Austin news

• UT Austin assistant professor joins AI expert panel

  13-09-2023 23:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An assistant professor at the University of Texas Austin will join a panel of experts poised to "explore the future of artificial intelligence on society," according to a UT release Wednesday.Samantha Shorey, a communication studies assistant professor with UT's Moody College of Communications, was appointed to the AI100 study panel. The panel brings together AI experts from around the globe with specialties in computer science, sociology, ethics and economics, among other areas
  
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• Texas drag performance law blocked from taking effect again

  13-09-2023 22:40 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today's top headlines for Sept. 13, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — A federal judge has decided to extend a temporary restraining order, blocking a Texas law that would "regulate sexually oriented performances" and that opponents argue could criminalize drag performances.
  Senate Bill 12 passed in June and would have gone into effect Sept. 1, but a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, or TRO, that prevented it from being enforced. The judge'
  
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• Big Boi to perform on UT campus ahead of Longhorns game

  13-09-2023 22:32 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today's top headlines for Sept. 13, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) — Big Boi, the famous Atlanta rapper and one-half of OutKast, will perform this weekend on the University of Texas at Austin campus ahead of the Longhorns' football game against Wyoming.Big Boi's Longhorn City Limits set will start around 5 p.m. Saturday -- about two hours before kickoff -- on the LBJ Lawn. Another primetime start for No. 4 Texas against Baylor in WacoHosted by UT Athletics
  
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• Hutto family chosen by Extreme Makeover to receive newly-built home, city says

  13-09-2023 22:19 via kxan.com
  
  The video above shows KXAN News Today's top headlines for Sept. 13, 2023HUTTO, Texas (KXAN) -- A family in Hutto is getting a newly-built home after being chosen by Extreme Makeover Home Edition, the City of Hutto said on social media.Photo of Rev. Fred Warren Jr. at Little Ebenezer Baptist Church (Courtesy: City of Hutto)
  "Congratulations go to the Warrens! They are the beloved children, widow and mother of the late Rev. Fred Warren Jr," the city said on social media. "Pastor Warren was a beaco
  
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• CapMetro moves closer to OKing $753M fixed-route contractor agreement

  13-09-2023 21:56 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today's top headlines for Sept. 13, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) -- CapMetro is one step closer toward approving a new contractor to oversee the transit authority's fixed-route services, including its MetroBus and MetroRapid lines.CapMetro's operations, planning and safety committee unanimously voted to recommend CapMetro's board of directors approve a nearly $753.7 million contract with Keolis Transit Services, LLC. If the board of directors votes to approve
  
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• Multiple food trucks burglarized in north Austin

  13-09-2023 20:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —  Food truck owners at the Hamilton Food Park in North Austin arrived Wednesday to find broken glass, padlocks that had been cut and empty tip jars.Sopa De Fideo owner, Erika Guerrero, says she caught someone on her cameras around 3:30 a.m., and when she arrived at her food truck, she found the person had tried to cut her pad locks, but failed."He cut the locks for my windows," said Guerrero. "I was fortunate that he was not able to get in, but he also made an attempt t
  
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• Which downtown Austin roads will be closed during Pecan Street Festival?

  13-09-2023 20:06 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Pecan Street Festival returns to downtown Austin this weekend, with more than 300 craft artisans expected to set up shop along Sixth Street Saturday and Sunday.The free festival will feature craft vendors, food concessions and a kids-friendly area. It'll run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday along Sixth Street, with vendors set up between Brazos Street and Interstate 35.Here are some of the road closures to be mindful of if you're driving near dow
  
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• Austinite becomes first-ever 'chief UNO player'

  13-09-2023 20:00 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today's top headlines for Sept. 13, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Litzy Santana's next job is a real "wild card."Santana is the first-ever chief UNO player and starts the job Wednesday. She will introduce players in New York City to the new UNO Quatro game and play against them over a four-week period, UNO announced Wednesday. Photos: Colorado peaks see first snowfall of the seasonThe Austinite is a recent graduate of Texas State University with a UNO card c
  
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• Silver Alert issued for 75-year-old woman last seen in San Antonio Monday

  13-09-2023 19:48 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (KXAN) -- A Silver Alert was issued Wednesday for a 75-year-old woman who has a diagnosed cognitive impairment and was last seen in San Antonio Monday afternoon.
  Joyce Owens, also known as Joyce Clark, was last seen around 2 p.m. Monday on foot near 4747 Rigsby Ave. in San Antonio.
  Joyce is described as a Black woman, 5'6", 120 lbs, and grey hair. She was last seen wearing a copper-colored wig, maroon shirt, black leggings and black shoes, and she was carrying a blue suitcase.Law enf
  
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• Silver Alert discontinued for 75-year-old woman in San Antonio

  13-09-2023 19:48 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (KXAN) -- A Silver Alert was discontinued shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday for a 75-year-old woman.The woman was previously last seen Monday in San Antonio, and the Silver Alert was then discontinued Wednesday.No other details were released after the alert was discontinued.
  
