Global tech giant Microsoft is set to make a major investment in Canada as it ramps up its artificial intelligence capabilities. The company plans to invest more than $7.5 billion Canadian dollars over the next two years. This will bring Microsoft's total AI investment in Canada to $19 billion Canadian dollars between 2023 and 2027. This is one of the most significant announcements related to AI development in Canada.

The investment will help expand Canada's data center network and establish a dedicated Thread Intelligence Hub for cybersecurity protection. This huge investment is expected to give a new impetus to Canada's technology sector. Microsoft will support the growth of innovative technology in the country by improving AI infrastructure and collaborating with Canadian AI startups. This investment will help the Canadian government and regulatory partners track cybersecurity threats and conduct AI security research.

 

 

Human trafficking cases are on the rise in Canada, according to 2024 figures. Of the 5,070 human trafficking cases reported by Canadian police between 2014 and 2024, the majority were women and girls. 93% of the victims were women and girls, and two-thirds of them were under the age of 25.

Last year alone, 608 cases were reported across the country. Provinces such as Nova Scotia and Ontario recorded rates much higher than the national average. Experts say the cases reported to the police are only a small fraction of the actual number of cases. The majority of perpetrators are men. The data also shows that victims often had close relationships with their abusers.

 

 

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has warned that Calgary is likely to experience severe cold and heavy snow this week. While Monday and Tuesday will be relatively warm, temperatures will start to drop sharply starting Wednesday evening. While the daytime temperature on Wednesday will rise to 4°C, it could drop to -19°C after noon due to wind chill.

On Thursday, the weather forecast says that temperatures will drop sharply and there is a 60% chance of snow. Temperatures are expected to be -18°C during the day and -25°C at night during these days. The cold snap is expected to continue until the weekend. More snow is expected on Friday. Temperatures will be -19°C during the day and -22°C at night. Saturday temperatures will be around -16°C. By Sunday, the weather will change slightly, with temperatures likely to rise to -13°C. The average low temperature in Calgary at this time is -13°C. Authorities have warned Calgarians to prepare for severe weather this week and take necessary precautions. A winter storm warning has been issued for Red Deer and Medicine Hat. Winds of up to 100 kilometres per hour are possible in mountainous areas from Banff to the Montana border.

 

 

PP Cherian

New Jersey: A combination drug for high blood pressure has been voluntarily recalled by its manufacturers over concerns that it may be mixed with another drug.

Drug: The recalled drug is bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, sold under the brand name 'Ziac'.

Reason: Reserve samples were found to contain the cholesterol drug levothyroxine. The drug was recalled by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc. of New Jersey.

FDA classification: The recall is in Class III, meaning that the risk of serious health problems associated with using this drug is low.

Affected packages: More than 11,100 bottles of 2.5 mg and 6.25 mg doses are being recalled. (Expiry date: November 2025 to May 2026)

 

 

PP Cherian

Will County (Illinois): Police have arrested two people, including the mother, in the case of trying to flush a newborn baby in the toilet and then burying the body in a beer box.

Nicole Pokrzywa (36) of Wilmington (the baby's mother) and William Kosmen (38) of Manhattan have been charged with 'desecration of a corpse'.

Nicole gave birth to the baby in October 2024. Kosmen tried to flush the baby in the toilet. After that, he wrapped the body in a plastic bag and buried it in a beer box three feet deep in his yard.

The Will County Sheriff's Office received information about this a year later on December 4. The body was subsequently recovered.

The postmortem report states that the baby was between 22 and 27 weeks gestational age and further tests are needed to determine the cause of death.

 

 

Food bank use in Ontario has hit an all-time high for the ninth consecutive year, according to a new report. According to the Hunger Report released by Feed Ontario, more than one million people relied on food banks for food assistance between April 2024 and March 2025. This is 13 per cent more than the previous year. The report also warns that people are struggling to cope due to the high cost of living and rising rents.

These figures are a clear indication that food insecurity is deeply rooted in Ontario society. 29% of those who have sought help from food banks are children. In addition, 23% of those who have sought help are unable to afford food due to rising costs, even though they have a job. Due to financial hardship, people are often cutting back on grocery spending to pay rent. Experts say this growing pressure on food banks is a sign of rising homelessness and greater health challenges.

