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Vancouver Budget Balances Books Without Tax Hike

Vancouver city council approved a 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on municipal property taxes. Vancouver City Council has approved a new budget that pledges no increase in property taxes, a move welcomed by many residents facing rising living costs. However, the financial plan comes with significant trade-offs: millions of dollars will be cut from arts programs, park services, and other community initiatives. City officials argue the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while easing pressure on households. Critics, however, warn that reductions in cultural and recreational funding could erode the city’s vibrancy and limit access to public spaces. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with investment in community life. As Vancouver grows, the debate over how to fund essential services without raising taxes is likely to intensify.

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Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup shelled pistachios
  • 2/3 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
  3. In a large bowl, beat sugar, butter, lemon zest, and salt until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until just blended.
  6. Stir in pistachios and cranberries.
  7. Divide dough in half. With floured hands, shape each half into a 2 1/2-inch-wide, 9 1/2-inch-long log.
  8. Place logs on prepared baking sheet, spacing apart.
  9. Bake logs for 25 minutes. Logs will spread.
  10. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F. Bake logs until golden brown, about 30 minutes longer.
  11. Cool logs completely on sheet on rack.
  12. Transfer logs to work surface; discard parchment paper.
  13. Using a serrated knife, cut logs crosswise into generous 1/2-inch-thick slices.
  14. Place slices, cut side down, on same sheet. Bake 12 minutes.
  15. Turn biscotti over; bake until just beginning to color, about 8 minutes.
  16. Transfer biscotti to rack and cool.

Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti!

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