MORNING NEWS SCRAMBLE

One more day of the deep freeze

Most of Ontario - including the GTA - is under prolonged extreme cold warnings, with wind chill values reaching -35 degrees in Toronto, Mississauga, York Region and Peterborough today. The arctic air mass should move on by this afternoon.

Warm Florida vacation in January? Or how about New Orleans? Not so fast. Historic snowstorm hits the South from Texas to Florida

@luissantanaphoto

First time, Pensacola, Florida get snow in a very long time. Check this out! #WinterStormFlorida #FloridaSnow

Over 10 inches of snow was reported in Louisiana as a historic, unprecedented snowstorm slammed the South. Snow in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida brought roads to a standstill.

Some unhappy Mexican drug lords missing millions

Toronto police say they seized $83 million worth of cocaine, the largest bust in the service’s history, following a drug squad probe involving a violent Mexican drug cartel.

10 things that will get costlier if Trump tariffs take effect

U.S. President Trump could hit Canada with tariffs as early as next week, which raises the risk of tit-for-tat tariffs Ottawa might impose on the U.S. The Retail Council of Canada has warned these tariffs could raise prices for consumers on both sides of the border. Find some of the goods that could get more expensive HERE.

Carney’s cabinet endorsers

Liberal leadership contender Mark Carney has landed the backing of an additional four current or recent cabinet ministers.  Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Minister Gary Anandasangaree, former Housing Minister Sean Fraser, and Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu are all backing him now bringing the total to eight.

Inflation?  What Inflation?

StatsCan says the country’s annual rate of inflation slowed to 1.8% in December, in part because of the GST holiday. We’ll find out next week whether the Bank of Canada cuts its benchmark rate again, but the decision is expected to be complicated by the risk of possible tariffs and policy makers perhaps wanting to keep their options open.

200,000 in Halifax under boil water advisory due to blown fuse

200,000 people in the Halifax area are being told to boil their water for at least a minute before drinking it. A blown fuse means the last step in the treatment process, adding chlorine, didn’t happen.

Man charged with arson after $10-million Mississauga Walmart fire

A major fire at the Walmart at Square One in Mississauga on Monday night has caused $10-million dollars in damage to the store and inventory, as well as lost revenue. A 29-year-old man has been charged with arson and breach of probation.

Netflix jacks the rates

Netflix is increasing its cheapest package by $2 a month (to $7.99), its standard package by $2.50 (to $18.99), and its premium plan by $3 (to $23.99).  It takes place immediately, and the company says it’s because the company is spending more on programming.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

If you’ve mentioned us to a friend, thank you!  Know anyone else who might like to subscribe?  It’s easy and free!  Just send them to this link: cockadoodlenews.ca/subscribe 

KEEP THE CHANGE

Done with points

The Wall Street Journal reports “more frequent fliers are declaring themselves airline free agents” and ditching their airline loyalty programs. Frustration with customer service and challenges booking rewards is driving those ditching the points programs. Some travellers also just want the cheaper fares offered by discount carriers and are happy to take advantage of the perks offered by general travel credit cards for things like lounge access and cash back.

The money benefits of Dry January

Forbes adds up the savings from going dry over a year. It uses a case study of a woman who would spend $200 a month on wine plus $300 a month on drinks and tips at restaurants, which quickly added up to $6,000 a year.

FOLLOW US!

We’re on your platform of choice! Just launched on: Instagram, TikTok, X, Bluesky, LinkedIn. Please give us a follow!

HEALTHY START

Age is more than a number!

If you’ve ever wondered what your “biological age” is BBC Science Focus outlines 5 ways to find out.  The tests involve things physical fitness, hearing, and how you look. The scientist who wrote the article says that “while these clocks are a fascinating research tool, it’s harder to see the benefit for consumers (or Kardashians) at present.”

Other Ozempic benefits and some potential risks

The benefits of Ozempic keep adding up, but a new study in the journal Nature also highlights some of the potential risks. In addition to weight loss, the study found the drug could help fight dementia, curb addiction, and might lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. On the downside, the study of 200,000 people found that the drug could lead increased risk of arthritis, low blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting.

AND… ANOTHER THING!

Martha: Don’t cheap out on these things!

Martha Stewart has a list of ten things you shouldn’t buy at a discount store, no matter how good the deal. The list includes cheap furniture, expired cosmetics, and off-brand cleaning products. You can see the entire list here.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!  Thanks for subscribing to Cockadoodle News!