 

 

PP Cherian

Washington, DC: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made a new announcement. Starting February 1, 2026, passengers without a REAL ID or passport will have to pay a $45 fee at airport security checkpoints.

The fee was previously proposed to be $18, but has now been increased to $45. This fee is the next step in the implementation of REAL ID.

Those without a valid ID will have to verify their identity through a biometric or biographic system before being allowed to pass through the checkpoint.

The TSA said that this fee is to ensure that the administrative and IT costs associated with the ID verification program are borne by passengers, not taxpayers.

Those without REAL ID can verify their identity and pay a fee online at TSA.gov. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

The TSA warns that even if you pay the fee and confirm, you will not be allowed to pass through the checkpoint.

Once you pay the fee and verify, you will be allowed to pass through the TSA checkpoint for 10 days. After that, if you travel again without REAL ID, you will have to pay the fee again.

Currently, about 94% of travelers use REAL ID or other approved identification.

 

 

PP Cherian

CONROE (Texas): A Montgomery County school bus driver has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a child, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (MCSO). The incident occurred at around 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 27, at a home on Royal Duane Drive in Conroe.

Detectives from the Special Victims Unit who investigated the incident identified and arrested 38-year-old Jonathan Cranfill. He has been charged with Sexual Assault of a Child.

Cranfill is currently working as a school bus driver for Cleveland ISD. He previously worked as a driver for Conroe ISD.

Detectives said that during the initial investigation, the sexual assault was not related to his current or previous job as a school bus driver.

Cranfield is currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail. The Sheriff's Office said that further investigation into the incident is ongoing.

 

 

Experts in Canada have warned against buying toys for children that use artificial intelligence. These toys, which use artificial intelligence, can talk and interact like a friend. Although manufacturers claim that these toys are entertaining and educational, experts say that they may be harmful to children's creativity.

According to child psychologist Dr. Nicole Racine, young children's brains are absorbing too much information. Therefore, AI toys may not be the best for their development. Psychiatrist Dr. Daniela Lobo also says that children need to learn to manage conflicts, but AI toys do not teach that. The US organization 'Fairplay' has also warned about these toys.

The development of AI toys has progressed faster than safety regulations. Therefore, these are not adequately regulated. Some companies claim that they comply with privacy laws and do not collect and store sensitive personal information. However, experts are concerned about whether these toys collect personal data from children and whether it affects the privacy of families. In this context, the Canadian Toy Association advises to buy toys only from trusted brands that prioritize safety. The federal government is monitoring how AI is used in toys and other products. Health Canada is responsible for ensuring the safety of toys. But they have not yet commented on AI toys.

 

 

Tax revenue has increased significantly since the legalization of cannabis in Canada. At the same time, the federal government’s new fiscal agreements are raising concerns about maintaining revenue. According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), cannabis tax revenue exceeded $1.8 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal year. It is also a major source of revenue for various provinces and territories across the country. However, reports indicate that the provinces are likely to see a decrease in revenue as cannabis excise duty distribution agreements come into effect for the next five years.

With the new distribution arrangements coming into effect, the federal government will receive a larger share of cannabis tax revenue. Currently, the provinces receive the majority of cannabis excise taxes (about 75%). However, this figure is likely to change as pressure from producers and efforts to maintain the growth of the legal cannabis market. There are concerns that this change could put a financial strain on provincial governments that rely on cannabis taxes to fund key areas such as healthcare and education. Experts also say that the cannabis tax structure needs to be made more attractive to attract more consumers to the legal market and eliminate the black market.

 

 

The federal government has accelerated the planning and construction of the country's first high-speed rail project. The work related to the Alto high-speed rail project is progressing rapidly in Calgary. This important project is expected to revolutionize the city's travel facilities. In addition to being a solution to the current traffic congestion, the rail project will help significantly reduce travel times.

