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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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Tensions Rise Following Israeli Drone Strike in Lebanon

 

In the early hours of Thursday, an Israeli drone strike in eastern Lebanon resulted in the death of a prominent militant leader, Muhammed Jabara, affiliated with both Hamas and the Lebanese Islamist group al-Jamaa al-Islamiya. The strike occurred in the village of Ghazzeh, located in the Western Beqaa District, approximately 40 kilometers from the Israeli border.

Jabara, a key figure in orchestrating attacks against Israel, was targeted while driving. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stating that Jabara was responsible for planning and executing attacks, including rocket fire, on northern Israel. His death is seen as a significant blow to the operational capabilities of Hamas and its allies in the region.

The aftermath of the strike has heightened tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, with increased military presence and heightened alertness on both sides. Lebanese state media reported that the strike has led to a surge in security measures and a state of heightened vigilance among militant groups.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating hostilities between Israel and militant groups in Lebanon, often involving cross-border skirmishes and retaliatory attacks. The situation remains volatile, with potential implications for regional stability and security.

As the region braces for possible further escalations, international observers are calling for restraint and dialogue to prevent a full-scale conflict.



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