W.Va. Succession Laws Must be Clarified
Politics shouldn't get in the way of democracy.
Cast Vote for Candidate Who Will Work for W.Va.
Early voting in the special Senate primary starts Friday.
Obama Teachers Plan a Step in Right Direction
Maintaining the status quo in education is not an option.
Schools Deserve Statewide Recognition
Woodsdale Elementary and Bridge Street Middle schools were named Schools of Excellence this week.
Elected Leaders Must Work to Scale Back
Fiscal responsibility is important for today's leaders.
City of Wheeling Makes Right Move to Save Money
The city of Wheeling is looking to move municipal offices into city-owned buildings which could save thousands a year.
W.Va. Leaders Should Follow Jim Justice's Lead
The Greenbrier Classic shows what West Virginians can do.
Greenbrier Classic Shows off the Mountain State
The first-annual event reintroduced The Greenbrier to the world.
Goldbaugh's Loss a Tragedy for Wheeling
Lt. William Goldbaugh was killed this week in Florida.
West Virginians Have Chance to Re-Evaluate Elected Leaders
The Mountain State's political landscape has changed dramatically.
Hancock Voters Should Think of the Future When Deciding Bond Levy Fate
Voters in Hancock County will consider a $37-million plan this November.
Sports Complex Must be Done Right
The Mayor's Office has promised to open the lines of communication about the East Wheeling Sports Complex.
Reflecting on Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate with friends and family, but also to celebrate living in this great country.
Saying Goodbye to Sen. Robert C. Byrd
Sen. Robert Byrd was a champion for West Virginia.
W.Va. Should Raise Cigarette Taxes
Recently released statistics showing Charleston and Huntington with the most smokers are alarming.
Outstanding Students Help Repair Flood Damge
Students from Weirton Madonna help give back to those in need.
Teachers Union's Plans for Health Care Liability Unthinkable
West Virginia teachers unions want the state to ignore $8 billion in health care liabilities.
Sports Complex a Good Move, but Wheeling's Problems Remain
The proposed East Wheeling Sports Complex would help the Ohio Valley, but the city has numerous problems.
Electric Bills on the Rise
Power companies are looking to raise their rates in the next few years.
Schools Need Law Enforcement
An incident at Follansbee Middle School was brought to attention to a school resource officer.
Remembering Our Veterans
Keep servicemen and women in your thoughts and prayers.
A Glimpse Inside a West Virginia Coal Mine
Bray Cary takes a trip into a coal mine on this week's edition of Decision Makers.
Adults Must Act to Keep Teens Safe During Graduation Season
High school students across the state are getting ready for graduation and the celebrations that follow.
More Wheeling Police Added to Streets
The Wheeling Police Chief innovated a way to get more police on the streets.
Important Week In Education
Education takes center stage across West Virginia.
West Virginians Can Learn From Oliverio-Mollohan Race
The state's power structure needs to be challenged.
Lawmakers Must Get Behind Governor's Education Agenda
State legislators should follow the Governor's lead on education.
Education Partnerships Key to State's Future
The partnership between West Virginia Northern Community College and Mountain State University is a building block for the region.
State Must Act on Verizon-Frontier Deal
After several months, the West Virginia Public Service Commission has failed to render a decision.
Community Fights to Keep High School Open
The community of Paden City took action to prevent the Wetzel County School Board to close their high school.
McAteer Responsible for Mine Investigation
The investigation should be unbiased.
Tragedy Shows Spirit of West Virginians
The Upper Big Branch Mine tragedy shows the nation Mountaineer spirit.
Thoughts, Prayers Go out to Miners, Families
We all stop to pray for the loss of 25 miners in W.Va.
Huggins Always had eye on the Prize
Sites set on hardwood championship.
Celebrate God's Love
Fans cheer on the 'eers but we should all stop to celebrate Easter.
Audit Could Save Millions
PEIA audit is good for West Virginia.
High Goals Bring Big Win
WVU heads to the NCAA tournament.
Education Needs to Take top Priority
Snow has caused school cancellations but education needs to take priorities.
WVU Fans have something to cheer about
WVU fans show true colors at game.
Contested Elections
W.Va. will have contested elections this year but many statewide races go uncontested.
School Calendar Change
Thanks to state lawmakers for giving counties a little more flexibility in setting their calendars.
