Seattle Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Saturday, July 26. We wake up to a perfect mix of summer sunshine and cool marine air drifting in over the Sound. After a mild morning with a little leftover cloud cover and some mist, we are set for a beautiful Saturday with highs around 75. It will get even warmer tomorrow, reaching the upper seventies, so outdoor plans are in luck, but remember we are still experiencing a severe drought, even if we got just enough drizzle yesterday to keep this July from becoming our driest ever. Water usage remains a concern, and local officials urge us to keep up those conservation habits.

Today’s a big day for downtown Seattle, as the Seafair Torchlight Run and Parade will light up the waterfront this evening. Expect significant delays along Alaskan Way and near Colman Dock from four to eleven thirty tonight. Metro buses are operating on normal schedules, but expect reroutes and extra crowds with so many headed to the parade. The water taxi is running its summer schedule with extra late runs after the event, and extended service supports big events as well, including the Morgan Wallen concert at Lumen Field tonight.

The city’s got its sights set on keeping things moving despite the festivities. SDOT continues repaving projects this weekend, most notably on Olson Place Southwest near Arrowhead Gardens. There are also traffic restrictions at the Avalon and Yancy intersection for utility work. Watch for flaggers and narrowed lanes. West Seattle drivers will want to check their route before heading out.

Turning to real estate, local agencies say the Seattle housing market just hit its highest inventory level since 2015. With more than two thousand homes now listed, buyers are starting to see rare deals and less bidding competition. Sellers are feeling the effect with average time on market stretching to nearly a month, which means a shift from the hot sellers’ market we’ve seen in recent years.

On the jobs front, there is positive momentum. Tech hiring has picked up, with openings at several South Lake Union startups and giants like Amazon, who just announced plans to add more than five hundred seasonal warehouse roles before the holidays. That is helping to balance out slowdowns in retail and hospitality seen earlier this summer.

There’s fresh energy along the waterfront with the official opening of the new Pier 58 park space. Locals and visitors alike are already filling its lawns and play structures, and city hall believes this is a sign Seattle’s downtown is truly bouncing back. In business news, the much-anticipated reopening of Elliott Bay Book Company happens today, now under new ownership and with a renovated cafe space—expect lines out the door.

If you are looking for local flavor, Bite of Seattle continues today at Seattle Center. There’s also the Bellevue Arts Fair, Renton River Days, and free concerts in numerous neighborhood parks all weekend.

On the sports scene, the Mariners host the Angels at

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Friday, July 25, 2025. We start our day with an eye on the sky as clouds settle in, giving us a bit of a break from the summer heat. Expect temperatures to top out in the upper seventies, so a light jacket might be handy if you are heading out for morning errands. The cooldown should make it a little easier to navigate the wave of events taking over the city today.

Let’s talk about what’s happening around town. Seattle is buzzing with big events this weekend. The Bite of Seattle is back at the Seattle Center with a huge array of local eats and live entertainment running all the way through Sunday night. If you are more into music, Morgan Wallen is set to take over Lumen Field for back-to-back concerts tonight and tomorrow. Keep in mind, large crowds and traffic are expected, especially on Occidental and the streets leading to both venues. If you are headed to these events, public transit or the monorail is your friend.

The Seafair Torchlight Parade returns to a newly refreshed waterfront tomorrow evening. We know a few city leaders and local kids will be featured in the parade this year, so get down early if you want a good view along Alaskan Way. While the anticipation is high, there is also local activism stirring. A coalition of neighbors and climate groups have put up a new billboard on Rainier Avenue protesting the Blue Angels air show, raising conversations about noise and environment as Seafair gears up for August.

From City Hall, there are updates West Seattle residents should note. SDOT crews are finishing up the first phase of repaving along California Avenue Southwest between Holly and Frontenac today, with the next round of improvements coming at the end of the month. The Sound Transit Board has just approved further land acquisitions for light rail, aiming to keep the West Seattle extension moving forward.

