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HAWK FIRE RAGES ACROSS NEVADA AS 90,000 PEOPLE URGED TO EVACUATE

Reno, Nevada — 24 August 2026

A fast-moving wildfire has erupted near Reno, Nevada, forcing tens of thousands of people to leave their homes as firefighters battle powerful winds, dry vegetation and rapidly changing conditions.

The blaze, known as the Hawk Fire, began on Saturday near Hawk Meadow Trail, northwest of Reno. It spread rapidly through the Peavine Peak area, with officials reporting that more than 15,000 acres had burned. At the latest reports, the fire remained 0% contained. 

Thousands forced from their homes

Authorities have ordered around 42,000 people to evacuate, while another large number of residents have been placed under evacuation warnings. Overall, almost 90,000 people are living in areas affected by evacuation orders or warnings. 

Several homes and other structures have been damaged or destroyed, while at least six people have been injured, including three civilians and three first responders. 

The fire has also caused major disruption across the Reno area. Schools in Washoe County have been closed, roads have been shut, and thousands of homes and businesses have experienced power outages.

Strong winds make firefighting difficult

Fire crews are facing extremely challenging conditions. Strong and unpredictable winds have repeatedly changed the direction of the flames, making it difficult for firefighters to establish containment lines.

More than 800 personnel, along with fire engines, aircraft and other emergency resources, have been involved in efforts to stop the blaze from reaching more densely populated neighbourhoods. 

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, allowing additional resources to be deployed as the emergency continues. 

Fire described as human-caused

Officials have confirmed that the Hawk Fire was human-caused, but investigators have not yet revealed exactly how it started or whether the ignition was accidental or deliberate. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Residents in threatened areas have been warned not to delay evacuation. Emergency officials say rapidly changing winds could cause the fire to move in unexpected directions and make roads increasingly difficult to use.

The Hawk Fire is now one of the most serious wildfire emergencies affecting Nevada this summer, with firefighters continuing their efforts to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure around Reno.

The situation remains active and could change rapidly as firefighters continue battling the flames. 

Attached is a news article regarding the fire in Nevada 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gqlp0yzyjo

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Hurricane Lala Leaves Hawaii Facing Major Damage as New Storm Threat Emerges

Hawaii has been hit by an unusually severe spell of tropical weather, with Hurricane Lala bringing destructive winds, torrential rain, flooding and widespread power outages across the islands.

Hurricane Lala became a Category 1 hurricane as it approached Hawaiʻi Island in mid-August, before weakening as it moved across the region. The storm brought exceptionally heavy rainfall, with some areas of the Big Island recording more than three feet of rain. 

The impact was significant. Homes were damaged, roads and bridges were affected and thousands of residents were left without electricity. At one stage, more than 180,000 utility customers across Hawaii were reported to be without power. 

The storm also resulted in deaths. Authorities blamed at least two deaths on the hurricane, including that of 93-year-old former kindergarten teacher May Doi, who was found after being reported missing in the aftermath of the flooding.

Communities left battling flooding

The Big Island suffered some of the worst conditions, with floodwater, mud and debris affecting communities and damaging infrastructure. The enormous volume of rainfall left the ground saturated and increased the risk of landslides and further flooding.

Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi estimated that Lala dropped an extraordinary amount of water across the islands — enough to fill approximately 1.9 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. 

Power companies and emergency crews have been working to restore electricity and repair damaged infrastructure, while authorities have also been assessing areas that are difficult to reach because of damaged roads and rugged terrain.

Hawaii faces another storm

The danger did not end with Lala.

Only days later, Tropical Storm Moke approached Hawaii, threatening to bring another round of heavy rain and strong winds to the Big Island. Forecasts warned that some areas could receive several inches of additional rainfall, with isolated locations potentially seeing as much as 15 inches. 