It is estimated that this project will contribute to economic growth in the region, create more jobs, and ensure an environmentally friendly means of travel. Once completed, passengers will have a comfortable and fast travel experience. Officials are confident that the project can be completed within the specified time frame by accelerating construction work. Officials are closely evaluating the progress of the project and its environmental and social impacts. It is expected that with the realization of the Alto high-speed rail, there will be major changes in the public transportation sector in Calgary and this will be crucial for the future development of the city.

 

 

The national test of Canada's Emergency Alert System will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. It will be broadcast on television and radio across the country. The test is scheduled for 1:55 p.m. local time in British Columbia and Alberta.

The system is designed to quickly alert people in times of emergency. The test is being conducted to ensure that it is working properly. The system could be used to provide warnings about hazards such as tsunamis, wildfires, floods, tornadoes and Amber Alerts. The system will send messages to compatible wireless devices connected to LTE or 5G networks. To receive the warnings, the phone must be turned on, not in airplane mode, and the software must be updated. The 'Alert Ready' system is a joint initiative of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, broadcasters and wireless providers.

It is designed to save lives by sharing emergency safety information, so users cannot turn it off. After the trial, people may be invited to participate in a short online survey to improve the reach and effectiveness of the system.

 

 

A new form of money laundering is emerging in Canada's economy, a report says. Illegal 'crypto to cash' services that directly convert cryptocurrencies into cash are becoming widespread. Money laundering has long existed in Canada in connection with banking and real estate. However, experts point out that the new system of converting crypto into cash without disclosing personal information has opened new doors for financial crimes in the country. Exchange companies that provide such services are often buying thousands of dollars in digital currencies without adequate registration or verification of personal information. This is undermining the country's financial laws.

These secret transactions bypass all security systems. It is used by everything from drug mafias to terrorist organizations. They send cryptocurrency to unauthorized wallets abroad without any restrictions, and then secretly receive the equivalent amount of money from anywhere in the country. Canada's anti-money laundering laws require that crypto transactions of 1,000 Canadian dollars or more must record the personal information of the recipient and the details of the transaction. However, the investigation has found that many institutions are openly violating these laws. Authorities have warned that this type of uncontrolled money transfer can lead to an increase in the level of crime in the country and strict action is necessary against it.

 

 

Canada's passport ranks ninth in global rankings. Canada's passport has risen to ninth place in the prestigious Henley Passport Index. It offers visa-free entry to 183 countries around the world and visa-on-arrival facilities. Singapore remains at the top of the list, followed by South Korea and Japan. Earlier this year, Canada was ranked seventh. There has been a slight decline from that. However, Canada's passport is still ranked higher than the United States. The US passport has fallen to 12th place for the first time in 20 years.

The drop in the ranking is partly due to countries such as Singapore, South Korea and the UAE expanding their visa-free travel agreements. Canada continues to benefit from strong diplomatic relations with most countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas. The ninth place in the global ranking is also a testament to its credibility on a global scale, beyond travel. Moreover, Canadian citizens will be able to enjoy faster visa processing and easier travel for tourism, business, and family visits. The Henley Passport Index is prepared using data from the International Air Transport Association.

 

 

The Palestinian community in Alberta, Canada, celebrated the first-ever Palestinian flag raising ceremony at Calgary City Hall. The ceremony was held after the Canadian government recognized Palestine as a state. Hundreds of people attended the ceremony, which was held to mark the anniversary of the Palestinian Declaration of Independence. Representatives of the Palestinian community said that this was not a protest, but a sign that they are recognized as a community in Calgary, and that the raising of the flag is a sign of hope and pride.

Meanwhile, Calgary Mayor Jerome Farkas announced that steps will be taken to end the practice of raising the flags of other countries at City Hall. He said that such ceremonies have the potential to create division and conflict in the city and that City Hall must be maintained as a safe and welcoming place for all. With this, the Palestinian flag will be one of the last foreign flags to be raised at City Hall. The Calgary Jewish Federation expressed concern over the incident, calling it a politicized and divisive incident.

 

 

PP Cherian

Harris County, Houston: A couple was found dead in a home on Bonaventure Drive. It is suspected that they committed suicide after committing the murder. The PD 4 Convenience Office confirmed this on Thursday morning.

