GDELT daily media-trends report · 20260808 · 23,514 characters
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# TODAY'S MEDIA TRENDS TELEARUBA
A U G U S T 8,2026
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# TODAY'S MEDIA TRENDS
TELEARUBA
A U G U S T 8,2026
REGIONAL FRAGMENTATION:
CARTEL WARFARE,MIGRATION
CRISES,AND THE SHIFT TOWARD RIGHT-WING GOVERNANCE IN
COLOMBIA
# DAY-AT-A-GLANCE
The regional news cycle for August 8,2026,is dominated by a sharp contrast between localized stability in Aruba and escalating systemic violence across the Latin American mainland and Spanish enclaves.While Aruba focuses on community development,cultural preservation,and a planned leadership transition,the broader region is grappling with the hyper-violent fallout of Mexican cartel splintering and a surge in collective homicides in Central America.The most significant geopolitical shift is the inauguration of Abelardo de la Espriella as President of Colombia,signaling a hard-right turn for the nation amidst a boycott by the left-wing Pacto Histórico.This transition occurs as the region faces heightening environmental pressures,evidenced by massive forest fires in Ecuador and a highstakes resource conflict over water rights in Puerto
Simultaneously,the transnational nature of organized crime is highlighted by a highprofile prison break in Bolivia involving Brazilian First Capital Command (PCC)members,demonstrating the limits of state control over penal institutions.In Europe,the Spanish enclave of Ceuta is experiencing what local residents describe as an "invasion,"as thousands of migrants from Morocco overwhelm local infrastructure,straining bilateral relations and stoking domestic fear.The convergence of these events suggests a period of intense institutional stress where traditional governance structures are being bypassed by criminal networks,environmental catastrophes,and mass population
# MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS
# Colombian Presidential Inauguration •
Abelardo de la Espriella is set to be
sworn in as President of Colombia,with a quorum of approximately 70senators and a similar percentage of representatives confirmed for the session.
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The left-wing opposition,Pacto
Histórico,has formally announced a total boycott of the inauguration ceremony.
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The new administration will be led by
Honorio Enríquez as President of Congress and Nicolás Bargil as Vice President.
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# Escalation of Cartel Violence in Mexico and Honduras •
Sinaloa Cartel infighting between the
"Chapitos"and "Mayiza"factions has resulted in the targeted assassination of ten social media influencers since late 2024.
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Honduras reports 23massacres in 2026
so far,resulting in 93fatalities,with a notable increase in violence against women.
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Transnational Prison Break in Bolivia •
Two high-ranking Brazilian members of
the PCC escaped the Palmasola prison,leading to a nationwide manhunt and the suspension of all visits.
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# Ceuta Migration Crisis •
Over 70,000people have crossed into
the Spanish enclave of Ceuta,leading to severe shortages of water and bread.
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Spanish authorities report at least 75
deaths among those attempting to cross the border.
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# Environmental and Infrastructure Conflicts •
The "Esencia"resort project in Puerto
Rico faces intense opposition due to its projected consumption of 1.25million gallons of water daily in a drought-prone region.
◦
Forest fires in Ibarra,Ecuador,have ◦
destroyed over 1,400hectares in five
days.
# KEY GOVERNANCE TOPICS
# Armed Conflict &Militarization
The internal war within the Sinaloa Cartel
is evolving into a psychological operation,with influencers being executed for allegedly promoting specific factions.
Bolivian police are coordinating with Brazilian counterparts to track PCC fugitives,highlighting the militarized response to gang escapes.
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# Civil Unrest &Social Order
Residents in Ceuta describe a state of fear
and "invasion,"leading to self-imposed curfews and closed businesses.
Honduran human rights organizations are raising alarms over the "vulnerability of women"amid a spike in gender-based massacres.
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# Climate &Extreme Weather
Ecuadoran authorities describe the Ibarra
fire as one of the largest in a decade,fueled by 75km/h winds.
Aruba's meteorological reports indicate a "medium-high"chance of rain and variable wind intensities as hurricane season progresses.