Because the ground was already saturated by Lala, officials warned that even a weaker storm could trigger dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

Moke was expected to pass south of the Big Island rather than make a direct landfall, reducing the threat from its strongest winds. However, heavy rainfall remained a major concern for communities still recovering from Lala. 

A difficult recovery ahead

Hawaii is now facing the difficult task of repairing homes, roads, power networks and other infrastructure while residents continue to recover from the flooding.

The back-to-back storms have highlighted how quickly tropical weather can create dangerous conditions across the Hawaiian Islands. Officials continue to urge residents to monitor weather warnings, avoid flooded roads and remain prepared for further severe weather.

For communities already affected by Hurricane Lala, the arrival of another tropical system has made an already difficult recovery even more challenging.

Attached is a News article regarding Hawaii hurricane flood damage 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/c2el0wd0w3go

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Ed Matthews Jailed After Confrontation Involving Alleged Paedophile

British streamer and influencer Ed Matthews has reportedly been sentenced to a short period behind bars following legal issues connected to a previous online vigilante confrontation.

Matthews, known for his controversial online content and livestreams, has reportedly faced legal consequences following an incident involving a man he believed to be a paedophile.

The confrontation was connected to Matthews’ previous involvement in online “predator hunting” activities, where suspected sexual offenders are confronted and exposed through online content.

However, taking matters into their own hands can create serious legal consequences. Even where someone is suspected of committing a serious offence, members of the public do not have the same investigative and enforcement powers as the police.

According to reports circulating online, Matthews was subsequently subject to court proceedings and probation-related restrictions. He has reportedly now been sentenced to around four weeks in prison following a breach connected to those legal proceedings.

The reported sentence has generated discussion across social media, with supporters questioning why Matthews was imprisoned after confronting someone believed to be a paedophile, while others have stressed that vigilante activity must remain within the boundaries of the law.

The case also highlights the distinction between reporting suspected criminal behaviour to police and personally confronting or attempting to punish an alleged offender.

It is important to stress that an allegation does not establish that a person has committed a crime. Suspected offences involving children should be investigated by the police and determined through the courts.

Details surrounding Matthews’ exact offence, the circumstances of the alleged breach and the precise sentence remain limited in publicly available reporting. The widely circulated four-week sentence should therefore be treated as reported information unless confirmed by an authoritative court or police source.

Matthews’ case is likely to reignite the debate surrounding Britain’s growing online vigilante culture—and whether exposing suspected predators online ultimately helps protect vulnerable people or creates further legal problems.

Attached is a news article regarding ed Matthew sent to prison 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcV9rcFoPyF/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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DMO DJ’s Lamborghini Seized as Police Crack Down on Street Racing

Luxury car seized as authorities target alleged illegal street-racing activity

Popular car enthusiast and YouTuber DMO DJ has reported that police seized one of his Lamborghini vehicles, sparking attention among his large online following.

DMO DJ said in a social-media post that his Lamborghini Urus was seized by Birmingham Police, claiming the vehicle was taken during a police operation. He later indicated that the car could potentially be returned after the weekend. 

The seizure comes amid increased police attention on illegal street racing and dangerous driving involving high-performance and luxury vehicles. Authorities in different jurisdictions have been taking a tougher approach to vehicles allegedly connected with organised street racing, with some jurisdictions having powers to permanently confiscate vehicles following convictions.

DMO DJ has become well known online for showcasing expensive and heavily modified performance cars, including Lamborghinis. His content regularly attracts attention from car enthusiasts because of the extreme performance of some of the vehicles he features.

However, a vehicle being seized does not by itself prove that its owner committed a criminal offence. The circumstances surrounding the Birmingham seizure, including why the Lamborghini was taken and whether any offence was alleged against DMO DJ personally, should be distinguished from confirmed criminal findings.

The case highlights the growing conflict between Britain’s performance-car culture and police efforts to prevent dangerous driving and illegal racing on public roads.

