Matt McConico, Author at Fox21Online

Drastic Tax Increases for Some Superior Residents

Property owners are receiving the unwelcome surprise, despite prior assurances by local leaders

December 19, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Surprise and frustration as some in Superior see steep rise on property taxes. As Superior residents received their property taxes this week, some were shocked to see the increase. The hike comes after local leaders had reassured residents that this year’s bill would see little to no increase. Earlier this fall, on social media, Mayor Jim Paine…

Gilbert Woman Arrested for 2023 Fentanyl Overdose Death

December 18, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office say they have made an arrest in the overdose death of a Range man in 2023. A nine-month investigation into the death of 25-year-old Isaiah Deegan has resulted in 3rd Degree Murder charges for a Gilbert woman. 20-year-old Ashley Cook is who authorities allege sold Deegan the Fentanyl-laced pill that took his…

Vigil Honors 66 Homeless and Advocates Who’ve Passed in 2024

December 17, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Homeless advocates and community members gathered to remember those who have passed away this year. The annual “Homeless Memorial Vigil” is held to celebrate the memories of people who have struggled with housing; and advocates who have fought to increase housing accessibility. Overdose deaths among the homeless population fell this year, according to advocates, but the struggle…

Mayor’s First Budget Goes to Council for Vote

The last council meeting of the year will see the city attempt to put a bow on planning for 2025

December 16, 2024

Matt McConico,

CITY HALL – Mayor Roger Reinert’s first budget is up for a vote at the last city council meeting of the year. Mayor Reinert making an appearance at the final city council meeting of 2024, as the council considers his budget proposal. The 2025 budget is the first budget the mayor’s created since assuming office. Before Monday’s meeting, Mayor Reinert…

Essentia Health Strike at Standstill

With no meetings scheduled, Essentia and union workers are stuck in an open-ended strike

December 13, 2024

Matt McConico,

DEER RIVER, Minn. – As workers strike for better pay, Essentia Health says some patient services may be suspended at their Deer River location. Workers with the Service Employees International Union held a picket line Friday, as their open-ended strike for wage increases drags on. Those who braved the cold claimed the wages at the Deer River facilities, are lower…

Truckers for Tots

December 12, 2024

Matt McConico,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A toy drive aims to bring a truckload of toys for the local Salvation Army. Truckers for Tots has been partnering with the Toys for Tots Organization for years, working to fill truck trailers with toys for those in need. This year has seen drives hosted at four Wisconsin locations, and tonight, at the Hermantown Fleet Farm….

Young Entrepreneurs Showcase Products

December 11, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Young entrepreneurs bring their products public, at a showcase in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood. The Family Freedom Center hosted an event Monday, to allow local kids a chance to showcase their self-made products. Their families, friends, and the public could purchase hand-made jewelry, cosmetics, smoothies, sweet treats and more. Located at the Washington Center in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood,…

Former Central HS Site to become $500 Million Housing Development

The groundbreaking of 'Incline Village' comes 13 years after the school's controversial closure, and a period of vacancy

December 10, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – After sitting largely dormant for years, the wheels have begun turning on a development plan for the former Central High School site. Incline Village’s groundbreaking, today, at the former site of Central High School marks the beginning of the second-largest private development in the city’s history. Developers and city officials gathered at the site today to mark…

Staff Oppose Duluth Federal Prison Camp Closure

Prison camp staff object to closure of Duluth facility, site lack of warning

December 10, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Workers from Duluth’s Federal Prison Camp meet to discuss next steps, after the FBOP announced they will close or ‘deactivate’ multiple facilities across the country. A flurry of emotions at tonight’s workers’ union meeting over what comes next, after being informed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons that Duluth’s camp will be among the facilities to either…

City Council Approves $3.6 Million Tourism Marketing Contract to Arizona Firm

Expressing uniform frustration with the selection process and lack of information, councilors still vote 8-1 to approve the multi-million-dollar contract

December 9, 2024

Matt McConico,

CITY HALL – Duluth City Councilors approve a $3.6 million tourism marketing contract to Arizona-based Madden Media, in an 8 to 1 vote at Monday’s meeting. Councilors made it known that they felt their “hands are tied” before voting on Duluth’s 2-year tourism marketing contract. Arizona-based Madden Media was the winner of the city’s request for proposal process earlier this…

Duluth Angel Of Hope Vigil Helps Parents Of Deceased Children Grieve

December 8, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Parents who have lost children gathered together by candle light in Duluth Friday evening. Duluth’s Angel of Hope statue in Leif Erickson Park is one of more than 100 identical statues that echo back to a book called “The Christmas Box.” In the book, an elderly woman visits her young daughter’s grave, adorned with an Angel Statue….

