Washington in Focus

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Rep. Tarra Simmons Ethics Hearing Heats Up + Parents Rights Initiative Heads To Ballot Jun 10, 2026

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A rare legislative ethics hearing involving Washington State Rep. Tarra Simmons continued Tuesday as witnesses testified about campaign donations, nonprofit funding, and allegations of conflicts of interest. The hearing could result in significant penalties if ethics violations are found. Meanwhile, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development is moving away from the long-standing Housing First model and toward treatment-focused homelessness programs. Washington officials say they have been preparing for the shift as billions continue to be spent addressing homelessness statewide. The show also examines two November ballot initiatives involving parental rights and girls' sports, the debate over ballot language, and the latest on the income tax repeal effort as signature gathering continues statewide.

#WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonState #Olympia #EthicsHearing #TarraSimmons #IncomeTax #IncomeTaxReapeal #Homelessness #HousingFirst #HUD #ParentsRights #GirlsSports #Election2026 #BallotMeasure #Taxpayer #PublicPolicy #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare

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Seattle Residents Demand Public Safety Action + Washington Gas Tax Debate Continues Jun 08, 2026

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Hundreds of Seattle residents marched along Aurora Avenue North over the weekend, demanding action on crime, prostitution, sex trafficking, and repeated shootings in the area. Residents say public safety conditions have deteriorated and are calling on city leaders to respond. The demonstrations come just days before Seattle hosts its first World Cup match, with some officials warning that international trafficking activity often follows major global sporting events. Meanwhile, Mayor Katie Wilson has reversed course and approved activation of surveillance cameras near the stadium district after pressure from public safety advocates. The episode also examines Washington's gas prices and the ongoing debate over whether the Climate Commitment Act is adding more than 50 cents per gallon to fuel costs. Critics continue to call for temporary tax relief while the governor's office defends the state's climate policies.

#Seattle #WorldCup #PublicSafety #Crime #AuroraAvenue #KatieWilson #SeattlePolitics #GasPrices #CCA #WashingtonPolitics #TrafficKing #WorldCup2026 #SeattleNews #WashingtonState #TheCenterSquare

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$800 Million Investment Leaves Washington Behind + Billions Vanish From Downtown Seattle Jun 02, 2026

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Washington faces new economic challenges as another major manufacturer announces plans to expand outside the state. In today's Washington In Focus Daily, we examine Janicki Industries' decision to build an $800 million expansion project in Montana rather than Washington, citing rising costs, regulations, and energy prices. We also hear new warnings from Downtown Seattle Association President John Scholes about Seattle's record office vacancy rates, billions in lost property value, and the loss of 40,000 downtown jobs. Plus, a Seattle father delivers emotional testimony after a bullet narrowly missed his infant son's bedroom, and Labor & Industries officially launches its on-site investigation into the deadly Longview industrial disaster that killed 11 workers and left more than 2,300 dead fish in surrounding waterways. #WashingtonState #Seattle #WashingtonPolitics #BusinessExodus #SeattleEconomy #PublicSafety #Longview #JanickiIndustries #EconomicDevelopment #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #SeattleCrime #DowntownSeattle #Jobs #Taxpayer

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Seattle Business Leaders Sound Alarm Ahead Of World Cup + Questions Surround The Long-Term Care Tax Jun 01, 2026

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As Seattle prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of World Cup visitors, business leaders are calling for additional security measures and renewed focus on public safety. We break down the debate over surveillance cameras, the economic stakes for local businesses, and what city leaders are doing ahead of kickoff. Plus, Washington's WA Cares program is encouraging previously exempt workers to opt back in, raising fresh questions about taxes, benefits, and long-term costs. Also: New developments in the Longview industrial disaster investigation. #Seattle #WorldCup2026 #WACares #WashingtonState #PublicSafety #Taxes #Taxpayer #SeattleNews #BusinessNews #Longview

