Category: 3. Business

  • Money in Your Pockets: Governor Hochul Kicks Off 2026 With Affordability Agenda, New Tax Relief Efforts and Increased Wages – Governor Kathy Hochul (.gov)

    1. Money in Your Pockets: Governor Hochul Kicks Off 2026 With Affordability Agenda, New Tax Relief Efforts and Increased Wages  Governor Kathy Hochul (.gov)
    2. Minimum wage just went up in 19 states—workers in one state are getting a $2 an hour raise  CNBC
    3. New York employment law updates — are you ready for 2026?  Nixon Peabody
    4. Discussing upcoming increases to state minimum wages: Strain on Marketplace  American Enterprise Institute – AEI
    5. Opinion | The Minimum Wage Makes the Affordability Crisis Worse  The Wall Street Journal

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  • DreamWeek San Antonio, MLK March, Cowboy Breakfast

    DreamWeek San Antonio, MLK March, Cowboy Breakfast

    Happy New Year!

    San Antoio’s 38th Annual MLK March (Andrew Wilson, KSAT 2025)

    Welcome to 2026!

    Did you pop some fireworks? Or did you check out fireworks displays around San Antonio? Wherever you may have gone, KSAT wants to see those photos and videos through KSAT Connect!

    While the year is just getting started, there are plenty of activities and events to look forward to throughout January.

    Here’s to the new year! Take a look at what’s happening throughout January:

    Jan. 1-4 events:

    • ALAMO CITY LX MOPAR CAR SHOW: The Tower of the Americas will host a free car show from 6-10 p.m. on Jan. 3 at the base of the tower. The car show will feature Dodge Mopar vehicles, including Chargers, Challengers, Magnums and Chrysler 300s.
    • CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: There’s still time to check out holiday light displays at select locations, including the San Antonio Botanical Garden and San Antonio Zoo. For a full list of places to see the festive lights, click here.
    • HOLIDAYS AT HEMISFAIR: Civic Park at Hemisfair will transform into a winter wonderland through Jan. 3 with an ice rink open to the public. Guests can also enjoy a lighting ceremony, holiday gift markets and more. Tickets cost $15 per person and include skate rental. More information can be found here.
    • PEARL’S OUTDOOR ICE-SKATING RINK: The seasonal rink will be open to the public through Jan. 4. Tickets for the ice rink are available for purchase online. Admission varies by reservation time and includes skate rental and up to an hour of skating. The rink is located at the 1100 Springs Plaza, next to Stable Hall and across from Ladino. More information can be found here.

    Jan. 5-11 events:

    • 30TH ANNUAL VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE EXHIBITION: The free exhibit will be open to the public to view from Jan. 5-20, Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, click here.

    • MORRISSEY: The singer will perform at 8 p.m. on Jan. 10 at the Boeing Center at Tech Port. For tickets, click here.
    • MOVIE IN THE PARK: You and your family can enjoy a free movie screening of “Burlesque” from 6-9 p.m. on Jan. 10 at the base of the Tower of the Americas.
    • NAVY ALL-AMERICAN BOWL: The All-American Bowl will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 10 at the Alamodome. Keep up with KSAT Sports Now for the latest information.
    • SAN ANTONIO SPORTS ALL-STAR FOOTBALL GAME: The All-Star Football game is scheduled to take place at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 10 at the Alamodome. One hundred seventeen of the top high school football seniors in the San Antonio area were selected for the event. For more information and tickets, click here.

    Jan. 12-18 events:

    • ALI WONG: The actor and Golden Globe-winning comedian will perform her “Ali Wong Live 2026″ tour at 7 p.m. on Jan. 18 at the Majestic Theatre. Tickets can be purchased here.

    Jan. 19-25 events:

    • MLK MARCH: The 39th-annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March will begin at 10 a.m. on Jan. 19, at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy. A park celebration at Pittman-Sullivan Park will follow it. The March lineup starts as early as 7:30 a.m. More information can be found here.
    • MONSTER JAM: The iconic Monster Jam competition returns to San Antonio with shows scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 24 and 3 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Alamodome. Families can enjoy watching amazing stunts from 12,000-pound trucks standing on their wheels and flying in the air. For more information on tickets, click here.
    • WILD WEST WILDLIFE FESTIVAL: The Briscoe Western Art Museum will hold a free community day on Jan. 24. All activities will center on Western wildlife, highlighting Texas habitats and animal species. More information can be found here.

