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Simone Biles: Balancing Bravery and Breaking Barriers in Mental Health by Dr. Derek Suite

Derek H. Suite, M.D.
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Simone Biles: Balancing Bravery and Breaking Barriers in Mental Health by Dr. Derek Suite

Like Black History Month, Women’s History Month offers the opportunity to reflect on the invaluable
role women play in shaping the course of humanity and world history. Starting with basic genetics and
biology, all human beings are incubated by and birthed through the female reproductive system, and
every human being must inherit an X chromosome from their mother to exist. Let that sink in for a second. Women not only contribute to our very existence but to our continuance as a species as well.

From politics (i.e., Cleopatra), to writers (i.e., Harriett Beecher Stowe), to scientists (i.e., Madame Curie),
to activists (i.e., Rosa Parks), women have had to be resilient and resourceful, often excelling and
achieving despite the hurdles they encounter. Navigating work-life balance, gender pay gaps, lack of
equal opportunity, pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment, institutional barriers, and unconscious
bias are just a few of the everyday hurdles women navigate. Despite these obstacles, women have a
demonstrated history of bravely breaking through barriers to spearhead issues that affect society at large. Simone Biles is a modern-day example of how this legacy of courage is forged.

A remarkable young woman, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of her era, Simone Biles shocked
the world by choosing to withdraw from competition during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Compounding the
shock, Simone shared that her decision was based on a mental health concern, which made headlines
around the world. Simone was also transparent about the factors that affected her emotionally, including
processing the Covid 19 pandemic, being away from the support of family, and the years of traumatic
sexual abuse she suffered during her time with USA Gymnastics.

As a sports psychiatrist who works with elite athletes across multiple sports, I understand the immense
fortitude it took for Simone, considered the greatest gymnast of all time; with multiple Olympic and
world championship medals; who had sacrificed and trained for 5 years to prepare to compete in the
Olympics; to make the courageous decision to step down based on a “mental health” issue–and then to share it publicly. For Simone to also share her journey as a survivor of sexual abuse required additional mettle. Simone admitted that she felt trepidation and expected a backlash after deciding to admit her mental health issues on the world stage.

And she had good reason to worry.

Though the mental health landscape in professional sports is evolving, many athletes and organizations
still grapple with the stigma associated with mental illness. In traditional, alpha-dominant sports settings
that privilege self-sufficiency, invulnerability, and mental toughness, mental health issues are not
typically discussed or endorsed. Accordingly, many athletes are reluctant to admit when they need mental or emotional support. The last thing they want is to be thought of as “crazy,” be perceived as weak, or be considered as a liability to the team. The result? Many athletes suffer in silence, with some relying on unhealthy habits, or substance use to get them through grueling training, performance, and travel demands.

By publicly stating that she was prioritizing her mental health, Simone broke through the traditional
barriers within sports culture that preclude public discussions about athletes’ mental health. Her
transparency opened a worldwide dialogue on the subject. Her status and success combined with her candor around her struggles helped destigmatize mental illness for many and signaled that asking for help was a sign of strength—not weakness. In so doing, she paved the way for other athletes and sports
organizations to openly discuss the importance of mental health in sports culture.

Simone’s decision to take some time off after the 2020 Olympics to prioritize her mental health, despite
her own fears and the public scrutiny, was based on her steadfast commitment to her self-care and
emotional well-being. Though quickly labeled a mental health advocate in the press, Simone readily
admitted that she initially did not see herself as an advocate, in the traditional sense, because she was “not an expert” in mental health matters. Rather, she wanted to share her journey with the hope that it might empower other athletes who struggle with mental health conditions. To this end, Simone has openly shared her self-care strategies, which included seeking professional counseling, using mental health apps, taking strategic breaks from social media, spending time with her emotional support networks, and becoming actively involved in community service.

Simone’s journey offers a living roadmap to a unique resilience strategy that hinges on maintaining
a fierce competitive spirit while embracing vulnerability. In 2023, the world saw her resilience in action.
Returning to the professional arena at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Belgium, Simone not only excelled in competition but won multiple gold medals. Her steadfast determination and extraordinary courage continue to inspire the world and honor the trailblazing legacy of remarkable women in the history of sports.

We look forward to seeing Simone display her indomitable spirit and legendary talents once more at the
53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, scheduled for October 2025.


About The Author: Derek H. Suite, M.D., M.S. is a leading sports psychiatrist, board-certified through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and an Assistant Professor at Columbia University. He is the founder and executive chairman of Full Circle Confidential which provides expert consultation to multiple iconic sports franchises. He is the host of the motivational Suite Spot Podcast.

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams Attempts To Make History As NYC’s First Female Mayor

AJ Woodson
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New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams Attempts To Make History As NYC’s First Female Mayor

If victorious Adrienne Adams would make history as the first woman to be elected mayor of New York City

In March 2025, term-limited New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced she is challenging incumbent Mayor Eric Adams (no relations) in the 2025 NYC mayoral election. She declared her candidacy at the urging of many New York elected officials, most notably Attorney General Letitia James and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

“I never planned to run for mayor, but I’m not giving up on New York City. Our city deserves a leader who serves its people first and always, not someone focused on themselves and their own political interests,” said Speaker Adams. “I’m a public servant, mother, Queens girl, and I’m running for mayor. No drama, no nonsense — just my commitment to leading with competence and integrity.”

Her rather late and unexpected entry into the mayoral contest is similar to her underdog and eventually successful bid for City Council speaker in 2021. In that case, she was a popular and respected consensus choice who didn’t get any traction until the very end of the tumultuous race.

Adams is no stranger to making history. Elected in January 2022 by her colleagues, she leads the most diverse and the first women-majority Council in New York City history as the first-ever African American Speaker. Elected to the City Council in November 2017, she is also the first woman to represent District 28, which encompasses the Queens neighborhoods of Jamaica, Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village, and South Ozone Park.

