Brett with Patrick Coolican (12/2/25)

Brett has our weekly conversation with the editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer, Patrick Coolican. Today they talked about a new federal investigation about alleged ties between Somali-Americans convicted of stealing money from public programs and al-Shabaab, Tim Walz going on Meet the Press and more. Find more about what they talked about at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/12/02/trump-administration-orders-up-investigation-of-minnesota-stepping-on-their-own-prosecutors/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/12/02/first-step-for-walz-take-responsibility/…

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Brett Johnson with Patrick Coolican (11/25/25)

Brett was joined by editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer, Patrick Coolican. They talked about Right-wing reporting on Somali money allegedly going to al-Shabaab and more a super PAC dropping big money in the Minnesota’s US Senate primary. Find more about what they talked about at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/11/25/right-wing-reporting-on-somali-money-going-to-al-shabaab-is-sloppy/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/11/24/minnesota-dfl-leaders-respond-to-trumps-attacks-on-somali-minnesotans/

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Terry John Zila with Matt – November 24, 2025

Terry John Zila has been experimenting in the kitchen his entire life. Twenty years in the restaurant industry has exposed him to a wide variety of cooking styles. In his private dining and corporate events and in-home cooking classes, he uses that culinary knowledge to create unique events. Whatever cuisine you might like, be it…

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Matt McNeil with Dr. Joe Eastman (11/21/25)

Dr. Joe Eastman joins Matt to talk about a rising COVID-19 variant, a poorly matched seasonal flu strain, and escalating measles outbreaks that could cost the U.S. its elimination status. He stressed concern over avian influenza (bird flu) acquiring human-to-human transmission, noting that continuous disease spread and deregulation are increasing overall vulnerability.

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Addie Gorlin-Han with Matt – November 20, 2025

Addie Gorlin-Han is the director of the Guthrie Theater’s presentation of A Christmas Carol, running now through December 28. https://www.guthrietheater.org/shows-and-tickets/a-christmas-carol/ Addie is a director, producer, and educator invested in the regional theater movement, new musical development, and theater for all-ages. She works as Associate Producer at the Guthrie Theater. Addie grew up in the Twin…

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Jessica Lussenhop with Matt – November 20, 2025

Before becoming the host of our upcoming podcast, I was a reporter with ProPublica’s Midwest team covering Minnesota, my home state. I wrote about issues affecting vulnerable populations with a special interest in child welfare, criminal justice and housing. My reporting has changed state housing laws and touched off enforcement actions by the Minnesota attorney…

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Brett Johnson with Patrick Coolican (11/18/25)

It’s our weekly conversation with the editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer, Patrick Coolican. Today’s topics include DFLers making a big bet on paid family leave and Lisa Demuth announcing she will abide by the Republican endorsement. Find more about the paid family leave article at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/11/18/minnesota-democrats-make-a-big-bet-on-paid-leave/

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Maren Ward with Matt – November 12, 2025

MAREN WARD is a Twin Cities performer, director and community-based theater maker – named Best Theater Performer of 2018 in MN Monthly Magazine. Maren has been zAmya’s creative director since it started in 2004. She has been awarded a McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship (2007) and has attended the Cornerstone Institute for Community Based Theater and…

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Brett Johnson with Patrick Coolican (11/11/25)

Brett has our weekly conversation with Patrick Coolican, editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer. Today they talked about how the deal to reopen the federal government could hurt Minnesota’s hemp industry, Lisa Demuth picking a running mate, Bernie Sanders endorsing Peggy Flanagan and thoughts on last week’s elections. Find more about what they talked about at:…

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Cliff Schecter with Matt – November 10 2025

Cliff Schecter/David Shuster didn’t just discover the GOP’s bad, find our voices & switch sides. We’ve been at it for 25 yrs. Cliff wrote the ads that helped Biden beat Trump in ’20. David exposed GOP corruption as an Emmy-winning anchor at MSNBC & CNN. https://www.blueamp.co/subscribe

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Rev. Trish Sullivan Vanni with Matt – November 6, 2025

Rev. Trish Sullivan Vanni, Ph.D While grounded in the Christian tradition, I have been a life-long spiritual seeker open to grace beyond its boundaries. The many threads of my life and the countless wonderful people who have touched it have led me to a deep appreciation for the many paths human beings follow to the…

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Brett Johnson with Patrick Coolican (11/4/25)

Brett and Patrick Coolican (editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer) have an election day preview as they talk about two races that will determine control of the MN State Senate, mayor races in Minneapolis and St. Paul, school levies and a new GOP contender for governor. Find more about what they covered at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/11/04/today-is-election-day-make-your-voice-heard/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/11/03/voters-will-decide-tuesday-who-controls-the-minnesota-senate-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/11/02/gop-minnesota-house-speaker-lisa-demuth-launches-campaign-for-governor/

