Nigeria: Central Bank Warns As Hard Times Trigger Influx of Fintech Banks

With economic hardship biting harder, no fewer than 50 fintech banks have flooded the financial service space offering uncollateralised micro loans to Nigerians at exorbitant interest rates, LEADERSHIP investigation has revealed. Findings, however, show that only few of them are actually registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) while some of them are unregistered.…

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Box Office: Foo Fighters’ ‘Studio 666’ Flops as ‘Uncharted’ Leads Quiet Weekend

Sony’s Uncharted and United Artists’ Dog led a quiet weekend at the North American box office as the only new nationwide offering, Studio 666, flopped. Uncharted, starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, earned an estimated $23.3 million from 4,275 theaters in its second weekend for an enviable domestic tally of $83.4 million. Explore See latest…

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Patti LuPone Tests Positive for COVID-19, Will Miss Shows of ‘Company’

The 72-year-old Broadway legend tested positive Saturday and later took to Twitter to confirm the diagnosis. Patti LuPone attends The Olivier Awards with Mastercard at the Royal Albert Hall on April 7, 2019 in London, England. Jeff Spicer/Getty Images Patti LuPone will miss performances of Broadway’s Company at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre after testing positive for COVID-19, producers announced…

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Fans Choose Avril Lavigne’s ‘Love Sux’ as This Week’s Favorite New Music

The Canadian singer-songwriter’s latest album brought in 29% of the week’s vote. Avril Lavigne Ryan McFadden* Avril Lavigne‘s latest album, Love Sux, has topped this week’s new music poll. Music fans voted in a poll published Friday (Feb. 25) on Billboard, choosing the pop-punk princess’ seventh studio album as their favorite new music release of…

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Troop withdrawal and criminal charges: Ukraine sets ‘red lines’ with Russia, representative to Canada says

As war rages on in Ukraine, the country’s chargé d’affaires to Canada says their demands not only include the total withdrawal of Russian troops but also the filing of criminal charges in international court. Andrii Bukvych told CTV’s Question Period on Sunday that Ukrainians have paid the price with their lives as a result of…

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Kenya: Boost to Fish Traders After U.S.$601,000 Transhipment Centre Completed

Busia — Busia County Government through the departments of Infrastructure and Energy, Office of the Governor and Agriculture and Fisheries has today inspected ongoing construction works at the Cross Border Fish Tran-shipment Market in Burumba ward, Matayos Sub-County. The project which is a collaboration between the County Government and World Bank through the Kenya Devolution…

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Kanye West Claims Kim Kardashian Can’t Prove He Wrote Social Media Posts Amid Divorce Battle: Report

Kanye West is once again pushing back on Kim Kardashian’s desire to end their marriage. The 44-year-old rapper and fashion mogul, who now goes by Ye, has reportedly filed legal documents claiming that his estranged wife can’t prove he wrote now-deleted social media posts bashing Kardashian’s parenting style and trashing her boyfriend Pete Davidson. The…

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North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile into sea off east coast

North Korea yesterday (Sunday) launched a suspected ballistic missile into the sea, South Korean and Japanese officials said, in the North’s apparent eighth round of weapons tests so far this year. South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff announced that the launch had happened without providing further details. Japan’s Defence Ministry also said North Korea launched…

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Africa: Over 239 Million Covid-19 Vaccinations Administered Across Continent

Harare — As of February 25, 2022, confirmed cases of Covid-19 from 55 African countries reached   11,207,688 while over 239,269,406 vaccinations have been administered across the continent. Reported deaths in Africa reached  247,882 and  10,288,492 people have recovered. South Africa has the most reported cases of  3,667,560 and  99,018 people died. Other most-affected countries are Morocco…

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Mapped: 85 countries condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the UN

Data: UN; Map: Axios VisualsEighty-seven countries either voted for or co-sponsored a draft UN Security Council resolution deploring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Friday, though Russia used its veto to block it.Driving the news: Eleven Security Council members backed the resolution with only Russia voting against and China abstaining rather than backing Russia. Ahead of…

