Dramatic Rescue: Two Women Save Collapsed Teen on Tokyo Train

TOKYO -- Two women acted quickly and saved a teenager who collapsed on a Tokyo train on May 8.

On June 29, they were thanked by the Tokyo Fire Department for their actions, and awarded certificates.

Around 10:30 a.m., a teenage girl suddenly fell down inside a train after it left Musashi-Kosugi Station. The girl's heart had stopped, and she needed help quickly.

Airu Shiozaki, a 22-year-old university student, was on the train. She heard someone quietly ask for help. In high school and university, she learned how to help people in emergencies. Shiozaki quickly ran to the girl and began giving her air (artificial respiration).

Another passenger on the train, Megumi Saiki, 51, also stood up quickly to help. Saiki works at a hospital and learned how to help people whose hearts have stopped. Saiki began pushing on the girl's chest (chest compressions) right away.

Other people also helped. Some passengers covered the girl with clothes to give her privacy. Another passenger pushed the emergency button inside the train.

The train soon arrived at Jiyugaoka Station in Tokyo. Emergency workers took the girl to a hospital, and she survived.

On June 29, the Tokyo Fire Department gave awards to Shiozaki and Saiki for saving the teenager's life. Nine other people on the train who also helped received special awards.

Shiozaki remembered that her class taught her, "If someone acts quickly, the chance of saving the person goes up a lot. Everyone should try to help." She said these words gave her courage to help.

Saiki said, "One person can't do everything alone. But when many people work together, we can save someone's life."

The chief of the Tokyo Fire Department's Meguro Fire Station said, "It's important to know how to help in an emergency. Also, it's important to quickly call 119 for help."

(Japanese original by Yuka Asahina, Tokyo City News Department)

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Russia Becomes First Nation to Recognize Taliban Rule

The Taliban government said Russia has made a "brave decision" and set an example for others. Moscow said it wants to boost economic cooperation and help Kabul tackle drug-trafficking and terrorism.

Afghanistan's Taliban government said on Thursday Russia had become the first nation to recognize its rule.

The announcement came after Aghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met the Russian ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, in Kabul on Thursday.

"This brave decision will be an example for others... Now that the process of recognition has started, Russia was ahead of everyone," Muttaqi said in a video posted on X.

"We believe that the act of official recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will boost the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in several areas," Russia's foreign ministry shared on the Telegram app.

Russia to help Taliban tackle terrorism, drug-trafficking

The Russian Foreign Ministry also said it would help Kabul tackle terrorism and drug-trafficking, while also boosting economic cooperation.

"The move signals that strategic interests will always outweigh human rights and international law," said Mariam Solaimankhil, a former member of Afghanistan's parliament and critic of the Taliban.

Afghanistan has seen decades of instability, including a 20-year war conducted by the US and other forces. This ended when the US withdrew its troops in 2021.

The Taliban grabbed back power in 2021 after ousting the government and have since then imposed strict Islamic law.

Moscow had earlier removed the Taliban from their list of terrorist organizations , and accepted an ambassador from their government.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2024 referred to the Taliban as "allies in the fight against terrorism."

They previously ruled the country during 1996-2001, when they were only recognized by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirate and Pakistan.

During this stint, some states such as China and Pakistan have accepted Taliban ambassadors without officially recognizing the Islamic Emirate, as the country is officially known.

The Taliban government has clamped down on civil liberties of Afghans , especially on women and girls for which they have received international condemnation.