Speaker Adams, who grew up in Southeast Queens with Mayor Eric Adams but is not related to him, is joining an already crowded field. It’s not an open seat, but Speaker Adams has joined the spirited crowd of challengers, which include former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, NY State Senator Jessica Ramos who represents Queens, NY State Senator Zellnor Myrie who represents Brooklyn, NYS Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani who represents Queens, former NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, Founder and CEO of Kairos Democracy Project Michael Blake, Investor and editor at Stansberry Research Whitney Tilson,  Corinne Fisher, Deirdre Levy, and Jim Walden a Partner at Walden Macht Haran & Williams, making that twelve candidates in the Democratic Primary. Republican candidate Guardian Angels Founder Curtis Sliwa is also running for the top seat in NYC.

Voters who see two Adamses on the ballot may become confused since she shares a last name with the mayor. A lottery determines the order of names on the ballot. In addition to that, there is the “speaker’s curse,” which is the annoying reality that no previous speaker of the City Council has ever successfully jumped to being elected in another citywide role, including mayor or comptroller.

The first mayor of New York City Thomas Willett was elected in 1665. 360 years later there have been a total of 110 mayors but despite women and Black Women becoming mayors all over the country, there has never been a female mayor in the largest city in the United States. Speaker Adams hopes to change all that and etch her name in the history books as the first female mayor of the city that never sleeps.

Owning a Home, the Gateway to Generational Wealth

DAMON K JONES
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Owning a Home, the Gateway to Generational Wealth

On our premiere episode of Money Mondays, we tackle a critical issue affecting middle-class families and their ability to build wealth: the severe shortage of affordable housing in Westchester County and New York City. Join us as we welcome Drew McWilliams, a distinguished Commercial Real Estate Investment Sales Agent and Associate Director at Ariel Property Advisors. He brings his hands-on market expertise to this urgent conversation.

Drew examines how the disappearing middle-class housing market creates a wealth-building crisis for working professionals, essential workers, and families throughout the region. He’ll break down: Tune in to understand how the middle-class housing crisis affects your financial future and discover potential paths for personal wealth building and community investment. Check out Black Westchester Magazine: https://bit.ly/3BU3z6D. Please like, share, and subscribe

Schumer vs. AOC: Why the Senate Majority Leader Would Crush a Progressive Challenge

DAMON K JONES
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Schumer vs. AOC: Why the Senate Majority Leader Would Crush a Progressive Challenge

Schumer’s support for a Republican-led funding bill to prevent a government shutdown has sparked criticism from progressive factions within the Democratic Party, leading to protests and the postponement of his book tour due to security concerns. However, this raises a crucial question—who exactly is protesting? The electoral makeup of New York State, particularly in moderate-leaning areas like Westchester, Long Island, and upstate New York, suggests that a majority of Democratic voters support Schumer’s pragmatic decision rather than the alternative of letting the government shutdown.

While some activists have called for AOC to challenge Schumer in a primary, can she or any other opponent seriously campaign on allowing 900,000 federal workers to be laid off due to a shutdown? History shows that government shutdowns have disastrous consequences—not just for federal employees but also for economic stability, social services, and public confidence in government. Past shutdowns, such as the 2018-2019 shutdown under Trump (the longest in history at 35 days), the 2013 shutdown under Obama, and the 1995-1996 shutdown under Clinton, led to missed paychecks for government employees, halted public services, TSA agents calling out sick, canceled flights across the nation, and political backlash for those seen as responsible.

Furthermore, even if Schumer had pushed Senate Democrats to oppose the bill, there was no realistic path to blocking it. Speaker Mike Johnson had no legal obligation to bring the House back in session just so Democrats could reject the bill again. If they had opposed it in the House, Republicans could have simply voted again to send it back to the Senate for another round of opposition. In this scenario, Democrats would have risked being blamed for prolonging the shutdown crisis with no real chance of stopping the bill.

​Schumer, cognizant of the historical and procedural realities and the Democratic Party’s plummeting approval ratings, prioritized stability over political posturing. Recent polls indicate that only 27% of Americans view the Democratic Party favorably, marking a historic low.  If AOC or another challenger were to campaign against the funding bill, they would need to justify how shutting down the government—resulting in hundreds of thousands of workers losing paychecks and critical public services being disrupted—serves the interests of everyday voters. Given the party’s current struggle to maintain voter confidence, adopting a platform perceived as obstructive rather than governance-focused could further alienate constituents. In a state where many Democrats prioritize effective governance over ideological purity, Schumer’s experience and pragmatism would likely resonate more with voters, making such a campaign stance challenging to defend in a primary battle.

​If a Democratic primary between Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) were held today, Schumer would likely emerge victorious. Several factors contribute to this projection:​

In New York City, AOC’s progressive platform resonates deeply with voters in her Bronx and Queens home districts. However, other boroughs, including Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, have more moderate Democratic voters who align more closely with Schumer’s centrist approach. In suburban areas such as Westchester County—where cities like Yonkers, New Rochelle, and Mount Vernon are located—moderate Democrats hold significant influence. Mount Vernon, a well-known Democratic stronghold, has historically supported moderate party incumbents, and Schumer has maintained strong ties with the community. His established political presence and history of working with local leaders have helped him maintain steady support in the area.

Upstate New York is known for its more conservative Democratic electorate, which also tends to support Schumer due to his longstanding career and moderate stance. As for any counties further north, Schumer is the clear favorite. These areas are predominantly moderate and do not favor AOC’s left-leaning political style, making it highly unlikely that she would gain traction among these voters.

Schumer’s lengthy tenure in the Senate has granted him strong institutional support and widespread name recognition throughout New York State. His well-established relationships with key political figures and his ability to secure federal resources for the state have solidified his appeal among a broad range of Democratic voters.

Although AOC enjoys strong backing from progressives, her close association with the party’s left-wing faction could limit her appeal in regions where moderate views dominate. A recent CNN survey found that 10% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents view her as the leader who best represents the party’s core values, placing her ahead of figures like former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris. However, this level of support may not be enough to overcome Schumer’s broader base of voters.