Councilors’ Hands Tied in Tourism Agency Decision

December 5, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite an angry public, councilors will need to certify the city’s decision of tourism marketing firm or possibly face legal repercussions. At tonight’s committee of the whole meeting, council members heard from representatives of Madden Media, the Tuscon-based firm that is likely to secure the city’s tourism marketing contract. Madden Media came out on top of about…

Kmart Lot Still at Top of Spirit Valley Concerns

The lot has been empty since 2018, creating an eyesore, and hole in the community

December 3, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A meeting meant to generate ideas from the public, becomes joint calls to address vacant Kmart lot. The Spirt Valley Core Investment Plan held its first community meeting at City Center West Tuesday evening. City planners hoped that small group activities amongst residents would generate ideas and feedback, as to what those living in the area would…

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

December 2, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Local law enforcement and fire departments battle it out for a good cause. Badges on both sides of the bridge are engaged in a popularity contest, as part of the Red Cross’s latest blood drive. As people came to donate blood today at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, in Superior, they were able to cast their vote for either…

Bong Center Gives Thanks for Veterans

With crowds growing over the years, the meal continues to bring servicemembers together

November 28, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. -The Bong Historical Center gives thanks to veterans with a 7th year of Thanksgiving meals. From 30 to a few hundred; the Richard I Bong Center in Superior has grown their annual Thanksgiving meal with each year. With more attendees, the center gained support in feeding the larger crowds from local businesses like the Manitou Inn, and local…

Street into Morgan Park Still Closed After CN Rail Bridge Concerns

The road has been closed for nearly two months, after the CN bridge running over it was found to have "advanced deterioration"

November 27, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the only roads into the Morgan Park Neighborhood remains closed after a Canadian National-owned rail bridge was shut down due to “advanced deterioration” nearly two months ago. On October 4, city officials announced that an annual inspection of a CN-owned rail bridge of Idaho Street in West Duluth found “advanced deterioration” that made travel over…

Arson Suspected in String of 6 Sawyer County Fires

Sawyer County Sheriffs release surveillance video while appealing to public for information

November 27, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Sawyer County Sheriffs released a short surveillance video on Wednesday, showing an individual seen near one of the fire locations. Sawyer County Sheriffs are appealing to the public for information regarding a string of suspected arsons. Six structure fires were reported in the last week, all clustered near Exeland, Radisson, and Birchwood Townships. The first fires date…

Cannabis Ordinance Passes in St. Louis County

County Commissioners Prepare for Commercial Cannabis

November 26, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County is preparing for commercial cannabis, passing an ordinance establishing regulations at Tuesday’s meeting. County commissioners heard public comment Tuesday on Ordinance #68, which aims to regulate in-public use and create an infrastructure for zoning and licensing requirements of cannabis businesses. In a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner Ashley Grimm voting opposed, the “Cannabis Ordinance” will…

Judge Halts Lottery in Office of Cannabis Management Lawsuits

Lawsuits filed this weekend, against OCM, put another pause on the state's commercial cannabis industry

November 25, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Another roadblock, as Minnesota attempts to build a regulated commercial cannabis industry. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the bill legalizing recreational marijuana in May of 2023, and by that fall, individual use for adults 21 and older, went into effect. Attempts to get the commercial industry off the ground, however, by the state’s regulatory body, the Office…

Latest Hells Angels Hearing

Trial dates are still set for at least one defendant, after an evidentiary hearing that saw defense attorneys call 6 witnesses

November 24, 2024

Matt McConico,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Prosecuting attorneys were largely silent, during an evidentiary hearing on Friday, while the defense continued their pursuit of a dismissal. All four charged members of the Iron Range Hells Angels and their supporters were present in the Virginia courtroom, for the joint hearing of members Anthony Debelak and Eric Newman, who is the only member still in…

Grain Elevator Blast Cause Still Unknown

November 19, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Video from a Park Point home’s security camera Monday evening, captures the moment an explosion rocks a grain elevator across the bay. A press release from the Superior Fire Chief Camron Vollbrecht, confirmed the location of the blast as the Viterra Grain Elevator on Connor’s Point. All three of the city’s fire engines responded to the blast…

Blue Angels Make Stop in Duluth Ahead of 25th Air Show

The Duluth Air Show celebrates its 25th year this summer, with the Blue Angels scheduled to headline

