Keeping up with America

U.S. Population Growth Hits Near-Record Lows in New Census Report

The Census Bureau reveals that U.S. growth slowed to just 0.5% this year, largely due to a historic drop in international migration.

Winter Storm Aftermath: 30 Deaths Linked to Extreme Cold and Ice

A powerful system has left hundreds of thousands without power from the South to New England, with officials warning of more systems to come.

Mississippi National Guard Deployed for Major Recovery Efforts

Governor Tate Reeves has activated 500 Guardsmen to deliver oxygen, water, and power resources to 33 counties iced over by recent storms.

Supreme Court Refuses Review for Long-Standing Mississippi Death Row Inmate

The high court denied a petition from Stephen Elliot Powers, who claimed the state concealed evidence for over two decades.

Oklahoma State University Ranks Top 25 for Online Engineering Programs

U.S. News & World Report highlights a shift in American education as online master’s programs reach new heights of prestige.

House Judiciary Committee Demands Records on Alex Pretti Killing Congress is increasing scrutiny on the Department of Justice following a controversial Border Patrol shooting in Minneapolis.

Around the World

Trilateral Ukraine Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi Show “Progress”

U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian officials met for a new round of talks, though the White House warns that major hurdles remain.

Manitoba Nurses Union Votes on Declaring Hospital “Unsafe”

Following a sexual assault in a parking lot, Canadian nurses are pushing for emergency security designations at St. Boniface Hospital.

Landfill Search for Ashlee Shingoose Enters Critical New Phase

Premier Wab Kinew reports “encouraging signs” in the search for the remains of the indigenous woman in Winnipeg.

Allianz Launches $1 Billion Blended Finance Fund for Emerging Markets

The new fund focuses on climate projects and agriculture across Africa to bridge the gap in private capital mobilization.

Chinese “Monster Ship” Returns to Disputed West Philippine Sea

After nearly a year, a massive Chinese vessel has reappeared in contested waters, reigniting regional maritime tensions.

The Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations of 2026 Announced

Corporate Knights released its annual list, highlighting companies that are leading the charge in the global clean economy.

Business & Tech

Generative AI Expo 2026 Names IgniteTech as Exclusive Sponsor

The upcoming expo in Florida will showcase “Digital Twin” technology and AI personas that manage enterprise email in 160 languages.

Protests Erupt Against AI Data Centers Over Rising Energy Costs

Residents in Virginia and North Carolina are fighting new building sites, citing concerns over electricity demand and environmental impact.

Instacart Expands AI “Caper Carts” to 125 Independent Supermarkets

Smart grocery carts that use AI to scan items are rolling out across the Northeast to help local grocers compete with tech giants.

TikTok and Meta Face Landmark Trial Over Youth Addiction Claims

A massive trial begins in Los Angeles this week, investigating whether social media algorithms were designed to be intentionally addictive for kids.

The Rise of “Originate to Share” Models in Modern Banking

Financial experts are watching 2026 as a “pivot year” where domestic capital mobilization begins to outweigh external aid.

Electronic Shelf Labels: The New Frontier of Retail Profitability

New “Carrot Tags” technology allows stores to update prices instantly, signaling the end of traditional paper price tags.

Richer, Wiser, Happier

74% of Consumers Express Financial Optimism for 2026

Despite current economic pressures, a new survey shows a majority are planning major financial adjustments to improve their future.

Why 2026 is the “Year of Reality” for Climate Investors

Experts argue that the era of “talk and hope” is over, moving toward practical de-risking mechanisms for private investors.

The Psychology of Peer Mechanisms in Loan Repayment

A new study explores how social contracts and joint liability are helping the “financially excluded” access capital without collateral.

How Cutting Non-Essential Spending is Driving the New Economy

Personal finance shifts are moving toward entrepreneurship as people look for additional income streams to combat rising costs.

The Link Between Your Health Outlook and Your Bank Account

Survey data shows that those who feel empowered about their health are also significantly more confident in their financial future.

Local Currency Lending: Reducing the Real Cost of Capital

A renewed focus on regional institutions is helping to correct mispriced risks in the global development market.

Sports & Showbiz Shenanigans

USWNT Dominates Chile 5-0 in Historic Santa Barbara Match

Croix Bethune and Emily Sams scored their first international goals in a sold-out stadium, capping off a perfect January camp.

Winter Olympics Countdown: Mississauga Hosts 2026 Curling Championship

As the world gears up for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts brings top athletes to the rink.

Alex Eala Makes History for Filipino Tennis on the WTA Stage

The tennis star expresses pride in sharing the spotlight with fellow Filipino athletes as she climbs the world rankings.

Robert Redford Remembered for Mentoring the Next Generation of Filmmakers

Industry peers pay tribute to the legendary actor’s commitment to independent cinema and new voices in Hollywood.

APIK Mississauga 2026: Urban Winter Sport Festival Takes Over City Square

Skiing and snowboarding showcases are turning downtown urban centers into adrenaline hubs for sports fans.

Philippine House Panel Eyes February Dates for Impeachment Hearings

A major political showdown is looming as lawmakers schedule the first round of hearings for early next month.

Life Hack to Hack Your Life