LINCOLN — Nebraska’s athletic department is nearly finished with installing new stadium turf and a refreshed HuskerVision video board inside Memorial Stadium, athletic director Troy Dannen announced on Thursday.
Despite installing FieldTurf in 2021 inside the stadium, NU ripped it out to instead play on Hellas Matrix Helix turf until the program installs a natural grass field, which will occur after Memorial Stadium renovations are complete. The Hellas turf is used by 11 NFL teams, UNO’s soccer teams in Omaha and was also installed this winter inside Hawks Championship Center; the Huskers will play on identical turf.
The look will be different, with the end zones filled in with red, offset by white “Nebraska” lettering. The numbering has changed to sans serif font, as well. The field will be ready for NU’s camps, which begin in June.
The North Stadium video board is getting replacement panels for spruced-up clarity and the elimination of wayward pixel boxes that could show up at times in recent years.
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NU’s grass practice fields are getting overhauled to a heated system similar to several NFL teams. Coach Matt Rhule prefers his team practice and play on grass, he’s said in the past, because of less wear-and-tear on players’ joints.
Memorial Stadium last had grass in 1969. NU, like many sports teams, moved to artificial turf in the 1970s and had, until Rhule’s arrival, rarely discussed a return to grass despite northern climate teams such Iowa State, Purdue and Penn State having grass in their stadiums.
College Football Playoff seeding overhaul
The College Football Playoff committee announced Thursday a major change in how it will seed teams for the 2025 event.
After one season of guaranteeing that four conference champions would take the top four seeds in the CFP, the committee embraced a straight seeding concept that will assign top seeds to the top four teams, irrespective of their league affiliation or conference champion status.
"After evaluating the first year of the 12-team Playoff, the CFP management committee felt it was in the best interest of the game to make this adjustment," said Rich Clark, the CFP’s executive director. "This change will continue to allow guaranteed access to the Playoff by rewarding teams for winning their conference championship, but it will also allow us to construct a postseason bracket that recognizes the best performance on the field during the entire regular season."
Had the 2024 CFP been seeded in such a fashion, Oregon, Georgia, Texas and Penn State — two from the Big Ten and two from the SEC — would have received first-round byes. Oregon and Georgia was Nos. 1 and 2 in 2024, but Boise State (No. 3) and Arizona State (No. 4) got the byes because they won conference titles. Penn State and Texas then beat the Broncos and Sun Devils in the quarterfinal round.
The top-seeded Ducks also lost handily in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal game to eventual national champion Ohio State, which began the tournament at a No. 8 seed. In a straight seeding format, OSU would have been sixth, facing 11th-seeded Arizona State, with the winner playing a game against Texas in the quarterfinal round.
According to ESPN’s analytics department, the new system would have only improved Ohio State’s odds of winning the title, while Texas’ odds would have been most negatively impacted, since a likely quarterfinal game against Ohio State would have been harder than facing Arizona State was in 2024.
Tight end recruiting
One of the top 2026 tight ends in the Midwest plans an official visit to Nebraska this June and has the Huskers in his final two.
Port Huron (Michigan) Northern High School’s Lincoln Watkins, a three-star recruit according to On3’s industry service, will visit Florida June 6 and Nebraska June 20. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder has more than dozen power-conference offers, though not from home state Michigan or Michigan State.
For Port Huron Northern — located blocks from Lake Huron, across the St. Clair River from Canada — Watkins plays in-line tight end, flexed-out receiver and outside linebacker.
According to recruiting reports, Nebraska should also receive an official visit in June from Anaheim (California) Servite athlete Luke Sorensen. Also a three-star recruit according to On3’s service, the 6-4, 230-pound Sorensen has offers from hometown USC and UCLA, Texas A&M and Miami, among others.
The Bruins picked up a commit from Littleton (Colorado) Heritage tight end Camden Jensen, who had also been recruited by Nebraska. Another tight end prospect, Millard South’s Isaac Jensen, has excluded the Huskers from his top four.
NU did not sign a tight end in the 2025 recruiting class, and had several tight ends — including Nate Boerkircher and Ian Flynt — transfer out in the offseason. The Huskers return Luke Lindenmeyer, Carter Nelson and Mac Markway, among others. Nelson and Markway did not participate in spring camp as they recovered from surgery.
