North Melbourne captain Emma Kearney will return from a bad hamstring injury in the Kangaroos' AFLW preliminary final against Port Adelaide.
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Kangaroos regain skipper Kearney for AFLW prelim
‘We’re gonna fight outside after this’: Keke Palmer returns to ‘Hoda & Jenna’ after telling them to mind their own business
Thousands of households can get £7,500 free cash for home improvements that can slash energy bills by £1,000s
THOUSANDS of households can get £7,500 free cash for home improvements that could slash their energy bills by thousands.
The government’s latest £30 million cash injection into the Boiler Upgrade Scheme means more homes than ever could benefit from cheaper heating.
The scheme, which offers households grants to install heat pumps in their homes, could save families thousands compared to a gas boiler.
And as well as an immediate cash boost, the budget is set to be almost doubled next financial year – with £295 million poured into the scheme.
Families will also enjoy more flexible eligibility criteria when it comes to installing a pump – as the government has promised to remove the stringent planning rules.
Current rules dictate that planning permission must be sought if a household wishes to install any part of a heat pump less than one metre from another property’s boundary.
But this will no longer be the case, under the new proposal.
It comes after ministers also decided to remove the need for loft or cavity wall insulation prior to installing a heat pump through the scheme.
This means families can opt into the scheme without the financial burden of installing insulation first – saving them a further £2,500, according to Daniel Särefjord, chief executive officer of Aira UK, which manufactures heat pumps.
He said: “For households that previously required loft or cavity wall insulation to secure the BUS grant, this policy change will make the installation of a heat pump £2,500 cheaper on average, allowing people to choose when to upgrade their home insulation and making heat pump ownership even more budget friendly.”
The revamped Boiler Upgrade Scheme is part of the wider Warm Homes Plan, which aims to support households with energy bills amid cuts to winter fuel payments.
The government has said £3.2 billion will be invested in the scheme across 2025/26, in hopes of supporting up to 300,000 households.”
Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “The idea at the heart of our Warm Homes Plan is a simple one – all families deserve the security of a home they can afford to heat.
“But for too long, that has been out of reach for far too many people who have been left with draughty homes and sky-high bills. That is why we are taking immediate action today to make cleaner heating available to more households.
“This follows our plan to lift over one million households out of fuel poverty by consulting on boosting minimum energy efficiency standards for all renters by 2030, delivering warmer homes and cheaper bills.”
What is a heat pump?
Heat pumps work by shifting heat from the ground or air into your home.
Ground heat pumps work by transferring heat from underground through pipes which are connected to a main unit.
This heat is then pumped around your home.
Air source heat pumps work by transferring heat from outside air into water.
This water is then passed through a heat exchanger, which raises its temperature and is then passed around your pipes.
Biomass boilers work by burning logs, pellets or chips, which creates heat which is then connected to a central heating system.
The cost of installing a heat pump can vary from between £2,000 to £15,000, according to Checkatrade.
Meanwhile, the cost of having a biomass boiler installed in your property costs £16,000 on average, it says.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, Scottish Power customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £750.
EDF, E.ON and Octopus Energy all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and who is eligible?
You can get a grant worth up to £7,500 to replace an old fossil fuel heating system with a heat pump or biomass boiler.
You can get £7,500 towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump and £5,000 towards a biomass boiler.
Those installing a ground source heat pump, including water source heat pumps, can get £7,500 grants.
But there’s eligibility criteria you need to hit, if applying for a heat pump. You must:
- live in England or Wales
- own the property you’re applying for
- be using the grant money to replace a fossil fuel heating system (such as oil, gas, electric or liquefied petroleum gas)
- have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
You will still be eligible if you’ve already had funding to make your property more energy efficient, for example if you’ve insulated it.
The specific eligibility criteria if you are applying to install a biomass boiler varies from ground and air source heat pumps.
You can find out more information by visiting the Government’s
How to apply
You can apply for one of the grants by first contacting a MCS certified installer to get a quote.
They should tell you if you are eligible for one of the grants.
You can find a list of MCS-certified installers by going on the msccertified.com website.
Once you’ve agreed a quote with the installer, they will apply for the grant on your behalf.
The value of the grant is then deducted off the cost of installation, which of course means you might have to pay out some money towards the cost of having one installed.
So, for example, if you are applying for an air source heat pump and it costs £12,500 in stall, you would have to pay £5,000.
Are heat pumps worth it?
Heat pumps can help you slash your energy bills, and they’re also more environmentally friendly as they have a small carbon footprint.
Another advantage to them is they tend to have a longer lifespan than gas boilers.
But, there can be some pitfalls.