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Deadly Nippon Plant Implosion + Income Tax Repeal Effort Sees Record Signature Surge May 27, 2026

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Today on Washington in Focus Daily: New developments in the deadly Nippon pulp mill explosion in Longview Community outrage grows after the arrest of Longview School District Superintendent Karen Cloninger The effort to repeal Washington’s new income tax shatters early signature-gathering records TOP STORY: LONGVIEW REELING AFTER DEADLY NIPPON PLANT DISASTER Washington State Sen. Jeff Wilson says the Longview community is devastated following the massive industrial implosion at the Nippon facility. According to Wilson: At least six deaths had been confirmed through drone footage Three additional workers were still missing and presumed dead Multiple others suffered severe chemical burns Wilson explained: “This isn’t business first. It still is about people.” The senator, whose son works at the facility, said he had never seen a tank rupture in that manner during decades working around similar industrial systems. Officials say the investigation into the cause of the implosion is ongoing. LONGVIEW SCHOOL BOARD FACES PUBLIC OUTRAGE Meanwhile, the Longview School Board faced intense backlash during its first public meeting since Superintendent Karen Cloninger’s arrest. Cloninger is accused of: Obstructing an investigation Failing to report alleged assaults Interfering with law enforcement The allegations involve: ➡️ Older boys basketball players accused of assaulting younger students ➡️ Claims district officials delayed reporting the incidents to police ➡️ Concerns the superintendent and others attempted to suppress discussion of the case During public testimony: Multiple residents demanded school board members resign Parents accused officials of betraying community trust Critics questioned why the board extended Cloninger’s contract despite ongoing investigations INCOME TAX REPEAL EFFORT BREAKS RECORDS The initiative campaign seeking to repeal Washington’s new income tax is also seeing explosive early momentum. According to Let’s Go Washington: More than 92,780 signatures were gathered during the first week alone Organizers say it is a record-breaking pace Roughly 309,000 valid signatures are needed to qualify for the ballot Supporters argue: ➡️ Many voters fear the tax threshold could eventually expand ➡️ Businesses and high earners are considering relocation ➡️ The initiative effort reflects growing public opposition Governor Bob Ferguson responded Wednesday by saying: “So long as I am governor, I will veto any attempt to lower the threshold or raise the rate of this tax.” Critics noted lawmakers previously declined to permanently lock those protections into the legislation itself. WHY THIS MATTERS This impacts: Industrial safety Public trust in schools Washington tax policy Public accountability Ballot initiatives Community safety and oversight Longview is now at the center of multiple major stories involving public safety, government accountability, and statewide political debate. #WashingtonState #Longview #IncomeTax #Politics #BreakingNews #JeffWilson #SchoolBoard #PublicSafety #Investigation #USNews

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Spencer Pratt Wants Homeless Sent To Seattle + Democrats Push Back On WA Income Tax May 26, 2026

