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Jackson Janes

Jackson Janes, Sports Editor

Hey, everyone! My name is Jackson Janes, and I am the sports editor here at the DI! I am a sophomore majoring in journalism, and when I’m not in class, you can probably find me at Memorial Stadium, State Farm Center or another University stadium! I am from Chicago, Illinois, and am a big Cubs and Bears fan (sorry, Cards fans). I’m always looking to talk Illinois or Chicago sports, so feel free to send me an email at [email protected] or find me on Twitter if you need someone to rant to, though let’s hope that doesn’t happen too often.

[email protected]

All content by Jackson Janes

Illinois to host Florida State in Big Ten/Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Basketball Challenge

August 3, 2021
Guard Ayo Dosunmu drives to the basket against Indiana at State Farm Center on Dec. 26. Dosunmu was selected in the 2021 NBA Draft, becoming the first Illini since 2012 to achieve the feat.

Ayo Dosunmu selected by Chicago Bulls in second round of 2021 NBA Draft

July 29, 2021
Vederian Lowe, Owen Carney, Doug Kramer and Bret Bielema pose for a photo at Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis. The idea of family has become a recruiting tactic for Bielema and his staff, with all three players choosing to return after hearing their pitch.

Building a family: How one word inspired, reinvigorated a struggling Illinois football program

July 23, 2021
Illinois defensive lineman Bobby Roundtree (97) celebrates after making a tackle during the game against Penn State at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018. Athletic director Josh Whitman and head coach Bret Bielema reflected on Bobby Roundtree's legacy at Big Ten Media Days after the former Illinois defensive lineman passed away on Friday.

Bielema, Whitman reflect on Roundtree’s legacy at Big Ten Media Days

July 22, 2021
These five rings represent the five main regions that have been brought together by the Olympic Movement. The Olympics start July 23 and will run through to August 8.

Eight Illinois alumni to attend Tokyo Olympic Games

July 21, 2021
Kofi Cockburn (21) embraces Andre Curbelo (5) during the game against Nebraska at State Farm Center on Feb. 25. Cockburn announced Friday that he will be returning to Illinois for his junior season.

Cockburn announces return to Illinois for junior season

July 16, 2021
The new Demirjian Park stands at 606 St Marys Road in Champaign April 24. Illinois athletic facilities spark a winning culture on campus.

Athletics facilities allow Illinois to establish winning culture on campus

July 15, 2021
Students in the Orange Krush section of the State Farm Center lean over a railing to high five Ayo Dosunmu after Illinois won against Iowa March 8, 2020. Attending sporting events is the ideal way for passionate Illinois fans to experience campus.

Attending games FAQ: Season tickets are essential for passionate Illini sports fans

July 15, 2021
Head Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood looks intently at his players during the game at Ohio State March 6. Underwood has filled all three assistant coaching spots after Tim Anderson was named an assistant on Friday.

Illinois hires Tim Anderson to fill third assistant coach spot

July 9, 2021
Freshman Center Kofi Cockburn dunks the ball during the match against Hawaii on Nov. 18, 2019. Cockburn has entered the transfer portal while keeping his name in the NBA Draft.

Cockburn enters transfer portal, keeps name in NBA Draft

July 1, 2021
Last years The Basketball Tournament team

House of ‘Paign formalizes roster ahead of 2021 The Basketball Tournament

June 22, 2021
The Block I student section hoists a banner with the Illinois shield logo during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 3, 2018. Illinois announced its Freshman of the Year nominees on Tuesday.

Illinois names Freshman of the Year nominees

June 16, 2021
The Block I student section holds up cards spelling “Home” during halftime of the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 13, 2018. Memorial Stadium, and all Illinois sports venues, will return to full capacity for the 2021-2022 sports season.

Illinois announces full capacity for 2021-2022 sports season

June 11, 2021
Fifth-year senior Michael Feagles hits the ball in the third round of play at the NCAA Championship in Scottsdale, Arizona. Illinois fell to Oklahoma in match play quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Illinois falls to Oklahoma in NCAA Championship match play quarterfinals

June 1, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn goes for the dunk during the game against Nebraska. Cockburn will reportedly remain in the NBA Draft, according to reports Thursday morning.

Reports: Kofi Cockburn to remain in NBA Draft

May 27, 2021
Josh Imatorbhebhe runs after making a catch against Northwestern Dec. 12 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. Imatorbhebhe signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.

