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AP Sports Digest

Posted 10/13/25

Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. …

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AP Sports Digest

Posted

Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.

The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918; graphics, ext. 7636.

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UPCOMING

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-CHIEFS REBOUND

DESCRIPTION: All the talk about the decline of the Kansas City Chiefs was premature. With Patrick Mahomes doing his magic and a stout defense, the Chiefs can beat anybody. A convincing 30-17 victory over the Detroit Lions in front of a national audience on Sunday night lifted the Chiefs to 3-3. They’ve got a long way to go but they’re a much better team than the one that started 0-2. Critics were wondering if it was the end of Kansas City’s dynasty. But the Chiefs just need to get healthy and work out some kinks. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi. UPCOMING: 685 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-AP TOP 25-EXTRA POINTS

DESCRIPTION: UNLV has quietly started 6-0 under new coach Dan Mullen and a win this week at Boise State would put the Rebels in the spotlight. Even if the Rebels finish the regular season undefeated and win the Mountain West title, it probably still won’t be enough to get them into the College Football Playoff as the Group of Five representative. American Conference teams South Florida, Memphis and Tulane are most often mentioned as front-runners. The Rebels have played one of the weakest schedules in the country. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. UPCOMING: 825 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 8:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKC--T25-COLLEGE BKB POLL

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press releases its preseason Top 25 men’s college basketball poll on Monday. By Aaron Beard. 700 words and photos by noon. With agate list.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 12:00 p.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Text, Alternate Headlines, Photo

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FBC--T25-INDIANA-MOVING UP

DESCRIPTION: Indiana coach Curt Cignetti led the Hoosiers to a historic start in his first season in Bloomington. He’s doing even more in Year 2. After beating a Top 10 on the road for the first time in school history Saturday, No. 3 Indiana now has its highest ranking ever. But Cignetti isn’t celebrating, he’s asking his players to do even more to accomplish their goals. By Michael Marot. UPCOMING: 700 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--STEELERS-ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are not lighting up the scoreboard. Considering the way they are built, they might not have to. In a chaos-filled AFC North, Pittsburgh’s simple approach -- don’t turn it over and create as much chaos as you can on defense -- has the Steelers comfortably in first place. By Will Graves. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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CAR--NASCAR-IN THE PITS

DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS -- Denny Hamlin spent most of the last month facing fierce criticism over his playoff racing -- a crash with a teammate at New Hampshire and moves at Kansas Speedway and Charlotte that changed the participants in the round of eight of NASCAR’s playoffs. Well, he silenced everyone at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where he won his 60th career race and claimed the first of four spots in the championship-deciding finale. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--INDYCAR-SCHUMACHER TEST

DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- Mick Schumacher, the son of Formula One champion Michael Schumacher, will be driving an IndyCar during a test session Monday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The younger Schumacher has competed in 43 F1 races. But he will be driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing on Monday. By Michael Marot. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--PENN ST-AFTER FRANKLIN

DESCRIPTION: STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State’s hopes of competing for the national title are gone. Now, interim-coach Terry Smith and the Nittany Lions will have to salvage what they can out of 2025 after the firing of James Franklin and the loss of quarterback Drew Allar to a season-ending injury. By Travis Johnson. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKN--RETOOLED GRIZZLIES

DESCRIPTION: NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies retooled the roster around two-time All-Stars in Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a young roster. New coach Tuomas Iisalo is changing how the Grizzlies plan to play with the best way to describe his style as “speed kills” for how quickly he wants them moving up and down the court. By Teresa M. Walker. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBN--49ERS-ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers overcame a rash on injuries to star players to get off to a fast start to the 2025 season. The season-ending ankle injury to four-time All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner might be too much as evidenced by how San Francisco’s defense collapsed without its leader in a 30-19 loss to Tampa Bay. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--POSTSEASON

FORMATS: Text

    1. WITH: BBO--NLCS

      2. DESCRIPTION: MILWAUKEE -- The Los Angeles Dodgers visit the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game starts at 8:08 p.m. EDT.

      3. UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 11:30 p.m. EDT

    4. WITH: BBO--ALCS

      5. DESCRIPTION: TORONTO -- The Seattle Mariners visit the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 2 of the AL Championship Series. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game starts at 5:08 p.m. EDT.