Unfortunately for AOC, Schumer has long enjoyed strong support from New York’s Jewish community, which remains a politically active and high-turnout voting bloc in both New York City and its surrounding suburbs. As the highest-ranking Jewish politician in the U.S., his deep ties to Jewish voters, particularly Orthodox communities in Brooklyn, Rockland County, and parts of Long Island, have helped solidify his electoral strength. His consistent pro-Israel stance, advocacy for Jewish causes, and leadership on issues like combating antisemitism have made him a trusted figure among both moderate and conservative Jewish voters. In areas with significant Jewish populations, such as Borough Park, Flatbush, and the Upper West Side, Schumer has maintained strong political relationships that have helped secure his position in past elections.

AOC would face a significant challenge in winning over Jewish voters, especially after the recent congressional primary defeat of Jamaal Bowman in New York’s 16th District, where the Jewish vote played a decisive role in his loss to George Latimer. Bowman’s progressive stance on Israel and alignment with The Squad alienated many Jewish voters in Westchester and Riverdale. This led to a historic rejection of a progressive incumbent in favor of a more centrist, pro-Israel candidate. This serves as a clear warning sign for any progressive challenger, including AOC, that Jewish voters in New York, especially in high-turnout areas, will strongly push back against candidates perceived as adversarial to Israel. Schumer’s long-standing Jewish support would likely be a decisive factor in a statewide race, further strengthening his position against a primary challenge from the left.

Politically for the progressive movement, an unsuccessful primary challenge by AOC against Schumer would likely be viewed as a more consequential defeat for progressives than Bowman’s loss to Latimer due to differences in their national profiles, the scale of the electoral contests, and the strategic ramifications for the movement.​

While a potential AOC candidacy could energize the party’s progressive wing, current political conditions, regional voter dynamics, and Schumer’s deep-rooted position suggest that he would likely win a primary if it were held today. Nevertheless, the ongoing evolution of the Democratic Party means that future developments could reshape the outcome of such a contest.

Canada’s Proposed Pornhub Ban as Retaliation in U.S. Trade War

DAMON K JONES
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Canada’s Proposed Pornhub Ban as Retaliation in U.S. Trade War

In an unexpected twist to the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States, discussions have emerged regarding a potential Canadian ban on American access to Pornhub, a Montreal-based adult content platform. The idea, initially suggested as a satirical response to escalating tariffs, has gained attention as a creative yet controversial form of economic retaliation.

Background on U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute

The trade relationship between Canada and the United States has faced increasing strain due to tariffs imposed on key industries such as steel, aluminum, and automotive goods. The latest round of economic measures has sparked calls for Canada to explore unconventional countermeasures beyond traditional retaliatory tariffs.

The Pornhub Factor

Montreal, Canada, is home to Pornhub, one of the most visited adult content websites in the world. Some Canadians have proposed blocking American access to the platform as a means to exert pressure on the U.S. government, arguing that such a move would highlight Canada’s leverage in a non-traditional economic domain.

This idea gained traction following comments from Canadian comedian Matthew Puzhitsky, who humorously referred to Pornhub as Canada’s “nuclear weapon” in the trade war. While initially a joke, some proponents have taken the suggestion seriously, advocating for government intervention to restrict access in response to U.S. tariffs.

Potential Impact of a Ban

The potential effects of banning U.S. access to Pornhub are uncertain but could be significant given the site’s massive American user base. According to recent statistics, the United States accounts for a substantial portion of Pornhub’s traffic, making it a major revenue source for the platform. A ban could disrupt advertising revenue and subscriber growth, while also provoking reactions from American consumers and businesses.

However, implementing such a measure presents legal and logistical challenges. The Canadian government would need to enact regulations that could potentially set precedents for internet censorship. Moreover, technical workarounds, such as VPN usage, could diminish the effectiveness of such a ban.

Public and Political Response

Public opinion on the matter is divided. Some Canadians view the proposal as a lighthearted yet symbolic act of defiance, while others criticize it as an impractical or even counterproductive approach. As of now, no official government action has been taken to pursue such a restriction, and experts believe it remains an unlikely course of action.

Despite its unconventional nature, the proposal reflects broader frustrations with the economic strain imposed by U.S. tariffs. Whether or not Canada moves forward with restricting access to Pornhub, the discussion underscores the complex and sometimes unexpected ways in which trade disputes can impact different industries and digital platforms.

For now, the idea remains a talking point rather than a concrete policy. However, it highlights the increasingly creative strategies being considered in the evolving landscape of international trade relations.

County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels Fights Against Con Edison’s Proposed Rate Increases

AJ Woodson
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County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels Fights Against Con Edison’s Proposed Rate Increases

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins signed legislation that solidifies the County’s commitment to challenging Con Edison’s proposed utility rate increases. This action follows a unanimous, bipartisan vote by the Westchester County Board of Legislators to join the major rate case in New York State.

The Westchester County Board of Legislators has taken decisive action to protect residents against Con Edison’s proposed rate increases. In a unanimous, bipartisan vote on Monday, March 10th, the Board agreed to become a party to the major rate case in New York State alongside Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. This proactive move highlights the County’s unified commitment to protecting working-class families, seniors, and business owners and safeguarding the availability of affordable electricity and gas for all Westchester residents.

On the floor at the March 10th Board Of Legislators (BOL) meeting, BOL Majority Leader Tyrae Woodson-Samuels speaks against Con Edison’s “RIDICULOUS proposed rate increases.” Stating he and the BOL feel the current rates for electricity & gas “are already too damn high – to ask for an increase is criminal and unacceptable.”

“I’m happy to share that the Board agreed to become a party to the major rate case in New York State alongside Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. This proactive move highlights the County’s unified commitment to protecting working-class families, seniors, and business owners and safeguarding the availability of affordable electricity and gas for all Westchester residents,” Legislator Woodson-Samuels shared with Black Westchester.

Woodson-Samuels shared, “You can’t ask for an increase when: 1. You’re a Monopoly and 2. You pay your CEO 16M in salary/bonuses.”