November 19, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. — This summer marks the 25th year of the Duluth Air Show, and the return of their star performers, the Navy’s Blue Angels. One of the team’s iconic F-18 Super Hornets flew into Duluth Monday afternoon, carrying two team members who are touring and conducting flyovers of future performance sites. A group including Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert and…

Murder-Suicide Suspect Told Police to “Put a bullet” In his family’s heads if Trump took power

During a previous mental health call to the home, Nephew said he feared for him and his family if Donald Trump became President

November 15, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. — New information has come to light, regarding the murder-suicide that claimed five lives last week in West Duluth. The suspect, Anthony Nephew, was open about his mental health, even penning a 2021 Community Op-Ed in the Duluth News Tribune about his journey and the need for more public support for those who suffer from mental illness. In…

Memorial Ceremony for LSC Art Prof & Son

Student said they were 10-weeks into art course led by Ramsland when tragedy struck

November 14, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – This afternoon community members gathered at Lake Superior College to celebrate the life of an art professor and her son. Kathryn Ramsland, also known as “Kat” and her son Oliver Nephew were two of the victims in a murder-suicide that shook the West Duluth neighborhood last week. The long-time art professor was a cornerstone of the college’s…

Conference at the DECC Brings Invasive Species Researchers Together

November 14, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. — Scientists, students, and professionals from several states gathered at the DECC on Wednesday to discuss invasive species this week. The biannual upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference offers an opportunity for those researching invasive species to share their findings with a wide range of colleagues. And learn from one another, on how to best manage the threats certain…

Vigil for West Duluth Deaths

A vigil brings people together, following murder-suicide that shattered quiet community

November 13, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A community is in mourning, following a murder-suicide that took the lives of two mothers and their two sons, last week. Tonight, family members, neighbors, and loved ones gathered at the West Duluth home of victims 45-year-old Kathryn Nephew, her son 7-year-old Oliver Nephew, and the suspect, 46-year-old Anthony Nephew. Kathryn worked to better her community through…

A Thanksgiving Staple Is Back At Shamrock Pizza

November 13, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — We are just a couple weeks from Thanksgiving, and for one Northland Pizza Parlor it’s their busiest time of the year. Shamrock Pizza in Superior has been offering their Thanksgiving Pizza since 2016. The customer favorite is requested year-round, but November is the only month that hungry fans can try this creative combination for themselves. “We would…

Lake Superior School District Celebrates $44.1 Million Renovations

November 13, 2024

Matt McConico,

SILVER BAY, Minn. — A year’s long dream to update William Kelley School in Silver Bay has finally come to fruition. Voters in the Lake Superior School District approved the $44.1 million district improvement plan back in 2021. Updates to learning tools, like interactive white boards, new science equipment and even general infrastructure improvement have been in the works ever…

5 Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide

A father is suspected of shooting his two sons, and their mothers before taking his own life

November 8, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Around 2:00 pm Thursday, Duluth Police performed a welfare check at the 6000 block of Tacony Street, which would lead to the discovery of one of the deadliest criminal acts in recent history. At a press conference, officials addressed the deaths of three adults and two children whose bodies were found at properties less than a mile…

Operation Green Light for Veterans

County turns Green in lead up to Veterans Day

November 4, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a push to turn St. Louis County green, in the lead up to this Veterans Day. The St. Louis County Board passed a proclamation joining the National Association of Counties (NACo) and counties across the country in Operation Green Light, to send a visible message of support for military veterans. In observance of those who have…

WI Football: Northwestern Edges Stanley-Boyd to Move On to Level 3, Northwood/Solon Springs Advances

The Tigers now move on to Level 3 where they will face St. Croix Falls.

November 1, 2024

Neil Vierzba, Matt McConico,

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern football team continued their winning ways on Friday, defeating Stanley-Boyd 26 to 21 in level 2 playoff action. The Tigers now move on to Level 3 where they will face St. Croix Falls. That contest is scheduled for 7 PM on November 8th in St. Croix Falls. In 8-man action, Northwood/Solon Springs defeated Clayton 46 to…

Amber Alert Suspect Linked to Fatal Shooting

A mother and her children are safe, after they were the subjects of an Amber Alert

November 1, 2024

Matt McConico,

BRAINERD, Minn. – A suspect in connection to an Amber Alert issued for a Brainerd mother and her kids, is also alleged to have fatally shot a man, according to the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities allege that that 35-year-old Chad Aanerud abducted his girlfriend and her four children around 2:00 am Friday morning on Loerch Road in Brainerd….