On the job front, tech and health remain bright spots. The regional unemployment rate remains low, just under 4 percent, although many small retailers have paused hiring for now. In real estate, home sale prices around King County sit just above one million dollars, but local agents say activity has slowed as buyers wait to see if rates come down later in the year.

Turning to safety, overnight in the Central District, a house fire near 20th Avenue and East Marion spread to several neighboring homes. Firefighters brought it under control in the early hours with just one minor injury reported and all residents safely evacuated. In West Seattle, a 39 year old man is in custody, facing hate crime and robbery charges after a disturbing incident at Seacrest Pier, where a group was threatened and one person’s phone was thrown into the water after an argument over language. Police responded quickly, and the suspect remains in jail.

In sports, the Mariners are back at T Mobile Park tonight, hoping to snap a week long skid. Nearby, youth sports is thriving, with a local high school soccer t

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Sunday, July 20th. We are waking up to another mild, sunny day after what has been a stretch of cooler temperatures, perfect for those eager to get outside. The National Weather Service tells us today’s high should reach a comfortable 73 degrees, with a gentle breeze making it ideal for outdoor activities. Tonight will be partly cloudy with lows near 56, and the week ahead looks mostly sunny and dry, with a big warm-up on tap by midweek—Wednesday could reach the mid-80s. After recent heat advisories and some unusual northerly winds noted by paragliders and sailors on Lake Washington and around Sand Point, this temperate spell is a welcome change.

Let’s start with breaking news on the public safety front. Early Saturday morning, an attempted burglary rattled West Seattle Arcade on California Avenue SW. Around 4:20 AM, three men in a gray Hyundai with no plates tried but failed to break in. Fortunately, a watchful neighbor noticed and quickly called the police, scaring off the suspects before any damage could be done. The Seattle Police Department is investigating, and anyone with information is encouraged to reference incident number 25-203483.

Turning to sports, last night was electric at T-Mobile Park where the Mariners edged out the Astros 6-5 in an 11-inning nail-biter. Rookie Cole Young drove in the game-winner, capping a dramatic game that saw multiple hit batters and plenty of tension on both benches. The victory not only extends the Mariners’ winning streak to five but also brings them within three games of first place in the American League West. The crowd’s energy was contagious, and with several key games left against Houston, this playoff race is heating up.

Over in Seward Park this morning, the Seafair Triathlon kicked off bright and early. With temperatures staying cool, competitors are braving the swim, bike, and run courses along Lake Washington. Families gathered for the kids’ races, and the park is buzzing with activity. If you’re headed that way, keep in mind that parking at the park is limited to participants, so taking the bus or riding your bike is a smart move.

Elsewhere across the city, the real estate market is buzzing. Median home prices have stabilized just above one million dollars, and active listings are holding steady compared to last month. For job seekers, the tech and healthcare sectors continue to show strong demand, and city job boards report over 2,300 open positions across a variety of fields.

From City Hall, there’s word of a major decision this past week: the council approved expanded funding for emergency housing—aimed at reducing displacement and helping families stay in their neighborhoods. Discussions about permit reform are on the agenda for next week, which could have an impact on new local businesses.

A quick note of school pride—congratulations to Garfield High’s robotics team, who took top honors at the regional finals over the weekend. Their win

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Saturday, July 19, 2025.

We start today with a fresh look at the weather. After a short cool-down yesterday, we’re warming back up. Our skies will be mostly clear, and we can expect highs reaching into the low to mid 80s, near perfect for all the outdoor activities around town. It’ll stay comfortable this evening with lows in the 60s, but it has been a dry stretch, so we should all stay mindful of fire risk if we’re heading out to enjoy city parks or Mount Si this weekend.

This weekend’s big story in town is the Capitol Hill Block Party. For the first time, the festival is now 21 and older, a move organizers say will improve safety and the overall experience for everyone attending. The change comes after past security concerns, and festivalgoers can expect new protocols in place as music returns to Pike Street. If you’re in the area, expect bigger crowds and some detours through the weekend on the Hill.