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• WATCH LIVE: Ken Paxton's assistant testifies to bribery accusations

  13-09-2023 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- The impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton entered its seventh day Wednesday morning with testimony from Paxton's former personal assistant Drew Wicker. Wicker was beside Paxton perhaps more than any other staffer and was one of the first to raise concerns about potential bribery and an extramarital affair. Previous: Paxton communicated with lawyer via encrypted messages, witness saysBefore lunchtime, Wicker testified that he was asked to handle business r
  
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• WATCH LIVE: House attorney calls it 'screw-up' to rest case against Ken Paxton

  13-09-2023 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  WATCH LIVE: Attorney calls it 'screw-up' to rest case against Ken PaxtonAUSTIN (Nexstar) -- The impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton entered its seventh day Wednesday morning with testimony from Paxton's former personal assistant Drew Wicker. Wicker was beside Paxton perhaps more than any other staffer and was one of the first to raise concerns about potential bribery and an extramarital affair. Previous: Paxton communicated with lawyer via encrypted messages, witness saysB
  
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• House attorney calls it 'screw-up' to rest case against Ken Paxton

  13-09-2023 19:31 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- The attorney representing the House impeachment managers accidentally rested the case Wednesday afternoon against suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton before the defense could cross-examine another whistleblower.After wrapping up questioning of Blake Brickman, attorney Rusty Hardin said, "The House rests." He then apologized and added, "Here's the problem: I messed up and shouldn't have rested until [Tony Buzbee] finished his cross." Buzbee then interjected by saying, "And y
  
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• License plate reader cameras help find homicide suspect, HCSO says

  13-09-2023 19:18 via kxan.com
  
  BUDA, Texas (KXAN) --- The Hays County Sheriff's Office said a license plate reader helped them track down a homicide suspect last week.PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspect arrested in Buda homicide, HCSO saysShortly after midnight Thursday, HCSO responded to the Insta-Fuel Travel Center, 16649 IH-35, in Buda for a report of an unconscious man near the gas pumps, the release said.HCSO said deputies responded to the scene and found a man with apparent gunshot wounds to his body.
  The man was later pronounce
  
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• ‘Unprecedented’: Renowned hurricane researcher shares thoughts on 2023 Atlantic hurricane season

  13-09-2023 18:29 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — We're officially past the halfway mark of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, but that doesn't mean we're done seeing storms.Colorado State University Senior Research Scientist and renowned hurricane specialist Dr. Phil Klotzbach told WFLA.com there have already been about 70% more named storms than the whole season average dating back to 1961. Track Hurricane Lee with WFLA's real-time Wobble TrackerDr. Klotzbach has gained notoriety since becoming the lead author of C
  
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• Tracking the Tropics: Are above-average hurricane seasons the new normal?

  13-09-2023 18:29 via kxan.com
  
  TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — We're officially past the halfway mark of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, but that doesn't mean we're done seeing storms.Already, Colorado State University Senior Research Scientist and renowned hurricane specialist Phil Klotzbach told WFLA.com there have been about 70% more named storms than the whole season average dating back to 1961. Track Hurricane Lee with WFLA's real-time Wobble TrackerKlotzbach has gained notoriety since becoming the lead author of Colorado
  
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• Williamson County collaborates with Sam Bass Fire on EMS resources

  13-09-2023 18:25 via kxan.com
  
  WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved an interlocal agreement Tuesday to authorize expanded emergency medical service resources to certain area stations.The agreement was signed between Williamson County and the Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 2, or the Sam Bass Fire Department in Round Rock. It'll authorize housing county EMS resources and personnel within two of the Sam Bass Fire Department's stations.Under the agreement, t
  
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• Austin enters 'historic' agreement with Florence, Italy

  13-09-2023 18:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin and Florence, Italy entered into a "historic agreement" to facilitate educational, cultural and business collaborations between the two cities, according to a city release Wednesday.The City of Austin's Economic Development Department announced the signing of the Protocol of Cooperation Agreement. Officials noted international collaborations will help "promote economic growth, cultural exchange, and global connectivity" between Austin and communities around th
  
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• WATCH: Drake surprises UT women's basketball team

  13-09-2023 17:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Longhorns women's basketball locker room went from 0 to 100 real quick Tuesday.Drake stopped in to surprise the team with a visit while he was in town for his ‘It’s All a Blur’ tour, playing two shows at the Moody Center with 21 Savage this week. Austin was a late addition to the tour, as the Capital City wasn't originally on the list of stops.Drake, 21 Savage to stop in Austin on ‘It’s All a Blur’ tourA video posted to the team's so
  