For owners of high-performance cars, the message from law enforcement is clear: using public roads for racing or dangerous driving can lead to serious consequences, including prosecution and the loss of the vehicle.

Attached is a News article regarding DMO DJ having his car seized for illegal street racing 

https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/news/west-midlands/news/news/2026/august/dozens-of-cars-seized-and-illegal-street-racing-disrupted/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Tate Brothers Referred to Counter-Terror Police Over Alleged Russian Influence

Andrew and Tristan Tate have been referred to Counter Terrorism Policing following concerns over footage from a controversial visit to Russia, including allegations that the brothers may have been involved in Russian propaganda or influence activity.

The referral was made after the brothers travelled to Russia in June and published footage appearing to show them taking part in military-style activities alongside men wearing military uniforms. The footage reportedly showed the pair around military equipment and participating in weapons-related exercises. 

The issue was raised by Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, who reportedly wrote to the Home Office and referred the matter to Counter Terrorism Policing. Concerns have centred on whether the material produced during the trip could have been used as part of Russian influence or propaganda efforts. 

Footage From Russia

Videos shared online showed Andrew and Tristan Tate taking part in activities presented as military training. Reports say the footage included the brothers being given the opportunity to operate weapons, including a grenade launcher, while other footage showed them singing the Soviet-era song Katyusha.

The material has attracted scrutiny because of the wider security concerns surrounding foreign influence campaigns and the use of prominent online personalities to spread political narratives.

However, a referral to Counter Terrorism Policing does not mean that the Tate brothers have been accused, charged or found guilty of terrorism or working for the Russian government. It means that concerns have been raised and may be assessed by the appropriate authorities.

Tate Brothers Reject the Characterisation

Representatives for the brothers have rejected the suggestion that the footage amounted to military training or Russian propaganda.

Their representatives described the criticism as an attempt to portray what they say was simply a visit to a shooting range as something more serious. The Independent reported that their representatives said it was “absurd to equate a day at the range with military training”. 

The allegations therefore remain allegations, and any investigation would have to establish whether there was evidence of deliberate foreign influence activity rather than simply controversial social-media content.

Comes Amid Wider Legal Battles

The development comes as Andrew and Tristan Tate are already involved in major legal proceedings in the United Kingdom and Romania.

In July 2026, the Crown Prosecution Service announced additional UK charges against Andrew Tate, including allegations of rape, trafficking for sexual exploitation, assault and offences involving indecent images of a child and extreme pornography. Tristan Tate faces charges including rape, sexual assault and trafficking for sexual exploitation. Both brothers deny wrongdoing. 

The brothers were also arrested in Miami as they contest extradition to the UK. Their legal team has continued to dispute the allegations against them. 

What Happens Next?

Counter Terrorism Policing would be expected to assess the concerns raised about the Russia footage and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to justify further investigation.

At this stage, there is no public finding that Andrew or Tristan Tate are agents of Russia, members of a terrorist organisation, or guilty of conducting an influence operation on behalf of the Russian state.

The referral nevertheless adds another layer of scrutiny to the brothers’ increasingly complex international legal and political controversies.

Attached is a news article regarding Tate brothers referred to counterterrorism police for alleged Russian influence 

https://www.joe.co.uk/news/tate-brothers-referred-to-counter-terror-police-over-alleged-russia-propaganda-trip-544260

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Seven Dead After Horror A66 Police Chase Crash as Two Officers Killed

Two Cleveland Police officers and five members of the public have died following a devastating head-on collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

Seven people have died after a police vehicle collided head-on with a Volkswagen Passat during the early hours of Saturday morning, following a police pursuit in the north-east of England.

The tragedy happened at around 3.39am on Saturday, August 22, on the A66 at South Bank, near Middlesbrough. According to Cleveland Police, officers had begun pursuing a vehicle after it was reported as suspicious. 

The Volkswagen Passat, which was carrying five people, was travelling on the wrong side of the A66 when it collided with a marked police vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.