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Farruko Cries During Emotional Speech At Premio Lo Nuestro 2022: ‘I’m Making A Transition In My Life’

The Puerto Rican also addressed current world issues. Farruko photographed on Sept. 21, 2021 at the Faena Forum in Miami. Mary Beth Koeth Farruko took center stage at the 2022 Premio Lo Nuestro to perform a medley and receive the “Urban Excellence”  award on Thursday night (Feb. 24). Ahead of receiving his special award, and…

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News24.com | WRAP | Super Rugby Pacific

Subscribers can listen to this article Finlay Christie for Blues (PA/Supplied) A comprehensive wrap of all the matches played in Week 2 of Super Rugby Pacific.FRIDAY, 25 FEBRUARYHighlanders 19-34 Crusaders – MATCH REPORTWaratahs 16-20 Reds SATURDAY, 26 FEBRUARYBrumbies v Fijian Drua – 05:35Blues v Hurricanes – 08:05Rebels v Force – 10:45*Chiefs v Moana Pasifika postponed…

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Mozambique: Hidden Debts

Maputo — Judge Efigenio Baptista, of the Maputo City Court, on Thursday postponed for the second time the session of the “hidden debts” trial that would deal with the Public Prosecutor’s request for the seizure of property from several of the 19 accused. The matter should have been dealt with on Monday, but lawyers for…

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Avril Lavigne Unveils ‘Love Sux’ Album: Stream It Now

Avril Lavigne unveiled her seventh studio album Love Sux on Friday (Feb. 25). Avril Lavigne Ryan McFadden* It’s been three years since Avril Lavigne released her confessional 2019 album, Head Above Water, but the pop-punk princess unveiled her seventh studio album Love Sux on Friday (Feb. 25). The 12-track collection, dropped via Travis Barker’s DTA Records, features…

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Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care Celebrates as Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen Breaks Guinness World Records™ Title in Los Angeles

Press Release – Feb 24, 2022 16:15 PST GARDENA, Calif., February 24, 2022 (Newswire.com) – On Saturday, February 5, 2022, in Gardena, CA, Dr. Vinson Eugene Allen breaks a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the tallest 3D-printed sculpture of a human. The 19 ft 10 in (6.04m) tall, 1500lb (680.3886kg) sculpture took 12 weeks to create…

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Lady Gaga Among Presenters at 2022 SAG Awards

Nominated castmembers from ‘Belfast,’ ‘CODA,’ ‘Don’t Look Up,’ ‘House of Gucci’ and ‘King Richard’ will present their films at the awards ceremony on Feb. 27. Castmembers from the five nominated film ensembles will introduce clips from their respective movies at the 2022 Screen Actors Guild Awards, it was announced Wednesday. The actors representing their nominated features…

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A Dinosaur War Is Coming to a Theater Near You

Put the word “dinosaur” in front of anything and it automatically gets cooler. “Dinosaur” baseball. “Dinosaur” dinner. “Dinosaur” table. “Dinosaur” phone. See what we mean? The same goes for “Dinosaur” book, “dinosaur” war, and “dinosaur” movie—three of which are about to smash together like a T-Rex through a Jeep.The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that…

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Michael Buble Confirms His Wife Luisana Lopilato Is Pregnant: ‘Ooops! We Did it Again’

“Ooops! We did it again… bebit@ en camino (baby on the way),” Buble writes on Instagram. Michael Buble and Luisana Lopilato attend Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet To Come on Sept. 15, 2016 in New York City.  Gregory Pace/REX/Shutterstock The secret is out: Michael Buble and his wife Luisana Lopilato are expecting. Earlier…

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Foo Fighters Raise a Toast to Movie Debut With ‘Coors Almighty Light’ Brew