First, the initial up front cost of installing one of the gadgets can set you back thousands of pounds, even if you get help through the government’s Boiler Upgrade scheme.
Air-source heat pumps, in particular, can run less efficiently in the winter too, when the machine has to work harder to produce warm water.
Heat pumps are known for how noisy they can be, although this shouldn’t be too much of an issue if it has been installed in the right place.
Beyond this, because heat pumps operate off electricity, you might find your electricity bill goes up slightly after installing one.
But bear in mind the savings you make on your gas bill can outweigh the rise.
Plus, how much they actually save you depends on how much your current bill is, and how you get your energy.
Plus, depending on which type of heat pump you get, you might have to fit it outside your home.
An air-source heat pump for example will need to transfer air from outside into water for the inside of your home.
Captain Tom’s daughter kept £1.5m book cash intended for NHS, demanded £150k salary & built pool in garden, report finds
THE daughter of NHS fundraising hero Captain Tom Moore pocketed £1.5million from a book deal — giving none to his charity.
A Charity Commission report found it was among moves by Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband to plunder her father’s memory for their own benefit.
Much of the money is thought to have been ploughed into an illegal luxury spa that Ingram-Moore, 54, and husband Colin, 67, had built in their garden using the Captain Tom Foundation charity name.
The report also reveals that Ingram-Moore, blocked from paying herself a £150,000 salary as charity CEO, took £85,000 a year and reimbursed her own firm with £80,000 in costs from the foundation.
The couple hoodwinked the public by promising royalties to the charity from its merchandise website.
Instead buyers were redirected to external sites where no commission to good causes was collected.
And they gave the charity £8,900 from a Capt Tom gin from profits thought to be well over £100,000.
Publishers Penguin agreed to pay a £1.4million advance to the Ingram-Moores’ private company for Capt Tom’s memoir on the understanding a contribution would be made to his charity.
He raised nearly £39million for NHS charities by walking 100 lockdown laps of his garden.
In the prologue to Tomorrow Will Be a Good Day, Capt Tom, who died in 2021 aged 100, wrote: “I have also been given the chance to raise even more money for the charitable foundation established in my name.”
Just £17,000 in royalties went to charity.
The report concluded: “The public would understandably feel misled given no donation has been made to the charity.”
Last year, Ingram-Moore wept as she told Piers Morgan she and her hubby pocketed £800,000 from book sales.
But the true scale of their plunder is far greater.
Retired Met chief Mick Neville blasted: “It strikes me as greedy and wicked.”
Charity Commission chief David Holdsworth said: “The failings amount to misconduct and, or, mismanagement.”
The Ingram-Moores, who used Capt Tom’s name to try to sell their £2.25million home in Marston Moretaine, Beds, have been banned as charity trustees.
Penguin said: “We are extremely disappointed.”
Liz Brownsell, of law firm Birketts, said: “There is nothing suggesting fraud.
“It is more a moral than a legal issue.”
The Captain Tom Foundation last night asked for the cash back “immediately and without the need for further action”.
The 4 simple exercises to boost your erection – as 20% of men plagued by condition that ruins sex life
MOST men occasionally have trouble getting or keeping an erection, and it’s usually down to stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol.
While many erectile dysfunction (ED) sufferers are quick to turn to medical interventions, a GP has revealed simple exercises may be all you need to reduce symptoms.
Viagra and Cialis are the most common and well-known treatments for ED.
Taken orally between 30 minutes and four hours before you plan to have sex, they work with enzymes in the body to increase blood flow to the penis.
But according to Dr Kathryn Basford, GP at Asda Online Doctor, taking the blue pill might not be necessary.
She said: “Erectile dysfunction is a common concern among men, but it shouldn’t be a cause for embarrassment.
“Incorporating lifestyle changes like daily Kegel exercises is a simple step that all men can take to reduce erectile dysfunction symptoms.”
Over a fifth of men (21 per cent) in the UK experience ED, according to new research from Asda Online Doctor, with 30 per cent of them experiencing symptoms every time they have sex.
Yet, only 14 per cent of men with ED have tried pelvic floor exercises which are proven to improve the condition, with over two in five (47 per cent) seeing an improvement in their symptoms in a month or less.
Kegal exercises, also known as pelvic floor muscle training, are a series of contractions and relaxations of the pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic floor exercises are commonly recommended for women post-pregnancy.
Pregnancy and delivery can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel, and womb.
Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen these muscles and prevent future weakness.
Having a strong pelvic floor could also improve a woman’s sex life.
But pelvic floor exercises can be beneficial for men too – especially when it comes to erectile dysfunction.