On the real estate front, Seattle’s market shows no signs of cooling. Median home prices have climbed past $900,000 as of mid-July, with bidding wars returning in Ballard, Green Lake, and Columbia City. Renters are feeling the squeeze too, with the average one-bedroom now hitting about $2,200 per month. Some city council members are calling for expanded renter protections and more affordable housing initiatives, which could see debate in City Hall next week.

For job seekers, the local job market is buzzing, especially in tech, healthcare, and hospitality. The city has added roughly 5,000 new jobs this quarter, and Amazon, Swedish Medical, and several startups along South Lake Union are actively hiring. There’s also a noticeable uptick in food service and retail positions, as businesses prepare for late-summer tourism.

Sports are front and center this weekend. The Mariners have a Saturday night game against the Rangers at T-Mobile Park and again Sunday afternoon. The Sounders are taking on Vancouver at Lumen Field this evening, and the Seattle Reign face the Orlando Pride tomorrow at lunchtime, also at Lumen. Transit will be busy, so Metro advises giving yourself a little extra time. Remember, Route 50 and 128 are detoured Saturday morning for the West Seattle Grand Parade, so plan ahead if you’re headed to California Avenue or Alki Beach.

On the crime front, public safety is top of mind after a driver on I-90 near Rainier Avenue narrowly avoided serious injury yesterday morning when someone threw a cement block through his windshield. The Washington State Patrol is looking for dashcam footage to identify the suspect, and they remind us that while these kinds of attacks have dropped compared to past years, vigilance is necessary. Fencing has been added along parts of I-90, but some trouble spots remain.

In happier news, community spirit shines bright at Green Lake and Seattle Center, where families are gathering to beat the heat. For those looking to cool off, the fountains are busy and lifeguard

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

We start with major traffic news that is set to impact thousands. The northbound lanes of I-5 through downtown Seattle are now fully closed from the I-90 interchange all the way to Northeast 45th Street. This closure began just before midnight and will last until early Monday morning. It is only the kickoff to a month of rolling lane reductions on the Ship Canal Bridge, as crews work around-the-clock replacing old expansion joints, fixing drainage, and resurfacing the bridge deck to extend its lifespan. The express lanes are running northbound day and night through August 18, but major backups are expected. If you need to get around, consider State Route 99, I-405, or local routes around South Lake Union and Eastlake instead.

On the weather front, our stretch of summer heat is getting a welcome break. Clouds roll in this morning, keeping us much cooler. Highs sit comfortably in the low to mid-70s, and we might see a bit of sunshine by late afternoon. If you’re heading to the Mariners game against the Astros at T-Mobile Park tonight, it should be perfect ballgame weather in the low 70s and dry skies. This cooler pattern continues through the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday bringing more morning clouds and gentle breezes. Expect highs in the 70s and a gradual warmup back toward the 80s next week.

In city news, Seattle’s effort to tackle homelessness faces another test. After progress clearing encampments on Meyers Way South, neighbors are seeing clusters of RVs and tents return near senior apartments, raising concerns about crime and open drug activity. Just yesterday, police recovered fentanyl, meth, handguns, and nearly 80 stolen bikes after breaking up a nearby encampment. Community members are pressing City Hall for a stronger action plan to keep these areas secure, and a judge has now ordered the city to address illegal activity at Denny Blaine Park.

Turning to public safety, Seattle Police made several notable arrests in the past day. In Burien, they detained a suspect in a major child exploitation investigation after coordination with law enforcement out of Maine. Downtown, officers quickly subdued and arrested a man who was wanted on a no-bail felony warrant after witnessing an assault in progress around 3rd Avenue and Pike Street. These efforts reflect ongoing commitment to tackling violent and organized crime.

Power was also a headline this week, as over 21,000 Seattle City Light customers in North Seattle lost electricity following a vault fire Wednesday night. Crews responded quickly, and most service was restored by midday Thursday.

