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JK:amn
January 9, 2020 - Introduced by Representatives Spreitzer, Riemer, C. Taylor,
Neubauer, Anderson, Brostoff, Emerson, Hebl, Pope, Shankland, Sinicki,
Subeck and Zamarripa, cosponsored by Senators Miller, Larson and Smith.
Referred to Committee on Campaigns and Elections.
AB732,2,7 1An Act to repeal 5.02 (22), 5.58, 8.05 (3), 8.05 (5), 8.11, 8.13, 10.02 (3) (b) 4., 10.06
2(2) (b), 10.06 (2) (d), 10.06 (3) (as), 10.06 (3) (b), 11.0101 (33), 11.0204 (2), 11.0304
3(2), 11.0504 (2), 11.0604 (2), 11.0704 (2), 11.0804 (2), 60.10 (1) (c) 2., 117.22 (2)
4(e) and 120.06 (7) (b); to renumber 60.10 (1) (c) 1. and 120.06 (7) (a); to
5renumber and amend 7.60 (4) (c); to amend 5.01 (4) (a), 5.01 (4) (b), 5.01 (4)
6(c), 5.01 (5), 5.02 (19), 5.02 (20r), 5.15 (6) (b), 5.60 (1) (ag), 5.64 (1) (ar) 1m., 5.64
7(1) (ar) 2., 5.66 (1), 5.68 (5), 7.08 (1) (c), 7.10 (6), 7.50 (1) (b), 7.50 (1) (c), 7.50 (2)
8(intro.), 7.50 (2) (hm), 7.51 (4) (a), 7.51 (5) (a) 3., 7.53 (1) (a), 7.53 (2) (d), 7.53 (3)
9(a), 7.53 (3) (b), 7.60 (4) (a), 7.60 (4) (b), 7.70 (3) (a), 8.05 (4) (a), 8.10 (1), 8.17 (1)
10(a), 8.17 (4), 8.17 (5) (b), 8.50 (2) (a), 8.50 (2) (b), 8.50 (3) (a), 8.50 (3) (b), 10.01
11(2) (d), 10.01 (2) (e), 10.02 (3) (intro.), 10.06 (1) (c), 10.06 (1) (e), 10.06 (3) (am),
1210.06 (3) (bm), 10.06 (3) (f), 10.06 (4) (g), 11.0101 (29), 11.0204 (3) (a), 11.0304
13(3) (a), 11.0504 (3) (a), 11.0604 (3) (a), 11.0804 (3) (a), 38.16 (3) (br) 1., 59.17 (7),
1459.605 (3) (a) 1., 64.04 (2), 66.0602 (4) (a), 66.0619 (2m) (b), 66.0921 (2), 67.05
1(6a) (a) 2. a., 67.05 (6m) (b), 67.12 (12) (e) 5., 77.994 (3) (b) 2. b., 119.08 (2), 120.06
2(8) (a), 120.06 (8) (b), 120.06 (8) (c) (intro.), 120.06 (8) (d), 120.06 (8) (f), 120.06
3(8) (g), 120.06 (8) (h), 120.06 (9) (a), 121.91 (3) (a) 1. and 995.20; and to create
45.05 (1) (g), 5.20, 6.80 (2) (g), 7.60 (4) (c) 3., 7.60 (4) (c) 4., 7.62, 8.05 (1) (L), 10.02
5(4), 11.0204 (3) (am), 11.0304 (3) (am), 11.0504 (3) (am), 11.0604 (3) (am),
611.0804 (3) (am) and 20.510 (1) (ed) of the statutes; relating to: ranked-choice
7voting, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation.
This bill requires ranked-choice voting for the election of all federal, state, and
local officials, not including recall elections for any such officials. Under
ranked-choice voting, each voter may rank as many preferences for each office or
seat as there are candidates whose names appear on the ballot for that office or seat.
If the voter indicates a preference for more than one candidate for an office or seat,
the voter must indicate a preference between the candidates by designating one as
"first choice," another as "second choice," and ranking subsequent choices in
sequential preference. A voter may also indicate a preference for one or more
write-in candidates for any office or seat.
A voter who casts one vote for a candidate for an office or seat but who does not
indicate a preference is considered to have cast a "first-choice" preference for that
candidate. If any candidate receives a majority of the first-choice preferences for the
office or seat, that candidate is elected. If no candidate receives a majority of the
first-choice preferences for an office or seat, the name of the candidate receiving the
least number of first-choice preferences is dropped and the second-choice
preferences of the voters who preferred that candidate, if any, are then added to the
first-choice preferences received by the other candidates. Subsequent preferences
of those voters are allocated to the other candidates in a similar manner as
candidates with the fewest voter preferences are eliminated. If any candidate for the
office or seat then has a majority of the combined first-choice and reallocated
preferences, that candidate is elected. If not, the procedure is repeated until one
candidate receives a majority of the combined first-choice and reallocated
preferences.
In the case of a multiple-seat district, the candidates whose vote total is equal
to or greater than the threshold number of votes are elected. The threshold is
determined by dividing the total number of votes cast for the open seats by the
number of the open seats, plus one, and adding one to the quotient, disregarding any
fractions. Generally, if a candidate receives more than the number of threshold votes
during a round of counting the preferential votes, his or her surplus votes are
allocated to the continuing candidates in order of preference until all open seats are
filled. A voter may also indicate a preference for one or more write-in candidates.
Under ranked-choice voting, no primary election is held other than a special
primary for a partisan office, the partisan primary, and the presidential preference
primary. At the partisan primary, ranked-choice voting is used to determine the
candidate for each political party on the ballot who shall advance to the general
election. At the special primary, ranked-choice voting is used to determine the
candidate for each political party on the ballot who shall advance to the special
election. At the presidential preference primary, ranked-choice voting is used to
express preferences for the person to be the presidential candidate for each party in
a year in which electors for president and vice president are to be elected.
Finally, the bill authorizes the Elections Commission to make expenditures to
implement and administer ranked-choice voting, including updating equipment
and software and implementing secure technologies, and to make grants to counties
and municipalities for the same purpose.
AB732,1 1Section 1 . 5.01 (4) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB732,3,82 5.01 (4) (a) If Except as provided under s. 7.62, if 2 or more candidates for the
3same office receive the greatest, but an equal number of votes, the winner shall be
4chosen by lot in the presence of the board of canvassers charged with the
5responsibility to determine the election, or in the case of an election for state or
6national office or metropolitan sewerage commissioner, if the commissioner is
7elected under s. 200.09 (11) (am), in the presence of the chairperson of the elections
8commission or the chairperson's designee.
AB732,2 9Section 2 . 5.01 (4) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB732,3,1310 5.01 (4) (b) If Except as provided under s. 7.62, if, in a primary, 2 or more
11candidates receive an equal but not the greatest number of votes so that only one of
12those candidates with equal votes may advance to the final election, the choice shall
13similarly be made by drawing lots.
1Section 3. 5.01 (4) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB732,4,52 5.01 (4) (c) The For purposes of pars. (a) and (b), the candidates may, if all those
3tied for the same office are present, draw for themselves. Upon refusal or absence
4of any of the candidates, the board of canvassers shall appoint a competent person
5to draw, and upon the results declare and certify the winner.
AB732,4 6Section 4 . 5.01 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB732,4,147 5.01 (5) Election of governor and lieutenant governor. (a) In every general
8election to choose the governor and the lieutenant governor, each elector shall have
9a single vote applicable to both offices. The the persons receiving the greatest
10number of legal majority of highest-ranked votes cast jointly for them for governor
11and lieutenant governor shall be declared elected, and the canvassers shall so
12determine and certify if no persons receive a majority of highest-ranked votes cast
13jointly for governor and lieutenant governor, the election shall be determined under
14s. 7.62.
AB732,4,1915 (b) In case If 2 or more slates have an equal and the highest number of votes
16for governor and lieutenant governor after the canvass under s. 7.62, the 2 houses
17of the legislature shall at the next annual session choose by joint ballot one of the
18slates so having an equal and the highest number of votes for governor and
19lieutenant governor.
AB732,5 20Section 5 . 5.02 (19) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB732,4,2221 5.02 (19) "Special election" means any election, other than those described in
22subs. (5), (12s), and (21), and (22), to fill vacancies or to conduct a referendum.
AB732,6 23Section 6 . 5.02 (20r) of the statutes is amended to read:
15.02 (20r) "Special referendum" means any referendum held at a special
2election which is not held concurrently with the elections described in sub. (5), (12s),
3or (21), or (22).
AB732,7 4Section 7 . 5.02 (22) of the statutes is repealed.
AB732,8 5Section 8 . 5.05 (1) (g) of the statutes is created to read:
AB732,5,96 5.05 (1) (g) Make grants to counties and municipalities to update equipment
7and software, including the implementation of secure technologies, to administer
8ranked-choice voting under s. 5.20 and the canvass procedure for ranked-choice
9voting under s. 7.62.