Photos: Nebraska football spring game 2025
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Fans watch during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule signs autographs before the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Sheila McClure and her daughter Charlotte McClure, 4, watch during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska players compete in a Fastest Man competition during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) hands the game ball to Cole Mahloch, 7, after the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Emmett Johnson signs autographs after the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska players talk with fans after the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Players participate in a wing eating contest during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Keelan Smith (85) sprints during the Fastest Man challenge during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Justin Evans (51) sprints during the Fastest Man challenge during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) sprints during the Fastest Man challenge during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's DJ Singleton (30) catches a pass against Nebraska's Caden VerMaas (48) during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Elijah Pritchett (57) puts on a pair of Hulk gloves during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's DJ Singleton (30) celebrates after a touchdown during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Luke Longval (17) throws the ball during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's John Cook ropes a mechanical bull during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's John Cook ropes a mechanical bull during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Carter Nelson ropes a mechanical bull during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Elijah Jeudy (16) ropes a mechanical bull during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) ropes a mechanical bull during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Pierce Mooberry (56) ropes a mechanical bull during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Quinn Clark ropes a mechanical bull during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Jalyn Gramstad (19) throws the ball during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Derek Wacker (42) tackles Nebraska's Hayes Miller (81) during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's DJ Singleton (30) and Nebraska's Kahmir Prescott (12) during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Brock Knutson (74) blocks Nebraska's Dylan Parrott (99) during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Luke Longval (17) looks to throw during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's TJ Lateef (14) runs the ball against Nebraska's Christian Jones (50) during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Marcos Davila (16) throws the ball during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Hayes Miller (81) and Nebraska's Brice Turner (40) go up for a pass during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska players run onto the field for the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska assistant coach Marcus Satterfield walks off the field with Eric Ingwerson (82) and Cayden Echternach (48) during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska defensive coordinator John Butler during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska assistant coach Donovan Raiola talks with the offensive line during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and Dylan Raiola (15) talk during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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John Cook, former Nebraska volleyball head coach, practices his roping during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen watches on during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's John Hohl (90) participates in the Field Goal Faceoff during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Nico Ottomanelli (91) participates in the Field Goal Faceoff during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Nico Ottomanelli (91) participates in the Field Goal Faceoff during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Fans watch during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Fans look through piles of Husker athletics apparel and equipment during the Husker Equipment Sale at Hawks Championship Center in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Stacey Bohlke of Hastings looks through a pile of Husker athletics apparel during the Husker Equipment Sale at Hawks Championship Center in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Fans look through piles of Husker athletics apparel and equipment during the Husker Equipment Sale at Hawks Championship Center in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Fans look through piles of Husker athletics apparel and equipment during the Husker Equipment Sale at Hawks Championship Center in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Fans look through piles of Husker athletics apparel and equipment during the Husker Equipment Sale at Hawks Championship Center in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) warms up before the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Midland's Olivia Dominguez-Millsop (17) hands the ball off to Midland's Cydnee Redd (1) during a women's flag football game against the UNL All-Star team at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Midland's NaTaija Blaylock (21) pulls the flags off of Nebraska's quarterback Dylan Raiola during a women's flag football game between Midland University and the UNL All-Star team at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Midland's Allaya Livingston (23) runs with the ball during a women's flag football game against the UNL All-Star team at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Midland's NaTaija Blaylock (21) celebrates after pulling the flags off of Nebraska's quarterback Dylan Raiola during a women's flag football game between Midland University and the UNL All-Star team at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Midland's Angel Ioane Kaio (24) throws the ball during a women's flag football game against the UNL All-Star team at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Midland's Olivia Dominguez-Millsop (17) and Morgan Kalisek (7) celebrate Dominguez-Millsop's touchdown during a women's flag football game against the UNL All-Star team at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Kailyn Storovich plays with her niece Yarae Hackbart, 1, on the field before the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Fans watch the action during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's TJ Lateef (14) throws the ball during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Marcos Davila (16) throws the ball during the Quarterback Shootout during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's TJ Lateef (14) runs the ball during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Luke Longval (17) throws the ball during the Quarterback Shootout during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Bode Soukup (11) throws the ball during the Quarterback Shootout during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Kevin Gallic (46) patricipates in the Long Snapper Showdown during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Kevin Gallic (46) patricipates in the Long Snapper Showdown during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Aidan Flege (94) patricipates in the Long Snapper Showdown during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Jalyn Gramstad (19) throws the ball during the Quarterback Shootout during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the Quarterback Shootout during the spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. MEGAN NIELSEN, OMAHA WORLD-HERALD
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