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Matt McNeil with Paul Metsa (10/31/25)

Matt is joined by Minnesota music legend Paul Metsa! They talk about his his 70th birthday that’s also a special benefit show for AM950. It takes place Sunday, November 2 at 7 PM at the Aster House in Minneapolis. Find tickets and details at: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/83991706/songs-of-resistance-and-respectpaul-metsa-70th-birthday-and-cd-release-partybenefit-for-am-950-minneapolis-aster-house

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Matt McNeil with Varajita Singh of MIA (10/30/25)

Matt was joined by Varajita Singh, the Chief Diversity Officer at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. They talked about the museum’s new special exhibit, “Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine.” They discuss the massive international collaboration required to bring over 200 bronze masterpieces, many from the 11th century, from Cambodia and Paris to the…

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Matt McNeil with Greg Bakun (10/30/25)

Greg Bakun previews the Halloween GhostBox Radio broadcast tomorrow from 7-11 PM! He is going live from the haunted Pillsbury Club in Minneapolis, home of the Minneapolis Trolley Tours! Greg will be joined by Adam, Refined Divine, Char Savoie, and other guests for a real paranormal investigation inside the Pillsbury Club—filled with spirits, stories, and…

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Patrick Strait with Matt – October 29, 2025

Patrick Strait has been writing about comedy for more than 15 years in Minnesota, and has been featured in City Pages, The Growler, Thrillist, Bring Me the News and others. His first book, “Funny Thing About Minnesota…” is available now through the Minnesota Historical Society Press. He himself is not very funny.

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Ellie Krug with Sara Jane Baldwin of Gender Justice (10-25-25)

Ellie Krug speaks with Sara Jane Baldwin of Gender Justice about their recent legal victory for trans weightlifter JC Cooper against USA Powerlifting. Baldwin explains how the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled unanimously that USA Powerlifting’s policy banning trans athletes violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

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Brett Johnson with Patrick Coolican (10/28/25)

Brett has our weekly visit with Patrick Coolican, editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer. Today they talked about what Minnesota is doing to help those who will be cut off from SNAP benefits, Minneapolis potentially not being on the hook for police sued for wrongful conduct during the 2020 protests, Allina doctors going on strike and…

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Matt McNeil with Jeff Stein (10/22/25)

National and presidential expert Jeff Stein joins Matt for his regular Wednesday conversation to break down the latest in national politics. They dive into the ongoing government shutdown, the lack of negotiation from the Republican side, and the growing evidence of a Nazi problem within some GOP circles and its staff. Jeff and Matt also…

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Brett Johnson with Patrick Coolican (10/21/25)

It’s our weekly Tuesday afternoon conversation with Patrick Coolican, editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer. This week we cover Keith Ellison seeking a third term as MN AG, Tom Emmer saying No Kings Protestors don’t love America, and possible school closures in Minneapolis. Find more at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/10/15/tom-emmer-talks-tough-reveals-weakness/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/10/21/minnesota-ag-keith-ellison-to-seek-third-term/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/10/20/minneapolis-school-board-signals-potential-school-closures/

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Cliff Schecter with Matt – October 20, 2025

Cliff Schecter/David Shuster didn’t just discover the GOP’s bad, find our voices & switch sides. We’ve been at it for 25 yrs. Cliff wrote the ads that helped Biden beat Trump in ’20. David exposed GOP corruption as an Emmy-winning anchor at MSNBC & CNN. https://www.blueamp.co/subscribe

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Paul Metsa with Matt – October 16, 2025

Celebrate a Minnesota music legend! Paul Metsa, acclaimed musician, songwriter, and author, is marking his 70th birthday with a special benefit show for AM950. It takes place Sunday, November 2 at 7 PM at the Aster House in Minneapolis. The evening also serves as a CD release party for his latest record, Songs of Resistance…

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Matt McNeil with Katy Tessman (10/15/25)

Matt’s joined by Minnesota musician Katy Tessman. They talk about her upcoming show tomorrow Icehouse in Minneapolis and how she and the Heartland Souvenirs honor the legendary Dolly Parton. Learn more at: https://icehouse.turntabletickets.com/shows/4329/?date=2024-10-18

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Brett Johnson with Patrick Coolican (10/14/25)

Brett has our weekly conversation with Patrick Coolican, editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer. Today they sized up both the Minneapolis and St. Paul races for Mayor, talked about new measles cases in Minnesota and COVID vaccines. Read more about what they talked about at: https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/congresswoman-ilhan-omar-endorses-sen-omar-fateh-for-minneapolis-mayor/ https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/minnesota-adds-two-cases-to-measles-surge-amid-decline-in-routine-vaccinations/ https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/walz-gets-vaccinated-cdc-recommends-covid-19-vaccine/