    Jan. 26-31 events:

    • BAR-B-QUE COOK OFF: The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is bringing back the championship event from Jan. 29-31. The event features live music, family-friendly activities, a kids’ cook-off, shopping and much more. For ticket information, click here.
    • COWBOY BREAKFAST: The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will host the annual breakfast from 5-10 a.m. Jan. 30 at 1 Frost Bank Center Drive, Lot 4. The event, which serves as a launch for the Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cookoff, will feature complimentary paved parking, breakfast tacos and free coffee. For more information, click here.
    • HISTORIC TOURS OF MAJESTIC THEATRE: Families curious about what happens behind the scenes at the Majestic Theatre can explore the historic venue during multiple tours offered on Jan. 26. The tours provide a unique look at the theatre’s history, architecture and backstage areas.

    • PARKER MCCOLLUM: The country singer, along with special guests Jake Worthington and Jackson Wendell, is set to perform at the Frost Bank Center at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 31. For tickets, click here.

    Recurring events:

    • AUTHOR VISITS AT THE TWIG BOOK SHOP: Pearl will host author appearances at the Twig Book Shop throughout January. To view a list of dates and authors, click here.
    • DREAMWEEK SAN ANTONIO: The annual city-wide summit will take place from Jan. 9-31. During this time, several events will encourage idea-sharing on global issues to promote tolerance, equality and diversity. This year’s theme is #Revelations. To view a full list of DreamWeek events happening in San Antonio, click here.
    • GEOLOGY JANUARY: From Jan. 2-25, San Antonio Parks and Rec will host Geology January. Activities will include a rock and fossil collection exhibit, a cave geology presentation, program classes and much more. For a full list of events, click here.
    • MAKERS MARKET: Shop from over 40 local artisans and makers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at Pearl. More information can be found here.
    • MOVIE MONDAYS: Pearl will host an outdoor screening of “Twilight” from 6:30- 9 p.m. on Jan. 12. Movie Mondays will continue with “Ratatouille” on Jan. 19 and “Casablanca” on Jan. 26.
    • SAN ANTONIO SPURS: The Silver and Black will play against several NBA teams throughout January at the Frost Bank Center. To view a list of dates, tickets and more, click here.

    This list will be updated as more events are announced throughout the month.


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    • Celebrate 2026 with a New Year’s Day hike at these Texas State Parks


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  • Metro Detroit hospitals welcome first babies of 2026

    Metro Detroit hospitals welcome first babies of 2026

    The first babies of 2026 in Metro Detroit have arrived!

    Five hospitals in the Metro Detroit area announced the first bundles of joy born on Jan. 1, 2026.

    Corewell Health Beaumont Troy

    Alayna Marie Dunbar was born on Jan. 1, 2026, at 12:15 a.m. at Corewell Health Beaumont Troy to Ashley and Andrew Dunbar from Rochester Hills.

    Baby Alayna was born on Jan. 1, 2026, at Corewell Health Beaumont Troy (Corewell Health Beaumont Troy)

    Baby Alayna weighed 8lbs 3.8 oz and is 20.5 inches long. She was initially supposed to arrive on Dec. 21, 2025, but she wanted to make her parents’ New Year’s Day extra special.

    According to the hospital, Alayna and Mom are doing well.

    Detroit Medical Center

    Jakai Rieves was born at 12:34 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026, at Detroit Medical Center Hutzel Women’s Hospital to Rakiah and Jarmel Rieves of Detroit.

    Baby Jakai was born on Jan .1, 2026, at Detroit Medical Center (Detroit Medical Center)

    Baby Jakai was born at 8 pounds and 2 ounces, and is 20.5 inches long. According to the hospital, he is the couple’s first bundle of joy.

    Trinity Health Ann Arbor

    Baby Gill, whose name is still being decided, entered the world on Jan. 1, 2026, at 2:13 a.m. at Trinity Health Ann Arbor to Harjot and Dick Gill from Superior Township.

    Baby Gill was born on Jan. 1, 2026, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor (Trinity Health)

    Baby Gill weighed 7 pounds and 5 ounces, and is the couple’s first child.

    Trinity Health Livonia

    Baby Crouch, whose name is still being decided, was born at Trinity Health Livonia on Jan. 1, 2026, at 3:30 a.m. to Chelsea and Parker Crouch of Livonia.