The bodies of the couple were discovered by the father of the deceased husband, who lived in the house nearby. At the time of the incident, three children (ages 16, 11, and 8) were in the house, but they were not injured.

According to the initial investigation, the couple's personal information has not been released. There were reports of some family problems before the incident. Their three children are safe with their families. The Harris County Sheriff's Office has launched an investigation.

Helplines:

Houston Area Women's Center: 713-528-2121
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.

 

 

Ontario minister's Punjabi video goes viral. A video of Ontario Citizenship and Multiculturalism Minister Graham McGregor speaking in English and Punjabi as part of the Sikh religion founder's birthday celebrations has gone viral on social media.

McGregor is the MPP representing the riding of Brampton North. 75% of the residents in this riding are from a minority community and 25% are from the Sikh community. He told Global News that as a Brampton MPP, he has spoken in Punjabi many times and that he can speak Punjabi fluently. The video quickly went viral on social media, reaching people outside his riding, outside the province and around the world.

The video, which has garnered more than 441,000 views on Instagram, has also garnered 1.1 million views on Twitter. The minister said he was surprised by the response to the video, adding that there were both positive and negative reactions. McGregor added that negative reactions cannot be stopped.

 

 

New reports indicate that measles cases have increased at an alarming rate this year in Canada. Canada is a country that the World Health Organization has declared to have eliminated the disease. However, the resurgence of measles cases due to a lack of vaccination and the spread of the virus from other countries has raised concerns among health experts. The majority of cases reported so far this year have been in children who have not been vaccinated. This poses a major challenge to the country's public health system. The number of cases in Canada is relatively higher than in countries such as the U.K. and the U.S.

Authorities are issuing strong warnings to the public about the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease. Measles is a serious illness that can cause pneumonia, brain swelling and sometimes death in children. The current increase is the highest since the 1990s. As the disease spreads in other parts of the world, those returning from travel are also advised to report any symptoms immediately.

 

 

Chicken prices are rising in Canada. This is causing concern for consumers and shopkeepers. The price has increased significantly since the end of September. The spread of bird flu in Canada and the US is the reason for the price increase. The fact that many chickens had to be killed due to bird flu has reduced the availability of chicken and caused the price to increase.

Chicken legs have seen the highest price increase. The price of chicken legs has increased by about 20 percent. Experts say that prices are likely to increase further in the winter. Experts also say that chicken production has decreased recently. Some shopkeepers have not increased prices for now, hoping that supply will improve soon. However, for those living in Canada, the current situation is that they have to pay more when buying chicken.

 

 

A car he sold to a new owner for not changing its registration was forced to pay a $1,500 towing bill. Darrell Nash, 66, a retired truck driver who lives near Langley, was forced to pay the fine months after selling his 2004 Acura SUV.

Nash thought the deal was done when he sold it for just $500. But three months later, he was shocked to receive a $1,500 towing and storage bill. The buyer took the vehicle after filling out legal transfer forms. However, he says he was stuck with this huge financial burden because of a loophole in the vehicle transfer law.

The vehicle was sold while he was in the hospital after heart surgery. Three months after the sale, police called Nash to inform him that the car had been found abandoned 35 kilometers away. At that time, the uninsured vehicle was registered in Nash's name. He was then ordered to pay $1,500.

 

PP Cherian

Dallas: Starting this Sunday (November 2), the US will change its clocks. The extra daylight ends at 2 am on Sunday, November 2, and the clocks will return to 1 am. Last spring, the extra daylight began on March 9.

The time change, which is set forward one hour at the end of the winter season and back one hour in the fall season, was first implemented during World War I. The length of the day increased during the spring and winter seasons, when there was plenty of sunlight. The time change was adopted and implemented in the United States with the aim of reducing electricity consumption and utilizing the surplus electricity generated in the war zone.

When the clocks go back on Sunday, people will gain an hour. For most Americans, this means getting an extra hour of sleep. Many digital clocks will automatically reset overnight, but remember to change any watches or clocks that need to be adjusted manually.