History Calls
Rather than be timid or cater to the special interests, I would ask our lawmakers to stand up.
Fiscal Restraint
If the money isn't there, don't spend it.
On Our Side
We need Senator Byrd to fight for West Virginia.
The EPA is Against West Virginia
They have an agenda.
Who Are They Working For?
Education unions hold sway in House.
A Sham
Lawmakers should have to take their own medicine
Reform
Judicial reform is a must
Someone Has It Right
Our students must be in the classroom 180 days.
Thanks
Our veterans deserve our gratitude.
Just The Facts
Mining debate requires facts, not rhetoric.
The Right Role
Government can't create prosperity.
Realism
Investing in clean coal means a better future for coal and a better future for West Virginia.
Work
We need to celebrate our working men and women.
Reform
Education reform is a must.
Proof
Bond rating plan proves Manchin is on the right path.
Financial Responsibilty
Our elected leaders - at every level - owe it to us, the taxpayers, to be prudent with our money.
Put the Taxpayers First
Manchin has shown leadership.
Sound Managment
Good governance mean fiscal responsibility.
What's The Cure?
Improve, not overhaul.
Tax Reform
We must shrink our state government.
Shift
We all need to win.
Freedom
Remember the real meaning of July 4th.
The Right Thing
WV congressional delegation must stand united.
Fairness
An honest, impartial legal system is at the heart of a just society.
School Work
We live in a global economy and competition is fierce.
We Can Come Back
It just seems that time and again, our state is hit by terrible devastation.
We Must Act Now
Coal may not always be here to save W.Va.
Dropping the Ball
We didn't get it done.
Unacceptable
This kind of arrogance absolutely floors me.
Phonies
Our lawmakers need to do what's right.
Backbone
I wish more politicians had the courage to stand up for what's right
Bad Idea
Collective bargaining for state employees is a power grab.
Faith
Secularism is not the answer.
Fairness
Don't pile on the already-heavy tax burden.
Still Strong
America's economic foundation is still strong.
Get Real
Let's focus on what matters.
Face the Facts
The truth can hurt.
Reality Check
Pay raises for state workers would irresponsible.
Is Help on The Way?
Let's take advantage.
A Time For Hope
The work starts now.
Dire Consequences
Sacrifices need to be made.
We Need Real Growth
We got the tools, we just need the leadership.
Thanks
It's been great to watch Pat White on and off the field.
Fairness
A fair court system is vital to economic development.
Bad Debt
State should not have hordes of cash.
Democracy Matters
The voting process must have integrity.
Double Dipping Isn't Fair
We should hold our elected officials to a high standard.
A Chilling Effect
Words have meaning.
There Needs to be Disclosure
The reason we have a two-party system.
The Search is Under Way
Selection committee for WVU president is on the right track
Government Must Change
Metro government must be considered.
A National Spotlight
Leaders must use platform to promote coal.
Mountaineer Pride
Bob Fitzsimmons did a good deed.
An Unhealthy State
Poverty breeds ill health.
Great News
We must work together.
Diversification is Key
Coal and natural gas provide a strong foundation.
Good Luck
Office seekers deserve respect
On This Fourth, Remember Our Troops and Their Families
Remembering our nation's sons and daughters
Manchin Makes Good Choices for WVU
New WVU BOG members announced
A Reason to Celebrate
It's time to move forward.
The People Have Spoken
The BOG needs to act.
This Must End
BOG must demand that Garrison step down.
Failed Leadership
BOG must demand Garrison's resignation.
Mike Garrison Must Do the Right Thing
A true leader knows when it's time to step down.
The Tax That Keeps on Giving
Lawmaker aren't helping out pain at the pump.
Step Up
WVU BOG needs to defend their man.
We Deserve All the Facts
Spin must end.
We Need A Plan
Someone needs to showcase how important coal is.
Great, Young Minds
Forty under 40 making West Virginia great.
How Sweet It Is
Coach Huggins is doing it right.
It May Be Time For Cuts
For this commentary, we got a little help from our friends.
A House Gone Wild
Who are they working for?
Get to Work
Lawmakers need to work for us, not state government.
A Matter of Ethics
Corruption has crippled the state.
Get The Job Done
The time for change is now.