Edited by Sean Sinico

Author: Tanika Godbole (with dpa, AFP, AP, Reuters)

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VW Tiguan vs ID. Buzz GTX: Where Practical Power Meets Electric Nostalgia

What happens when one carmaker produces two radically different vehicles , You get Volkswagen ’s Tiguan and ID. Buzz GTX , a tale of practical legacy clashing with electric reinvention. One is a staple SUV designed for families and efficiency , the other is a rolling tribute to van life, electrified for the modern age. Let’s start with size . The Tiguan measures just over 4.5 meters compact, tidy, and city friendly. In contrast, the ID. Buzz GTX stretches nearly five metres, offering van level space with a retro vibe that turns heads wherever it goes. Underneath, their powertrains tell two stories. The ID. Buzz GTX features a fully electric setup with 340 horsepower , while the Tiguan maxes out at 272 horsepower in its hybrid version. Although the ID. Buzz is slower, capped at 160 km/h compared to the Tiguan ’s 240 km/h, it wins cool points with its zero emissions profile and futuristic charm. Range is another defining factor. The ID. Buzz GTX offers around 480 km on a full charge, ideal for both city life and weekend escapes. The Tiguan uses a more traditional approach, relying on petrol or diesel with plugin hybrid options, offering the comfort of quick fuel stops but less sustainability.

Design sets these two even further apart. The Tiguan plays it safe sleek, clean, and practical. It’s German engineering at its most straightforward. On the other hand, the ID. Buzz GTX is a nostalgic revival of the legendary VW Microbus , updated with sharp angles, LED lighting, and playful personality. When it comes to heritage , the Tiguan represents the core of Volkswagen ’s modern vehicle success reliable, capable, and family friendly since the mid 2000s. The ID. Buzz GTX , meanwhile, channels VW ’s 1970s spirit, now recharged with modern tech, electric motors, and bold design. Culturally, the Tiguan is the dependable workhorse of family SUV s. The ID. Buzz GTX , however, is a lifestyle statement ideal for those who crave individuality, sustainability, and a touch of nostalgia with their tech. And of course, there’s price . The Tiguan starts around €40,000 , offering solid value in the compact SUV market. The ID. Buzz GTX , with all its electric swagger and space, begins closer to €75,000 . So, what’s your ride , the classic, proven utility of the Tiguan or the futuristic retro expression of the ID. Buzz GTX ? One is logic, the other a lifestyle. Pick your lane.

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Pauline Hanson Urges Australia: 'Act NOW Before It's Too Late'

• Pauline Hanson says major parties ignoring youth vote

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has accused both major parties of ignoring the plight of young Australians battling to ever afford a house by presiding over high immigration.

Record-high immigration levels under Labor have worsened Australia's housing affordability crisis, with the median house price in capital cities now above $1million - putting it well beyond the reach of an average, full-time worker earning $102,742.

Senator Hanson said both Labor and the Coalition were more focused on winning votes in marginal seats rather than making housing affordable.

'Young Aussies want to own a home, start a family, and live in a nation they can be proud of, but both major parties are standing in the way,' she said.

'Labor buys votes with handouts, then dumps the debt on the next generation.

'The Liberals skirt around the real issues, too afraid of losing votes to fight back against the decline.

'Meanwhile, mass immigration keeps driving up housing demand, straining services, and undercutting wages. Australians are being pushed to the back of the queue in their own country.'

Last year, 340,800 migrants moved to Australia on a permanent and long-term basis.

This net figure, factoring in departures, was lower than the record-high levels approaching 550,000 in 2023.

But it was significantly higher than the 194,000 who came to Australia in the lead-up to Covid in 2020.

As a result, house prices in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide have outpaced wages growth since the pandemic, even though the Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates 13 times in 2022 and 2023.

The average-full time worker can now longer afford the median-priced house in any major capital city market, except Darwin, and now working couples are struggling to get into the property market.

Senator Hanson wants annual immigration levels capped at 130,000, where it was two decades ago before the mining boom.

'It's time to put Australians first, with affordable housing, fairer tax for families, and a government that backs the people who built this nation,' she said.

'If we want to create a future worth inheriting, we need to act now.'

Labor is promising to build 1.2million homes over five years, or 240,000 a year.

But in the year to May, just 182,894 new homes were approved, new Australian Bureau of Statistics data released this week showed, leading to building activity failing to keep pace with rapid population growth.

Anthony Albanese 's Labor government was re-elected in a landslide with a $16billion plan to slash student debt by 20 per cent , saving a graduate an average of $5,520.