To celebrate the cinematic release, Grohl’s favorite drop, Coors Light, introduces the Coors Almighty Light. Foo Fighters performing at Lollapalooza 2021 at Grant Park in Chicago. Roger Ho for Lollapalooza Foo Fighters are toasting their first feature film with a limited-edition beer. The Foos’ comedy horror Studio 666 is set to open in theaters this…

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South Africa: Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana Delivers Maiden 2022 Budget Speech

Cape Town — Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, has deliver what many have called a ‘cautious’ budget. In his opening remarks, he emphasised that South Africa’s economic recovery “has been uneven” and risks remain high. He says that the 2022/2023 budget intends to narrow the budget deficit and stabilise debt. “It also extends income and employment…

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Russia-Ukraine live updates: Ukrainian leader directs emotional plea to Russian citizens amid fears of imminent assault

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the Kremlin had decided to carry out a “special military operation” in Ukraine.“The situation requires us to take decisive, swift action,” he said in an early morning speech, adding that Moscow would carry out the “demilitarization and denazification” of Ukraine and end eight years of war in eastern…

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Iconic Hollywood Composer Franz Waxman’s Catalog Acquired By G. Schirmer/Wise Music Group

The rights to Franz Waxman’s legendary catalog has been snapped up by G. Schirmer, the New York-based subsidiary of Wise Music Group, Billboard can reveal. Through the global publishing deal, announced Wednesday (Feb. 23), G. Schirmer/Wise Music Group will represent the late composer and conductor’s entire collection of works, which include some of the great…

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Kristen Stewart, Jared Leto, Jennifer Hudson & More Take on Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers License’: Watch

Some major stars got behind the wheel for W Magazine‘s latest episode of Lyrical Improv. Kristen Stewart, Jared Leto, Jennifer Hudson and more of the celebs selected for the publication’s 2022 Best Performances issue picked up the mic to share their covers of Olivia Rodrigo‘s hit song “Drivers License.” Explore See latest videos, charts and…

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Did This Disney Exec Accidentally Leak the Opening Date for a New Guardians of the Galaxy Ride?

Image: Disney ParksDisney’s chief corporate affairs officer Geoff Morrell posted a tweet on Tuesday about the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy attraction at Epcot in Walt Disney World. And while the tweet seemed innocent enough at first glance, Morrell may have spilled some sensitive secrets, at least by Disney standards. If Morrell’s now-deleted tweet is…

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Audiomack and BMAC Launch Music Industry Mentorship Program for Black Undergrads

Streaming platform Audiomack and the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) have launched an internship/mentorship program designed to foster the next generation of Black executives in the music industry, it was announced Wednesday (Feb. 22). Under the initiative, titled “Black Music Executives Are The Future” and powered by Culture Fusion Agency, Audiomack and BMAC will select…

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‘Empire’ Actress Lindsey Pearlman History of Depression, 2 Suicide Notes Found

LINDSEY PEARLMAN History of Depression … 2 Suicide Notes Found 2/23/2022 1:00 AM PT Lindsey Pearlman, the “Empire” and “General Hospital” actress who was found dead in her car Friday … had a history of depression before committing suicide … this publication has learned. Law enforcement sources tell this publication … Lindsey called her husband, Vance Smith,…

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What Lies Beneath: Vets worry toxins caused cancer

Associated PressPregnancy-related deaths climbed in pandemic’s first yearPregnancy-related deaths for U.S. mothers climbed higher in the pandemic’s first year, continuing a decades-long trend that disproportionately affects Black people, according to a government report released Wednesday. Overall in 2020, there were almost 24 deaths per 100,000 births, or 861 deaths total — numbers that reflect mothers…

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Nigeria: Govt

Abuja — The federal government has declared that the much-clamoured inauguration of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as well as the implementation of the forensic audit report are work in progress. But the government has stated that in whatever it was doing, the public interest remains its watchword. In separate reactions…

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Watch SKI-HI & 3RACHA’s Futuristic Racing Game-Inspired ‘Just Breathe’ Music Video

