Minneapolis Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, July 27, 2025.

We wake up today with heavy hearts following fatal gun violence near 24th Street East and 18th Avenue South. Early Saturday morning, police responded to a shooting that resulted in the death of a man in his twenties. Authorities say an argument escalated to gunfire, and the suspected shooter remains at large. Police Chief Brian O’Hara is urging anyone with information to come forward so we can help bring healing to the affected family and our neighborhood.

Turning to city hall, the upcoming November mayoral election is coming into focus. Seven candidates are set to appear on the ballot, and for the first time in years, the DFL did not back the incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey, instead endorsing Omar Fateh, who is running on a working-class platform. The race is already shaping up to be competitive with the city’s future direction at stake.

Weather-wise, the heat is back but with lower humidity than yesterday’s storms, which caused flash flooding and led officials to cancel the Aquatennial’s Torchlight Parade. Today we’re looking at mostly sunny skies, highs around 85, with a gentle breeze off the lakes. Perfect weather for getting outside, but if you’re headed out, do watch for a few lingering puddles and street closures from yesterday’s rain.

Drifting into our lively summer culture scene, the Aquatennial festivities are wrapping up. The fireworks last night lit up the Minneapolis skyline in what’s called one of the nation’s very best shows. Today, the Loring Park Art Festival runs through 5 p.m., offering local art, live music, and family-friendly activities among the duck ponds and gardens. Meanwhile, Minneapolis is hosting the 30th annual Caribbean Festival along West River Road, with vibrant food and music celebrating the city’s Caribbean community. Bet you can smell jerk chicken before you even see the tents.

On the business side, several new restaurants have opened in Uptown, with a trend toward fusion cuisine and casual patios. On East Lake Street, a decades-old hardware store is closing its doors, citing higher rent and slowing sales. The commercial real estate market remains active, with small business openings matching up with a steady demand for service jobs across the city. Minneapolis unemployment remains low, hovering just above three percent as of last week’s jobs report.

In local sports, the Twins clinched a 7-5 win over Cleveland last night at Target Field, keeping playoff hopes alive. Among our youth, Minneapolis Roosevelt High’s girls soccer team took top honors in a weekend summer tournament, showing the depth of our school sports programs.

Rounding out today’s report, a feel-good moment from a Northeast neighborhood where an impromptu lemonade stand not only raised money for park improvements but also brought neighbors together with homemade cookies and a little Saturday afternoon laughter.

Before we go, a quick reminder that a major investigation is u

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, July 26. We hope everyone is enjoying Aquatennial week as our city bursts with summer spirit. Right now, downtown is gearing up for the big Target Fireworks show tonight at ten by the Stone Arch Bridge. That’s the grand finale of the Minneapolis Aquatennial, and it’s one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the country. Leading up to it, West River Parkway will be packed with live music, food trucks, vintage markets, and a buzzing kids zone, all kicking off at four this afternoon. This is one of those nights the whole city feels connected and alive.

For weather, we wake to a warm, slightly hazy morning. By midday, expect sunshine and highs near eighty-eight, with humidity climbing and a mild southwest breeze. It’s a perfect summer day, but plan for heat precautions if you’re out enjoying the festivities or heading to Target Field for the Minnesota Twins game against the Nationals at six ten this evening. Looking ahead, tomorrow brings more sunshine and a slim chance of rain by late afternoon.

On the news front, City Hall has reached an agreement with Hamoudi Sabri, owner of a commercial lot that became the focus of a recent homeless encampment near downtown. After a series of health and safety concerns, Sabri agreed to clear the camp and will install a shade awning on his property. The city’s outreach teams continue working to connect those affected with housing and support services, underscoring the ongoing challenges of homelessness here in Minneapolis.

For local job seekers, several restaurants and shops in Uptown are hiring, following a recent wave of reopenings and a few closures. The hospitality sector is reporting over three hundred open positions across the city, a positive sign for our summer job market. On the real estate front, median home prices downtown hold steady, hovering just under four hundred thousand. Inventory remains tight, but new condo projects along Washington Avenue are drawing plenty of interest.