Looking to our cultural scene, the Capitol Hill Block Party will be 21 and older for the first time ever this weekend, aiming to ease congestion and improve the experience in the heart of Pike-Pine. Local businesses on Capitol Hill are gearing up for the crowds and new safety protocols. Meanwhile, new graffiti laws are causing deba

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

We wake up today in the midst of Seattle’s hottest stretch so far this year, as the heat wave continues. Our high should land around 85 degrees, with clear skies and a warm breeze, so if you’re heading out, make sure to hydrate, wear sunscreen, and check on neighbors, especially those without air conditioning. Relief is on the way though, as forecasters expect a steady cool down starting tomorrow, settling us comfortably back in the 70s for the weekend. Just a reminder—because of the dry heat, the National Weather Service has kept a heat advisory active through this evening and extended a red flag warning for fire danger on the slopes of the Cascades. Burning outdoors definitely isn’t recommended as even a small spark could get out of control in today’s conditions.

Now turning to breaking news overnight on the West Seattle crime watch, where police responded just after 4 a.m. Tuesday to a commercial burglary in the 4200 block of Southwest Morgan. Witnesses say a man, apparently in crisis and not wearing any clothes, used a rock to break into a restaurant, believed to be Ezell’s, and sprayed a fire extinguisher inside. He left on foot but was found nearby, uncooperative and still clutching a rock. After setting off a building fire alarm and approaching officers, he was subdued with a 40-millimeter projectile. The 27-year-old Delridge resident is now in custody at King County Jail, with bail set at $10,500. Police say he faces multiple charges and had previously been held this month for resisting arrest and transit-related offenses.

Shifting gears to city hall, there’s a bit of controversy brewing this week after the city removed the Hot Rat Summer mosaic at Cal Anderson Park as part of tougher new graffiti fines. Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth is calling for more conversation, standing up for public art and those who create it. We’ll be following how that debate affects graffiti policy and artist protections across Seattle.

If you’re on the job hunt, tech and healthcare sectors continue to drive most of the open positions around South Lake Union and downtown, with several hundred reported new openings this week. On the real estate front, median home prices are still holding around 860 thousand across King County, as rising mortgage rates see buyers moving fast but extra cautiously.

Looking ahead, we have the Ballard SeafoodFest taking over Market Street this weekend, and ZooTunes continues with an outdoor concert tonight at Woodland Park Zoo. High schoolers at Garfield are celebrating big news as the debate team secured a state title—well done to those students.

In sports last night, fans at Lumen Field watched the Seattle Sounders draw three-three against Colorado in a match that went down to the wire. Over at T-Mobile Park, the Mariners are preparing for their weekend series, hoping to build on their impressive home record.

Closing on a high note, let’s celebrate a slice o

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Sunday, July 13th, bringing you everything you need to know today in our city.

We start with breaking news from Wallingford. Seattle police have arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the tragic house fire that claimed the life of a 72-year-old woman last month. The department says this arrest is a major development in a case that shook the neighborhood. Meanwhile, an AMBER Alert issued Thursday for an abducted child in the area has ended with the child safely found.

If you’re getting around the city this weekend, heads up: The Washington State Department of Transportation warns of significant road closures throughout Puget Sound. Plan extra time if you’re headed out, and consider alternatives like transit or biking, especially with events drawing crowds.

Weather-wise, it’s a gorgeous summer day. Expect sunshine and temperatures climbing into the low to mid-80s, with only a few clouds early on. It’s perfect festival weather, but fire officials remind us the risk of wildfires remains elevated, especially with burn bans in place for some surrounding counties. Stay cautious if you’re outdoors and keep those burn restrictions in mind. Looking ahead, we could see temps flirt with the 90s by midweek, so keep that sunscreen handy.

Now for some good news from city hall. This weekend marks the One Seattle Day of Service, and yesterday, volunteers joined Mayor Bruce Harrell downtown for a massive cleanup and block party. The city’s taken a positive tone, celebrating fewer shootings and overdoses compared to last year. Still, challenges linger, with downtown office vacancies over 30 percent and foot traffic slow to recover.

One Seattle institution, Nordstrom, is experimenting with new approaches to bring people back to the retail core, building on the momentum from community events like this weekend’s.