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• Olivia Rodrigo bringing 'GUTS' world tour to Austin

  13-09-2023 16:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Good for you! Pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo is slated to play Austin's Moody Center early next year as part of her GUTS World Tour, the venue announced Wednesday.Rodrigo is set to perform at the Moody Center on Feb. 28. Ticket registration for the event is available online through Sept. 17.The Grammy Award-winning singer first burst onto the scene in January 2021 with her single "driver's license," before following it up with her debut album "Sour" in May 2021. Rodrigo took home
  
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• Photos: Colorado peaks see first snowfall of the season

  13-09-2023 16:05 via kxan.com
  
  DENVER (KDVR) — It's starting to look like winter on top of some Colorado peaks.
  Longs PeakLongs Peak, which sits at 14,259 feet, recorded snow just before 7 a.m. Monday. Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Chris Tomer said this was the peak's first snow of the season.The first snow of the season has fallen on Longs Peak on Sept. 11, 2023. (National Park Service)Temperatures on the peak reached 38 degrees with mostly cloudy skies and light winds. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you
  
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• Peso Pluma receives death threats ahead of Tijuana concert, officials say

  13-09-2023 15:44 via kxan.com
  
  EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) -- The Jalisco cartel purportedly threatened singer Peso Pluma ahead of his performance next month in Tijuana.According to the Los Angeles Times and El Sol De Tijuana, and several news portals, three narcomantas -- threats written on cloth banners -- appeared early Tuesday in Tijuana, where the singer is scheduled to perform on Oct. 14 at Estadio Caliente as part of his "Doble P México Tour."Juarez won’t ban ‘narco-corridos’ at annual city
  
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• UT group hopes focus on Red River Showdown will help keep students fed

  13-09-2023 14:57 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) – A food pantry at the University of Texas at Austin is doing its part to beat rival the University of Oklahoma and make sure Longhorn students stay fed.The UT Outpost began a food donation drive called the Red River Food Fight on Sept. 5.
  The food pantry is accepting shelf-stable food donations through Sept. 30 at the following spots:2400 Nueces ApartmentsDobie CenterGregory GymJester West DormitoryKinsolving Residence HallPeter T. Flawn Academic CenterStudent Services Build
  
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• Star Trek science advisor on bringing real physics to fiction

  13-09-2023 14:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Erin Macdonald didn't grow up in a science fiction household. She watched X-Files as she got older, but the big names in Sci-Fi weren't something she was familiar with. Today, she is the science advisor for one of the biggest franchises in the universe: Star Trek. "I didn't even get into Star Trek until I was at college because I was a physics major, and there's a big crossover of Star Trek fans," Macdonald said.Since 2019, she has helped Star Trek writers bring some scientific r
  
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• Austin Energy rate to rise for the third time in a year

  13-09-2023 14:21 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Your energy bill may be a bit more expensive next month.According to Austin Energy, there will be a 5% increase to its Power Supply Adjustment on October 1st. Austin Energy rate to increase 5%, will cost customers roughly $2 moreAE spokesman Matt Mitchell says this covers the costs of previously purchased energy on the ERCOT market."This is not going into Austin Energy's pockets,” he said. “This is recovering costs that we've already incurred on behalf of our cu
  
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• Veteran Texas football leaders key to keeping team focused

  13-09-2023 14:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texas football made as big a statement as the program has in years with their win over No. 3 Alabama Saturday evening. While the Longhorns don't want the victory to linger into preparation, there's no denying how impressive their performance was in Tuscaloosa."I don't want our guys to not feel confident coming out of that game," said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. "They earned the right to be confident by the way they played. Now we're trying to recreate it." Texas DE Ethan Bu
  
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• Hutto man gets 30 months for embezzlement and false tax return, DOJ says

  13-09-2023 13:50 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (KXAN) – The Department of Justice said a Hutto man was sentenced Tuesday to 30 months in prison for embezzling funds from his Austin-based employer and filing a false tax return.According to court documents, beginning in April 2010 through October 2017, Steven Marquez embezzled more than $700,000 from the employer, an unnamed property management company, while serving as head of its bank reconciliation team, the DOJ said.
  To conceal the embezzlement, Marquez altered his employe
  
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• Traffic stop ends in arrest, cocaine bust in Fayette County

  13-09-2023 13:38 via kxan.com
  
  FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – The Fayette County Sheriff's Office said a traffic stop on Interstate 10 yielded thousands of dollars worth of cocaine Sunday.
  According to FCSO, Sgt. Randy Thumann and his K9 partner Kolt stopped a GMC Yukon at mile-marker 663 on Sunday morning at 9:20 for a traffic violation.
  FCSO said Sgt. Thumann got consent to search the vehicle after he "observed discrepancies in the driver’s travel itinerary, route of travel and many other familiar indicators of
  