Duluth Tenant Advocacy Group

Advocacy group holds public launch at City Hall

October 30, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A tenant advocacy group holds a launch event at Duluth City Hall on Wednesday. Duluth Tenants, a group stemming from the Super PAC TakeAction Minnesota, held an event on steps of City Hall to announce their launch. Activists and community members shared their own experiences struggling with high rent, insecure housing, and uncaring landlords and property management…

Sky Harbor names Terminal Honoring “Father of Manned Space Program”

Northland native Dr. Robert R. Gilruth was a pioneer in the U.S. space program

October 24, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A terminal at Duluth’s Sky Harbor Airport was named in memory of a Northland native, and the “father of manned space flight,” on Thursday. The late Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, who grew up in Duluth, is considered by NASA to be the father of the United States’ manned space program. Naming Sky Harbor’s new terminal after Dr….

Investment in Duluth Housing Development

A group of CEOs has invested in local housing

October 23, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new housing development in West Duluth is nearly move-in ready. Housing shortages aren’t new or exclusive to Duluth, but some business leaders are hoping to drive development. Northland Housing Partners is a non-profit formed by CEOs from several local companies including Essentia Health and Maurices, that invests in funding developers to complete housing projects in the…

Haunted Hawthorne in Cloquet Growing Bigger Each Year

October 20, 2024

Matt McConico,

CLOQUET, Minn. — A homemade haunt is opening its doors again this spooky season. The Haunted Hawthorne in Cloquet has grown bigger and bigger each year, thanks to the efforts of family and friends. Fox 21 caught up with the owners and some of the cast who say, they do it for the thrill of frights and fun. “Last year…

Former U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan Dies at 80

The DFL Rep. is remembered for his spread-out, but impactful, political tenure

October 18, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A figure known for his dedication to the state and district he represented, Former Minnesota Rep. Rick Nolan has died at the age of 80. Nolan’s first stint in politics lasted from 1969 to 1985, during which he served in the Minnesota and U.S. House of Representatives. His political career wouldn’t resume until several decades later when…

Duluth’s Best Bread Extends Hours, Adds New Menu Items

October 17, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. — Fans of Duluth’s Best Bread will be excited to hear the local business is expanding its hours at its downtown Duluth and Superior locations. Responding to years of customer requests, Duluth’s Best Bread will now be open Tuesday through Sunday until 8 p.m. We caught up with owner Robert Lillegard and his family to hear about what…

University of Wisconsin-Superior Hosts Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration

October 15, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin Superior hosted an Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration. The event featured exhibitions of Native American dances alongside a local drum group. Members of the college’s Native Nations Student Organization helped organize and lead the event. The organization spreads awareness regarding first nation’s people. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

BCA Statement on Misconduct Accusations in Hells Angels Case

October 13, 2024

Matt McConico,

Following FOX21’s reporting on the case against members of the Iron Range Hells Angels, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension sent us a statement. The statement referenced accusations made by the defense, that a BCA Special Agent had been involved in monitoring privileged jail communications between at least one defendant and their attorney. The statement from Public Information Officer Jill…

Mayor Nominates Deputy Attorney to Lead City Office

October 11, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Mayor has selected his choice to replace City Attorney Jessica Fralich after she was appointed to serve as a judge for the Sixth Judicial District. A press release from the city announced that the current Deputy City Attorney, Terri Lehr, is Mayor Roger Reinert’s nomination to lead the City Attorney’s office, following Fralich’s departure. In selecting…

Essentia Health Envisions Medical School at Former Hospital Site

October 11, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health already has high hopes for the former site of St. Mary’s Hospital. Along with support from the Duluth City Council, Essentia wants the land to be used by the University of Minnesota as a new medical school. Essentia says that they share the University’s mission to improve rural healthcare across the region. “The Minnesota Department…

Case Against Iron Range Hells Angels at Risk

Government Misconduct, and Law Enforcement Connections to Hells Angels President leave questions

October 10, 2024

Matt McConico,

Part 1: EVELETH, Minn. – Government misconduct could jeopardize a 2023 kidnapping and sexual assault case, against members of the Iron Range Hells Angels. A member of the Hells Angels, Paul Debelak, is still facing charges including 1st-degree sexual assault, and kidnapping, after a judge denied a motion by his attorney to dismiss the case, on Tuesday. Court records show…

Essentia Health Recognized as Outstanding Disability Employer

October 8, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is receiving recognition for its commitment to hiring people with disabilities. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded Essentia with the Outstanding Disability Employer Award. The presentation took place in the hospital’s new atrium on Second Street and included an exhibit by the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Essentia’s Support Services Director describes…

Duluth’s Haunted Ship Kicks Off With Creepy Crawl

October 4, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. — A Creepy Crawl through Canal Park helped celebrate the opening of this year’s Haunted Ship. The crawl brought together monsters of a kinds, even attracting Beetlejuice. “Hey, hey, hey. If there’s any ladies out there, I’m single, alright? Ya,” said the Beetlejuice actor. This will be the 29th Haunted Ship, and the monsters we talked too, say…

Senator Takes Issue of Rural EMS to D.C.