Josh Imatorbhebhe signs with Jacksonville Jaguars as undrafted free agent

May 1, 2021
Milo Eifler celebrates an incompletion during the game against Iowa Nov. 23, 2019, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

Former Illini Milo Eifler signs with New York Jets as undrafted free agent

May 1, 2021
Freshman Adam Miller scans the court for teammates against Maryland Jan. 10 at State Farm Center. Miller announced Saturday afternoon that he is transferring to Louisiana State.

Adam Miller announces transfer to Louisiana State

May 1, 2021
Nate Hobbs goes into the end zone after making a pick-six against Rutgers Nov. 2, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.

Former Illini Nate Hobbs selected in fifth round of 2021 NFL Draft

May 1, 2021
Kendrick Green (53) stands with teammates prior to the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium Dec. 5.

Former Illini Kendrick Green selected in third round of 2021 NFL Draft

April 30, 2021
Former Illinois offensive lineman Nick Allegretti gets ready to make a block during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 3, 2018. Allegretti is the most recent draft pick out of Illinois, though a few former players are expecting to hear their names called at the 2021 NFL Draft this weekend.

Look back on former Illini selected in NFL Draft as event approaches

April 29, 2021
Senior Da'Monte Williams plays defense during the game against Purdue Jan. 2 at State Farm Center. Williams announced Wednesday that he is returning for a fifth season.

Senior Da’Monte Williams returns for fifth season

April 28, 2021
The Orange Krush student section shouts at a game between the Illini men’s basketball team and Minnesota at State Farm Center Jan. 30, 2020.

Illinois sports lows make highs worth waiting for

April 25, 2021
Sophomore Jeanae Terry shoots the ball during the game against Valparaiso Dec. 2. Terry recently announced she is transferring to Purdue.

Former Illinois guard Jeanae Terry transfers to Purdue

April 23, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn dunks the ball during the game against Purdue Jan. 8. Cockburn declared for the NBA Draft Sunday afternoon.

Kofi Cockburn declares for NBA Draft

April 18, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier drives towards the basket during the game against Ohio State on Saturday. Frazier announced his return to Champaign Saturday afternoon.

Day in review: Frazier announces return for fifth season, Alfonso Plummer commits to Illini

April 17, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier passes to his left during the game against Ohio State on Jan. 16. Frazier declared for the NBA Draft Friday, though he is still eligible to return for a fifth season.

Trent Frazier declares for NBA Draft, retains NCAA eligibility

April 9, 2021
Junior Giorgi Bezhanishvili celebrates during the game against Iowa March 8, 2020. Bezhanishvili announced Thursday afternoon that he is departing the Illinois basketball program.

Giorgi Bezhanishvili announces departure from Illinois

April 8, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu drives to the lane during Illinois' game against Maryland Jan. 10. Dosunmu declared for the 2021 NBA Draft Tuesday afternoon.

Junior guard Ayo Dosunmu declares for 2021 NBA Draft

April 6, 2021
The Illinois men's tennis team cheers on their teammates from the bleachers in their singles matches against Minnesota on Sunday at Atkins Tennis Center. Illinois athletics teams have been working hard to beat their competition this season.

Spring sports update: Men’s tennis on 10-match winning streak, soccer enters playoffs with momentum

April 6, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu attempts to pivot around two defenders during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6. Dosunmu won the Bob Cousy Award Saturday afternoon.

Ayo Dosunmu wins Bob Cousy Award

April 3, 2021

Illinois lands Florida transfer Omar Payne

April 3, 2021
Kennedi Myles calls for the ball from J-Naya Ephraim Dec. 2 when Illinois faced Valparaiso. Both players have chosen to play elsewhere next season, with Myles already announcing her decision to transfer to Marquette.

Myles transfers to Marquette, three other Illini enter transfer portal

April 1, 2021
Kofi Cockburn, Adam Miller, Jacob Grandison and Trent Frazier (left to right) stand together neat mid-court during the game against Drexel on March 19. A dominant display from Frazier saw the Illini advance to the Round of 32 of the NCAA tournament.

Player grades: Frazier’s complete performance helps Illinois take down 16-seed Drexel

March 19, 2021
Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu embrace during the game against Iowa on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. Dosunmu and Cockburn were named to the Associated Press' All-America teams on Tuesday.

Dosunmu, Cockburn earn Associated Press All-American honors

March 16, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn shoots a free throw during the game against Purdue on Jan. 2. Cockburn shot 54.1% from the free-throw line during regular-season Big Ten play.

Inside the numbers: 16 Big Ten wins, Kofi’s field-goal percentage highlight unusual season

March 15, 2021
Freshman Andre Curbelo celebrates after scoring during the Big Ten semifinal match against Iowa. Curbelo is one of several freshmen who have shown promise this season.