Dr Basford said simple male pelvic floor exercises or Kegels can be just as effective as taking medication to treat erectile dysfunction by strengthening the muscles that control erections.
She recommended: “Setting aside just 15 minutes a day to do male pelvic floor exercises is a good start.
“If symptoms do persist, you should visit your GP who may suggest treatments such as oral medication or injectables.”
Guide to male pelvic floor exercises
With just four easy exercises every day, you can strengthen your pelvic floor and treat ED symptoms.
Repeat each exercise 10-15 times per day, squeezing your pelvic floor muscles for three seconds each time.
You can first find your pelvic floor muscles by trying to stop or slow the flow of urine midstream. Feel the squeeze? That is your pelvic floor.
Or while sitting or lying down, squeeze your anus as if you’re trying to stop passing wind but try not to squeeze your buttocks.
- Standing up: Stand with your legs wide apart and clench your pelvic floor muscles
- Bridge: Lie on your back and lift your hips while engaging your pelvic floor muscles
- Squats: Squat down and squeeze your pelvic floor muscles as you rise back up
- Inner thigh squeeze: Place a small ball or pillow between your thighs and squeeze them together while clenching your pelvic floor muscles
Reluctance to try pelvic floor exercises include one in five (19 per cent) of them thinking male pelvic floor exercises are just for women, being too embarrassed to try them (12 per cent), or preferring to take medication to treat ED than do male pelvic floor exercises (14 per cent).
Among those surveyed, oral medications (47 per cent), such as Viagra and Cialis, are the most common treatment for ED, while over one in ten (13 per cent) have used injectable medications, including Caverject, Papacon and Regitine.
It was also found only 18 per cent of men have used male pelvic floor exercises to manage ED symptoms.
A healthy diet and regular exercise, such as swimming and jogging, can increase blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get an erection.
Yet, the research found less than half (45 per cent) of men who currently experience impotence exercise regularly.
Meanwhile, around a fifth (17 per cent) of men currently suffering from ED exercise less than once a week.
What are the physical causes of erectile dysfunction?
There are four main types of physical condition that can cause impotence in men:
- Vasculogenic disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes affect the flow of blood to your penis and cause erectile dysfunction.
- Neurogenic conditions, which affect the nerves and include disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, are also responsible.
- A hormonal disorder, affecting your hormones, is another example of a physical problem that can lead to impotence.
- An anatomical condition is something that affects the tissue or structure of the penis and is the fourth physical cause. Old age is also commonly associated with impotence.
Child-on-child sex abuse is increasing because adult content is available 24/7, says top cop
CHILD-ON-CHILD sex abuse is increasing because adult content is available 24/7, a top cop said yesterday.
Assistant Chief Constable Becky Riggs said streaming giants had rendered the 9pm watershed redundant.
Smartphones have made it possible to watch explicit shows and films “whenever you feel like”, she added.
Ms Riggs spoke out as a report revealed 115,489 child sexual exploitation incidents were recorded in the past year.
Of these, 4,228 involved groups of two or more — with almost half the suspects, where age was known, between ten and 17.
A further nine per cent of cases — 430 — involved suspects under ten.
Ms Riggs, of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, told its summit that, in her childhood, material “of a certain type” was not played before 9pm.
She said: “What digital and mobile phones and online have provided is 24/7 ability to access these things whenever you feel like.”
She said it was “not too difficult” for kids to lie about their age to gain access which was not “protected from them, like it was”.
The report added 76 per cent of child abuse perpetrators overall were men and 78 per cent of victims were girls.
National Crime Agency boss Graeme Biggar said last week that criminals were creating a market for child rape and sexual assault by viewing images and videos of it online.
Jaguar shares ‘intriguing’ image as they tease motor fans to ‘stay tuned to find out’ about re-brand
JAGUAR raised eyebrows with their new promotional video and images amid a major re-brand.
The luxury car manufacturer unveiled their re-invented logos and a teaser of their latest model due to be showcased in December.
The colourful advert features a range of models in bold outfits with captions reading “create exuberant”, “live vivid”, “delete ordinary”, “break moulds” and “copy nothing”.
However, it doesn’t actually show any car which sparked a heated debate among Jaguar lovers.
A photo showing just a small part of what appears to be a new motor fuelled even more curiosity.
“Intrigued”, said one person.
Someone else asked: “Where are the cars in this ad? Is this for fashion?”
To which Jaguar replied: “Think of this as a declaration of intent”.
The company wrote: “The story is unfolding. Stay tuned”, and “Consider this the first brushstroke” in other responses.
Tesla owner Elon Musk jumped on the bandwagon and penned: “Do you sell cars?”