September 30, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota lawmakers in Washington last week, drew attention to improving Emergency Medical Services across the state. Meeting with White House officials and congressional delegations, a task force of state politicians worked to get federal funding to address lapses in the state’s EMS. For one member of the group, Minnesota’s 3rd District State Senator Grant Hauschild, representing a…

Essentia Encourages Preparation Before Flu Season

September 30, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s that time of year again, as the temperature begins to drop, the likelihood of catching a seasonal illness goes up. Essentia Health is encouraging everyone six months and older to prepare for the increase in cases by getting up to date on their vaccines. Erin Labatt, Essentia’s Immunization Program Coordinator, clarified exactly why vaccines for the…

Murder Sentence for 2022 Duluth Shooting

Shooter in deadly 2022 Duluth shooting learns his sentence

September 30, 2024

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – A 19-year-old Duluth man has been sentenced to 27.5 years in prison today. Corey Devon Young was sentenced for the July 2022 shooting of 17-year-old Xzavier Aubid-St. Clair near East 1st St in Duluth. When police reviewed security cameras in the area, they “showed the Defendant and Victim talking back and forth when the Defendant pulls out…

Superior Police Department Working to Improve Pedestrian Safety

September 27, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPEIROR, Wis. — The Superior’s Police Department is working to emphasize pedestrian safety, to improve what they say is the walkability of the city. The public safety campaign will include Facebook posts explain laws and statutes for both pedestrians and drivers. Superior’s Chief of Police Paul Winterscheidt explains just what the public can expect. “We’re starting a pedestrian safety campaign…

Douglas County Steps Up Road Enforcement

September 27, 2024

Matt McConico,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Drivers in Douglas County can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence on the roads. With a recent uptick in deadly crashes, especially in rural areas, the Sheriff’s office is cooperating with Wisconsin State Patrol to increase traffic enforcement in the county. Douglas County’s Sheriff Matt Izzard has more about what’s behind the most recent crashes,…

Author: Matt McConico

Property owners are receiving the unwelcome surprise, despite prior assurances by local leaders

The last council meeting of the year will see the city attempt to put a bow on planning for 2025

With no meetings scheduled, Essentia and union workers are stuck in an open-ended strike

The groundbreaking of 'Incline Village' comes 13 years after the school's controversial closure, and a period of vacancy

Prison camp staff object to closure of Duluth facility, site lack of warning

Expressing uniform frustration with the selection process and lack of information, councilors still vote 8-1 to approve the multi-million-dollar contract

The lot has been empty since 2018, creating an eyesore, and hole in the community

With crowds growing over the years, the meal continues to bring servicemembers together

The road has been closed for nearly two months, after the CN bridge running over it was found to have "advanced deterioration"

Sawyer County Sheriffs release surveillance video while appealing to public for information

County Commissioners Prepare for Commercial Cannabis

Lawsuits filed this weekend, against OCM, put another pause on the state's commercial cannabis industry

Trial dates are still set for at least one defendant, after an evidentiary hearing that saw defense attorneys call 6 witnesses

The Duluth Air Show celebrates its 25th year this summer, with the Blue Angels scheduled to headline

During a previous mental health call to the home, Nephew said he feared for him and his family if Donald Trump became President

Student said they were 10-weeks into art course led by Ramsland when tragedy struck

A vigil brings people together, following murder-suicide that shattered quiet community

A father is suspected of shooting his two sons, and their mothers before taking his own life

County turns Green in lead up to Veterans Day

The Tigers now move on to Level 3 where they will face St. Croix Falls.

A mother and her children are safe, after they were the subjects of an Amber Alert

Advocacy group holds public launch at City Hall

Northland native Dr. Robert R. Gilruth was a pioneer in the U.S. space program

A group of CEOs has invested in local housing

The DFL Rep. is remembered for his spread-out, but impactful, political tenure

Government Misconduct, and Law Enforcement Connections to Hells Angels President leave questions

Shooter in deadly 2022 Duluth shooting learns his sentence

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