A Job Well Done
The old gold and blue did the state proud.
Happy Holidays
This holiday season, let’s try something different. Let’s all slow down for a minute.
What's Important
Remember the players.
Leadership
Maybe there's still time.
We Can Help
You get back more when you give.
Stop and Think
Redistricting is important, let's do it right.
Move On
It's just one loss.
Taxing Trouble
Government can't tax its way to prosperity.
Giving Thanks
It's important to remember the reason behind the holiday.
Lawson Hamilton 1923-2007
West Virginia says good bye to a true friend
It's Time To Help
We can catch the Wheeling abductor.
The Real Epidemic in West Virginia
The state has bigger problems than staph and MRSA.
Get Moving
Governments that can’t work out a bus route after months of debate demonstrate that they can be replaced.
Role Model
Oglebay Park works better without the politics and bureaucracy.
Plain to See
The expansion of neighborhood slot parlor gambling could be a blessing in disguise.
Bet on Tourism
Tourist dollars are one of the key components to our economy.
Paisley Pride
He didn’t forget where he was from when he got where was going.
Shocking
Report abuse.
More Than Words
Getting fired up about a slogan is fine, but it’s actions that count.
Unity
Americans united are unconquerable.
Rolling
Will the City of Wheeling accept reality and become a partner with the county for growth or continue to fight progress?
Fighting Words
To move into the future, West Virginia will need to let go of the past.
Good News
AT&T means jobs for Ohio Valley.
Lighting the Way
G. Randolph Worls has served the entire Ohio Valley by serving Oglebay.
Everybody’s Interest
Urgent action is needed at the Legislature, but priorities matter.
Winners and Losers
West Virginia needs to make its gambling rules sensible.
For Us or Against Us
Those who oppose economic reforms for political purposes are killing the opportunities of thousands of children.
First Fruits
Let’s do our collective best to preserve a bright future for the Capitol Music Hall.
Goal Oriented
The members of the Iraqi soccer team provide a good example for their countrymen and Americans.
That’s Italian
This weekend everybody’s a little bit Italian as Wheeling hosts the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival
Healthy Idea
Forward thinking on Medicare should be encouraged.
No Surprise
The presence of asbestos at the Fostoria factory should have come as no surprise.
Tenacity
We need to have courage in the face of adversity if we expect to change West Virginia’s economy.
Safe Space
The men and women who work at the McElroy Mine have ample reason to be proud.
Priorities
There must be room somewhere for the worst of West Virginia’s worst sex offenders.
Liberty
What are we celebrating this week?
Outside Chance
The way to fight childhood obesity is right outside your front door.
Embarrassing
There is no excuse for a lack of communications between Ohio and West Virginia authorities on sex offenders.
Liberty
West Virginia Day should be a celebration of every citizen’s personal freedom to make the most of themselves.
Into the Breach
Ohio Valley residents had a chance to see real life heroes this week.
Good News, Bad News on Education
Tough tests get better results.
Commendable
Wheeling Fire Chief Steve Johnston deserves our thanks.
Via con Dios
Let's hope the lawmakers come back from Puerto Rico with some good ideas.
Certainty
For coal-to-liquid technology to work, predictability is key.
Remember
Memorial Day shouldn’t be the only time we remember the men who gave their lives for America.
Safe Haven
Why wouldn’t sexual assault mean getting kicked off campus?
Precious
No compromise on immigration should devalue the precious gift of liberty given to Americans.
Bet on Good Judgment
The decision to delay the table games vote in Hancock County shows restraint and wisdom.
A Vote for Simplicity
West Virginia would benefit in many ways from consolidating elections.
Both Sides Now
Growing the economy can mean success for both sides of the river.
Rent Check
The staggering size of the state’s bill for office leases should make us all hope that new reforms will work.
Healthy Ideas
Solving West Virginia’s health care problems will require fresh thinking.
Wild Black Yonder
West Virginia has the resources and technology, but not the laws.
Hope and Pray
Hopeful City is a blessing to the Ohio Valley
Stalemate
The government needs to accept defeat in an unwinnable war.
Better Angels of Our Mercy
The horror in Blacksburg shows just how shallow the national discourse has become.
Ever Vigilant
The search continues for the man responsible for a pair of abominable crimes.