    Baby Crouch was born on Jan. 1, 2026, at Trinity Health Livonia (Trinity Health)

    He weighed 6 pounds and 12 ounces. He was welcomed by his parents and his big brother.

    Trinity Health Oakland

    Baby Kashton was born on Jan. 1, 2026, at 5:06 a.m. at Trinity Health Oakland to Kaylee Crane and Jereme Hayes of Pontiac.

    Baby Kashton was born on Jan. 1, 2026, at Trinity Health Oakland (Trinity Health)

    Kashton weighed 8 pounds and 9 ounces.

    Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.

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  • Parkway, Turnpike tolls among those rising in 2026 – New Jersey Monitor

    1. Parkway, Turnpike tolls among those rising in 2026  New Jersey Monitor
    2. NJ drivers hit with 9% state gas-tax hike to kick off new year  New York Post
    3. The Toll of Commuting: Why it will cost you more to drive in 2026  News 12 – New Jersey
    4. Taxes, Wages & Tolls: What’s Going Up, Up, Up in Jersey in 2026  TAPinto
    5. N.J. gas tax increases Jan. 1. It’s the largest hike since the pandemic  phillyvoice.com

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  • What will cost more and what won’t for British Columbians in 2026

    What will cost more and what won’t for British Columbians in 2026

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    After a year of trade tensions and high food prices, many British Columbians are heading into 2026 closely watching their household budgets.

    U.S. tariffs dominated headlines throughout 2025, hitting key B.C. industries like lumber, as well as aluminum, steel and vehicles.

    To help boost economic activity, the Bank of Canada cut interest rates several times in 2025 and held its benchmark lending rate steady at 2.25 per cent in its last monetary policy update, but the central bank has stressed it cannot restore the economy “to its pre-tariff path.”

    Inflation has cooled since the pandemic and is hovering just above two per cent, but everyday costs for many families remain high, especially for food. 

    Here’s what British Columbians can expect to pay more or less for in the year ahead.

    Grocery prices

    Food prices were given a brief reprieve earlier this year due to a temporary tax break.

    From mid-December 2024 to mid-February 2025, the federal government removed GST and HST on most food and beverages, which, according to a latest food price report, brought food inflation down to -0.6 per cent in January, the first negative reading in more than eight years.

    WATCH | Food prices going up in 2026:

    Food prices could be going up next year, report says

    A trip to the grocery store could cost you more next year, according to a report from Dalhousie University.

    That relief was short-lived, though, according to Canada’s Food Price Report 2026. Once the tax break ended, prices reset, driving up food inflation higher. 

    According to the report, food prices in Canada could increase by four to six per cent next year, largely driven by pricier meat products. 

    Beef in particular is expected to get more expensive, potentially rising seven per cent, as cattle sizes shrink (those markets are susceptible to tariffs) and more ranchers leave the industry, the report found.

    It estimates the average family of four will spend $17,571 on food this year, up to $994 more than in 2025. Food prices are now 27 per cent higher than they were five years ago.

    In B.C., those pressures are already showing up at food banks. Food Banks B.C. says visits for food have increased nine per cent in a year, with more than 1.3 million British Columbians experiencing food insecurity as charities struggle to meet demand.

    Utilities

    Several utility rate increases are set to take effect in 2026.

    FortisBC electricity customers will see a 3.63 per cent rate increase starting Jan. 1, amounting to about $5.35 more per month for the average household. The utility says higher electricity-purchase costs are a key driver.

    Natural gas customers will see a steeper jump with an about 11 per cent increase to their bills — roughly $10.95 more per month. FortisBC says the increase will fund system upgrades and expanded energy-efficiency programs.

    B.C. Hydro customers can expect an increase as well, adding about $3.75 per month to the average household bill. 

    Housing and rent

    The B.C. Ministry of Housing says it’s capping the annual rent increase at 2.3 per cent in 2026, down from three per cent in 2025. 

    The province said the maximum allowable increase is tied to inflation, in particular the Consumer Price Index, which represents changes in goods and services, such as food, shelter and transportation by comparing them over time.

    WATCH | Vancouver’s housing vacancy rate at highest level since 1980s:

    Vancouver’s housing vacancy rate at highest level since 1980s

    For decades, Metro Vancouver’s vacancy rate has been extremely low, giving landlords plenty of leverage to raise rental rates whenever a unit becomes available. But new data shows that era may be coming to an end. Justin McElroy reports.