But Senator Hanson said cutting Higher Education Contribution Scheme debt amounted to a form of generational pork barrelling to get the youth vote, along with a government guarantee enabling all first-home buyers to get into the property market with a small, five per cent deposit.

'Labor has bought a lot of the young votes with the HECS debt, so getting rid of that and also propping up their deposit on their house, which I think is going to see a lot of the young ones fall over with that because they've still got to make the repayments too to their debt,' she told Sky News host Caleb Bond.

'Their vote's been bought. People have become so self-centred these days, it's all about me. What is in it for me?'

Hanson said Labor was letting Australians down on key issues, including failing to get an exemption from 50 per cent tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium from Donald Trump.

'First, Albanese gets cold-shouldered by Trump. No real relationship, no respect. Penny Wong flies over for 'diplomacy' and comes back empty-handed. No tariff deals. No progress. Just headlines and handshakes. Australians deserve better,' she said.

'Then there's the so-called green energy transition. Wind farms scrapped. Transmission lines delayed. Farmers ignored. Power bills up 9%, and we're told to just cop it. The real cost of Labor's renewables fantasy? It's paid by households and small businesses.'

She also warned of 'nation within a nation' as a result of the current government, citing Cricket Australia's reluctance to hold Test matches on January 26.

'That's exactly what we're seeing. Division, not unity. Woke politics over common sense.

'While I'm in Parliament, I'll keep pushing back because if we don't stand up now, we risk losing the country we love.

'Cricket Australia, our own national sport, won't play matches on Australia Day. Again. Because they're scared of offending someone.

'This isn't inclusion. It's erasing who we are. And most Australians have had enough.'

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VW Tiguan vs Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid: Smart Choice Meets Electrified Luxury

What do a family friendly commuter and a high performance luxury machine have in common More than you think, especially when they both come with a plug. Meet the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid , two SUV s built for radically different lifestyles but compared today on a level electric playing field. Let’s begin with the size . The Tiguan is compact and practical, measuring just over 4.5 meters, perfect for everyday city driving, parking ease, and family errands. On the other end of the spectrum, the Cayenne stretches to 4.9 meters, dominating lanes and turning heads wherever it roars past. Performance is where the gulf widens. The Tiguan , with its hybrid setup, generates a respectable 272 horsepower and tops out at 240 km/h, perfectly sufficient for those who value efficiency without sacrificing fun. But the Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid , that’s a V8 powered beast with electric assistance, delivering a blistering 740 horsepower and a top speed of 300 km/h . It’s not just fast it’s nearly supercar fast. Both vehicles offer plug in hybrid options, but the similarity ends there. The Tiguan ’s mild hybrid or plug in choices favor economy and eco-friendliness, whereas the Cayenne ’s massive V8 plus electric combo gives just a hint of green cred, mostly to justify its thunderous power.

Design contrasts also define their personalities. The Tiguan leans toward understated elegance, minimal curves, and urban maturity. In contrast, the Cayenne flaunts dynamic curves and an aggressive profile, an aesthetic that says, I’m late to yoga, but I look fabulous. Brand heritage is another split. The Tiguan continues Volkswagen ’s reputation for reliability and everyday sensibility. The Cayenne , on the other hand, drips with Porsche ’s motorsport DNA, luxury backed by decades of racing pedigree. When it comes to cultural presence , the Tiguan is the suburban king, a staple in carpool lanes and family road trips. Meanwhile, the Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid makes a statement it’s for those who want everything , power, luxury, and the option to plug in at home. And then there’s the price tag. The Tiguan starts at a reasonable €40,000 , while the Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid blasts through budgets with a base price over €200,000, five times as much, and then some. So, the choice is yours, the clever and capable Tiguan or the uncompromising luxury muscle of the Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid . One is calm, the other chaotic, but both are electrified in their own right.