Stand Down
Being funny doesn’t have to mean being vicious.
Wouldn’t it be Nice
Take time this week to put a little love in your heart.
Convince, not Coerce
The tenor of the debate over the presidential selection process at WVU reveals a fundamental problem in this state: a lack of reasonable public debate.
Shameful
Defacing the state veterans’ memorial deserves harsh punishment.
Nice Start
Ohioans and West Virginians alike should be pleased with Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s first State of the State address.
A Lesson for Lawmakers
The potential of labor unrest in the schools should teach lawmakers the perils of letting public workers unionize.
Bet on West Virginia
It’s not too late for lawmakers to bet on West Virginia and learn that we can compete and win.
Terrorism
Justice will come to the Wheeling kidnapper.
How About a Raise for Everybody?
Teachers aren’t alone in feeling the pull of better opportunities elsewhere.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
West Virginia lawmakers need to add options for cities, not take them away.
Good Man
Congratulations to James H. “Buck” Harless, winner of The State Journal’s 2007 Lorenelle White Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ninety Percent to Go
The speed and consensus with which table games was approved was impressive -- if only those same traits applied to the issues most pressing to the future of the state.
Hustle
Ohio and Brooke county school administrators deserve special credit for keeping the buses moving.
Warm Wishes
Make sure that the people you know will through this cold snap, safe and warm.
Seeds of Tragedy
Tragedies don’t happen all at once. The seeds of what seems shocking to us are sewn far in advance.
Making the Most of Education
Public education is so important to our future that we should be looking at new ideas.
Good Bet
Spin the wheel one more time for table games.
Tunnel Out
The closure of Wheeling Tunnel will test the good humor of our community.
Up in Smoke
Taxing cigarettes makes more sense than taxing baby food.
Tragic Toll
Law enforcement, not bigger state government, is the answer to the ATV fatality crisis.
Bitter Medicine
We must deny sexual predators the shame and shadows in which they thrive.
Belt Tightening
It’s time for state government to make a New Year’s resolution of its own to get fit.
Service Before Self
President Gerald Ford’s visit to the Wheeling area showed the depth of his character.
Craig Broadwater, R.I.P.
U.S. District Judge Craig Broadwater’s life should be an inspiration to every West Virginian.
Poor Sports
West Virginians working tough jobs for low wages demonstrate more class than the multi-millionaires of the NBA.
High Hopes
A new Speaker with a new voice has a chance to move the state ahead.
Energy Battlefront
We should use the goal of ending our dependence on the crackpot nations of the Middle East for our energy to build our domestic capacity.
A Bargain at Twice the Price
One of the things that’s already becoming clear is what a bargain we have had in president David Hardesty.
Good Show
Having three teams vying for postseason glory says a lot of good things about the OVAC.
No Shame in Their Game
Convicted state employees seeking to keep their pensions are an embarrassment.
“Singular Deliverances and Blessings”
Giving thanks in times of trouble is an act of faith and boldness.
Digging Out
Falling coal prices should alarm every West Virginian.
Naughty Boy
Police should be chasing criminals, not subduing naughty children.
Power Play
People in positions of power at the West Virginia will be held to account for producing results and creating change
Policy Not Politics
With the election over, the work of government can begin.
Worn Out
Election Day comes not a moment too soon.
Growing Pains
In defense of partisanship
Abundance of Caution
State officials must take extra care to avoid influencing the outcomes of elections
A Matter of Trust
Activists posing as experts don’t serve any interests but their own.
Risks of Reform
Many have benefited from the corruption in this state, and those folks stand to lose a lot if reform takes hold
Good Judgment
Having the West Virginia Supreme Court in Wheeling shows the city’s changing roles
Change Order
Change will only come when West Virginia voters demand it
Eaten Up
The food tax is regressive, abusive and anti-business. It must go.
Action Speaks
Being a superpower is not easy, but it is still preferable to being defeated.
Good Man
Bishop Emeritus Schmitt’s apology reveals his character and compassion.
What's Wrong With the World?
Return to church-based values needed
Best Bet
A compromise on gambling will help the state and the Northern Panhandle.
Change Order
Voters will be tempted to ignore this election, but the cost of sitting this one out will be paid by generations of West Virginians.
