• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 10, 2025

Soulja Boy Accused Of Sexual Assault, Alleged Victim Asks For Nearly $75M In Damages

She claims the assault and physical abuse took place beginning in 2018

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Recording artist Soulja Boy is being sued by a woman who claimed to be a former assistant, who has asked a jury to award her close to $75 million after accusing the rapper of beating, sexually assaulting, and imprisoning her.

According to Courthouse News Service, DeAndre Way, also known as Soulja Boy, has been sued by a former personal assistant. The unnamed alleged victim claims that the rapper raped and beat her several times in the time that she worked for him. She also says she was subjected to various acts of emotional abuse, including being locked inside a room without food for as long as two days. She says this took place beginning in 2018.

She also claims she wasn’t paid for her services and is asking for $73.6 million for her ordeal.

The jury will have to determine, based on testimony from the alleged victim and the “Crank That” rapper, if they find him liable, the economic losses and damages she alleges that she has lost. They also have to account for her accusations of sexual battery, assault, and gender violence, along with a set of labor violations, like unpaid wages. A dollar amount will have to be applied for future losses due to the trauma she’ll be left with.

During the civil trial, Soulja Boy denied that he formally hired her but offered her a place to stay in exchange for rolling blunts. The two did admit to engaging in a mutual romantic relationship, but when it soured, it led to mutual distrust.

“If you don’t believe my client, don’t give her a dollar,” the woman’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, told the jury. “But if you do believe her, give her everything.”

“He raped her. He punched her. He kicked her. He cut her. He pointed a Draco gun at her. He locked her in her room … He told her, ‘I hope you die slow.’”

Soulja Boy’s attorney, Rickey Ivie, disputed the accusations levied against his client. He accused the woman of wanting to “be paid” by lying about the allegations.

“She wanted to be paid,” Ivie said. “Which is what this case is all about. Because it’s not about the truth.”

The rapper is no stranger to being accused of physical violence.

PageSix reported that, in 2021, Soulja Boy was sued by a woman using the pseudonym Jane Doe, alleging that he assaulted her while she was pregnant in 2015, which caused her to suffer a miscarriage. She requested $10 million, $5 million for her pain and suffering, and $5 million for emotional distress. A judge entered a default judgment against him when he didn’t appear in court to defend himself.

In 2023, Soulja Boy was also ordered, according to RadarOnline, to pay over $230,000 to his former girlfriend, Kayla Meyer, for an assault that took place at his home several years ago.

RELATED CONTENT: Honey Beez Heartbreak: Boyfriend Charged With Capital Murder In Slaying Of Alabama State University Dancer

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 10, 2025

Trump Labels Groceries As ‘Old-Fashioned’ As Americans Struggle With Hiked Tariff Prices 

New tariffs on international goods are expected to heighten inflation including grocery costs looking to go up.

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President Donald Trump spoke out against the term “groceries,” calling it “old-fashioned” as Americans struggle to efficiently grocery shop due to his tariffs, People reported. 

Trump first announced his new tariffs during his “Liberation Day” speech in the White House Rose Garden, resulting in a price influx on several goods Americans rely on, including everyday groceries. However, the president took the time to give his opinion on the “old-fashioned” but “beautiful” terminology. “An old-fashioned term that we use — groceries. I used it on the campaign. It’s such an old-fashioned term, but a beautiful term. Groceries. It says a bag with different things in it,” he said. 

He then claimed that he alleviated the price of groceries, saying, “Grocery went through the roof, and I campaigned on that.” “I talked about the word ‘groceries’ for a lot, and energy costs now are down,” Trump said. 

“Groceries are down.”

However, the numbers—or lack thereof—paint a different picture. New tariffs on international goods are expected to heighten inflation, including grocery costs, which are expected to increase, causing additional stress to American consumers.

In early April 2025, Trump announced a universal 10% tariff on all imports coming into the U.S., with close to 60 countries seeing steeper tariffs as of Apr. 9. Several lawmakers, even some outspoken Trump supporters, have opposed the tariffs, highlighting how it will affect their constituents. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has been outspoken against the President’s moves, claiming that he is overstepping his authority, according to The Washington Post. 

He, along with GOP Senators Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), and Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), voted with Democrats to scrap the national emergency that Trump declared to put pressure on Canadian tariffs. Paul seemingly called out fellow lawmakers who told him in private that they support him but will not speak out against Trump publicly. “They all see the stock market, and they’re all worried about it,” Paul said.

“But they’re putting on a stiff upper lip to try to act as if nothing’s happening and hoping it goes away.”