The Board’s decision to join the rate case with the County Executive ensures that Westchester’s concerns will remain central throughout the proceedings and amplifies the voices of those who would be directly impacted by these rate hikes. Westchester County leadership is actively fighting for fairness and accountability in defending residents from unjustified utility rate increases.

Woodson-Samuels informs, that Westchester residents must “Take Action: Stop Con Edison’s Double-Digit Rate Hike!”

“Westchester residents, your voice is needed! Following the March 10th vote by the Westchester County Board of Legislators, we are standing alongside County Executive Ken Jenkins to fight back against Con Edison’s proposed major rate hike,” the Majority Leader shared. “You must Make your voice heard – let’s protect our residents from skyrocketing energy costs.”

So what can the residents of Westchester County do? How can they make their voices heard?

The Public Service Commission is hosting virtual hearings on Tuesday, April 8th at 1 PM & 5:30 PM and on Wednesday, April 9th at 1 PM & 5:30 PM. You must register the day before your chosen hearing at dps.ny.gov/calendar or call 1-800-342-3330.

To register for the Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 1:00 p.m. meeting click here. Afternoon Hearing Seeking public comment for the Proceeding on Motion of the Commission as to the Rates, Charges, Rules, and Regulations of Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. Cases: 25-E-0072 and 25-G-0073.

To register for the Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 5:30 PM meeting click here. 5:30 PM Hearing Seeking public comment for the Proceeding on Motion of the Commission as to the Rates, Charges, Rules, and Regulations of Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. Cases: 25-E-0072 and 25-G-0073.

To register for the Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 1:00 p.m. meeting click here. Afternoon Hearing Seeking public comment for the Proceeding on Motion of the Commission as to the Rates, Charges, Rules, and Regulations of Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. Cases: 25-E-0072 and 25-G-0073

To register for the Wednesday, April 9th, 5:30 p.m. meeting click here. 5:30 PM Hearing Seeking public comment for the Proceeding on Motion of the Commission as to the Rates, Charges, Rules and Regulations of Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. Cases: 25-E-0072 and 25-G-0073

Any person wishing to provide a public statement on the record during the virtual public statement hearings must register to do so by Monday, April 7, 2025, for the Tuesday, April 8, 2025, virtual public statement hearings; and by Tuesday, April 8, 2025, for the Wednesday, April 9, 202,5 virtual public statement hearings; in accordance with the instructions set forth below. 

To register and provide a statement electronically: This option is for participants who would like to provide a statement and who will log in to a hearing electronically. Participants must register by the date indicated above by visiting the Department of Public Service website at https://dps.ny.gov/calendar, clicking on the “View DPS Calendar Listings” button under the “Calendars” section, scrolling to and clicking on Consolidated Edison Electric and Gas Rates Public Statement Hearings for the particular hearing date, clicking the “Register” button, and providing all requested information. After registration is complete, registrants will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to join the hearing. When logging in to participate in the virtual hearing on the appropriate date and time, participants will be asked to “select audio system.” It is recommended that participants opt to have the system “call me” or “call using the computer.” The “call me” option will require that participants enter their phone numbers. 

To register and provide a statement by phone: This option is for participants who are not able to log in to a virtual public statement hearing electronically. Call-in participants wishing to make a statement at a virtual public statement hearing must register to do so by the date indicated above by calling 1-800-342-3330, following the prompts to the appropriate hearing, and then provide the following information: first name and last name, address, and phone number. On the day and time of the virtual public statement hearing, call-in registrants must dial 1-929-251-9612 and enter the access code and phone-in password listed above. All participants will be muted upon entry into the virtual public statement hearing. The ALJs will call upon each person who has registered to make a statement and will continue each hearing until everyone who has registered to speak has been heard or other reasonable arrangements to submit comments into the record have been made. Reasonable time limits may be set for each speaker as necessary to afford all attendees an opportunity to be heard. It is recommended that lengthy comments be submitted in writing and summarized for oral presentation. A verbatim transcript of each public statement hearing will be made for inclusion in the record of these proceedings. 

To listen to the hearings without making a statement: Any interested person may listen to the hearings by calling 1-929-251-9612 and entering the appropriate access code and phone-in password listed above. Persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations should call the Department of Public Service’s Human Resources Management Office at 1-518-473-9463 as soon as possible. TDD users may request a sign language interpreter by placing a call through the New York Relay Service at 711. Individuals with difficulty understanding or reading English are encouraged to call the Department at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this Notice.

Submit written comments by November 21, 2025: Online – Visit dps.ny.gov and search Case “25-E-0072” or “25-G-0073” or Mail – Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350, you can also call 1-800-335-2120.

What’s At Stake?

Con Edison proposed double-digit rate hikes for electric and gas bills in 2026, seeking approval for an average 11.4% increase for electricity and 13.3% for gas, citing the need to fund infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy investments. Con Edison is seeking to increase average electric bills by 11.4% and average gas bills by 13.3%, effective January 1, 2026. 

The proposal has faced criticism from lawmakers and advocates, with some calling for the New York State Public Service Commission to reject the proposal. 

In closing BOL Majority Leader Tyrae Woodson-Samuels wants the people, they have the power but they must use it. We must take action to stop Con Edison’s double-digit rate hike. “You must Make your voice heard – let’s protect our residents from skyrocketing energy costs.”

en Español

Queridos amigos y vecinos,

El lunes 10 de Marzo, la Junta de Legisladores del Condado de Westchester tomó medidas decisivas para defender a los residentes contra los aumentos propuestos por Con Edison. La Junta votó para unirse al caso estatal sobre tarifas junto con el Ejecutivo del Condado, Ken Jenkins, asegurando que Westchester tenga voz en el proceso.

La Comisión de Servicio Público del Estado de Nueva York (NYSPC) está revisando estos aumentos, que podrían incrementar las facturas residenciales en un promedio de 11.4 por ciento para la electricidad y 13.3 por ciento para el gas en 2026.

La NYSPC esta aceptando comentarios públicos. Su opinión sobre estos aumentos propuestos en la entrega de electricidad y gas es crucial y será considerada antes de tomar una decisión final.

Participe y haga oír su voz.

