Category: 3. Business

  • OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health as users ask millions of medical questions weekly

    OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health as users ask millions of medical questions weekly

    OpenAI introduces ChatGPT Health, a dedicated space for wellness chats as 230 million users seek health advice weekly

    OpenAI has announced the launch of ChatGPT Health, a new feature designed to give users a dedicated space to discuss health and wellness topics within ChatGPT.

    The company revealed that more than 230 million people ask health-related questions on the platform every week, highlighting the growing role AI plays in how people seek medical and wellness information.

    ChatGPT Health separates health conversations from users’ general chats, preventing sensitive medical context from appearing in unrelated discussions. If a user begins discussing health topics outside the Health section, the system may prompt them to switch to the dedicated space. OpenAI says this structure is meant to improve privacy and create a more focused experience.

    Within ChatGPT Health, the AI can still draw limited context from other interactions. For example, if a user previously discussed marathon training, the system may recognize them as a runner when addressing fitness-related goals in the Health section. The feature will also integrate with wellness and health apps such as Apple Health, Function, and MyFitnessPal, allowing users to reference personal health data if they choose.

    Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, said in a blog post that ChatGPT Health is intended to address systemic challenges in healthcare, including rising costs, limited access to doctors, overloaded medical systems, and gaps in continuity of care. She emphasized that the product is designed to support users with information, not replace medical professionals.

    OpenAI also acknowledged the risks of using AI for health-related discussions. Large language models generate responses based on probability rather than verified truth and can sometimes produce incorrect or misleading information. The company reiterated that ChatGPT is not intended for diagnosing or treating medical conditions, a disclaimer already outlined in its terms of service.

    ChatGPT Health is expected to roll out to users in the coming weeks.

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  • Lane Restrictions on Interstate 80 Westbound in Luzerne County – Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (.gov)

    1. Lane Restrictions on Interstate 80 Westbound in Luzerne County  Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (.gov)
    2. PennDOT alerts drivers of lane restrictions and Winter driving hazards this week  fox56.com
    3. PennDOT Issues Winter Driving Safety Reminder  Franklin County Free Press
    4. PennDOT issues lane restrictions on I-80 westbound in Luzerne County  Times Leader
    5. Lane restrictions planned on I-80 westbound in Luzerne County next week  fox56.com

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  • Public Advisory: Student Financial Services Office Open for In-Person Access

    Public Advisory: Student Financial Services Office Open for In-Person Access

    The Student Financial Services Office at 95 Elizabeth Avenue, St. John’s, has reopened for in-person access.

    Students and the public can access services by visiting in-person, by calling 709-729-5849 or toll-free 1-888-657-0800, or by emailing studentaidenquiry@gov.nl.ca.

    Students can also check their application status online at gov.nl.ca/studentaid.

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    2026 01 08
    2:50 pm

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  • Treasury, IRS issue proposed regulations reflecting changes from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill to the threshold for backup withholding on certain payments made through third parties

    Treasury, IRS issue proposed regulations reflecting changes from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill to the threshold for backup withholding on certain payments made through third parties

    IR-2026-03, Jan. 08, 2026

    WASHINGTON – The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today issued proposed regulations that would revise the threshold for when certain third-party settlement organizations are required to perform backup withholding to comply with changes made in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

    The proposed regulations provide clarity on backup withholding and would provide that third party settlement organizations generally are not required to backup withhold on payments settled through third party payment networks unless the gross amount of reportable payment transactions to a payee exceeds $20,000 and the number of transactions exceeds 200.

    Treasury and IRS are seeking comments on the proposed regulations from interested parties who may use regulations.gov to record those comments.

    The IRS reminds businesses that under changes enacted in the OBBB, the threshold for filing Form 1099-K reverted to the reporting threshold in effect prior to the enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and that reporting on payments settled through third party payment networks is only required where the gross amount of reportable payment transactions to a payee exceeds $20,000 and the number of transactions exceeds 200.

    The IRS reminds taxpayers that backup withholding and reporting thresholds do not affect whether income is taxable.

    For more information, please see One, Big, Beautiful Bill Provisions on IRS.gov.

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  • Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock Announces New TexStats Statewide Economic Dashboard

    January 8, 2026

    (AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock today announced the launch of the TexStats Statewide Economic Dashboard, a new interactive tool designed to provide Texans with data and a clear view of the state’s economic performance.

    “Texas’ economic strength shows up in real numbers — jobs, growth, production and opportunity,” Hancock said. “The TexStats dashboards bring that information together in one place so Texans can better understand where the state stands and where it’s headed.”

    TexStats dashboards, which include a regional version launched in October 2025 and the newly added statewide version, are part of the Acting Comptroller’s ongoing effort to deliver clearer, more actionable insight into the strength of Texas’ economy. Together, they equip businesses, policymakers and communities with reliable data to support informed decision-making and long-term economic development planning.

