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Article 0 Comments One person was dead and two were missing in western Alaska after the remnants of Typhoon Halong over the weekend brought hurricane-force winds and ravaging storm surges and floodwaters that swept some homes away, authorities said. More than 50 people had been rescued — some plucked from rooftops. Officials warned of a long road to recovery and a need for continued support for the hardest-hit communities with winter just around the corner. A U.S. Coast Guard official, Capt. Christopher Culpepper, described the situation in the villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok as “absolute devastation.” Elsewhere in the U.S., severe weather killed a woman in New York City who was struck by a solar panel, and the Columbus Day Parade there also was canceled. Rescuers in the Phoenix area found the body of a man whose truck was swept away by floodwaters, and crews in southern California prepared for potential mudslides in fire-ravaged areas. Communities Tally The Toll on Alaska Villages Alaska State Troopers said at least 51 people and two dogs were rescued in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok after the storm system walloped the communities. Both areas saw significant storm surge, according to the National Weather Service. A woman...
/ ThinkAdvisor provides financial advisors, registered investment advisors and wealth managers with comprehensive coverage of the products, services and information they need to guide their clients in making critical wealth, health and life decisions.
Article 0 Comments A mass shooting early Sunday at a crowded bar on an idyllic island considered to be the largest Gullah community on the South Carolina coast has left four people dead and at least 20 injured, officials said. A large crowd was at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island when sheriff’s deputies arrived and found many people with gunshot wounds. An estimated 5,000 or more Gullah people living on the island trace their ancestry back to enslaved West Africans who once worked rice plantations in the area before being freed by the Civil War. Bar owner Willie Turral was inside the establishment, which was packed for a high school alumni event, when he heard shots going off “in bursts” outside. He described the scene: “Screaming and panic and fear.” The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on the social platform X that many people ran to nearby businesses seeking shelter from the gunfire. “This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone,” the statement said. “We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident. Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their loved ones.” Among the injured, four were...
Article 0 Comments A mass shooting early Sunday at a crowded bar on an idyllic island considered to be the largest Gullah community on the South Carolina coast has left four people dead and at least 20 injured, officials said. A large crowd was at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island when sheriff’s deputies arrived and found many people with gunshot wounds. An estimated 5,000 or more Gullah people living on the island trace their ancestry back to enslaved West Africans who once worked rice plantations in the area before being freed by the Civil War. Bar owner Willie Turral was inside the establishment, which was packed for a high school alumni event, when he heard shots going off “in bursts” outside. He described the scene: “Screaming and panic and fear.” The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement on the social platform X that many people ran to nearby businesses seeking shelter from the gunfire. “This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone,” the statement said. “We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident. Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their loved ones.” Among the injured, four were...
Magrath, AB (Oct. 1, 2025) – A new study by Surex has found that the cost of insuring an electric vehicle in Canada is more than one-third (36.8%) higher than that of a traditional gas-powered automobile. “Electric or gas?” It is a question many drivers face when deciding on their next vehicle as electric vehicle ranges grow and prices become more competitive with gas cars. But insurance is often an overlooked factor when weighing the pros and cons of which vehicle to get. The research team analyzed quotes on Surex from the past 12 months to determine the average cost to insure an electric vehicle in Canada compared to a gas vehicle. Surex found that EVs, on average, cost more to insure. While a gas car costs an average of $2,289.27 a year to insure, for an electric vehicle, that figure jumped up to $3,131.43. That’s a 36.8% difference — a sizeable chunk for those looking to make the switch. Key findings: The average electric car costs 36.8% more to insure versus an electric car. EVs are most expensive to insure in Alberta, with an average insurance cost of $3,342.93. They’re cheapest in New Brunswick, with an average cost of...
Ottawa, ON (Sept. 30, 2025) – Gifford Carr Insurance Group has acquired Omni One Insurance Agency, a Cape Coral, Florida-based brokerage, marking the Canadian firm’s first expansion outside the country. Omni One, founded in Cape Coral, serves individuals and families across Florida. With the acquisition, Omni One formally joins the Team Aubuchon group, a comprehensive services group for luxury living. The brokerage has built a reputation for personalized insurance solutions and local expertise in navigating the state’s unique insurance market. The firm will continue to operate as Omni One Insurance Agency, by Gifford Carr. Clients will be served by the existing team with additional support from Gifford Carr’s expanded resources and industry tools. “At Gifford Carr, we’re passionate about building something that lasts, with people and partners who share our values,” said Matthew Carr, president of Gifford Carr. “Omni One is a natural fit. They are trusted, local, and relationship-driven, just like us.” Gifford Carr, headquartered in Ottawa, says the acquisition reflects its focus on growth through partnerships with brokerages that share its client-first values and community-based approach. More information is available at omnionegc.com. About Gifford Carr At Gifford Carr, we have been protecting what matters for over 75 years....
Calgary, AB (Sept. 22, 2025) – Acera Insurance Services Ltd. is pleased to welcome its newest partner, Merit Insurance Services Ltd. of Edmonton, AB. Both Acera Insurance and Merit Insurance have a deeply rooted presence in Edmonton, combining for more than 100 years in Alberta’s capital city. “The longevity of our two organizations demonstrates that Canadians deeply value working with a local, independent brokerage that puts their best interests first,” says Lee Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, Acera Insurance. “Acera Insurance is proud to partner with Merit Insurance, supporting its growth without sacrificing their independence and Canadian ownership.” Merit Insurance has specialized in home and auto insurance since 1985. Through this partnership with Acera Insurance, it looks forward to expanding not just its personal insurance offerings but also providing clients with commercial insurance solutions and employee group benefits — while staying true to its long-standing customer promise. “Merit Insurance prides itself on providing exceptional service and building long-term relationships with our clients,” says Greg Hyland, President, Merit Insurance. “We see tremendous value in Acera Insurance’s independence and employee-owner model. Because of this, we know our clients will continue to receive top-notch service and impartial solutions for all their insurance needs.” This...
/ ThinkAdvisor provides financial advisors, registered investment advisors and wealth managers with comprehensive coverage of the products, services and information they need to guide their clients in making critical wealth, health and life decisions.
/ ThinkAdvisor provides financial advisors, registered investment advisors and wealth managers with comprehensive coverage of the products, services and information they need to guide their clients in making critical wealth, health and life decisions.
