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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
James Hoeck

James Hoeck, Photo Editor

I am James Hoeck, a senior in photography with a minor in media. I have been a part of Illini Media for over three years starting back in fall 2021. I hold the position of photo editor here at The Daily Illini overseeing our photo department. I also work as photo editor and editor-in-chief for Illini Media’s yearbook, The Illio. There is a good chance you will see me out and about on campus taking photos! If you want to check out more of my work, visit my linked socials and portfolio website. For inquiries, contact me at my attached email.

Protesters rest in tents stationed in front of Foellinger Auditorium early Thursday morning.

[Photo] Live coverage: Encampment continues to day 5 on Main Quad

By The Daily Illini News Staff • May 2, 2024
Protesters celebrate police officers withdrawing from the barricade. On Friday morning protestors set up an encampment for Palestine which was shut down by University police and University Facilities & Services, leading to one arrest. Protestors reconvened at Alma in the afternoon setting up an encampment which lasted late into the night on Friday.

Gallery | Day 1 Recap: Palestine encampment rekindles after hiatus

By James Hoeck, Athena Ly, Isaac Pinkus, Anika Khandavalli, Anh-Khoi Pham, Alyssa Shih and Lucas Sun • Apr 27, 2024
Concert attendees pull out their phones as a Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s set begins at the State Fam Center on Sept. 9. NLE Choppa’s Spring Jam set will be moved to the State Farm Center.

[Photo] UPDATE: Spring Jam moved indoors to State Farm Center

By Maaike Niekerk, Arts & Entertainment Editor • Apr 25, 2024
The Illini compete in the Spring Collegiate during a cold windy day, April 2023.

[Photo] No. 18 Illinois men’s golf clinches title at Fighting Illini Spring Collegiate

By Jordan Goodhart, Staff Writer • Apr 21, 2024
(Front) Sophomore wide receiver Malik Elzy scores the first touchdown during the first quarter of the Spring Game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, with sophomore defensive back Ben Clawson closely behind.

[Photo] Illinois’ offense shines bright in Spring Game

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • Apr 20, 2024
Freshman forward Amani Hansberry during the second half of a basketball game against Iowa at the State Farm Center on Feb. 24.

[Photo] Review | Jay Leno falls flat at State Farm Center, outshined by opener

By Jack Larson, Audience Director • Apr 16, 2024
The Hub Champaign announced that a resident died on building property on Sunday morning.

[Photo] UPDATED: Hub Champaign Daniel resident ‘unexpectedly’ dies on property

By Mary Piacente, News Editor • Apr 14, 2024
Paralympic Athlete Adam Bleakney shares his experiences during a Q&A session at SDRP on April 10.

[Photo] DRES celebrates 75 years at UI

By Erin Morrison, Staff Writer • Apr 11, 2024
The corona of the solar eclipse radiates light during full totality. On Monday, students flooded campus, ditched classes and took a trip to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event in Illinois.

Gallery | Let’s watch the eclipse

By James Hoeck, Isaac Pinkus, Yichen Liu, Bianca Olson, Anh-Khoi Pham, Angel Saldivar and Candice Zhou • Apr 9, 2024
Redshirt junior forward/center Dain Dainja leaps in front of the hoop for a layup during the second half against Iowa at the State Farm Center on Feb. 24.

[Photo] Illinois big man Dain Dainja enters transfer portal

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • Apr 1, 2024
Chancellor waves to the graduating class of 2023 during graduation commencement on May 13, held at Memorial Stadium, as he makes his exit.

[Photo] Chancellor Jones steps down, American rapper Kodak Black announced interim replacement

By Lisa Chasanov, Executive Hoodwinks Director • Apr 1, 2024
#3 Guard Marcus Domask during the first half Illinois exhibition match against Ottawa on Oct. 20.

[Photo] No. 3 Illinois exits NCAA tournament following Elite 8 loss to No. 1 UConn

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Mar 30, 2024
#0 Fifth-year senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. plays against Nebraska at the State Farm Center on Feb. 4.

