Charlotte Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Saturday, October 4th, 2025.

We’re waking up to clear skies and a pleasant start, with temperatures headed toward the mid-seventies by mid-afternoon. If you’re planning on heading out, expect sunshine for most of the day but keep an umbrella handy as there’s a slight chance for showers late tonight. This fall weather is perfect for local events and running errands around town.

We have breaking news from our city government today. Last night, Charlotte City Council passed new funding for green space improvements in Fourth Ward and along the Sugar Creek Greenway. This decision means more safe and accessible parks for families and folks out enjoying fall walks or weekend jogs. According to WCNC Charlotte, this move addresses community requests for safer outdoor spaces in key neighborhoods.

The job market in Charlotte continues to show strength as we move into October. There are close to 46,000 job openings posted on Indeed, ranging from warehouse positions off Browns Road to roles in healthcare, finance, and tech. Noteworthy are multiple new listings for remote customer service representatives and several analyst roles with banks like Wells Fargo and USAA. For our students, UNC Charlotte’s Hire-A-Niner site is packed with internships, part-time roles, and teaching jobs—everything from swim instructors to marketing interns and tutors. Whether you’re looking to start your career or just need a side gig, there are plenty of options out there.

In real estate, industry watchers report that home inventory in the greater Charlotte area stabilized a bit this week, but average prices are holding steady with the median listing just north of 410,000 dollars. While this keeps competition strong, it also means sellers are still seeing good returns.

On the business front, Lidl has just opened a new full-time location on Carmel Road, providing more grocery choice—and jobs—for the Johnston Road and McAlpine communities. Meanwhile, word from South End is that a new jazz-themed speakeasy is drawing early crowds, offering live music and local spirits.

Turning to schools, we celebrate the Mallard Creek High School volleyball team, who swept their regional rivals last night. Shoutout also to Charlotte Latin’s debate club, who placed second in the statewide invitational on Thursday. Our students keep putting Charlotte on the map, in class and on the field.

On the sports scene, the Panthers are gearing up for tomorrow’s game at Bank of America Stadium, hoping to shake off last week’s heartbreak. Meanwhile, Charlotte FC is chasing a playoff spot, with a home match set for tonight near Mint Street.

For the weekend, there’s plenty happening. The Taste of Charlotte food festival kicks off today along Tryon Street—packed with food trucks, local chefs, and live performances. Don’t miss Plaza Midwood’s fall art crawl or the family pumpkin patch pop-up at Freedom Park.

For our crime report, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police resp

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Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Thursday, October 2. As we wake up today, our skies are partly cloudy, and we are heading for a high right around 79 degrees. It is a comfortable start to October, but keep an umbrella handy just in case, as afternoon showers could pop up and might stick around through the evening. The cool breeze will linger, making it perfect football or festival weather as we enter the weekend.

We begin today with important city news – lawmakers in Raleigh have passed a new bill, called Iryna’s Law, in response to the fatal light rail stabbing that happened this past August on the Blue Line. This tragic case has sparked conversations about mental health and safety throughout Charlotte. The suspect, Decarlos Brown, is currently undergoing a court-ordered mental health evaluation, highlighting deeper challenges facing our judicial and health systems. There is concern that without enough resources for mental health treatment, people fall through the cracks and end up in a system struggling to keep up. The legislature’s bill focuses on pretrial release and more mandatory mental health evaluations, but critics say it does not fix the root causes of the problem.

Speaking of safety, our new Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Police Chief, Jonathan Thomas, was sworn in recently and promises to improve security for students and staff across all CMS schools. This comes at a time when families and teachers are eager for stronger protection for the city’s 186 schools, and it marks a step toward building community trust.

Turning to city hall, the budget impasse in Raleigh has left Medicaid expansion in limbo for thousands across Mecklenburg County. There is growing pressure to come to an agreement, as delays could mean some lose access to healthcare.