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# Food &Water Security
Puerto Rican farmers in the Lajas Valley
warn that the Esencia project threatens the food security of the island by diverting agricultural water to golf courses.
Ceuta is reporting a critical lack of basic supplies,specifically water and bread,due to the migrant influx.
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# Leadership Dynamics &Governance
Aruba is preparing for a peaceful transition
of power with the Prime Minister's retirement slated for early 2027(based on context clues,though the transcript mentions 2022).
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The Colombian inauguration is marked by
extreme polarization,as the legislative quorum narrowly meets the legal requirements for the session.
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# DEEP DIVE:TRENDS AND THEMES
# The Weaponization of Social Media in Cartel Warfare
A chilling trend has emerged in the Sinaloa conflict where "content creators"are being treated as combatants or propaganda agents.The assassination of influencers like Juan Carlos "El Chilango"and César Gastelum suggests that the Mayiza and Chapitos factions are monitoring digital footprints to enforce territorial and narrative control.This shifts the risk profile for civilians who interact with cartel aesthetics online,effectively turning social media platforms into kinetic
# Resource Nationalism vs.Luxury Development
In Puerto Rico,the tension between high-end tourism ("Esencia")and local agricultural survival has reached a boiling point.The project's reliance on potentially saline-prone aquifers highlights a recurring theme:the prioritization of foreign investment over longterm environmental sustainability.The "illegal"status claimed by opponents suggests a breakdown in regulatory trust,where government agencies (OGP)are seen as
facilitating ecological destruction under the guise of
# Institutional Decay and Penal Vulnerability
The escape of PCC members in Bolivia and the systemic massacres in Honduras point to a broader erosion of state authority.When prison systems are unable to hold high-danger inmates and police departments are reduced to publishing photos after the fact,criminal organizations perceive a vacuum of power.This is compounded in Honduras,where collective homicides are concentrated in economic corridors like Cortés and Yoro,suggesting that violence is being used to regulate illicit markets and agrarian
# INTERNAL DYNAMICS &DOMESTIC INSTABILITY
# Aruba
The island maintains a high degree of social
cohesion,focusing on Papiamento as a pillar of national identity during World Mother Language Day.
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However,there are underlying concerns
regarding construction companies failing to meet environmental permits,prompting warnings from the Minister of Housing.
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The planned retirement of the Prime
Minister indicates a managed succession,though the Fundashon Si has called for greater transparency in the selection process.
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# Colombia
The nation is deeply fractured;the refusal
of the Pacto Histórico to attend the inauguration signals a likely period of legislative gridlock and civil friction.
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The transition to De la Espriella represents
a repudiation of previous leftist policies,setting the stage for potential ideological purges or policy reversals.
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# Spain (Ceuta)
Social order is precarious.Residents are
fluctuating between humanitarian sympathy and a sense of "invasion"by their neighbors.
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The saturation of temporary reception
centers (CETI)has led to informal camps in forests,creating a parallel community that is outside state control.
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# EXTERNAL DYNAMICS &GLOBAL POSTURE
# Regional Integration and Migration Hubs
The transcripts portray a world of porous borders where "neighbors help neighbors"but also where "invasions"are feared.Aruba's welcoming of the Jamaican community for their 64th Independence Day contrasts sharply with the rhetoric in Ceuta.Aruba is positioning itself as a stable,multicultural hub,using events like the Jamaica Independence celebration to reinforce its ties to the Caribbean
# Transnational Criminal Threats
Bolivia's reliance on Brazilian intelligence to manage the PCC escape indicates that domestic security is now inextricably linked to regional police cooperation.The Cartel de Sinaloa's reach into Baja California and Morelos demonstrates that their internal wars ignore internal state borders,posing a threat to the stability of the entire Mexican
# THE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
Market sentiment is heavily influenced by rising fuel costs and the expansion of the digital economy into traditional sectors.In the Canary Islands and likely Aruba,fuel prices are rising "like a rocket"but falling "like a feather,"creating artificial inflation that impacts taxi and transport sectors.Meanwhile,the gaming industry remains a major economic driver,with significant anticipation for the Grand Theft Auto 6launch via
Energy Costs:Fuel prices are consuming
nearly 50%of costs for transport workers,leading to calls for competition audits.