[Photo] The dance continues: No. 3 Illinois men’s basketball advances to Elite 8

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 28, 2024
Matt Stines inks Josh Green on the night of March 2 at No Regrets located at 117 W. Church St.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Tattoo Shop: No Regrets Tattoos & Body Piercing

By Jenny Lin, Staff Writer • Mar 28, 2024
Customers of look at piercing options at No Regrets in downtown Champaign on March 2.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Piercing Spot: No Regrets Tattoos & Body Piercing

By Magdalena Neff, Staff writer • Mar 28, 2024
Ian "Lazer" Nutting prepares a delicious meal at the downtown Champaign diner, The Space on March 2.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best New Business: The Space

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Mar 28, 2024
The Space diner in downtown Champaign serves hungry customers during the evening of March 2.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Customer Service: The Space

By Ashleigh Kendrick, Assistant Features Editor • Mar 28, 2024
Family and friends chatting inside the lobby of the I-Hotel during the afternoon of March 23.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Hotel to Book for Moms Weekend: I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center

By Andy Cho, Staff Writer • Mar 28, 2024
Students from the Champaign-Urbana community celebrate the 2024 Unofficial St. Patricks Day at KAMS, which was decorated like an Irish pub, on March 2.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Bar for Your Mom: KAMS

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 28, 2024
Members of the crowd dance to music from Peng at the Canopy Club on Feb. 29 to earn a spot in the Solshine Reveire Festival.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Venue: The Canopy Club

By Mallory Miller, Staff Writer • Mar 28, 2024
A line for KAMS grows during Unofficial weekend on March 2. KAMS is a popular bar among Univeristy students and is busy most nights of the week.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best On-Campus Bar: KAMS

By Ben Fader, On-Air Editor • Mar 28, 2024
A single scoop of lemon ice cream in a waffle cone from Jarling’s Custard Cup rests on a table on a sunny spring afternoon on March 23.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Ice Cream: Jarling’s Custard Cup

By Ethan Oskroba, Staff Writer • Mar 28, 2024
A Jarling’s Custard Cup worker hands a strawberry milkshake to customers in the afternoon on March 23. The shop is located at 309 W. Kirby Ave.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Milkshake: Jarling’s Custard Cup

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • Mar 28, 2024
Ian Nutting presents a dish of burger and fries at The Space in downtown Champaign on the evening of March 2. The Space placed first in four Best of CU 2024 categories.

[Photo] Best of CU | Most Unique Restaurant: The Space

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • Mar 28, 2024
Fans at the State Farm Center cheer as the Illinois basketball team makes their introductions before facing Marquette on Nov. 14.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Sports Venue: State Farm Center

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Mar 28, 2024
Head coach Brad Underwood embraces fifth year guard Terrence Shannon Jr. during senior night at the State Farm Center on March 5. Shannon has been found not guilty of sexual assault charges by a Kansas jury.

[Photo] Hot night from Shannon, Domask raises No. 2 Illinois to Big Ten tournament championship

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Mar 17, 2024
Redshirt junior forward/center Dain Dainja goes for a lay up during the second half of a game against Iowa at the State Farm Center on Feb. 24.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from No. 12 Illinois’ regular season finale win over Iowa

By James Kim and Conor Blount • Mar 12, 2024
Sitrus Sol performs their set during the battle of the bands at Canopy Club on Thursday night.

[Photo] Local artists compete at The Canopy Club for spot in Solshine Reverie

By Mallory Miller, Staff Writer • Mar 3, 2024
Friends dance together during the battle of the bands concert held at Canopy Club on Thursday night.

[Photo] Local shows to catch this March

By Maaike Niekerk, buzz Editor • Mar 1, 2024
Food safety warning posted on a pillar outside of the Espresso Royale located within the Grainger Engineering Library on Monday afternoon.

[Photo] Repeated health violations found at Espresso Royale at Grainger Engineering Library

By Lika Lezhava, Editor-in-Chief • Mar 4, 2024
Fifth year guard Terrence Shannon Jr. leaps in the air to attempt a layup against Minnesota on Wednesday. The Illini defeated the Golden Gophers by eight points at the State Farm Center.

[Photo] No. 13 Illinois men’s basketball outshines Minnesota 105-97 in fiery Champaign clash

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Feb 28, 2024
02.26.24_WarmWeatherFeb-MainQuad_J.Hoeck (9)

Gallery | Sudden rise in February temperature brings activity to the Main Quad

By James Hoeck, Jordan Montgomery and Alyssa Shih • Feb 27, 2024
Janice Mei, sophomore in Engineering and LAS and Wendy Ruan, senior in Engineering relax on a hammock on the Main Quad as they browse on their phones on Monday afternoon.

[Photo] 02.26.24_WarmWeatherFeb-MainQuad

Feb 27, 2024
Senior forward Coleman Hawkins takes a jump shot against Iowa during the second half of Saturday afternoon's game at the State Farm Center. The Illini defeated the Hawkeyes 95-85.