Business buzz this week centers around the reopening of Pino’s Pizzeria, a family favorite, which found new life across the street after being displaced from its long-time St. Paul skyway spot. Also, buzz is growing about two new outdoor amphitheaters coming to the Twin Cities area over the next couple years, promising more live music options for Minneapolis fans.

As for community events, it’s not just Aquatennial tonight. The Pride Cultural Arts Center is hosting a gallery show this evening, and local theaters are full—check out the latest performance of The Macbeths at the Center for the Performing Arts for a bold new twist on Shakespeare.

In sports, the Minnesota Lynx welcome the Las Vegas Aces to the Target Center tonight. Our city’s youth soccer teams brought home two first-place trophies this week, including the Southwest Tigers and the Northeast Bears. Congratulations to our young athletes for making us proud.

Now for a brief crime update. Minnea

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, July 25th. Our top story today is out of North Minneapolis, where a community is in mourning and calling for change after the tragic shooting death of 11-year-old Amir Atkins. Police say the 16-year-old arrested in the case faces charges for possessing a firearm as a minor, but prosecutors did not file a murder charge, citing evidence of self-defense. Local voices, including mothers and peace activists like KG Wilson, are urging families to look out for their children and for the whole city to come together—a sentiment echoed by Mayor Jacob Frey. He’s announced a new gun safety initiative launching today, aimed at getting resources and support for families, with an upcoming community summit at Folwell Park scheduled for August 2nd to keep the conversation going and offer activities for families.

Turning to city hall, the Minneapolis City Council has just taken significant action for our arts scene. Yesterday, they approved a deal allowing Arts’ Nest and the Zenon Dance Company to take over operations at the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, which has been closed for over a year. Once state agencies sign off, the venue is expected to reopen early next year, bringing back both performances and educational programs to downtown and the broader Minneapolis community.

On the weather front, smoky sunshine is the story again today. Due to wildfire smoke drifting in from Canada, Minnesota’s air quality alert has now been extended into the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says our air is in the orange category, so those with asthma or other respiratory conditions should take precautions if heading out. We’re expecting highs in the mid-80s, with the air quality starting to improve late this afternoon and heading into Saturday.

For jobs and real estate, things are steady. Developers presented plans at recent Housing and Redevelopment Authority meetings to address affordable housing and investment around the old public works site on Eden Avenue. The job market remains stable—local job sites show just over 23,000 open positions in the metro, with healthcare, tech, and hospitality leading the way.

Our cultural calendar is buzzing. Last night, George Floyd Square hosted local makers and food vendors in a lively evening celebrating neighborhood creativity. Looking ahead, community festivals will pop up across neighborhoods from Powderhorn to Northeast, and you can catch free live music at the Lake Harriet Bandshell throughout the weekend.

For schools and sports, Minneapolis high school summer programs report strong participation in STEM camps and arts intensives, while Washburn High recently celebrated three students earning state academic honors. On the sports front, the Twins are home this weekend and hoping to build on their recent winning streak, while the Lynx travel for a crucial game in Chicago.

In public safety, aside from the heartbreaking incident in North

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, July 24th. We have a full slate of stories from across our city today, so let’s dive in.

Overnight, city police continue to investigate a series of car break-ins that have frustrated residents from the North Loop down to Hennepin Avenue and throughout northeast neighborhoods. With hundreds of cars targeted in recent weeks, neighbors say they’re still waiting for concrete results as police add more patrols but arrests remain scarce. If your car is usually parked on the street, keep doors locked and valuables out of sight.

There is movement at city hall, capturing plenty of attention this week. In local politics, Minneapolis is making national headlines as State Senator Omar Fateh wins the Democratic Party endorsement for mayor, defeating incumbent Jacob Frey at last weekend’s convention. This signals a possible shift toward more progressive policies, with Fateh pushing for rent stabilization and stricter oversight of local police. Frey’s team is disputing the results, alleging voting system problems, so we’ll watch for updates as a recount is possible.