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Tourism Development:The Esencia
project in Puerto Rico represents a multibillion dollar investment with residences starting at 3million dollars.
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Digital Integration:Aruba's Lotto is now integrating Pay.aw for mobile recharges,indicating a shift toward cashless gaming.•
Entertainment:Netflix and Rockstar
Games announce GTA 6for November 19th.
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# LEADERSHIP CHANGES
The day's reports highlight significant shifts in executive power in both Aruba and Colombia,suggesting a transition toward new political
Abelardo de la Espriella:Takes office as President of Colombia.His presidency is expected to emphasize security and rightwing alignment,though he faces immediate opposition from nearly half the legislature.•
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Mike Eman (Aruba):The Prime Minister's
announced retirement (referenced in the context of future planning)marks the end of a long-standing political chapter.
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Fernando Junior da Silva &Alex Eleno
da Silva:The escape of these PCC leaders in Bolivia represents a "loss"for the Bolivian Ministry of Government and a significant security breach.
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# EDITORIAL POSTURE &STORY HIERARCHY
TeleAruba maintains a dual editorial focus.The "Lead Stories"often emphasize Aruban community cohesion—celebrating Papiamento,Jamaican independence,and local sports.However,the international segments are high-intensity and fear-inducing,focusing on massacres,prison breaks,and school shootings.There is a clear "safe haven"narrative being constructed for Aruba,where domestic news is about fruit shakes and toy libraries,while the outside world is characterized by violence and instability.Critical global events like the specific diplomatic fallout between Spain and Morocco are minimized in favor of the human-interest and "invasion"angles of the Ceuta
# GEOPOLITICAL FRAMING
The transcripts reflect a world where state actors are often portrayed as reactive or overwhelmed,while non-state actors (cartels,migrants)are the primary movers of
# COUNTRIES
Colombia:Portrayed as a nation at a crossroads,oscillating between a law-andorder presidency and legislative rebellion.•
Honduras:Framed as a "tragedy,"a zone
where the state has lost the monopoly on violence,particularly in industrial departments.
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Morocco:Implicitly framed as a source of
instability or a hostile neighbor by Ceuta residents,described as responsible for an "invasion".
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# NON-STATE &CORPORATE ACTORS
Sinaloa Cartel:Portrayed as a sophisticated,multi-state entity capable of monitoring and executing media figures.•
PCC (First Capital Command):Framed
as a "high-danger"organization that transcends borders,making Bolivian authorities appear inept.
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Netflix/Rockstar Games:Portrayed as
cultural behemoths whose product launches (GTA 6)are treated with the gravity of state news.
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# INFORMATION WARFARE ENVIRONMENT
Narrative Seeding:The term "invasion"is being used by Ceuta residents and broadcast media to frame a humanitarian crisis as a military-style territorial threat.•
Cartel Intimidation:The execution of
influencers serves as a "meta-narrative"to warn the public against factional alignment.
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Propaganda of Stability:Aruba's focus on
"old school games"and cultural library events acts as a domestic psychological operation to reassure the public of the island's safety and normality.
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# HYPOTHESES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
Cartel Digital Purge:As cartels continue
to target influencers,we may see a "darkening"of social media in conflict zones as creators flee or self-censor.
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Colombian Gridlock:De la Espriella's administration will likely face immediate legal challenges and street protests,potentially leading to a state of emergency.•
Resource Conflicts:The Esencia project
in Puerto Rico could become a blueprint for "water riots"if development continues to bypass agricultural needs.
