Life in the eastern regions of Canada has come to a standstill following heavy snowfall. The meteorological department has declared an orange alert in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Road and air traffic has been completely disrupted due to winds blowing at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour and heavy snowfall. Heavy ice formation on the roads due to ice rain in Ottawa and Montreal is causing accidents.

Power supply to lakhs of homes was cut off after trees were uprooted in heavy winds and snowfall. More than 60,000 customers are reported to be in the dark in Ontario alone. The government has strictly advised people to avoid unnecessary travel as a severe blizzard continues in the Toronto and London areas. Environment Canada has warned people to be cautious as severe weather is likely to continue in the coming days. Cold winds are expected to continue through Monday and Tuesday, bringing the year to a close with severe winter weather.

 

 

 

The city of Calgary is gearing up for 2026 with music, dancing and a colorful fireworks display. The main festivities will take place at Eau Claire Plaza and Prince’s Island Park starting at 8 p.m. on December 31. Live music, skating and food trucks will add to the festivities. The New Year will be ushered in with a colorful fireworks display at Prince’s Island Park at midnight. Mayor Jerome Farkas wished the city’s residents a Happy New Year.

The city has provided free shuttle bus services for those coming to participate in the festivities. Bus services will be available every 45 minutes from 9 p.m. on December 31 to 1:30 a.m. on January 1. These special services are being operated from Lot 59 on Memorial Drive to various parts of the city in view of the severe cold and limited parking facilities. The authorities have also arranged for the facility to watch the fireworks live online for those who are unable to attend in person.

 

 

A smart dog named 'Roscoe' who found money buried in snow is now a social media star. The incident took place in Calgary. Roscoe unexpectedly found a $50 bill during a normal walk through the snow. Roscoe's hobby is digging and sniffing the snow when he goes for a walk. But that day, Roscoe went searching for a bill buried under the snow. His owner immediately recorded the footage and shared it on social media. It didn't take long for it to go viral.

In just two days, Roscoe became an internet superstar with more than eighty thousand likes and more than six hundred thousand views. People have watched the video more than six hundred thousand times. Social media is filled with interesting comments like "Can you lend us Roscoe?" and "I want a dog like this too." The owner didn't throw away the money Roscoe found in vain. He bought a new 'rope toy' as a gift for his beloved dog. This interesting news is a reminder once again of how much joy pets bring us.

 

 

 

Canada's most dangerous winter roads are in Ontario, a new study report says. The study was conducted by Samsara, a company that works in the field of vehicle safety. The study used accident data collected using sensors and cameras in vehicles between 2022 and 2025.

Six of the ten most dangerous winter roads in Canada are in Ontario. The most dangerous road is Erieau Road near Lake Erie. The study points out that the risk of this road is six times higher than other roads on the list. Strong winds and humidity from Lake Erie seriously affect this road. This narrow two-lane road is exacerbated by snow caused by the lake. Also on the list are Highway 17 in Kenora-Dryden, Highway 11 in Heist-Kapuskasing, and the Queen Elizabeth Way in Burlington Skyway. The Mississauga and Scarborough sections of the busy Highway 401 are also high-risk areas in winter, according to data collected using artificial intelligence sensors.

 

 

Alex Robb, a paramedic from Edmonton, has shared his concerns about the heavy workload facing paramedics in Alberta and the increasing ambulance wait times. He says the current situation is beyond bearable. Alex Robb has been serving as an advanced care paramedic for the past ten years.

Despite the steady increase in the number of patients seeking help, the lack of sufficient staff is creating a major crisis. The Alberta Paramedic Union has also stated that the biggest challenge they are facing is keeping employees on the job. Alex Robb pointed out that the regular 12-hour shifts are often extended to 14 hours with the increased workload.

Ambulances are having to rush when calls for help come from different parts of the city. There are also situations where you have to turn back after sounding the siren and getting another emergency message. He added that seeing the plight of patients waiting for an ambulance for a long time is very distressing.

 

 

Sharon Haskel, an Israeli deputy foreign minister, has warned of a rise in terrorism in Canada. She said there are "serious problems" in Canada that require urgent attention. Sharon Haskel criticized Canada's handling of protests and extremist groups.

Sharon Haskel accused Canada of allowing hate speech to spread in a dangerous way. This will harm Canada's international image. The criticism follows recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Canadian cities. Sharon Haskel said some of the protests included extremist elements. He called on Canadian leaders to take stronger action against hate speech. He also suggested that Jewish communities be more effectively protected.

The minister's remarks have sparked a huge debate among Canadian politicians and citizens. While some agreed that terrorism is a problem, others supported freedom of expression.

 

 

P.P. Cherian

Baytown (Texas): A student has died after being stabbed by a classmate during an argument inside a high school classroom. The shocking incident took place at Sterling High School in Baytown on Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred at around 10:42 am during a fight between two boys. The 18-year-old student stabbed his underage classmate with scissors.

The seriously injured student was immediately taken to Texas Medical Center by air ambulance (Life Flight), but his life could not be saved. Since the school could not land the plane due to weather problems, he was first taken to the airport by ambulance and then transferred to the hospital.

The 18-year-old who carried out the attack was taken into police custody. A temporary hold was imposed on the school following the incident, but this was later lifted. Authorities said there are currently no other security threats on the campus.

The school authorities have not released their names out of respect for the children's privacy. The police have intensified their investigation into the incident.

 

 

 

Calgary City Council has passed a resolution to ban the flying of foreign national flags at City Hall. In a heated vote among councilors, seven voted against the ban, while eight voted in favor.

The resolution was introduced by Councilor Dan McLean. He argued that flying foreign flags causes division in the community. He also said that City Hall should not be a venue for political debate. Although the practice was started to show respect and unity, McLean explained that over time, flag-raising ceremonies have led to protests and disputes.

The ban only applies to national flags of other countries. However, the Pride flag, Métis flag and other cultural flags are not prohibited. Supporters of the ban say that the decision will help council focus more on local issues. But opponents argue that banning flags is itself divisive. Starting in 2026, only the Canadian flag and recognized cultural flags will be flown at Calgary City Hall.

 

 

Three children have died of flu in Ottawa. All three deaths occurred in recent weeks, health officials said. All three were under the age of 10. Officials are not releasing the names of the deceased to protect the privacy of their families. Doctors say the flu can be very dangerous if it causes other health problems in children.

Ottawa hospitals have seen a sharp increase in flu patients this month. Most of these patients are children with severe symptoms. In this context, health experts are urging parents to get their children vaccinated. They are also advising sick children to stay home to prevent the spread of the flu. This year, the flu season has started earlier than usual in Ontario. Doctors say they are seeing more flu cases and serious complications than usual at this time of year. They also say the flu can cause severe illness that may require hospital care. Officials say the respiratory season is not over and the flu season is likely to continue to be difficult in the coming weeks.

 

 

Waymo, a leader in robotaxi technology, is aiming to launch its robotaxi service in Canada. The American company, which is currently operating successfully in select cities in the US, has begun discussions with officials to expand its service to larger Canadian cities. The company has hired representatives and lobbyists to help change Canada's legal framework. Waymo is a subsidiary of Google's parent company Alphabet.

A Waymo spokesperson said they have goals to bring a driverless taxi service to Canada. However, Waymo's robotaxi are unlikely to start operating in Canada anytime soon. Currently, provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario have legal restrictions on the operation of driverless vehicles on public roads. Transport Canada also does not allow the general sale or import of fully automated vehicles. Canada's challenging weather, including snow and ice, is also a factor. Therefore, Waymo will need to clear multiple legal hurdles at the provincial and federal levels before launching service in Canada.

 

 

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.