AB732,9 10Section 9 . 5.15 (6) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB732,6,1211 5.15 (6) (b) No later than 30 days before each election, the governing body of
12any municipality may by resolution combine 2 or more wards for voting purposes to
13facilitate using a common polling place. Whenever wards are so combined, the
14original ward numbers shall continue to be utilized for all official purposes. Except
15as otherwise authorized under this paragraph, every municipality having a
16population of 35,000 or more shall maintain separate returns for each ward so
17combined. In municipalities having a population of 35,000 or more, the governing
18body may provide in a resolution that returns for any ward having a population of
1920 or less be combined with returns for any adjacent ward, if the total population of
20the combined wards does not exceed the applicable population range under sub. (2)
21(b) for wards in that municipality. In municipalities having a population of less than
2235,000, the governing body may provide in the resolution that returns shall be
23maintained only for each group of combined wards at any election. Whenever a
24governing body provides that returns shall be maintained only for combined wards
25under this paragraph, the municipality shall report separate results for each
1separate ballot required under ss. 5.58 5.60 to 5.64. The municipal clerk shall
2transmit a copy of the resolution to the county clerk of each county in which the
3municipality is contained. In municipalities having a population of less than 35,000,
4the resolution shall remain in effect for each election until modified or rescinded, or
5until a new division is made under this section. Whenever needed for purposes of this
6paragraph, the municipal clerk shall determine the population of each ward in his
7or her municipality. If the population of a ward cannot be determined from census
8results, the clerk shall determine the population of the smallest unit encompassing
9the entire ward that can be determined from census results. The clerk shall then
10divide the land area of the ward by the land area of that unit. The clerk shall then
11multiply that result by the population of the unit to determine the population of the
12ward for purposes of this paragraph.
AB732,10 13Section 10 . 5.20 of the statutes is created to read:
AB732,6,17 145.20 Ranked-choice voting. (1) In this section, "ranked-choice voting"
15means a voting method in which the electors voting in an election for an elective office
16are permitted to indicate and order their preferences for all candidates whose names
17appear on the ballot for the same office or seat.
AB732,6,19 18(2) Except as provided in ss. 8.05 (1) (L) and 9.10 (3) (d) and (e) and (4) (f), all
19elections shall be conducted using ranked-choice voting.
AB732,7,3 20(3) An elector may rank as many preferences for each office as there are
21candidates for the office whose names appear on the ballot. If more than one seat on
22a governing body is to be filled at large, the procedure under s. 7.62 (3) applies. If
23write-in votes are permitted, a voter may vote for a write-in candidate in addition
24to any candidate whose name appears on the ballot. To indicate a preference, an
25elector shall mark his or her ballot with or cause the voting machine to indicate the
1elector's first choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice, and subsequent choices, if any. An elector
2is not required to indicate a choice and is not required to indicate as many choices
3as the elector is eligible to indicate.
AB732,11 4Section 11 . 5.58 of the statutes is repealed.
AB732,12 5Section 12 . 5.60 (1) (ag) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB732,7,146 5.60 (1) (ag) There shall be one separate ballot for state superintendent,
7judicial officers, county executive, county comptroller in counties having a
8population of 750,000 or more, and county supervisor, except as authorized in s.
95.655. For county supervisor, the ballot shall be prepared in accordance with ss. 5.58
10(2) and s. 59.10 (3). Arrangement of the names of candidates for county executive,
11county comptroller, county supervisor, and municipal judge, if the judge is elected
12under s. 755.01 (4), shall be determined by the county clerk or the executive director
13of the county board of election commissioners determining ballot arrangement under
14s. 5.58 (1c), in the manner prescribed in par. (b).
AB732,13 15Section 13 . 5.64 (1) (ar) 1m. of the statutes is amended to read:
AB732,7,1916 5.64 (1) (ar) 1m. When voting for president and vice president, the ballot shall
17permit an elector to vote only for the candidates on one ticket jointly or to write in
18the names of persons in both spaces, except that the elector may rank his or her
19preference for each set of candidates as provided under s. 5.20.
AB732,14 20Section 14 . 5.64 (1) (ar) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:
AB732,7,2421 5.64 (1) (ar) 2. When voting for governor and lieutenant governor, the ballot
22shall permit an elector to vote only for the candidates on one ticket jointly or write
23in the names of persons in both spaces, except that the elector may rank his or her
AB732,15 25Section 15 . 5.66 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
15.66 (1) For local elections, where necessary, municipal clerks shall have
2sufficient ballots printed or otherwise prepared whenever a voting system does not
3utilize printed ballots to assure a ballot for all electors or voting machines. For all
4other elections the municipal clerks shall certify to their county clerk, on the first day
5of the 2nd month preceding the month in which the primary election is held, the
6approximate number of electors in the municipality. The county clerk shall total
7these estimates and order a sufficient supply to assure ballots for all electors and
8voting machines.
AB732,16 9Section 16 . 5.68 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB732,8,1610 5.68 (5) If a charge is made for the use of a polling place, the charge shall be
11paid by the municipality establishing the polling place under s. 5.25 (2) unless the
12polling place is used to conduct a special election that is called by a unit of
13government other than the state or the municipality establishing the polling place
14and the special election is not held concurrently with an election specified in s. 5.02
15(5), (12s), or (21), or (22). In such case the charge shall be paid by the unit of
16government that calls the special election.
AB732,17 17Section 17 . 6.80 (2) (g) of the statutes is created to read:
AB732,9,318 6.80 (2) (g) In elections for offices at which ranked-choice voting under s. 5.20
19is used, an elector may rank as many preferences for each office or seat as there are
20candidates whose names appear on the ballot for that office or seat. If more than one
21seat on a governing body is to be filled at large, an elector may rank as many
22preferences for that office or seat as there are candidates whose names appear on the
23ballot for all of the seats to be filled. If write-in votes are permitted, a voter may vote
24for a write-in candidate in addition to any candidate whose name appears on the
25ballot. An elector who indicates preferences for candidates for an office or seat must
1indicate a different preference for each candidate for that office or seat. If an elector
2casts more than one vote for any office or seat without indicating preferences, the
3elector's intent shall be determined as provided under s. 7.62 (4).


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The Elmbrook Schools seeks to communicate effectively in order to develop and deepen our relationships with our students, parents, staff and community. Specifically, we strive to:
Inform, listen to, and engage stakeholders in order to celebrate, support, and share the mission of the district
Establish consistent practices for the use of communication tools across the district
Continuously improve our key processes based on reflection, revision and feedback
Please read about how the district seeks to inform, listen to, and engage all of our stakeholders!
Weekly E-Mail Blast
The district's primary tool for regular communication is the weekly e-mail blast distributed to families on Friday afternoon. The e-mail blast is sent to all family e-mail addresses and includes school and district news, school and district announcements, and key school and district calendar events.
Web Site Content
The public web site is used to communicate district/school news, announcements, calendar events, key contact information, marketing/comparative data, parent group and general school information for current and prospective parents. The district site also includes information about the Board of Education, policies, and department information for staff, parents, students, and the community.
A messaging system used to call or e-mail individual, group or all school community members about timely and important information.
Phone calls Focus: Critical issues that impact the majority of recipients such as school closings, security threats, or a significant change in process that effects all families
Emails Focus: Critical issues, timely reminders of academic and school events, unexcused absences, and important, but not critical
Target distribution list whenever possible by grade/bus route, etc
Use sparingly for reminders of significant school events such as parent conferences, field trips, upcoming grade reports, major PTO events, etc.
Text Messages: To opt-in to for text messaging from SchoolMessenger - text "Yes" or "Y" to 67587
In 2013-14, all flyer distribution will be electronic through the web site and weekly e-mail blast to all parents. Standard approval processes by the Principal or District still apply.
Each school's Facebook page will aggregate school news and announcements content. Families on Facebook are encouraged to like and follow their school to keep abreast of news and celebrations.
The District and each school has a twitter account used to celebrate success and provide timely information or reminders.
The District also has a Linkedin page to celebrate successes and engage alumni members. Additionally, each high school has a showcase page on the platform. The LAUNCH program also has a page to celebrate student projects, successes, and to continue to engage alumni of the program.
Elmbrook's Alumni Network provides a way for alums to stay in touch with their classmates and school. All registered alums receive a quarterly e-newsletter with updates from their alma mater and around the District, with upcoming events (including reunions), and exclusive give-back opportunities.
Each school and the district listens to its student, staff, and family stakeholders through regular Principal and Superintendent chats, as well as an annual survey. More informally, stakeholders are encouraged to reach out to staff with concerns, celebrations, or questions. Many schools have established climate and culture goals to address opportunities for improvement identified through the listening process.
Several tactics are deployed to engage students, family members and the community in our schools and the district. They include:
Students are encouraged to engage beyond the classroom through school leadership roles (student council), co-curricular activities, school board presentations, and community service.
Principal chats are at least once a quarter at each school. This is an informal opportunity for parents to provide feedback on key issues or concerns. The Principal may also share timely updates with an interested parent population.