Audiencias públicas virtuales:

  • Martes 8 de Abril de 2025 – 1:00 PM y 5:30 PM
  • Miércoles 9 de Abril de 2025 – 1:00 PM y 5:30 PM

Para hablar en una audiencia:

  • Regístrese antes del 7 de Abril (para el 8 de Abril) o antes del 8 de Abril (para el 9 de abril)
  • En línea: dps.ny.gov/calendar
  • Teléfono: 1-800-342-3330

Envíe comentarios escritos antes del 21 de Noviembre de 2025:

  • En línea: www.dps.ny.gov (casos “25-E-0072” o “25-G-0073”)
  • Por correo: Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350
  • Por teléfono: Línea de opinión 1-800-335-2120

Para adaptaciones especiales (personas con discapacidades o barreras del idioma), llame al 1-518-473-9463.

Su voz es importante.

Atentamente,

Tyrae Woodson-Samuels
Tyrae Woodson-Samuels
Líder de la Mayoría, Legislador, Distrito 13

Faith, Wealth, and Responsibility: The Black Church’s Role in Economic Liberation

DAMON K JONES
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Faith, Wealth, and Responsibility: The Black Church’s Role in Economic Liberation

For too long, the Black church has been trapped in a cycle of empty sermons, political grandstanding, and survival-mode thinking. There is a clear divide between pastors who preach Jesus and those who use His name as a tool for political parties. Some pastors genuinely teach the gospel, focusing on faith, self-sufficiency, and the power of God to transform lives. Others, however, manipulate the pulpit for political influence, aligning themselves with parties and policies that do little to serve the true needs of the Black community. Instead of being a force for transformation, many churches have become spiritual gangs—divided by denomination, competing for members, and seeking validation through government grants rather than God’s power and the resources already in our hands. Jesus never taught us to be poor or dependent. He taught us to love, build, and create communities rooted in righteousness, equality, and economic empowerment. Let’s be honest: do black communities resemble these qualities? If we truly followed His teachings, we wouldn’t have to look to Pharaoh—the government—for handouts. We would be too busy creating our own thriving, self-sufficient institutions.

The greatest commandment Jesus gave was to love one another, yet our communities are often filled with division, crime, and neglect. This is not the vision of Christ. A church that truly follows Jesus must take action to heal its people, restore dignity, and build safe, sacred spaces where Black men, women, and children can thrive. That means establishing businesses, schools, and hospitals—not just worship centers. It means replacing crime with opportunity, replacing hopelessness with vision, and replacing reliance on external systems with an internal commitment to self-sufficiency. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 8:18, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” If God has already placed the power of wealth in our hands, why do we keep looking outside ourselves for solutions?

Black businesses currently represent only 2 percent of all businesses in America. If we can increase that number to just 6 percent, we can radically shift generational wealth within our community. This is not an impossible dream—it is an achievable goal if we mobilize our existing institutions. There are over 65,000 Black churches across the U.S., with many concentrated in historically Black neighborhoods, according to data from the Pew Research Center and other sources—65,000 distribution centers for Black business, far exceeding the total number of Walmart and Target locations combined. Yet instead of leveraging these sacred spaces as economic hubs, we allow them to sit dormant six days a week while our people struggle financially.

The recent rollback of DEI initiatives at major corporations like Target should be a wake-up call for Black communities. Many Black-owned businesses that had once thrived under corporate diversity programs are now struggling as sales decline and distribution channels disappear. The Lip Bar, Mielle Organics, and Black Girl Sunscreen—brands that became household names thanks to DEI partnerships—now find themselves vulnerable because they relied on white-owned corporations instead of Black-owned institutions. This proves what should have been clear all along: we cannot afford to depend on corporate handouts. If Black churches and Black institutions were truly mobilized, these businesses would not have to rely on Target or Walmart for survival. With 65,000 Black churches spread across America, why haven’t we built our own distribution networks? If every Black church supported just ten Black businesses per year, we could sustain an Amazon-like Black business distribution annually, creating economic independence instead of dependency. Other communities have mastered this strategy—why haven’t we? If the Black church is to be a true force for economic empowerment, it must step into its rightful role as an incubator of Black business, a lender to Black entrepreneurs, and a marketplace for Black-owned products.

Read: Black Dollars, White Wealth: Why Our Spending Power Isn’t Building Our Future

Why am I critical of the Black Church? But I’m not being so critical; I’m speaking with love because the Black church is the largest, oldest, and most organized Black institution in America. Yet, it lacks any national economic program or agenda—one that God and the scriptures have already ordained. The boycott of Target was meant to send a message, but what it really exposed is that our economy is still in the hands of others. If we are truly serious about self-sufficiency, we must start building our own economic structures instead of begging for access to someone else’s.

The question we must ask is: Has the Black church been misguided all along? Statistics show that white women were the largest beneficiaries of DEI programs, yet the Black church and Black institutions rallied behind these initiatives as if they were designed to uplift Black communities. If these programs truly worked in our favor, why did Black-owned businesses remain fragile enough to collapse the moment DEI funding was pulled? Have we been fighting for programs that benefit others while leaving our own people in economic peril? These are the hard truths we must confront if we are ever to reclaim true financial independence and security.

Read: The Failure of DEI: It Did Not Equate to Black Progress, So Why Keep Fighting for It

Despite making up only 2 percent of the U.S. population, the Jewish community has built an economic and political infrastructure that allows them to control their own communities and institutions. Through group economics, cultural solidarity, and strategic investment, they have established a network of businesses, banks, media outlets, and educational institutions that keep wealth circulating within their community. Jewish consumers heavily support Jewish-owned businesses, and their financial institutions provide interest-free loans and investment capital to help fellow Jews start businesses and build generational wealth. Additionally, Jewish organizations believe in “Community Before Party” as their political slogan, prioritizing political engagement and ensuring their interests are well-represented in government, local leadership, and policy-making. Their institutions—whether synagogues, schools, or advocacy groups—serve as hubs for economic cooperation and influence, ensuring that they remain self-sufficient and independent of external control.

