New studies have been released that clarify the changes that occur when you stop taking popular weight loss drugs. Researchers have found that many patients quickly regain their weight after stopping the drug. The study was conducted on drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which are used to treat obesity. These drugs help in weight loss by controlling appetite and blood sugar levels.

When you stop using the drug, the body returns to old habits. It was found that most people regained a large part of the weight they lost within a year of stopping the drug. This study proves that obesity is not something that can be solved in a short time, but that it is a condition that needs to be taken care of for a long time. Doctors warn that if you stop taking the drug alone without making changes to your lifestyle, you may gain weight again. The best results will only be achieved if you eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get proper medical care. The study also shows that weight regain may affect blood pressure and the risk of diabetes.

Experts say that patients should be prepared for continued treatment or other methods. These findings underscore that maintaining a low weight after drug treatment is a major challenge.

 

 

Canada's highest-paid CEOs list out. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) has released its annual report on the top 100 CEOs in 2024. Shopify CEO Tobias Lutke tops the list with a net worth of $205.5 million.

Gregory L. Ebel, CEO of Calgary-based Enbridge Inc., is in seventh place with $23.7 million in 2024. He took over in June 2023. Suncor Energy CEO R.M. Kruger makes the list with $14.2 million. His rank, which was in third place last year, has dropped to 31 this time. The average salary of Canada's top 100 CEOs reached a record $16.2 million in 2024. Bell's Mirko Bibik and Loblaw's Per Bank are also prominent figures on the list.

 

 

 

Canada's national census operations will begin in May. Every household in Canada is required to fill out a census questionnaire. Survey to understand the country's population, people's lifestyle and the services they require. Statistics Canada conducts a census once every five years.

Most people receive a short form census asking for basic information like age, gender, language spoken. One-fourth of households will also receive a long form census covering more information such as employment, residence, income, culture etc. Census data is essential for planning schools, transportation, health programs. Statistics Canada employs approximately 32,000 employees across the country to conduct census operations.

'Numerators' who collect information, 'Crew Leaders' who lead teams are the main positions. Hourly wages range from $25.87 to $31.32.

 

 

Canada government moves forward with decision to cut immigration. Reports indicate that there will be a significant decrease in the number of newcomers entering the country in various categories by 2026.

As part of reducing the immigration rate, Canada will limit the number of permanent residents in 2026. Ottawa aims to reduce the number of permanent residents from 395,000 in 2025 to 380,000. This large decline is recorded in the position where 483,640 people were admitted in 2024. However, immigration lawyer Ravi Jain noted that immigrants are still necessary to support Canada's job sector. He also warned that the country's job growth depends largely on new arrivals.

Statistics Canada reported that population growth decreased by 0.2 per cent in the last half of 2025. The government is also planning to make big cuts to the number of student visas. It will drop from 437,000 in 2025 to just 155,000 in 2026. Temporary worker admissions will fall to 230,000. This is more than 135,000 fewer than last year. Refugee admissions will also fall slightly. They are expected to reach 56,200 in 2026. The new law, Bill C-12, will tighten refugee rules and give the government the power to cancel applications.

 

 

 

The situation is getting worse following a major failure in the water supply network in Calgary. The 'Bearspaw South Feeder Main', the main pipeline that supplies 60 percent of the city's water, broke on December 30. Mayor Jerome Farkas has asked city residents to immediately reduce their water use.

He warned that the city's water supply is dangerously low, which will affect the operations of the fire department and other emergency services. He stated on social media that the current situation is moving towards a point where it could even be life-threatening.

Although the authorities have withdrawn the 'use only boiled water' recommendation imposed in the areas around 16th Avenue where the failure occurred, water use is still not under control.

The government has issued strict instructions to the city's 1.6 million residents to reduce unnecessary water use. The municipality has released footage of the damaged pipes being removed. It is estimated that repairs will take at least two weeks to complete. Traffic restrictions are currently in place on major roads along the Trans Canada Highway.