On the job front, Charlotte continues to buzz with opportunity. As of this week, more than 45,000 jobs are open in almost every sector, ranging from veterinary techs and sales specialists to CEOs of health organizations. The city’s job market remains strong, with major employers along the South End and uptown corridors posting new positions daily. UNC Charlotte is also listing roles for engineers, designers, program leaders, and more, offering local graduates new pathways.

In the real estate market, we see a steady flow of new listings and still-competitive prices, although the pace has cooled slightly. Reports from agents in Myers Park and Plaza Midwood say multiple offers on well-priced homes are still common and first-time buyers are out in force, especially in the red-hot neighborhoods just outside Uptown.

Downtown, new business openings balance out a few closings we have seen recently. On South Tryon, a new bakery opened its doors, while a long-running restaurant in NoDa announced it will close later this month. These shifts illustrate the resilience and adaptation of our local businesses as seasons change.

For events, the Charlotte Symphony is bringing a special treat to

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Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Sunday, September 28, 2025.

We start the day with breaking news from overnight. WSOC TV reports a tragic shooting on Saturday morning took the lives of two people and left six injured across Charlotte. The most serious incidents were near South End and along Sugar Creek Road. Police are investigating and ask anyone with information to come forward. Security remains tight at many transit stops this morning, especially after the August light-rail tragedy at the South End station, which still weighs heavy on our community. The city council this week is actively addressing rail safety, debating more visible security and fare enforcement to make sure neighborhoods feel safe again.

Turning to the weather, chief meteorologists at WCNC say a tropical system named Alda is tracking offshore, bringing relief after last week’s tense forecasts. The rain will mostly fall east of Charlotte, sparing us flood risk, though we could see scattered showers this afternoon. Expect highs around 77 degrees, cooling a bit tonight. If you have outdoor plans along Romare Bearden Park or walking the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, you should be in the clear, but hold onto an umbrella just in case.

In city hall, the latest resolution expands the powers of Professional Police Services Inc., the private security firm, to bring more accountability on light-rail platforms and buses. Residents who rely on public transit, especially in upscale South End and bustling NoDa, have voiced strong support for safety upgrades. Leaders promise quick action, but we’ll keep following for real change.

On the job front, Charlotte employers posted roughly 700 new jobs this week, with upticks in healthcare and tech. Atrium Health and Bank of America are advertising for positions from nurses to cybersecurity roles. Unemployment is holding steady near five percent, according to city economic data.

Real estate is still hot. The median home price in Mecklenburg County climbed to about 470 thousand dollars in September. Uptown condos along Brevard Street are seeing a surge in interest. Realtors are hosting more open houses today and tomorrow, but remind listeners that home financing rates remain near six and a half percent.

For cultural events, the Charlotte Jazz Festival kicks off Tuesday with concerts at Blumenthal and intimate pop-ups in Plaza Midwood. Music lovers can also catch Carolina bluegrass at the Visulite and a free open-mic night at Snug Harbor tonight.

School sports saw Myers Park High School’s football team clinch a tight win Friday night, while Providence High celebrated its state-ranked girls tennis team after a big away victory. Meanwhile, local schools are wrestling with reduced federal funding for fresh cafeteria meals, with parents and farmers urging state lawmakers to patch the gap. Advocates say food quality matters for every kid’s success.

On a positive note, we celebrate the effort of the Dilworth Neighborhood Association, w

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Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Saturday, September 27.

We start off with major news from Uptown where Jarius Jackson has been charged in connection with the shooting death of Jahday Humphrey last Thursday on North Tryon Street. According to WSOC TV, police say Jackson’s friend is claiming self-defense, but the investigation remains active and officials urge the community to remain vigilant. South Charlotte also saw tragedy at a local hotel, where a woman was killed in a shooting just last night. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police continue to investigate, with no arrests announced as of this morning.