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Matt McNeil with Kyrstin Schuette of the School Board Integrity Project (10/10/25)

Matt was joined by Kyrstin Schuette of the School Board Integrity Project as they talk about the importance of upcoming school board elections. Plus they have their Freedom to Read Book Fair on Sunday at Queermunity in Minneapolis. Learn more at: https://www.schoolboardintegrityproject.org/

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Matt McNeil with Taya Ming (10/9/25)

Matt was joined by Taya Ming, who is starring as ‘The Enormous Crocodile’ in the U.S. Premiere of The Roald Dahl Story Company’s production ‘The Enormous Crocodile The Musical’ which is playing now at Children’s Theatre in Minneapolis. Tickets and more info at: https://childrenstheatre.org/whats-on/the-enormous-crocodile/

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Brett with Patrick Coolican (10/7/25)

It’s our weekly Tuesday interview with Patrick Coolican, editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer. Here’s what they covered today: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/10/06/blackrocks-minnesota-power-takeover-splits-dfl-coalition-as-corporate-giant-seeks-bigger-targets/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/10/06/rep-zack-stephenson-on-gun-violence-democratic-priorities-and-leading-after-hortman/ https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/dfl-rep-kaela-berg-announces-campaign-for-2nd-congressional-district/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/10/02/repub/how-the-federal-shutdown-is-playing-out-across-the-government/

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Brett Johnson with Patrick Coolican (9/30/25)

It’s our weekly Tuesday conversation with Patrick Coolican, editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer. This week we talk about Patrick’s column on fraud in Minnesota state government and the Reformer’s recent Q&A with Secretary of State Steve Simon about Trump’s DOJ lawsuit over access to Minnesota’s voter rolls. Find everything we talked about at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/09/25/they-were-warned-how-state-government-kept-allowing-the-theft-of-the-peoples-money/ https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/a-q-a-with-secretary-of-state-steve-simon-who-the-trump-administration-is-suing-over-voter-rolls/

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John Fugelsang with Matt – September 29, 2025

He’s been murdered on CSI, interviewed 2 Beatles on separate continents in the same week, and famously once got Mitt Romney’s advisor to call Governor Romney an ‘etch a sketch’ on CNN. Actor, comedian & broadcaster John Fugelsang hosts ‘Tell Me Everything” weekdays on SiriusXM Insight #121. He recently performed in ‘The Bill of Rights…

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Brett Johnson with Patrick Coolican (9/23/25)

Brett was joined by Patrick Coolican, editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer. Today they talked about another fraud case in Minnesota, state capitol security and the sentencing of former state Sen. Nicole Mitchell. Find those stories at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/09/18/u-s-attorney-charges-eight-with-wire-fraud-in-minnesota-housing-stabilization-program/ https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/minnesota-capitol-has-fewer-security-measures-than-other-state-houses/ https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/former-sen-nicole-mitchell-sentenced-to-6-months-in-jail-work-release/

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Michael Thalhimer, Director of Business Development at All Energy Solar

Matt was joined by Michael Thalhimer, Director of Business Development at All Energy Solar, to discuss the commercial side of solar energy. With policy changes recently announced and more on the horizon, many businesses are looking to lock in the best incentives before the rules shift under the new administration. Michael explained how securing solar…

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Brett Johnson with Patrick Coolican (9/16/25)

It’s our weekly visit with Patrick Coolican of the Minnesota Reformer! Today we talk Walz reelection, data on gun safety laws, and the legislature getting ready for gun bills at the upcoming special session. Here’s all that was covered: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/09/16/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-launches-reelection-campaign-for-third-term/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/09/15/heres-what-the-data-say-about-some-common-gun-control-ideas/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/09/15/senate-panel-hears-assault-weapons-ban-other-ideas/

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The Matt McNeil Show- September 15, 2025

Matt talks about his weekend in Chicago; China is not placing orders for US soybeans; Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan joins the show to discuss her Senate run; groyper movement that Charlie Kirk’s killer allegedly belonged to; restauranteur Ann Kim under fire; hypocrisy of Rep. Van Orden; Michael Brodkorb discusses last night’s game.

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Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan with Matt – September 15, 2025

Peggy Flanagan is Minnesota’s 50th Lieutenant Governor, a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, and currently the country’s highest ranking Native woman elected to executive office. At the center of all her work is making progress for children, working families, communities of color and Indigenous communities, and Minnesotans who have historically been underserved…

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Bruce Klopfleisch with Matthew Blake of MinnPost (9/12/25)

Bruce was joined by MinnPost writer Matthew Blake to talk about prospects of a special session based on his recent reporting: https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2025/09/walzs-urgency-to-act-on-gun-violence-runs-into-political-reality-in-divided-legislature/

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Bruce Klopfleisch with Greta Bedekovics (9/12/25)

Bruce Klopfleisch was joined by Greta Bedekovics, associate director of Democracy at the Center for American Progress. They talk about how CAP has changed their guidance for states with independent redistricting commissions in response to Republican gerrymandering.

