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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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Israel Explores New Governance Options for Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict


Israel is currently exploring the possibility of establishing an alternative local governing body for Gaza, according to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The goal is to move beyond Hamas, but the specifics of who might replace them remain uncertain. This initiative comes amid new uncertainty in the ongoing eight-month war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from various quarters, including calls to accept a new cease-fire deal proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, far-right allies threaten to destabilize his government if he agrees to the deal. Gallant, a member of Israel’s three-member War Cabinet, has advocated for a detailed postwar plan for Gaza. He stated that the framework for this alternative governance involves isolating certain areas, removing Hamas operatives, and introducing other forces that could facilitate the formation of a new governing body.

In a related development, Israel is seeking Palestinians who are not affiliated with Hamas to manage civilian affairs in planned “humanitarian pockets” within the Gaza Strip. These pockets are designed as testing grounds for postwar administration of the enclave. While the situation remains complex and fluid, efforts to find alternatives to Hamas continue as the conflict persists.


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