If the Jewish community—only 2 percent of the population—can build and sustain their own economy, why are Black churches, with 65,000 locations and $1.5 trillion in spending power, not doing the same? The Black population in the United States is approximately 14 percent, yet we have failed to harness our collective wealth and institutional strength to build sustainable economic systems. Why do we continue to look outside ourselves for economic solutions when other communities have proven that self-sufficiency is possible? The Jewish community has mastered the art of building institutions that serve their people, yet too many Black churches are content with simply passing the collection plate every Sunday while their communities struggle financially. What stops us from following this model? Why aren’t we using our churches as distribution centers for Black businesses, financial hubs for Black entrepreneurs, and training grounds for the next generation of leaders? The blueprint for economic empowerment is right in front of us—but we still refuse to follow it!

Why are we still begging White-owned corporations for DEI initiatives when we already have 65,000 ready-made platforms to promote and build Black businesses? If every Black church prioritized supporting just ten Black businesses per year, we could launch and sustain over 1 million Black businesses annually—creating jobs, circulating wealth, and laying the foundation for institutions that will serve generations to come. The infrastructure for economic power is already in place; we have to activate it.

Our collective $1.5 trillion in spending power can do more than make others rich—it can build our institutions. Every thriving community in America has businesses that create jobs, banks that finance their people, and schools that preserve their culture. The Jewish community, the Asian community, and others do this without hesitation. Why don’t we? We must shift from simply spending money to circulating and investing it in Black businesses, schools, and neighborhoods. That is not just economics; that is following Jesus’ teachings and making heaven on earth for our people.

References:

  • Pew Research Center (Black Church Statistics)
  • Deuteronomy 8:18 (Holy Bible)
  • Economic impact of DEI rollbacks (Reuters, 2025)
  • Black business ownership statistics (Brookings Institution, 2024)
  • Jewish economic structure analysis (Forbes, 2024)

The Youth Is Outta Control: But I Ask You Who’s Failing Who???

AJ Woodson
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The Youth Is Outta Control: But I Ask You Who’s Failing Who???

There was no respect for youth when I was young, and now that I am old, there is no respect for age. I missed it coming and going. – J.B. Priestly

I came across this quote recently, and it got me thinking. I always hear adults talk about how the youth is outta control. How hip hop and video games are destroying the minds of our youth and if they are our future, where will we be, etc etc etc… No need for me to recap them all; I’m sure you heard or have even spit out a few of these yourself recently.

When I was growing up, and got to that rebellious age, hanging in the park drinking a forty (I’m dating myself cause we had quarts then fortys came a little later), getting high, getting girls, and hip hop was all I cared about. Actually spitting rhymes I actually cared about more cause I just wanted to be cool and be the dopest emcee I could. It was proven time after time that outside of being the star quarterback or having a wicked jump shot, the emcees got all the girls. So I knew if my rhymes were tight, I could take out any emcee I came across in battles and rock the crowd, and the females would come to me.

It was the older cats on the block who used to holla at me about staying in school when it began to bore me and I traded Biology and Science for getting my rhymes tight and listening and studying Cold Crush Brothers tapes. Sure, my dad was around, but when my parents broke up, I actually went to live with my dad during high school cause Mom didn’t know what else to do with me. She thought what we were doin wasn’t music, just a lot of noise, and a college degree was the only thing that would keep me Paid In Full.

Sure, my parents instilled all the right stuff in me in my early days, but they broke up when I was 13. I was still running wild and became a rebel without a cause. It was the older cats who got at me. I mean, like all the other teens out there, I wasn’t tryna hear it. I told these old cats that were droppin knowledge on me from their experiences to leave us alone and let us be old, man. But you know what, even though I wasn’t tryna hear it, and we made fun of these cats when they left and went on to light up the next joint, I did here everything that had to say. It was just pushed to the back to retrieve like an old document on your PC once the right buttons were pushed.

So if its true that the youth is outta control right now, if it’s true, they seem like they don’t know right from wrong and can’t tell what rappers who live at their gangsta fantasy from what’s real. It’s not necessarily the youth who are failing us, it is us who are failing the youth. You always hear about the old days when you stepped outta line, the older neighbors would straighten you out, tell your parents who would then in turn thank them and straighten you out again. Well, how did we get to a point where the older generation is scared of the youth? When we start saying that kid down the block isn’t my problem, I’m raising my kids. Well, if that kid who isn’t your problem spends more time with your kid than you do, how isn’t he or she your problem?

We have turned our back to them and leave them tryna figure things out on their own. The reason I personally am not dead or in jail today was because of these older cats we laughed at, who got at me outside of my dad and uncles. Like a few of my teachers, these older cats saw something in me, and instead of turning their backs, they spent time talking to me. Tryna school me, telling me the harsh realities of the streets we found so attractive at the time. The problem was it was hard to hear what they had to say after the majority of the adults looked down on us, wrote us off as hopeless and basically consistantly complained about what we loved the most, hip hop the one thing that helped us get through the tough times and spoke directly to us and for us for that matter.

Now that we are the older cats, I ask you who is failing who. Kevin Powell recently wrote a book titled Who’s Gonna Take The Weight, dealing with just that. What’s the deal? Do we expect the youth to learn right from wrong and teach themselves? To learn what happens when they take certain courses of action. The problem is that most do finally figure it out. They usually do figure it out on their own, but it is usually while sitting in a cell, with years to think about their youthful indiscretions. Or on in a hospital bed being told they may never walk again from a stray bullet to their spine meant for someone else. And unfortunately, the cemetery is filled with too many others who didn’t figure it out in time or at all.

We, the older cats, complain about the current lyrics in hip hop when that was what we used to scream to the world what we wanted them to know about us. We screamed Fuck The Police and Fight The Power in Virginia Beach when the cops decided they didnt want us in their town. The lyrics of that Kool G Rap, Rakim, KRS One, Public Enemy, NWA, and many others spoke to us and for us. Painted pictures of the conditions in our cities that were usually just brushed under the carpet, from those outside our community that couldn’t be bothered. Not to mention, there were those in our community who forgot where they came from and turned their back on us. That was much worse, cause they made it look like us and we looked up to them, but felt they were better than us. The music has always been rebellious where we said if you solve the problems that are the causes of these attitudes we felt and developed instead on putting us down, things would be much better. We were screaming for help from our elders. The lyrics predicted the future situations that would erupt if we weren’t taken seriously like the riots in LA. Something had to give, and we were screaming for help.