Social media users expressed their disdain for Trump taking credit for lower grocery costs when that isn’t the case. @ellenbarkin said, “Groceries are now called Things We can no longer afford.” 

Another user touched on Trump being out of touch with reality. @mambatuley mentioned how it’s not just groceries that are high-priced but also other necessities like gas. “My god, he is so out of touch. Eggs, my groceries, are not any cheaper than last year. Gas has actually been up since December,” she said. 

“They constantly repeat these lies, and MAGA just eats it up.”

RELATED CONTENT: Black Twitter Drags Jermaine Dupri For Allegedly Admitting To Cheating On Janet Jackson In Lifetime Doc

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 10, 2025

Cybertruck Sales Are Down So Bad Tesla Dealerships Have Deaded Trade-Ins

Several factors, including political backlash due to Musk's involvement within the Trump Administration, falling sales, and vehicle recalls, may be to blame

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Tesla has reportedly stopped accepting its own Cybertrucks as a trade-in vehicle at its dealerships due to a surplus of Cybertrucks it cannot sell.

According to The Economic Times, Tesla dealerships have an overwhelming supply of Cybertrucks, and this may be due to several factors, including political backlash due to Musk’s role and moves within the Trump administration and vehicle recalls. The car company, considered to be the top electric vehicle in the country in recent years, reportedly has 2,400 unsold Cybertrucks in its inventory that may be worth approximately $200 million.

In September 2024, deliveries for the Cybertruck reached peak sales of 5,308 units but have dramatically dipped since then.

Elektrek has reported that used Cybertruck prices are down 55% year over year, 13% over the last three months, and 6% over the last month.

Some owners who have had problems with their Cybertrucks and tried to return them after having their vehicles in service for extended periods are being told by Tesla to go through the Lemon Law process.

With Tesla dealerships not accepting Cybertrucks, other dealerships have been offering Cybertruck owners who want to trade in their vehicles lower-than-usual deals because they may not be able to resell the vehicles.

After being “added” to President Donald Trump’s administration with the newly created DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) department, Musk has created many enemies due to the firing of thousands of federal employees under the guise of eliminating unnecessary waste. Also, eliminating departments and stating there is fraud has made Americans extremely upset with the Tesla owner.

Musk has also made controversial statements and actions that add to people’s distaste for the native South African businessman.

“Tesla Takedown” protests worldwide have contributed to woeful sales, as the demonstrations have taken place in at least 253 cities. This also factors into customer dissatisfaction with the brand.

• Uncategorized

by Kandiss Edwards

April 10, 2025

White Teacher’s N-Word Chalkboard Stunt Met With Student Cheers

Georgia teacher smirks as he writes slurs on classroom whiteboard.

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A cellphone video captured by a student shows a teacher appearing to write the n-word on a classroom whiteboard at Walnut Grove High School in Loganville, Georgia. Parent Adrienne Wyatt then posted the video to Facebook. The teacher has since been fired.

In the video, the teacher stands in front of the class with the slur partially written. Students are heard cheering and making noise as one yells what sounds like the letter “R,” prompting the teacher to complete the slur.

The teacher, who has not been publicly identified, then turns to the classroom, seemingly smiling at the reaction. The video ends shortly afterward.

Wyatt spoke to WSB-TV and shared why she believes some students were cheering.

“Because they know it was probably embarrassing. There were Black kids in the classroom,” she said.

Like many others, Wyatt said she does not find the moment funny. She believes that type of language has no place in an educational setting.

“A lot of people are saying, ‘Oh, it was a joke. You don’t know what they were saying before.’ But what kind of joke inside a classroom setting has to deal with those types of racial slurs?” she said.

Another concerned parent, Gary Brown, emphasized the real-life consequences historically tied to the n-word.

“People have actually lost their lives because of that word. People have gone to jail because of that word,” Brown said.

The Walton County School District no longer employs the teacher involved. In a statement, the district confirmed his departure and emphasized the county’s focus on maintaining a respectful learning environment. The district also emphasized its desire to move on quickly from the incident.

“Immediate action was taken, and the teacher involved is no longer employed with Walton County Schools,” the district said. “Our commitment remains clear: every student deserves a safe, supportive, and respectful environment. We are dedicated to our students, our culture, and moving forward together as ONE Walton County. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.”

While the teacher is no longer employed at Walnut Grove High School, it remains unclear whether he is barred from working elsewhere in Loganville or the Walton County School District.

Calls to move forward from the incident may be premature, as the district has not released details about what led to the event. It also has yet to address what kind of environment may have contributed to an educator believing this behavior was acceptable.