    The TexStats Statewide Economic Dashboard offers a high-level view of Texas’ economic pulse, including:

    • Gross state product
    • Employment and workforce trends
    • Oil and natural gas rig counts, production and prices
    • Housing market indicators
    • Inflation measures

    The dashboard complements the TexStats Regional Data Dashboard by focusing on statewide trends while allowing users to explore how major economic indicators interact across the broader Texas economy.

    Additional interactive features, including expanded data filtering and download capabilities, are under development and are expected to be available by mid-February.

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  • Aecon schedules fourth quarter and year-end 2025 financial results release and conference call

    Toronto, Ontario – January 8, 2026: Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) announced today that it intends to release its fourth quarter and year-end 2025 financial results on Thursday, March 5, 2026 after market close, and has scheduled a live webcast and conference call for 9 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Friday, March 6, 2026.

    A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed using this link and will be available at www.aecon.com/InvestorCalendar. Participants can also dial-in to the conference call and pre-register using this link. After registering, an email will be sent, including dial-in details and a unique access code required to join the live call. Please ensure you have registered at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call time.

    An accompanying presentation of the fourth quarter and year-end 2025 financial results will also be available after market close on March 5, 2026 at www.aecon.com/investing. For those unable to attend, a replay will be available within one hour following the live webcast and conference call at the same webcast link above.

    About Aecon

     Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) is a North American construction and infrastructure development company with global experience. Aecon delivers integrated solutions to private and public-sector clients through its Construction segment in the Civil, Urban Transportation, Nuclear, Utility and Industrial sectors, and provides project development, financing, investment, management, and operations and maintenance services through its Concessions segment. Join our online community on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram @AeconGroupInc.

    For further information: 

    Adam Borgatti
    SVP, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
    416-297-2600
    ir@aecon.com

    Nicole Court
    Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications
    416-297-2600
    corpaffairs@aecon.com

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  • Guelph Civic Museum renovations are underway

    Guelph Civic Museum renovations are underway

    Guelph, Ont., January 8, 2026 – Guelph Civic Museum is beginning renovations on Jan. 12. These renovations are expected to finish in the summer.

    This work will include:

    • Redesigned reception area and exhibition spaces, including the Families Gallery and third-floor City Gallery
    • Repaired flooring in public spaces
    • New accessibility features
    • Upgraded humidification system

    These renovations won’t result in any building-wide closures. The gift shop will remain open for business and there will still be exhibitions to explore and events to experience through the renovation period.

    These renovations will help to expand the presentation of Guelph’s stories, increase accessibility, and support inclusive, educational experiences for diverse audiences. The work will protect the City’s collection of artifacts and will support sustainability and efficiencies in the overall space. Additionally, the humidification system upgrades will provide better environmental conditions to protect and preserve Museum artifacts. This work will also aim to challenge Guelph’s founding narrative and reflect on the rich Indigenous history on the land we now call Guelph.

    Resources

    For more information

    Tammy Adkin, Manager, Museums and Culture
    Culture and Recreation
    City of Guelph
    519-836-1221 extension 2775
    [email protected]

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  • Lane Restrictions and Moving Lane Closures on Interstate 81 | Department of Transportation

    Lane Restrictions and Moving Lane Closures on Interstate 81 | Department of Transportation

    Dunmore, PA – There will be lane restrictions and moving lane closures at 15-minute intervals on Interstate 81 northbound and southbound between Exit 180 (Moosic) and Exit 186 (Dunmore/Drinker Street) on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 8 AM to 3 PM for sign structure inspection.

    When encountering a work zone, please drive the posted speed limit, turn on your headlights, pay close attention to signs and flaggers, and avoid all distractions. In high-traffic locations, motorists are encouraged to use both lanes of travel to the merge point and take turns merging into the open lane.

    Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.

    Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects. Subscribe to PennDOT news and find transportation results in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4.

    Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D4Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

    Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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  • Global Growth to Slow in 2026 as Trump’s Tariffs Bite, UN Says – Bloomberg.com

    1. Global Growth to Slow in 2026 as Trump’s Tariffs Bite, UN Says  Bloomberg.com
    2. Global economy shows signs of steady but subdued growth  Global Issues.org
    3. World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 |  UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
    4. UN report forecasts global economic output to grow 2.7 pct in 2026  China Daily – Global Edition
    5. Global economy shows resilience, but trade tensions and fiscal strains cloud outlook, UN warns  Welcome to the United Nations

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  • PECO Utility Improvement to Close Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia | Department of Transportation

    PECO Utility Improvement to Close Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia | Department of Transportation

    Philadelphia, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that PECO Energy will be performing utility construction on a section of Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia, beginning Monday, January 26.

    Weather permitting, motorists are advised of the following travel restriction:

    Local access will be maintained at all times. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling near the work area or along the detour route because backups and delays will occur.

    PECO Energy will complete this project under a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit.

    Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts. 

    Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects. Subscribe to PennDOT news and find transportation results in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District6.

    Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

    MEDIA CONTACT: Helen Reinbrecht, hreinbrech@pa.gov

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