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World’s Biggest Economy Hikes Park Fees for International Visitors

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 3 to increase entrance fees at U.S. national parks for visitors from other countries, even as his administration seeks to cut national park spending by more than a third.

The additional revenue generated by higher fees from foreign tourists will raise hundreds of millions of dollars for conservation and deferred maintenance projects to improve national parks, the White House said in a statement.

The executive order directs the Interior Department, parent agency of the Park Service, to increase entrance fees paid by park visitors from abroad, but does not say by how much or when the new rates would go into effect.

It was also unclear how many of the agency's 433 park units would be affected. Only about 100 sites managed by the Park Service currently charge for admission, and fees vary.

The order also directs the Park Service to ensure that U.S. residents receive priority access over foreign visitors in any of its permitting or reservation systems.

Currently, U.S. citizens in effect pay more than foreign tourists to visit the nation’s scenic natural wonders and historic landmarks because their admission fees as well as a portion of their U.S. tax dollars support the cost of national parks, the statement said.

"Charging higher entrance fees to foreign tourists is a common policy at national parks throughout the world," the statement added.

The executive order comes as the Trump administration has proposed cutting more than US$1 billion from the Park Service budget in fiscal 2026, which would represent a reduction of more than a third of the agency’s budget from the prior year.

The administration's cuts to the federal workforce have already aggravated a staff shortage in national parks across the country.

Permanent staffing at the Park Service since Trump took office in January has dropped 24%, while just 4,500 of the 8,000 seasonal workers his administration pledged for this summer have been hired, according to an analysis on July 2 from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), a watchdog advocacy group.

Reduced personnel levels at some national parks, including Yosemite in California and Big Bend in Texas, have forced closures, reduced programming and impeded emergency response operations, the NPCA said.

Visitors have continued to flock to national parks in the U.S., the world's largest economy, in record numbers in recent years, with admissions soaring to a new high of 331 million in 2024, up six million from 2023.

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Ukraine News: Kyiv Hit by Major Russian Drone Strike

Russia launched new drone strikes on Kyiv, just as President Donald Trump criticized past US military aid to Ukraine. Follow Daily Newsfor more.

Russia attacked the capital of Ukraine with dozens of combat drones on Friday, according to authorities in Kyiv.

They seem to have struck mostly residential buildings, several people were reported injured.

The attack came after a US announcement this week that a batch of arms shipments to Ukraine would be paused.

President Donald Trump said his predecessor, Joe Biden, "emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was hoping to discuss the issue with Trump on Friday.

This is a roundup of the latest headlines regarding Russia's war in Ukraine on Friday, July 4, 2025:

Kyiv authorities report massive Russian drone attack

Kyiv came under heavy drone attack overnight, with Russian forces striking at least 13 locations across the Ukrainian capital.

Ukraine’s air defenses were active for hours and explosions echoed across the city.

At least 14 people were injured, 12 of them hospitalized, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Officials say residential areas were targeted, with fires breaking out in at least two districts.

The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the Russian military launched at least one Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic missile. They also fired ballistic missiles in two waves at targets in Kyiv and nearby areas.

Trump claims US 'emptied out' its arsenal to arm Ukraine

President Donald Trump says the US gave Ukraine too many weapons under President Joe Biden, claiming the country has "emptied out" its own supply.

"We're giving weapons, but we've given so many weapons. But we are giving weapons. And we're working with them and trying to help them, but we haven't. You know, Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves," he said.

Trump's statement comes after a pause in some weapons shipments, including Patriot missiles and precision-guided artillery, to Ukraine as Russia steps up its offensive.

The halt caught Kyiv off guard. Ukrainian leaders summoned the acting US envoy on Wednesday, warning that the delay could weaken their defenses.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he hopes to speak with Trump in the coming days to clarify the situation.

"I hope that maybe tomorrow, or close days, these days, I will speak about it with President Trump," he said on Thursday.

The Pentagon has not said when full deliveries might resume..

Welcome to our coverage

It's now been 861 days since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Overnight, Kyiv came under a sustained drone attack, with explosions reported across the city.