All seven people in the two vehicles died at the scene. The two police officers were serving members of Cleveland Police, while the other five victims were travelling in the Volkswagen. 

The two officers have been named as PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller paid tribute to the officers, describing the incident as an incredibly sad day for the force and the wider community. 

Emergency services rushed to the scene following the collision, but the injuries sustained were fatal. The road has remained closed while investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Police watchdog launches investigation

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the collision because it followed a police pursuit.

The watchdog said it was working to establish exactly what happened before the crash and stressed that people should avoid speculation while the investigation continues. Cleveland Police is cooperating with the inquiry. 

The incident has sent shockwaves through Cleveland Police, with colleagues mourning the deaths of two officers who were on duty and responding to an incident when their lives were suddenly cut short.

Tributes have also been paid by political leaders, who expressed their condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of everyone who lost their lives.

The devastating collision highlights the dangers faced by police officers and other emergency workers when responding to incidents on the roads.

As investigators continue examining the crash, the families of all seven victims are being supported, while authorities have urged the public to allow the investigation to establish the facts.

Seven lives have been lost in one of the most devastating road tragedies to hit the region in recent years — including two officers who were serving their community when tragedy struck.

Attached is a news article regarding seven dead after horrific car crash involving police 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cq6151gdp50t

Article written and configured by Christopher stanley 

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Yung Filly to Face Retrial Over Three Unresolved Rape Charges in Australia

British YouTuber and rapper Yung Filly is set to face a retrial in Western Australia after a jury was unable to reach verdicts on three rape charges arising from an alleged incident involving a 20-year-old woman in Perth in September 2024. 

Yung Filly, whose real name is Andrés Felipe Valencia Barrientos, underwent an eight-day trial at the District Court of Western Australia in July. The jury considered six charges of sexual penetration without consent, alongside allegations of assault and choking.

The jury acquitted Barrientos of three of the rape charges and found him not guilty of choking and one assault charge. However, jurors could not reach the required majority verdict on the remaining three rape charges. 

Prosecutors Confirm Retrial

On Friday, prosecutors confirmed that they intend to bring Barrientos back before the court for a retrial on the three unresolved rape charges.

The woman involved in the case, who cannot legally be identified, has agreed to give evidence again, according to prosecutors. The judge has asked lawyers on both sides to consider whether the retrial should be heard before a jury or by a judge sitting alone. 

A retrial does not mean that Barrientos has been found guilty of the outstanding allegations. The three charges remain unresolved, and he continues to be entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until a court determines otherwise.

Assault Convictions

Although Barrientos was cleared of several allegations, the previous trial did result in convictions on two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.

Those convictions related to allegations that he bit the woman, with the prosecution presenting photographs showing injuries and bruising. Barrientos acknowledged biting her during his evidence but maintained that the sexual encounter was consensual and described the bites as “love bites”. 

Sentencing for the two assault convictions is expected to take place after the retrial.

What Happens Next?

Barrientos remains on bail and is expected to return to court as the Australian legal process continues. A further hearing is scheduled to deal with his bail conditions, while another court appearance is expected to address the listing of the retrial.

The case has attracted significant public attention because of Barrientos’ profile as a British entertainer and social-media personality. However, the retrial will concern only the three rape charges on which the original jury was unable to reach a verdict.

The outcome of those proceedings will determine whether Barrientos is convicted or acquitted of the remaining allegations.

Attached is a news article regarding yung filly having to face retrial over rape changes 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-21/uk-youtuber-yung-filly-to-be-retried-on-rape-charges/107063492

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Prince Harry, Elton John and Five Others Ordered to Pay £9.54 Million to Daily Mail Publisher

By 222 News

Prince Harry, Sir Elton John and five other high-profile claimants have been ordered to make an initial payment of £9.54 million towards the legal costs of the publisher of the Daily Mail after losing a major High Court privacy case.