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Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt is drawing national attention after suggesting that many drug-addicted homeless individuals in Los Angeles could eventually relocate to Seattle under his proposed homelessness policies. Pratt made the comments during an interview with ABC7 Los Angeles while discussing his plans for addressing homelessness and addiction in the city. SPENCER PRATT TARGETS SEATTLE IN HOMELESSNESS COMMENTS Pratt claimed: Large portions of Los Angeles’ homeless population are not originally from California Nonprofits and rehab organizations are contributing to the crisis Stricter enforcement and reduced funding could push people elsewhere According to Pratt: “They’re all going to Seattle, where the mayor will welcome them.” He specifically referenced Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson while discussing how he believes Seattle handles homelessness and drug addiction. Pratt argued: ➡️ Some individuals are drawn to cities with more permissive policies ➡️ Current systems incentivize continued addiction and homelessness ➡️ Major changes are needed in how cities respond to the crisis SEATTLE MAYOR’S OFFICE DID NOT RESPOND According to Washington In Focus Daily host Carleen Johnson: A request for comment was sent to Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s office No response was received prior to the podcast recording The comments are already fueling broader debates involving: Homelessness policy Drug addiction Public safety Regional migration between West Coast cities Critics of Seattle’s approach argue: ➡️ Policies are too permissive ➡️ Cities are enabling addiction and encampments ➡️ Businesses and residents are increasingly frustrated Supporters argue: ➡️ Homelessness is a complex humanitarian issue ➡️ Housing affordability and mental health treatment remain major factors ➡️ Sweeps and punitive policies alone do not solve the crisis This impacts: Homelessness policy Public safety debates West Coast politics Regional migration Local government policy Seattle and Los Angeles voters The comments are quickly becoming part of a larger political fight over how major West Coast cities handle homelessness, addiction, and public disorder. Today’s Washington In Focus Daily also features: Washington business owners are sounding the alarm over the state’s new income tax, with some lifelong Democrats now considering leaving Washington altogether. In this episode of Washington In Focus Daily, Carlene Johnson speaks with Teeter owners Chris and Riley Lear about tariffs, rising costs, staffing cuts, and why they say Washington businesses have been “bled dry” by the cumulative tax burden. The conversation also dives into concerns over how the new 9.9% income tax could impact S corporations and business owners whose profits exist largely on paper through inventory and reinvestment. Plus, Representative John Ley warns the Interstate Bridge Replacement project could become a multi-billion-dollar “boondoggle,” with tolls potentially climbing far higher than originally advertised. Ley compares the project to California’s troubled high-speed rail effort and argues the inclusion of light rail is dramatically driving up costs for Washington and Oregon drivers. #Seattle #LosAngeles #Homelessness #SpencerPratt #Politics #PublicSafety #BreakingNews #WashingtonState #California #USNews

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Income Tax Fight Sparks New Supreme Court Questions + DCYF Responds To Audit Of Childcare Subsidies May 21, 2026

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Newly obtained unredacted communications between Sen. Jamie Pedersen and the Washington Attorney General’s Office are continuing to fuel scrutiny over how the state’s new millionaire’s tax was crafted and defended legally. Center Square reporters TJ Martinell and Carleen Johnson attended a state Supreme Court swearing-in ceremony this week hoping to question Chief Justice Debra Stephens and Gov. Bob Ferguson regarding: The income tax Supreme Court conflicts Attorney General coordination Efforts to block a referendum vote Martinell attempted to ask Stephens about communications showing a former Supreme Court clerk speculating that justices might prefer avoiding a direct constitutional ruling on whether income is property. The broader legal battle centers on: Washington’s long-standing precedent treating income as property Whether a progressive income tax violates the state constitution Potential conflicts involving recently appointed justices Questions are also being raised over whether Justices Theo Angelas and Colleen Melody should recuse themselves due to prior professional ties involving: Gov. Ferguson Sen. Pedersen The Attorney General’s Office

DCYF FACES CONTINUED SCRUTINY OVER DAYCARE PAYMENTS DCYF Secretary Tana Senn gave an update Thursday to the department’s oversight board following a recent audit that identified approximately $37 million in questionable childcare subsidy payments. Senn argued: The audit findings represented extrapolations rather than confirmed fraud Many childcare providers felt unfairly targeted Public scrutiny created stress and anxiety throughout the childcare community According to Senn: “A lot felt like they were under attack probably for no very good reason.” Center Square reporters noted they have spent months investigating providers receiving: Tens of thousands of dollars monthly Large taxpayer subsidies Payments tied to locations where little or no evidence of childcare operations was visible Oversight Board members, including Sen. Nikki Torres, reportedly expressed frustration that the audit discussion received limited time during the meeting.