Public safety has dominated city discussions this week. Following the murder of Iryna Zarutska, who came to Charlotte seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine only to lose her life in a horrific act caught on camera, city leaders, along with residents, held a candlelight vigil in her memory in the heart of Plaza Midwood. The tragedy prompted the North Carolina legislature to pass Arena’s Law, aimed at tightening bail rules and enhancing protections against violent offenders. Governor Stein is expected to address the bill soon. There are also big changes happening with security on our light rail system. Charlotte City Council acknowledged heightened concerns about gangs and youth violence, announcing increased police and private security patrols along the Blue and Gold lines—especially around CATS transit centers.

On the job front, Concord is buzzing after a visit by Senator J.D. Vance, who highlighted a new clean energy facility east of Matthews. The project promises about a hundred new jobs, but some locals say the benefits might not outweigh the impact on their neighborhoods. Teachers across Mecklenburg County are still waiting for overdue pay raises, as the state budget faces more delays. Medicaid cuts could begin as soon as next week if lawmakers don’t strike a deal.

Turning to real estate, home sales in the Myers Park and Plaza Midwood areas have picked up pace again, with about two hundred new listings over the past week and prices holding firm at around six hundred thousand dollars for a typical three-bedroom. Renters will also notice more units coming onto the market in South End and NoDa, following new apartment developments opening up this month.

Let’s check the weather. We woke to scattered clouds over the skyline, with a cooler breeze moving in. Rainfall from last night’s storm has dried up, but more showers are possible after lunch, especially in the Ballantyne and Steele Creek neighborhoods. Temperatures will swing from the mid-sixties this morning to nearly eighty by late afternoon, so grab an umbrella just in case.

In sports, our Myers Park Mustangs clinched a narrow win against the Providence Panthers in varsity football last night, taking the game 28 to 24 at Memorial Stadium. CMS reports continued strong attendance in classrooms and several local students won awards at the Charlotte Science Expo at Carowinds this wee

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Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Friday, September twenty-sixth. It’s another busy day in Charlotte and we’re waking up to a mix of warm, muggy air with storms possible this afternoon. If you have outdoor plans at Freedom Park or plan to stroll along South End, keep an umbrella close. Cooler, drier air is on the way this weekend, so hang in there.

Let’s start with breaking news: overnight, officials responded to a serious multi-car accident on West Boulevard, leaving one person dead and several others injured. Police say the crash happened near Remount Road just after midnight, causing major delays during the early morning commute. Our thoughts are with those families.

Uptown, two men were arrested for firing shots into an ambulance near North Tryon and Ninth Street. Thankfully, the medics inside escaped harm, but it’s a stark reminder of the risks taken by our emergency crews every day. CMPD has increased patrols in the area, and detectives are asking anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, north of Charlotte, Rock Hill police report that a fourteen-year-old boy died in an accidental shooting yesterday. Another teenager, just fifteen, faces charges. Local leaders are calling for renewed gun safety programs in our schools and neighborhoods.

Turning to city hall, council voted last night to put new funding into digital infrastructure, aiming to boost internet access in underserved areas from Beatties Ford Road out to east Charlotte. With more jobs moving online, this change could be a real lifeline for our community, especially seniors and students needing reliable connection.

Speaking of jobs, the North Carolina Department of Commerce notes Charlotte’s unemployment rate held steady at around three point two percent last month, but the market feels slower, with about five hundred layoffs reported across manufacturing and construction. After President Trump’s announcement yesterday of new import taxes—one hundred percent on pharmaceutical drugs and up to fifty percent on home furnishings—local business owners and builders are bracing for big cost increases. The uptick in tariffs could push home prices even higher, though the National Association of Realtors says an eleven percent rise in local sales listings last month may help ease prices by fall, with the median home now at about four hundred twenty thousand dollars.

On the cultural front, excitement is building with the Foot Candle Film Festival kicking off in Hickory and running through Sunday. Expect educational sessions, outdoor concerts, and indie film screenings. This weekend, local favorites The Avett Brothers headline a sold-out show at the Spectrum Center. Over in Plaza Midwood, a new vegan bakery opens its doors today, promising gluten-free treats and live music all weekend.