After the time change, darkness will arrive earlier in the evening and sunrise will come earlier in the morning. The time change is known as spring, forward, and fall backward. The time change does not apply to states such as Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

 

 

A man was seriously injured in a bear attack in West Calgary. The man was airlifted to hospital. The incident took place in the South Cochrane Forest on Thursday. One of two people who had gone hunting was attacked by a bear. The man who was with the victim shot and killed the bear. The bear was reportedly killed.

Fish and Wildlife officials also confirmed that another bear fled the scene. No further information is available on the condition of the man, who is being treated at Foothills Hospital in Calgary. Fish and Wildlife officials said that DNA samples will be collected from the injured man to confirm whether the bear that was shot and killed was the same one that carried out the attack. Officials have also launched an investigation into the circumstances that led the bears to attack the hunters.

 

 

 

PP Cherian

North Carolina: A murder investigation is underway after four children were found in the trunk of a car in Johnston County, North Carolina this week. Deputies said their father confessed to killing them. The killings are believed to have occurred at different times between May and September 2025.

After a search warrant and further investigation, deputies said they believe Dickens killed his three biological children, ages 6, 9 and 10, and his 18-year-old stepfather. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office held a news conference about the investigation Wednesday morning at its headquarters in Smithfield.

“What kind of father would want to kill his own children?” Sheriff Steve Bissell said at the news conference.

The father, identified by authorities as Wellington Delano Dickens III, 38, of Zebulon, was arraigned Wednesday afternoon on three of four murder charges filed in the preliminary investigation. He made his first appearance Tuesday. He is currently being held in Johnston County Jail.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued new rules requiring photos to be taken when entering and leaving the country for non-US citizens, including Canadians.

The measure is part of a biometric data collection effort to accurately verify personal information, prevent overstays, and reduce passport fraud. Facial recognition technology will be used to match real-time images of travelers with photos on their government documents. The rule will apply to all border points, including airports, seaports, and land borders.

The plan is to create a local photographic gallery to take photos of non-citizens who regularly cross the border. While U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been collecting biometric data from some non-citizens since 2004, this new law expands the data collection even further. Once this law goes into effect, everyone will have to comply with the new biometric requirements.

 

 

Two homes in Edmonton's Silver Berry catch fire during Diwali celebrations. The fire was caused by fireworks being set off as part of the festivities. No one was injured in the fire. A car in the garage of one of the homes was completely destroyed.

The fire broke out around 8:30 p.m. Monday at a townhome complex near 25 Avenue and 24 Street. Sparks from fireworks set off in a backyard of a home ignited the exterior of nearby townhomes, police said. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services personnel arrived immediately and had the fire under control within minutes. The fire mainly damaged the back walls of the two-storey townhomes. The siding of one house was completely blown away and the wood underneath was burned. The siding of another townhome located nearby also melted and was destroyed by the heat.

 

 

 

Canada's plan to ban new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035 is facing criticism. A poll shows that 56% of Canadians oppose the ban. Low- and middle-income earners are the ones who are most opposed to it. With opposition mounting and practical challenges looming, many argue that the policy should be abandoned rather than delayed.

Canada is moving forward with a plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035 to combat climate change. As part of this, automakers must sell more electric vehicles each year. Prime Minister Mark Carney has suspended the policy for a year and initiated a 60-day review. But the long-term mandate still stands.

The government aims for 60% of new car sales to be electric by 2030. But current sales are falling far short of that target. Electric vehicles will account for just 8.7 per cent of new vehicle sales by early 2025. And demand for electric vehicles is slowing. Automakers such as Ford and Stellantis have warned that these targets are unfeasible due to battery shortages and production constraints. Companies that fail to meet the target will have to buy credits from rivals such as Tesla at high prices, costing the industry billions of dollars. Critics say it will also increase the cost of vehicles and hurt Canadian consumers.

Canada currently has just 35,000 public EV chargers, but that number will need to reach more than 400,000 by 2035. Charging facilities are limited in rural areas. Charging an electric vehicle can add about 4,500 kWh to a household’s electricity use per year, putting further strain on the power grid and driving up electricity bills.