The city council is also tackling big-picture sustainability. The Zero Burn coalition is pressing hard for Hennepin County to stick with Minneapolis’s plan to shut down the HERC trash-burning plant by 2028. With the council and Mayor Frey already signed on, all eyes are now on the county commissioners to make the final call—a decision that will affect air quality and neighborhood development for years to come.

Looking to the sky, we’ve had on-and-off rain throughout the week, and today is no exception. Expect scattered showers into the afternoon, with a chance of thunderstorms after three o’clock. That has city recreation staff eyeing lake and beach conditions closely, with some restricted swimming posted for Bde Maka Ska and Lake Hiawatha after yesterday’s rainfall. Tomorrow should bring more sunshine, though, just in time for weekend events.

On the community calendar, the Minneapolis Aquatennial continues through Saturday, featuring the ever-popular Torchlight Parade along Nicollet tonight and a huge fireworks show by the riverfront tomorrow. If you’re downtown, plan for extra foot traffic and some parking headaches but also plenty of local food trucks and music.

Before we turn to sports, a quick spotlight on a young North Minneapolis athlete who shared his love for superheroes while preparing for the Special Olympics. He and his dad have become local favorites, inspiring kids at parks from Folwell to Lyndale with their optimism and teamwork.

The job market in our metro area shows steady momentum, with major retailers already hiring for back-to-school demand. Coresight Research notes that nearly two-thirds of shoppers are planning to start earlier than usual, so local stores may have more listings popping up in the next week.

In real estate, Minneapolis continues to see brisk summer sales, although most homes are now spending abou

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, July 20th, 2025.

We start with breaking political news. After a highly charged convention at Target Center, Minneapolis DFL delegates have endorsed State Senator Omar Fateh for mayor over incumbent Jacob Frey. This is the first time since 2009 that the party has united behind a mayoral candidate. City DFL leaders view this as a turning point, with Fateh representing the progressive wing aiming to reshape Minneapolis politics. Frey’s campaign says they plan to challenge the endorsement process, setting up a heated race all summer long.

On the city hall front, expect a full council agenda Tuesday as officials finalize absentee balloting details and discuss new development review policies. Housing remains a hot topic, especially in neighborhoods like Linden Hills, where teardown projects have stirred debate between residents and developers. Many neighbors express concern that new multi-family homes are changing the area’s character, while city officials point to the Minneapolis 2040 Plan, which allows for increased density and aims to address housing shortages by encouraging more duplexes and triplexes on lots that once housed single-family homes.

Turning to real estate, the Twin Cities’ housing market keeps climbing with the average home now listed around four hundred thousand dollars. This uptick continues to price out many first-time buyers, even as more multi-unit developments come online. On the jobs front, Minneapolis' unemployment rate is steady at just under three percent, with growth in health care and hospitality. The University of Minnesota continues to bolster its workforce, though Teamsters Local 320 is planning a vote next week on a new labor contract.

Looking at the latest weather, we’re enjoying a beautiful Sunday with plenty of sun and highs in the upper seventies to low eighties. Perfect conditions for outdoor events. Overnight will be comfortable in the sixties, but plan ahead — rain returns Monday, with a chance of heavy showers and localized flooding. Severe weather could linger into Tuesday, so it’s wise to keep an eye on updates if you have outdoor plans.

For those seeking something to do, our events calendar is packed today. The Twin Cities Beach Blast is underway at Thomas Beach on Bde Maka Ska, drawing families for games and prizes. Later at Utepils, Railroad Earth and Yonder Mountain String Band co-headline a special summer concert. For art lovers, the Minnesota Historical Society is hosting the opening of a new exhibit featuring stories from newcomer youth from Afghanistan. Foodies might want to check out Hell's Kitchen tonight for local live music.