The J-pop rapper teamed up with Bang Chan, Changbin and HAN from the K-pop group Stray Kids. SKI-HI & 3RACHA Courtesy of Billboard Japan Japanese rapper and producer SKY-HI shared the new music video accompanying “JUST BREATHE,” his latest collaboration with 3RACHA, the production team composed of Bang Chan, Changbin, and HAN from the K-pop…

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Megan Fox Called Machine Gun Kelly’s ‘Wife’ at NBA All-Star Game | Billboard News

Most Popular Candace Cameron Bure Didn’t Know About the Saget Family Lawsuit When She Commented on Fox & Friends Lindsey Pearlman, ‘General Hospital’ Actress, Found Dead at 43 After Being Reported Missing Birdman’s Brother, “The Original Hot Boy,” Breaks Silence After Prison Release Sandra Bullock Takes Loss on Sale of Two Sierra Towers Condos You…

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Africa: ‘A Great Loss’: Partners In Health Co-Founder Dr. Paul Farmer Dead at 62

A massive outpouring of grief and emotional tributes resulted Monday after news broke that Partners In Health co-founder and Harvard Medical School professor Dr. Paul Farmer—renowned for his groundbreaking work in global public health—had died. Paul taught all those around him the power of accompaniment, love for one another, and solidarity.” “This is so sudden,…

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Drake Gives Heartfelt Speech at The Weeknd’s 32nd Birthday Party: ‘My Brother From Day One’

“We’re celebrating one of the greatest artists of all f–king time,” Drake said. Drake and The Weeknd perform onstage during a date of Drakes “Nothing Was the Same” 2014 World Tour at Nottingham Capital FM Arena on March 16, 2014 in Nottingham, England. Ollie Millington/WireImage A club blowout in Las Vegas. Swedish House Mafia at…

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Jane ‘Nightbirde’ Marczewski, ‘America’s Got Talent’ Contestant, Dies at 31

Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski, a contestant on season 16 of America’s Got Talent, has died following a battle with cancer. She was 31. The singer passed away on Sunday (Feb. 20), this publication reports. “We are saddened to learn about @_nightbirde’s Passing,” AGT host Terry Crews wrote on Instagram Monday. “Our Condolences goes to her Closest Family…

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Africa: Remembering Dr. Paul Farmer

World-renowned infectious disease doctor, anthropologist, global health advocate, and author leaves large legacy. Partners In Health announced that its founder, Dr. Paul Farmer, unexpectedly passed away today in Rwanda from an acute cardiac event while he was sleeping. Dr. Farmer was 62 years old. He is survived by his wife, Didi Bertrand Farmer, and their…

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The Fall of the Meritocracy

A 1958 dystopian novel by a British sociologist contains eerie parallels to our present dysfunction and the crisis coming to a head. Lord Michael Young of Dartington (1915-2002), in 1949. (Photo by Charles Hewitt/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) The Covid-19 pandemic is so complex, so vast in scale, that I doubt any single future historian will…

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Sam Hunt’s Pregnant Wife Hannah Lee Fowler Files for Divorce, Citing Adultery: Report

The couple would’ve celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in April. Sam Hunt photographed on June 9, 2017 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. Eric Ryan Anderson Sam Hunt‘s pregnant wife, Hannah Lee Fowler, has reportedly filed for divorce after five years of marriage. Fowler alleges that the country music star, 37, is “guilty of inappropriate…

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Nigeria: Okagbare to Appeal 10-Year Doping Ban at Court of Arbitration for Sports

Abuja — Nigerian track star, Blessing Okagbare will head to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), to challenge the 10-year ban slammed on her over the weekend by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), for out of competition doping violations. The sprinter’s counsel, Chinedu Udora disclosed this yesterday while speaking on THISDAYLIVE, an interview segment…

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Niger: Fighting Back the Desert, Amid Refugee and Climate Crises #AfricaClimateCrisis

Internal displacement, regional instability, and climate change have created a refugee crisis in Niger, but an initiative in the town of Ouallam is showing how different communities can work together to survive, and improve the local environment. In the dusty plains outside Ouallam, a town some 100 kilometres north of Niger’s capital Niamey, verdant rows…