It’s the same today; if we pay more attention to the lyrics of rappers of today, we may be able to prevent similar situations from going down in the future. Pay more attention, and you may be able to figure out what is in their head. Maybe even replace the hopelessness they are feeling with some hope.

I will say this though, there are too many that don’t live it and spit it only cause some A&R working for a major label owned by a major corporation sold them dreams of getting paid if you spit it like 50 Cent or whoever is the hardest chart topping/ multi-platinum artist making the most noise that year.

For you adults who are displeased with the lyrics being played on the radio streaming services your children are listening to, call these stations music and program directors, and if they don’t listen to what you have to say, you listen to the station all day write down the names of all their advertisers. Call the advertisers and tell them you will not buy their products if they continue to support stations that promote this kind of lyrics and images to our youth. Or look at what has worked: get a copy of the shareholders of these corporations who own these major labels and radio stations and send them printed-out copies of the lyrics to these songs (which you can find online by doing a google.com search). Threaten these corporations who make they living off our communities and who care more about the bottomline then what these songs and images are doin to our kids when they are forcefed this all day everyday.

This worked years ago when lyrics were sent to shareholders of Warner Brothers of Ice-T’s rock group’s song Cop Killer. This caused many artists to be dropped from all of the corporation’s record companies like Tommy Boy and every other label in the Warner family. It even spilled out to some of the other labels as well.

Not saying you have to do these things; some of them are outdated as I revised this original blog post I wrote in 2005, but use this as a template to come up with your own ideas and plans of action. But the thing is, do something or stop complaining. There is a saying that if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Sitting on the sidelines and complaining won’t solve the problem. But don’t stop there, it is equally important that if you tell the kids to just SAY NO to these lyrics, they need to know what to say yes to, too. If you only punish a kid for everything he does wrong and never reward them for what they do right, you will never get anywhere. Think about when you were a teen. Also, get involved and help the associations that are actually doing good things in your community, and if none of them exist in your community in your area, start your own. Find out what’s working in other areas and implement it in yours. The cutting of the arts programs like music and art classes in school and the lack of positive activies for the youth to get involved in, not to mantion the cutting of scholastic budgets nationwide (even more so in the schools in our communities) leaves them just these records and movies they that feel speak to them. They feel it cause they can relate to it.

This is very important; we need to speak to the youth and not down to them.

I could go on forever, but I will end it here for now.

The older generation needs to ask themselves: Who is really failing who? Are you part of the problem or the solution?

I would really like to hear everyone’s comments on this. Please feel free to post your thoughts and suggestions, good or bad in the comment section below.

Remember, we expect the youth to respect us, but we must also respect them. Respect is something that is earned, not supposed to be given to you because you are the older generation.

Public Enemy’s Fear Of A Black Planet – Why 35 Year Later This Album Is Still Relevant

AJ Woodson
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Public Enemy’s Fear Of A Black Planet – Why 35 Year Later This Album Is Still Relevant

Public Enemy’s ‘Fear of a Black Planet’ Turns 35 This Year! 

From time to time, I will be doing a series of throwback CD reviews of CDs I find relevant and think need to be recovered and kept alive, as well as introduced to a whole new audience that may be too young to remember. Here is the latest in my series of throwback CD reviews. Enjoy… The first one is Public Enemy’s “Fear Of A Black Planet,” released in March 1990 on Def Jam Recordings.

PE’s third album is dense, heavy, and as urgent as a bullet, birthed in the aftermath of Reaganomics. “Fear of a Black Planet” single-handedly added half a dozen phrases to the language, and not just from Chuck D’s troop-rallying bellow and Master Of The Universe voice, but Flavor Flav shines on “911 Is a Joke” which is as catchy an indictment of urban policy as anyone has ever come up with.

In essence, along with KRSONE, P.E provided dynamic, socially relevant Hip-Hop that transcended cliche and hype. This album’s concepts remain innovative and classic today. The production has stood the test of time as well as any other album from that era.

Even after several decades, “Fight the Power” remains one of the most well-known and cherished songs in hip-hop history, and the group itself is as closely associated with politically oriented hip-hop as it is with the genre. It’s a prime example of the group’s promotion of opposition to established power structures and disdain for all-American icons like John Wayne and Elvis Presley. A final exclamation point marking the end of a turbulent period for the group, it would appear as the last song on Fear of a Black Planet.

A few years before the policy banning the chokehold in NYC, Radio Raheem is a character in Spike Lee’s written, directed, and produced 1989 film, Do the Right Thing, portrayed by the late Bill Nunn, who was killed after a white NYPD officer choked him to death.

Even though Radio Raheem was a fictional boombox-toting neighborhood philosopher known for blasting Fight The Power by Public Enemy, after he was choked to death by the police, we all felt it as if he was real. After Eric Garner’s death twenty-five years later, we all relived the death of the beloved Spike Lee character. In the movie, Radio Raheem’s death triggered a riot where the neighborhood pizzeria that refused to put pictures of black people on the walls was burned to the ground.

Thirty-five years later, Fear of a Black Planet still has the same impact. The album’s first official single, “Welcome to the Terrordome,” is as “angry” a hip-hop song as any recorded in the 1990s and later. Like the previously mentioned “Fight the Power,” the song is essential to the group’s legacy.

Chuck D uses the song “Terrordome” to express his annoyance with the news media and to focus on the scandal that engulfed the group in the second half of 1989. Since the group’s founding, Public Enemy has had a, let’s say, tense relationship with the media, and Chuck lashes out at them throughout all four verses of the song. In many respects, he is right when he says that the song was meant to mark the beginning of what the 1990s would bring for Public Enemy and rap music.