In sports, the Twins fell to the Colorado Rockies last night, six-four, in a tough start to the season’s second half. Meanwhile, youth soccer and baseball leagues across Minneapolis continue to impress, with Southwest High School celebrating state tournament wins in both girls’ soccer and robotics.

Crime is down

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, July nineteenth, two thousand twenty-five.

We start our morning with the news that Minneapolis police are investigating a citywide spree of car break-ins and vandalism, especially concentrated around Loring Park and nearby neighborhoods. Windows were smashed and valuables stolen from dozens of vehicles overnight. Police urge us to keep cars locked and not leave any items inside as this investigation unfolds.

Looking at our weather, we face another day of smoky skies as heavy surface smoke from Canadian wildfires moves south into the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert, urging everyone, especially our listeners with heart or lung conditions, as well as children and older adults, to limit outdoor activity. The smoke is expected to linger through the evening, with conditions improving somewhat tomorrow and Monday as winds shift.

City Hall has been busy this week. Lawmakers are considering changes to labor laws, including proposed updates around paid time off and new requirements for meal and rest breaks. These discussions could have real impacts on local businesses and workers, so we’ll watch closely and keep you all updated as the legislation advances.

In real estate, Minneapolis remains an active market, with about fourteen hundred homes listed citywide. While prices have cooled slightly from last month’s highs, we’re still seeing steady interest from buyers, especially for homes near the Chain of Lakes and Northeast neighborhoods. The job market is also holding steady, with major local employers like UPS offering voluntary separation packages as part of a broader reorganization. New postings have come in this week, particularly in healthcare, logistics, and tech.

On our community calendar, there’s plenty happening even with the haze in the air. The Kpop-Up MN Summer Market gets underway this afternoon at Keyes Park in Columbia Heights, inviting families to enjoy live performances, food, and games. Over in Uptown, the weekly Farmers Market continues to draw crowds on Hennepin Avenue with fresh produce and local crafts. Art lovers can mark their calendars for next weekend’s Loring Park Art Festival, a major event set to showcase over one hundred artists in the heart of the city.

For sports fans, the Champlin Park baseball team finished a strong summer season, making it all the way to the state semifinals before the Minnetonka squad edged them out. Local Legion teams are now in action, so it’s a good time to catch some ball games.

Nature lovers, take extra care if you’re headed out. Park officials report a much higher number of ticks in our area parks. They recommend wearing long sleeves, using bug spray, and checking for ticks after any outdoor activity.

Wrapping up with a feel-good moment, Cullens Ice Cream opened its doors in New Hope this week, quickly becoming a popular destination for families craving summer treats.

Thanks for t

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, July 18th, 2025.

We start today with a significant update on public safety. Two more men have been charged in connection with the Boom Island Park mass shooting that occurred last month. Davion Lazarick Gaines and Dechelen Chavez Mastin-Wilson face charges related to illegal firearm possession. This comes after a June 1st incident that left one woman dead and five men injured, shaking the Willard-Hay and North Loop neighborhoods. Gaines, a Minneapolis resident, is barred from owning firearms due to prior convictions, and Mastin-Wilson is reported to have been involved in an ongoing gang feud that escalated into violence at the park. Authorities continue to investigate, with officers urging the community to come forward with any additional information.

Turning to City Hall, Minneapolis is facing ongoing debates on housing policy. Residents in the Willard-Hay neighborhood recently won their legal battle regarding controversial apartment complexes approved with extreme zoning variances on Plymouth Avenue. After a judge ruled in favor of neighbors, the city went ahead with a zoning change to make such developments easier in the future, inflaming conversations around density and neighborhood character. Homeowners there continue to push for solutions that respect both affordable housing needs and the integrity of existing communities.

Today’s weather may dictate how we plan our Friday. It’s partly cloudy through the morning, with highs around 84 degrees, and a slight chance for scattered showers this evening. If you’re headed out for any events or planning to visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden or a lakeside trail, just keep an umbrella handy. Weekend temperatures are expected to stay in the low 80s, perfect for outdoor festivals or catching a baseball game.