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South Africa: Nine Suspects in Dock for Fraudulent Issuing of Driver’s Licences

Concerted efforts to eradicate corruption within civil society and state departments yielded positive results during an integrated joint court-driven operation involving various departments, including SAPS specialised units such as, Cyber Crime, Crime Intelligence and Provincial Commercial Crime Investigations as well as the Department of Transport, Western Cape, yesterday, 18 February 2022. SAPS Operation Vura, which…

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Macy Gray Sings the National Anthem at NBA All-Star Game: Watch

Gray sang her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” ahead of Sunday night’s (Feb. 20) game at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Macy Gray sings the national anthem before the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Feb. 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason Miller/Getty Images Macy Gray, introduced as the “acclaimed singer, songwriter and…

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Zimbabwe: Police Severely Tortured Chamisa Supporters, Court Hears

Thirteen Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists, who were arrested in Harare’s central business district (CBD) Friday, were severely assaulted by suspected State security agents while in custody, the Harare Magistrates Court has heard. They appeared before magistrate Yeukai Dzuda facing charges of inciting public violence. Dzuda remanded them in custody to Tuesday for bail…

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CDC Confirms Power of Anime (and Ventilation) Prevented NYC Con From Being an Omicron Superspreader

Costumed people attend Anime NYC at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on November 20, 2021.Photo: Kena Betancur/AFP (Getty Images)The Center for Disease Control released a study yesterday that the 2021 Anime NYC convention was not a superspreader event, despite the attendance of one of the first known people in the…

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Here Are All of the Lyrics to ‘All of You’ From ‘Encanto’

The Lin Manuel Miranda-written song is credited to Stephanie Beatriz, Olga Merediz, John Leguizamo, Adassa, Maluma & Encanto Cast. “Encanto” Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection Months after the film’s theatrical release, the songs of Disney’s Encanto are still dominating the Billboard charts. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” still reigns atop the…

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South Africa: Charlotte Maxeke Closure Is Placing “Severe Strain” On Helen Joseph

The Gauteng Department of Health has taken over the reconstruction of the hospital from the provincial Department of Infrastructure Development Charlotte Maxeke Hospital was forced to close on 16 April after a fire. There has been widespread criticism of the provincial government’s failure to get the facility fully operational again. We spoke to health workers…

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Bop Shop: Songs From Apink, Kurt Vile, Jazmine Sullivan, And More

Getty Images The search for the ever-elusive “bop” is difficult. Playlists and streaming-service recommendations can only do so much. They often leave a lingering question: Are these songs really good, or are they just new? Enter Bop Shop, a hand-picked selection of songs from the MTV News team. This weekly collection doesn’t discriminate by genre and can include…

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Netflix’s Marvel TV Series Aren’t Coming to Disney+… for Now

Photo: Sarah Shatz/NetflixThe saga of Netflix’s disappearing Marvel TV series continues, although the latest development is more about what’s not happening—i.e., the shows relocating to Marvel’s entertainment hub at Disney+. A list of the content coming to the streaming service in March has been revealed, and it does not include any mentions of Daredevil, Jessica…

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US Trade Rep Identifies 7 Online Platforms as Significant Threats to Music Creators

A U.S. government report highlighted the ongoing challenges that piracy poses to creators around the world, including from seven online platforms that pose significant threats in the music realm. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in its 2021 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy released Thursday (Feb. 17), identified 42 online…

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Jack Harlow Returns With ‘Nail Tech’ & Yung Miami Stuns in the Music Video: Watch

Harlow last released his collaborative summer jam “SUVs (Black on Black)” with Pooh Shiesty in August. Jack Harlow Urban Wyatt* Jack Harlow returns with his first solo single since 2020’s “Tyler Herro.” The hitmaker released his all-new song “Nail Tech” and its accompanying music video at midnight Friday (Feb. 18). He teased a snippet from the…

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