LONGVIEW SUPERINTENDENT ARRESTED Longview School District Superintendent Karen Cloninger was arrested Thursday morning following an investigation into allegations surrounding the district’s boys basketball program. According to Longview Police: She faces charges including witness tampering Additional allegations involve obstruction and failure to report More charges may be forthcoming involving other district officials Police allege district officials may have: Obstructed the investigation Discouraged staff from cooperating Failed to fully report allegations The case has generated growing outrage from parents and community members in Longview.

WHY THIS MATTERS This impacts: Washington tax policy Supreme Court legitimacy concerns Childcare oversight Public education accountability Government transparency Several of these issues are expected to remain major political stories across Washington heading deeper into 2026. WHAT’S NEXT Constitutional challenges to the income tax continue Questions over judicial recusals may intensify Additional DCYF oversight hearings expected Longview criminal investigation remains active

#WashingtonState #Politics #IncomeTax #DCYF #Longview #SupremeCourt #BreakingNews #Education #Taxes #USNews

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Seattle Democrats Breaks With Mayor Over Business Exodus Concerns + Bridge Price Tag Skyrockets May 20, 2026

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A second Democratic member of the Seattle City Council is now publicly raising concerns over comments made by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson regarding businesses and wealthy residents potentially leaving the city and state over rising taxes and regulations. During an exclusive interview with Center Square Seattle reporter Randy Diamond, Seattle City Councilman Rob Saka said he disagrees with dismissing concerns from employers and higher-income residents who say mounting tax burdens and regulations are driving people out of Seattle and Washington. The comments come amid ongoing debate surrounding: Seattle’s economic climate Washington’s new income tax Business relocation concerns Corporate layoffs Economic uncertainty in the region TOP STORY: ROB SAKA SPEAKS OUT Councilman Saka said he is personally concerned about the economic consequences of major employers potentially leaving the city. The discussion focused heavily on: Starbucks’ presence in Seattle Layoffs involving corporate employees Concerns over job growth The broader business environment in Seattle Saka said: “I personally disagree with the approach.” He added: “I do find it gravely concerning when any major employer picks up its crayons and heads to another play box and takes jobs with it.” Saka emphasized: Businesses, workers, and families should all have a voice Leaders should not “dismiss or trivialize” concerns Seattle should focus on collaborative problem solving SECOND DEMOCRAT TO BREAK RANKS Saka is now the second Seattle Democrat in recent weeks to publicly express concern over the mayor’s messaging regarding business and wealth flight. The episode also referenced prior comments from Seattle City Councilman Bob Kettle, who similarly warned against dismissing concerns about: Tax burdens Regulation Economic competitiveness Potential business departures The debate comes as Washington’s new millionaire’s income tax faces: A repeal initiative effort Constitutional legal challenges Growing criticism from some business leaders PIERCE COUNTY RACE HEADS TO BALLOT AFTER COURT WIN The episode also highlighted a major court ruling involving former Seattle Police Officers Guild President Mike Solan, who successfully challenged an attempt to remove him from the Pierce County Council District 7 ballot. Solan argued: The challenge was politically motivated County officials attempted to block his candidacy He met residency requirements to run A judge ultimately ruled: Pierce County’s voter registration requirement created too high a legal barrier Solan’s candidacy can proceed The race now heads toward the August primary. INTERSTATE BRIDGE PROJECT COSTS CONTINUE CLIMBING The episode also examined the growing controversy surrounding the Interstate Bridge Replacement project connecting Washington and Oregon across the Columbia River. Officials confirmed: Project costs have jumped dramatically The estimated price tag now ranges from $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion Tolls will begin before the new bridge is completed Critics, including Rep. John Ley, argue: Light rail expansion is unnecessarily inflating costs Current ridership projections do not justify rail construction Bus transit alternatives would be significantly cheaper WHY THIS MATTERS This impacts: Seattle jobs Business retention Taxes Transportation costs Regional economic growth Washington politics Economic competitiveness, taxation, and infrastructure spending are quickly becoming some of the most important political issues in Washington state. WHAT’S NEXT Seattle business climate debate expected to continue Mike Solan’s campaign now moves toward the August primary Interstate Bridge tolling and cost debates likely to intensify Washington income tax legal and political battles continue HASHTAGS #Seattle #WashingtonState #Politics #Business #Economy #Taxes #Transportation #BreakingNews #Infrastructure #USNews