In schools, Myers Park High’s robotics team just clinched first place in a statewide competition, besting rivals from Raleigh and Asheville. And in sports, Charlotte FC celebrated a

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Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Thursday, September 25th. We wake up today to warm and mostly sunny skies, with highs reaching the upper eighties by late afternoon. There is a slight chance of storms rolling through after dinner, so if you have evening plans or want to catch some of the local football games, keep that umbrella handy just in case.

We start with breaking news still rippling across Charlotte as city leaders and residents process the tragic fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, on the Lynx Blue Line last month. Security video from the attack led to public outrage and urgent calls for action. In response, Mayor Vi Lyles has ordered immediate increases in security patrols and fare checks on all city trains, especially during busy shift changes around Uptown and South End. Police patrols have doubled at key platforms, and the city says new safety measures—including bike patrols and urban vehicles—will be rolling out over the next few weeks.

Just days ago, Charlotte police responded to three separate shootings, with two occurring off Atando Avenue and one on Queen City Drive near Freedom Drive. Tragically, two people lost their lives and another remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Police are still searching for suspects, especially around Atando Avenue and the motels nearby. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.

Another heart-wrenching incident emerged out of southwest Charlotte this week. A four-year-old child was killed in a shooting on Cigar Street after suspects, later identified and arrested following a police chase on Rivergate Parkway, allegedly fired into a home during what appears to have been a dispute over a stolen car. Four suspects now face murder charges.

Heavy hearts aside, the Charlotte community continues to show its resilience. Hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil in Marshall Park in memory of Iryna Zarutska, with neighbors standing together against violence and reminding us of Charlotte’s spirit of unity.

Switching gears, let’s talk about jobs. Charlotte’s unemployment rate has dropped slightly over the past month, with just under eight thousand positions posted across the region this week. Sectors like health care, IT, and construction are especially active. Real estate in Uptown and Elizabeth neighborhoods remains hot, with the average home price inching past four hundred and fifty thousand dollars despite higher mortgage rates.

UNC Charlotte’s campus buzzes with new energy. The Upper Prospector dining space just reopened with new food options like The Halal Shack and Oasis mocktail bar. The expansion of Jerry Richardson Stadium is also kicking off, bringing louder crowds and more excitement for the upcoming football season. And in a proud moment, six UNC Charlotte faculty are named finalists for teaching excellence this semester.

Music fans can look forward to the Fall Jazz Fest at Romare Bearden Park this Saturday, while the Queen Cit

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Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Saturday, September twentieth. We hope everyone is enjoying their weekend in the Queen City. Let’s jump into the latest stories making an impact in our community right now.

We begin with breaking news out of East Lincoln High School, where health officials confirmed a tuberculosis case in the past week. The Lincoln County Health Department, along with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, are working with school officials to identify anyone who may have been exposed. While parents are understandably concerned, officials remind us that tuberculosis is not immediately life threatening and only those notified by the health department should take action. No further school closures are being recommended at this time, but it’s a strong reminder for us all to pay attention to health advisories.

On the transportation front, there was an unusual incident on the CATS light rail. Authorities arrested a man who pretended to be security and brought weapons onto the train. Since our light rail is meant to be a weapon-free zone, this event has sparked renewed public safety discussions among CATS officials and commuters. Safety remains everyone’s top priority, and police say increased patrols may follow this arrest.

Looking to City Hall, the council will vote this Monday on expanding affordable housing efforts around Tryon and Sugar Creek, aiming to add more than two hundred new units by next spring. This initiative comes in response to rising rent costs and the influx of new residents drawn here by Charlotte’s job growth, which continues at a steady pace. Just last week, the city reported roughly three thousand new open jobs across the region—most in healthcare, tech, and logistics, with manufacturing seeing its strongest numbers in five years.

Meanwhile, the real estate market continues to buzz. On Providence Road, a new mixed-use development broke ground, expected to bring shops, apartments, and green space by late 2026. That joins several projects around South End and NoDa, where home sales have had modest but steady growth. First-time buyers continue to find challenges, but local agents say new inventory should help ease pressure.

