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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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Biden Warns Netanyahu: Rafah Incursion Risks Escalation in Gaza Crisis


In a significant diplomatic exchange, U.S. President Joe Biden recently had his first phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in two months. The focus of their conversation? The escalating situation in Gaza, specifically the potential for an Israeli military operation in Rafah.

During the call, President Biden delivered a clear message to Netanyahu: An Israeli incursion into Rafah would deepen anarchy in the already volatile region. The stakes are high, and both leaders recognized the need for urgent dialogue.

Tensions between Israel and the United States have risen, and the situation in Gaza remains precarious. The possibility of a famine looms over northern Gaza, with half of the population facing “crisis levels of food insecurity or worse,” according to the United Nations. Against this backdrop, any military action could have severe consequences.

Biden and Netanyahu agreed that teams from each side would meet in Washington to discuss the situation. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the importance of a comprehensive discussion on the way forward in Gaza The goal is to find a path that ensures safety, stability, and humanitarian support for the people caught in the crossfire.

As the world watches, the delicate balance between security concerns and humanitarian needs hangs in the balance. The Rafah issue is a red line, and any misstep could exacerbate an already fragile situation.

President Biden’s warning underscores the gravity of the moment. The fate of Gaza rests on delicate negotiations, and the international community holds its breath. As the crisis unfolds, the world waits to see whether diplomacy can prevail over conflict.


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