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Washington Income Tax Repeal Effort Gains Momentum + WA Drought Debate Intensifies as Experts Clash May 19, 2026

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Washington’s political and economic battles over the newly enacted millionaire’s income tax are intensifying as Let’s Go Washington reports overwhelming public interest in its repeal initiative campaign. During Tuesday’s episode of Washington In Focus Daily, Center Square reporter Carleen Johnson examined: The rapidly expanding repeal effort Business concerns surrounding the income tax Ongoing constitutional questions Washington’s growing drought debate New climate change projections ⚖️ TOP STORY: INCOME TAX REPEAL CAMPAIGN EXPANDS One week after launching the initiative drive to repeal Washington’s newly enacted income tax, Let’s Go Washington says public response has exceeded expectations. The organization is attempting to qualify Initiative to the People 2066-45 for the ballot by gathering: ➡️ At least 309,000 valid voter signatures ➡️ Within a 51-day signature window Organizers reportedly hope to collect closer to: ➡️ 400,000 signatures to account for invalid or duplicate signatures. According to Let’s Go Washington: “They’ve never had a response like this.” 💰 BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION JOINS REPEAL EFFORT The Building Industry Association of Washington has formally partnered with Let’s Go Washington in support of the repeal initiative. BIAW Executive Vice President Greg Lane argued: The tax could negatively impact economic growth Construction businesses structured as LLCs may face unexpected tax burdens The law could eventually expand beyond millionaires Lane warned: “This is only the beginning.” He also argued: Washington families and employers could face broader income taxes in the future The measure threatens long-term economic competitiveness Public frustration surrounding the law remains significant ⚖️ CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS REMAIN Meanwhile, supporters of the income tax continue defending the measure. Economic Opportunity Institute policy associate Anika Klick told Washington In Focus Daily: ➡️ Courts will ultimately determine constitutionality ➡️ The legal dispute centers heavily around whether income is considered property under Washington law ➡️ Supporters are preparing for a potential ballot fight Klick acknowledged: The issue could reach voters either in 2026 or later Legal and political battles are expected to continue 🌧️ DROUGHT DEBATE DIVIDES EXPERTS The episode also highlighted sharp disagreements over Washington’s potential drought emergency. UW atmospheric sciences professor Cliff Mass argued: ➡️ Reservoirs are currently full ➡️ Historical conditions do not support a severe drought scenario ➡️ State drought declarations are being overstated Mass stated: “There’s never been a situation with full reservoirs where agriculture faced devastating impacts.” Meanwhile, Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bumbaco defended the state’s warnings, arguing: Junior water users could still face restrictions Conditions may worsen later in the summer State law allows proactive drought declarations The disagreement reflects broader statewide debates involving: Climate policy Water management Agriculture Environmental forecasting 🌍 CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECTIONS ALSO SHIFTING The episode also referenced new reporting indicating scientists are revising downward some of the most severe long-term climate warming projections previously used in policymaking. According to reporting discussed during the program: Earlier “worst-case” warming scenarios are now viewed as less likely Investments in renewable energy may be contributing to lower projected emissions growth The discussion tied into broader questions surrounding: Washington climate policy Energy costs Cap-and-invest programs State emissions goals 📊 WHY THIS MATTERS This impacts: Taxes Businesses Agriculture Water policy Climate regulation Washington’s economy The income tax repeal effort and broader economic debates are quickly becoming central political issues heading into the 2026 election cycle. 📅 WHAT’S NEXT Signature gathering continues statewide Constitutional lawsuits remain active Water supply monitoring continues into summer Climate and emissions policy debates expected to intensify 🔔 Subscribe for continuing coverage of Washington politics, taxes, agriculture, climate policy, and government accountability. #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #Politics #Climate #Drought #Business #Taxes #Agriculture #BreakingNews #USNews