Parent-teacher conferences are held twice each year, are very well attended, and provide an opportunity to discuss student academic and behavior performance. In addition, most schools offer both a back-to-school "meet and greet" or open house, as well as a Parent Information Night that introduces families to the classroom teachers and communicates expectations at the start of the year.
Volunteer – each school offers a number of opportunities to volunteer at the classroom, school or district level. These can be formal (PTO, Booster Club, Fine Arts groups) or informal (event-driven).
Alumni Network - Elmbrook's Alumni Network serves as a way for our graduates to keep in touch with each other and engage with the District and their alma mater. In addition to various engagement opportunities, alums registered on the site receive a quarterly update newsletter from the Network filled with school and District news, upcoming events and reunions, and opportunities to engage and give-back to the school community.
District opportunities for engagement are organized under the Elmbrook Family University. Offering a variety of events to educate, inform, and equip families, the University includes the Parent Network and Leadership Council, Elmbrook Education Foundation, and Special Education Engagement Network and Gifted & Talented Parent Advisory Groups.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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WM Strains Madness 2021: Championship Match
How did Purple Hayes react to this incredible defeat against the Pineapple Express? I'm not sure, but I'm glad it happened because a 2020 championship rematch between OG Kush and Pineapple Express was inevitable. But just over half of you wanted Purple Haze in the mix and did. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.
The field looks like this now:
Quick tip: Don't forget to vote on Widmap's Instagram Stories. Polling stations will remain open until 4:20 p.m. Saturday. PST.
And that brings us to our games.
(#1) OG Kush vs (#6) Purple Haze
OG Kush entered the tournament with one goal: total domination.
And he proved it, crushing Gelato by 63% to 37%. Gelato is considered one of the best strains in the game, and OG Kush quickly took the lead and didn't let go. OG Kush is one step closer to repeating and blessing his championship title. Whether OG Kush will be the operator or the champion is still up for debate, but you can be sure that OG Kush wants to close.
But we all love an underdog, and Purple Haze is the definition of an underdog in this game. Purple Haze wasn't even on the tour last year, so its appearance in 2021 is really a Cinderella story worth playing in bands. It's a David versus Goliath matchup, but there's a precedent for the sixth seed beating the highest seed: in 1988, the sixth-seeded Kansas Jayhawks beat the first-seeded Oklahoma Sooners.
Winner: TBD
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Bankelele
Nairobi writer on Banking, Finance, Technology, and Investments
Category Archives: Fidelity
M&A Moment: July 2017
Various recent deals in the last few weeks and months in East Africa – compared to 2016 and 2015
Banking and Finance: Finance, Law, & Insurance
Commercial Bank of Africa (Kenya) is acquiring 100% of Crane Bank Rwanda from DFCU of Uganda
Direct Pay Online Group acquired 100% of Virtual Card Service in Botswana and Namibia. This will be followed by the acquisition of 100% of VCS business in South Africa (via Balancing Act Africa)
Chase Bank suitors announced by the Business Daily – are led by Societe General, and State Bank of Mauritius (who have also just completed the acquisition of Fidelity Bank)
Barclays PLC sold 22% of Barclays Africa
KCB was linked to another bid for NBK, although the CMA denied any knowledge of such a deal.
Kuramo Capital, the largest shareholder of Transcentury is acquiring 25% of Sterling Capital stockbrokers, the second largest bond trader in the country
Diamond Trust to acquire Habib Bank Kenya for shares worth Kshs 1.82 billion (~$18 million). EDIT At the end of July, the Competition Authority approved the deal on condition that Diamond Trust retains at least 41 employees of Habib Bank post-transaction and the Central Bank communicated that the deal would be concluded on 1st August when Habib would cease to exist as a licensed bank.
The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the proposed acquisition of a minority stake of 10.68% of I&M Holdings by CDC Group PLC together with certain veto rights.
I&M Holdings also has announced the successful completion of a merger with Giro Commercial Bank
Carlyle to acquire Global Credit Rating Co. (South Africa)
Letshego Holdings Limited (Botswana) acquires afb Ghana
Atlas Mara to acquire 13.4% equity in United Bank Nigeria, from Clermont Group for $55 million, increasing its stake to 44.5%
Sanlam Group has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in PineBridge Investments East Africa Limited. PIEAL is a leading asset management company in East Africa with operations in Kenya and Uganda – and the competition authority approved this at the end of July.
EDIT Alexander Forbes Kenya to change name & brand (to Zamara) after a change of shareholding to comply with new pension law that caps foreign ownership to a maximum of 40%.
Beauty & Pharma/Chem
The Competition Authority of Kenya authorized the acquisition of Dan Pharmacie by Mimosa Pharmacy.
The Competition Authority of Kenya authorized the acquisition of Sole Control of Syngenta AG (Syngenta) by China National Agrochemical Corporation (CNAC).
The Authority excludes the proposed acquisition of 72% of the issued share capital of Chemserve Cleaning Services Limited by Eye Level Exposure Limited from Part IV of the Act .. (their) combined turnover of KSh. 138,076,904 is below the required merger threshold for mandatory notification
Abraaj Group gets approval to acquire 75% of Healthlink Management (Nairobi Women's hospital?)
The Competition Authority of Kenya has approved the proposed acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of Monsanto Kenya by Bayer Aktiengesellschar/KWA Investment. Businessman Chris Kirubi revealed that he holds a 45% stake in agrochemical firm Bayer East Africa.
The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the proposed acquisition of the shares in the Dow Chemical Company by Dowdupont Inc. and the Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the proposed acquisition of the shares in E. I. Du Pont De Numerous and Company by Dowdupont Inc.
A local drug store is set to be acquired for Sh. 2 billion. Imperial Health Sciences, which based along Mombasa Road will be acquired by South African investment firm Mara Delta Property Holdings. "The facility will be leased back to Imperial Health Sciences on a 10-year triple net basis, denominated in US$ and guaranteed by Imperial Holdings Limited."
The Competition Authority of Kenya authorised the acquisition by Kibo Plastic Packaging of a minority (14.02%) shareholding with controlling interest in Blowpast Limited.
EDIT Japanese Kansai Plascon Africa has acquired local paint maker Sadolin for Kshs 10 billion.
Africa's largest Coca-Cola bottler- Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Proprietary Limited (CCBA) has acquired Equator Bottlers, the third largest Coca-Cola bottler in Kenya. Equator Bottlers, was previously a subsidiary of Kretose Investments Limited owned by the Shah family, has been one of several authorized Coca-Cola Bottlers, which supply products in the Western regions of Kenya. It was established in 1966 and is based in Kisumu. EDIT At the end of July, the Competition Authority authorized the deal on condition that the merged entity retains at least 2,279 employees post-transaction and that Coca Cola file a compliance report in two years.
The Abraaj Group is to acquire 100% of Java House Group from Emerging Capital Partners – the story was first broken at Wallace Kantai's blog and the deal is said to be worth about $130 million. Java House Group was established in Nairobi in 1999. In 2012, Emerging Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in the Company, with the founder retaining a minority stake. ECP has helped Java House grow from 13 shops in Nairobi into East Africa's largest casual dining brand, building an 'eat-out' culture. Today, it has an unrivalled regional footprint of 60 stores across 10 cities in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
Catalyst Principal Partners has, through a newly established firm, Britania Foods Limited, acquired the business and operations of Jambo Biscuits Ltd, being a leading biscuits manufacturer in Kenya with its flagship "Britania" brand.
The Competition Authority of Kenya authorized the acquisition of assets of Wanainchi Marine Products (Kenya) by One Holdings.
The Competition Authority of Kenya authorized the acquisition of Sosco Fishing Industries by One Holdings.
Distell, Africa's leading producer of spirits, wines, ciders and ready-to-drinks (RTDs) continues to ramp up its investment on the African continent, with the acquisition of a further 26.43% in KWA Holding East Africa Limited (KWAL), Kenya's foremost spirits manufacturer and distributor, from Centum Investment Company Limited. The African liquor giant now owns a majority shareholding of 52.43% in KWAL, having previously acquired a 26% stake from Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC) in 2014.
Netherlands-based private equity firm DOB Equity announced that in which in December 2016 that it had acquired a stake in Kenya's Countryside Dairy, a Nyahururu-based facility with a processing capacity of 100,000 litres of milk per day.
Amethis and Metier to acquire East African FMCG firm, Kenafric Industries.. Two private equity funds have bought a 40% minority stake in Kenafric Industries as the firm eyes regional growth…popular products under the confectionery and culinary segments include Fresh brand of chewing gum and Oyo food additive. It also manufactures snacks and ready-to-drink juices at its plant in Nairobi's Baba Dogo. The business, started 30 years ago by Velji Punja Shah and his four sons, is looking to increase its coverage of other East African countries, saying it currently sells 45% of its products outside Kenya.
EDIT: The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorised the proposed acquisition of indirect control of Weetabix East Africa by Post Holdings through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Westminster Acquisition.
EDIT: Twiga Foods, the Kenyan business-to-business food supply platform announced today that it has successfully raised a Series A funding round including $6.3 million in equity and $4 million in debt instruments.
