humans ever uttered may have been a profane one. And why British sheep have got happier. Lees meer
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Emissions possible: EU petrol ban quashed
17 december 2025 · 20 min
The European Union had promised to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles by 2035, as part of its environmental ambitions. Yesterday it watered down that commitment. Our correspondent explains the implications. Will Donald Trump’s choice of Federal Reserve chair politicise the institution? And The Economist announces its word of the year. Lees meer
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After Bondi: how to tackle extremism
16 december 2025 · 20 min
As the Australian authorities continue their investigation into Sunday’s deadly attack on a Hannukah party in Sydney, investigators have uncovered a possible link with Islamic State. Our journalists recommend their favourite books of 2025. And why there is now an Advent calendar for everything. Lees meer
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Judgment day: Jimmy Lai convicted
15 december 2025 · 21 min
Today Hong Kong’s most prominent media mogul was convicted of flouting national security legislation. Our correspondent explains the consequences for the territory. Why the policies of Britain’s Labour government are damaging London. And our correspondent offers sober advice on how (not) to cure a hangover. Lees meer
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Right, here, waiting: Europe’s populists on the rise
12 december 2025 · 28 min
In Britain, Germany and France, populist-right leaders and parties are making hay. What unites their movements, and how do their respective political environments shape their future prospects? And our obituaries editor reflects on the life of Frank Gehry, perhaps the world’s most innovative architect. Lees meer
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Ven and the art of hemispheric maintenance: America’s national-security posture
11 december 2025 · 17 min
America’s seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker fits with the stated goals in its new national-security strategy: untrammelled hemispheric dominance. How much of the document is polemic and how much will become policy? The long-run costs of the work-from-home revolution are becoming apparent in many American cities. And the one region where Pepsi is the cola of choice. Lees meer
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Digital stimulation: AI and porn
10 december 2025 · 20 min
At every technological revolution, the industry of indecency is close at hand. We look at how sex workers and porn-peddlers are making use of AI. The sites of Syria’s most brutal civil-war deeds are just the latest destination for “dark tourists”; we explore the draw of atrocities. And to the many divisions in America, add one about a lawn-care implement. Lees meer
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“You’re…fired?” A momentous Supreme Court case
9 december 2025 · 23 min
Of all the sackings at federal level President Donald Trump has carried out—and that the Supreme Court has upheld—the one now under consideration has the greatest implications for presidential power. Now that satellites are going up by the thousands, earthly astronomers are struggling for clear views. And how one firm is bucking the downward trend in the pen industry. Lees meer
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Transitional injustice: Syria one year after Assad
8 december 2025 · 25 min
A year after ousting its despot, things are not as bad as many had feared. But old sectarian divides threaten the peace. Forced labour, sex tourism and human-trafficking: ever more sophisticated drug gangs are behind a wave of exploitation across Latin America. And the rocketing price of gold drives a new generation of prospectors to California. Lees meer
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The Weekend Intelligence: Operation Midas
6 december 2025 · 44 min
Ukraine has been hit by a corruption scandal. One that strikes at the core of the political establishment in a way never before seen—and this in a country with a long and turbulent history of corruption. It has toppled President Zelensky’s right-hand man. It could mean the President himself won’t survive re-election when the war is over. And the timing couldn’t be worse—right in the middle of a peace deal Ukraine has had little part in composing. Lees meer
The Economist’s Ukraine correspondent, Ollie Carroll, has been following the scandal and the investigation that brought it crashing to the surface for months. On The Weekend Intelligence he takes us deep inside "Operation Midas”.
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Music by Blue dot and Epidemic
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Keir in the headlights: interviewing Britain’s PM
5 december 2025 · 23 min
The Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes met Sir Keir Starmer for “The Insider”, our new video offering. We bring you the analysis. Why executions in America are surging, despite declining support for the death penalty. And Tom Stoppard, one of Britain’s most challenging playwrights, is remembered by his Russian translator. Lees meer
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Delhi-novela: Putin and Modi rekindle bromance
4 december 2025 · 20 min
As Vladimir Putin begins a two-day visit to India, our correspondent explains why Donald Trump’s policies have pushed India and Russia closer together. How AI models could learn to take shortcuts––and accidentally become evil. And the curious case of the newly-Malaysian footballers. Lees meer
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Stars and strikes: was America’s ship-bomb illegal?