    Home prices, meanwhile, are expected to further soften. According to a market survey forecast by Royal LePage, the aggregate home price in Greater Vancouver will fall 3.5 per cent year over year by the fourth quarter of 2026 to $1.15 million.

    Detached homes in the area are projected to decline five per cent to $1.6 million, while condo prices are expected to drop three per cent to about $713,000.

    Real estate experts say the drop is because of high inventory levels, economic uncertainty and hesitant buyers.

    “With plenty of inventory available and prices edging downward, there is little urgency for buyers to move quickly. In this environment, many feel comfortable waiting, watching and weighing their options before making a decision,” Randy Ryalls, managing broker with Royal LePage, said in a statement. 

    Transportation

    In 2026, transit fares in Metro Vancouver will jump another five per cent, after which there will be a two per cent yearly increase. It’s part of a 10-year investment plan, which, according to TransLink, will keep them fiscally sustainable until the end of 2027. 

    The transportation authority says the funding will allow service expansions across dozens of routes.

    B.C. Ferries will implement an average fare increase of 3.2 per cent on April 1, though more discounted “saver fares” will be available during off-peak sailing hours. A standard vehicle fare between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island will increase by $5, to $110.

    ICBC says it will not increase the rates for basic auto insurance this year. This marks the seventh consecutive year that the Crown corporation has not increased the rates.

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  • China Proposes Rules to Curb AI Chatbot Risks and Ensure Ethics – WebProNews

    1. China Proposes Rules to Curb AI Chatbot Risks and Ensure Ethics  WebProNews
    2. China to crack down on AI chatbots around suicide, gambling  CNBC
    3. Draft Chinese AI Rules Outline ‘Core Socialist Values’ for AI Human Personality Simulators  Gizmodo
    4. China moves to regulate anthropomorphic robots  incyber news
    5. China Proposes New AI Rules to Safeguard Minors, Prevent Harmful Output  Gadgets 360

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  • Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves increase by 13 mln USD-Xinhua

    ISLAMABAD, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) — Foreign exchange reserves of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by 13 million U.S. dollars during the past week, the central bank said on Thursday.

    During the week ending Dec. 26, the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves stood at 15.9 billion dollars, the SBP said in a statement.

    Net foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks were recorded at 5.1 billion dollars, the bank added.

    The country’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at 21.0 billion dollars, the bank said.

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  • Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves increase by 13 mln USD-Xinhua

    ISLAMABAD, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) — Foreign exchange reserves of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by 13 million U.S. dollars during the past week, the central bank said on Thursday.

    During the week ending Dec. 26, the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves stood at 15.9 billion dollars, the SBP said in a statement.

    Net foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks were recorded at 5.1 billion dollars, the bank added.

    The country’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at 21.0 billion dollars, the bank said.

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  • Shreddies and Cheerios firm applies to expand Trowbridge factory

    Shreddies and Cheerios firm applies to expand Trowbridge factory

    The proposed development will provide an extra 25,833 sq ft (2,400 sq m) to the breakfast cereal facility.

    Cereal Partners UK has been operating in the Trowbridge area since the mid-20th century.

    The company says the development will help it return to the peak levels of production seen in 2020.

    In March, the company announced the closure of its plant in the Wirral with the loss of more than 300 jobs, blaming changing consumer habits.

    “Sales of breakfast cereal are in significant decline owing to the changing habits of UK and Irish consumers and greater competition from alternative breakfast options,” said a spokesperson.

    In November, the firm applied for planning permission to install ‘flood resilience measures’ following a “significant flooding event” in November 2024, where flood waters almost breached the building, risking safe production.

    That application is still under consultation

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  • Armley ex-mental health hub sale to help raise cash for council

    Armley ex-mental health hub sale to help raise cash for council

    According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a council report stated that as part of its 2025-26 budget, it had made a commitment to release a number of buildings to generate a targeted £5m.

    “The disposal of this property is therefore critical to contributing to this target,” it said.

    An auction was the quickest way of disposing of the building and getting the best price, the council said.

    The report added: “While no guarantees can be given, it is anticipated a new owner will refurbish or redevelop the property into productive uses, adding to the local economy.”

    The Stocks Hill Hub was closed as part of plans to reduce the number of sites offering the council’s Day Opportunities service from six to three, saving £500,000.

    As part of those plans, the Lovell Park hub would move to Wykebeck Complex Needs Centre and Vales Circles in Beeston would join Laurel Bank Complex Needs Centre in Middleton.

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