The Bomb Squad’s music is complicated, challenging, terse, and totally funky, and Chuck matches it with one impassioned pronouncement after another: on Hollywood’s racism, on miscegenation, on “real history / Not his story.”

It is also, without a doubt, the best musical moment of the Bomb Squad. In contrast to Millions, which was all about aggressiveness—layered aggression, but aggression nonetheless—Fear of a Black Planet touches on harsh funk, dub reggae, unrelenting beats, and sensual grooves without missing a beat.

The team, comprised of Hank and Keith Shocklee, Eric “Vietnam” Sadler, and “Carl Ryder” (Chuck D’s production nom-de-plume), takes their “wall of sound” production styles and cranks them up to the maximum, generating a belligerent and harsh aural assault. It’s even more openly hostile to traditional forms of hip-hop production than Public Enemy’s previous two releases.

“Fear…” is one of the best rap albums ever made, and at a time when sampling was affordable. It allowed Terminator X and the Bomb Squad to produce the most radical apocalyptic hip-hop assault on the ears. “Brothers Gonna Work it Out” swirls with immediacy, as does “Power to the People” and “War at 33 1/3.”

This album is so much more chaotic and dense “It Takes a Nation of Millions.” The beats are huge, and Chuck D is full of fury. The album ends with “Fight the Power,” the ultimate statement of purpose, from its pounding, atonal sound collage to its furious politics. Put “Fear..” on, and it’s always a long, hot summer. When hip-hop needed credence and a cornerstone for a new decade, “Fear…” provided just that, and P.E delivered the funk. This controversial release, in my opinion, is perhaps P.E.’s greatest hour.

In 2025, the Rhyme Animal Chuck D’s words are still relevant as White Fear of The Browning of American is shaping our democracy and society, it’s more intense and visible than ever. If we even needed a voice like Chuck D in Hip-Hop, it is now!

We’ll Always Love Big Poppa – We’ll Always Love Ya Big… 28 Years Later

AJ Woodson
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We’ll Always Love Big Poppa – We’ll Always Love Ya Big… 28 Years Later

Biggie, Biggie, Biggie, can’t you see?
Sometimes your words just hypnotize me
And I just love your flashy ways
Guess that’s why they broke, and you’re so paid (uh)
Biggie, Biggie, Biggie (uh-huh), can’t you see? (Uh)
Sometimes your words just hypnotize me (hypnotize)
And I just love your flashy ways (uh-huh)
Guess that’s why they broke, and you’re so paid (ha)

Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m one of the biggest B.I.G. fans. As an emcee, I have always been a fan of and greatly appreciated flow; the dude was the master of the flow. He could say just about anything and make it sound so smooth for real. I can’t believe this year marks 28 years since the dude was taken away from us. That would mean it will be 29 years since Pac’s been gone later this year. I can’t believe their murders went unsolved for years. I can still remember the morning of March 9, 1997, like it was yesterday.

I had a video show called Street Vibes in New York that I wrote for, produced, and co-hosted with my man Naquan (who I managed as an artist at the time) and my man Steve Oakley. It was Soul Train Awards time. Anyway, like I said, it was the weekend of the Soul Train Awards, and everybody was heading to L.A.

I decided to stay home and chill get some rest, and chill with my girl at the time. My man Naquan went with his people. I’m at my girl’s crib, and my pager goes off at 5 something in the morning. I’m singing the beginning of Biggie’s joint Warning in my head.

Who the hell is this? Pagin’ me at 5:46
In the mornin’, crack of dawn an’
Now I’m yawnin’, wipe the cold out my eye
See who’s this pagin’ me and why

I saw the words “Yo A, Hit me back with a number I can reach you at” across my screen. It was my man Naquan. So I page him back, and my cell rings.

“Yo Dawg, they just shot Biggie,”

Now, if it had been anybody else, I would have hung up the phone on some yo stop playing tip. But this was my man, like my little brother. His family was the first family I met when I moved to Long Island. I was 7 and he and my sister was 2, so we go back.

He says it again, “Yo, you heard what I said.”

Still in disbelief, I asked for details. Naquan and his boy Mike were just kicking it with Big and Puff in the parking garage, I believe he said. We were supposed to interview him for our video show that next week, when he got back from overseas. He wasn’t even supposed to be still in LA, but he wanted to chill a little longer for the Soul Train Awards.

I turn on Hot 97, and Busta Rhymes is just callin’ in telling Angie Martinez what Naquan is telling me. I’m filling him in on what the radio is saying, like what hospital they took him to, and Naquan is describing to me the atmosphere and how NY cats were bugging at the time.

Naquan heads to the hospital but they wont let him go to the floor BIG is on, they got it on lockdown, Im still bugging, I pull out the advance joint, Keep Ya Hands High with Philly artist Tracey Lee which was comin out in another week or two and played it a few times I just wanted to hear some new Biggie lyrics and Puff wasn’t tryna come up off of Life After Death advances for the press cause of all the bootlegging. The Hypnotize video had just been shot in Los Angeles, and I don’t think it was done yet if I remember correctly.

Sometime later, the announced he was dead. To be totally honest, I don’t remember much else. Everything was a blur. I remember feeling like someone had killed my brother or my cousin, and I was mad. I wanted answers, I wanted someone to pay. I still can’t believe it’s been 28 years, and writing this now, I’m getting a little choked up like it was yesterday all over again. He died at the age of 25, he has now been dead longer than he was alive.

Every step I take
Every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
I’ll be missing you
Thinkin’ of the day
When you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
I’ll be missing you (I miss you, B.I.G.)

Speculations were flying around on who shot him. Retaliation for Pac’s death was the biggest one most thrown around. Most may not admit it now, but New York artists and their labels were scrambling to get an earlier flight back to the Big Apple, fearing they may be next.

Man BIG I know you said you was Ready To Die but we’ll Be Missing You and…

We’ll always love Big Poppa (We’ll always love you Big)
We’ll always love Big Poppa (Yeah)
We’ll always love Big Poppa (We’ll always love you Big)

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