3 december 2025 · 25 min
America’s attacks on possible drug boats in the Caribbean is already controversial. Now critics are questioning the legality of one particular strike in September. What does this mean for the US secretary of war, Pete Hegseth? Why American firms are raising funding to explore gene-editing babies. And women in Japan face a long fight to play the national sport: sumo. Lees meer
In “Babbage” earlier this year we interviewed Chinese scientist He Jiankui, whose use of gene-editing technology on babies landed him a three-year prison sentence.
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The great wheel: China’s Robotaxi revolution
2 december 2025 · 19 min
Once derided as a copycat nation, China is now leading the world in innovation, from driverless cars to pharmaceuticals. Our correspondent explains what others can learn from it. Britain looks abroad for policy ideas, but which country is most like it? And why the capybara is a creature of comfort for our troubled age. Lees meer
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Deal them back in? What we heard in Iran
1 december 2025 · 26 min
Our correspondents get a feel for today’s Tehran: no morality police but still much fear of speaking out. And the foreign minister indicates a desire to return to nuclear dealmaking. Who has bought into whom in AI makes the whole industry look pretty circular; we ask what that means for competition. And the first European country to scrap letter delivery. Lees meer
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The Weekend Intelligence: Mise en masse
29 november 2025 · 46 min
Chef Gary Thomas has a lot on his plate. That’s because he’s in the business of feeding thousands of people a day on a ship in the middle of the ocean. Not just any ship – the Star of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world. Lees meer
The Weekend Intelligence’s senior producer Barclay Bram braved a trip to the Bahamas to try to figure out the secret behind one of the most impressive food operations in the world.
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Music by Blue dot and Epidemic
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Fire, then fury: Hong Kong’s deadly blaze
28 november 2025 · 29 min
The dead are still being found; the displaced huddle in public spaces. Who or what will be blamed, and what policies will change after the tragedy? We visit Georgia, where protests have now lasted a year, probing the differences between popular uprisings that succeed and those that fail. And remembering He Yanxin, last natural inheritor of China’s ancient women-only language. Lees meer
Additional audio courtesy of Zhao Ke'er from the documentary "Heart of Gold".
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Growth negligence: Britain’s budget
27 november 2025 · 23 min
The tax-and-spend plan was fine-tuned to avoid immediate political jeopardy. But it will do little to help Britain’s chronic growth problem, and is likely to erode further the political centre. We meet with Yogi Adityanath, the leader of India’s most populous state and a harbinger of the country’s possible political future. And readers’ best—or most discombobulating—job-interview questions. Lees meer
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Party likes it 1959: Cuba in crisis
26 november 2025 · 23 min
The country’s Communist Party leadership continues to cling to old ideals amid on-again, off-again diplomacy with America—and the people’s suffering only deepens. Britain is making the most of its advantages in the burgeoning industry of quantum technology. And why conservationists’ concern about a wood beloved of classical musicians may be misplaced. Lees meer
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Wage against the machine: the distortions of minimum pay
25 november 2025 · 22 min
For decades governments have found minimum-wage rises a politically expedient means of redistribution. But the onward economic distortions have at last become clear. Of course AI can write a faster cover letter — perhaps even a better one. But there are knock-on costs when everyone is doing it. And a look at Florida’s bold experiment in the free choice of unbundled education. Lees meer
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Emission creep: a contentious COP closes
24 november 2025 · 26 min
It is telling and troubling that the annual climate talking-shop’s outcome did not even mention fossil fuels. We ask whether the COP process is still fit for purpose. Cryptocurrencies could be heading for an almighty fall: what would they take down with them? And the revealing vowels and diphthongs of whale communications. (Hear much more on animal communication in our series on “Babbage”: part 1 asks whether animals truly have language, and part 2 whether AI could translate it.) Lees meer
Additional audio courtesy of Project CETI.
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