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RELATED CONTENT: Video Shows White Students From Two Philadelphia Schools Using Racial Slurs and Blackface

• News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 10, 2025

Shopping While Black: H&M Manager Catches Heat For Racially Profiling 2 Sisters, Refusing Service For No Reason

The manager then told the girls to not get violent without any apparent cause.

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A H&M manager is catching heat for reportedly racially profiling two Black girls shopping at the store.

The incident went viral on TikTok after one of the sisters posted a video of the interaction under the name “yoitsnoela.” The Neighborhood Talk re-shared the clip.

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“Mind you, we hadn’t been there together in God knows how many years,” captioned one of the sisters. “And this was during Black history month, crazy.”

The store manager, who has yet to be identified, was recorded by the sisters after refusing their service for no reason. A security officer approached the girls to tell them that they had to leave, resulting in them asking to speak to the manager.

Although the girls asked why they had to leave the store, the woman would not give them a solid answer.

“We’re going to go ahead and refuse service. There’s no reason; that’s what we’re going to go ahead and do today. If you guys could please leave the store we would really appreciate it,” said the manager.

The girls expressed their confusion on the matter, but the manager remained mum.

“We’re just refusing service. We don’t have to have a reason,” said the store employee.

One of the girls responded, “I think you should have a reason to kick us out of the store. We’re just shopping.”

“To be completely honest with you, I don’t have to have a reason,” reiterated the manager. “I’m just letting you guys know.”

Although the girls asked her if she had seen them steal something before, the manager would not confirm.

“You’ve seen us steal before. Is that what you’re saying?” one of the girls asked.

The manager continued, “We’ve seen you in here before… To be honest, we’ve seen you in here plenty of times.”

The girls then asked to see the evidence of their previous appearances at the store, a request the manager also denied.

Although the girls emphasized how they had not shopped there in a while, the manager refused to listen to their complaints. Instead, she told the teenagers not to get “violent,” despite the two girls attempting to clear their names.

“I’ve asked you guys to please leave the store. I don’t need you guys to get violent or anything like that,” asserted the woman.

The accusation prompted the girls to leave the establishment, but they posted the now-viral video to expose the racial profiling. Now, supporters have called for boycotts of H&M stores for the manager’s treatment of the unassuming shoppers.

In a follow-up post, the sisters thanked their supporters and confirmed that they would seek legal action against H&M. The Swedish retailer released a statement on Instagram, commenting that they condemn the manager’s action. According to Baller Alert, which reposted the comment, she has since been terminated.

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“We take the incident from February of last year at our Albuquerque store very seriously,” wrote H&M’s Instagram account. “Following the incident, we immediately acted according to our strict guidelines. The employee in question is no longer employed by H&M. We extend a sincere apology to the affected customers.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Scaling Back’ Or Backpedaling? H&M And ‘Buy From A Black Woman’ End Partnership

• Health and Wellness

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 10, 2025

Kenan Thompson Sends A Message To The GERD Community: ‘You Don’t Have To Suffer Like That’

Kenan Thompson gets personal to raise awareness about GERD.

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Kenan Thompson is opening up about his “personal journey” with GERD for the first time to help spotlight a condition impacting over 65 million Americans.

The longest-running cast member in SNL history appeared on BLACK ENTERPRISE’s The Culture Shift, where he opened up about his experience with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as part of the GERD IS NO JOKE campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness about GERD and encourage those experiencing frequent heartburn to speak with their healthcare providers.

Thompson knows the struggle firsthand, as his GERD symptoms began affecting his vocals during rehearsals and his sleeping pattern, ultimately pushing him to seek treatment. His journey to better health led him to Voquezna — an FDA-approved medication specifically designed to help manage both kinds of GERD.

“It’s a personal journey. I have GERD and I was able to like find a medicine that worked for me finally,” Thompson said. “I’ve been kind of like suffering to myself for years.”

“I understand what that might be like for others. So, I just wanted to get that word out to go see a doctor,” he added. “Don’t keep these things to yourselves. You don’t have to suffer like that.”

After finding heartburn relief with Voquezna for his Non-Erosive GERD, Thompson teamed up with Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PHAT)—a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases — to spotlight the GERD IS NO JOKE campaign. Now that he’s found an effective solution, the Nickelodeon alum is urging others living with GERD to stop ignoring their symptoms or relying on ineffective over-the-counter remedies, and instead consult a healthcare provider to explore more effective treatment options.

“Once I actually talked to a professional and was able to get the proper medicine, I was able to achieve the healing that I needed,” Thompson said.