The round was led by Wamda Capital and includes Omidyar Network, DOB Equity, Uqalo, 1776, Blue Haven Initiative, Alpha Mundi, and AHL.
Today, Twiga is the largest distributor of several basic food staples in Kenya, having sold over 55 million bananas alone and delivering over 4,000 orders a week.
Additional to the Series A round closing, Twiga closed some $2 million in grant funding from USAID, GSMA, and others to support bolt-on farmer services, financial inclusion, and first of their kind domestic food safety initiatives.
Hotels/Tourism
Simba Corporation acquired a 35% minority stake in Hemingways Holdings and plans to grow from its current three properties: the Olare Mara and Villa Rosa managed by world leading hoteliers, Kempinski, and Acacia Premier Kisumu, as Hemingways is the parent company of three iconic properties that represent the definitive portfolio of luxury travel in Kenya: Hemingways Watamu, Ol Seki Hemingways Mara and Hemingways Nairobi. The transaction also includes Express Travel Group, a subsidiary of Hemingways that provides comprehensive and high quality travel management services through its international franchise partnerships with American Express Global Business Travel and Europcar International as well as through Hemingways Expeditions, a premium Destination Management Company. EDIT: The competition authority approved the deal at the end of July.
The Competition Authority of Kenya authorized the proposed acquisition of control of Abercrombie & Kent Kenya (Abercrombie) by Yan Zhao Global, from A&K Cayman L.P and other minority shareholders
Thomas Cook India acquired Kuoni Travel specialists in 17 countries (includes Private Safaris E.A. in Kenya)
Accor Hotels will relaunch Tune hotel under the ibis Styles brand.
Older hotels – 680 and Boulevard, two older iconic Nairobi hotels have been recently bought by the Deputy President, William S. Ruto.
Logistics, Engineering, & Agri-Biz
Isuzu will become a 57.7% shareholder in Isuzu East Africa through the purchase of General Motors' shareholding in the business. The other shareholders will remain as Kenya's Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (20%), Centum Investments (17.8%) and Itochu Corporation (4.5 %). EDIT: At the end of July, the Competition Authority of Kenya authorised the deal on condition that the merged entity absorbs all 383 GMEA employees, continues after-sales service of all the vehicle brands, Isuzu and Chevrolet sold and leased by GMEA for duration of all the after-sales service contracts, honours all existing dealership agreements between GMEA and its dealers, and communicates to all GMEA customers on the continuation of after-sales service.
The Competition Authority of Kenya authorized the proposed subscription for 24.99% shareholding in Trans-Century with 100% of the redeemable preference shares in TC Mauritius Holdings by Kuramo Africa Opportunity Kenyan Vehicle.
The Competition Authority of Kenya authorized the transfer of 50% of the issued shares in Safal Building Systems to Mabati Rolling Mills.
The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the proposed acquisition of 100% of Kenya Kazi by Gardaworld
Rift Valley Railways (RVR), the company that runs the century-old Kenya-Uganda railway, has moved to court in a last-minute effort to stop the concession manager, Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), from terminating its 25-year contract.
The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the proposed acquisition of Reunert Limited of 75.39% of the ordinary shares in Metal Fabricators of Zambia PLC.
The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the proposed acquisition of 40.7% of the ordinary shares and control of ARM Cement Limited by CDC Africa Cement.
Crown Paints to buy back 15% of its stock, the first company to do this.. now allowed by Kenya's new companies law.
EDIT Athi River Mining is selling its Mavuno Fertilizer subsidiary to Omya and Pinner Heights to focus on its cement business.
Oil/Energy
German-based solar electrification firm Mobisol has acquired pay-as-you-go off-grid (PAYG) solar industry software firm Lumeter.
Hass Petroleum sold a 40% stake to Oman Trading International to fund growth in Eastern Africa
Tullow Oil plc sold stakes in Uganda to Total Oil for $900M, and will retain 10% of that and of a $3.5 billion pipeline through Tanzania
Vitol Africa gets approval to acquire 19.91% of Vivo Energy from Shell Overseas Investments
The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the proposed acquisition of indirect control in Dalbit Petroleum by Humphrey Kariuki Ndegwa.
The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the proposed acquisition of the retail petroleum business of Hashi Energy by Lake Oil
The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the proposed acquisition of the retail petroleum business of Hashi Energy Limited by Lake Oil Limited
The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the proposed acquisition of 100% of Gulf African Petroleum Corporation by Total Outre-Mer S. A. on condition that Total Outre-Mer S. A. comply with the following hospitality and employment conditions— including All agreements remain in force with relation to the Mombasa Terminal; and the merging parties are limited in the termination of employees of Gulf African Petroleum.
PIC South Africa will take up all shares not taken up in the Kengen Kshs 4.4 billion on offer. The South African government employees pension giant with $133 billion of assets will take up 351.2 million new shares at Kshs 6.55 each (totaling Kshs 2.30 billion) as other shareholders get diluted by 5.33% each e.g. The Kenya Government which was a 74% shareholder before, will have 70% afterwards.
Real Estate & Supermarkets
The Competition Authority of Kenya authorized the proposed joint venture between Helios Investment Partners and certain shareholders of Acorn Group.
Cytonn Investments Management (Kenya) to acquire a $10 million stake in Superior Homes.
Konza Tech City is seeking investors to apply for land to build campuses, BPO's, offices, hotels, and student housing etc.
China Wu Yi acquires Sh530m Kilifi land.
In April last year, Mara bought a 45.5% stake in Naivasha-based Buffalo Mall for Sh. 440 million. Mara has valued its investment in Buffalo Mall at $6 million (Sh. 603 million), implying a capital gain of Sh. 163 million in less than a year. The mall now brings in 2% of the multinational's total revenues and represents 2% of its assets. The property is however yet to make a profit, with the six months ended December showing a pre-tax loss of Sh.2.8 million.
EDIT Uchumi expects to conclude a deal with an investor that is worth Kshs 3.5 billion of new shares.
Telecommunications, Media & Publishing
Vodafone sold a 35% stake in Safaricom to South Africa's Vodacom (link)
The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the proposed acquisition of certain passive infrastructure of East Africa Towers by Kenya Towers.
Catalyst Principal Partners has acquired a significant minority interest in Kensta Group, a 52-year-old East African printing and packaging company Kensta Group manages a diverse set of companies within East Africa namely Transpaper (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda), Express Automation (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda), Vivid Printing Equipment, Fusion Inks, Zenith Rubber Rollers and Phiramid (Zambia).
Kenyan IT multinational Craft Silicon has acquired a Sh51.5 million minority stake in restaurants listing portal EatOut, marking its second major backing of a local tech company. Craft Silicon is a founder-shareholder of Little, which is also backed by local telco giant Safaricom. (via Business Daily)
Deal undone: Ghafla Kenya CEO Samuel Majani spoke about how a Ghafla merger with Ringier unraveled and on a lot of the intricacies of the issues such as exclusivity, assets & liabilities, dealing with partners & other shareholders, and on merging staff, customers & systems.
Deal undone: a Merger with JamboPay was unstuck after a court finding, and the founder of JamboPay, the firm that supplies Nairobi County's e-payments platform, won a protracted battle against a rival firm over use of its trade name.
Mara Social Media acquired global Instant Messaging & communications platform "Nimbuzz" which has over 200 million users and is available for Android, iPhone, and Symbian, MIDP, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and PC & MAC clients
Film Studios has been acquired by MoSound
MTN is to acquire MultiChoice Africa – owners of @DSTV & GoTV
EDIT The Competition Authority authorised the proposed acquisition of fibre optic cable from Bandwith & Cloud Services Group by Safaricom.
EDIT Safaricom's $1 million Safaricom Spark Venture Fund announced its sixth and final investment in agri-tech startup iProcure – which seeks to increase agricultural output in Kenya, which has remained comparatively low to other countries due to challenges including access to and use of quality inputs. Other invests include FarmDrive, Sendy, and mSurvey.
EDIT IFC invests Sh619m ($6 million) in mobile tech firm Africa's Talking with the funds earmarked for the company's expansion in Africa beyond the current seven markets where it has a presence.
The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the acquisition of Section Investment by Kisima Management.
The Competition Authority of Kenya has authorized the proposed acquisition of 43.8% of Kinetic Holdings by Catalyst Kinetic Investments.
$1 = Kshs 103
This entry was posted in africa venture capital, CBA, Centum, Coca Cola, Distell, Fidelity, Giro, Habib, IMBank, KCB, Kengen, NBK, Safaricom, Total, Transcentury, Tullow, Uchumi and tagged Africa Rising, mergers on July 15, 2017 by bankelele.
SBM buys Fidelity Bank for $1
Yesterday there was an announcement that the SBM Group of Mauritius would acquire Fidelity Bank for the sum of Kshs 100 (~$1) and inject capital worth Kshs 1.45 billion into the bank afterwards.