Summer is in full swing, and there’s truly something for everyone. West Seattle Summer Fest wraps up today, with live music, a bustling food court near KeyBank, family activities, and local merchants filling California Avenue through 5 p.m. The Kids Zone is a hit, and discounted ride options from LIME are available to help you skip the parking hassle. Over in Fremont, expect plenty of arts and food pop-ups as the neighborhood embraces the summer vibe.

On the sports front, the Seattle Mariners just crushed it last night, racking up a season-high 15 runs and 19 hits against the Detroit Tigers. That’s over 27 runs scored in just two games, something they haven’t done since 2021. Spirits are high as we root for another win today.

Job seekers and those interested in real estate may want to note that while the city has seen a nearly 10 percent population increase recently, office vacancies remain high and the job market, especially for downtown retail and service roles, is still in flux.

For education, a quick shout-out to local schools celebrating strong summer program turnout and to the high school rob

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

We’re waking up to a beautiful and classic summer day in Seattle. The National Weather Service promises perfect summer weather ahead, clear skies and highs reaching the low 80s today. If you’re making plans for a picnic at Gas Works Park or a stroll along Alki Beach, this is the weekend for it. The dry, sunny pattern continues through next week, and we could see our second round of ninety-degree temperatures this year by Wednesday. Stay hydrated and remember, fire danger remains elevated across the state, so let’s all do our part to prevent new wildfires.

Turning to breaking news, the big story from overnight is the sentencing in a high-speed chase that ended in tragedy last year. The driver, who pleaded guilty to killing a father of two during a pursuit with deputies, has received eight and a half years behind bars. This case has weighed heavily on the Lake City community, and many neighbors expressed relief that there’s a sense of closure for the family.

In public safety alerts, Seattle police responded quickly to a shooting at the Renton Transit Center late last night. One person is hospitalized, but officers acted fast, detaining suspects and recovering a firearm within a mile of the scene. Police are urging anyone with more information to contact them as the investigation continues.

From City Hall, there’s a lot of buzz around decisions that will impact our daily routines. Councilmembers are reviewing proposals for additional cooling shelters as our region faces more frequent stretches of high heat. Look out for updates, especially if you’re caring for older adults or vulnerable neighbors.

Now to the feel-good stories. In Everett, just north of the city, a 13-year-old is being hailed as a hero this week for saving a young boy from drowning in Silver Lake. Quick thinking and courage made a life-saving difference—one of those moments that reminds us of the spirit in our communities.

On the cultural front, West Seattle is alive this weekend with Summer Fest in the Junction. The big draw is the local favorite band THEM, back on the main stage after a two-year hiatus. Food trucks, craft vendors, and family activities stretch all down California Avenue, so it’s a great place to soak up the sun and support local businesses.

Looking ahead, Seafair is gearing up soon, and we’re just a couple weeks away from the Torchlight Run on July 26. Registration is still open, so if you’re feeling active, this is a chance to join thousands for a scenic 5K along the waterfront.

The job market in Seattle continues to show resilience. Local listings are steady, with about 6,000 openings in tech, healthcare, and hospitality. In real estate, median home prices remain high, hovering around 900,000 dollars, though agents note a slightly slower pace as we move deeper into summer.

On the sports beat, Seattle soccer fans are celebrating a big Sounders win last night at Lumen Field, where a lat

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Friday, July 11, 2025.

We start today with a collective sigh of relief as the Amber Alert issued yesterday for a three-year-old girl abducted on Southwest 9th Street near White Center has been canceled. According to the Washington State Patrol, the child was safely found last evening around 6:50, and the circumstances leading to the abduction are still under investigation. It’s reassuring to know she is back with her family, and our gratitude goes out to everyone who spread the word and helped in the search.