      6. UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 8:30 p.m. EDT

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FBN--BILLS-FALCONS

DESCRIPTION: ATLANTA -- Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, coming off their first loss of the season, will try to regroup when they face the Atlanta Falcons, who are expected to lean on a running game led by Bijan Robinson, on Monday night. By Charles Odum. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos. Game starts at 7:15 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 11:15 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBN--BEARS-COMMANDERS

DESCRIPTION: LANDOVER, Md. — Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders host Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears in a rematch from a game a year ago that ended with Daniels’ 52-yard Hail Mary TD pass. By Howard Fendrich. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos. Game starts at 8:15 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/13/2025 11:59 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--FRUSTRATED LIONS

Brian Branch and the Lions end a frustrating loss at Kansas City with postgame fisticuffs

SUMMARY: The Detroit Lions had a tough night against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. And it didn’t get much better after the final whistle in the 30-17 defeat. Brian Branch’s punch to JuJu Smith-Schuster sparked a brief fight among players, and it could very well earn the Detroit safety a hefty fine and a suspension. The fracas came after the Chiefs had shut down the NFL’s highest-scoring offense and moved the ball with ease against the Detroit defense in a game that snapped the Lions’ four-game winning streak.

WORDS: 810 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 12:41 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e1f8f03a80052ad16856673846b2791c&mediaType=text

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FBN--LIONS-CHIEFS

Mahomes leads the Chiefs to a 30-17 victory over Lions, and a fistfight erupts at the finish

SUMMARY: Patrick Mahomes threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns and led the Kansas City Chiefs to a 30-17 victory over the ailing Detroit Lions. Sunday night’s game ended with a fistfight among players. Mahomes tried to give Brian Branch a high-five after the final whistle, and the Lions safety walked right by him. Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster took umbrage and had words with Branch, who delivered a punch to set off the brief melee. Marquise Brown had two touchdown receptions and Xavier Worthy had another for the Chiefs, who evened their record at 3-3. The Lions fell to 4-2.

WORDS: 915 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 12:32 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a1efef80b5189979ac00baf9c9925cf2&mediaType=text

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BBO--ALCS-MARINERS-BLUE JAYS

Raleigh homers, Polanco drives in 2 runs and Mariners beat Blue Jays 3-1 in ALCS opener

SUMMARY: Cal Raleigh homered, Jorge Polanco drove in the go-ahead run with a sixth-inning single and the Seattle Mariners beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 as they returned to the AL Championship Series for the first time in 24 years. George Springer homered on the first pitch from Bryce Miller, who then escaped a two-on jam in a 27-pitch first inning. Anthony Santander singled in the second for Toronto’s only other hit, and Seattle pitchers retired 23 of the Blue Jays’ final 24 batters as Miller, Gabe Speier, Matt Brash and Andrés Muñoz combined to throw just 100 pitches.

WORDS: 852 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 12:30 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1b33a92079b3b54076c7cb9dd3a65093&mediaType=text

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FBN--49ERS-WARNER HURT

49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner out for season following severe right ankle injury

SUMMARY: Four-time All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner will need season-ending surgery after he was sidelined by a severe ankle injury during San Francisco’s loss to Tampa Bay. Warner’s right ankle dislocated and broke when players fell into him. Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the injury after the 30-19 defeat. The entire 49ers sideline came onto the field to support Warner before he left with an air cast. Despite numerous injuries, including missing key players like quarterback Brock Purdy, the 49ers are 4-2 and tied for first in the NFC West. Warner has been a consistent All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection.

WORDS: 651 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 10:25 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fe86150f4751dd95f05fe960ee2b354c&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-LAS VEGAS

Tears of triumph: Denny Hamlin wins emotional race in Las Vegas, secures championship spot

SUMMARY: Denny Hamlin became the first driver to lock up a spot in NASCAR’s championship-deciding finale, winning Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for his career-goal 60th Cup Series triumph. Hamlin, considered the best driver in NASCAR history to never win a Cup title, is back in the winner-take-all title race for the first time since 2021. The winningest driver in Joe Gibbs Racing history is tied for 10th on NASCAR’s career victories list with Kevin Harvick. Hamlin was emotional two weeks ago when he failed to win at Kansas Speedway in a victory he hoped to dedicate to his ailing father. He made good on it at Las Vegas. Kyle Larson was second.