[Photo] Narrow win over Iowa sets No. 12 Illinois men’s basketball back on track

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 24, 2024
Managing Editor for Visuals Jacob Slaobsz (right), buzz editor Maaike Niekerk (middle) and Editor-in-Chief Lika Lezhava (left) look through awards on Saturday.

[Photo] The Daily Illini wins general excellence in print at ICPA

By Lika Lezhava, Editor-in-Chief • Feb 19, 2024
Illini competes in the 2023 Spring Collegiate during a cold windy day on Apr. 22.

[Photo] Illinois men’s golf set to open spring season at Hal Williams Collegiate 

By Jordan Goodhart, Staff Writer • Feb 12, 2024
During a vigil on Friday, the campus community and loved ones of Akul Dhawan lay flowers and candles at the 1200 block of West Nevada Street where Dhawan’s remains were located.

[Photo] IGSA holds candlelight vigil in memory of Akul Dhawan

By Meghna Sarkar, Staff Writer • Feb 11, 2024
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. jumps in a attempt to block a shot from Nebraska senior guard Keisei Tominaga during the second half of Sunday evening's game. After going into overtime the Illini defeated the Cornhuskers by 87-84.

[Photo] No. 14 Illinois men’s basketball survives Nebraska in late overtime thriller

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Feb 4, 2024
Illini competes in the 2023 Spring Collegiate during a cold windy day on Apr. 22.

[Photo] Illinois men’s golf eyes glory in spring season

By Jordan Goodhart, Staff Writer • Jan 19, 2024
Cheerleading sophomore Paige Ingemunson rests with as flag in her hand as she prepares to get back on the field during a football game at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 21.

[Photo] Column | So what if our teams aren’t that good?

By Raphael Ranola, Opinions Editor • Jan 21, 2024
Quarterback John Paddock runs to the center of the field on Nov. 11.

[Photo] Column | The transfer portal is good, regardless of its chaotic nature

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 21, 2024
All-Around senior Mia Takekawa steps to the beam facing off against Michigan State on Feb. 27 2023. The match ended in a loss for the Illini.

[Photo] No. 22 Illinois women’s gymnastics suffers narrow loss at Nebraska

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • Jan 23, 2024
Pommel horse Branon Dang stunts a flip in the middle of the State Farm Center during a halftime show performance for men's basketball on Oct. 29.

[Photo] Illinois men’s gymnastics aims for new heights in upcoming season

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • Jan 12, 2024
Guard/forward Marcus Domask daps up his teammates as he makes his introduction to the court on Nov. 7.

[Photo] Impact of No. 14 Illinois men’s basketball’s starters in 2023-24

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 23, 2024
All-Around senior Mia Takekawa performs against Michigan State on Feb. 27 2023.

[Photo] No. 22 Illinois women’s gymnastics aims for sixth win of the season

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • Jan 20, 2024
On Jan. 25, Facilities & Services worked to remove snow accumulation from the winter storm that morning. Early in the day, there was heavy snowfall and conditions were slippery.

Gallery | DI Photo year in review: Favorite captured moments, photos of 2023

By Jacob Slabosz, James Hoeck, Jack Larson, Angel Saldivar, Candice Zhou, Elena Baker, Jacoby Banks-Hull, Eric Chiang, Anika Khandavalli, Sofi Klein, Olivia McAfoos, Anh Khoi-Pham, Isaac Pinkus, Emma Pyatt, Damini Rana, Anne Schmidt, Alyssa Shih, Matt Stepp, Lucas Sun and Daniel Zhou • Dec 31, 2023
Cookies pairing wit a caramel frappe sit by a window on Nov. 5. Columnist Magdalena Neff shares a recipe for springerle cookies to suit the holiday season.

[Photo] A labor of love: Making springerle cookies this holiday season

By Magdalena Neff, Staff writer • Dec 27, 2023
Guard/forward Ty Rodger jumps beneath the hoop for a layup against Oakland on Nov. 10. Illinois returns to the State Farm Center, Sunday to face off against Colgate.

[Photo] No. 16 Illinois men’s basketball aims to bounce back against Colgate in Champaign return

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Dec 17, 2023
Forward Quincy Guerrier during the first half Illinois exhibition match against Ottawa on Oct. 20, 2023. The first half of the game ended in a score of 59 for Illinois and 9 for Ottawa.