This comes even as Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow is open to further talks with Ukraine.

He told US President Donald Trump this during an hour-long phone discussion on Thursday.

The US president said the conversation didn't lead to any breakthroughs. Putin was adamant that Moscow would not "give up" on its goals in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is hoping to speak with Trump on Friday, particularly about the recent pause in some US weapons shipments to Ukraine.

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Tired of Classic Swimsuits? Discover the Trend That’s Redefining Beachwear

Every summer, it's the same sartorial conundrum: how to put together a stylish look when layers are scarce and options are limited? While layering reigns supreme in winter, summer fashion demands a little more creativity—especially when it comes to swimwear. Luckily, 2025 brings with it a breath of fresh (and bohemian) beach air: welcome to the age of crochet swimsuits.

Crochet, the unexpected star of the beach

Do you find classic swimsuits too worn, too smooth, or too rigid? Crochet and textured swimsuits might just help you reconnect with beachwear. Inspired by the '70s, Ibiza summers, and bohemian silhouettes, they blend craftsmanship and sensuality in a relaxed yet sophisticated take on the swimsuit.

Hand-knitted or lace-style, adorned with geometric, floral, or tie-dye patterns, these designs add visual texture and soul to summer looks. And the good news is: they're available in two-piece swimsuits, one-piece swimsuits, tankini swimsuits, and even playsuits, perfect for all body types.

From the beach to the beach bar

Crochet's all-around charm? Its versatility. A crochet swimsuit can be worn just as well at the beach as it is in the city. It can be transformed into a bodysuit under high-waisted shorts, a top paired with a long skirt, or a statement piece under a flowing shirt. Choose it in natural tones (cream, terracotta, sage green) or more daring shades (vitamin orange, turquoise, neon pink) depending on your mood of the day.

This ability to go from sand to sunset drink in the blink of an eye makes it a favorite of beach festivals, yoga retreats, and last-minute getaways.

An inclusive and responsible trend

The crochet trend is also part of a broader desire to consume differently. These handcrafted pieces appeal to slow fashion enthusiasts, and many brands offer handmade designs or those made from recycled yarn. The result: unique or limited-edition pieces, the opposite of fast fashion.

A deliberate vintage nod

Beyond comfort and originality, crochet swimsuits play the nostalgia card. They evoke a carefree era, the 70s, where freedom of expression was also expressed through fashion. Worn with oversized glasses, hair scarves, and rope sandals, they revive a certain idea of the perfect summer: free, sensory, and vibrant.

Whether you're heading to Ibiza, a Greek beach, or simply a lakeside getaway, crochet swimsuits are establishing themselves as the coolest and most desirable pieces of summer 2025. Out with soulless swimsuits: in with fabric, handcrafted pieces, and bold irregularity. In 2025, we're not following trends anymore; we're knitting them.

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**Chinese Pig Intestine Coffee Latte Stirs Buzz with Polarizing Reviews**

A Sichuan coffee shop's latte, made with broth from stewed pig intestines, has gone viral, quadrupling sales and sparking debate across Chinese social media with its savory-sweet flavor.

Located in Jiangyou City, Sichuan Province, the café offers an unusual drink: a latte mixed with broth from stewed pig intestines. It is priced at 32 yuan (US$4.47) per cup and is served with a skewer of stewed intestines, according to Chinese publication Cover News .

Shop owner Zhang Yuchi told the South China Morning Post : "Red-braised pork intestine is a popular cuisine in Jiangyou. I thought of combining it with coffee to promote both my shop as well as this delicious food of our city."

The café sources cooked intestines from a local restaurant and extracts the broth to mix into the coffee. After experiments, they settled on adding 6 grams of broth per cup.

A photo shared on Weibo shows a cup of coffee in China served with a skewer of stewed intestines.

As noted by SCMP , the drink has three taste levels: beginning, middle, and end. The intestine flavor gets stronger as you go through each level.