The Founders’ Gift
The U.S. Constitution is our shield against tyranny and the cornerstone of our national greatness. Celebrate it this Constitution Week.
Identity Politics
The complaints about having to show identification to vote are unfounded.
Remembrance Isn’t Enough
America must stay vigilant and on the march against its enemies in this long struggle.
Everyday Hero
Frank Ferrell shows that we can all be heroes but only if we’re prepared.
Right Direction
The reduction of the number of state employees should be the first step toward a smaller, less powerful state government.
Heads Up
As ATV deaths wrack West Virginia and Ohio Valley families, Marshall County is wise to take action.
Opening Salvo
It’s too soon to be making any final judgments about the proposed Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel transaction.
Diversity and Diversification
The new census numbers reveal a challenge for West Virginia.
Giveback
State officials should act now to lessen the future impact of the bad decisions of the past.
Keep the Promise to Poor Kids
Scholarships should reward excellence or help those in need.
Wild Ride
The announcement of a new amusement park for the Highlands is proof that growth follows its own path.
Naked Greed (7/25/2006)
Abusing the public trust is far worse than paying for a private dance.
Farewell, Friend
Whatever her politics, Kathy Fortunato, cared enough about her community to make a difference.
Getting Better All the Time
The Suggestion Box is filling up; get yours in today.
Enforce the Law
As long as the federal government keeps its head in the sand on illegal immigration, local governments will have to pick up the slack.
Shrink First (7/6/2006)
Taxes exist as a consequence of government spending. We must control spending first.
Robed Roll Model (6/29/2006)
Bailey’s nomination to the federal court is a good choice, but he will have a very tough act to follow in Stamp.
Daily Defense (6/20/2006)
West Virginia Day is a good time to remember the people who defend our freedom.
Good Thinking (6/15/2006)
Belmont officials have the right idea on their jail renovation project.
Worth Doing Right (06/13/2006)
Child sex abuse legislation is too important to leave any lawmaker out of the process.
Sweet Sorrow
Green’s Donuts did more than satisfy the Ohio Valley’s collective sweet tooth.
Results (6/06/2006)
Most West Virginians would agree that child sex offender legislation is a good start.
Shrink First (6/1/2006)
Tax reforms should start with a plan to dramatically shrink state government.
Who Pays? (5/30/2006)
The problem with the Budget Digest wasn’t just the process, it was the pork.
Remember (5/25/2006)
West Virginians have a special connection to Memorial Day.
Public Domain (5/22/2006)
Governments that take private property from one person to give to another are redistributing wealth.
Give Them a Break (5/18/2006)
Wheeling’s proposed B&O tax reduction should be extended.
Race to the Bottom (5/9/2006)
Election Day marks the end of a sometimes unpleasant primary election cycle. Today’s winners must decide what the summer and fall may bring.
An Ounce of Prevention (5/4/2006)
WV election officials can take a lesson from Belmont County’s troubles this week.
Go Slow (5/2/2006)
West Virginia needs a backup to new electronic voting machines.
Teacher Layoffs (4/20/2006)
The causes of the layoffs in the Bridgeport School District go beyond simple politics.
On the Line (4/18/2006)
We owe the people fighting and rebuilding in Iraq our attention in this debate over the future of the war.
Real Entitlements (4/11/2006)
Questions about federal budget earmarks in West Virginia reveal the shortcomings of the current system.
Teardown (4/6/2006)
The owners of dilapidated properties should pay for the demolition costs.
Giving Back (4/4/2006)
Fixing West Virginia’s economy requires good policy, not state handouts.
Well Done (3/28/2006)
Paying off our debts is a bet on West Virginia’s future.
Reason to Salute (3/23/2006)
The people who support our troops overseas were the real stars of the show on Wednesday.
Priorities (3/21/2006)
We welcome President Bush, but hope he’ll pay careful attention to our security concerns.
Welcome Back (3/16/2006)
President Bush’s return to Wheeling says a great deal about him and our region.
Good News and Bad News (3/14/2006)
The failure of the West Virginia Legislature to deal with sex crimes reveals a larger problem with the way lawmakers do their work.
Justice (3/9/2006)
It seems that the need for stronger penalties for sex offenders is obvious to everyone but lawmakers.
Good News Travels Fast (3/2/2006)
The arrival of Roam Logistics is a vote of confidence for Wheeling and the Ohio Valley.