[Photo] No. 20 Illinois men’s basketball falls at hands of No. 17 Tennessee

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 9, 2023
A variety of cookies lay next to a caramel cappuccino on the morning of Nov. 5. German-style market "Christkindlemarket" makes its away around Illinois this holiday season.

[Photo] Christkindlmarket brings German culture​ to Illinois

By Lillie Salas, Features Editor • Nov 13, 2023
Guard Justin Harmon keeps the ball away from Eastern Illinois on Nov. 6.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from No. 20 Illinois men’s basketball’s upset victory over No. 11 Florida Atlantic

By Conor Blount and James Kim • Dec 6, 2023
Guard/forward Marcus Domask considers what play he should take as Illinois approaches Oakland's hoop at the State Farm Center on Nov. 23.

[Photo] Domask, Shannon drive No. 20 Illinois past No. 11 Florida Atlantic in Jimmy V Classic

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Dec 5, 2023
DSC00078

[Photo] Review | Heads turn for CFE.4

By Lika Lezhava, Editor-in-Chief • Dec 5, 2023
Guard/forward Luke Good goes for a layup against Marquette on Nov. 14.

[Photo] No. 20 Illinois heads to Big Apple for Jimmy V Classic clash against No. 11 Florida Atlantic

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Dec 5, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. holds position of the ball as Eastern Illinois guard Isaiah Griffin follows to defend on Nov. 6.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from No. 24 Illinois’ Big Ten-opening victory over Rutgers

By James Kim and Conor Blount • Dec 3, 2023
Circular Fashion Expo runway model covered in an assortment of stuffed animals poses in the lower level of Siebel Center for Design on Saturday night.

[Photo] CFE.4 showcases camp with eco-friendly garments

By Abigal Shapiro, Contributing writer • Dec 3, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. takes a moment to briefly stretch his arms on the court during a game against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 6.

[Photo] ‘We’re here to win’: No. 24 Illinois men’s basketball opens Big Ten campaign at Rutgers

By Ella Narag and James Kim • Dec 2, 2023
Guard/forward Quincy Guerrier hangs from the hoop after going for a dunk against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 6.

[Photo] No. 24 Illinois men’s basketball gets first conference win in double-digit victory over Rutgers

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 2, 2023
Defensive linebacker Jer'Zhan Newton faces off against Michigan State on Nov. 5, 2022 during Dads Day.

[Photo] Jer’Zhan Newton named 2023 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 28, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. sprints to the hoop as Friday night's game against Valparaiso second half takes takes place.

[Photo] Shannon, Goode spark late surge for No. 23 Illinois in 23-point win over Valparaiso

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Nov 17, 2023
Forward/center Dain Dainja cuts through Oakland's defense to make a layup during the second half. The game ended in a 64-53 victory for Illinois.

[Photo] No. 25 Illinois men’s basketball earns scrappy 64-53 win over Oakland

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Nov 10, 2023
Guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn dunks the ball during the first half of Illinois game against Eastern Illinois on Monday night. The Illini's first official game of the season resulted in a 80-52 victory against the Panthers.

[Photo] No. 25 Illinois menʼs basketball begins 2023-24 season with emphatic win over Eastern Illinois

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 6, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins during the first half rushes to get through Kansas center Hunter Dickinson's defense during Sunday's exhibition match.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinoisʼ 82-75 exhibition upset over No. 1 Kansas

By Conor Blount and James Kim • Oct 30, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr rushes to get to the hoop through Kansas center Hunter Dickinson on Sunday night.

[Photo] Shannon paves path against No. 1 Kansas, earns statement victory in Maui Strong Relief Matchup

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Oct 29, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. shoots the ball during the first half Illinois exhibition match against Ottawa on Oct. 20. Shannon Jr. scores 18 points in 16 minutes.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball to meet Kansas in Maui Strong Relief Matchup

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 28, 2023
Postdoctoral researchers Seemesh Bhaskar, Renato Azevedo and Samuel Olatunji stand in front of the fountain at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center for Homecoming Kickoff on Oct. 15. Official Homecoming events occurred from Oct. 15-22.

Gallery | Homecoming 2023 recap

By James Hoeck, Angel Saldivar, Candice Zhou, Elena Baker, Jacoby Banks-Hull, Anika Khandavalli, Sofi Klein, Alyssa Shih and Matt Stepp • Oct 28, 2023
First place winners of the global talent show at Lincoln Hall Theater, Off The Record, win first place for their a cappella performance on Oct. 17.