Zhang described the flavor as salty and sweet, somewhat like salty cheese.

Since the drink went viral on social media in early June, the café's sales have quadrupled, with about 80% of customers coming to try this coffee.

Customers' reactions vary. A woman from Chengdu said, "I am a coffee lover. When I saw someone recommending this pig intestine coffee, I was curious and decided to try it," according to Cover News .

Another customer from northern China, where pig intestines are less commonly eaten, said the drink tasted "just fine" and added, "Many people in northern China don't eat pork intestines, but I think they could accept this kind of coffee."

This is not the first unusual coffee in China. Before, a café in Jiangxi added fried chili and spicy pepper powder to lattes, and another in Yunnan became known for coffee with fried crispy worms.

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Waterproof Beauty Must-Haves for Your Suitcase—Pack Now!

Traveling by the water without constant touch-ups is possible: opt for 100% waterproof formulas. Pack these essentials in your suitcase for flawless makeup from morning to night.

1. Long-lasting, waterproof foundation base

A waterproof primer is the first step in ensuring your makeup lasts in humid conditions. Choose a lightweight, mattifying texture that fills pores and controls shine. Apply a thin layer all over your face to set your foundation and prevent it from migrating or settling into fine lines, even after hours in the sun or a paddleboard session.

2. Adjustable, anti-humidity foundation

For a natural yet full-coverage result, opt for a fluid foundation with a powder finish. So-called "water-based" formulas absorb oil while remaining comfortable, and several brands offer SPF 15 to 50 to protect your skin. They last up to 12 hours, without cakey effects or unsightly discoloration.

3. Swim-proof, sweat-proof, tear-proof mascara

Waterproof mascara is a must: Choose a mascara specifically formulated to resist tears, sweat, and salt water. Curved or soft-fiber brushes help lengthen and separate lashes without clumping. Tip: Apply two light strokes rather than one thick coat to avoid the "crocodile" effect while maintaining volume and definition.

4. Permanent eyeliner and kohl pencil

For a clean, precise line, opt for an ultra-fast-drying felt-tip eyeliner or a waterproof brush-on gel. Pair it with a kohl pencil that blends easily for a light, budge-free smoky look. You can go from a sophisticated doe eye to a softer look in the blink of an eye, without worrying about smudges after a swim or a summer downpour.

5. Cream eyeshadow, compact and resistant

Ultra-practical for travel, cream shadows can be worked in with your fingertips and dry in seconds, sealing the color on the eyelid. Opt for neutral shades—beige, taupe, satin bronze—to brighten your eyes. Waterproof formulas ensure they won't crease into the crease, even if you sweat or get your face wet.

6. Long-lasting, transfer-proof lipstick

For lips that last from morning until sunset, turn to a matte liquid lipstick or a highly pigmented pencil. Their creamy formulas apply in one swipe and stand up to kisses, water bottles, and salty snacks. Consider a gentle exfoliator and a moisturizing balm before application to prevent dry patches or fading.

7. Hydrating or mattifying setting spray

Setting spray is the final step that consolidates all your makeup. Choose a waterproof mist to spray about 20 cm from your face, forming an X and then a T to cover the entire face. Some sprays provide a mattifying finish, others a hydrating or illuminating veil, depending on your skin type. They also protect against pollution and form a lightweight barrier against humidity.

8. Bi-phase makeup remover or travel-size micellar oil

No more hassle removing waterproof makeup: opt for a two-phase formula or micellar oil. They quickly dissolve mascara, eyeliner, and long-lasting lipstick without rubbing, while respecting the skin's barrier. Carry a small 100 mL bottle to stay compliant with airline regulations and be able to remove your makeup effectively, even on the go.

With these eight waterproof beauty essentials, your travel kit will be ready for anything: your complexion, eyes, lips, and makeup removal will be safe from salt water, sweat, and humidity. Fresh, flawless makeup will accompany your adventures, from the beach to the rooftop to a tropical hike. Ready to take on all summer challenges without touch-ups?

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