Jaguar said: “Yes. We’d love to show you. Join us for a cuppa in Miami on 2nd December? Warmest regards, Jaguar.”
But it appears not everyone was a fan of the new advert.
“This is literally the worst rebranding in history,” said one.
“Never seen such a disaster,” agreed a second.
The rebrand is expected to launch on December 2 during Miami Art Week, when the company will unveil a new electric GT model.
This comes after Jaguar unveiled a new logo as part of their re-branding to electric only models.
The luxury car manufacturer sparked a heated debate, with some claiming it looks like “it was designed by kids”, while others “love it”.
It comes ahead of the company’s relaunch as an electric-only brand, with three new EVs to be rolled out in 2026.
The British manufacturer already removed several new motors to concentrate on moving away from petrol and diesel cars.
Jaguar revealed a brand new logo today as part of their re-invention.
It features the word Jaguar, with each golden letter in lower case – apart from G and U.
A spokesperson said the new logo, written as JaGUar, has “seamlessly blended upper and lower case characters in visual harmony”.
There is also a “leaper” cat set on the backdrop of 16 lines.
Jaguar announced its transition to electric vehicles in 2021.
Managing director Rawdon Glover said: “We need to change people’s perceptions of what Jaguar stands for.
“And that’s not a straightforward, easy thing to do. So having a fire break in between old and new is, actually, very helpful.”
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) chief creative officer Gerry McGovern added the re-branding was “imaginative, bold and artistic” and “unique and fearless”.
JLR previously said the first car rolled out in the re-brand would be a four-door GT built in Solihull, West Midlands.
However the new logo has raised some eyebrows and garnered mixed opinions.
“The brand won’t last past 2030. The logo looks like it was designed by kids,” penned one user who wasn’t a fan.
Another added: “I’m, indifferent to re-branding. It’s Ok but fairly dull, and the Capital G is crass, but the rest is easy enough to ignore.”
Someone else said it looked more suited to a “high-end clothing or furnishings brand”.
“I shared it with my brother and he replied ‘What the actual f***’, honestly, what a disaster,” agreed a fourth.
One doubter who was “mortally offended” said it was “really weird”, while another dubbed it “horrific”.
“Did the work experience kid make this? It’s horrific. Please tear it up and start again,” they said.
But, on a more optimistic note, one fan argued: “We tend to recoil at any rebranding when it occurs because we’re familiar with the existing one, but only time will tell really.”
“Personally I love it. I think it harks back to the old art deco era. Let’s see what the cars that get this branding will look like,” added someone else.
Another penned: “I am a Jaguar fan. I own three. I don’t mind the rebranding.”
“Looks totally fine,” agreed someone else.
It comes after the firm announced it will end 89 years of tradition as it turns its back on petrol power in a rush to meet its self-imposed green targets.
Jaguar has been making its own internal combustion cars since 1935 but had committed to going all-electric by 2025.
That’s well ahead of the deadline for the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars.
But while many rivals have tried to ease the transition by offering a mix of EVs, hybrids and traditional cars, the beloved British brand preferred to make a clean break.
From the end of this month, there will be no new Jags in UK dealerships for the first time since 1935.
The firm had already discontinued the XE, XF and F-Type models.
UK production of the E-Pace and I-Pace has also ceased, with global production shutting down by the end of the year.
Only the F-Pace will see its run carried over into 2025, but will be discontinued at the end of the year.
And even the 2025 version isn’t set to hit the showrooms for at least 12 months.
A statement from the company read: “From November 2024, new Jaguar sales will come to an end ahead of our new brand reveal later this year and product launch in 2026.
“While we have now ceased allocation of our current generation of Jaguar vehicles, we do have a selection of models available to acquire on an Approved Pre-Owned basis through our UK retail network.”
Jag will then unveil a re-imagined EV lineup this December, to go on sale in 2026.
The headliner is a £100,000 GT model, which is promised to boast over 500 horsepower and a 435-mile range.
This will be followed up with a new SUV and a Bentley-rivalling limousine from 2028.
Bosses are aiming to cement Jag’s place in the luxury electric car segment early on.
Managing Director Rawdon Glover told Autocar: “I think our products, and perhaps the next generation of the products, will make a big difference to how the whole sector is perceived.
“The rational barriers to EV ownership at the moment still remain range anxiety and infrastructure, and the need to be charging publicly.
“If we take each of those in turn, all our vehicles will have significant leverage.”
Fans will be relieved to hear, though, that Mr Glover shot down rumours that Jaguar’s iconic leaping cat logo would be scrapped, adding: “For brands that want to operate in the luxury space, their provenance, history and iconography are really important.