On the cultural calendar this weekend, Bar Fly at Skyway Theatre downtown hosts No Thanks live in concert tonight. Tomorrow, fans of electronic music can hit the Noise Party at The Loft, also in the Skyway Theatre complex. Sunday brings roots and alternative shows to the Cedar Cultural Center, and shows continue all week at Lyric Arts in Anoka, just north of the city.

For job seekers and entrepreneurs, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management is holding another retailer license lottery next Tuesday. This presents an opportunity for both general and social equity applicants to step into the expanding legal cannabis market, with stores likely to open later this summer or fall, signaling new jobs and business activity across the metro area.

In real estate, ongoing disputes about development and changing zoning rules have homeowners and developers watching City Hall closely. Expect more public hearings as Minneapolis shapes its future growth and tries to balance housing needs with neighborhood input.

Local schools are quieter this week with summer break in full swing, but our prep athletes and coaches are gearing up for late summer

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, July 17, 2025.

We start today with breaking news that has city leaders and residents talking. Federal agents have launched a major investigation into alleged widespread fraud in Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services program. According to FOX 9, homes and businesses around Minneapolis were raided yesterday. Authorities allege that several providers billed Medicaid for services they never actually gave, taking advantage of a program meant to help our most vulnerable neighbors secure stable housing. This story is still developing, and we’ll be following any new updates as they come in.

Meanwhile, downtown and Northeast neighborhoods are seeing a surge in car break-ins. Minneapolis police are urging everyone to stay vigilant, avoid leaving valuables in parked cars, and report suspicious activity immediately. In brighter news, after years of planning, excitement is building in North Minneapolis as the city council prepares to vote July 24 on leasing the long-awaited new amphitheater site to Port of Minneapolis. If approved, this venue could quickly become a summer hotspot for music, community events, and local culture.

This week brought significant developments at City Hall. After the federal government dismissed a consent decree aimed at reforming our police department, Minneapolis officials are now working to merge key reform measures into the existing state agreement—a move that could still lead to changes in police accountability and oversight, though progress has stalled amid legal debate.

On the jobs and real estate front, the local market remains steady. Entry-level positions in hospitality and healthcare continue to be posted. We’ve seen more than 400 new job openings citywide in the last week alone. Real estate demand is holding, with about 200 new listings across the city since last Friday, especially in Longfellow and Northeast.

Turning to cultural happenings, the next week is packed with can’t-miss events. Lord Huron will be at The Armory July 22, and the much-anticipated Davido 5ive Alive Tour rolls into the same venue on July 25. For families, the Nicollet Diner is serving breakfast late, and local river cruises are running on the Mississippi daily. Tonight, the Cedar Cultural Center has Shamarr Allen on stage, and the Lake Harriet Bandshell welcomes Junior and the Jukes for a free outdoor performance later this evening.

Weather today is classic Minneapolis in midsummer—sunny and a touch humid, with highs in the low 80s. Expect a chance of scattered thunderstorms late in the evening, so keep an umbrella handy if you plan to head out. The weekend looks mostly clear, perfect for outdoor music, walks along the Stone Arch Bridge, and summer festivals.

In neighborhood news, the Twin Cities Female Firefighter Fitness program is seeing record participation, inspiring more women to pursue careers in firefighting. Speaking of achievements, we want to shout out to Southwest Hi

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, July 13, 2025.

We start our morning with a look at the headlines and breaking news in our city. Overnight, Minneapolis police made an arrest in connection with a shooting late Friday. One man is in critical condition after being found seriously injured in an alley in South Minneapolis. Police are investigating whether this incident is tied to ongoing disputes in the area. Public safety officials remind us to stay alert, especially during the busy summer event season. In a related story out of St. Paul, a chaotic scene left two injured and a suspect dead after police responded quickly in a crowded shopping area.