This has also been confirmed and welcomed by the Central Bank of Kenya which notes that SBM Group is the second largest company listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius. As at September 30, 2016, it had an asset base of about Ksh.417 billion (US$4.2 billion).
The 29th largest bank at the beginning of the year with Kshs 15 billion in assets and a pre tax loss of Kshs 4 million. It had Kshs. 10.4 billion in deposits, and Kshs. 9.6 billion in loans and 14 branches. Fidelity has had a bumpy year as it was briefly linked with legal cases after the shutdown of Imperial Bank. Earlier in the year it announced talks with Duet Capital to invest Kshs 1.9 of capital in the bank as CBK also moved to quash social media rumors that the bank was being placed under receivership. This all now seems in the past with this buyout of the shareholders of the bank at no cost.
$1 = Kshs 101.
This entry was posted in CBK, Fidelity, Imperial Bank, Investing in Kenya, M&A, Mauritius, SBM on November 23, 2016 by bankelele.
Bank Review '07 Part II
Small banks, range from $40 to $100 million
Showed an inability to grow as faster as the bigger bank, with few exceptions. Yet they are still profitable and reluctant to merge
The banks got a temporary reprieve when parliament shot down the government's proposal that banks should have a minimum capital of 1 billion ($15 million) 3 years from the current 250 million shilling minimum' but that proposal is likely to be revisited by future finance ministers.
35. (38) Fidelity Bank: Estimated assets 3.2 billion ($45.7M), profit of 45 million ($0.7 million) shillings for this quiet bank with little marketing activity but which was able to grow 40% during 2007.
34. (36) Credit Bank: Estimated assets of 3,300 million and profit of 120 million, for another quiet bank which grew about 15% in 2007.
33. (33) Middle East: Estimated 3.2 billion assets and profit of 80 million in 2007. However deposits and loans are down 6% from a year ago.
32. (35) Habib Bank: Estimated 3.5 billion assets and profit of 90 million, with growth of 12% from a year ago. Participated in the first Diamond trust rights first issue as a possible merger step.
31. (29) Victoria: Estimated 4.2 billion assets 140m in profit. Flat growth expect in loans and deposits (1%), but great in profitability which is improved by over 40% in 2007.
30. (32) Consolidated Bank: Estimated 4.5 billion assets, 20 million profit with the 30% growth from a year ago. There was public fallout between the MD and the board resulting in the board being fired by the Finance Minister. The Deposit protection fund (DPF) of the Central Bank plans to sell its 51% stake to private sector, and is likely to be found next year by private sale. A loss in 2005 makes the bank ineligible for an NSE listing and the owners the collapsed banks that form Consolidated Bank are likely to figure in as potential buyers.
30. (31) Equatorial: 4.7 billion assets and 90m in profit. The Sameer group bank Out-performed corporate big sister CBA growing by about 15% in 2007.
29. (34) Development Bank of Kenya: Estimated 4.8 billion and 200m in profit. Remarkable growth fro a development finance institution to record 45% growth in loans & deposits. Part of ICDC's (Government) 90% stake in the bank is up for sale in 2008.
28. (28) Southern Credit: Estimated 4.9 billion assets, 80m in profit. 10% growth in loans and deposits, with about 40% growth in profits in 2007. Bank with a lady MD focus on cards
27. (30) Chase Bank: Estimated assets of 5.0 billion, and profit of 130 million. The winner of small bank awards, will open new branches next year and has set about achieveing a recapitalization target of 1 billion, through retained earnings.
26. (26) Giro: Estimated 5.3 billion assets, 70m in profit. With 7% growth in the year, It was supposed to be sold to state bank of India, but the deal is yet to be approved by regulators.
25. (27) Guardian: Estimated 5.8 billion assets, 45 million profit. Growth of about 15%
24. (23) ABC: Estimated 5.8 billion assets, 170 million in profits. With 12% growth from a year ago, ABC was one of the few 'small' banks that had a marketing push to target new customers in 2007 in addition to a recapitalization drive. Launched 'kisima' a flat fee account and has new branches.
23. (24) Habib AG Zurich: Estimated 6.1 billion assets, 200 million profit for another quiet bank which grew about 15% in 2007.
22. (25) K-Rep: Estimated 7.2 billion assets, 200 million profit . With international shareholding and micro-finance expertise is an natural candidate for a merger Was 29th two years ago and recorded about 60% growth in 2007.
21. (21) Bank of Africa 7.2 billion ($103 million) assets 160 million shillings ($2.3 million) profit in 2007. What is hopefully the first of many West African banks spreading eastwards has opened new branches and targeted growth of new business like asset finance.
ddia
This entry was posted in ABC, Bank of Africa, Bank rankings, Chase Bank, Consolidated Bank, Credit Bank, DBK, Equatorial, Fidelity, Giro, Guardian Bank, Habib, Habib Zurich, K-Rep, Middle East, Southern Credit, Victoria on December 20, 2007 by bankelele.
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Kenya's Money in the Past: IMF Transparency Evaluation
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Observations on banking, finance, investments, and life in Kenya by a Nairobi ex-banker
Email: bankelele_at_hotmail_dot_com
Twitter: @bankelele


The structure of Upcoming Exhibitions has been designed by June 14 Meyer-Grohbrügge&Chermayeff.
It is a stage and gallery, encompassing the spectrum of experience between public spectacle and intimate moment.
The structure has a clearly defined inside and outside in one direction but contains a gradient of space the other direction.
The outside layer (brick) holds the inside layer (gypsum) as one extruded shape.
The immutable construction stands in contrast to the project's own temporary nature and the modular systems used for the three days of the larger event.
Open to two directions, visitors, onlookers, actors and art flow can be held by this masonry structure in the continuous space of ABC.


It's likely you're struggling, as I am, to find a way to explain to your child the events that occurred in Pittsburgh. As Rabbi Geoff pointed out during this morning's service, perhaps the best thing we can communicate to our kids is that we should not allow the language and actions of hate to be louder than the language and actions of love.
We ought to continue to instill a sense of Jewish pride, emphasizing that love and acceptance and compassion is what makes being Jewish so wonderful. Love is what gives us strength and courage to persevere and support each other.
Next PostNext Mark your calendars!


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While Ohlsson is no longer a young man (he won the prestigious Chopin competition in 1970), he is still as nimble and fleet as any twenty-something fresh out of Juilliard.
Garrick Ohlsson brings refined power to Romantic program26 Oct 2009
The program for Garrick Ohlsson's piano recital Sunday afternoon at Orchestra Hall was 19th-century comfort food. Liszt's B Minor Sonata, Chopin Preludes and a Beethoven sonata gave way to several encores of which Schroeder of Peanuts fame would highly approve: Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C-Sharp Minor (Op. 3, No. 2), Chopin's E-Flat Waltz (Op. 18) and the Mazurka Op. 50, No. 3. Throw in this summer's Ravinia performance of the Schumann Piano Concerto and Mr. Ohlsson remains one of the most persistent and strongest advocates around for the popular Romantic repertory.
His matinee recital before a relatively sparse crowd showed that concert staples are still exciting if an incisive mind is there to play them. The towering pianist could not have been a better salesman for Liszt's phantasmal Sonata in B Minor, which unravels as one long mercurial and continuous single movement. If the work's more clangorous moments often bring out the worst in brash young pianists, then it was a revelation to hear Ohlsson emphasize the sonata's abundance of quietude and theater.
Tempi were exaggerated but never pushed to their limits. The work is fraught with restlessness and the disquieting scenes that occur at the lower end of the piano held reserves of suspense.
Ohlsson never seemed to favor or accentuate certain passages either in this vast masterwork, but instead stitched every tugging part together in this quasi-symphonic quilt. Transitions were never abrupt. If Liszt at his worst is a dizzying multitude of notes, he also shines when those cascades sound like more than scales. Ohlsson was never outmatched by the score's difficulties, and even card-carrying Liszt haters had to admire such a mature and poetic performance.
While Ohlsson is no longer a young man (he won the prestigious Chopin competition in 1970), he is still as nimble and fleet as any twenty-something fresh out of Juilliard. His complete performance of all 24 Chopin Preludes nicely framed the composer's devilish technical mastery (No. 16 and No. 24) alongside the most simple singing melodies that young children learn in their first lessons (Nos. 4 and No.7).
These were not daring or indulgent interpretations but rather agreeable impressions of Chopin's most beloved set of piano works. No. 8 in F-sharp possessed the same spectral qualities that Arthur Rubinstein often would favor and the mini funeral march of No. 20 proceeded bleakly (Although pianissimos in the middle section were almost inaudible.) Ohlsson attractively brought out the hidden voices in the sunny No. 5 yet smudged several passages in the stormy G-Sharp minor prelude. While not the most memorable traversal of these pieces, this was still a compelling way to fill out the program's entire second half.