Thompson dives deeper into his personal journey with GERD at GERDIsNoJoke.com, where visitors can download a guide written from his unique perspective. The resource includes helpful tips and conversation starters to empower others to talk to their doctor about managing the condition.

RELATED CONTENT: Kenan Thompson Thought It Was Just Heartburn—Then Spent Two Years Silently Battling A Hidden Illness

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 10, 2025

NBC Washington Anchor Leon Harris Leaving To ‘Prioritize My Health’ After Concerning Broadcast

Leon Harris is leaving NBC Washington four months after he concerned viewers during a live broadcast.

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NBC Washington anchor Leon Harris is leaving his post to prioritize his health four months after a live broadcast that raised concerns among viewers.

The longtime anchor for NBC affiliate WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., announced his departure in a statement the network released on April 8, following a four-month leave he says was used to focus on his health and family.

“Many of you have kindly asked about me over the past few months,” Harris said in a statement shared on Instagram. “As you know, I took time off to focus on my health and family.”

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As he did during his leave of absence, Harris expressed that he plans to use his time away to focus on his health journey and family. His departure marks the end of a four-decade career in journalism, including eight years with NBC4.

”After 40+ years of nonstop work and the dramatic changes in the news and television industry, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my role at NBC4,” Harris shared in the statement. “I’m grateful to NBC4 for having me as part of their team for the last eight years.”

“This is the right time to prioritize my health and family,” he added. “A special thanks to my amazing colleagues, friends, and especially to our viewers who welcomed me into their homes. It’s been an honor. Thank you.”

The departure comes after a Nov. 28 broadcast in which Harris appeared to slur his words and stumble while reading from a teleprompter. A clip shared on X raised concern, with one user urging the station to check on him. Four days later, WRC addressed the incident, stating Harris had shown signs of illness during the newscast and would be “stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues.”

The network added to Harris’ departure announcement with a personal statement thanking the media veteran for his work over the years and sending him warm wishes on his journey.

“We are grateful for Leon’s eight years of service to our newsroom,” the statement said. “We thank him for his commitment to our community, dedication to journalism, hard work, and friendship. He will be missed, and we wish him nothing but the best.”

RELATED CONTENT: Citigroup Erroneously Credits $81 Trillion To Customer’s Account, Highlighting Years Of Operational Failures

• Sports

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 10, 2025

Caitlin Clark Says Black Women Of The WNBA ‘Deserve All The Credit’

Caitlin Clark is celebrating the Black women who served as trailblazers within the WNBA.

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Caitlin Clark is acknowledging her white “privilege” within the WNBA while also honoring the Black women who have helped shape the league into what it is today.

The Indiana Fever star spoke candidly during a deep dive with veteran late-night host David Letterman on his Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. Clark highlighted the Black pioneers of the WNBA who inspired her as she grew up watching them.

“I definitely have privilege,” Clark said. “I’m obviously white, but I think I’m somebody who grew up a huge fan of this league. I grew up watching this league, going to games, supporting this league. So I know where this league comes from—a lot of Black women that grew up making this league what it is.”

From WNBA fan to player, Clark is now a leader in the league, championing the Black women who paved the way as trailblazers in the still-growing sport. It’s a “responsibility” she doesn’t take lightly.

“That’s kind of the shoulders that we stand on. So I think that was something I’m very aware of and something I’m very thankful for,” she said. “And they deserve all the credit, and the more we can give credit to them, the better. I’m very aware of that, and I know that, and I think there is responsibility in acknowledging that.”

Debates have surrounded Clark during her first year in the WNBA, with right-wing extremists fiercely defending her while criticizing her Black counterparts. At the same time, Black fans and critics argue that the fanfare surrounding Clark is a result of her white privilege.

In 2024, Clark was named Time‘s Athlete of the Year, sparking further discussions about whether she deserved the title and if her recognition overshadowed the achievements of Black women in the league. In her Time profile, Clark acknowledged her white privilege, just as she did in her recent interview with Letterman.

“I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” Clark said. “A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them.”

RELATED CONTENT: Jemele Hill Compares Angel Reese/Caitlin Clark Rivalry To Magic Johnson/Larry Bird’s

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

April 10, 2025

New PBS Documentary Traces The Roots Of Funk Music

'We Want The Funk!' is part of the PBS 'Independent Lens' series

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At a time when Black contributions to American history and culture face keep getting erased, independent art stands as a vital act of resistance and remembrance. We Want the Funk! is a vibrant documentary that celebrates the revolutionary sound and cultural legacy of 1970s funk music.​

Directed by Stanley Nelson and Nicole London, the film premiered on PBS’s series Independent Lens on April 8. It offers a dynamic exploration of funk’s evolution, tracing its roots from African, soul, and early jazz influences to its explosion in 1970s urban funk and beyond. 