 

 

Canada's health crisis deepens. Hundreds of people have lined up outside a health clinic in Kanata, near Ottawa, to see a new doctor. In a region with a severe shortage of doctors, many have waited in line for hours to see a new family doctor. The line had formed long before the clinic opened in the morning. The incident is a direct reflection of how serious the country's growing shortage of health workers has become.

The influx of people to the clinic came as news of the new doctors spread. Many who shared their grief over not having a regular doctor to see them said that getting a doctor was like winning the lottery. This situation, where even basic health care is not available, exposes the huge crisis facing Canada's health system. People are demanding that more doctors be urgently hired and that local health systems be strengthened.

The Executive Committee for 2026-27 of World Malayali Cultural and Welfare Association of Canada (WMCWAC), a Malayali organization in Calgary, was completely occupied by women.

Priya Namboothiri (Chairperson), Madhavi Unnithan (President), Anu Vivek (General Secretary), Rose AB (Treasurer), Madhuri Saraswati Kumar (Vice Chairperson), Jisha Rashi (Vice President), Narmada Balakrishnan (Joint Secretary), Reshma Sunil (Sports Forum), Amrita Agnes (Women's Forum),  Nita Marankulangara (Cultural Forum), Sreebha (Social Media Coordinator) and Nivedita Nair (Youth Forum) are the new office bearers.

The new governing body for 2026-27 was announced at the Annual General Meeting held on Sunday, October 19th in the Skyroom of the Hotel Super 8 in Calgary Southwest. Association Chairman Sreekumar and President Anil Kumar Menon spoke on the occasion. Treasurer Aby Rabb presented the figures for 2024-25. Later, future programs of the association were discussed. The new office-bearers said that apart from the many arts and sports programs and other celebrations that are held annually, WMCWAC will work towards the welfare of the Malayali community.

 

 

 

The rules for international students studying in Canada to work off-campus have been changed. Starting November 8, 2024, students will be allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours a week without requiring special permission on their study permit. Previously, it was 20 hours.

The change is aimed at providing students with the opportunity to earn more in light of the rising cost of living, but with a limit on academic sessions to ensure that their studies are not interrupted. Students are currently allowed to work full-time during scheduled breaks, including summer vacation. Students must ensure that they are actively pursuing their study requirements. Working more than 24 hours a week is a violation of the terms of their study permit, which may result in the loss of student status and the denial of future work permits. It is essential to ensure that off-campus work is permitted on your study permit and to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN). These laws improve the working conditions of international students while encouraging them to maintain a proper balance between studies and work.

 

Bijo Sebastian, Canada

Toronto – A community-driven cycling event saw participants complete a scenic 50-kilometer journey through Toronto's waterfront trails, marking another successful outing organized by Cycling Tours Canada (CTC).

The recent meet-up ride forms part of CTC's ongoing efforts to encourage healthy lifestyle practices within immigrant communities across the Greater Toronto Area. The carefully planned route showcased the city's autumn beauty, taking riders on a comprehensive tour of the region's most picturesque cycling paths.

Participants gathered at Tyler Creek Park in East York before embarking on their journey along the Golden Shoe Waterfront corridor. The route extended westward to Etobicoke, with riders completing a round-trip back to their starting point, offering breathtaking views of the changing season throughout the excursion.

For those interested in reliving the experience, comprehensive footage from the tour will soon be featured on the @kcyclopedia cycling channel.

Since its establishment in 2023, Cycling Tours Canada has built a reputation for organizing both solo long-distance adventures and group rides of varying distances, accommodating everyone from beginners to seasoned cyclists. Their offerings range from accessible 10-kilometer routes to challenging 200-kilometer journeys.

Safety remains a top priority for the organization, which predominantly arranges rides along protected trail systems, providing participants with secure and enjoyable cycling experiences. The group maintains an inclusive approach, welcoming cycling enthusiasts regardless of age or experience level.

Looking ahead, CTC has scheduled its next group ride for October 19, featuring a waterfront route from Scarborough to Whitby. Residents of the Greater Toronto Area interested in joining the cycling community can reach out to Bijo Sebastian at 647-215-1095 via text or WhatsApp for additional details and registration information.