 

 

As temperatures plummet in Northern Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has warned that moose are flocking onto highways in droves. They are mainly looking for road salt and to avoid driving through snow. Moose herds have been spotted on routes including Highway 527. Police said collisions with these animals, which weigh about 550 kilograms (1,200 pounds), can be extremely serious.

Police warn that such accidents are likely to increase at night due to poor visibility. Moose are difficult to spot from a distance at night due to their dark color. Footprints in the snow on the roadside, movement on the sides, or the sudden flashing of brake lights from vehicles in front should be considered signs that the animals are nearby. Authorities advised that if you see moose, do not try to scare them away by honking your horn, but rather park your vehicle safely and allow them to move away on their own.

 

 

Ontario Provincial Police are thanking two citizens who helped an on-duty police officer during a heavy snowfall on Highway 21 in Ontario on New Year’s Eve. On the Saugeen First Nation, a police officer was trying to arrest a man who was walking on a busy road when he noticed him. However, the suspect struggled with the officer to prevent the arrest, and the situation escalated.

In the dangerous situation, two passersby stopped their vehicles and came to the aid of the police officer. Their intervention helped subdue the suspect, said South Bruce OPP Constable Cody Lyons. They left the scene before the police officer could thank them. Police praised the bravery of these anonymous citizens on social media for their fearless action during a crisis.

 

 

With the number of people on the waiting list for surgery in Alberta increasing, the provincial government has introduced Bill 11 legislation aimed at addressing the crisis. The new law will allow doctors to work in both public and private health systems simultaneously.

There are currently about 83,000 Albertans waiting for surgery. The number of people on this list has increased significantly compared to previous years, with 43 per cent of people still waiting after the scheduled time for surgery, according to reports. The reform will bring positive changes to the province’s health sector, said Nadeem Ismail, director of health policy at the Fraser Institute.

He said that private facilities will be helpful for surgeons who want to work longer hours and increase their income, and that it will not affect operations in the public system at all. The government hopes that the dual-model system will help bring back nurses and unemployed doctors who left Alberta in search of better working conditions. However, there are still differences of opinion among experts about how effective the move will be in the health sector.

 

 

New laws regarding carbon monoxide alarms have come into effect in Ontario. To ensure the safety of families, the government has now made it mandatory for more homes and buildings to install carbon monoxide alarms.

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that has no smell, taste or colour. It can cause serious health problems and even death if not detected in time. Alarms are required in homes with fuel-burning appliances, furnaces, stoves or fireplaces. Alarms are also required in homes with attached garages, as smoke from vehicles can enter the home. Apartments, condos, hotels, motels and retirement homes must also comply with these laws.

Landlords and building owners are responsible for installing alarms in the correct locations. Alarms should be installed near bedrooms and other areas of the building where the gas could spread. Officials said the new changes will help prevent accidents caused by carbon monoxide. The fire department has also told residents to check the alarms regularly to make sure they are working properly.

 

 

 

Canada is preparing to implement new tax reforms starting in 2026. These reforms are mainly aimed at providing relief to low- and middle-income earners. At the same time, there will be a slight increase in the share of wages deducted to strengthen pension benefits. Experts say that most of the changes are small and will not affect ordinary people in a big way.

One of the main changes is the reduction in income tax rates. The minimum income tax rate will be reduced from 15 percent to 14 percent. This lower rate will now apply to income up to $ 58,523. This change will save families about $ 750 to $ 840 a year. In addition, a new tax credit will be allowed for personal support workers from 2026 to 2030. Those with an annual income of at least $ 22,000 can claim up to $ 1,100. This applies to those who work in hospitals, nursing homes and other health centers.

The lifetime capital gains exemption limit on the sale of small businesses, farms and fishing properties will be increased to $1.25 million. Contributions to the Canada Pension Plan will increase; employers and employees will have to pay more accordingly. The annual investment limit for the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) will remain at $7,000 in 2026.

 

 

 

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.