Culturally, Charlotte is bursting with activity. Tonight Uptown hosts the Charlotte Jazz Festival at Romare Bearden Park, with performances from local legends and national headliners through Sunday. In South End, gallery walk events showcase emerging artists all weekend long. For music lovers, check out the indie showcase at Snug Harbor in Plaza Midwood, featuring three local bands starting at eight tonight.

School achievements shine this week. Myers Park High clinched a win in Friday’s football game, bringing their season record to five and one. And at Providence Day, students took home first place in the state robotics challenge—an outstanding achievement drawing praise from the superintendent.

Weatherwise, today we can expect scattered showers and mild

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Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Friday, September nineteenth. We hope you woke up to a cool breeze, because today brings us partly cloudy skies with temperatures hovering in the mid-seventies through the afternoon. Light winds will keep it pleasant as we move into the weekend, with only a slight chance of showers Sunday afternoon.

We start with breaking news from Uptown, where city hall approved new funding for the transit corridor expansion along Tryon Street late last night. This project will add express bus service and digital kiosks at major intersections, aiming to ease the morning rush for thousands. The city’s move is already drawing attention from local employers, who hope this improves access for job seekers as Charlotte’s unemployment rate remains steady at around four percent.

Speaking of jobs, we saw a flurry of openings posted this week, especially in healthcare and tech. Novant Health is hiring dozens of nurses at their Midtown campus, while local tech startup DroneFlow just announced five new data analyst positions. Over in real estate, agents are reporting a bump in new listings. Home sales in South End ticked up sixteen percent this month as more young families chase homes near the light rail. Median prices for three-bedroom houses in NoDa are trending near four hundred and twenty thousand dollars, up from last fall.

In sports, our Charlotte 49ers put up a valiant fight last night at Jerry Richardson Stadium but fell short against Rice. The Owls came out on top, winning twenty-eight to seventeen in the American Conference opener. Grayson Loftis threw a late touchdown for Charlotte, and kicker Liam Boyd was solid, knocking in three field goals, including a forty-yarder. Looking ahead, high school football fans should prepare for the big rivalry game tonight between Myers Park and Independence on the Mint Hill field.

On the cultural beat, the Charlotte Symphony is hosting a free outdoor concert Saturday evening at Freedom Park. Later tonight, local favorite Marquee Club welcomes singer-songwriter Jess Reynolds, expected to draw a spirited midtown crowd. Art lovers can check out the new mural unveiling at Plaza Midwood, celebrating local educator and artist Tamika Brown, whose work inspires students at Garinger High.

From City Hall, the council voted to increase funding for after-school programs, targeting overcrowded elementary campuses like Irwin Avenue and Shamrock Gardens. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools celebrated two big wins: the robotics team at Mallard Creek High scored first place in the statewide challenge, while Alexander Graham Middle's girls’ volleyball pulled off an upset victory, clinching their ticket to the regional finals.

Turning to public safety, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police have shared updates on multiple investigations. Yesterday’s press briefing revealed an arrest in Tuesday’s break-in at East Boulevard near Latta Park, with officers urging those in the neighborhood to remain vigilant. Rec

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Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Thursday, September 18th.

We wake up today to a difficult headline, as our community reels from the tragic news out of Steele Creek. Early yesterday on Cigar Court, a 4-year-old boy was shot and killed while sleeping in bed. According to neighbors and reports from WCNC Charlotte, the incident followed a car theft in the area and led to shots being fired into the home. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police moved swiftly, making arrests: both Angelo Hudson and Jordan Chandler Davis are now charged with first-degree murder in connection to this heartbreaking event. Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected as the investigation continues.

Turning now to weather, we are starting the day with mild temperatures mostly in the upper 60s, climbing to the low 80s by afternoon. Expect some clouds through lunch, but sunshine should return later in the day, making for comfortable outdoor conditions. This evening promises to be pleasant, perfect for any plans out at Romare Bearden Park or along South End’s Rail Trail.