Curbelo’s creativity, Miller’s magic help Illini find success throughout season

March 15, 2021
The Illini pose with the Big Ten Tournament trophy after beating Ohio State 91-88 in the title game on March 14 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Andre Curbelo, Giorgi Bezhanishvili and Da'Monte Williams stepped up for the Illini, helping them snap a 16-year title drought.

Player grades: Bench players step up, earn Illini first Big Ten Tournament title since 2005

March 14, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn shoots through a crowd of defenders during the game against Iowa on March 13 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Cockburn finished with 26 points and was a big reason why the Illini advanced to the Big Ten Tournament title game.

Player grades: Cockburn, Curbelo guide Illini into Big Ten Tournament title game

March 13, 2021
Andre Curbelo drives toward the basket in the first half against Michigan on March 2. The Illini beat the Wolverines, 76-53.

Player grades: Dominant displays from Curbelo, Frazier lift Illini over No. 2 Wolverines

March 3, 2021
Senior Sasha Belaya returns the ball during the meet against Wisconsin on Friday. The Illini fell to Wisconsin, but beat Minnesota in a meet on Sunday.

Illinois falls to Wisconsin, beats Minnesota for first win of season

February 28, 2021
Senior Katie Wingerter throws the ball during the Orange and Blue World Series on Oct. 25. The Illinois softball team split its double-header against Maryland today.

Illinois splits doubleheader with Maryland

February 27, 2021
Sophomore Mia Townes performs her floor exercise routine during the meet against Michigan on Sunday. The Illinois women's gymnastics team placed second in the Big Five Meet on Friday.

Illinois finishes second in Big Five Meet for second consecutive season

February 26, 2021
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood speaks to freshman Andre Curbelo during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6. Questions surrounding the team’s consistency remain after a loss to unranked Michigan State on Sunday Tuesday night.

Three big questions loom after No. 5 Illini upset by pesky Spartans

February 25, 2021
An Illinois women's tennis player bounces the ball before serving during competition. The team fell to Northwestern 6-1 on Sunday.

lllinois falls to No. 7 Northwestern despite winning doubles point for first time

February 21, 2021
Redshirt freshman Alex Bancila returns the ball against Penn State on Feb. 19 at Atkins Tennis Center. The Illini won the match, 5-2.

No. 6 Illinois defeats Penn State, falls to No. 9 Ohio State to open Big Ten campaign

February 21, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu goes for a dunk against Minnesota on Feb. 20. Dosunmu notched his second triple-double of the season in a 94-63 win over the Golden Gophers.

Player grades: Dosunmu’s triple-double, Frazier’s half-court heave highlight dominant win at Minnesota

February 20, 2021
Senior Zeke Clark competes in the match against Virginia on Sunday. Clark is the Illini of the Week.

Illini of the Week: Zeke Clark clinches two upset wins, earns first-career Player of the Week award

February 18, 2021
Redshirt sophomore Siphosothando Montsi celebrates after scoring a point during the match against Virginia on Sunday.

Illinois upsets Southern California, Virginia en route to third-place tournament finish

February 14, 2021
Senior Emilee Duong competes during the meet against Oklahoma on March 3, 2020. The Illini fell to Nebraska on Sunday by a score of 5-2.

Illinois opens Big Ten campaign with road losses to Iowa, Nebraska

February 14, 2021
Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu looks to pass during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6. Dosunmu recorded 31 points during the game.

Player grades: Dosunmu puts team on his back late in overtime win over last-place Nebraska

February 13, 2021
Iowa senior center Luke Garza attempts to defend as junior guard Ayo Dosunmu drives through the lane during the game between Illinois and Iowa on Jan. 29 at State Farm Center. Dosunmu and Garza are the front runners for the Big Ten Player of the Year award.

Hoops update: Two Illini in Big Ten, Naismith Player of the Year race

February 11, 2021

Illinois returns to Atkins Tennis Center for first time since March to take on Indiana, Purdue

February 7, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu looks to pass during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday. Dosunmu recorded his first triple double at Illinois during the game, earning 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. It is only the third triple double in Illinois history.

Player grades: Dosunmu makes history, Cockburn dominates in paint in home win over No. 19 Wisconsin

February 6, 2021
Trent Frazier shoots a three-pointer in Illinois' win against Indiana on Tuesday. Frazier had another big game, scoring 19 points.

Player grades: Frazier has another standout performance, Cockburn steps up in nail-biting win

February 3, 2021
Members of the Illinois women's tennis team high five after scoring a point during the Purdue invite this weekend.

Illini women’s tennis makes great strides in first competitive matches since March

January 31, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier yells out to a teammate during the game against Iowa on Friday. The Illini won the game 80-75.