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Bruce Klopfleisch with Pema Levy of Mother Jones on Gerrymandering

Bruce was joined by Mother Jones writer Pema Levy as they talk about some of her recent articles on Republican gerrymandering: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/08/republican-racial-gerrymandering/ https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/08/voting-rights-act-supreme-court-2/

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Maggiy Emery with Mike McIntee – September 11, 2025

Maggiy Emery is an experienced nonprofit and political strategist with a background in communications, organizing, and development in such issue areas as gun violence prevention, food justice, animal welfare, immigrant and refugee rights, and more. She has a deep passion for sustainable agriculture and the revitalization of rural spaces, and she is thrilled to bring…

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John Fugelsang with Mike McIntee – September 11, 2025

He’s been murdered on CSI, interviewed 2 Beatles on separate continents in the same week, and famously once got Mitt Romney’s advisor to call Governor Romney an ‘etch a sketch’ on CNN. Actor, comedian & broadcaster John Fugelsang hosts ‘Tell Me Everything” weekdays on SiriusXM Insight #121. He recently performed in ‘The Bill of Rights…

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Brett Johnson with Patrick Coolican (9/9/25)

Patrick Coolican returns for his weekly Tuesday visit. This week Brett and Patrick talk about Zack Stephenson being named DFL house leader, Gov. Walz calling a special session on guns, and Gov. Walz issuing an executive order on vaccine access in Minnesota.

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Cliff Schecter with Matt – September 3, 2025

Cliff Schecter/David Shuster didn’t just discover the GOP’s bad, find our voices & switch sides. We’ve been at it for 25 yrs. Cliff wrote the ads that helped Biden beat Trump in ’20. David exposed GOP corruption as an Emmy-winning anchor at MSNBC & CNN. https://www.blueamp.co/subscribe

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Matt McNeil with Dr. Joe Eastman (8/28/25)

Dr. Joe Eastman is an expert disease modeler who frequently provides updates on COVID, avian flu, and other diseases. Today Matt and Joe talk about how RFK is messing up data tracking for many diseases. Plus updates on Avian flu, new COVID variants and more.

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Matt McNeil with Ellie Krug (8/27/25)

Matt was joined by the host of the Illegal Trans Woman, Ellie Krug. In light of the Minneapolis mass shooter being identified as a transgender woman, Ellie talks about how hate merchants might use this shooting as justification to further marginalize transgender people.

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Brett Johnson with Max Nesterak (8/26/25)

Brett was joined by Max Nesterak, the deputy editor of the Minnesota Reformer who reports on labor and housing. Today’s topics included the DNC meetings in Minneapolis, minimum wage raises and a labor dispute with University of Minnesota service workers. Find more at: https://minnesotareformer.com/

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Mary Hartnett with Mike McIntee – August 25, 2025

Mary Hartnett has served as the Executive Director of three different nonprofits, the Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans. She has also worked as a lobbyist and consultant to nonprofits and state agencies. She has decades of experience working on voter education, voter engagement and voting rights. She has organized and mobilized…

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Nekima Levy Armstrong with Mike McIntee – August 25, 2025

Nekima Levy Armstrong is an award-winning civil rights lawyer, scholar-activist, and past president of the Minneapolis NAACP. She is a frequent speaker on national and international news outlets about racial justice advocacy and public policy, most notably including an interview with Oprah. Nekima is also a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and podcast host.

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Brett Johnson with Patrick Coolican (8/19/25)

Brett is joined by Patrick Coolican, editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer. Today they talk about a Ramsey Co. court ruling that could have massive impacts on the legislature, Keith Ellison suing Tik Tok and why right wing media outlets are giving a platform to Vance Boelter, the killer of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband,…

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Bill Corbett with Matt – August 12, 2025

Bill Corbett is a former writer for MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 and also a performer on the show, providing the voice of the robot Crow (v.2.0) and playing various other strange characters — including the all-powerful but clueless alien The Observer (a.k.a. “Brain Guy”). Corbett is also a screenwriter and playwright. Corbett’s screenplay STARSHIP DAVE,…

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Jack Rice with Matt – July 24, 2025

Jack is a nationally recognized and award winning criminal defense lawyer, awarded Among the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer of 2024, Minnesota Super Lawyer for 2023, Among the Best Lawyers of 2022, winner of the Minnesota Attorney of the Year Award for 2021 and founder of Jack Rice Defense. He was awarded the Professional Excellence Award…

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