In other city safety news, police have arrested two teenagers in connection with the violent stabbing of a 17-year-old girl in West Seattle last weekend. Both suspects are being held on investigation of attempted murder. The girl is recovering, and police continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Shifting to the weather, we can finally say the summer warmth is here. After a few cooler and breezy days, today we expect plenty of sunshine and temperatures rising into the low 80s across the city. The weekend looks even hotter, with similar clear skies and outdoor-friendly weather. Looking ahead, meteorologists warn that by the middle of next week, temperatures could soar into the 90s—possibly the hottest stretch of the year so far. With increasing wildfire concerns, especially near the Cascades, officials are asking everyone to stay vigilant and help prevent accidental fires.

For those planning a weekend in the city, this is the perfect time to enjoy our waterfront, and there’s big news from downtown. After more than 20 years and an $800 million investment, the crowning piece of Seattle’s waterfront redevelopment, Pier 58, is set to open in just two weeks on July 25. This marks a major milestone in transforming our city’s connection to Elliott Bay, so mark your calendars for the opening festivities.

On the jobs front, the local market is holding steady, with summer hiring in hospitality and logistics picking up. Home prices remain high, and Seattle still ranks as the priciest DoorDash market in the nation, so those foodie deliveries may sting your wallet even more.

Community events abound this weekend, from outdoor concerts at Green Lake to farmers markets on Ballard Avenue and Capitol Hill. Several neighborhood block parties are planned for Saturday—great chances to meet neighbors and support local small businesses.

In local sports, high school summer leagues are underway, and the Mariners continue their home stretch at T-Mobile Park. No major school achievements reported this week, but we’ll keep an ear out for student athletes and scholars making headlines.

For a feel-good story, a 13-year-old in Everett is being hailed as a hero for rescuing a younger boy from drowning at Silver Lake, reminding us of the power of quick thinking and courage in our community.

That wraps up today’s Seattle Local Pulse. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Thursday, July 10th. We’re starting the day with some cooler air and a cloudy sky across the city after light showers overnight. The high today will be just in the low seventies, and by this afternoon, sunshine should break through, giving us a pleasant finish. Tomorrow and into the weekend, high pressure returns, and we’ll warm up quickly. Expect temperatures climbing into the eighties by Friday, and by next week we could be flirting with ninety degrees, so summer is back on the horizon.

In breaking news, garbage collection is disrupted across Seattle and much of Western Washington due to a multi-state strike at Republic Services. The work stoppage began yesterday morning with workers protesting unfair labor practices. Many neighborhoods are seeing delayed or missed pickups, so we encourage everyone to leave bins out and check for updates from the city and Republic Services directly.

Now, let’s check in with City Hall. New middle housing legislation is officially in effect as of July first, opening the door for more accessory dwelling units and diverse housing options in our residential neighborhoods. This marks a push to address Seattle’s ongoing housing crunch, with city leaders hoping to see more flexible, affordable choices spring up over the coming months.

In real estate, the market continues to be fiercely competitive. Home prices in King County have averaged around nine hundred thousand dollars this month, while rental inventory remains tight. The city’s efforts to expand housing types should help, but for now, buyers and renters are still seeing bidding wars, especially near popular spots like Green Lake, Ballard, and Capitol Hill.

On the job front, Seattle’s unemployment rate remains below four percent. Tech, healthcare, and transportation roles are still leading new listings, and summer brings upticks in seasonal and gig job openings, especially downtown and along the waterfront.

Moving to transportation, Seattle’s Bike and Scoot to Transit program has expanded for the summer. Our transit agencies are encouraging more residents to bike or scoot to light rail and bus connections, aiming to ease congestion and add flexibility for commuters.

Turning to crime and public safety, Seattle Police have not reported any major incidents overnight, though they continue to ask for vigilance in the downtown corridor after a brief uptick in car prowls along Pine Street. Please remember to secure your vehicles and report suspicious activities.

In the world of culture and music, the Capitol Hill Block Party kicks off this weekend, promising three days of live music and local food vendors. Don’t miss the Seattle Art Museum’s new exhibit opening tomorrow, and the Fremont Outdoor Movies series continues Saturday night.

For sports, the Mariners send three players to the All-Star Game this year, with Julio Rodriguez, Woo, and Munoz representing Seattle. The team continues its playoff push with a home sta

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