If the preludes were pianistic candy, the Beethoven Sonata No. 13 in E-Flat, Op. 27 No. 1 (Quasi una fantasia) was a more substantive treat, feeling at once profoundly personal and lighthearted with each passing measure. Fanatical attention to the silence around the notes made every press of the keys a religious offering. Even the fugal nature of the Allegro molto e vivace was relaxed, and the quietly creaking floorboards of the stage sounded almost magical during the raw stillness of the adagio con espressione. This was very memorable Beethoven.
Post program, Ohlsson executed his encores with plenty of flair and speed, a requisite route most pianists take for such showy music.
By Bryant Manning
Chicago Classical Review
Pianist displays rare virtuosity


The CPC Campus Ministry extension program has been spreading the faith dimension through the evangelization of the people in baranggay Jumaguicjic. It has contributed to the religious transformation of the community when it reaches out to the people for the development their spiritual life and ensures the promotion enhancement of their dignity.
The CPC Campus Ministry in reaching out to the community together with the youth ministry, supports parish ministries for students, and collaborates with the school on religious education matters. On February 21, 2015, the Campus Youth Ministry went to the adopted barangay Jumaguicjic, as part of its yearly update task to help children in the Day Care Center for their spiritual nourishment and develop more their mutual love as family through activities like FILM SHOWING with selected movies related to family togetherness, some other activities involving getting together. After the activities there was the FEEDING PROGRAM with the cooperation of the Barangay Captain and the Day Care Center teacher in-charge.
This academic year they experienced a lot of changes like setting time frame, and the availability of volunteer members from the different courses that have the heart of Jesus in love and compassion. What made them complete and contented was, they have shared their time and self without asking and without expecting any return, but to experience the real happiness of seeing people smile.
They shared and learned at the same time, and experienced Christ's love from people, places, and events.
The CPC Campus Ministry extension program has been spreading the faith dimension through the evangelization of the people in barangay Jumaguicjic. It has contributed to the religious transformtion of the community when it reaches out to the people for the development their spiritual life and ensures the promotion enhancement of their dignity.
The CPC College Rector has been promoting the school's mission of becoming a Chruch of the poor by providing venue for social involvement and spiritual conciousness among students, faculty, office personnel, and the people in the community.


In his first on-going television role, Erin Mullally, 20, will replace James Sorensen as the Neighbours character Declan Napier the Five network confirmed today.
Erin Mullally, who has just joined the cast in production at the Fremantle studios in Australia, will be on screens as Declan in the UK from this summer. James Sorensen, who finishes filming in the next few weeks, has decided to pursue interests outside of television so will not be renewing his contract.
"As the character of Declan is extremely popular, and with some sensational storylines planned, it was decided that the character would be recast" A Five press office statement said.
Speculation on James Sorensen's future at the long running cul-de-sac set soap was first reported by Australia's Herald Sun newspaper which said the actor had quit the series after three successful years. James also has proved to be hugely popular with fans for his acting ability and good-looks. It isn't the first time the show has replaced high profile leads, nor is it unique in Australian serials. In Home and Away numerous cast changes have taken place practically over night, famously down at Summer Bay lead character Pippa had a transformation between episodes.
Creator of Neighbours – Reg Watson, OMA, discussed replacing the actors, while retaining the characters, with popular fansite 'Perfect Blend' in 2005.
A policy Reg used over four decades of soap production, which is clearly still in use at Neighbours to this day. However the news hasn't gone down well with some fans of the daily soap, who believe the character should leave with the performer.
It isn't just 'down under' where soaps are prone to quick re-casting. In the UK Crossroads, under Reg Watson, OMA, controversially replaced the actress behind the character of Marilyn Hope – played by current Coronation Street actress Sue Nicholls. The blonde, tall, loud, broad Birmingham accented Marilyn went to bed in one episode and the next came downstairs as a short, brown-haired, quiet, reserved, posh spoken lady. This change was brought about when Sue decided to quit to launch a pop career.
Monday Ratings: Nearly Six Million Watch Who Do You Think You Are?


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Analysis: U.S. mass shooting insurance rates jump as incidents rise
June 29- The cost of buying insurance protection against mass shootings has spiked more than 10% in the United States this year following a string of deadly events, insurers said.
The United States has witnessed 293 mass shootings this year, according to a report by the Gun Violence archive that defines them as any event involving the shooting of four or more people other than the assailant. That compares with 309 in the same period last year but is sharply up from 240 in 2020.
Demand for such insurance has risen following recent shootings, including the murder of 19 children and two teachers at a Texas elementary school last month, the United States' worst school shooting in nearly a decade.
Active shooter insurance typically covers victim lawsuits, building repairs, legal fees, medical expenses and trauma counselling.
"The number of inquiries we've been receiving over the last few weeks has spiked … we haven't been as busy as this ever before," said Chris Parker, Head of Political Violence and Deadly Weapons Protection at Lloyd's of London insurer Beazley.
Parker said the insurer had seen a 25% jump in revenue this year for its deadly weapon policy, with a 30-35% jump in inquiries and a 10%-15% increase in rates, driven by the rising number and severity of gun attacks.
He said clients were now buying insurance to cover themselves for $5-10 million in losses, compared to $1-3 million four years ago.
Policyholders typically can pay tens of thousands of dollars for $1 million in coverage. Beazley's clients include schools, municipalities, houses of worship, bars and restaurants.
Other buyers include organizers of events such as marathons, rodeos, livestock shows, concerts, Fourth of July parties and Pride marches. Sources said that Beazley is among the most prominent players in the space, along with other Lloyd's of London insurers.
How Does the Body React to a Heart Attack?
There has been an uptick in violent attacks at hospitals and healthcare institutions as families of people who lost their lives to the pandemic look for someone to blame, insurers said.
Inflation is also seen as a driver of violent acts as the cost of living rises.
Chris Kirby, head of political violence coverage at insurer Optio, said demand for the insurance typically rises after significant attacks.
"This was the case post 9/11 and was the same following the rioting and violent civil disturbances that have taken place over the last few years in the U.S., and we are seeing the same increase in demand following the recent spate of mass shootings."
Church Mutual, a leading insurer of religious organizations in the United States, said it had seen a 10-15% rise in inquiries around the armed intruder and mass shootings and increased service requests. It has seen more demand for its "Pull for police device," which allows a customer to pull a tab, triggering a signal to law enforcement that there's an armed intruder event. The clients also include food banks and childcare centres.
'MORE EXORBITANT'
The price of an active shooter insurance policy varies according to location, safety protocols and the gun laws of the state of residence, insurers say.
Insurers are already charging schools, healthcare institutions and retail establishments more for cover and prices, in general, are 5% to 10% higher than last year, said Tarique Nageer, managing director, terrorism and political violence at insurance broker Marsh.
However, the majority of organizations do not have insurance against such attacks.
"The increase could get more exorbitant if any of the institutions that may have had experiences of active shooter losses or claims had insurance," Nageer said. Insurance buyers said they must argue hard to keep a lid on rates.
"You can generally aim to minimize rate increases through thorough and pointed negotiations and reminding underwriters that this is a competitive market," said Scott Feltham, group insurance manager for catering group Compass.
Italy's drought-hit farmers face sea water threat
Tags: rates jump, U.S. mass shooting insurance
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Captain Luis B. Sanchez
MSCI 3101 / 3102 Army ROTC Instructor
Detachment S3
Memorial Hall, Room 135
lsanche9@uncc.edu
Captain Luis B. Sanchez was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a 2008 graduate of The University of New Mexico, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology.
CPT Sanchez attended and graduated from the Basic Officer Leaders Course II, Fort Benning, GA (2009), Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course, Fort Benning, GA (2009), and the Maneuver Captain's Career Course, Fort Benning, GA (2013). He is also a graduate of the Air Assault School (2006), Army Mountain Warfare School (2008), Ranger School (2010), Airborne School (2010), Infantry Mortar Leaders Course (2010), Combatives Level I and II (2009, 2013), Observer/Coach/Trainer Academy (2014), Pathfinder School (2014), and, most recently, from the Foundation Instructor Facilitator Course (2017).
He has served in the following assignments: Platoon Leader, B Company, 2-35 IN (2010); Mortar Platoon Leader, Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 2-35 IN (2010-2012); and Battalion Assistant S-1, HHC, 2-35 IN (2012-2013), Schofield Barracks, HI; Senior Tactical Analysis Feedback Facility Officer in Charge, Task Force 1, Operations Group (2013-2014); and Rifle Platoon Observer/Coach/Trainer, Task Force 1, Operations Group (2014-2015), Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, LA; Brigade Assistant Operations Officer, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division (2015-2016); Commander, B Company, 4-6 IN, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division (2016); and the Chief of Operations, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division (2016-2017), Fort Bliss, TX. His most recent assignment is Assistant Professor of Military Science for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Army ROTC 49er Battalion.
CPT Sanchez's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2 Campaign Stars), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon (2nd Award), the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Basic Parachutist Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, and the Ranger Tab.
CPT Sanchez is married to the former Mika Gamboa of Roswell, New Mexico, and the couple live in Davidson, North Carolina, with their son Collin and their dog Bentley.