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# STRATEGIC FORESIGHT
Short Term (1-4Weeks):Expect heightened border security in Bolivia and Brazil following the PCC escape.In Ceuta,the risk of localized ethnic clashes between residents and informal camp dwellers is
Medium Term (1-6Months):Colombia's De la Espriella will likely attempt to pass a "Security First"legislative package,testing the resolve of the boycotting opposition.The GTA 6launch will drive significant consumer spending and potential cyber-theft
Long Term (1-5Years):The structural failure of the Lajas Valley irrigation system in Puerto Rico could lead to a permanent decline in local food production,increasing the island's dependence on imports and making it more vulnerable to global supply
# RISK ASSESSMENT
The current geopolitical landscape is defined by the intersection of organized crime,resource scarcity,and political
Escalation of Cartel Infighting:Violence
spreading from Culiacán to other tourist hubs.Triggers:Capture of a major leader or a high-profile influencer murder in a non-conflict zone.Likelihood:High.Impact:Severe disruption to tourism and regional trade.Mitigations:Increased federal intervention and intelligencesharing with the US.
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Colombian Legislative Collapse:Inability to pass a budget or confirm appointments.Triggers:Continued boycott by the Pacto Histórico.Likelihood:Moderate-High.Impact:Economic stagnation and civil unrest.Mitigations:Bipartisan negotiation or executive decree.•
Water Crisis in Puerto Rico:Total
depletion or salinization of the Lajas aquifer.Triggers:Completion of the Esencia project golf courses.Likelihood:Moderate.Impact:Permanent loss of agricultural capacity.Mitigations:Desalination investment or project cancellation.
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Transnational Gang Expansion:PCC
establishing permanent cells in Bolivia.Triggers:Continued prison insecurity.Likelihood:High.Impact:Rise in arms trafficking and homicide rates.Mitigations:Regional penal reform and joint military exercises.
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Ceuta Humanitarian Disaster:Outbreak
of disease or mass starvation in forest camps.Triggers:Complete exhaustion of bread and water supplies.Likelihood:Moderate.Impact:Diplomatic break between Spain and Morocco.Mitigations:EU-led emergency aid and fast-track processing.
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# GAPS &BLIND SPOTS
Moroccan Diplomatic Position:The transcripts focus on the Spanish perspective in Ceuta;the official Moroccan stance on the "invasion"is entirely absent.•
Economic Data for Aruba:While
individual projects and tourism roles are discussed,the overall fiscal health of the island leading into a leadership change is not detailed.
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Thailand Shooting Context:The motive
for the 14-year-old shooter remains unexplained,leaving a gap in understanding if this was an isolated incident or part of a trend.
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Global Financial Markets:There is no
mention of how the Colombian political shift or Mexican instability is impacting the COP or MXN exchange rates.
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# CONTRARIAN NARRATIVE SCENARIOS
The Managed Crisis Theory:The
"invasion"of Ceuta could be a deliberate pressure tactic by regional actors to extract EU concessions or funding,rather than a spontaneous migration event.
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Cartel Collapse via Infighting:The
extreme violence of the Sinaloa factions might lead to an internal "implosion"that benefits the state in the long run,even if short-term casualties are high.
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Black Swan -The PCC Coup:A highly
unlikely but catastrophic scenario where the PCC uses its fugitives to launch a coordinated attack on Bolivian government infrastructure,effectively turning the country into a narco-state.
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# RECOMMENDATIONS &IMPLICATIONS
# For Statecraft/Public Sector:
Prioritize transnational penal
cooperation to prevent gang members from using prison breaks as strategic retreats.
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Review water-use regulations for luxury
developments in the Caribbean to prevent domestic food insecurity.
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Engage in digital diplomacy to protect civilian social media users in conflict zones.•
# For Private Sector/Investors:
Investors in Colombian infrastructure
should price in high political risk and potential legislative delays.
Tourism operators in Baja California must enhance security protocols for guests as cartel activity moves toward the coast.
Retailers in the Canary Islands and Aruba should prepare for sustained transport-driven inflation.