Welcome (3/30/2006)
McLure House has symbolized Wheeling in good times and bad.
Eminent Action Needed (2/28/2006)
West Virginia’s Legislature should enact strong eminent domain legislation sooner rather than later.
Stand Together (2/23/2006
Northern Panhandle residents must build a coalition to get results in Charleston.
Time to Act (2/20/2006)
Lawmakers need to make the most of the remaining days of the Legislative Session.
Hedging Bets (2/16/2006)
Table Games debate gets sidetracked.
Balance of Power (2/14/2006)
Turnpike decision demonstrates the importance of equal branches of power.
Priorities (2/9/2006)
The theft of $1 million from the RESA system reveals the scope of the state’s education administration bureaucracy.
Enough is Enough (1/31/2006)
Taxpayers are starting to wake up to abuse and fraud.
Fallen Hero (1/26/2006)
The Ohio Valley mourns the loss of a local soldier.
Priorities (1/24/2006)
Legislators need to set priorities and set aside petty politics.
Your Choice (1/19/2006)
Wheeling economic development forums are crucial to the city’s future.
Paying Attention (1/17/2006)
Sometimes the people have to speak loudly for the politicians to listen.
Speaking Clearly (1/12/2006)
The players in the table games debate need to show their cards.
News Judgment
West Virginia Media will not provide a platform for hate.
Courage (1/4/2006)
West Virginia’s miners face huge risks every day to keep America running.
Happy New Year
Opportunities abound for 2006 after a successful 2005.
Give of Yourself (12/27/2005)
Sharing time can be more important than money.
Merry Christmas
As we count our blessing this holiday season, our viewers are high on the list.
Glad Tidings (12/15/2005)
Wheeling-Pitt remembers the sacrifices and contributions of its workers.
Revenue Requirements (12/13/2005)
West Virginia’s cities need more ways to fund infrastructure and public safety needs.
Looking Forward (12/8/2005)
Moving into a more prosperous future for Weirton will require room to grow.
Always Vigilant
Those who died at Pearl Harbor have taught generations of Americans about the costs and duties of freedom.
Big Winners (12/1/2005)
The Super Six Championships have implications far beyond the gridiron.
Keep the Promise
Providing access to higher education for motivated low-income students is one of the best ways to create a culture of opportunity in West Virginia.
Holiday Homecoming (11/24/2005)
West Virginians living out of state represent an untapped resource for making a brighter future for all of us.
Advanced Citizenship (11/22/2005)
As we debate the American presence in Iraq, we should think first of the Americans serving there.
Kids First (11/17/2005)
Educators should remain focused on education.
Choose or Lose
Seniors must pay careful attention as they select their Medicare prescription drug benefit plan.
A Land of Heroes (11/10/2005)
The sacrifices and successes of the Ohio Valley’s veterans deserve our deepest gratitude.
A Matter of Respect (11/7/2005)
Gov. Manchin is right to treat sexual harassment allegations in state government with the utmost seriousness.
State of the Union
The question of allowing state workers to collectively bargain demands careful consideration and the input of the taxpayers.
Baby Steps (11/1/2005)
Creating a culture of opportunity in West Virginia will take more than we’ve seen so far.
Cause for Hope (10/27/2005)
Good news for steelworkers doesn’t change the fact that the Ohio Valley needs economic alternatives.
Goodbye Government Giveaways (10/25/2005)
The state’s new economic development policy is sensible and long overdue.
Charity Begins at Home (10/20/2005)
Giving spirit runs deep in the Ohio Valley, but local charities still need help.
A Great Idea (10/18/2005)
A coal liquefaction plant could brighten West Virginia's future.
Constitutional Amendment Debate Getting Cloudy (10/13/2005)
Voters must require a meaningful discussion about Ohio's future and priorities.
Old Wounds Slow to Heal (10/11/2005)
POW/MIA families and loved ones struggle to find closure, but there’s some good news for one W.Va. family.
Military, Politics Must be Separate (10/4/2005)
State officials should make sure that there is no confusion about the proper role for officers.
Perpetual Elections Take a Toll (9/27/2005)
Modern politics are too often long on vitriol and short on substance.
A Good Start (9/13/2005)
Tax reform must be comprehensive and significant.
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