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Warriors in search of first victory
After being handed an old-fashioned licking in their game against Mammoth last weekend, the Whittell Warriors are focused on turning it around as they prepare for Saturday's conference opener against West Wendover in Zephyr Cove.
"(After the first week), the boys were sporting a 'good enough attitude.' They felt like 'we did good enough' and with that attitude we got it handed to us on a plate," Warrior coach Anthony Esquivel said from the practice field Thursday. "This week the boys realize that it takes hard work in practice to get results on game day."
Facing the 0-2 West Wendover Wolverines, the Warriors are hungry for their first win. But the task will not be easy.
The Wolverines are led by senior quarterback Danny Zacharias, who last year passed for 788 yards, which was good enough for 12th-highest among all Northern Nevada schools. So far this season, Zacharias has been on form to have another solid campaign, passing for a combined 450 yards and three touchdowns in two games.
"He's a solid player," Wolverine coach Brian Poole said. "He's really throwing the ball well."
With Zacharias' passing threat the Warriors coverage will surely be tested, something Esquivel said his team has been preparing for.
"Last week we had a lot of trouble with the pass coverage, but I can't place the entire blame on the secondary," Esquivel said. "It really starts up front and pressuring the quarterback to make quick decisions. If you don't pressure the quarterback, you give his receivers the chance to make the second and third effort to burn our defensive backs."
After going up against a Mammoth's duel-threat ground attack last week, containing the run should come a bit easier this week as the Wolverines have lost their starting backfield to injury.
However, speedy sophomore tailback Pedro Marquecho has performed well in relief.
"Pedro has stepped in and done some really good things for us in the seniors' absence," coach Poole said.
Both coaches are looking forward to strapping it on this weekend and both had their own takes on what they needed to do to come away with a win.
"We're already throwing the ball well," Poole said. "So if we can get the running game going, I think we're going to be real competitive out there."
Coach Esquivel is relying on intensity to pull them through.
"If they perform at their best, the way I know they can, I think we can have some positive results," he said. "But If they go out flat and they wait for the other team to deliver the first blow, then they're going put us in the hole right off the bat. We need to go out there and hit them first and hit them hard."
Whittell and West Wendover will kick it off Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in Zephyr Cove.


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Watching Our Water Ways
Watching Our Water Ways Environmental reporter Christopher Dunagan discusses the challenges of protecting Puget Sound and all things water-related.
Native Olympia oysters expected to gain a new foothold in Sinclair Inlet
Christopher Dunagan
A massive amount of oyster shell — some 1,500 cubic yards — will be dumped into Sinclair Inlet near Gorst next week to lay the groundwork for a healthy population of native Olympia oysters.
Native Olympia oysters are smaller and can easily fit inside the more common Pacific oyster shell. // Photo: Kitsap Sun
Limited numbers of Olympia oysters have been growing in Sinclair Inlet, hanging on since long ago, said Betsy Peabody, executive director of Puget Sound Restoration Fund, which is managing the operation. Existing oysters probably just need the right substrate for their larvae to attach, grow and ultimately expand the native oyster population.
The $300,000 project — which will deposit the equivalent of 150 dump-truck loads of Pacific oyster shells — will be the largest one-time application of shells anywhere in Puget Sound, Betsy told me. Her organization has undertaken similar projects in other areas, including Liberty Bay near Poulsbo, Dogfish Bay near Keyport, Dyes Inlet near Bremerton and Port Gamble Bay on Hood Canal.
The yellow area marks the location in Sinclair Inlet where oyster shell will be placed.
Map: Puget Sound Restoration Fund
The shells, which came from commercial oyster farms, will be washed off a 200-foot barge using a jet of water beginning Tuesday and taking up to four days, according to the current schedule. The shell will cover some 15 acres of tidelands toward the middle of the inlet where Highway 166 branches off Highway 16.
This washing process typically creates a patchwork of shell covering about 80 percent of the bottom while 20 percent remains bare, according to plans for the project. The thickness of shell on the bottom will vary, reaching up to 3 inches in some places. No eelgrass or other sensitive vegetation was found during surveys of the tidelands to be covered. The property is owned by Kitsap County.
Historic locations of major Olympia oyster beds in Puget Sound. (circa 1850)
Map: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
In the early 1900s, Sinclair Inlet was used as an 122-acre oyster reserve for protecting seed stock, which could be purchased by commercial oyster growers. Oyster reserves throughout Puget Sound were largely forgotten after Pacific oysters — a different species imported from Japan — began to dominate the oyster market.
Olympias went extinct in some areas, killed by pollution, shoreline development or other factors. In a few areas, habitat was largely undisturbed and the original oyster species persevered. But many embayments, including Sinclair Inlet, were able to support only a fraction of their historic populations.
"Olys evolved in this area and managed to maintain a foothold in the most surprising areas, despite what we've thrown at them over time," Betsy said. "They are tough little critters. You can even find them in places where everything else is plastic. Building back their densities seems like a good thing to do."
Oysters have a number of good qualities besides being a favorite food of many people. They can filter out plankton that can trigger low-oxygen conditions. Plankton also reduce sunlight needed for critical vegetation, such as eelgrass.
The 19 areas in Puget Sound declared a high priority for Olympia oyster restoration.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has designated Sinclair Inlet as one of 19 priority restoration sites for Olympia oysters in the Puget Sound region. See "Plan for Rebuilding Olympia Oyster (Ostrea lurida) Populations in Puget Sound…"(PDF 559 kb)
In natural oyster beds, young oysters are able to set and grow on the shells of their ancestors, often forming oyster beds or reefs that help perpetuate the substrate for future generations. Sedimentation and damage to the shoreline can interrupt the process and eliminate the substrate needed for the oyster to survive. Putting down a lot of shell to create new substrate has proven to be the best way to boost the population in most areas of Puget Sound.
If the Olympia oysters do well in Sinclair Inlet, eventually more shell could be brought in to expand the growing area, Betsy said. If, however, natural production of oyster larvae is not enough, PSRF could develop a broodstock program by utilizing its shellfish hatchery near Manchester, as has been done for other areas. If that were to happen, adequate numbers of Olympia oysters from Sinclair Inlet would be used to produce the oyster seed, thus maintaining the genetic diversity of the inlet.
In 2010, Puget Sound Restoration Fund established a goal of restoring 100 acres of Olympia oyster habitat with shell placed in bays where the native oysters are expected to do well. The Sinclair Inlet project will bring the total to 85 acres, with other areas in the planning stage to help the group meet its goal by the end of next year.
About half of the $300,000 being used for the Sinclair Inlet project came from the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service, with other funding from the Washington Department of Ecology, Kitsap County and PSRF. The Suquamish Tribe also participated in the project.
Puget Sound Restoration Fund
Northwest Straits Commission
Encyclopedia of Puget Sound
Success in Dogfish Bay, Kitsap Sun
September 5, 2019 Planning, Pollution and spills, Puget Sound, Red tide, algae, Research, Sediments, Shellfish, ShorelinesOlympia oysters, Oyster, Puget Sound Restoration Fund, Shellfish habitat, Sinclair Inlet
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3 thoughts on "Native Olympia oysters expected to gain a new foothold in Sinclair Inlet"
Warren Lewis says:
Christopher D.: That's good news! Our family have enjoyed oysters on a private Hood Canal beach (south of Seabeck) for decades and we always insist that the shells remain on the beach so new ones can form.
Gary Dering says:
Looks like they've scheduled that about a week late, based on tides, and presumably daytime operations. Oysters live in the intertidal zone, a bit below mean. That spot in Sinclair is tricky, as it is so flat and shallow. The draft of a barge suitable for that job, and the tug to move it, need enough water that placement needs to be done with a decent water level, or the shells will fall only as far as that craft can go. Perhaps the setup they have can do it in just a couple hours, and they plan on doing it after 2pm?
Christopher Dunagan says:
I believe you have that right. They have scheduled this very carefully in the afternoon and over several days.
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What to Include in an Assessment Centre
Asessment centres have become an increasingly popular tool in the recruitment process; particularly for graduate or entry-level jobs with an array of candidates to choose from.
What is an assessment centre?
An assessment centre could be seen as the 'semi-finals' of the jobseeking world. It's where the prospective employees are reduced to the final shortlist for highly sought-after positions. They might find themselves undertaking role plays, showing off the skills they use in their hobbies, partaking in individual or group exercises and possibly team-building related tasks. By this stage, the candidates will have already undertaken at least one round of interviews and will now be expected to show off their wider skillset.
Assessment centres are often used in graduate recruitment. It's not a training day, but it's not a game either. The potential new recruits will find themselves having to work with strangers they have just met, and possibly, in an atmosphere that would make 'Dragon's Den' look welcoming. Assessment Centres are not typically designed to be an 'easy time'.
Sales candidates could find themselves being asked to pitch for business for an imaginary company, having to stage a trade fair, write marketing material or even interview their assessors. There is likely to be a presentation to make, work to undertake in small group, or as an individual, a psychometric test and potentially 'round-robin' interviews. If they are lucky, at the end of the session, they may find out whether they have been successful.