[Photo] International students shine onstage, share culture at Global Talent Show

By Riddhima Patllollu, Staff Writer • Oct 19, 2023
Forward Amani Hansberry keeps his eye on the ball during the second half of Illinois exhibition match against Ottawa on Friday. The second half concluded the game set against Ottawa 116-65 in favor of Illinois.

[Photo] Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s 51-point victory over Ottawa

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Oct 21, 2023
Defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton pushes again Wisconsin offensive lineman Michael Furtney at the endzone during the third quarter on Saturday.

[Photo] Wisconsin Badgers stun Illini in Homecoming game

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 21, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. leaps to the hoop making a score against Ottawa during the first half on Friday night's game.

[Photo] No. 25 Illinois menʼs basketball gets off to strong start with 116-65 win over Ottawa

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 20, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. rushes to the hoop as Northwestern begins to surround him on Feb. 23. Illinois will play against Ottawa Friday night at the State Farm Center.

[Photo] No. 25 Illinois men’s basketball prepares to welcome Ottawa in first exhibition matchup of 2023-24

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Oct 20, 2023
Kicker and punter Caleb Griffin takes a rest before getting on the field on Sept. 23. Illinois will be making a return to Memorial Stadium to face off against Wisconsin.

[Photo] Illini bounce back in College Park showdown against Terrapins

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 14, 2023
The crowd dances to the DJ's set and requested tunes prior to the main performance during K-pop night at Canopy Club on Oct. 6. Canopy Club will be hosting a battle of the bands night on Sunday.

[Photo] Homecoming 2023 events to delight your inner musician

By Mallory Miller and Maaike Niekerk • Oct 7, 2023
Defensive back Mac Resetich comes together with his running back teammate Kaden Feagin on Sept. 23 after defeating Florida.

[Photo] Desperate Illini head to College Park for yet another test

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 12, 2023
Marching Illini's trumpet section plays during the Marching Illini concert at the State Farm Center on Sunday.

[Photo] Marching Illini return to State Farm Center for first time in 10 years

By Makenna Norman, Contributing Writer • Oct 10, 2023
The sun shines on the Office of Undergraduate Admissions building located at 901 W. Illinois St, Urbana on Monday afternoon shortly after the fountain turns on.

[Photo] Transfer students enhance UI’s spirit

By Sam Gregerman, Contributing Writer • Oct 9, 2023
Rapper redveil performs at Foellinger Auditorium as attendees swarm the stage on Oct. 7.

[Photo] redveil brings the energy, transforms Foellinger into a mosh pit

By Rylee Murphy, Contributing Writer • Oct 8, 2023
Junior defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton alongside the rest of the Illini football team rush in to the stadium on Sept. 16. Illinois will face Nebraska on Friday night at Memorial Stadium.

[Photo] Illini football hosts Nebraska Cornhuskers in must-win game

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 5, 2023
Head Coach Bret Bielema makes his entrance at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 23. Bielema responds to the Illini's performance thus far in the season.

[Photo] Column | What ever happened to consistency?

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • Oct 3, 2023
Graduating students heading out to the Main Quad to take pictures after graduation commencement ceremony on May 13.

[Photo] UI rises in U.S. News & World Report Ranking

By Diamond Steward-Hutton, Staff Writer • Sep 24, 2023
Wide receiver Isaiah Williams runs within the end zone moments before a touchdown is made for the Illini against Florida on Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois narrowly escapes FAU in final nonconference game of 2023

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 23, 2023
Divino Niño plays at the Rose Bowl Tavern's outside stage in Urbana during Pygmalion on Friday night.

[Photo] Divino Niño imbue psychedelic vibe into Pygmalion day 2

By Maaike Niekerk, Assistant buzz Editor • Sep 23, 2023
The Illini dashing on the field for kickoff against Penn State on Saturday. The Illini will continue their season this Saturday against Florida Atlantic Owls.

[Photo] Illini prepare for final tune-up before conference play

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • Sep 22, 2023
Forward Makena Silber and Head coach Janet Rayfield speak toe each other before playing in the senior day match against Rutgers on Oct. 23, 2021. Silber makes her return to Illini soccer after recovering from injury for her final season.

[Photo] Silber leads Illini soccer in final season, leaves legacy of goal scoring, teamwork

By James Kim, Sports Editor • Sep 18, 2023
Matt Bennett raises the mic at Canopy Club on Friday night.

[Photo] 09.15.23_Party101_MattBennett-CanopyClub_J.Hoeck

Sep 18, 2023
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