At City Hall, the big news is the approval of a new speed and red-light camera enforcement system. The City Council voted Thursday to sign a four-year contract for a pilot program with NovoaGlobal. Cameras could be active as early as next month, with five locations announced Tuesday. The first offense will be a warning, but repeated speeding or running red lights will lead to fines of 40 dollars or more. The city stresses that the funds raised will be used for traffic safety programs, not general revenue, and there is an option to fight citations in court. This new measure is the first of its kind in Minneapolis since the Supreme Court halted a similar program in 2007, and city officials hope it will reduce dangerous driving on our busiest streets.

Turning to the weather, smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to drift across the city today, so air quality is moderate to poor—especially for those with breathing issues. Skies will be warm and a bit humid, with highs in the mid-80s. We can expect the haze to stick around into tonight, so if you're heading outside, especially near parks or the lakes, consider light outdoor activity and check in on neighbors who may be sensitive.

In real estate news, Minneapolis homeowners are seeing insurance premiums climbing, sometimes doubling or even tripling, due to projected rate hikes. This is contributing to a cautious mood for both buyers and sellers, while apartment rentals remain steady across Uptown and the North Loop. Job seekers should note that local hospitality, healthcare, and tech sectors continue to post several hundred new openings this week, and the city’s job boards show the unemployment rate holding near four percent.

In the heart of Loring Park, Cafe & Bar Lurcat, a beloved spot for nearly two decades, has announced it will close at summer’s end. Owners cite changing tastes and tougher competition, marking the end of an era for many regulars.

For culture and events, the big excitement this weekend was KojiFest at South Lyndale Liquors, where folks sampled umami-rich Japanese-inspired foods and drinks. If you missed it, plenty more is coming up. Dragonfest wraps up tonight with fireworks and a parade out in Madison, and next Saturday, head over to the North Loop Green for the Twin Cities Vintage Flea by Totally Rad Vintage

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, July 12, 2025.

We are waking up to a comfortable start today. Expect mild temperatures this morning, with afternoon highs reaching the upper seventies. A gentle breeze should keep things pleasant for any plans around the city. There is just a slight chance of showers later, but most of our outdoor events look safe from weather interruptions.

Turning to city news, we have a few key updates from city hall this week that will shape daily life. The Minneapolis City Council has approved a four-year contract for a new speed and red-light camera enforcement pilot program. These cameras will soon be installed at five locations around the city, so watch your speed, especially near downtown and high-traffic corridors. The first time you are caught speeding, you will get a warning, but that second offense could cost you forty dollars. The city hopes this move will improve safety on our streets as the pilot rolls out next month. Another council decision will impact e-cigarette users: as of this week, the minimum price for e-cigarettes is now set at twenty-five dollars, and no new tobacco shops can open within the city moving forward. Officials say these changes aim to deter youth vaping and address health concerns.

Drivers commuting along Interstate 394, especially between Golden Valley and downtown, should be aware of major lane closures starting Monday. The Easy Pass toll lanes will close for bridge and ramp repairs through November, so allow for extra time and consider alternate routes to avoid heavy delays.

In the job and real estate market, we see steady hiring across the metro, especially in healthcare and hospitality as summer tourism picks up. The housing market remains tight, with homes averaging just a week on the market before selling. A new housing development in Maple Grove is in the works, and the Northern Taphouse restaurant is planning an opening for this fall.

On the cultural front, there is plenty to enjoy this weekend. Head down to the Downtown Farmers Market at Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza for local produce and live music throughout the morning. If you are looking for evening plans, the Science Museum of Minnesota is hosting Museum Nights, and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum welcomes visitors for the Dakota Sacred Hoop Walk. Over at Surly Brewing Festival Field, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue played to a lively crowd last night, bringing New Orleans energy to our city.

For families, Monster Jam roars into the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul for the first time in three decades. Meanwhile, downtown galleries showcase new art, and local theater companies offer unique performances like the extended edition of Footloose as a puppet show.

Turning to sports, Brooklyn Center residents are rallying to revive their Little League program after a two-year hiatus—community members hope to restore some of that classic baseball spirit to local fields. In high school

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