WORDS: 1141 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 10:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:25aab1a7d8e5f9e303f2c93ad4cf510e&mediaType=text

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FBN--BENGALS-FLACCO’S DEBUT

Joe Flacco’s strong second half in Cincinnati debut gives slumping Bengals reason for hope

SUMMARY: Joe Flacco rallied the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half. That was enough to provide some hope for his new teammates. Just five days after he was acquired in a trade with Cleveland, Flacco passed for 219 yards and two touchdowns in his Cincinnati debut. The Bengals lost 27-18 at Green Bay, but they pushed the Packers all the way to the very end. All-Pro receiver Ja’Marr Chase says Flacco is “just so poised.” Cincinnati has been outscored 140-55 during a four-game losing streak. But Flacco’s performance in the second half against the Packers created some optimism for the Bengals.

WORDS: 714 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 10:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:baa0ea3ac4b0c379303764381bf7f292&mediaType=text

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HKN-CAPITALS-RANGERS

Lindgren makes 35 saves as Capitals edge Rangers 1-0

SUMMARY: Anthony Beauvillier scored in the second period, Charlie Lindgren stopped 35 shots, and the Washington Capitals beat the New York Rangers 1-0. Beauvillier’s tip-in of a shot by Alex Ovechkin with 6:13 left in the middle period beat Rangers goalie Jonathan Quick and held up as the Capitals won for the second time in two nights. Washington defeated the Islanders 4-2 on Saturday at UBS Arena. It was the 10th career shutout for Lindgren, making his first start this season. The 39-year-old Quick also was making his season debut after Igor Shesterkin won two of the Rangers first three games. He made 20 saves.

WORDS: 379 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 9:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f5d8335f7392be22c280d22cb25b00ba&mediaType=text

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FBC--PENN ST-FRANKLIN FIRED

Penn State fires coach James Franklin amid midseason free fall in a lost season

SUMMARY: James Franklin is out at Penn State. The school fired the longtime football coach Sunday, less than 24 hours after a 22-21 home loss to Northwestern. Terry Smith will serve as the interim head coach for the rest of the season. The Nittany Lions began the year with hopes of winning a national title. Those hopes evaporated by early October amid a string of losses. Penn State, which reached the CFP semifinal 10 months ago, lost at home to Oregon in overtime in late September. A road loss at UCLA followed.

WORDS: 988 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 6:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2e6db7e753d93942a32f193e40b1b373&mediaType=text

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BBO--ALCS ROSTERS

Bichette left off Blue Jays’ ALCS roster but Scherzer and Bassitt active, Woo returns for Mariners

SUMMARY: Injured Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette isn’t on the roster for the AL Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners that begins Sunday night in Toronto, but three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer and right-hander Chris Bassitt are both active after missing the Division Series win over the Yankees. Seattle made two changes to the roster that beat Detroit in the Division Series round, with ace right-hander Bryan Woo returning. A first-time All-Star this season, the 25-year-old Woo hasn’t pitched since Sept. 19 because of pectoral inflammation.

WORDS: 644 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 6:16 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:40f7605c5c488e7a83c60bd4455775b1&mediaType=text

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BBO--ALCS-BLUE JAYS-YESAVAGE

Toronto Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage says his family has been subject to abuse

SUMMARY: Toronto rookie Trey Yesavage says his family has faced abuse since his impressive postseason debut against the New York Yankees. He spoke out before the AL Championship Series opener against Seattle, expressing sadness his loved ones are being targeted for his on-field performances. Yesavage, who is set to start Game 2 on Monday, declined to answer follow-up questions. Blue Jays manager John Schneider commended him for addressing the issue. Yesavage set a Blue Jays postseason record by striking out 11 Yankees in 5 1/3 hitless innings in the AL Division Series.