“So we have reimagined the leaper for the new brand and for the vehicle.
“It will live on, but in a slightly developed format.”
Horoscope today, November 21, 2024: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
ARIES
March 21 to April 20
The sun shines bright on your boldest plans, especially any that involve spending time away from home and going on a personal journey.
There are daunting aspects, but a well of excitement, and you can find a balance between both.
Passion is Mars-unpredictable, get ready for a whirlwind of “D” desire.
Get all the latest Aries horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
You are realising you can be a partner or a parent and still be yourself, which helps you claim back the space you need.
But set aside a little time for someone who has been on the fringes of your life for about four months and is ready to come closer.
Luck links to a contest in five rounds.
Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
GEMINI
Pluto breaks rules while the sun smoothes ruffled feelings – so you could feel conflicted.
But a choice between speaking up for yourself and staying silent should not cause you uncertainty as you know exactly what you need to do.
Reaching out is a positive move, but only if it comes with no conditions.
Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CANCER
June 22 to July 22
You’ve been gathering information for a while – but this in itself won’t win you the work change you want.
Start by having an honest conversation with yourself about where you see yourself going and how you’ll get there.
Then harness your new sun energy and begin. Love is 100 per cent together, even during time apart.
Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LEO
July 23 to August 23
The last person you think you could work with can be your best choice for a new team as you can spark well off each other but also fill in gaps in your different skills.
Later, love could be what binds you even closer – so when you have a choice to make, make it wisely, not easily. Luck calls at door “43”.
Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Most read in The Irish Sun
VIRGO
August 24 to September 22
If a home-based set of changes has been stuck in neutral, the time has come to make that call that gets things moving again.
Waiting for everyone to be on board with everything might never happen, so aim to work with what you have.
You have star people skills to succeed. Meet a deadline at work.
Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LIBRA
September 23 to October 23
You may feel so driven to be “perfect” you forget people love and admire you exactly as you are.
Give yourself permission to relax your rules and let loose in ways that nourish your inner self.
Under a moon of eternal friendship, letting special people know you always have their back can reinforce lasting bonds.
Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
List of 12 star signs
The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.
- Capricorn: December 22 – January 20
- Aquarius: January 21 – February 18
- Pisces: February 19 – March 20
- Aries: March 21 – April 20
- Taurus: April 21 – May 21
- Gemini: May 22 – June 21
- Cancer: June 22 – July 22
- Leo: July 23 – August 23
- Virgo: August 24 – September 22
- Libra: September 23 – October 23
- Scorpio: October 24 – November 22
- Sagittarius: November 23 – December 21
SCORPIO
October 24 to November 22
What success means to you can have a subtle shift as the sun enters your values sector.
You could shine a light of reality on a set of current goals that you now see won’t work.
But a better selection is waiting – and this can include a new life by some ancient water. Strong creative skill can emerge in an official setting.
Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 to December 21
You’re starting your annual spell in the sun and ready to celebrate your lovable, sociable self.
But you are primed to switch on a celebrity spotlight that can begin with a short video you film yourself.
This can create a buzz that builds fast. As for love, remembering where you’ve been can help you decide where to go
Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CAPRICORN
December 22 to January 20
Your true self that you sense is right there waiting in the wings can step out on stage.
If you’re in a relationship, this can be a show-stopper, as two people review a bond from new perspectives and so much can change.
If you’re single, you can see that you have been settling for less. Luck calls at door “91”.
Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
AQUARIUS
January 21 to February 18
Being the new host of Pluto takes getting used to – this could be why you struggle to make sense of a set of questions.
If the timing isn’t right, do say so, and set a new schedule that suits you better. A family dynamic may feel so different, but can work well.
As for love, it is secretly spinning towards a fantasy “L” future.
Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
PISCES
February 19 to March 20
A moon gives you stamina to keep examining feelings and hoping for a change.
But the sun shines on acceptance and this encourages you to deal with situations and people as they are, not as you wish they could be.
So after a long time wondering, this can be your day to walk away. Luck waits where dates mingle.
Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
Dad accused of helping son carry out ‘Pike County Massacre’ of 8 claims jury pool ‘tainted,’ wants trial moved
William “Billy” Wagner III, 53, is accused of helping carry out the execution-style murders of his son’s ex-girlfriend Hanna Rhoden and her family amid a custody battle for her young daughter.
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Feds charge 5 hackers tied to notorious Scattered Spider group — here’s how they stole from big companies
Scattered Spider has been blamed for unusually aggressive cybercrime sprees, targeting major multinational companies as well as individual cryptocurrency investors.
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