Player grades: Big performances from Dosunmu, Frazier secure win over No. 7 Iowa

January 30, 2021
Senior Dylan Duncan attempts to break the hold of his opponent during the meet against Purdue on Friday. The men’s wrestling team is undefeated this season (4-0).

Illini sports update: Wrestling, gymnastics, volleyball teams off to undefeated starts

January 25, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier drives forward during the game against Nebraska on Feb. 24, 2020.

Big Ten hoops update: Conference deals with several postponements, paused programs

January 15, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn takes a shot during the game against Maryland Jan. 11. Cockburn has entered the transfer portal while keeping his name in the NBA Draft.

Player grades: Cockburn dominates in paint, Williams has off night in upset loss to Maryland

January 11, 2021
Jamal Woods celebrates with Tarique Barnes during the Wisconsin Oct. 23, 2020. Woods has elected to return to Illinois for a fifth year.

Defensive lineman Jamal Woods announces return to Illini

January 5, 2021
Michigan guard Zeb Jackson advances against Northwestern defenders during the second half of their game on Sunday.

Big Ten hoops update: Seven ranked teams, several Player of the Year candidates after three weeks of action

January 5, 2021
Illinois senior kicker James McCourt kicks the game winning field goal during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 19 at Memorial Stadium. McCourt will return to the Illini in 2021.

Kicker James McCourt announces return to Illini for sixth season

January 2, 2021
Senior Nate Hobbs returns an interception during the game against Rutgers on Nov. 2 at Memorial Stadium. The Illini won 38-10.

Nate Hobbs declares for NFL Draft

January 2, 2021
Senior Jake Hansen wraps up an opposing player during competion.

Jake Hansen leaves lasting legacy on program after declaring for NFL Draft

December 30, 2020
Junior Milo Eifler stands with his teammates before playing in the Redbox Bowl against California on Dec. 30, 2019. Eifler will enter his name into the 2021 NFL Draft.

Milo Eifler declares for NFL Draft

December 29, 2020
Senior Quarterback Brandon Peters scans the field as the offensive line protects him during the match against Akron on Sep. 14, 2019.Peters will be returning to Illinois for one more season.

Quarterback Brandon Peters returns to Illini

December 29, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu shoots the ball during the game against Minnesota on Dec. 15. The Illini earned a road win against Penn State on Wednesday with a 98-81 score line.

Player grades: Dosunmu, Cockburn, Curbelo thrive despite defensive struggles

December 24, 2020
Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith celebrates after securing a 24-23 victory over Wisconsin on Oct. 19, 2019.

Wins over No. 6 Wisconsin, Michigan State highlight Lovie Smith era

December 18, 2020
Redshirt senior Josh Imatorbhebhe catches a pass during the game against Northwestern on Saturday. Imathorbhebhe has declared for the NFL Draft.

Wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe declares for NFL Draft

December 17, 2020
Senior Blake Hayes punts the ball during competition.

Blake Hayes named to media’s All-Big Ten Third Team

December 17, 2020
Offensive lineman Kendrick Green (53) blocks defenders during the game against Iowa on Dec. 5. Green has been named to the All-Big Ten first-team.

Offensive lineman Kendrick Green named to All-Big Ten First Team

December 15, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu attempts to defend Mizzou's Mark Smith during the Braggin' Rights match on Saturday. The Illini fell to Mizzou 81-78.

Player grades: Dosunmu, Curbelo shine in Braggin’ Rights loss to Missouri

December 13, 2020
Penn State's Will Levis (7) picks up yardage on the ground during the second quarter against Rutgers at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey on Saturday,

Big Ten Week 7 recap: COVID-19 outbreaks cancel two games, Northwestern wins Big Ten West

December 6, 2020
Kicker Chase McLaughlin (5) celebrates with his teammate offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) after making a 50-yard field goal on Dec. 8, 2019 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. McLaughlin recently signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars to replace their injured kicker.

NFL update: Two former Illini on COVID-19 list, former kicker added to Jaguars roster

December 1, 2020
Indiana's Micah McFadden tackles Michigan State's Payton Thorne during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on Saturday.

Big Ten Week 4 recap: Quarterback inconsistencies plague several Big Ten teams

November 15, 2020
Freshman Kofi Cockburn embraces Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu during the match against Iowa at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois on Sunday, March 8..The Illini are ranked No. 8 in the preseason AP Top 5 Poll.