The ruling is the latest development in a long-running legal battle between the celebrities and Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. 

The claimants had accused ANL of unlawful information-gathering practices, including allegations concerning the obtaining of private information and other intrusive methods. ANL strongly denied the allegations.

Following an 11-week trial, Mr Justice Matthew Nicklin dismissed the claimants’ case in July 2026. The judge found that the allegations had not been established with sufficient evidence and described aspects of the way the litigation was pursued as highly unreasonable. 

Who are the seven claimants?

The group involved in the case includes:

* Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

* Sir Elton John

* David Furnish

* Elizabeth Hurley

* Sadie Frost

* Baroness Doreen Lawrence

* Sir Simon Hughes

The case attracted enormous public attention because of the prominence of those involved, particularly Prince Harry and Elton John.

£9.54 million is only an initial payment

The £9.54 million figure does not necessarily represent the final legal bill.

Associated Newspapers has put its overall legal costs at approximately £34.5 million. The court has not simply ordered the seven claimants to immediately pay that entire amount. Instead, the £9.54 million is an interim payment towards the publisher’s costs, with the final amount to be determined through the costs process. 

The judge also ordered the costs to be assessed on an indemnity basis, a more demanding costs regime that can allow a successful party to recover a greater proportion of its legal expenses.

The claimants have been given until 28 August to make the initial payment, according to reports. 

Harry’s continuing battle with the British press

The ruling represents another setback for Prince Harry in his wider legal campaign against sections of the British newspaper industry.

Harry has previously taken legal action against publishers over alleged intrusion into his private life. In a separate case against Mirror Group Newspapers, he successfully established that unlawful information gathering had occurred in relation to some stories and received damages.

However, the latest case involved Associated Newspapers, and the High Court rejected the claims brought against the publisher. 

Harry and some of the other claimants have criticised the outcome of the latest case. Harry previously described the judgment as a “whitewash”, while Associated Newspapers presented the result as a major victory for the Mail and its journalism. 

What happens next?

The £9.54 million payment is an immediate financial consequence of the failed case, but the dispute may not be completely finished.

The final amount that the claimants will ultimately have to contribute towards Associated Newspapers’ legal costs still needs to be determined. The parties also have the opportunity to pursue an appeal against the judgment.

The case highlights the enormous financial risks involved when high-profile individuals pursue lengthy litigation against major media organisations. With legal costs running into tens of millions of pounds, the consequences of losing such a case can be substantial.

For Prince Harry and the other claimants, the £9.54 million order marks a significant financial blow after a legal battle that lasted several years and attracted worldwide attention.

Attached is a news article regarding prince harry and Elton John and five others ordered to pay 9.5 million to the daily mail publisher 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c04kwr9r1zlo

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Dubai’s $12 Billion Artificial Island: Is Palm Jumeirah Really Sinking?

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai is famous for turning ambitious ideas into reality, but one of its most spectacular projects has faced a persistent question is the $12 billion Palm Jumeirah slowly sinking into the sea. 

Palm Jumeirah, the enormous palm shaped artificial island built off Dubai’s coastline, was created using millions of cubic metres of sand dredged from the seabed and strategically placed to form the island, NASA has documented how GPS guided dredging and sand spraying technology were used during the construction of Dubai’s artificial islands. 

Claims of subsidence

Concerns about Palm Jumeirah emerged more than a decade ago after satellite, based measurements suggested that parts of the reclaimed island were moving downward. 

A 2009 report cited measurements indicating an average movement of around 5 millimetres per year in some locations, Survey specialists involved in the research stood by their measurements, while Nakheel, the developer behind Palm Jumeirah, disputed the suggestion that the island was sinking dangerously. 

Nakheel said the island had settled slightly, which it described as normal for artificially created land, but rejected claims that Palm Jumeirah was sinking into the sea. 

Why would an artificial island move?