We Want The Funk! takes viewers deep into the groove with a star-studded lineup of musicians, producers, and cultural critics who help contextualize the genre’s lasting influence.

George Clinton, Questlove and more guide viewers through a pulsating exploration of funk’s golden age, honoring the brilliance of icons like James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and Parliament-Funkadelic. 

Through rare archival footage and poetic reflections from both fans and founders of the movement, the film doesn’t just document a sound—it celebrates a cultural awakening. Funk was, and remains, one of the highest expressions of Black artistry.

Funk was raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically Black. Where jazz was refined, funk was defiant. Its bold instrumentation—otherworldly synthesizers, thumping basslines, and call-and-response chants—channeled a post–civil rights generation ready to own its power. We Want the Funk! shows how the genre became more than music; it became the sound of individuality, protest, and liberation—and the precursor to hip-hop’s rhythmic backbone.

“Music, especially funk, fosters social connection, provides a mental break from worries, and helps build resilience, which allows us to cope with challenging situations,” said Lois Vossen, executive producer of Independent Lens. “We need the funk.”

The documentary is available for streaming on PBS until July 7, 2025. This film serves as a testament to the enduring impact of funk music, highlighting its role as a powerful expression of Black artistry and cultural identity.

RELATED CONTENT: Doechii Emphasizes The ’Necessity’ Of Women In Music As She Accepts Billboard ‘Women Of The Year’ Award

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 10, 2025

Sneakerheads, Designers, And Collectors Brace Themselves For The Impact Of Trump’s Tariffs

The move is causing backlash from members of the sneaker community since the tariffs have raised the cost of importing goods from China and other countries.

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NBC News reports that the $70 billion sneaker industry is being hit with heavy price changes due to President Donald Trump’s increase in tariffs on imports from China. 

After China refused to bow down to Trump’s demands, the President increased the tariffs to 125%. “Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social app. “At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable.”

The move is causing backlash from members of the sneaker community since the tariffs have raised the cost of importing goods from China and other countries. Devlin Carter, founder of luxury sneaker company SIA Collective, is upset about how tariffs, which he calls “unnecessary,” will force him to raise prices. Carter launched his business into a multimillion-dollar brand due to some of the fashionable, high-quality footwear manufactured mostly in the Asian country. “These are ridiculous tariffs that make no sense. Small businesses like mine have to pay these tariffs, and it’s not a small thing,” Carter said. 

“It’s a lot. So there’s no way to see this as something that’s good — for anybody.” 

Independent business owners aren’t the only ones feeling the pain of the increased tax. Retail giants like Nike, which produces products in Vietnam and Taiwan, will have to raise prices as the countries were hit with 32% and 46% tariffs. In a post on X, economist Peter Schiff explained how the popular brand will be forced to build more U.S.-based production plants as a result, which won’t go over well with customers. “Nike won’t build factories in the U.S. to make sneakers. That would add more cost than the 40% tariffs. Plus, they need to stay competitive selling to customers in other countries that don’t impose tariffs,” Schiff said. 

“The result will be fewer sneakers sold in the U.S. at much higher prices.”

Some sneaker executives are prepared to deal with price increases despite their customers’ opposition. According to the Boston Globe, the chief executive of running-shoe company Topo Tony Post says he relies on Chinese manufacturing to produce almost 90% of his products. 

He worries about how the tariff threats will affect the cost of popular items like the Specters and Phantoms, possibly adding an additional $100 to the price tag. We haven’t said anything to our sales reps, even to our internal team, about raising prices, but of course, I know if these tariffs continue to go forward, I’m going to have to raise prices,” Post said. 

Sneaker fans, known as sneakerheads, can collect impressive collections thanks to savings and the decent cost of sneakers. However, since Trump told a reporter he doesn’t “want anything to go down” when asked about Americans’ concerns, that may change. “That pair of $180 sneakers is going to cost me $250 now,” Atlanta-based fan Earl West said. 

“So I have to be very selective on what I’m going to buy and when because I can’t afford to spend $250 on a pair of sneakers every other week — as a collector, that’s what we do. We’re not, we’re not buying to sell.” 

Reselling is another element of the tariff threat, as West claims it will be a problem for customers. “Think about it: As a reseller, you have to buy a $150 shoe at a higher rate than it’s worth. And then you have to sell it even higher to make money,” the collector said. 

“That’s going to be a problem.”

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