Illinois ranked No. 8 in Associated Press preseason top-25 poll

November 9, 2020
Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford throws under pressure from Maryland's Austin Fontaine during the second half at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Big Ten Week 3 recap: Division rivals extend win streaks as Illini remain last in Big Ten West

November 9, 2020
Illinois alum Rajeev Ram competes at the French Open on May 31, 2018. Ram shared his experience playing during COVID-19.

Playing during a pandemic: Ram recounts experiences with travel, competitions during COVID-19

November 5, 2020
Top 10 head coaches at Illinois

Top 10 head coaches at Illinois

November 5, 2020
Illinois team members stand in Camp Randall stadium while wearing masks before the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 23. The Illini fell 45-7 in the season opener.

Positive tests causes uncertainty within football program

November 5, 2020
Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa runs for a first down in the first quarter against the Minnesota Gophers at Capital One Field on Saturday. The big run set up a Maryland touchdown.

Big Ten Week 2 recap: Unexpected undefeated teams continue to find ways to win

November 3, 2020
Detroit Lions cornerback Tony McRae and New Orleans Saints defensive back Justin Hardee Sr. run up the field during their NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on Oct. 4

Inconsistent playing time, first career start highlight past two weeks of action for former Illini

October 29, 2020
Illinois' offensive line blocks Wisconsin in the game in Madison Friday night. Since then, 12 Badgers have tested positive for COVID-19, shutting down team activities.

Wisconsin football program pauses all team activities after 12 positive tests

October 28, 2020
Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed is tackled by Rutgers defensive back Christian Izien during their game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday.

Turnovers galore in opening week of Big Ten action

October 27, 2020
Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm looks on during a game against Penn State at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 5, 2019.

Two top-five teams fall in final weekend before Big Ten returns

October 20, 2020
Baltimore Ravens defensive end Jihad Ward walks behind defensive tackle Justin Madubuike on Aug. 19. Ward is an Illinois alum who started playing for the Ravens in 2019.

Former Illini continue to see playing time in NFL

October 15, 2020
Students in the Block I fan section cheer during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 19. Block I is a student organization that allows students to show their support for Illini sports teams; the group will be hosting a watch party for the return of the football season.

Block I to host watch party for football season opener

October 5, 2020
Kevin Anderson returns a shot to Joao Sousa during their match at the Miami Open on March 25, 2019. Anderson played tennis for three seasons at Illinois, winning the national doubles championship his sophomore year in 2006.

11 former Illini compete across five sports leagues

September 28, 2020
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers tries to evade the sack of Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus and ends up fumbling on the play in the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sept. 22, 2019 in Carson, CA.

Former Illini compete in first two weeks of NFL season

September 24, 2020
The Block I student section hoists a banner with the Illinois shield logo during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 3, 2018. Illinois announced its Freshman of the Year nominees on Tuesday.

Fans express excitement ahead of shortened Big Ten season

September 21, 2020
Miami Heat’s Meyers Leonard turns his attention to the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Arena on Jan. 22. Leonard is one of the two Illinois alumni currently playing in the NBA.

Two former Illini compete in 2020 NBA Bubble

August 27, 2020
The Block I student section holds up cards spelling “Home” during halftime of the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 13, 2018. Memorial Stadium, and all Illinois sports venues, will return to full capacity for the 2021-2022 sports season.

Block I announces changes for fall semester

August 24, 2020
RSOs advertise their clubs to prospective members during Quad Day in August 2016.

University offers hundreds of RSOs, though it could always use more

August 19, 2020
An I-Guide helps a freshman move into Hopkins Hall during move-in week in Fall 2016.

Communal bathrooms add to unique college experience

August 17, 2020
Students study in the College of Law Library on Sept. 20, 2019. There a multitude of study spaces, libraries and more, available in every corner of campus.

Five spaces on campus provide popular study environments

August 5, 2020
Former Illinois Basketball Coach Lou Henson smiles as he is interviewed by a CBS reporter on the court.

Honoring Henson: “Flyin’ Illini”, tournament appearances top coach’s career highlights

August 4, 2020
Senior Runningback Ra'Von Bonner celebrates a touchdown during the match against Akron on Aug. 31, 2019.

Big Ten includes nine Illinois representatives in Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition

June 19, 2020
Illinois lineman Oluwole Betiku Jr. tackles Akron quarterback Kato Nelson on Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium. The Illini won the game, 42-3.

Former Illinois defensive lineman Oluwole Betiku Jr. signs as undrafted free agent

April 28, 2020
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Da'Monte Williams guards Michigan State Spartans guard/forward Kyle Ahrens during the first half at State Farm Center in Champaign, IL on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020.

Twitter polls allow fans to reflect on past seasons

April 28, 2020
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