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Inside Washington’s Growing Political Battle Over Income Tax May 18, 2026

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Washington’s political and economic battles over the newly enacted millionaire’s income tax continue intensifying as lawmakers, business groups, and advocacy organizations clash over the future of taxation, constitutional law, and economic competitiveness in the state. During Monday’s episode of Washington In Focus Daily, Center Square reporter Carleen Johnson spoke directly with State Senator Jamie Peterson — the sponsor of Washington’s controversial income tax legislation — while also examining growing concerns surrounding business relocation and economic uncertainty. ⚖️ TOP STORY: SENATOR JAMIE PETERSON RESPONDS TO TAX QUESTIONS Johnson questioned Peterson about: Legal challenges to the millionaire’s tax Internal Attorney General’s Office communications The ongoing referendum and initiative fight Concerns surrounding wealthy residents and businesses leaving the state Peterson defended the legislation and argued: ➡️ Consultation between lawmakers and the Attorney General’s Office is normal ➡️ Washington’s constitution already excludes tax measures from referendum authority ➡️ The issue is ultimately constitutional and legal in nature Peterson also maintained that the Washington Supreme Court has already clarified the referendum question surrounding tax legislation. 💰 BUSINESS LEADERS WARN OF GROWING EXODUS The episode also featured comments from Americans for Prosperity Western Regional Director Heather Andrews, who argued Washington’s tax burden is accelerating the departure of employers, entrepreneurs, and high-income residents. According to Andrews: Businesses across multiple industries are considering relocation Washington’s cumulative tax burden has become unsustainable for many employers The income tax represents a “final straw” for some residents and business owners The discussion referenced: Seattle’s JumpStart payroll tax Washington’s capital gains tax The new 9.9% millionaire’s tax Regulatory burdens affecting employers statewide 🗳️ INITIATIVE AND LEGAL CHALLENGES MOVING FORWARD The battle over the income tax is now unfolding on two separate tracks: 1️⃣ Citizen Initiative Campaign Let’s Go Washington is currently gathering signatures for a repeal initiative targeting the income tax. Organizers hope to gather well above the required threshold before the July 2 deadline. 2️⃣ Constitutional Lawsuit A separate legal challenge led by the Citizen Action Defense Fund continues moving through the courts, with former Attorney General Rob McKenna and former Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge involved in the case. Opponents argue: The tax violates longstanding constitutional precedent Washington voters have repeatedly rejected income taxes historically The law opens the door to broader future income taxation Supporters argue: The tax applies only to ultra-high earners Washington’s tax system remains regressive Additional revenue is needed for public programs 📚 OTHER MAJOR STORY: SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT RULES DELAYED The episode also covered the Professional Educator Standards Board delaying a vote on proposed rules tied to House Bill 1296 and parental rights disputes in Washington schools. The proposed rule changes could: Make it easier to remove school superintendents Hold districts accountable for compliance with state gender identity policies Increase tensions between state officials and local school boards The board ultimately tabled the vote following concerns involving tribal consultation requirements and ongoing legal uncertainty. 📊 WHY THIS MATTERS This impacts: Taxes Businesses Constitutional law Education policy Washington’s economic future The debates over taxation, government authority, and public policy are expected to remain central political issues throughout 2026. 📅 WHAT’S NEXT Income tax repeal signature gathering continues Constitutional lawsuits move forward Additional business leaders expected to weigh in Education policy disputes likely headed toward further legal review 🔔 Subscribe for continuing coverage of Washington politics, taxes, education policy, government accountability, and economic issues. #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #Politics #Business #Taxes #Education #BreakingNews #Government #Economy #USNews

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