From City Hall, council members have advanced a new affordable housing initiative aimed at expediting permits for projects near public transit. This is part of a broader push to address rising housing costs—rents in central Charlotte have climbed roughly four percent since last fall. City leaders say the goal is to help more working families live closer to work and transit.

Real estate activity remains brisk, with about 120 new listings hitting the market this week and the median home price hovering just under 370 thousand dollars. Rental properties in the Plaza Midwood and NoDa areas are also seeing strong demand, with open houses drawing crowds even on weekdays.

On the job front, several Charlotte tech firms along Tryon Street are announcing plans to hire. Red Ventures is looking to add about 50 positions in digital marketing, and Honeywell has posted openings for engineers and cybersecurity specialists. For folks looking to connect, the Charlotte Career Fair is happening tomorrow at the Convention Center starting at 10 a.m.

School pride is running high this week. Myers Park High celebrated a big win over Providence, while the robotics team at West Charlotte took home first place in the regional qualifiers last night. Congratulations to both groups for making us proud.

Music and culture in the city are in full swing as we head into the weekend. The Charlotte Jazz Festival returns to Uptown tonight, with acts performing at Founders Hall and the Belk Theater. Also, don’t miss the Food Truck Friday event at Sycamore Brewing, where several new vendors are making their Charlotte debut.

A quick look at sports: the Panthers are prepping for their matchup against the Falcons this Sunday at Bank of America Stadium, hoping to bounce back after last week’s tough loss. Meanwhile, Charlotte FC is riding a three-game winning streak and plays at home Friday night.

On a brighter note, local voluntee

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Good morning, this is Charlotte Local Pulse for Thursday, September 18. We wake up today to a somber story in Steele Creek. Early yesterday morning, a tragedy shook our city when a four-year-old boy was struck and killed by gunfire as he slept in his bed. The incident happened on Cigar Court, where police say suspects attempting to steal a black Dodge Charger fired shots directly into a residence, striking the child. The community is reeling, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers. Detectives are working around the clock, and the city mourns with this family.

Turning to major stories out of city hall, our neighbors in Statesville just approved a huge new data center on Stamey Farm Road despite local opposition. While some residents worry about potential noise and environmental impact, city council gave the green light after assurances from Compass Datacenters. The project is bringing about two hundred new jobs in engineering and technical fields, and company officials are promising eco-friendly operations that preserve nearly half the land as open space.

On the real estate front, the latest numbers out this week show that home prices in the Charlotte region are holding steady, with average sales hovering around four hundred sixteen thousand dollars. Inventory remains tight but new construction along the 485 corridor offers some relief for buyers. For renters, several new apartment buildings have opened near Ballantyne and South End.

In the job market, Charlotte’s unemployment rate just ticked down to nearly four percent, reflecting ongoing growth in tech, healthcare, and logistics. The new data center project over in Statesville, just under an hour’s drive, is not only creating jobs but also offering training partnerships with local colleges, giving a boost to our regional workforce.

Now for something a bit lighter—campus is buzzing today as ESPN’s SportsCenter sets up live at UNC Charlotte’s CHHS Plaza at two o'clock this afternoon, ahead of tonight’s football matchup. The Charlotte 49ers are set to take on the Rice Owls at Jerry Richardson Stadium, with kick-off at seven-thirty. Expect a lot of green and gold downtown today as fans get ready for the game, which will also be on national television.

Weather-wise, we’ve got a cool morning and should see partly cloudy skies most of the day. Temperatures will climb to the upper seventies by afternoon, so it’s a perfect day to get outside, especially for those heading to the football game or any of the outdoor music events happening in NoDa and South End tonight.

Charlotte’s music scene is thriving even in midweek, with local bands playing at the Evening Muse and Neighborhood Theatre. If you’re looking for community events, mark your calendars for this Saturday’s Dilworth Art Festival and the upcoming Queen City Jazz Society concert at Romare Bearden Park.

Quick shout-out to the Myers Park High School girls’ soccer team, who clinched a big wi

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