There are generally around four to eight candidates, all in the final stage of their selection process but at more senior levels this could be just two candidates. Also, at a graduate recruitment level, there could be as many as fifteen applicants taking part.
The location may be the employer's premises but can equally be a hotel or dedicated training centre. At least some expenses are likely to be met by the company, and the assessment can be as short as an afternoon or as long as a couple of days. They are often as much about how the candidates mix with each other as they are about their individual skills.
Steps to conducting an effective assessment centre
There are a number of solo and group exercises which typically make up an assessment centre.
Solo exercises include psychometric tests, written tests, in-tray exercises and case studies.
Group exercises can be run as discussions, presentations, role plays, logic based interviews, team sessions and projects.
In both scenarios, candidates will be assessed on their individual performance against the required competencies in the role (see competency-based interviews) and their values (see value-based interviewing). Plus in the group sections, they could be subject to scrutiny on their team working, communication skills, confidence, negotiation ability, manner, and attitude. Other areas which could be scored include analytical thinking, commercial awareness of the company they are applying to, decision making and leadership.
Key steps for conducting an effective assessment centre
Having a mix of staff as assessors is a good start. Everyone sees other people differently, and this combination of views is vital in choosing the successful applicant. The best person for the job is not necessarily the most popular, but it is probable that an HR manager will see this person differently to someone who is going to have to line manage them on a daily basis. It may also be worth bringing in staff members from polar opposite parts of a business – a member of the finance team to assess sales staff for instance.
Offering the candidates material to prepare beforehand is likely to give an idea of how they work when they're left to get on with something alone. This could be a presentation to give on the day, a written business case or something specific to the job, such as a spreadsheet or schedule.
There should be a combination of solo and group exercises to test the different skills which the job is likely to require. These will allow the candidates to show off their strategic, tactical and operational strengths. They should expect to be measured on team and time management capabilities, organisational and prioritisation abilities. Psychometric aptitude testing is also commonly a core and valuable part of an assessment centre. Another essential component is a presentation, as this tests creativity, confidence, 'thinking on your feet' and public speaking ability. Sales candidates should be able to prepare and present on a given topic without getting overly flustered.
Allowing the applicants to meet existing staff informally offers both further insights into the company for the candidates, and provides additional insight for the assessors outside of the façade of 'the assessment centre'. Even in these more social situations, candidates should expect to be watched and scored.
Which roles are most suited to assessment centres?
Assessment centres started out in large blue-chip companies where competition for entry-level or graduate scheme places is traditionally high. The trend has spread to cover many IT and financial sector roles, the armed forces, the police and even healthcare, where new managers such as ward sisters and modern matrons will be expected to show team management abilities and a range of ways of working when in direct contact with patients. Assessment Centres are also common in sales where companies are looking for transferrable skills such as communication, confidence, empathy, social sensitivity and 'fluid intelligence'.
Assessment centres allow many companies and organisations to recruit the applicants they believe will be the best fit for them. It can be a tough and expensive process to deliver effective Assessment Centres, but they can result in better retention of employees and higher engagement with the employer.
Lastly, you must consider ethics and ensure that the tasks and activities that you input into your assessment centres do not unwittingly offend or areas that could be perceived as discriminatory. With this in mind, it may be worth refreshing yourself on the topic of unconscious bias.
Aaron Wallis are highly experienced in designing and facilitating assessment centres, in particular for sales staff. Also, many of the staff are highly trained in sophisticated psychometric aptitude testing methods. Aaron Wallis can design and manage the whole process for you as a specialised service, or as part of their retained assessment centre service offering. Please call 01908 061400 for more information or visit our recruit sales staff page.
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About the author: Rob Scott
Rob is the Managing Director of Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment, a national recruitment agency specialising in sourcing sales and marketing staff for businesses across a broad range of commercial sectors. Before setting up Aaron Wallis, Rob spent ten years at a specialist Sales and Marketing recruitment division of a £0.5BN recruitment group, leaving in 2007 as Marketing & Sales Director to establish Aaron Wallis.
With over 20 years experience in recruitment, Rob is a History graduate with an MBA (Merit) and a PgCert in Management Practice. In 2007, 2009 and 2013 Rob conducted the most extensive surveys of sales professionals in the UK and is a trusted authority in the sales industry. From guiding employers through the recruitment process to helping candidates find their dream job, Rob's advice has been quoted in leading publications such as Business Insider and The Independent, as well as OnRec, who host The Online Recruitment Awards every year.
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In a recent interview, Sam McIngvale, Head of Product for Coinbase Custody, described his company's new staking service for Tezos (XTZ) and explained how it works.
Sam's interview was with crypto journalist and podcast producer Laura Shin, and it was released on April 12 as episode 068 of her "Unconfirmed" podcast.
You can listen to Laura's interview with Sam either via the "Unchained Podcast" website, via the "Unchained Podcast" YouTube channel, or by downloading this episode of the "Unconfirmed" podcast using a podcast player (such as Google's "Podcasts" app for Android).


Using a carbon Scott Ransom frame with Fox DHX5.0 Air rear shock, X-Fusion Vengeance Coil forks, bars, stem and seatpost from PRO, with a mostly SLX groupset and some Hope Mono M4 brakes. It's a custom build using new and used components.
I'm not sure it deserved being piloted by a reindeer for its first go but beggars can't be choosers.


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Eugène Troump, Anastasios Theophilas and the Arsakeion New Buildings (1896-1901)
A series of data from the period 1896-1901 concerning the erection of the Arsakeion New Buildings have resulted from the research carried out by the author of this article in the framework of his Ph. Dissertation entitled "The Athenian Monumental Edifices of the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Century: Investigation of Construction and Static Methodology (1834-1901). In brief, the initial decision of the Philekpaideutiki Society Board was the Vouros mansion and parts of the Tositseion School and the Kindergarten edifice on Stadiou Street to be pulled down in order the Exoterikon Didaskaleion to be erected there, after the architectural plans by Eugene Troump, a project that, however, was never realized. In 1899 the military architect Anastasios Theophilas was entrusted to design the so-called Arsakeion New Buildings and in 1990 the Tositseion School and the neighboring buildings were demolished. On 26 April 1901 the foundations of the New Buildings were laid according to Theophilas' designs, as they were modified by the supervisors of the project Nikolaos Balanos and Nikolaos Demadis and the expert suggestions of Wilhelm Doerpfeld. This article presents in detail the elements composing the crucial period of five years that was very important for the architectural and building development of Arsakeion.
The Ionia Road (Part III)


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Home » Newsroom » Prince has died aged 57
Prince has died aged 57
Prince, who over the previous week had been suffering from flu, is pronounced dead on 21 April at the age of 57.
Prince Rogers Nelson (1958-2016)
Prince, who over the previous week had been suffering from flu, is pronounced dead on 21 April at the age of 57. He was found unconscious in an elevator and not breathing and a call made to the police at 9:43am and officers from Carver County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to his Paisley Park home, Minneapolis. Officers performed CPR on Prince but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead at 10:07am.
Prince, who days earlier on 16th of April had thrown a party at his Paisley Park complex had briefly appeared to tell fans to Wait a few days before you waste any prayers in the attempt to allay recent concerns over his health. Severe flu had caused him to cancel two shows on 7 April planned in Atlanta as part of his introspective tour Piano & A Microphone. The shows took place on the 15th but during a flight home the day afterwards, midway at 1:12am his charted 1988 Dassault Falcon 900 jet, accompanied by Judith Hill and Kirk Johnson, was forced to make an emergency landing on route back to Minneapolis. Prince was rushed to hospital but discharged himself. He was found dead at his home six days later.
Only a month before, on 19 March, Prince announced he was hard at work on his memoir, entitled The Beautiful Ones. It is unknown how far that that progressed, it was planned for release in the autumn of 2017.
Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent. Barrack Obama
His death, first met with disbelief, was publicly confirmed after his next of kin had been informed by his publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure: "It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57."
In a career, which lasted 40 years, his impact on music will be impossible to quantify.
The official details of the cause of his death are yet to be released, however Prince was noted as looking frail and anxious in recent days when last seen in public at 7pm on the 20th, during his last of four visits to a nearby branch of Walgreen's pharmacy that week. Some media outlets suggest that his death was due to an overdose of medication which he was taking to treat pain in his hips. Although the official explanation at the time was he was suffering symptoms of flu, his hospitalisation the previous week is believed to have become dangerously dehydrated following an overdose from a powerful painkiller, and that despite medical advice to the contrary Prince discharged himself three hours later. Since 2009 Prince had been in need of a double hip replacement but refused undergo surgery due to religious beliefs.
Public buildings in many cities across America were lit purple in honour of the musician. The future of his catalogue of unreleased music, the fabled vault containing what is believed enough material for 100 albums, is now the subject of speculation.
An autopsy is scheduled for Friday 22 April. The police investigation is on going. Prince's music sales have since mushroomed and 15 of his albums have entered the iTunes top 40 album chart.
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