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<header>LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP</header>
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP
Legislative activity centered on the controversial inauguration of a new government in Colombia and the enforcement of construction and environmental codes in Aruba.The Colombian Congress is operating under extreme duress,with a "quorum by the skin of its teeth"
# BILLS DISCUSSED/DEBATED:•
Aruba Construction Permits:
Reiteration of DNA and DOW regulations to ensure environmental compliance in new housing.
Colombian Inauguration Act:The legal procedure to swear in De la
Espriella despite opposition boycotts.
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# HEARINGS &PRESS EVENTS:•
Fundashon Si Interview:Demanding
transparency in the Prime Minister's succession.
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Ceuta Resident Briefings:Public
outcry regarding the lack of basic supplies.
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Honduran Fiscal Statements:
Reporting on the surge in collective homicides.
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# KEY STORIES
De la Espriella Presidential
Inauguration:Abelardo de la Espriella becomes Colombia's president amid a boycott by the Pacto Histórico,with sessions starting at 12:00PM.
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Mexican Cartel Social Media
Executions:Ten influencers killed since 2024as the Chapitos-Mayiza war targets content creators.
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Honduras Massacre Crisis:23mass
killings recorded in 2026,with 93total victims,mainly in Cortés and Yoro.
Bolivian Prison Escape:Two Brazilian members of the PCC escape from
Palmasola prison.
Ceuta Migrant Saturation:Over 70,000migrants enter the enclave,causing severe food and water shortages.
Thailand School Shooting:A 14-year-old student kills a teacher and fellow students in a violent attack.
Puerto Rico Esencia Project Dispute:Conflict over a luxury resort's 1.25M gallon/day water usage in the Lajas Valley.
Ibarra Forest Fires:1,443hectares burned in Ecuador over five days.
Aruba Prime Minister Retirement:Prime Minister announces retirement for January 2027.
Aruba Tourism Strategic Shift:ATA invests in culture and neighborhood development to diversify its role.
Jamaica 64th Independence in Aruba:Celebrations in San Nicolas highlighting the Jamaican contribution to the island.
World Mother Language Day:Focus on Papiamento at the National Library of Aruba.
MMA Championship in Paraguay:Aruban fighter Mayville Arman competes for the SFC Heavyweight title.
GTA 6/Netflix Premiere:Global entertainment news confirms the game's November 19release.
Bogotá Birdsong Database:Acueducto de Bogotá launches a platform to preserve 250bird species.
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Aruba School Financial Support:
Government provides support for educational expenses.
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Pay.aw Lotto Integration:New mobile recharge method for online gaming.•
Medical Segment on Anxiety:
Techniques for measuring blood pressure in stressed patients.
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# ABOUT THIS REPORT
Today's Media Trends is a public interest experiment in applying deep thematic trend analysis to television news coverage from around the world to explore how responsibly applied advanced AI can help journalists and scholars better understand the overarching trends,themes and patterns of our global
# No data is used to train or tune any AI
Each morning,in collaboration with the Internet Archive's TV News Archive,we apply Google's Gemini 3to deeply examine yesterday's coverage from each television news channel to tease out the overarching themes and trends of its news coverage into a richly annotated thematic analysis.Each high-
level insight is connected back to the original broadcast,allowing journalists and scholars to understand the dominate themes and trends and instantly click out to the underlying sources for
By helping journalists and scholars see the broader trends and patterns of global news coverage,this analysis helps them identify relevant stories and coverage they might not otherwise have encountered and uncover connections,emphases and narrative shifts that enable more comprehensive reporting and deeper,evidence-based
This report is entirely machine generated using Gemini 3and may include errors and omissions.Please verify all findings.No data is used to train or tune any AI
For questions or suggestions,please contact kalev.leetaru5@gmail.com.To learn more or subscribe to our free daily newsletters,visit https://blog.gdeltproject.org/announcing-our-new-daily-todays-trends-on-capitol-hill-todaysmedia-trends-newsletter-briefings/.You can also learn more about the GDELT Project at https://blog.gdeltproject.org/and the Internet Archive's TV News Archive at https://
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