Palm Jumeirah is not a natural geological formation, Much of the island was created by placing and compacting enormous quantities of marine sand. 

Over time, reclaimed land can experience settlement, as the material becomes more compact under its own weight and the weight of buildings and infrastructure. 

This does not automatically mean that the island is about to disappear beneath the Gulf. 

However, long term settlement is an important engineering consideration for any major reclaimed land development, particularly when combined with coastal erosion, storms and future sea level rise. 

A wider problem for Dubai

Palm Jumeirah is not Dubai’s only artificia, island experiment. 

The emirate also developed, The World  an archipelago of hundreds of artificial islands designed to resemble a map of the world\. NASA describes how the islands were formed by dredging material from the seabed and using GPS guided technology to place it into carefully designed shapes. 

The World project also faced controversy over erosion and the condition of some of the islands, In 2011, evidence presented to the Dubai World Tribunal included claims that some islands were eroding and that navigation channels were becoming clogged with silt, Nakheel disputed claims that the development was suffering from serious stability problems. 

Not disappearing tomorrow

Despite the dramatic headlines surrounding the subject, there is no evidence that Palm Jumeirah is currently disappearing beneath the sea. 

The more accurate story is that the island, like other reclaimed coastal developments, has to deal with natural processes such as settlement, erosion and changing sea conditions. 

Palm Jumeirah remains one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks and a major residential and tourism destination. 

But its story demonstrates the enormous engineering challenge of building a city on land that did not naturally exist. 

The future

Dubai’s artificial islands were designed to demonstrate what modern engineering could achieve, The challenge now is ensuring that these enormous coastal developments remain stable and resilient for generations. 

The question is therefore not simply whether Palm Jumeirah is “sinking. 

The bigger question is how much maintenance and engineering will be required to protect an artificial coastline from the forces of the sea over the long term. 

222 News| World & Environment

Attached is a news article regarding Dubai artificial islands is sinking 

https://www.theinertia.com/environment/dubais-man-made-islands-for-the-super-rich-are-reportedly-sinking-back-into-the-sea/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Tinder Romance Scam: Man Allegedly Conned £100,000 by Claiming He Had Cancer

A man who met someone through the dating app Tinder is alleged to have carried out a devastating romance scam, persuading his victim to hand over around £100,000 after claiming that he was suffering from cancer.

According to the alleged account, the pair developed a relationship online after meeting on Tinder. The man reportedly built up trust with the victim before telling them that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was facing serious financial difficulties because of his treatment.

Over time, the victim allegedly sent substantial amounts of money after being told the funds were needed for medical treatment, living expenses and other costs connected to his illness.

The payments eventually reached approximately £100,000, leaving the victim facing a significant financial loss.

Romance scams often involve criminals creating false identities or relationships online before manipulating victims into sending money. Fraudsters may claim to be suffering from an illness, facing an emergency or experiencing financial problems in order to make their requests appear genuine.

In this case, the alleged cancer story was reportedly central to convincing the victim that the financial assistance was genuinely needed.

The situation came to light after concerns were raised about the man’s claims and the money being requested. Questions were subsequently raised over whether he had actually been suffering from cancer or had used the illness as part of an elaborate deception.

If proven, the case would demonstrate how online relationships can be exploited to manipulate people’s emotions and finances.

Experts have repeatedly warned people using dating apps to be extremely cautious when someone they have met online begins requesting money. Genuine relationships should not require large financial transfers, particularly when the person has never been met in real life.

Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to a romance scam should keep records of messages, payments and other communications and report the matter to the appropriate authorities.

Important: The allegations described above should not be treated as proof of criminal wrongdoing unless established by a court. The man’s identity, the victim’s identity and the precise circumstances should be verified against court or police records before publication.

Attached is a news article regarding a man who scammed a person on tinder for 100K saying that they was suffering from cancer 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/08/20/tinder-swindler-claimed-he-was-former-soldier-with-cancer/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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