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• Group awards scholarships in hopes of closing gap of Latino students not completing college degrees

  13-09-2023 13:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The rising costs of college may be a factor in the widening gap of Latino students not completing their degrees, according to a national survey.According to a study by Excelencia in Education, 28% of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate's degree or higher compared to 48% of white adults.The analysis found “For the U.S. to regain the top ranking in the world for college degree attainment, Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030.”Native Aus
  
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• APD investigating Sept. 6 deadly crash in Del Valle

  13-09-2023 04:33 via kxan.com
  
  DEL VALLE, Texas (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is investigating a crash in Del Valle that left one person dead last week, APD said in a news release Tuesday.Shortly before 9:15 p.m., Sept. 6, officers responded to a crash between an SUV and a pedestrian in the 3100 block of East SH 71 in the westbound lanes in Del Valle, according to police. The pedestrian, who remained unidentified as of Tuesday, died at the scene, the release said. One person killed in Wednesday night crash on Highway
  
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• Three arrested in human smuggling, kidnapping investigation, SMPD says

  13-09-2023 03:44 via kxan.com
  
  SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- Three people were arrested on charges of kidnapping and smuggling undocumented immigrants, according to a news release from the San Marcos Police Department.Mason Castillo, Robert Cruz and Jeremiah Villarreal are facing charges including Smuggling of Persons, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Kidnapping for Ransom/Reward, according to police.SMPD said it was the sole law enforcement agency investigating the crimes beginning in
  
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• Austin City Council to vote on police data expansion

  13-09-2023 01:56 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Some Austin City Council members want more robust and frequent data from the Austin Police Department.
  Council will vote on a resolution Thursday that would ask the police department to post monthly data on its portal including the following:Demand for police services, including call type, priority level, how fast a unit arrived and number of officers for every callMental health services, including a list of mental health calls resulting in serious bodily injury or deathSupply o
  
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• Texas law requires data breaches to be reported to the AG office. Here's how you can check

  13-09-2023 01:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new Texas law aims to increase transparency on how data breaches impact Texans.
  The law requires security system breaches to be reported to the Texas attorney general. Then, the AG's office must publicly post a list of the notifications received for up to one year. The law, authored by State Sen. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, went into effect Sept. 1.RELATED: New Texas laws go into effectThe data security breach reports website lists the individual or entity name, the type
  
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• Water customers in Travis County have questions after $500 fine, service shut off

  13-09-2023 01:23 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Some water customers in and around Steiner Ranch paid $500 fines to restore their water service. They said the utility was cut with little notice and for unknown reasons.KXAN received several ReportIt tips about these water shutoffs Monday. One tip said as many as 60 people were in line at Travis County Water and Control Improvement District 17 to speak with representatives about their water service. How many citations has Austin Water issued since Stage 2 res
  
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• Soaking rain looking more likely late week

  13-09-2023 00:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After months without soaking rain, our weather pattern finally turns more forgiving with daily rain chances increasing later this week.We won't rule out a stray shower or storm moving into the Hill Country later tonight, but our confidence increases with rain chances tomorrow through this weekend. Spotty storms and showers will be possible tomorrow morning through evening. The entire day won't be wet but a few spurts of rain will be possible in each daypart. Be sure to keep the
  
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• Soaking rain headed our way late week

  13-09-2023 00:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After months without meaningful rain, our weather pattern finally turns more forgiving with daily rain chances increasing later this week.Spotty storms and showers will be possible this morning with another round of showers and storms possible this afternoon/evening. The entire day won't be wet but a few spurts of rain will be possible in each daypart. Be sure to keep the umbrella on standby.Now although we're fairly confident in rain falling between now and this weekend, the ex
  
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• Franklin Barbecue, Nixta Taqueria team up for 'burrito bonanza'

  13-09-2023 00:22 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Franklin Barbecue and Nixta Taquera are partnering up this weekend for a "burrito bonanza," the restaurants announced on social media.
  Austin barbecuer Franklin Barbecue said a one-night pop-up will turn the restaurant into a burrito shop with collab burritos, beers and margaritas.
  The event starts at 6 p.m. Sunday, and no tickets are needed.RELATED: Nixta Taqueria asking for community’s help after city permitting issuesOn Instagram, Nixta Taqueria said a menu is comi
  
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• Police looking for truck driver involved in fatal north Austin crash over weekend

  13-09-2023 00:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police said a pickup truck driver involved in a fatal motorcycle crash on Mopac over the weekend left the scene.
  The crash happened Saturday around 9:45 p.m. on the Mopac Expressway southbound.
  Police said a pickup truck crashed into a guard rail, which sent debris across the road. A motorcycle driving southbound hit the debris, leading the motorcycle to fall.
  APD said the motorcyclist fell onto the road, and a different pickup truck hit the motorcyclist. This truck
  
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