WORDS: 479 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 6:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3ae6330c8c230b772ea8decbd12ba10e&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-EUROPEAN QUALIFYING

Stunning victory for Faroe Islands keeps World Cup hopes alive; Netherlands, Scotland, Croatia win

SUMMARY: Tiny Faroe Islands took a big step toward its first World Cup with a stunning 2-1 win against the Czech Republic. Ranked 136th by FIFA, the nation whose population is less than 55,000 put itself in contention for the playoffs for next year’s tournament in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Faroe Islands, located halfway between Scotland and Iceland, has long been a minnow of European soccer and at its lowest point was ranked 198th. But a run of four wins from its last five matches has seen it climb to third in Group L. Netherlands continues to lead the way in Group G after a 4-0 win against Finland. Memphis Depay scored a record-extending 54th goal for his country.

WORDS: 597 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 5:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b66bf6d32ea7026179a8a9447fc65543&mediaType=text

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FBN--BRONCOS-JETS

Broncos get 9 sacks and beat the winless Jets in ugly 13-11 victory in London

SUMMARY: Bo Nix threw an early touchdown pass, Wil Lutz kicked a late go-ahead field goal and the Denver Broncos sacked Justin Fields nine times, with the final one sealing an ugly 13-11 victory over the winless New York Jets. The Broncos found themselves trailing 11-10 after conceding a safety in the third quarter against a Jets team that managed just 82 total net yards on offense. Nix, who was 19 of 30 for 174 yards, led Denver on a 12-play, 65-yard drive that ended with Lutz’s 27-yard field with just over five minutes left.

WORDS: 976 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 5:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e4c2410717f7b70f8a581ac0c5f09960&mediaType=text

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FBN--MARK SANCHEZ-STABBING

Ex-NFL QB Mark Sanchez released from custody a week after parking fight arrest and stabbing

SUMMARY: Former NFL quarterback and sports analyst Mark Sanchez has been released from custody, about a week after police said he was stabbed during a fight with a truck driver in Indiana. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed Sanchez’s release on Sunday. He faces a felony battery charge and several misdemeanor charges for what prosecutors have said was a fight over parking. Police say Sanchez was hospitalized with stab wounds to his upper right torso. Sanchez was in Indianapolis for Fox’s coverage of a game between the Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders. A defense attorney for Sanchez didn’t immediately respond to a telephone message seeking comment.

WORDS: 272 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 3:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:30f5d7ab49aafbd6acb6cc79ec20db46&mediaType=text

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GLF--PGA-JAPAN

Schauffele wins in Japan, the country where his mother grew up and where he has many connections

SUMMARY: Xander Schauffele ends a most trying PGA Tour season filled with injury with a key victory in a special place. Schauffele shot a 7-under 64 on Sunday to win the Baycurrent Classic in Japan — a country where his mother grew up and where he has many connections including maternal grandparents who reside there. Schauffele, who shot 19-under 265 at the Yokohama Country Club, finished one shot ahead of American Max Greyserman, who was also the runner-up at this event a year ago as he chases his first PGA Tour title. Schauffele now has 10 career PGA Tour titles.

WORDS: 682 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 2:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6ad271611470b75ffbae0b21fee1246d&mediaType=text

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FBN--CARDINALS-COLTS INJURIES

Cardinals lose tight end Travis Vokolek with a neck injury in first quarter of Colts game

SUMMARY: Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek was placed on a stretcher and taken off the field on a golf cart after injuring his neck on a kickoff return against the Indianapolis Colts. Vokolek was left flat on his back, not moving, after trying to block Colts linebacker Segun Olubi. Trainers rushed onto the field to tend to the former Nebraska player as players from both teams gathered around him. Some took a knee. Vokolek was placed onto a backboard, then lifted onto the cart before giving a thumbs-up as the cart drove through one of the field’s tunnels. A few minutes later, he was ruled out of the game.

WORDS: 182 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 2:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:28daf882d454bcfa48d195edc79ecee2&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL

No. 3 Indiana has its highest ranking ever in AP Top 25, Texas, USC back in the rankings

SUMMARY: Indiana has climbed to No. 3 in The Associated Press college football poll, marking its highest ranking ever. This comes after a 10-point win at Oregon. Ohio State and Miami remain the top two teams. Texas A&M and Mississippi have swapped places. Oklahoma dropped to No. 14 following a loss to Texas. The No. 21 Longhorns are back in the Top 25 after a one-week absence. Five teams dropped out of the ratings in the biggest turnover since seven fell out in an October poll in 2022.

WORDS: 800 - MOVED: 10/12/2025 2:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f90accb028b230239948fc8139972774&mediaType=text

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